Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Have You Seen This Show Yet?
Mother Uckers!
Okay...So I have heard about this show from a couple of people and I didn't really think anything of it at first, but tonight I had my virgin run and I liked it a lot. I had a taste on Lindsey's blog, but I didn't realize that the clip came from the show until tonight. I think I like that it's really stupid humor a lot of the time. I think I tend to like comedies where I feel like I could come up with the same kind of stuff, or that similar things might come up when I'm sitting around with my friends. Plus...I have a special place in my heart for the bird. Something funny and bird related you ask?
I don't know why, but especially our freshman year in college Dave and I thought that it was ridiculous that so much meaning could be assigned to a simple hand gesture. So we gave unadulterated birds to each other. Dave decided to take it one step further.
As residential appraisers we would drive A LOT. So patience would wear thin much of the time as we would drive. This led to some poor driving habits and sometimes other people suffered as a result. Then one time we had cutoff a carload of girls and we got multiple birds and Dave decided to capitalize on the arbitrary assigned meaning of offense to the middle finger that many people have, and pretended to start freaking out. If you ever saw it, you'd know how awesome it was. It consisted of screaming and yelling and hitting himself in the head. It looked so absurd that I would mostly just start laughing. In this particular instance, after a confused two or three seconds of staring from the girls, they began to roar in laughter. This probably isn't funny if you aren't someone who has seen the act before, but I wish he would bring that back.
Okay...So I have heard about this show from a couple of people and I didn't really think anything of it at first, but tonight I had my virgin run and I liked it a lot. I had a taste on Lindsey's blog, but I didn't realize that the clip came from the show until tonight. I think I like that it's really stupid humor a lot of the time. I think I tend to like comedies where I feel like I could come up with the same kind of stuff, or that similar things might come up when I'm sitting around with my friends. Plus...I have a special place in my heart for the bird. Something funny and bird related you ask?
I don't know why, but especially our freshman year in college Dave and I thought that it was ridiculous that so much meaning could be assigned to a simple hand gesture. So we gave unadulterated birds to each other. Dave decided to take it one step further.
As residential appraisers we would drive A LOT. So patience would wear thin much of the time as we would drive. This led to some poor driving habits and sometimes other people suffered as a result. Then one time we had cutoff a carload of girls and we got multiple birds and Dave decided to capitalize on the arbitrary assigned meaning of offense to the middle finger that many people have, and pretended to start freaking out. If you ever saw it, you'd know how awesome it was. It consisted of screaming and yelling and hitting himself in the head. It looked so absurd that I would mostly just start laughing. In this particular instance, after a confused two or three seconds of staring from the girls, they began to roar in laughter. This probably isn't funny if you aren't someone who has seen the act before, but I wish he would bring that back.
I Still Get Nervous
I'm 27 years old and I've called plenty of girls, but I still get nervous that first time I'm calling a girl that I'm interested in. It's nerve-racking. That looks weird spelled out like that. It really is though. I'm for the most part a confident person, but there's nothing like going out on a limb to start pursuit and it all starts with that first call. I think it's pretty easy to get the phone number, especially with mormon girls because they are so nice. Even if they don't want to give it, they always do because I think they just don't know how to say no and be harsh in person. Over the phone is a totally different story. Over the phone you can screen calls, or you can just not call back. Over the phone is impersonal and creates more distance, therefore it's easier to blow off someone over the phone. So that's one of the first tests. Not getting a call back, or receiving little response from a phone conversation can be par for the course sometimes. It is annoying.
My normal pattern these days for that first call is that I will usually have in mind several things to bring up or talk about in that first real conversation, whether it's over the phone or on an actual date, or whatever. There is nothing I hate more than when I can't talk to a person. So if conversation is ever difficult, I try and make every attempt to make sure that it isn't because I wasn't doing my best to be interested in the other person and have something to opine about on a number of different subjects. But I really hate the lack of stimulating conversation, and maybe that's where some of my apprehension comes from when calling the girl for the first time because I put so much weight on conversation.
Not only do I have topics of conversation, but I will usually even have in my mind the kind of message I'll leave if she doesn't answer. I know, it's totally ridiculous, but having all these things in mind beforehand helps me to avoid sounding nervous and appear more natural. Being natural=cool and cool=scoring with chicks, right?
I've only started really thinking about this recently, but it is very unusual to even have the same conversational pattern as somebody else. There are so many things that go into conversation. Not only do people have different things that they like to talk about, but they will have a varying depth of interest in the person him- or herself and that affects the flow of the conversation. Different people pause at different times or have certain patterns of humor that is unique to his/her own way of living and who they are affected by. There are so many nuances to communication, it's a wonder to me how people ever 'connect'. Personally, ability to converse is integral to the type of interest that I have in a person. I think it basically comes down to two things, 1) ability to communicate and interpret ideas and 2) interest in the person. If either of those things are lacking then it's not worth my time.
Ladies, you really don't know what an ordeal it is to have to put yourself out there and try and win you over. And I know it's easy to say, well so what? if it doesn't happen then it wasn't meant to be. I don't care who you are, it's impossible for your ego not to be involved when it comes to dating. It is entirely subjective, but it still sucks hard to get blown off by someone you're interested in. The fact that you're interested in the person indicates a high opinion of said individual, and to be ignored by that person still blows. I don't know how else to say that more clearly.
I just thought it was funny though because tonight I called this girl and she's totally cool and easy to talk to, but still...it made me nervous. And I went through my normal ritual of thinking of conversation pieces, voicemail message, and staring at her phone number for a while before I actually call.
My normal pattern these days for that first call is that I will usually have in mind several things to bring up or talk about in that first real conversation, whether it's over the phone or on an actual date, or whatever. There is nothing I hate more than when I can't talk to a person. So if conversation is ever difficult, I try and make every attempt to make sure that it isn't because I wasn't doing my best to be interested in the other person and have something to opine about on a number of different subjects. But I really hate the lack of stimulating conversation, and maybe that's where some of my apprehension comes from when calling the girl for the first time because I put so much weight on conversation.
Not only do I have topics of conversation, but I will usually even have in my mind the kind of message I'll leave if she doesn't answer. I know, it's totally ridiculous, but having all these things in mind beforehand helps me to avoid sounding nervous and appear more natural. Being natural=cool and cool=scoring with chicks, right?
I've only started really thinking about this recently, but it is very unusual to even have the same conversational pattern as somebody else. There are so many things that go into conversation. Not only do people have different things that they like to talk about, but they will have a varying depth of interest in the person him- or herself and that affects the flow of the conversation. Different people pause at different times or have certain patterns of humor that is unique to his/her own way of living and who they are affected by. There are so many nuances to communication, it's a wonder to me how people ever 'connect'. Personally, ability to converse is integral to the type of interest that I have in a person. I think it basically comes down to two things, 1) ability to communicate and interpret ideas and 2) interest in the person. If either of those things are lacking then it's not worth my time.
Ladies, you really don't know what an ordeal it is to have to put yourself out there and try and win you over. And I know it's easy to say, well so what? if it doesn't happen then it wasn't meant to be. I don't care who you are, it's impossible for your ego not to be involved when it comes to dating. It is entirely subjective, but it still sucks hard to get blown off by someone you're interested in. The fact that you're interested in the person indicates a high opinion of said individual, and to be ignored by that person still blows. I don't know how else to say that more clearly.
I just thought it was funny though because tonight I called this girl and she's totally cool and easy to talk to, but still...it made me nervous. And I went through my normal ritual of thinking of conversation pieces, voicemail message, and staring at her phone number for a while before I actually call.
How Should I Feel About This?
I hate my program. I was a student at Claremont Graduate University. The degree I have been working toward is a Masters in Organizational Behavior and Evaluation. Although there have been some good classes in statistics and research methodology, a lot of the classes are theoretical and largely of no consequence in practical, applied settings, i.e. the real world. They do very little, if anything to provide opportunities outside of the classroom for practical experience. I am on a mailing list that comes out weekly with opportunities for work and other kinds of decent jobs, but in reality only about 3-4 of those jobs are ones that make sense for a student still attending the program. Even after graduating, unless you want to relocate, only a couple more job possibilities open up. If you are willing to relocate, then maybe 2-3 more jobs are available making the grand total of worthwhile employment opportunities for full-fledged CGU graduates....ready? 5-6. Maybe give or take a couple.
The school is private so that means expensive. To the tune of about $30,000 a year. Most, if not all students receive some aid that amounts to about $6,000 a year. So you're obligated to fund through loans or other sources about $20,000 at least a year.
In addition to being expensive, I just don't like several key people in the program. I think the chair for the School of Behavior and Organizational Sciences is a douchebag. I feel like my advisor is out to get me. And one of the teachers that I really admired when I first started the program went through a nasty divorce last year and from then on has been a huge perra. That's Spanish. You know what I mean. So pretty much I feel like the program does not tap me into pipelines of work opportunities, and even if it did, I don't feel like the education I'm receiving is really providing me with relevant experience that gives me a competitive edge. Then on top of that, I feel like everyone hates me.
I took a leave of absence last semester and then because of poor interdepartmental communication, I was dropped from the program. I had to file a petition to get back in and it worked. But then I didn't register right away when that semester passed so it happened again. When that happened I became very agitated that I might have to petition a second time to get back in, and so I started considering alternative plans. One of those plans that I'm going to act on is applying for the PhD program at BYU. Not only do they offer myriad opportunities for practical experience, it's like 1/6 the price of Claremont. So currently, my plan is to visit this next month, talk with my old professors, and get my application in by the end of September.
However, just today my advisor's assistant is contacting me asking me to get in touch with my advisor to enroll for classes. So apparently according to some people at Claremont, I still am a student at the university. In the same day, I got a letter telling me that I'm not getting financial aid. I think this is especially idiotic considering that I've been getting notices from Sallie Mae which is the creditor for my student loans telling me I need start paying back my loan. If you're not aware, when they're telling you that you need to payback your loan it either means you've graduated or not registered with the school anymore. Being that I haven't graduated yet, I obviously thought that I was dropped from the program. Which really didn't bother me much at all. I was actually kind of excited to not have CGU hanging over my head anymore.
Make no mistake, I really hate my program. It's been that way since the first semester, but I had myself fooled for a while that I was into it. I think there have been moments. Overall I just don't feel like it has been, or ever will be, that beneficial for my career prospects.
I think I know how I feel about all this now, but it still bugs the crap out of me. I paid this much money to get such poor service? And another thing, all of the professors at CGU decided they were going to take their sabbaticals during the same two year period. Not for the entire time, but when you're only going to be studying in the program for a couple of years and you want to work with a particular professor, it's kind of hugely inconvenient to realize that person will be gone for a quarter of the time you are attending the program. Blah.
The school is private so that means expensive. To the tune of about $30,000 a year. Most, if not all students receive some aid that amounts to about $6,000 a year. So you're obligated to fund through loans or other sources about $20,000 at least a year.
In addition to being expensive, I just don't like several key people in the program. I think the chair for the School of Behavior and Organizational Sciences is a douchebag. I feel like my advisor is out to get me. And one of the teachers that I really admired when I first started the program went through a nasty divorce last year and from then on has been a huge perra. That's Spanish. You know what I mean. So pretty much I feel like the program does not tap me into pipelines of work opportunities, and even if it did, I don't feel like the education I'm receiving is really providing me with relevant experience that gives me a competitive edge. Then on top of that, I feel like everyone hates me.
I took a leave of absence last semester and then because of poor interdepartmental communication, I was dropped from the program. I had to file a petition to get back in and it worked. But then I didn't register right away when that semester passed so it happened again. When that happened I became very agitated that I might have to petition a second time to get back in, and so I started considering alternative plans. One of those plans that I'm going to act on is applying for the PhD program at BYU. Not only do they offer myriad opportunities for practical experience, it's like 1/6 the price of Claremont. So currently, my plan is to visit this next month, talk with my old professors, and get my application in by the end of September.
However, just today my advisor's assistant is contacting me asking me to get in touch with my advisor to enroll for classes. So apparently according to some people at Claremont, I still am a student at the university. In the same day, I got a letter telling me that I'm not getting financial aid. I think this is especially idiotic considering that I've been getting notices from Sallie Mae which is the creditor for my student loans telling me I need start paying back my loan. If you're not aware, when they're telling you that you need to payback your loan it either means you've graduated or not registered with the school anymore. Being that I haven't graduated yet, I obviously thought that I was dropped from the program. Which really didn't bother me much at all. I was actually kind of excited to not have CGU hanging over my head anymore.
Make no mistake, I really hate my program. It's been that way since the first semester, but I had myself fooled for a while that I was into it. I think there have been moments. Overall I just don't feel like it has been, or ever will be, that beneficial for my career prospects.
I think I know how I feel about all this now, but it still bugs the crap out of me. I paid this much money to get such poor service? And another thing, all of the professors at CGU decided they were going to take their sabbaticals during the same two year period. Not for the entire time, but when you're only going to be studying in the program for a couple of years and you want to work with a particular professor, it's kind of hugely inconvenient to realize that person will be gone for a quarter of the time you are attending the program. Blah.
So Concerts, Huh?
I'm really eclectic with my tastes recently. I was listening this morning to the radio on the way to work and the Kaiser Chiefs came on with that song I Predict A Riot and I thought to myself, I really dig on the British punk stuff. I switched to KROQ and Kevin and Bean and they were doing their breakfast with the band and My Chemical Romance was on. And I really liked the interview and they just seemed so down to earth and appreciative of their fans. I like that their roots are in heavy metal, at least their tastes. I think I'm pretty much into everything these days. I'd like some new bands to discover and get really into. Any suggestions?
This weekend I'm pretty pumped because I'm going to see Strung Out on Friday night. I could go see Unwritten Law and depending on how I'm feeling and how the weekend turns out, I just might. On September 7th I'm going to see Incubus at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. For about the last year or two I have been really into those guys. I think that will be fun sitting on the lawn. I never go to big shows so this will be different then the tiny venues of punk bands that I'm used to. Anyway...just thought I'd share.
This weekend I'm pretty pumped because I'm going to see Strung Out on Friday night. I could go see Unwritten Law and depending on how I'm feeling and how the weekend turns out, I just might. On September 7th I'm going to see Incubus at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. For about the last year or two I have been really into those guys. I think that will be fun sitting on the lawn. I never go to big shows so this will be different then the tiny venues of punk bands that I'm used to. Anyway...just thought I'd share.
Movie Review: Fantastic Four - Rise Of The Silver Surfer
What can I say? It was at the dollar theater. I think I'll see anything that's over there. It's kind of awesome actually. They sell $1 hot dogs too. And while I was watching the movie I noticed a big stain on the screen that looked like someone had thrown their drink up there. Nice. I thought the movie was better than the first one, which may not be saying much. Very cheesy lines. Lots of stupid crap, but the action was pretty cool and I think the Silver Surfer is one of the coolest characters in comics. I dig on that crap. Worth my time? I'd say yes. Worth my $1.50? I think so. Worth full price? No way.
Monday, July 30, 2007
A War We Just Might Win
What is your general perception of the war? If it's negative, do you listen to a lot of the mainstream media (MSM), i.e. CNN, MSNBC, LA Times, etc? I would imagine so. The general feeling that the MSM portrays about the War in Iraq is that we need to cut and run. It was a war that we should have never engaged in, one that we cannot win, and we need to cut our losses and surrender. I read an interesting article that paints quite a different picture, especially considering that it comes from a very typical MSM source, the New York Times. Please read it. We are doing a lot of good over there. They are, in fact, better off because of our intervention and there is hope that we can still prevail, despite daunting circumstances. Better there than here, too.
Returning To A Semblance Of Normality
It really is nice. Although we are still in the thick of things, I think the shock of our situation is beginning to wear off and I think we are getting comfortable with the prospects that lie (lie, right? not lay? hmmm...) ahead of us. This weekend was especially nice. As you can see I went to the game on Friday night. Saturday morning I dropped by the US Open of Surfing with Dave and I only wish that we could have stayed longer. Pictured right is the opposite side of the pier that the contest is on, but I was standing there with Dave watching the contest thinking to myself...I actually live here. I feel really lucky to be in such a wonderful place and have such great people surrounding me. In spite of whatever is going on right now in my life and with my family, it is so good to be alive. As trite as that phrase is, I couldn't be more sincere. I'm so incredibly blessed to live in the circumstances that I live in. Later that day I tried Roly Poly, and it's great. Anyone want to open up a franchise with me? I think we'll need about 150-200k cash. I think we should get like 4-5 partners and we'll get loans. We can make this work. I think this is something where it's early enough that we can turn a good profit and get a good location. Think about it. I feel really good about it. I don't know why, but I've just been kind of aching to open up a franchise of something or other. I think it would be cool to have on the side. Get back to me. I'd really like to have one.
I went to the temple and that was cool, and I topped it off with the Simpsons Movie. How can I complain? Brother Lockheart visited us and taught a lesson on significant moments. If I get a minute I will write about that, too.
At the behest of my brother, I think I'm going to blog about the sitch with my mom. Most of you who read this already know about it. I've been wanting to, but have resisted because I thought it might put my mom in an unflattering light, but now I'm realizing that she is such the victim that you can't really blame her for what happened. So look forward to that. There are a lot of things that make you think to yourself, "I can believe this stuff actually happens in real life." So that's my story these days.
Movie Review: The Simpsons Movie
Oh yeah...I kind of forgot that I try and do reviews on what movies I watch. I really do have to get back in the habit of posting again. There has been no shortage of ideas on things to blog about, but I just haven't gotten around to writing as much these days. Anyway...here is the trailer:
To tell you the truth, I wasn't even that excited about going to see the movie. I knew that I would, but I wasn't really that amped about it, like say, how I am for Hot Rod. But we went and saw it on Saturday and I loved it. I don't know if it was a combination of my lowered expectations and it actually being pretty good, but in any case I thought it was well worth my money. I think I'd even see it again in the theater. It is pretty short, but there are a lot of good laughs. If you're going expecting it to be like the golden age of Simpsons, then you'll probably be disappointed. What you've seen in commercials and the trailer are not the only funny scenes in the movie. Actually, having it be in the theater and not subject to as much censorship allowed for them to do some pretty funny jokes that you're not used to seeing from them. Well worth your time.
To tell you the truth, I wasn't even that excited about going to see the movie. I knew that I would, but I wasn't really that amped about it, like say, how I am for Hot Rod. But we went and saw it on Saturday and I loved it. I don't know if it was a combination of my lowered expectations and it actually being pretty good, but in any case I thought it was well worth my money. I think I'd even see it again in the theater. It is pretty short, but there are a lot of good laughs. If you're going expecting it to be like the golden age of Simpsons, then you'll probably be disappointed. What you've seen in commercials and the trailer are not the only funny scenes in the movie. Actually, having it be in the theater and not subject to as much censorship allowed for them to do some pretty funny jokes that you're not used to seeing from them. Well worth your time.
Double Backflip
Check out this video: dble flip with Ed Rossi commentating
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In anticipation of the upcoming X-Games this week, here is a video of a kid doing a double backflip on his dirtbike. The story goes, he was watching last year when Travis Pastrana completed the double back and he just decided he was going to do it too. Not only that, but he got the invite to come to the X-Games and all of these sponsors wanted to sign him up, but he refused. To raise the money to come out and compete, he had a fundraiser where he performed the trick TWICE. Anyway...the clip is cool, but what's even better is the audio of the guy fa-reaking out. LOTS of swearing, but it's pretty funny. Brace yourself.
Add to My Profile More Videos
In anticipation of the upcoming X-Games this week, here is a video of a kid doing a double backflip on his dirtbike. The story goes, he was watching last year when Travis Pastrana completed the double back and he just decided he was going to do it too. Not only that, but he got the invite to come to the X-Games and all of these sponsors wanted to sign him up, but he refused. To raise the money to come out and compete, he had a fundraiser where he performed the trick TWICE. Anyway...the clip is cool, but what's even better is the audio of the guy fa-reaking out. LOTS of swearing, but it's pretty funny. Brace yourself.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Remember When...
I had the plehzure of going to Mormon night at Angel Stadium on Friday, but not get stuck with the crappy discount seats that they have to offer. Thanks to Dave and Caitlin at Call, Jensen, and Ferrell (sp?) I was able to sit field level toward the left field foul pole. The night started off innocently enough. Caitlin mentioned hearing a song on her launchcast and she wanted to listen to the CD on the way to the game, but she never gave away what song it was. Much to our delight, it was Erasure. That in turn made me remember the Scrubs episode that I don't have to explain because the clip is right here:We arrived early to partake of a buffet style 
dinner provided by the firm. Dave was his usual charming-self during the pre-game festivities. If you know Dave then you know that he is a perfect combination of funny and flattering. It kind of reminds me of the soirees that are in Pride and Prejudice and how the women would swoon over a particular man because he was so delectably charming. That is Dave and he kind of thrives in these types of situations. Sometimes I think he would be such a good politician.
Our seats were good. I got a bunch of free food. Free parking. At first the Angels went down two in the first inning, but Gary Matthews stole a potential grand slam and then we came back with 6 the next inning. You know what is one of my favorite things about the Friday night games? Big Bang Friday Nights. There is an awesome fireworks display that follows the game and after your team just won, it is a pretty good way to finish things off. This has to be my favorite fireworks show just because they have a soundtrack to the whole thing, and I like that they even vary the music that goes to the fireworks. 
My absolute favorite is when they play that song Calling All Angels. I fully get teary-eyed because it is so apart of the Angels baseball experience.
Prior to the game they start with a highlight film that traces great moments in Angels history and they will dub in clips from the radio broadcast of those moments. The whole thing is set to that particular song. Which brings me to the title of the post...
Remember the 2002 playoffs and World Series? We had come in and won 99 games. That is a ton of games to win and not even win the division, but that's what happened that season. We were paired up with the Yankees who were in their familiar seats as favorites to win the title that year. After losing the first game, we won the next three. What was awesome was the second game where we scored something like 9 runs in one inning and at that point it was like...omigosh...not only are we not afraid of these guys, we could win this series. And so we did.
Against the Twins in the ALCS, we were also the underdogs. I remember watching ESPN and seeing most of the broadcasters picking us to lose in 6 games. I think it was the final game of that series where Adam Kennedy decided to do his best Mr. October impression and hit 3 home runs, even though I'm pretty sure he's never hit more than 10 or 15 in an entire season.
The World Series was the same story. The Giants were favored to win. Barry Bonds had just come off his 73 home run campaign the year before and was going through that postseason trying to shake-off the the prior playoff demons he had while playing for the Pirates. And the guy was on fire. He hit a home run in the first game that we lost at home. Even in the second game. He seriously was unstoppable. We salvaged one of the games in San Francisco, but were down 3-2 going home for 6 and a possible 7.
Dave and I watched the game in our apartment in Provo. The guys across the hall from us were from SoCal as well so they were into the game just as much as we were. The guys downstairs too. It was so awesome to be watching those games and hearing other guys cheer in different apartments for the same thing you were cheering for. It reminded me of serving in Chile when the whole country goes quiet except for when their team scores a goal. That game 6, however, had us go down 5-0 in the 7th inning.
I'm very irritable when my team is losing. Very. I couldn't watch anymore and we hadn't eaten all evening. I had already been through so many losing seasons and even through '95 when we blew something like a 9 game lead, then had a one game playoff that we lost to Seattle to make the postseason. It killed me to see us come so close just to blow it. So we were going to head over to Pizza Factory for dinner with Dave's sister, Annalee.
When we arrived we had some time to wait and they happened to be playing the game. It was the 7th inning. The Giants were 8 outs from winning the World Series. At that point, the people preparing for the celebration had put all of the champaign and draped the lockeroom in plastic in anticipation of the impending victory.
With two men on, I watch Scott "Beerkeg" Spezio hit a 3-run home run while we were waiting to eat. Just as we were arriving to our apartment after dinner, Darrin Erstad hit a solo home run, and they rallied for 2 more runs that same inning to take the game and eventually the World Series.
There are a lot of things to love about that season if you're an Angels fan. The Rally Monkey was born that year. He even sparked that 3-run rally in Game 6. What I think is also really cool is that same season we almost had to go through another strike-shortened, no World Series year. The collective bargaining agreement between the Owners and the Players associations was up and it went down to the 11th hour. In fact the last game that was played before the deadline was at Angel Stadium. I don't remember who it was that they were playing, but I was driving up to school that Sunday to start the new school year. When they finished the game and it was still looking like the strike was going to occur, the fans at Anaheim Stadium started to throw all of their trash onto the field in protest. Fortunately, negotiations turned and we were able to see the first title in the history of the organization.
If you're a guy, there is just nothing better in the whole world than to see your team win it all. What makes it even better is when your team doesn't have a history of winning it all, or it just isn't something that you would have ever expected. I was sure that season that they would meltdown at some point, but they never did. I still get teary-eyed when I hear that song, or when I see Darrin Erstad catch the final out, or see Troy Percival lean back and yell in jubilation. I'm not gonna lie, not much gives me greater joy than that kind of stuff.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Some Rambling...
Adapted from a letter...so it might sound unusual in some parts...just some thoughts I've had recently.
With the recent events in my life, I've had that section go through my mind a lot about Joseph in Liberty Jail. I'm well aware of the importance of keeping my head up. It's so different when you're actually going through things though, you know? It is so easy when things are going alright for people to say...well just be positive, or don't worry about it, or...God is watching out for you, you're gonna be okay. Sometimes you just have to kind of let things settle in. I've been praying so much for clarity in my judgment. I'm even praying that I don't hate this man that did this to my mom, I'm praying that I don't become embittered or let this jade me completely. I pray for deliverance and just to know how to deal with everything. But sometimes you just need to mourn and kind of just deal with things as they are. I really appreciate that scripture in Mosiah 18. Sometimes we just need to mourn with those who mourn, and bear one another's burdens.
I have a friend who is amazing at practicing this virtue. He is actually one of the best people ever at it. We had a friend and she basically burned down her apartment. Like destroyed it. This was up at school and so many people came by and were like...it's going to be okay, you're going to get through this, and some people even said, okay...what can we learn from this? They said all of these things before they said anything else to her. A lot of times we just don't realize that people need to let things settle in a little bit, and sometimes it's better to just be sad or upset with someone rather than thinking the answer is saying something like, just don't worry about it, things are okay...or God has a plan for you. His reaction was atypical of what she was getting. Rather than just responding like everybody else did, he empathized and said, "I'm so sorry. That just really sucks." Sometimes we need to hear that more than, "you're going to be fine, things will turn out for the best." Sometimes we really do need to just take time to mourn with those who mourn. I think this is perfectly illustrated when Mary and Martha are mourning the death of Lazarus and then there follows that famous short verse, "Jesus wept."
Why was Jesus crying? Did he not know what we was about to do? Did he not really believe that he could raise Lazarus from the dead? Reading the chapter, it's obvious that he went with the intention of bringing Lazarus back. I think one of the coolest parts that verse is that he was so intimately acquianted with Lazarus, and with Mary and Martha. Of course he knew what miracle he was about to perform. He was fully aware of his power and that he could bring Lazarus back from the dead. Not only that, but he knew that it was God's will for it to happen so then there was absolutely nothing that would prevent him from performing the miracle. So the question of why...
Because those were his friends. They were his best friends. He knew that they didn't fully understand what he was capable of, and he knew that the only thing they were experiencing was the pain of losing a loved one, one whom they thought they would never see again in this life. Never again. There is a tremendous amount of pain and sense of loss that one feels when mourning the dead. In spite of his knowledge of what was going to occur, he wept with them because he too was experiencing that pain that they were feeling. Even though his faith is perfect and he knows better than anybody else that things are going to turn out alright in the end, he perfectly understood the importance of letting someone grieve and how important it is to just experience that emotion with another person. There is so much to gain sometimes from just the experience of feeling for the sake of feeling.
What's been hard about this situation is that for a couple of months, I actually thanked Heavenly Father in my prayers because I felt like, finally, my mom has someone that can be there for her and take care of her. I said a lot of those prayers. Is this really what God intended to happen? I honestly don't know. A lot of me wants to say yes, and a lot of me wants to say that God would never want this to happen to anybody. I feel like it's not something that he wanted, but happened through the natural course of people exercising their agency. The miracle of it all is that regardless of whether or not this was in his original blueprint for our lives, we will still learn and gain the perfectly customized experience that he intends us to have. In that talk I keep linking to Elder Maxwell, he says that God customizes the curriculum for our benefit. Isn't that amazing?
I think it would be really easy to ask, or even to question my faith and say to myself...how could God let me thank him for this person who was actually ruining my mom's life? I think that would be really easy to do. And I don't think that I'm doing that, but I could see how some people would look at the circumstances and react in that way. You know what I mean? There are so many nuances to life and experience, I think sometimes we don't give the plan of salvation enough credit because sometimes things happen that we just can't understand right away and we try to compartmentalize it. While just trying to right ourselves and get reoriented, we try and just write it off quickly for the sake of moving on without REALLY learning what it is that we need to be learning.
All of the sudden something happens that we just flat out cannot explain or comprehend with our finite minds, and at first glance it looks like it can damage our faith, and so we close ourselves off to what the real answer may be. We're afraid that examination will cause more hurt rather than help. I think sometimes we do that when we try and just give short answers or just pretend like this is just how things are and we just need to deal with it. I don't know if I'm explaining myself that well, but I feel like I'm really learning a lot about God and how His plans really works. Maybe that sounds crazy. I don't know, but I think there is a lot about this situation that will take me a whole life time to really understand, and then to really fine-tune that understanding that I get.
With the recent events in my life, I've had that section go through my mind a lot about Joseph in Liberty Jail. I'm well aware of the importance of keeping my head up. It's so different when you're actually going through things though, you know? It is so easy when things are going alright for people to say...well just be positive, or don't worry about it, or...God is watching out for you, you're gonna be okay. Sometimes you just have to kind of let things settle in. I've been praying so much for clarity in my judgment. I'm even praying that I don't hate this man that did this to my mom, I'm praying that I don't become embittered or let this jade me completely. I pray for deliverance and just to know how to deal with everything. But sometimes you just need to mourn and kind of just deal with things as they are. I really appreciate that scripture in Mosiah 18. Sometimes we just need to mourn with those who mourn, and bear one another's burdens.
I have a friend who is amazing at practicing this virtue. He is actually one of the best people ever at it. We had a friend and she basically burned down her apartment. Like destroyed it. This was up at school and so many people came by and were like...it's going to be okay, you're going to get through this, and some people even said, okay...what can we learn from this? They said all of these things before they said anything else to her. A lot of times we just don't realize that people need to let things settle in a little bit, and sometimes it's better to just be sad or upset with someone rather than thinking the answer is saying something like, just don't worry about it, things are okay...or God has a plan for you. His reaction was atypical of what she was getting. Rather than just responding like everybody else did, he empathized and said, "I'm so sorry. That just really sucks." Sometimes we need to hear that more than, "you're going to be fine, things will turn out for the best." Sometimes we really do need to just take time to mourn with those who mourn. I think this is perfectly illustrated when Mary and Martha are mourning the death of Lazarus and then there follows that famous short verse, "Jesus wept."
Why was Jesus crying? Did he not know what we was about to do? Did he not really believe that he could raise Lazarus from the dead? Reading the chapter, it's obvious that he went with the intention of bringing Lazarus back. I think one of the coolest parts that verse is that he was so intimately acquianted with Lazarus, and with Mary and Martha. Of course he knew what miracle he was about to perform. He was fully aware of his power and that he could bring Lazarus back from the dead. Not only that, but he knew that it was God's will for it to happen so then there was absolutely nothing that would prevent him from performing the miracle. So the question of why...
Because those were his friends. They were his best friends. He knew that they didn't fully understand what he was capable of, and he knew that the only thing they were experiencing was the pain of losing a loved one, one whom they thought they would never see again in this life. Never again. There is a tremendous amount of pain and sense of loss that one feels when mourning the dead. In spite of his knowledge of what was going to occur, he wept with them because he too was experiencing that pain that they were feeling. Even though his faith is perfect and he knows better than anybody else that things are going to turn out alright in the end, he perfectly understood the importance of letting someone grieve and how important it is to just experience that emotion with another person. There is so much to gain sometimes from just the experience of feeling for the sake of feeling.
What's been hard about this situation is that for a couple of months, I actually thanked Heavenly Father in my prayers because I felt like, finally, my mom has someone that can be there for her and take care of her. I said a lot of those prayers. Is this really what God intended to happen? I honestly don't know. A lot of me wants to say yes, and a lot of me wants to say that God would never want this to happen to anybody. I feel like it's not something that he wanted, but happened through the natural course of people exercising their agency. The miracle of it all is that regardless of whether or not this was in his original blueprint for our lives, we will still learn and gain the perfectly customized experience that he intends us to have. In that talk I keep linking to Elder Maxwell, he says that God customizes the curriculum for our benefit. Isn't that amazing?
I think it would be really easy to ask, or even to question my faith and say to myself...how could God let me thank him for this person who was actually ruining my mom's life? I think that would be really easy to do. And I don't think that I'm doing that, but I could see how some people would look at the circumstances and react in that way. You know what I mean? There are so many nuances to life and experience, I think sometimes we don't give the plan of salvation enough credit because sometimes things happen that we just can't understand right away and we try to compartmentalize it. While just trying to right ourselves and get reoriented, we try and just write it off quickly for the sake of moving on without REALLY learning what it is that we need to be learning.
All of the sudden something happens that we just flat out cannot explain or comprehend with our finite minds, and at first glance it looks like it can damage our faith, and so we close ourselves off to what the real answer may be. We're afraid that examination will cause more hurt rather than help. I think sometimes we do that when we try and just give short answers or just pretend like this is just how things are and we just need to deal with it. I don't know if I'm explaining myself that well, but I feel like I'm really learning a lot about God and how His plans really works. Maybe that sounds crazy. I don't know, but I think there is a lot about this situation that will take me a whole life time to really understand, and then to really fine-tune that understanding that I get.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Everything Is Alright
One of you was so kind to ask how I was doing when you noticed that I haven't been posting lately. I've just been pretty busy these days. Tonight, I have the pleasure of flying out to Las Vegas at 530 and then picking up one of our missing assets to drive back this evening. Best Vegas trip ever. I was also reminded that I should drop by and say hi to the Bonny & Clyde DEATH CAR! that is at Stateline. I actually kind of forgot about that tradition. It lasted for a few years, and then it kind of lost its magic, but I really think we need to bring that one back. I think the only person who is even aware of this besides Laura who reminded me, is Dave.
*The tradition is basically this - at the stateline between California and Nevada there is a casino that houses a little exhibit whose main feature is the Bonny & Clyde DEATH CAR! On our way to and from Utah, we would stop by and scream DEATH CAR an innumerable amount of times, take some pics, then be on our way. I think Laura and Annalee are the only people whoever partook in this glorious tradition. Maybe Chris too (not me, different Chris). In fact I know he did because I can distinctly remember a picture of "Fat Dave" being in there with Gaunt Chris standing there too. This was during a time when Dave's life consisted of going to class in the morning, then coming home and having Red Baron's pizzas with ranch dressing, watching Elimidate and Blind Date every afternoon and then falling asleep for a couple of hours. Sometimes he brings this up to me and asks me why I never told him that he was so fat. Does it surprise you when you look at the sedentary lifestyle you were leading and eating whole pizzas garnished with ranch that you weren't skinny? Anyway...
My life is pretty crazy these days. You know what really sucks about all of this? I actually have like a million blog posts that come up and I want so much to write about every single one of them, but now that extra time turns into trying to take-care-of-all-this-stupid-crap-time, blogging goes out the window. I know...that's the part that really sucks, right? Not all of this other crap.
Just to fill you in, I have talked to the police three times in about a week, spoken with several lawyers, had my life threatened, and now have to go to Vegas. Yesterday while in conversation with one of said attorneys, the actual thought came to my mind, "Not that I would ever do it, but I can understand how a person can feel so screwed by the system that it would drive them to kill." I had never actually contemplated homicide, and not that I was even seriously considering it (maybe more casually, at least), but that feeling of anger and wanting retribution came up and I could very well understand how someone who exercises little restraint in his life would be driven to that point. I think that, unless you have actually had that cognition run through your mind, then you don't really understand what it means to feel something like that. Let me stress that I would never condone the action by another person or consider it myself, but I can see how a series of events could lead a person to feel that is an appropriate action to take.
Seriously...so many blog posts running through my mind these days. And they're about totally random things. Like the next one I think I might do is kind of weird (weird, meaning gay - that's for Laura), and you'll think...wait...this is what you've been wanting to post about? To that I respond with a vehement, HELLs yeah that is what I want to post about.
I think pretty soon I will end up posting some of the things that have been going on just for the sake of expressing and venting. So if you are or aren't interested, you'll be hearing more in any case.
Is it so lame that it bothers me when someone refers to a "post" as a "blog"? For instance, a person might say, yeah, you should blog about such and such. The blog is the whole site, numbnuts. The post is the individual piece. I actually don't really mind that much, and it really is just semantics I guess, but sometimes I'm like...yes, I think I'll "blog" about the very idea that I would so stupidly get annoyed about something like that.
Everybody, I have to say that I just love the people in my life. From those who are close to me, to those who I only know through casual encounters (that is not an innuendo, sicko), thank you all. In spite of everything that is going on, I feel very blessed to have the support that I do have and to live in the circumstances that I am in. You would be really surprised at how many people I haven't heard from in a long time all of the sudden just calling up, or emailing and just checking in on how I'm doing. One way or another we'll all get through this time and hopefully I am not just enduring, but enduring well, as they say. So thanks again. I'll try and check in more regularly.
*The tradition is basically this - at the stateline between California and Nevada there is a casino that houses a little exhibit whose main feature is the Bonny & Clyde DEATH CAR! On our way to and from Utah, we would stop by and scream DEATH CAR an innumerable amount of times, take some pics, then be on our way. I think Laura and Annalee are the only people whoever partook in this glorious tradition. Maybe Chris too (not me, different Chris). In fact I know he did because I can distinctly remember a picture of "Fat Dave" being in there with Gaunt Chris standing there too. This was during a time when Dave's life consisted of going to class in the morning, then coming home and having Red Baron's pizzas with ranch dressing, watching Elimidate and Blind Date every afternoon and then falling asleep for a couple of hours. Sometimes he brings this up to me and asks me why I never told him that he was so fat. Does it surprise you when you look at the sedentary lifestyle you were leading and eating whole pizzas garnished with ranch that you weren't skinny? Anyway...
My life is pretty crazy these days. You know what really sucks about all of this? I actually have like a million blog posts that come up and I want so much to write about every single one of them, but now that extra time turns into trying to take-care-of-all-this-stupid-crap-time, blogging goes out the window. I know...that's the part that really sucks, right? Not all of this other crap.
Just to fill you in, I have talked to the police three times in about a week, spoken with several lawyers, had my life threatened, and now have to go to Vegas. Yesterday while in conversation with one of said attorneys, the actual thought came to my mind, "Not that I would ever do it, but I can understand how a person can feel so screwed by the system that it would drive them to kill." I had never actually contemplated homicide, and not that I was even seriously considering it (maybe more casually, at least), but that feeling of anger and wanting retribution came up and I could very well understand how someone who exercises little restraint in his life would be driven to that point. I think that, unless you have actually had that cognition run through your mind, then you don't really understand what it means to feel something like that. Let me stress that I would never condone the action by another person or consider it myself, but I can see how a series of events could lead a person to feel that is an appropriate action to take.
Seriously...so many blog posts running through my mind these days. And they're about totally random things. Like the next one I think I might do is kind of weird (weird, meaning gay - that's for Laura), and you'll think...wait...this is what you've been wanting to post about? To that I respond with a vehement, HELLs yeah that is what I want to post about.
I think pretty soon I will end up posting some of the things that have been going on just for the sake of expressing and venting. So if you are or aren't interested, you'll be hearing more in any case.
Is it so lame that it bothers me when someone refers to a "post" as a "blog"? For instance, a person might say, yeah, you should blog about such and such. The blog is the whole site, numbnuts. The post is the individual piece. I actually don't really mind that much, and it really is just semantics I guess, but sometimes I'm like...yes, I think I'll "blog" about the very idea that I would so stupidly get annoyed about something like that.
Everybody, I have to say that I just love the people in my life. From those who are close to me, to those who I only know through casual encounters (that is not an innuendo, sicko), thank you all. In spite of everything that is going on, I feel very blessed to have the support that I do have and to live in the circumstances that I am in. You would be really surprised at how many people I haven't heard from in a long time all of the sudden just calling up, or emailing and just checking in on how I'm doing. One way or another we'll all get through this time and hopefully I am not just enduring, but enduring well, as they say. So thanks again. I'll try and check in more regularly.
Friday, July 20, 2007
A Terrible Poverty Of Imagination
Isn't that a great line? I have never read anything by this particular author (Mona Charen), but she gives a great treatise on the possible outcome of pulling out of Iraq early. What bothers me about so many Democrats is that it really is so myopic. They do not give any rationale for the pull-out other than that it is bad for the US to occupy Iraq, but they do not consider the alternative. I like the comparison she makes to Vietnam in the article. I think one major difference is that not only will the region immediately deteriorate, but the enemy wants to take the war to our shares and on our soil, and have already shown that they are capable of that. Anyway, good article.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Results Show Thursday
Not surprised this week. Were you? Nothing about last night or tonight was really surprising, or exciting. That 80s jazz dance was pretty cool, but I'm not going to put it in a greatest hits collection by any means. So...I'm bummed to see Hok go, but I think it was about the right time. I probably would have gone with Kameron before him, but not longer than next week. It's too bad that he couldn't do more dances recently that could have showcased his talent more. Blah blah blah...I don't feel like writing about this.Caitlin brought up how on the morning show on KROQ Ralph was talking about Flash Gordon and how Queen came up with the title track for the film. The song is super queer. Like really queer. You want to hear a funny story about Flash Gordon?
So we changed it and I remembered hearing about another film with a similar title...Flesh Gordon. You guessed it. Much better than the original. It was really funny how quickly that destroyed what once was a pure and innocent pleasure.
So the movie is based on a comic book that came out decades ago. It is mildly entertaining, but something I remember pretty well growing up with a brother who loved comic books, and then I acquired the taste myself. While Dave and I were on holiday at what used to be the family cabin, we were up late watching TV. A movie comes on and immediately I recognize a lot of the characters and with excitement I point out, hey! This is Flash Gordon, I love this movie. We watch it for a few minutes until...hey...I don't remember anybody taking off their clothes when I watched this before...why are they?...omigosh...this is not the same movie I watched as a kid.
So we changed it and I remembered hearing about another film with a similar title...Flesh Gordon. You guessed it. Much better than the original. It was really funny how quickly that destroyed what once was a pure and innocent pleasure.In the real Flash Gordon, he wears this t-shirt, which I think is awesome. If I had a full head of blonde hair and maybe a little bit bigger, I think it would be so awesome to be Flash Gordon from the 80s film for Halloween. Dave...think about it. It's so cool.
Also...I meant to put this link up a long time ago, but if you like funny t-shirts, check out this website. Some really good stuff. I think my favorites are "Kenya Dig It", "Beethoven's Fifth", and "Volunteering: It Doesn't Pay".
Happy 100!
By the way, that last post was the 100th post on inclinedtorecline. Some time the last few days we also surpassed the 1,000 page views mark. That's kinda cool. But I think it's divided probably 10 individuals, but that's cool too.I would like to thank all of you who made this possible, namely, me. As well as the loyal readers that have perused the pages of Rollin' In My 6-4. I have no idea who it is, but this blog is a hit with somebody in Hot-lanta so I'd like to say thanks for visiting us here. Caitlin...I think you win for most consistent comments, but Karen is a close second. Also, Karen was here from Day 1. I'd also like to thank Laura for always so consistently pointing out how gay I am. Dave, I think you have provided the funniest comments on this blog. And a surprising one goes to Doug...who would have thought his comments would be so thoughtful? They are few and far between, but when you speak you speak your mind and I commend you for it. Oh gosh, this was so unexpected...there are so many people to thank...and the last one will have to go to the wonderful workers at McDonalds who so neatly package their wonderful little egg McMuffins, without which, I might never be late for school.
The DAMN Moment Of The Week
Well here it is. I didn't think I'd get around to this, but I need some lejour (leisure). Can I just say that I love people who appropriately spell and punctuate slang or words that they want said in a particular manner? Karen does this a lot on her blog, I've also noticed Caitlin does it from time to time. For some reason I really appreciate that. I also really look down upon people who can't spell. I can't help it. Now I'm self-conscious and worried that I make a lot of errors on this blog. Yikes...anyway...
Umm...I don't think that there was anything that really stuck out for me about this week's show. At first I really liked having Wade on the panel, but then I kind of got tired of all the criticism he levied, although none of it was really negative, just constant. I think this show wasn't dynamite because as a judge, he wasn't able to choreograph anything and his stuff is usually the best. I'm sad to say that I think Kameron or Hok are gone this week. More Kameron, I think. I really like them both. But can't you totally understand where the judges are coming from in their criticism of him? Although...I am never really excited about Dan Karaty's dances. Never. Remember last season he did that one with Heidi and some guy to the Kelly Clarkson song? Nothing exciting about his stuff whatsoever. So I kind of don't blame Kameron for that one.
If I absolutely had to give a DAMN moment for the week, even though I don't think anything was DAMN worthy, it's going to have to go to...I dunno, I guess Pasha and Sara. I am more and more impressed with Sara week in and week out. Plus I think they're dolling her up quite nicely. Also, Lauryn has great arms. You know how I love me some nice arms on girls. Or maybe you don't, but now you do. Anyway...here they are, most favorite to least. I think the middle three are all tied.
Pasha and Sara Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I like Queen. I liked this dance a good amount. My favorite of an okay week.
Neil and Lauren Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I really shouldn't put these above Dom and Sabra and Danny and Anya, but I liked this one. Generally, Mia is a pretty good bet to have a good dance.
Dominic and Sabra Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I still love these two the most. I love Sabra's raspy voice. I think they're great, love their dances week in and week out.
Anya and Danny Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
Kameron and Lacey Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
She was pretty decent, but I'm not seeing the magic like the judges are on her. I like her a lot and think she is above average on everything she does, but still...not my MVP. Still good though. And Kameron...he's good, but I think he's outta here.
Hok and Jaimie Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
Does anyone else think Jamie is an idiot? Great dancer, great lines, blah blah blah...but is she just not completely annoying to listen to? Bugs me. I like Hok a lot, but he's struggling right now.
So which girl is going to be heading out? All of them I think are actually looking really strong. For some reason I am just not as in love with these dancers as I was last season. My two favorites are Dominic and Sabra all the way. Then after that it gets muddled...I like Lauryn a lot. Neil is super goofy, but I love that spin kick thing he does. Hok is great, but I just don't think he's versatile enough. I'm liking Sara more and more every week, like I've been saying for the last several weeks. I think Pasha is a dork. Something about him just bothers me. I dunno. We'll see I guess. I think Kameron and....Anya. That might be a surprise. I think her solos are less than spectacular. I think there's more appeal with all of the other girls though. The girl will be a surprise to us all, I think.
Umm...I don't think that there was anything that really stuck out for me about this week's show. At first I really liked having Wade on the panel, but then I kind of got tired of all the criticism he levied, although none of it was really negative, just constant. I think this show wasn't dynamite because as a judge, he wasn't able to choreograph anything and his stuff is usually the best. I'm sad to say that I think Kameron or Hok are gone this week. More Kameron, I think. I really like them both. But can't you totally understand where the judges are coming from in their criticism of him? Although...I am never really excited about Dan Karaty's dances. Never. Remember last season he did that one with Heidi and some guy to the Kelly Clarkson song? Nothing exciting about his stuff whatsoever. So I kind of don't blame Kameron for that one.
If I absolutely had to give a DAMN moment for the week, even though I don't think anything was DAMN worthy, it's going to have to go to...I dunno, I guess Pasha and Sara. I am more and more impressed with Sara week in and week out. Plus I think they're dolling her up quite nicely. Also, Lauryn has great arms. You know how I love me some nice arms on girls. Or maybe you don't, but now you do. Anyway...here they are, most favorite to least. I think the middle three are all tied.
Pasha and Sara Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I like Queen. I liked this dance a good amount. My favorite of an okay week.
Neil and Lauren Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I really shouldn't put these above Dom and Sabra and Danny and Anya, but I liked this one. Generally, Mia is a pretty good bet to have a good dance.
Dominic and Sabra Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I still love these two the most. I love Sabra's raspy voice. I think they're great, love their dances week in and week out.
Anya and Danny Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I really dig on the leap that he does in the beginning. I thought this was pretty good, but I wasn't as elated as the judges were.
Kameron and Lacey Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
She was pretty decent, but I'm not seeing the magic like the judges are on her. I like her a lot and think she is above average on everything she does, but still...not my MVP. Still good though. And Kameron...he's good, but I think he's outta here.
Hok and Jaimie Week 5
Uploaded by mickeymcc
Does anyone else think Jamie is an idiot? Great dancer, great lines, blah blah blah...but is she just not completely annoying to listen to? Bugs me. I like Hok a lot, but he's struggling right now.
So which girl is going to be heading out? All of them I think are actually looking really strong. For some reason I am just not as in love with these dancers as I was last season. My two favorites are Dominic and Sabra all the way. Then after that it gets muddled...I like Lauryn a lot. Neil is super goofy, but I love that spin kick thing he does. Hok is great, but I just don't think he's versatile enough. I'm liking Sara more and more every week, like I've been saying for the last several weeks. I think Pasha is a dork. Something about him just bothers me. I dunno. We'll see I guess. I think Kameron and....Anya. That might be a surprise. I think her solos are less than spectacular. I think there's more appeal with all of the other girls though. The girl will be a surprise to us all, I think.
Mourn With Those Who Mourn
I think that is an eternal principle. I remember feeling that some time ago, and lately I have really felt the power of those words. Mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those who need comfort. It is all so true, bear one another's burdens that they may be light. I have seen this concept manifest in different ways; as I've been there for my mom and then as others have been there for me.
Sometimes you just need to go to your best friend's house and have a chocolate banana shake. Or sometimes you just need someone to hear your situation. Or even just get mad with you, even if nothing is going to come of it. So many people have reached out the last several days and I cannot tell you how much it has meant to me, even if it's in seemingly insignificant ways. I need as many "hang in there"s as I can get.
One positive thing about going through a crisis situation is that you if you have good people with you, you really rally around each other and strengthen one another. At first it was really hard for me to see people I respect so much get so rattled, but it was really encouraging to be there for them in the same way that they have been there for me so many times in my life. It has been hard to feel like there is a way out and then have that door close so quickly. But I have really grown in appreciation for the people around me, even more than I ever thought I could.
Anyway, it means a lot. Every word you say, everything that you do from just listening to just distracting me from this stuff, it really means a lot. Thanks.
Sometimes you just need to go to your best friend's house and have a chocolate banana shake. Or sometimes you just need someone to hear your situation. Or even just get mad with you, even if nothing is going to come of it. So many people have reached out the last several days and I cannot tell you how much it has meant to me, even if it's in seemingly insignificant ways. I need as many "hang in there"s as I can get.
One positive thing about going through a crisis situation is that you if you have good people with you, you really rally around each other and strengthen one another. At first it was really hard for me to see people I respect so much get so rattled, but it was really encouraging to be there for them in the same way that they have been there for me so many times in my life. It has been hard to feel like there is a way out and then have that door close so quickly. But I have really grown in appreciation for the people around me, even more than I ever thought I could.
Anyway, it means a lot. Every word you say, everything that you do from just listening to just distracting me from this stuff, it really means a lot. Thanks.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Don't You Hate That?
Last night I had the most random, awesome dream. I dreamt that I went on a trip with several people whose identities I don't even know now. We went to somewhere over in Europe and on our way back a couple of us got stuck in what I think was Canada. I met this girl and we started to get really close and so that was really fun. Then on a bus ride we met Morrissey. Yeah, that guy. So weird, huh? Well he was super eccentric, but really fun to be around. I spent a day with this girl, a couple of other people, and Morrissey. And I was on my way home from everything, thinking about how great everything went on this trip, I even thought about how cool it's going to be to blog about it all and post my pictures with this random girl that I fell for and freakin' Morrissey - and then my alarm went off.
You know when your life is pretty crappy, but when you wake up there is a second or two of coming to when you are either feeling the euphoria of a good dream or just don't really know consciously what is actually going on? And then you finally become alert and it hits you like a ton of bricks that things are just really hard right now. It's the most rude awakening you can have. It's awful. At the same time, however, I'm really grateful that I had that dream. That dream was the only respite I had for the last 24+ hours. Funny, huh?
You know when your life is pretty crappy, but when you wake up there is a second or two of coming to when you are either feeling the euphoria of a good dream or just don't really know consciously what is actually going on? And then you finally become alert and it hits you like a ton of bricks that things are just really hard right now. It's the most rude awakening you can have. It's awful. At the same time, however, I'm really grateful that I had that dream. That dream was the only respite I had for the last 24+ hours. Funny, huh?
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Holy Hell
I wish I could write about what's going on in my life right now. Maybe in a year when things aren't so fresh and so raw I can post a little bit about what's going on. Sometimes things are so bad that you don't realize until you're going through it that the other things that you've gone through recently that you thought were terrible, just aren't so awful when compared to that one thing.
I thought being heart-broken by a girl was the lowest I would be this year. And that happened a couple of times. I thought that having my cousin go through some drug issues was bad. It's so cliche and almost trite now, but things really can be worse. As bad as you think things might be, it really could be worse. I'm completely depending on that line of thinking these days to get me from one minute to the next. I have literally been on the brink of just feeling so completely broken for several days now, and I'm just depending on the verity of the principle that these things that I'm experiencing are entirely necessary for my salvation and exaltation, that these experiences are specifically catered for me and my reaching eternal glory.
I'll finish with a clip from the Elder Maxwell talk that I linked to not too long ago:
Most of our suffering, brothers and sisters, actually comes because of our sins and not because of our nobility. Isn't it marvelous that Jesus Christ, who did not have to endure that kind of suffering because he was sin-free, nevertheless took upon himself the sins of all of us and experienced an agony so exquisite we cannot comprehend it? I don't know how many people have lived on the earth for sure, but demographers say between 30 and 67 billion. If you were to collect the agony for your own sins and I for mine, and multiply it by that number, we can only shudder at what the sensitive, divine soul of Jesus must have experienced in taking upon himself the awful arithmetic of the sins of all of us--an act which he did selflessly and voluntarily. If it is also true (in some way we don't understand) that the cavity which suffering carves into our souls will one day also be the receptacle of joy, how infinitely greater Jesus' capacity for joy, when he said, after his resurrection, "Behold, my joy is full." How very, very full, indeed, his joy must have been!...
If God chooses to teach us the things we most need to learn because he loves us, and if he seeks to tame our souls and gentle us in the way we most need to be tamed and most need to be gentled, it follows that he will customize the challenges he gives us and individualize them so that we will be prepared for life in a better world by his refusal to take us out of this world, even though we are not of it. In the eternal ecology of things we must pray, therefore, not that things be taken from us, but that God's will be accomplished through us. What, therefore, may seem now to be mere unconnected pieces of tile will someday, when we look back, take form and pattern, and we will realize that God was making a mosaic. For there is in each of our lives this kind of divine design, this pattern, this purpose that is in the process of becoming, which is continually before the Lord but which for us, looking forward, is sometimes perplexing.
It is so hard when you're in the midst of these things. It's so hard to stretch your vision and perspective passed the here and now. So hard. Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.
This last month I have been really feeling on top of my life spiritually. I felt like I was finally getting a grasp of everything that has been happening up until this point. And now God threw me a curveball. It's hard to adjust to the pitch when you're already swinging and maybe I foul this one off, but I really think that I can hit it. I have to. There's really no other option.
I thought being heart-broken by a girl was the lowest I would be this year. And that happened a couple of times. I thought that having my cousin go through some drug issues was bad. It's so cliche and almost trite now, but things really can be worse. As bad as you think things might be, it really could be worse. I'm completely depending on that line of thinking these days to get me from one minute to the next. I have literally been on the brink of just feeling so completely broken for several days now, and I'm just depending on the verity of the principle that these things that I'm experiencing are entirely necessary for my salvation and exaltation, that these experiences are specifically catered for me and my reaching eternal glory.
I'll finish with a clip from the Elder Maxwell talk that I linked to not too long ago:
Most of our suffering, brothers and sisters, actually comes because of our sins and not because of our nobility. Isn't it marvelous that Jesus Christ, who did not have to endure that kind of suffering because he was sin-free, nevertheless took upon himself the sins of all of us and experienced an agony so exquisite we cannot comprehend it? I don't know how many people have lived on the earth for sure, but demographers say between 30 and 67 billion. If you were to collect the agony for your own sins and I for mine, and multiply it by that number, we can only shudder at what the sensitive, divine soul of Jesus must have experienced in taking upon himself the awful arithmetic of the sins of all of us--an act which he did selflessly and voluntarily. If it is also true (in some way we don't understand) that the cavity which suffering carves into our souls will one day also be the receptacle of joy, how infinitely greater Jesus' capacity for joy, when he said, after his resurrection, "Behold, my joy is full." How very, very full, indeed, his joy must have been!...
If God chooses to teach us the things we most need to learn because he loves us, and if he seeks to tame our souls and gentle us in the way we most need to be tamed and most need to be gentled, it follows that he will customize the challenges he gives us and individualize them so that we will be prepared for life in a better world by his refusal to take us out of this world, even though we are not of it. In the eternal ecology of things we must pray, therefore, not that things be taken from us, but that God's will be accomplished through us. What, therefore, may seem now to be mere unconnected pieces of tile will someday, when we look back, take form and pattern, and we will realize that God was making a mosaic. For there is in each of our lives this kind of divine design, this pattern, this purpose that is in the process of becoming, which is continually before the Lord but which for us, looking forward, is sometimes perplexing.
It is so hard when you're in the midst of these things. It's so hard to stretch your vision and perspective passed the here and now. So hard. Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.
This last month I have been really feeling on top of my life spiritually. I felt like I was finally getting a grasp of everything that has been happening up until this point. And now God threw me a curveball. It's hard to adjust to the pitch when you're already swinging and maybe I foul this one off, but I really think that I can hit it. I have to. There's really no other option.
Don't Worry, I'm Back
So maybe you have been wondering where I have been. I wish I could disclose more, but I have had the longest several days that I’ve had in a long time. If you're really interested, then I've got a pretty crazy story, but it's not something to post to the world wide web.
You can tune into your regular scheduled programming at inclinedtorecline.blogspot beginning today. I’ll still be busy with all this stuff going on, but I think blogging has been helpful for me to serve as a distraction. Anyway, to my 4-5 loyal readers, I’m back.
You can tune into your regular scheduled programming at inclinedtorecline.blogspot beginning today. I’ll still be busy with all this stuff going on, but I think blogging has been helpful for me to serve as a distraction. Anyway, to my 4-5 loyal readers, I’m back.
Movie Review: Disturbia
This turned out to be even better than I had anticipated, and I went in with pretty high hopes. But honestly, how far off can a kid be who is the star of Transformers. He can’t miss with the roles he’s been choosing. It feels a little abrupt at some parts. The climax arrives quickly and then resolves about as fast, but it is very suspenseful throughout. Like I said to Dave post-movie, camping is in tents, just like the movie. Actors all put up decent performances. Humor is intermingled throughout the film. Great package overall.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Let's Serve Up Some Political Commentary
Maybe you’ve been wondering where all the commentary is on political stuff this week? I’ve still been reading and listening. Not a lot of big stuff this week. I guess there has been, but I haven’t really cared to comment on a lot. Even in sports it was a pretty dead week. Yeah, the All-Star game, blah blah blah. It was alright.
The other day someone made a comment that she thinks that people are more liberal than they think they are. I find that impossible to believe. Do you want higher taxes? Do you think the government is better at spending your money then you are? Are you for traditional marriage or broadening the definition of marriage to any pair of individuals who love each other? Do you think unions are still effective? How about welfare programs? How about peace through diplomacy? How often has that really worked? Nope, not once. Peace is achieved through strength. See Reagan vs. Communism. Basically, do you think government should assume more control fiscally and personally in your behalf? That’s what you’re talking about when you’re talking about liberalism. It essentially assumes that the government does a better job of teaching your kids in school, taking care of your medical needs, protecting your needs as citizens. I’m not saying it shouldn’t exist, but privatization of programs is one of the best things that has ever happened to many aspects of our lives. Government should serve as a check to all of these things, but not as the provider. The only part of our government that is privatized is the post office, and they actually provide a very high quality service as compared to the other privatized courier services, FedEx, UPS, etc.
Today a great symbol of liberalism is Michael Moore. I have some reading for you. I have mentioned him several times on here, but Jay Nordlinger is great. His article on The Myth Of Cuban Health Care is very enlightening, especially with the recent release of Moore’s film Sicko. Not that health care couldn’t be operated more effectively than it has been in this country, but socialization of the system is not the answer.
The other day someone made a comment that she thinks that people are more liberal than they think they are. I find that impossible to believe. Do you want higher taxes? Do you think the government is better at spending your money then you are? Are you for traditional marriage or broadening the definition of marriage to any pair of individuals who love each other? Do you think unions are still effective? How about welfare programs? How about peace through diplomacy? How often has that really worked? Nope, not once. Peace is achieved through strength. See Reagan vs. Communism. Basically, do you think government should assume more control fiscally and personally in your behalf? That’s what you’re talking about when you’re talking about liberalism. It essentially assumes that the government does a better job of teaching your kids in school, taking care of your medical needs, protecting your needs as citizens. I’m not saying it shouldn’t exist, but privatization of programs is one of the best things that has ever happened to many aspects of our lives. Government should serve as a check to all of these things, but not as the provider. The only part of our government that is privatized is the post office, and they actually provide a very high quality service as compared to the other privatized courier services, FedEx, UPS, etc.
Today a great symbol of liberalism is Michael Moore. I have some reading for you. I have mentioned him several times on here, but Jay Nordlinger is great. His article on The Myth Of Cuban Health Care is very enlightening, especially with the recent release of Moore’s film Sicko. Not that health care couldn’t be operated more effectively than it has been in this country, but socialization of the system is not the answer.
Should He Stay Or Should He Go?
Finally, a results show that didn’t surprise me or disappoint me. Although I think he was much better than he had ever been – from the mambo to his solo – he still did not deserve to be in this week’s show, let alone next week's. I love seeing Danny in the bottom three. It’s going to be just a couple of weeks before that guy is gone. He is just too unpopular and I think the judges are finally starting to realize that. When do they start eliminating based solely on audience votes anyway? I think as soon as that starts happening, that kid is gone. And Shauna...I’m in indifferent to her. She had her moments, but she never did do anything that made me excited about anything she had done on the show.
*Thanks Laura for pointing out the mistake. Bottom line...she's not worth remembering. See ya!
I still loved that flaming ‘mo they had as the third judge. I’m actually pretty excited to see Hairspray. That will be a fun movie. I’m trying to think if there was anything else interesting to say, but last night’s show was kind of meh for me. Oh well.
*Thanks Laura for pointing out the mistake. Bottom line...she's not worth remembering. See ya!
I still loved that flaming ‘mo they had as the third judge. I’m actually pretty excited to see Hairspray. That will be a fun movie. I’m trying to think if there was anything else interesting to say, but last night’s show was kind of meh for me. Oh well.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a sad day indeed. At least for me, because I only just found out today. It was announced last week that the Irvine Co. will not be renewing the lease for Wild Rivers. Apparently some people are putting together a petition to try and keep the park open and they will soon be putting together a website, http://www.savewildrivers.com. So, get your digs in while you can. Dave...we need to get on those season passes, like NOW. Visit them.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The DAMN Moment Of The Week
For the first time in...more than 6 months? Longer probably. We didn't play soccer. It was weird. I did go running instead, which I'm surprised at how much of a weenie I am right now. I need to start working out more. Or at least doing more cardio. On a related point, anyone want to join me in doing this triathlon? It's over at Catalina Island and it's just a half mile swim, 10 mile bike ride, 3 mile run. Any takers? I think it would be really fun. If you don't think you can do it, then ask my buddy Chino what it's like to run an entire marathon without any training. Yup, he really did it. Or my brother when he was in the Marines for one of his fitness tests decided all of the sudden that he was going to just run 3 miles in 18 minutes without any prior preparation. You realize that's hard to do, right? Both of those things. The marathon is probably a little more crazy, but you get the point. There's nothing you can't do if you don't put limits on the opportunities. I'm really serious about this. Anyway...think about it. I'm WAY off topic here. Back to the lecture at hand, perfection is perfected, so I'm a let 'em understand. I don't think anyone besides Laura can pick out that line. Maybe Greg...anyway...
So You Think You Can Dance is back people! Yay! I was really impressed with just about everything on this week's show. I thought the guest judge was awesome. He had great insight, volunteered a lot of great comments. A lot of energy, I think he played off the other two really well. I love that they are incorporating last year's dancers so much into the show. I love the Benji choreographed a dance, and it was awesome. So as far as DAMN moments go...well I'm just going to go with what I thought were the least DAMN worthy because most of the show was so DAMN good. I loved Hok and Jamie's waltz in spite of what the judges said, but they did have a lot of good points to bring up. Oh...this one probably bugged me the most, but what was that sequin mosaic dress that Cat was wearing? And the labeling of Cat's accent as french was a low moment for Dominic. And probably the last one...Danny is such an amazing dancer, but the guy really is a corksoaker. Anyway, here are the clips, I'm going from favorite to least favorite.
Dominic and Sabra Week 4
Neil and Lauren Week 4
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I love Wade Robson. When you see Neil in the interview how much does he look like Ethan Embry from Can't Hardly Wait? A lot, I tell ya. I really dug on his attire and the make-up job, but that's the feminine side of me. I could have done without the actual scream from Lauren, though.
Pasha and Sara Week 4
Uploaded by mickeymcc
This impressed me a lot more than I thought it was going to. The more I see Sara, the more I like her. She's actually pretty cute, and they're both really strong dancers. It will be interesting, though, to see Pasha out of his element. Of course he's going to do great in this one and the Cha Cha from last week, but what about hip hop?
Danny and Anya Week 4
Uploaded by mickeymcc
These two are awesome. Danny makes incredible use of the whole stage, but seriously, a huge corksoaker. And who thought that Anya would actually look really good as a blonde? I kind of hate how Danny killed her enthusiasm in the post-dance commentaries.
Kameron and Lacey Week 4
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I think the recency effect is why this one is so low. It was really good. However, I too am sensing that lack of pizz-zazz from Kameron. Great dance.
So You Think You Can Dance is back people! Yay! I was really impressed with just about everything on this week's show. I thought the guest judge was awesome. He had great insight, volunteered a lot of great comments. A lot of energy, I think he played off the other two really well. I love that they are incorporating last year's dancers so much into the show. I love the Benji choreographed a dance, and it was awesome. So as far as DAMN moments go...well I'm just going to go with what I thought were the least DAMN worthy because most of the show was so DAMN good. I loved Hok and Jamie's waltz in spite of what the judges said, but they did have a lot of good points to bring up. Oh...this one probably bugged me the most, but what was that sequin mosaic dress that Cat was wearing? And the labeling of Cat's accent as french was a low moment for Dominic. And probably the last one...Danny is such an amazing dancer, but the guy really is a corksoaker. Anyway, here are the clips, I'm going from favorite to least favorite.
Dominic and Sabra Week 4
I really have a soft spot for these two, but I really thought this one was awesome. I love Shane's choreography. I don't ever expect Dominic to do anything other than what he does in the intro each Wednesday night which is spin around, but I really loved how fluid he was in the routine. It really reminded me a lot of Hok's movements. As always, Sabra was awesome. I think she's my favorite girl. She's just spectacular.
Neil and Lauren Week 4
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I love Wade Robson. When you see Neil in the interview how much does he look like Ethan Embry from Can't Hardly Wait? A lot, I tell ya. I really dug on his attire and the make-up job, but that's the feminine side of me. I could have done without the actual scream from Lauren, though.
Pasha and Sara Week 4
Uploaded by mickeymcc
This impressed me a lot more than I thought it was going to. The more I see Sara, the more I like her. She's actually pretty cute, and they're both really strong dancers. It will be interesting, though, to see Pasha out of his element. Of course he's going to do great in this one and the Cha Cha from last week, but what about hip hop?
Danny and Anya Week 4
Uploaded by mickeymcc
These two are awesome. Danny makes incredible use of the whole stage, but seriously, a huge corksoaker. And who thought that Anya would actually look really good as a blonde? I kind of hate how Danny killed her enthusiasm in the post-dance commentaries.
Kameron and Lacey Week 4
Uploaded by mickeymcc
I think the recency effect is why this one is so low. It was really good. However, I too am sensing that lack of pizz-zazz from Kameron. Great dance.
Check This Out
This is really unbelievable. Like the physics of it is so crazy. I'm just so amazed at how the dude is able to transfer all the energy from the height of the jump down to the ground, out through that roll. I wish Greg were reading this blog and he could do the calculation to see what kind of force he generates through that jump...what is it? F=M*A? He is probably about 160 lbs...so maybe 75kg...gravity is equal to 9.86 meters per second per second...jumping from about 30 feet...getting too complicated. I'm impressed that I even got that far. Anyway...it's just crazy.
The Compass
The Compass on Facebook, the little political survey, it's scaled improperly. It's impossible to score as extremely conservative, and difficult to even score as conservative at all. Just in case you were wondering. Is the error on purpose? Probably not...or maybe it's part of the mainstream media conspiracy to trick people into believing they are more liberal than they actually are. Think about it.
Bathroom Story
If you’re not down with scatological humor (and by the way, is that not the most perfect sounding word for what it means?), then I suggest you skip this post. Most mornings I will go #2 and I will take some reading material with me while on the pot. As I’m reading this morning about the growing tension between Iran and the US, in walks another guy. I usually don’t like doing my business with someone else in the bathroom. It just feels weird to me to hear somebody else’s poop sounds. One of my mission companions swore that if you forced two mortal enemies to poop next to each other, they would come out friends. Anyway, I’m hoping that he only needs to use the urinal. To my dismay, he opts for the stall so I’m thinking, great, I just started so we’re gonna be here the whole time together. But I noticed that I didn’t hear the door close.
And that’s when it happened – for about two minutes I listened to the longest, most powerful stream of wizz that I’ve ever heard. He never stopped to catch his breath, he just went. And right in middle of the toilet, echoes reverberating throughout the bathroom. While he’s starting to pierce the porcelain with his water cannon, he makes a phone call and doesn’t miss a beat. He was as composed in the conversation as if he had taken the call while lying on a raft in middle of his pool at his estate. What’s even more interesting was that it wasn’t a friend that he was talking to, unless his friend likes hearing about renovation projects and where we plan on building and remodeling. It was such an odd experience, I just had to tell you about it. The picture is to scale, complete with the open door on his stall.
And that’s when it happened – for about two minutes I listened to the longest, most powerful stream of wizz that I’ve ever heard. He never stopped to catch his breath, he just went. And right in middle of the toilet, echoes reverberating throughout the bathroom. While he’s starting to pierce the porcelain with his water cannon, he makes a phone call and doesn’t miss a beat. He was as composed in the conversation as if he had taken the call while lying on a raft in middle of his pool at his estate. What’s even more interesting was that it wasn’t a friend that he was talking to, unless his friend likes hearing about renovation projects and where we plan on building and remodeling. It was such an odd experience, I just had to tell you about it. The picture is to scale, complete with the open door on his stall.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
What's A Gime?
The gym is a funny place, isn't it? Guys go and they'll wear designer crooked hats. Girls will wear almost nothing, or have all their make-up on. Guys will gawk. Girls will go to be gawked at. People watching is fun, but people watching at the gym is really fun because you have people exerting themselves physically and sometimes that's just pure comedy. For instance, one guy today insisted on curling probably about 20 lbs more than what he should normally be doing. As a result, he develops a full body flex that incorporates his back arched awkwardly with a spectacular grimace that makes his neck strain so much that it looks like all those little tendons are about to pop out of the skin. And it's funny when the girls do want the attention from the guys at the gym, and when they don't. Or watching people run on the treadmills. I think I enjoy watching people do exercises all wrong, or with way too much weight. Always good for a laugh or two.
And you know what else I like seeing at the gym? I like seeing fat people. I always think to myself, way to go fat guy! You've finally gotten angry enough at your body to inflict some positive pain. There used to be this African-American couple and the guy was huge, just an amazing physical specimen. And his wife was...just not. But I thought it was so cool to watch him be so supportive of her. It wasn't one of those, "you better get in shape or else," kind of deals. It was genuine. I liked seeing that. It's a funny place. I happened upon it today. I love kick-starting those endorphins. It really is one of my favorite feelings to finish up a work-out and be through all the post-stretching and just be relaxing. Exercise is good.
Dan Patrick: 1989-2007
I know you guys are all pretty broken up about this. I know I am. Only in the last year or two did I start to listen to his radio show and really begin to appreciate what a great sports personality this guy is. He is unafraid to be self-effacing. There are a lot of goofy bits on his radio show, but I always got the feeling that this guy was just doing what he loved. He is unafraid to be self-effacing, and that's just a really cool quality to have. Especially on air with a national audience. Years ago, like Keith Olberman, he was offered more money to do a real broadcasting gig with a major news network, but he opted for ESPN. I just really love the guy.Join The Search
Kevin and Bean invited Elvira to be a guest this morning on their show. Apparently there will be a reality show to search for other Elvira's to help her fulfill the many requests she gets each year during Halloween. I've always kind of known about her, but never really knew what she got famous for or how she came to be. She used to host a weekly tv show that would showcase some B-horror movie. During the show it would be interrupted by her making some kind of joke about the show or herself. Listening her to this morning, I never really knew that she is actually pretty funny. She started out in a comedy troupe that also featured Phil Hartman and Paul Reuben (Pee Wee). I kind of wish that show were on still, I'd like to see it. I also kind of think it would be fun to go to one of those theaters that shows Rocky Horror Picture Show regularly and the audience has their lines and throws stuff at the movie screen. That kind of stuff I think is funny, or would be fun at least because it would be such a unique experience. That Rocky Horror Picture Show thing has nothing to do with the make-up thing I mentioned previously. But alas...the Rocky is a pirate movie. Anyway...if you're busty and pretty witty, join in the search.
Playlist
I've added a lot of tracks to the playlist, but I've gone away from the autostart. If you want to listen then you just need to click on play and it will come up for you. There are some pretty random songs on there. There will be a surprise the next couple of days too.
Monday, July 9, 2007
What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up?
An orange, a lawyer, a gorilla, or a tulip? Can't somebody tell me? Can't somebody make up my mind? Can't somebody please lend me a quarter and a dime?
That comes courtesy of my buddy Cid. It was a song he wrote our freshmen year at BYU. Maybe he'll even read that and appreciate the shout out. He comes around here occassionally.
Okay...so this is just something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. Today Dave and I were just chatting a little bit about this topic of what we're going to be doing in the future. It's worrisome, let me tell you. My focus from freshmen year at school was to get into graduate school and become a psychologist. I worked hard and made myself a likely candidate for some pretty darn good programs. I picked one of them and for several reasons that I don't really care to go into, that program just has not turned out as I would have hoped. So a couple years and about 30k dollars later, I'm changing course.
Up until about January of 2005 I knew exactly what I was going to do. I even thought I knew who I was going to end up with. I was going to pick a PhD program and finish that up. And when the time came, I was going to go through it with this one person. Then the program wasn't what I had envisioned, so I opted for the masters to finish sooner and do a different track. Then things didn't work out with the girl. And finally things just aren't really working with the program. Now I'm totally shifting gears and it's scary and I have no idea what's going on.
So why share all of this in a public forum? 6 months ago, or even 3 months ago, I think I would range from terrified to apprehensive about the future and what lay in store for me. And yesterday I got kind of stuck teaching the priesthood lesson because the teacher didn't work out, but I'm really grateful that it turned out that way. It went really well and I learned a lot. But in thinking about these things today and I've been in a really pensive, quiet mood all day long, I am realizing again that I am at a point where I don't feel any of that same fear or apprehension that I did even just a couple of months ago. And I bring up the lesson because I thought one line in particular was especially profound and this is the crux of this post - It is not blind obedience, even without total understanding, to follow a Father who has proved himself.
The difference between me now and me six months ago is where my faith is at. Although I am in a sense blind because I have no idea how things are going to turn out in 5 years, 1 year, 6 months, or even 1 month from now, my guide is sure. It took me a lot of heartache and a lot of time to figure that out, but I'm finally there. And this goes back to my post from yesterday about limitations.
Of course it's okay to fret sometimes that maybe what we're doing isn't exactly our favorite thing, or we're unsure about the course that we are travelling on. We can, however, rest assured that He knows perfectly where it is that we need to go. Not only that, but where the best place is to go that will bring us the most happiness. As Lehi told Jacob, behold all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things. As long as our faith is intact, there is no limit to what wonders He can work in our lives. Stay committed, and be faithful and those things will work themselves out. I finally understand that. Again. Hold on and hope on. And sorry if this is too goofy. Like I said I'm just in the frame of mind today where I'm considering all of these things.
From Elder Hales:
Finally, be there. Each of us was there in the Council in Heaven to choose the great plan of happiness we now enjoy. Young men, when you have made a commitment to yourself, your family, your bishop, your employer, be there. When it is time to be in church, at Mutual, or fulfilling a priesthood assignment, be there. When it is time to graduate from school or training programs, be there. When it is time to serve a mission, be there. When the young woman you love most kneels at the altar of God's holy temple, be there (and not as a witness). When your family is gathered in the celestial kingdom, be there. When the Savior waits to greet you as you return with honor from your life on this earth and your Heavenly Father wants to encircle you about in the arms of His love, be there.
That comes courtesy of my buddy Cid. It was a song he wrote our freshmen year at BYU. Maybe he'll even read that and appreciate the shout out. He comes around here occassionally.
Okay...so this is just something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. Today Dave and I were just chatting a little bit about this topic of what we're going to be doing in the future. It's worrisome, let me tell you. My focus from freshmen year at school was to get into graduate school and become a psychologist. I worked hard and made myself a likely candidate for some pretty darn good programs. I picked one of them and for several reasons that I don't really care to go into, that program just has not turned out as I would have hoped. So a couple years and about 30k dollars later, I'm changing course.
Up until about January of 2005 I knew exactly what I was going to do. I even thought I knew who I was going to end up with. I was going to pick a PhD program and finish that up. And when the time came, I was going to go through it with this one person. Then the program wasn't what I had envisioned, so I opted for the masters to finish sooner and do a different track. Then things didn't work out with the girl. And finally things just aren't really working with the program. Now I'm totally shifting gears and it's scary and I have no idea what's going on.
So why share all of this in a public forum? 6 months ago, or even 3 months ago, I think I would range from terrified to apprehensive about the future and what lay in store for me. And yesterday I got kind of stuck teaching the priesthood lesson because the teacher didn't work out, but I'm really grateful that it turned out that way. It went really well and I learned a lot. But in thinking about these things today and I've been in a really pensive, quiet mood all day long, I am realizing again that I am at a point where I don't feel any of that same fear or apprehension that I did even just a couple of months ago. And I bring up the lesson because I thought one line in particular was especially profound and this is the crux of this post - It is not blind obedience, even without total understanding, to follow a Father who has proved himself.
The difference between me now and me six months ago is where my faith is at. Although I am in a sense blind because I have no idea how things are going to turn out in 5 years, 1 year, 6 months, or even 1 month from now, my guide is sure. It took me a lot of heartache and a lot of time to figure that out, but I'm finally there. And this goes back to my post from yesterday about limitations.
Of course it's okay to fret sometimes that maybe what we're doing isn't exactly our favorite thing, or we're unsure about the course that we are travelling on. We can, however, rest assured that He knows perfectly where it is that we need to go. Not only that, but where the best place is to go that will bring us the most happiness. As Lehi told Jacob, behold all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things. As long as our faith is intact, there is no limit to what wonders He can work in our lives. Stay committed, and be faithful and those things will work themselves out. I finally understand that. Again. Hold on and hope on. And sorry if this is too goofy. Like I said I'm just in the frame of mind today where I'm considering all of these things.
From Elder Hales:
Finally, be there. Each of us was there in the Council in Heaven to choose the great plan of happiness we now enjoy. Young men, when you have made a commitment to yourself, your family, your bishop, your employer, be there. When it is time to be in church, at Mutual, or fulfilling a priesthood assignment, be there. When it is time to graduate from school or training programs, be there. When it is time to serve a mission, be there. When the young woman you love most kneels at the altar of God's holy temple, be there (and not as a witness). When your family is gathered in the celestial kingdom, be there. When the Savior waits to greet you as you return with honor from your life on this earth and your Heavenly Father wants to encircle you about in the arms of His love, be there.
Let's Put It To The Studio Audience
So...I'm pretty secure in my masculinity, but here are some feminine and masculine qualities or interests that I have and you can decide for yourself which way I swing.
Feminine:
I like putting on make-up, but it's only heavy make-up like if my whole face is painted, not to accentuate my many beautiful features
I know the choreography to Crazy, Bye Bye Bye, and Give It To You. And I want to take dance classes, in whatever...but not ballet, or tap. It would have to be like hip hop, or even salsa, or swing classes would be fun, ballroom maybe even?
I have no problem talking about feelings and being sensitive
I've cried watching movies before
I love poetry
I like romantic comedies
I am reading Pride and Prejudice and I'm really enjoying it
I have never thrown a real punch
I really enjoy the arts in general - I like literature, theater, paintings, and sculptures
I don't do it that often, but I enjoy cooking
I keep a clean house/apartment
I think the color pink is really cool
I appreciate a nice wardrobe
I can recognize an attractive male, for example I can fully recognize that Andy Roddick is a babe.
Sometimes I like jewelry
I know the choreography to Crazy, Bye Bye Bye, and Give It To You. And I want to take dance classes, in whatever...but not ballet, or tap. It would have to be like hip hop, or even salsa, or swing classes would be fun, ballroom maybe even?
I have no problem talking about feelings and being sensitive
I've cried watching movies before
I love poetry
I like romantic comedies
I am reading Pride and Prejudice and I'm really enjoying it
I have never thrown a real punch
I really enjoy the arts in general - I like literature, theater, paintings, and sculptures
I don't do it that often, but I enjoy cooking
I keep a clean house/apartment
I think the color pink is really cool
I appreciate a nice wardrobe
I can recognize an attractive male, for example I can fully recognize that Andy Roddick is a babe.
Sometimes I like jewelry
I not only know what a loofa is, I use one
I hate killing things. I feel bad even when I step on a snail.
I hate killing things. I feel bad even when I step on a snail.
Masculine things about me:
I LOVE sports. I can probably talk sports more thoroughly and more intelligently than 98% of the guys you know
I like breaking things - one time there were some construction vehicles out by my house and me and some other kids threw rocks through all of the windows
I like being juvenile.
I like burning things. Not in the crazy sense like I just set fires. I like blowing things up and playing around with fire in a controlled setting is kind of fun.
I like fixing things. For about a year and a half I did all sorts of home remodelling work. I even gutted my upstairs bathroom and remodelled everything in there. Similarly, being in Home Depot is now like Toys R Us for me. I can walk around for hours looking at tools thinking about which ones I don't have yet and the ones I want the most.
I don't mind getting sweaty.
I like being sore
I really love action films
My idea of a really cool summer project is rebuilding a car
I like watching violent sports
I think farts are funny, probably too much so
I can belch with the best of them
I prefer doing the spooning rather than being spooned
I think dudes are gross.
I love women. I have no idea how a guy could ever choose men over women. The thought is revolting to me. Women are so beautiful, they are nicer than guys, and they smell good. Plus they have less hair. And the female figure I think is breath-taking. Guys are so big and bulky and awkward looking to me.
The punctuation is crappy and inconsistent, but I'm leaving it as is. Peace.
Live Earth Met With Dead Silence
That's actually a pretty clever title don't you think? So this last weekend apparenty 2 billion people were going to tune into the concert heard 'round the globe whose organizers intended not only to increase awareness, but expand governmental interference. What was the response? Little to nothing. The BBC ran 15 hours of live coverage of the event and at its apex, it was able to attract about 4.5 million. To give you an idea of how significant this was for Britons, three times as many people ended up watching the tribute to Princess Diana last week. Reuter's reported that the millions expected to show up at the Live Earth Concert in Brazil, didn't come. Is a free concert for poor citizens not enough incentive? The Rolling Stones apparently drew twice the amount at the same beach recently. Nope, that one wasn't free. I also read this article this morning about what it would require to meet the goals that Al Gore and other liberals are hoping to achieve. Still buying into global warming? Check out this reference to what many alarmists were pointing to as evidence of the epidemic that is global warming. By the way...that photo is Al Gore at the event, and methinks that those seats also look empty. Does anyone else love the irony of having the headquarters of an event to boost environmental awareness take place in New Jersey?
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Movie Review: Die Hard
I know, I lied. I have to do this one last one though because it was so friggin' awesome.
Does it require a lot of suspension of disbelief? Absolutely. Is it still absurdly sweet? You betcha. I don't know where this one ranks with the other three. I know the first one is the best. I think I liked the third one a lot. So about a tie with Die Hard With A Vengeance? Probably. There are a lot of parts that I'm just like, whatever. And that was either because it was just way absurd, or it just was kind of anti-climactic. For instance, *SPOILER* there is this one bad guy who keeps escaping death and you think is a huge BADASS, but then he just gets totally worked in like two seconds. The fight that Bruce has with the hot asian chick is way more drawn out than with this other dude. But if you want lots of explosions and to see a tough guy in the mold of, well, John McClain, then check this one out.
Does it require a lot of suspension of disbelief? Absolutely. Is it still absurdly sweet? You betcha. I don't know where this one ranks with the other three. I know the first one is the best. I think I liked the third one a lot. So about a tie with Die Hard With A Vengeance? Probably. There are a lot of parts that I'm just like, whatever. And that was either because it was just way absurd, or it just was kind of anti-climactic. For instance, *SPOILER* there is this one bad guy who keeps escaping death and you think is a huge BADASS, but then he just gets totally worked in like two seconds. The fight that Bruce has with the hot asian chick is way more drawn out than with this other dude. But if you want lots of explosions and to see a tough guy in the mold of, well, John McClain, then check this one out.
Congressional Approval At All Time Low
This is my last one for the evening. I meant to post this last week, but like I said earlier, I just didn't feel like it. Hugh Hewitt was so kindly telling me about congressional approval last week and I thought this was worth bringing up. It is so interesting what things you hear about in the news, and conversely, what things you don't. I posted, or at least I think I did, a couple of weeks ago about the fairness doctrine. I did. You can visit it in the archives. It's hard to tell because there are so many different polls out there. However, at this website you can get an average of each of the polls and it points to the same conclusion: congressional approval is abysmal.
Many republicans hanged their heads low after the elections last October. Democrats celebrated, but that giddiness has been curbed with how sucky they suck at running the country. What I find so interesting about it all is how much you hear about President Bush's approval ratings and how low they are, but not nearly as much about the congressional ratings. What's more, people are more pleased with Bush than they are with Congress. Surprising? It should be.
Many republicans hanged their heads low after the elections last October. Democrats celebrated, but that giddiness has been curbed with how sucky they suck at running the country. What I find so interesting about it all is how much you hear about President Bush's approval ratings and how low they are, but not nearly as much about the congressional ratings. What's more, people are more pleased with Bush than they are with Congress. Surprising? It should be.
Oi...Roger Federer Wins Again
This guy ALWAYS wins. It bugs the crap out of me. The guy is perfect. You watch him play and he is just crazy good. Every winner he hits, every passing shot, it's perfection. And what's worse is that he is completely gracious in victory and is completely self-aware. He knows Nadal is nipping at his heels, just about to overtake him. He is the consummate nice guy, great player. He hails even from a country that I can't really hate - Switzerland. What have they ever done to us? Given us great knives? Watches? Oh, how about bank accounts where you can hide your untold millions? Switzerland. He does not miss. Ever. He never says the wrong thing. He seems genuinely excited and happy for each and every tournament victory, which is pretty much all of them except for the French Open. There is absolutely no way that this guy can be human. He plays like a robot and everything that he ever says has to be completely scripted because it is always the right thing. He is a class act in every victory and says nothing but positive things about every opponent he vanquishes. 
And he owns my favorite guy, Andy Roddick. I probably only root for Andy because he is the only decent American male tennis player. Andy is awesome. Not only is he good looking, but he just feels American. He has the biggest serve in tennis. He gets super-revved up. He is pretty witty and knows all too well his limitations with respect to Federer. But the guy comes up short every time. It is so aggravating. Federer completely dismantles him every time they play. And now Roger has won another Wimbledon while Andy came up short, blowing a two-set lead, and then two tie-breaks. There is not a lot I love about tennis right now except for Rafael Nadal and his biceps. The kid is awesome, but that's for another day.
Limitations
Last week was interesting because not that many people visited the blog, not that many comments, and I didn't even feel like posting that much. I think having the 4th right in middle of the week kind of changed the feel for how things normally go. Anyway...I think Sundays I'm going to post mostly church kind of stuff, unless something really has been sticking out to me that I want to comment on. Here is the Sunday stuff...
"The only limitation on you and me is within ourselves"
"The only limitation on you and me is within ourselves"
-Pres. Marion G. Romney
I was thinking about this yesterday actually. And just a lot in general. I think each member of my family serves as an amazing example of this idea. My dad owned his own business by the age of 17. Initially he worked for his older sister at a tailor shop, but eventually came to own the same shop and then employ her as his employee. He saved up $10,000 and scouted the US basically to see if there was opportunity here. When he decided there was, he saved up even more money and brought our whole family here from Brazil. And he's been very successful ever since then. My parents got divorced about 10 years ago. At first it looked like my mom was going to be in really bad shape, but once she got full control of her own shops she has really made them work. She has really closed the gap between herself and my father. It's unbelievable what she's been able to do. And my brother...I don't think anyone has a better attitude when it comes to taking on difficult tasks than he does. I don't know anybody who works harder at his marriage, at being a good father, and just being a decent person more than he does. There would have been a lot of valid excuses as to why they couldn't make it in their lives. It's too hard. I don't know English. Most small businesses fail anyway. I have never done it on my own. My wife is too difficult. These were not the types of thoughts that occupied any of their minds. Having this kind of negative self-talk excuses us from trying and prevents us from succeeding.
I've just been thinking about this recently because I feel like I have heard a lot of reasons as to why people can't do certain things. And I think it has more to do with negative self-talk than anything else. We convince ourselves that our job stinks, or that the ward is not for us, or that there is just nobody that we can get close to either just as friends or in relationships, or just that we'll never be able to overcome our circumstances for whatever the case may be. I've been hearing a lot of this. I'm convinced that it has mostly to do with the type of self-talk that we have. My mission president used to bring up this point a lot.
People who achieve great things don't sweat the small stuff. They are more concerned about doing and becoming more than what is missing or what has yet to occur. People who love the church and their ward aren't ones who have had only good experiences and been blessed to be in great wards. They love it all because of their positive self-talk. They don't think that the church or ward might be better if only there was a different bishop, or if more people came, or if there were hotter guys or girls. People with many close friends have them because not only do they seek out great people, but they seek out that greatness even in those people that are right around them. We are what we think. We can't achieve great things if our minds are focused on self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. The bottom line is that we can't be a part of great things if we only have petty thoughts. Root out that negative self-talk. We are only limited by ourselves. I whole-heartedly endorse that line of thinking.
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