Just Like Working Out...

Blogging is a lot like working out. At least it is for me.

In other words, it goes in spurts. I blog like a madman, then give up blogging for more interesting pursuits, like watching The Amazing Race.

Then I come back. I don't know if this post would constitute "coming back" but I would say it's a good start.

As an interesting side-note, my wife has been in Kauai for the last week. She went with friends and have had a great time. Her plane lands tomorrow morning at 9:10 am. My plane for New York takes off at 8:30 am... Yes, we miss each other by 40 minutes.

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Me in Paris

Jenny & I atop Notre Dame

Me & Mona Lisa

More description of the trip to come, but just had to post a quick picture or two!

Embarassing Moment # 589

On Friday, we were doing a video shoot at the UVU campus. I had a meeting first thing that morning, so I wore some jeans instead of wearing shorts like I wanted to. But I brought some shorts and flip-flops to put on after the meeting was over. (side note - as it turned out, the other two people attending my meeting were in shorts... Of course...)

So I went to my truck with the intention of changing into my shorts. My truck is a four-door truck, so after giving a brief look-around, opening both front and back doors for the little "dressing room" effect, I started to drop my jeans. I had one leg out and was bending over and twisting a little and out of the corner of my eye I saw something that made me wish I had disappearing skills. There was a man and woman in the car right next to me... My butt was about 12 inches from the woman's window. They were both dying laughing...

I didn't know whether to try and hurry and get my pants back on or go on and get my shorts on. It was probably sixes as far as time goes, so I hurried and got my shorts on, gave them a little wave and that "sorry about that" look and hurried off...

Until the next EM...

Pood Court

Today I was in a meeting, and using my mad white board skills, I was drawing a map of the UVU campus for the group. My "F" looked like a "P" in "Food Court."

I checked my zipper/nose/cheek/chin/hair/shirt/etc to see why everyone was laughing.

Come to find out it was just junior high humor. I laughed too, cause that junior high stuff is FUNNY!

Moved & Trees

If you don't know by now, I've moved to Highland. Not "the Highlands", cause I think that's either in Scotland or it's a show on the WB. It's Highland, UT.

We moved here because we wanted a new home, a bigger lot and a new surrounding. We've loved it so far. It's a great neighborhood, great school for Jacob (yes, he was in kindergarten this last year) and overall it's been great.

A quick note about the "wind". I use the quotation marks because, well, "wind" doesn't nearly do justice the hurricane force winds we get out here sometimes. It was bad through the winter and spring, but the summer has been wonderful. Keeping my fingers crossed it will stay that way.

This spring, I was wanting to get the yard going. I hired a landscaper (quick shout-out to Dave Prina with Hilltop Landscaping) and got the process rolling. After a bit of deliberation and brainstorming, it was decided to plant a few trees.... Few=180 trees... No, that was not a typo, not a mistake. We planted 180 trees around my whole lot (it's a big lot!). I have now completely done my part to stem the whole "green-house gases" problem. I am exempt for the rest of my life. I can drive a Hummer or tank and no one can say I haven't done something to help save the planet.

I also planted a garden... Not going so well... Although, I did pick a banana pepper tonight, take a bite and then head into the house to grab a drink to dampen the fire in my mouth. Well, in my moment of excitement having "lived off the land", I went to adjust my contact in my eye... With the hand that had pepper juice on it... My eye looked like I'd had someone kick my butt. Not one of my finer moments. Yes I scored high on the ACT, but that doesn't mean I'm always smart...

Finally, you will find me buying a riding mower in the coming weeks. Cause mowing a half acres worth of grass SUCKS!

Maui & Blue Steel

For the third year in a row, we went to Maui with the whole family. The big banyan tree in Lahaina has the same birthday as Jacob!

Swim, eat, scuba dive, sleep, read, eat, swim, drive around, and just generally relax.

But the best thing about the whole trip was Jacob's first real modeling moment. Please see the attached photo for his "Blue Steel!"

The Backyard

A little ride with the kids in the backyard!

Missing Sports Center

Been a long time since I've watched Sports Center. Need to catch up on it!

Monday

I've really come to hate Mondays. I know that sounds very cliche, and I recognize that it's fairly unoriginal. But I think I've proven myself to be one that isn't afraid to try different things. I tried tomatoes, still hate them. I tried snowboarding, ended up loving it. I tried more Italian food, and found a couple things I enjoy. I tried reading the Stephanie Meyer books, and realize they are for women.

As I said, I've given Monday many opportunities to prove itself to me. I've gone so far as to try and encourage others to enjoy Mondays thinking it might help me to enjoy them more.

It's snowing this morning. The drive into work that should be 20 minutes, took 45. I've got annoying issues I have to deal with already this morning.

So, I've come to the conclusion Monday's actually do suck*. They would be better off not existing, and I would be better off staying in bed on such mornings.

* Monday Night Football is the exception to this whole blog.

The Giving Tree

Tonight I read "The Giving Tree", by Shel Silverstein to my son. If you haven't ever read it, or haven't read it in a while, it's a good one to pick up and read again.

I actually got a little choked up reading it. Maybe it was the hell of a day that I had, or something else, but it really hit me.

First off, having my son sit on my lap, and reading to him is one of the great things of my life. And I know, that in that relationship, I am the tree. I would give everything, and then some for him to be happy.

Then there are other relationships where I feel like I'm the boy. I feel like I'm taking and taking and never quite happy. It sucks. I need to evaluate what really makes me happy. Where does my happiness come from?

Then there are relationships where I'm the tree. Friends, family, businesses, situations, memories, aspirations and others that take and take from me, and never seem to give back. How do you handle that? I want to be a giver. I want to be a person that people know they can depend on. I want to be a guy that works for something and gives what it takes. But in the end, do I end up a stump?

Writer's Strike Three...

I understand the need for some people to feed their families, pay their mortgages and pay for health insurance, and for others to run successful and profitable companies, but DAMNIT, I need my new TV!!! You're killing me!

Re-runs have always held a special place in my heart. I can recite many episodes of Seinfeld and M*A*S*H*, and of course enjoy the nostalgic nature of American Gladiator. But with football season coming to an end, and LOST coming back to torture me, I'm feeling like I can't hardly breath.

For the love, end the madness and let me get back to my TV!!!

Mitt Romney

So I've been following the elections closer than I normally do. Most would say that's because of the Mormon factor, and yes, that's partly why, but also because of the current state of our country.

Several years ago, I voted for Ross Perot. I did this for one big reason, I want to see what a business person can do in the White House. Mitt Romney has proven he can go into companies, organizations and events and turn them around. I believe he can do the same thing in Washington.

Okay, that's about all the politics I'm going to blog on...

A Quote That Sums Up My Day's Thoughts

"O that a man might know the end of this days business ere it come! But it sufficeth that the day will end, and then the end is known."

- William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Chicago

Here I come!

BYU Football Preview

A couple years ago I started providing my Dad a preview of BYU football each year. Here's my attempt at sports reporting!

Highlights:

BYU is considered by many, both local and national to have one of the best Offensive Lines in the country. They're big, fast, strong, deep and experienced. This bodes well for a new QB needing an extra second or two.

Our core of running backs are BRUISERS!!! We've got four guys who all weigh above 225, can run fast, and catch the ball. This will be beneficial for several reasons, 1- they'll provide assistance in any blocking scheme, 2- Behind the O-line should be able to move the ball, and 3- with both of our All-American tight ends leaving last year, they'll provide a little assistance catching the ball out of the backfield.

Wide receivers are fast, plentiful and much more familiar with the offense. This should be a plus for us this year.

The linebackers are stronger, faster and better than ever. We're also pretty deep, so we should be able to keep fresh legs on the field throughout the game. We lost Cameron Jensen last year, but he was backed up by a lot of talent. The new 3-4-4 defense implemented last year opened it up for the LB's to really take over. They now have a whole years experience with the new defensive scheme, so that will help.

Excitement is high around here. The season ticket sales are at a new high. With the student ticket sales, they should set some records this year if they win some games.

Our schedule is favorable. We play a Arizona at home to open, and then get to play TCU and Utah at home near the end of the season. Both TCU and Utah are picked in the top three with BYU in the preseason polls.


Lowlights:

Obviously a new QB raises some questions. He's performed well in spring ball and fall ball, but until you actually have big fast black men running at you, you don't know how you're going to react.

We lost our big talented tight ends. No one has really stepped up yet to fill the slots. I'm sure someone will step into the role, but probably not two like last year.

Our secondary is hurting! Both literally and figuratively. Two of the projected starters are out for the season with injuries already. This is spelling trouble. If there's a bright side here it's that our linebackers should help ease a little pressure.

Our starting nose guard just tore his ACL and MCL so he's out for the season. The D-line is already pretty young, so this hurt a lot. They're scrambling to find some guys for the D-line. Where a weak secondary can be helped by a strong linebacker crew, a weak D-line hampers the linebackers ability to float and roam. They'll have to stay home more to cover for the D-line.

Our kicking game MAY be a problem! Both place kicker and punter are new and without experience. The place kicker was going to be the punter too, but the coaches decided to get him to concentrate on place kicking only. To me this says, "uh oh, we need him to spend all of his time on place kicking cause it's not coming along as we'd like it to." The punter they found does have some experience in JC, and his kicks have great hang time, but again, Division 1 is a whole different story.

Summary:

We're undefeated right now, so that's always a good thing. Optimism is high and the fans are going nuts. Bronco Mendenhall has people believing in Cougar football again, but after two seasons most people still felt the same way about Gary Crowton. BYU just gave Bronco a contract extension through I believe 2012, and he's making almost $1 million a year in salary. It makes him comparable to other coaches in Division 1. This huge salary comes from a group of donors called the "Coaches Circle" who decided last year that BYU needed to start paying more to keep the coaches here.

Recruiting is going very well, and BYU is landing the big in state recruits again, as well as recruiting well in the islands. The new BYU facilities are winning us recruits. In a recent coaches poll, BYU ranked in the top 10 for facilities in the country. When you see the new indoor practice facility, the new football locker room and film facilities, you have to agree.

BYU has a chance for national respect with a win against PAC-10 teams Arizona (at home) and UCLA (in Pasadena). The UCLA game will be tough... I expect us to be 1-1 after two games, but we can always hope...

From the outset, the schedule looks favorable, and the team has some strong talent, so now all that's left to do is ACTUALLY PLAY FOOTBALL!!!

GO COUGARS!!!

Oops I Buzzed It Again

As a show of solidarity with my good friend (and by "good friend" I mean, she worships me) Britney Spears, I decided to buzz my head. I wanted to show her that she wasn't alone in this topsy turvy world. It was important for me to show the rest of the world that it's OKAY to buzz one's head.

No I draw the line on my show of solidarity at wearing underwear. I must wear underwear when I wear short shorts. So I guess I'm not as solidare as I thought. And of course, there's the stint in rehab. I did spend a night in Milwaukee, which certainly has to count for some sort of rehab, cause like rehab, why else would you go there? And that tattoo? Well, I think it's fairly common knowledge my fear of needles, so that one goes without saying.

So Britney, I'm with you! Please just don't pierce your nipples, cause that would hurt!!!

Societal Spacial Awareness

Someday, the term "Societal Spacial Awareness" or SSA, will be understood by all the world. And it will have it's roots with me. And I won't be bashful or modest about it, I will smile broadly and tell everyone to "back up, you're crowding me!"

SSA refers to many different situations. Too many to even list here, but I will give a couple for sake of understanding better what this earth-changing term is:

1 - When shopping at a grocery/warehouse/mall/anywhere, think about more than just yourself. Realize where you're at, what other people are doing there, and GET THE HELL OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE AISLE WHEN YOU'RE CONTEMPLATING LO-FAT VS. REGULAR!!!

2 - You've waited yourself for several long minutes to get gas at Costco. You've watched people in front of you dilly-dally in getting to their gas and cursed them for their laziness and inconsideration. Then, you get up there, unprepared to pay, pump or think... You turn into that same idiot that went before you. But now you think that you're in the position of power, you seem to lose your memory of 5 minutes before. I CURSE YOU!!!

3 - When loading a plane, you lament the fact that the plane is late, you're going to miss an all important TV show (The Office) and you aren't sure your TIVO is set. Finally the plane is ready to board, and what do you do? YOU STAND IN THE AISLE BLOCKING EVERYONE ELSE WHILE YOU GET OUT YOUR BOOK, PEN, PAPER, ETC... ALL THE WHILE FORGETTING YOUR BRAIN!!!

So you get the idea. It's a simple concept, but one not understood by many, if not most of the world. I plan to change that. It may be grass-roots, or even blockbuster, but I WILL get the point across and make people more aware!!! And if they don't, then I'm hoping to lobby Congress to put into law a bill allowing the culling of people who are Non-SSA people. If that fails (which would be a shame), I'll work to deport them all to a place where they'd fit right in... France.

Birthday Joy!

So for my office treat today, I arranged for three (and sort of four) of my favorite things!!!

Chili's Chips & Salsa
Chili's Boneless Buffalo Wings w/ Ranch
Dunford Chocolate Donuts from Costco
(Diet Coke)

Now, the sublime joy of these treats lasted about 20-30 minutes. Everyone grazed and had a great time laughing and loving the moment. BUT, the problem with now getting older is, that JOY just went straight to my BUTT AND GUT!!! So now I have to ride that little thin-wheeled bike of mine forever just to get rid of those Dunford Abs...

But the moment was wonderful!

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

THE "DROP IN"

I HATE THE "DROP IN!"

In business, it's NOT ACCEPTABLE, to JUST DROP IN!!! Seriously! If you have a business need, or are trying to get someone's business, DON'T JUST DROP IN!!! It's very unprofessional, as well as ANNOYING AS HELL!!! I don't use this many CAPITALIZED words very often, so YOU MUST KNOW I'M UPSET!!!

Too many people think it's okay, and even indicates their anxiousness or desire to get something done. IT DOESN'T!!! It only serves to make the person being "dropped in on" angry and WISH you'd NEVER DROP IN AGAIN!!! And further more, it brings on the feeling of wishing, YOU'D DROP DEAD!!!

It's also known as "stopping by" or "just in the neighborhood" or "I'm really annoying so here I am."

Okay, I feel a little betTER!!! Apparently still have a little anger inside...

Red Rock Bike Ride

So, first real bike ride of the season was yesterday at Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas. Beautiful day for a ride, going with my friend. He had blown a tube while pumping his tire up, so I gave him my tube. My only extra tube. My only tube that I carry in my pack on my back for when I need a tube, tube. My only tube that is wonderful to have so you don't have to try and patch a flat on the side of the road, tube. You get the idea...

So we start the ride.

Less than 20 seconds into the ride, my "friend" realizes he forgot his gloves, so he wants to go back to the truck. As I start turning around to go back, I hit some gravel, and eat it. I was going about 3 miles an hour at the time, so the only thing really hurt, besides a few scratches and bruises on my left leg, was my manly pride. Which in reality, when you're mounting up for a road bike ride, in tight spandex and a geeky helmet, is already extremely fragile.

I recovered nicely from the spill, using a few choice words to help mend my broken ego (not to mention almost broken iPod), and the ride was back heading in the "right" direction.

Unfortunately that "right" direction was uphill and into the wind. Nice...

Now I'm huffing and puffing up this hill, in my spandex and geeky helmet, and wondering "why do I do this to myself?"

Finally, the legs get going, my butt starts to go numb (a good thing given the sliver that I call a seat) and I'm feeling pretty good. We ride to our turn around spot, 10.77 miles away.

side note - If we had turned right at our "turn around" spot, and driven about 20 miles, we would have been in Pahrump, NV, home of legalized prositution...

So we take a minute, take a drink, and start off again. I'm having a little bit of hard time clipping into my shoes clips, so my friend is a ways ahead of me. At approximately 11.47 miles, I feel an awkward feeling in my rear tire. Besides it being flat, I'm feeling something bumping every rotation. It's only an inch and a half long nail, all the way through my tire and tube...

Now, those of you paying attention, will remember, I no longer have an extra tube...

So, again, after helping my situation greatly by expressing my displeasure with a few choice words, I start walking... Without any pride/ego/manliness. Cause besides my spandex and geeky helmet, now I'm walking beside my bike, in the middle of nowhere. Anyone familiar with biking shoes knows, walking is not a normal looking event when wearing clips on the balls of your feet. Awkward...

And to make things worse, my "friend" (notice the use of the " ") didn't notice my absence behind him for several miles/minutes, only focusing on the road and the Coldplay playing from his new Shuffle.

After what seems like a leap year, my "acquaintence" (notice the use of the word 'acquaintence') returned, with MY tube serving to keep some distance between he and the road. Upon learning of my dilemna, this "person" (notice my use of angry words) took off to go get the truck, leaving me to sit on the side of the road, in my spandex.

At least I got to take off my geeky helmet while waiting for his return.

But, my pride, like my tire, was flat...