Don't Run Away...

ASHP Midyear: New Orleans 2011

2011-12-11T17:35:00.001-07:00

Although I went to New Orleans for a Hospital Pharmacy Conference, I did have plenty of opportunities to explore this amazing city...

Lower 9th Ward -- Brad Pitt Homes

Mississippi River

Jackson Square (AKA Place D'Armes)

St. Louis Cathedral

Canal Street

Architecture on Bourbon Street

Oldest Pharmacy (Museum) in the United States

Near Cafe Du Monde

The Spotted Cat on Frenchman Street for live New Orleans Old Timey Jazz

The food in New Orleans was fantastic... I wish I could eat like this everyday...

Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

Grilled Oysters

Jambalaya, Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, and Andouille Sausage

Oysters Desire (broiled oysters with Parmesan cheese)

The best--and second--Filet Mignon I've ever had

Shrimp Creole may be my new favorite...

Cajun fried chicken, Jambalaya, and coleslaw

(not pictured: fried clams, shrimp, crawdads, and oysters appetizer)

Even the grilled shrimp Po'Boy that I got at a food court near the convention center was great!

2011-11-20T20:01:00.001-07:00

We like to watch animated TV shows as a family. Recently, we just finished The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008) and Ali heard Megan singing to herself while playing, "Peter Parker, I really love you."

Gotta teach 'em while they're young, I guess.

2011-09-11T21:39:00.001-06:00

A lobster gets too big for his shell and has to shed it to grow a new one. Sharks try to eat him. The current threatens to slam him into coral. He's so soft, pink, and vulnerable, but he's gotta risk it all to become a bigger, better lobster. This anecdote has always given me perspective in times of trial and learning...about the delicate, deliciousness of lobster.

Boise, Idaho

2011-08-06T08:37:00.005-06:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been over 6 weeks since we've moved to Idaho. We're pretty much settled. We have callings in the ward. And the residency seems to be going pretty well. And Idaho is really great. I think Utahns have a tendency to bash their neighbors to the north, but there are some really cool things about living in Boise.

First, this place has amazing parks. The Boise river runs through downtown and all along it are huge green parks with fountains, rose gardens, museums, the zoo, and trees, trees, trees. There are paths for running and cycling, tons of grass area for Taichi or LARPing, whatever your pleasure. You can fish along the river and some parks have their own stocked ponds. And everyone loves to float the Boise river and get out afterward and hang out for a BBQ along the greenbelt.

Second, Boise is still relatively small, but has all of the amenities of a big city. It has a robust awesome downtown with great restaurants, a huge farmer's market (every Saturday), and various other cultural activities. I guess they've got a pretty good college football team too.

People, for the most part, seem much friendlier than the general population of Salt Lake City. Strangers greet us and engage in conversation all the time at grocery stores or on the street. And not everyone seems to be in such a big hurry on the roads (at least not as badly as in Utah). This isn't always the case, but people don't seem to have such an impending agenda here.

So, it's basically like the Utah of my youth up here, but with more places to eat and shop.

It's funny though, I have met with other residents and people from the south or midwest who think the mountains here are fantastic. I'm sure once you get to the actual mountains they are, you know like in Stanley or McCall (1-2 hours away), but the mountains you can see here in Boise aren't mountains. No sirree. Every day when I ride my bike or scooter to the hospital looking at the foothills in the distance it makes me long for the the beauty and grandeur of the Wasatch Front, the great view from my parents deck in Sandy, and the ability to drive less than 30 minutes to Big Cottonwood Canyon.

I wouldn't say that I'm usually the homesick type, but Ali, the kids, and I are excited to visit home in the next two weeks. Both sets of our folks have come to visit, and it was great to see them up here, but we're excited to visit them now. Boise's great, but home is where our family and mountains are.

Yearbook Yourself Never Gets Old

2011-07-17T21:05:00.002-06:00

There Should Be No Debate...

2011-07-14T16:58:00.000-06:00

Created by: Medical Coding Career Guide

My Sister

2011-06-09T21:10:00.004-06:00

If I had to judge a book by it's cover, I'd say this book is gonna be fantastic!

Church with Megan

2011-06-05T18:27:00.004-06:00

Megan's like a screaming Tasmanian Devil at church. It doesn't matter how many times she's taken out or how many bribes or activities or promises we make. She screams, she fights with Lauren, she kicks the pew in front, and she knows she can get away with it if she's loud enough and throws a big enough fit. After the benediction today, the Stake Relief Society President sitting behind us remarked, "you made it!" It's so embarrassing.

And I can't even keep myself going by telling myself that I only need to be able to get through Sacrament because she refuses to go to nursery now that Lauren is in primary. I've tried every trick in the book to get her to stay in nursery too. The sneak away, the push through the open door and then slam it, the treat bribe, but she'll have none of it, she'll only stay if I stay. I can't hold her for 3 hours straight...she's almost as big as Lauren.

I think that's a lot of the problem. She looks older than she really is. I think we expect her to act more like Lauren when she's not even 2 1/2 yet. But, the kid is so headstrong. At least, Lauren didn't scream and fight for her way so hard. I'm frightened for the teenage years and often imagine the fights about curfew and boys that we'll have.

Hopefully the upcoming move will help us start anew. Fingers crossed.

4th Street Sprint Tri Photos

2011-05-24T10:20:00.006-06:00

Piano Lessons

2011-05-02T10:40:00.001-06:00

Even though I got an early start on piano lessons. I quit when I was 14 years-old. Regrets...

Sports

2011-04-10T09:55:00.008-06:00

I'm not really into sports. I mean, I like to play sports, but I could pretty much care less who wins the Superbowl or any other sporting event. I don't know anyone on those teams, they don't know me. Whether they win or lose has no significant bearing on the course of my life.

Sure, I can see how sports are entertaining for people. Here are athletes doing things with inflatable balls that neither you nor I can do. Do these players deserve $20 million a year to bounce that ball and throw it through a hoop? Do they deserve the obsessive attention (checking ESPN every minute during finals seasons) and blind loyalty that millions of fans give them?

I think that Noam Chomsky, American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and political activist, presents some thought-provoking views on sports and their role in distracting people from avenues of thought that matter and make a difference, such as politics.

He says, "...in the cultural environment you're a passive observer of usually pretty tawdry stuff; political and social life are out of your range, they're in the hands of the rich folks. So what's left? Well, one thing that's left is sports -- so you put a lot of the intelligence and the thought and the self-confidence into that. And I suppose that's also one of the basic functions it serves in the society in general: it occupies the population, and keeps them from trying to get involved with things that really matter."

I don't think there's a conspiracy to brainwash and enslave the proletariat or the Bourgeoisie into a lifetime of servitude to loving and following spectator sports, but sports are certainly flashier than politics, or other fields that "matter."

I don't know how to talk to people about sports and I feel the need to learn to aid in my relationship-building abilities. When I tell people that we're moving to Boise in a few months, the first thing they say is, "you'll have to become Boise State football fans now." And I think for a minute and finally respond, "uh, yeah, I hear they've got a blue field." Then the conversation sort of ends. So, how do you feign interest in something that you have absolutely none at all?

4th Street Sprint Tri

2011-03-01T23:08:00.004-07:00

If you've never done a triathlon before and wanna try one, this one's perfect.
Best of all, you've got two months to prepare.

See you there.

Ruminations

2010-12-26T17:42:00.003-07:00

It's weird to think that next Christmas, my family and I may be living in another state. School's almost done, and I'm excited to take my last steps on what has been a long, long road. But, I won't lie and say that I'm not scared. I'm more comfortable with school. I know how it works.

These past 4 years have gone by more quickly than even I imagined. Sometimes I fear I forgot to enjoy the moment and just powered through looking toward my goal. Now that I'm almost done and will have to start working full time, I'm already starting to miss studying with friends and getting Christmas and summer breaks. Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up, but there are other just as important perks I guess.

I hope that pharmacy will end up being as good a career as it seemed in 2007. Unfortunately, gone are the $30k sign-on bonuses and even the abundance of entry-level jobs in the valley. But with a residency, I hope I can avoid counting by fives and dealing with insurance the rest of my life. Here's hoping.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

M-ARGH-M

2010-10-23T18:32:00.003-06:00

Unfortunately, I look less like a pirate and more like...The Edge? I'm just not swarthy enough. Props to Ali for giving me a sweet stache though.

The Dirty Dash @ Soldier Hollow

2010-09-25T16:53:00.001-06:00

2010 MRM Region VII APhA-ASP

2010-08-30T18:45:00.001-06:00

Here's a little video I threw together with the help of some friends...

Farewell Patrick

2010-08-22T18:07:00.002-06:00

See you in two years!

Burley Lion's Spudman Triathlon 2010

2010-08-08T21:28:00.005-06:00

Matt and Candice's Cane Corso, Rocco

Thanks for a great race!

(Thanks for the photos Matt & Candice!)

My Own Personal Brand of Heroin

2010-05-23T13:00:00.002-06:00

It's so delicious.

A Mind-blowing Moment with Upton Sinclair

2010-05-17T20:31:00.004-06:00

Do you remember the Pulitzer-prize winning author of "The Jungle"?
You know, the novel "that exposed conditions in the U.S. meat packing industry, causing a public uproar that contributed in part to the passage a few months later of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act." Or maybe you're aware that another of his works, "Oil!", was loosely adapted into the Oscar nominated and awarded "There Will Be Blood," a stern story about greed, religion, and manipulation.

But did you know that one of the most prominent political writers of the 20th century was behind this? The world will forever be a different place.

Our Check Engine Light is ON

2010-04-27T09:21:00.002-06:00

from
http://nedroid.com/2010/04/regular-maintenance-required/

Convenience Stores Are Awesome...in Japan.

2010-01-18T21:28:00.013-07:00

When was the last time you went to 7-ELEVEN besides to fill up your tank? In America, 7-ELEVEN is only good for one thing: Slurpees. In Japan, however, 7-ELEVEN is the mecca of delicious snack foods. And, they're literally everywhere. According to wikipedia, of the 34,200 7-ELEVEN stores around the globe, 12,349 of them are in Japan with 1,577 in Tokyo alone.

Sounds like a lot, right? That's just the 7-ELEVENs! In Japan there are other convenience stores that borrow the 7-ELEVEN business plan and they're as ubiquitous. They bring the tally to 42,345 total convenience stores in Japan, a country the size of Montana.

There's Lawson!
Family Mart!

Sunkus...really.
or even ampm...

But the shear quantity of stores doesn't make them good, no. That's left to the convenience and the selection of delectables.

Here, for instance, you see an amazing assortment of beverages.

A good chunk of them are coffees and teas, but there are still many fruity drinks, drinkable yogurts, and assorted sodas.

Here are some vintage Japanese sodas (Cheerio and Ramune--it tastes like Smarties, in a good way! and you have to open it by popping a marble through the neck. Fun!)

It tastes like the sweat of a mild, gatorade-laden grapefruit...quite refreshing actually.
Calpis water is great too, despite the name.

Here's a shot of a great variety of tasty pastry-type breads. I don't know why, but bread in Japan is so soft and fluffy. It blows my mind! They borrowed the word from the Portuguese I think ("pan")

Breads like this MelonPan
Karepan (curry-filled)

And Dorayaki (technically it's a pancake)

Instead of nasty hotdogs, we get fantastic box lunches and yummy onigiri (rice balls).
Even hot snacks...like nikuman (steamed meat buns?) Good for warming up your hands on a cold winter's day.
and Oden (floating fishcakes and what-not)

This is the closest thing approaching the nastiness of a rotating American 7-11 hotdog.

How about some candy?

Chewy and delicious, hence the name: Hi-Chew.
Or maybe some gum?

This "Sweetie" gum also tastes like a mild grapefruit-- a popular Japanese flavor.
Here's some pudding, "purin." It's kinda like flan with a caramel sauce on top. Some gaijin (foreigners) hate the stuff, but I'm rather partial to it.

And if a convenience store isn't convenient enough for you, there's always a vending machine.

("Japan has the highest number of vending machines per capita, with about one machine for every twenty-three people. ^[8] ")

Banana Chocolate Bit Waffled Ice Cream

So convenient. So delicious. I guess when America is as tightly populated as Japan, we can look forward to closer waystations of deliciousness. Until then...

Not Too Encouraging...

2010-01-15T10:41:00.002-07:00

Created by Auto Insurance

Well, at least I can spell...

Created by Oatmeal

Foods I Love: Japan Edition

2010-01-03T21:52:00.007-07:00

Not that you really care but here are some delicious Japanese foods that I love...very much. (Incidentally, yes, I am hungry.)

Gyoza (pork potstickers)

Miso Soup
Soumen (chilled; a summertime food)
Raamen (this is how it's done!)
Shabu Shabu (see Ghengis Khan (sp))
Soba (buckwheat noodles)
Takoyaki (octopus filled doughballs)
Tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet)
Udon
Yakiniku
Yakisoba

This list is by no means all inclusive (Sushi could take up its own blog post). Next time though, we may look at the Japanese convenience store delicacies. Until then...

Addendum...
As per Cameron's Request

Japanese Curry
Sukiyaki!
Ofukuronoaji---
Nikujaga (meat and potatoes! and carrots...)

Random Images

2010-01-01T22:58:00.002-07:00

Superhuman Tape Measure Skills

2010-01-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

Clone of a Cinnabon?

2009-11-29T18:58:00.004-07:00

Not quite Cinnabon, since I didn't have a bread maker or bread flour, but pretty tasty none-the-less!

Les glaneurs et la glaneuse: part deux

2009-11-15T16:38:00.006-07:00

Les glaneurs et la glaneuse

2009-11-11T07:15:00.004-07:00

Halloween Songs

2009-10-08T20:27:00.004-06:00

I've been trying to think of songs for Halloween that aren't along the lines of your typical "Monster Mash." Don't get me wrong, there's certainly a time and a place for "the Mash" but I'm interested in music that's a little less...commercial. I want something that wouldn't appear in a Google search for "Top 10 Halloween Party Song List." Something that communicates everything that Halloween is without even topically mentioning Halloween. Something that captures the spirit of an Edgar Allen Poe story. The essence of autumn leaves. The smell of frost thawing in an already-harvested corn field or that feeling you get walking past a cemetery at night.

Any suggestions?

About a "Ten" On My Weird Stuff-o-Meter

2009-09-18T21:10:00.004-06:00

Go to this website and upload your photo.
(I know it's in Japanese but there's really only one button you can push and it will give you a prompt you will recognize--it's universal, really.)

Now, I know what you're thinking, this is just some gimmicky website that let's you put mustaches and corny stuff on your photo. Well, you're only half right! It's a gimmicky website that turns your 2-D photo creepily 3-D!

Try it out when you get a moment for a lark...a freaky-deaky lark.

Too Early for Halloween?

2009-09-12T14:02:00.008-06:00

Here's some clips and trailers from some of my favorite Halloween movies/TV shows.
Some are listed because they're really good, scary, eerie, and bizarre. Others are listed simply for nostalgia's sake.
Enjoy and feel free to add to the list!

Lady in White (1988)
A slumber party/cabin favorite, which made cloakrooms into a scary place. From the looks of the trailer, the special effects haven't aged well, but, oh, the memories.

The Changeling (1980)
Another cabin favorite. A child's ball repeatedly rolls down an old staircase = plain creepy.

28 Days Later (2002)
Scenes of abandoned major cities have been copied in other movies, but never as well.

The Vanishing (1988) (Dutch/French)
Long, slow, and utterly terrifying because it could really happen. (Ali will never watch this one again)

Night of the Living Dead (1968)
No introduction required.

House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Fun with a great twist-ending.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Coraline (2009)
Bizarre, frightening, thoroughly entertaining, and masterfully crafted.

Fire in the Sky (1993)
Does for a pine forest what Jaws did for water...at least when I was 14.

X-Files "Home"
(this is the only clip I could really find of a truly repulsive Halloween treat--Ali will never watch this one again either!)

Amazing Stories: Season Two "Go to the Head of the Class"
This short film reeks of Halloween growing up in the 80s. Robert Zemeckis(sp) directs a fun, frightening, and slightly outdated--as far as special effects are concerned--romp.
(available on NetFlix Watch Instantly)

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow from The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)

Throne of Blood (1957)
Kurosawa's masterful adaptation of Macbeth. The scene where Mifune chases an ethereal, white witch in the woods is amazing.

Onibaba (1964)(Don't rent this one but enjoy the trailer which alone conveys enough creepiness.)A cursed mask brings madness to any who wear it...or does it?

9-11

2009-09-11T16:37:00.005-06:00

I had a film class in the MOA auditorium at BYU that morning and as I walked through the door, images of burning buildings were projected onto the big screen. I stood there dumbfounded as my professor told us that class was canceled, to go home and watch the news.

As I walked home across campus, I thought of how Jon had just left on his mission the day before and had an irrational fear that his was one of those planes.

It's hard to remember what life was like before "9-11." I know that I took for granted how safe our country was compared to other parts of this world and I guess I still do. For the most part, we have things pretty good.

It's tragic that something like 9-11 happened to us, but an important reminder of how tenuous something like national security and freedom really are.

Halloween Ideas

2009-09-01T18:17:00.003-06:00

Madsen Cycles Link Contest

2009-08-26T21:44:00.001-06:00

If you link to this site, join their email list or Twitter, you can be put in a drawing for a free bike!

Kellogg's Star Trek Tee Offer

2009-08-26T17:37:00.005-06:00

Bummer...

Yearbook Yourself 2009, Part: Children

2009-08-21T18:12:00.003-06:00

Creepy indeed.

Yearbook Yourself 2009, Part: Ali

2009-08-20T12:47:00.005-06:00

Yearbook Yourself 2009, Part: Ryan

2009-08-18T16:09:00.004-06:00

Some worked out better than others, but if you've got some free time it's an entertaining diversion.

Patrick in the News!

2009-07-30T16:11:00.003-06:00

(photo from SL Tribune)
Here are two articles about Patrick's video!

First, the SL Tribune: "Musical Message Urges Safe Driving"

Second, Mormon Times: "Young man hopes to roll in college money by winning tire contest"

It's not too late to vote!

Back in town...

2009-07-21T15:37:00.005-06:00

For the first time in almost 6 years, I'm back in Provo. This time for a 4 week pharmacy institutional clerkship at UVRMC.

Since I'm literally a stone's throw away, I drove past the Villa the other day and was surprised to find that the trees looked taller and that they'd painted the ugly cinderblock buildings in trendy colors to lure unwitting students. Other than that, nothing had changed. I half expected to see somebody I knew as I drove past the entrance to the pool.

I really don't have a lot of free time to reminisce and explore though. I haven't even set foot on BYU's campus yet and, strangely, don't really feel a strong desire to do so. Everything that was special about this place has grown up and moved on.

Although, some things remain constant.

Vote for Patrick

2009-07-17T22:06:00.003-06:00

Patrick has been selected as one of the top 10 finalists for Bridgestone Tires' Safety Scholar contest. Please watch his fun video and then vote for him. HERE

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

2009-07-10T14:53:00.000-06:00

Patrick's Drive Safe Video

2009-06-25T19:58:00.000-06:00

Here's a video from our very own Patrick.

July 4th

2009-06-25T19:35:00.003-06:00

Hi Friends, just a reminder to be careful this year.

Ferguson Canyon Videos

2009-06-07T14:52:00.002-06:00

Patrick hanging tough.

Climbing real time

Climbing Adventures a la Ferguson Canyon

2009-06-02T20:40:00.006-06:00

Patrick, getting pumped before the climb.

Mason, enjoying some quick energy

Taylor in a guru pose

Me displaying extreme gumption on Extreme Unction.

Patrick displays climbing prowess

Git Gob

2009-05-29T13:35:00.002-06:00

Give it at least two views.

Random Images

2009-05-28T10:16:00.001-06:00

Cut Off at the Wrist...

2009-05-03T20:13:00.003-06:00

I borrowed a bike for the 4th street triathlon from my father in-law. Needless-to-say I was a little apprehensive about doing it only because I'm a people pleaser and don't want to give my in-laws any more reasons to dislike me. You know, what if I accidentally damaged the bike or, heaven forbid, got it stolen?

Anyway, the bike I borrowed was fantastic with full-suspension and amazing shifting technology; even though the triathlon trail was severely muddy, the bike rode like a charm. My mother in-law kept telling us that it was a really nice bike and I must say that she was right. Unfortunately, both Ali and I severely underestimated how nice it was and left it parked outside to hopefully wash off in the rain. Unfortunately, it didn't rain until after it was stolen from the bike rack at our apartment complex. I woke up at 5 am on Friday to go to campus and found the bike missing with the chain cut on the ground.

After replaying a dozen fantasy fights in my head where I wake up to find the perpetrator in the act and then go on to severely beat him with the a variety of handy objects (a child's bike, a skateboard, the seat to the bicycle being stolen--I actually pulled it off a day before it was stolen to see how easily the mud would wash off), I find myself no less distrusting of mankind. I search craigslist and ksl classifieds obsessively for the sale of purple-blue Kona Dawg without its original seat. I still can't help feeling victimized and quite stupid.

Ali called the University Police and was told that these type of thefts happen all the time and that the bikes are usually taken out of state for sale. Of course, the odds of recovering the bike are severely out of our favor. Luckily, Ali's parents' homeowner's insurance will take some of the bite out of the loss; I just hope it doesn't affect their premiums. Hopefully my son in-law acceptance premiums don't go up too much either.

4th Street Sprint Triathlon

2009-04-26T15:18:00.006-06:00

A 300 yd swim, 5 mile muddy mountain bike ride, and a 3 mile hilly run = fun, fun, fun. This was my first tri (One of my pharmacy school buddies talked me in to it) and I must say that it was a great challenge. Who's game next year?
(Other race results can be found here)

Meronpan を作った

2009-04-19T23:13:00.005-06:00

Japanese Melonpan. They got the melons from us and the "pan"
from the Portuguese.

It's not supposed to actually taste like a melon, just look like one.
Does it?

Woot Toot: The Sequel

2009-04-19T20:13:00.006-06:00

Here are the results from the Utah Diabetes Center "fun run" I recently participated in. (I'm in the 30 - 39 age group now if you wanna look me up).
If you're wondering why the times are a bit slower than your average 5K, it's because we were running through the hills of research park.
It was a fun race and all for a good cause.

I've Been Looking For This...

2009-04-13T07:25:00.001-06:00

Levis Cords vs Badger

Sheer Awesomeness

2009-04-06T19:47:00.000-06:00

Woot Toot.

2009-03-22T23:32:00.000-06:00

80 words

Typing Test

"Living" with Dr. Steve Brule (bizarre but clean)

2009-02-22T22:01:00.003-07:00

January 16th: a great day for climbing!?

2009-01-16T20:00:00.008-07:00

Smoggy but warm...

Megan Kristine

2009-01-09T23:54:00.001-07:00

Megan Kristine born 1/9/09 weighing 6lbs 90z and 18 inches long!

A real post

2009-01-07T23:17:00.003-07:00

I ran over my cellphone a few weeks ago...with a car. It was an accident, of course. And it still works; it's just that the outside display is cracked. This is problematic, you see, because of the four people on our cellphone plan, I consistently use the least minutes every month. It's very important to me to know who's calling, because in the rare event, I like to be prepared...to not answer. Just kidding...really.

Anyway, I had to go back and group my contacts into ringtones. For example, "family" gets "sunshine" while "friends" get "free." I would have liked to have been more creative with "other" and "avoid" ringtones but we don't get a lot of choices with our plan. So they get "default" and "sequin." This makes every phone call quite exciting actually, since I don't have enough ringtones to individualize each contact. So I don't know exactly who's calling, just how I have them organized in my phone. Who am I really kidding? I still answer each call regardless.
But even that was a lot of work for nothing since my phone is on vibrate most of the time and the person who calls me the most is my Mom.
Life's tough but I guess you just gotta keep rolling with the punches.

First Baby Born in Lubbock this Year!

2009-01-02T08:28:00.003-07:00

My little brother and his wife had the first baby born in Lubbock this year!
Congratulations, Jon and Kaylene!

Another reason to watch this show...

2008-12-28T22:23:00.001-07:00

Adventures in Homemade Muppets

2008-12-28T22:11:00.005-07:00

Freaks and Geeks

2008-12-09T15:32:00.001-07:00

A clip from my new favorite show.

Muppet Kit at FAO Schwarz!

2008-12-07T19:23:00.002-07:00

I stumbled upon this cool promo that FAO Schwarz is doing.
You can create your own Muppet for only $130!
Snazzy.

2008-12-07T02:18:00.002-07:00

California Roll Party

2008-11-19T20:35:00.002-07:00

The ingredients!

2 cups of rice!

Delicious avocado and cucumbers are key!

The learning curve!

Success!

Soon We'll Be Found by SIA

2008-11-10T19:34:00.003-07:00

This is quite possibly our family's new favorite music video. Lauren's asked to watch it several times already. Enjoy!

Delicious Onigiri

2008-11-06T19:54:00.003-07:00

Ali and I made some delicious Onigiri with the 50lb bag of rice we bought. Mmm....tasty.

Karen...an exercise in graffiti stencilling.

2008-10-19T19:26:00.006-06:00

How to Write

2008-10-11T21:17:00.000-06:00

I've always wondered how to write...

Patrick and Weezer!

2008-10-08T20:55:00.004-06:00

Patrick "tried out" for a Weezer promo featured by a local radio station. He auditioned over the phone on the penny whistle and won 2 tickets to the show and the chance to perform 3 songs onstage with the band. Here he is waiting to go onstage with the rest of the contest winners!

Weezer performing with the winners

Rivers introducing each winner and asking them to play a little sumpin-sumpin on their instrument.

Patrick wows Rivers and Crew with "Swallowtail Jig."

Yearbook Yourself!

2008-09-28T10:18:00.005-06:00

1988
"You're Boss!"

1996
Ali really had this hairstyle back then.

2000

1968

1978

1952

1962

1970

1976

1986

The Pass

2008-09-07T16:16:00.001-06:00

"With the birds I share this lonely view."
For photos of our trip to Ryder Lake, click on the "Ryder Lake 2008" slideshow in the right-hand column of the blog.

Waterfalls

2008-09-07T16:12:00.001-06:00

Here's some waterfalls on the Northish side of Ryder lake.

Lost?

2008-09-07T16:06:00.001-06:00

My voice sounds funny because I'm holding a flashlight in my mouth.

For those Lauren hasn't told yet...

2008-09-04T17:01:00.001-06:00

Sleepy Baby.

2008-09-03T22:23:00.002-06:00

Here's Lauren fighting sleep while chewing on some candy.

Lauren's Favorite

2008-09-02T19:52:00.004-06:00

Here's Lauren's best-loved video of all time. ENJOY!

faceyourmanga.com

2008-08-17T19:09:00.002-06:00

My film friends showed me this site where you can design your own avatars "manga" style.
Give it a spin!

Here are some attempts...

2008-08-08T11:04:00.002-06:00

Created by Mingle2.com (Dating for non-zombies)

Oatmeal Crisp: Crunch Almond Sample Review

2008-08-07T19:26:00.006-06:00

Well, the box was less than a full serving size so that was a little disappointing. But it was chock full of almonds, so that was a plus. And Lauren seemed to enjoy the tasty flakes, so it has the baby seal of approval. All in all, it was free so I can't complain too much. Even though it was small it was tasty, but not enough to buy a larger box... unless it's part of the 8 for 8 deal at Smith's someday. Maybe.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

2008-07-27T16:25:00.003-06:00

Camp Wyatt 2008

I'd Never Decorate My Car With One...

2008-07-27T15:07:00.001-06:00

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

2008-07-20T15:00:00.003-06:00

"With my freeze ray I will stop the world."

While doing some research for a paper, I stumbled upon the "free sample" link on walmart.com. There I was able to request some freebies from various manufacturers. A few weeks later, the special little packages started to flow into our mailbox. So far I've enjoyed a free packet of cranberry pomegranate crystal lite, a 2 week supply of liqui-gel multivitamins, and some vaseline man lotion--smells goooood. More is on the way. You know, since growing up all I really receive in the mail is bills and junk adverts; it's sure nice to have little treats waiting for you. (Stride has a pretty funny free sample promo going right now.)

On a totally unrelated note, I've found something so corny, so cheesey, so goofy that I must recommend it to everybody. Even if you're not a fan of Joss Whedon and spontaeous singing, you must watch Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog now (3 acts about 15 minutes each--mild language warning).

2008-06-30T00:48:00.001-06:00

2008-06-21T22:29:00.000-06:00

This is Ali.

2008-06-15T22:36:00.000-06:00

For those of you who we haven't told yet.
Happy Father's Day

2008-05-25T19:43:00.002-06:00

Here's Patrick and his prom date! You can vote for their design at some point in time at this website.

If they get enough votes, they win a scholarship paid in money made from duct tape*!

*just kidding, but they do get a cash prize!

2008-05-18T07:43:00.001-06:00

It'd be funnier if this particular "ninja," was wearing ninja garb. But, hey. Meh.

2008-04-12T12:10:00.004-06:00

Saturday is a Special Day; It's the Day We Get Ready For Sunday...

You know that you're on your way to becoming a "real" dad when you spend your Saturday replacing the motor coupling on the washing machine, changing the oil in the car for its yearly registration, and replacing a headlight on said car.

I'd better play some video games or watch some cartoons before this goes too far...

2008-03-30T15:31:00.003-06:00

If there was ever a perfect music video...

2008-03-14T20:16:00.005-06:00

Spring Breakin'

Hello, all.

Well, we lost in the semi-finals to "Mexico." I blame it on a large Brazilian who was looking for a pickup game, asked our Asian teammate to play, and consequently joined us. I should've had the guts to tell him to come back on a day we weren't playing in the finals but I didn't. Fortunately, he left at the half when we were down 4-0. We came together in the end and finished 3-6. Not too bad considering that half of us have no tangible skill.

In other news...
Ali and I are into Season 2 of LOST. I know that we've gotten ourselves in over our heads, because we still don't know what the heck is going on. (and from what I've heard it doesn't get any better.) But the series has such high production value, great writing, and interesting characters that I'm sure we'll stay the course. I'm so glad that we can watch them all ONLINE too as our regular TV sits in the corner gathering dust.

Some Pharmacy buddies talked me into watching this movie and I must say, against my good judgement, it's made me giggle.

2008-03-01T22:22:00.004-07:00

Well, recently life has been a blur of tests, moving, an ear infection, teething, RX United's never ending losing streak, LOST (season one), and foreign smells (Korean maybe?) wafting from the apartment beneath us and permeating our living space 24-7. Fragrant and potent!

Is it spring break yet?

2008-02-23T21:02:00.001-07:00

2008-02-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

RX United update.
Last Wednesday our competitors forfeit, so we played 3 team cutthroat with a bunch of soccer misanthropes. We had captains choose teams and I wasn't picked last! M, a tall friend with a blond curly white-fro from the pharmacy program joined us for the first time and was chosen to play on the all Asian team. (All-Asian, except for him, of course). The Asians, although superior ball-handlers, crumpled under the pressure. Our one touch skills and triangle of power formations proved way too much for them to beat. But we just couldn't handle the other team composed of the South Americans, our soccer girl from the track, and the guy who usually refs.
Until next time.

PS
Our Syrian hasn't shown up for a game yet...maybe it's for the best.

2008-02-02T19:19:00.001-07:00

We went to Trampoline World: Jump Zone on Friday. They re-negged on some coupons they sent in the mail so we had to pay $8 a head, which isn't that bad for 1 hour of 1700 square feet of trampolines but their "bait and switch" tactics suck. Anyway, I tried to do a young person trick and fell on the bar. :)

RX United update:
We lost 13-7 on Wednesday but had some subs and yours truly scored a few goals!

2008-02-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

I got this postcard in the mail a week after they had a gathering of sorts for Alumni of this program (i.e. me). Needless-to-say, I didn't attend.

Merry Christmas and Holiday Greetings to All Fellow Alumni -

I will be brief. I am in the midst of gathering contact information for all former BYU Film/Media Arts students. There are hopes to gather us all together - former students, the Media Arts department, and even some current advanced students - in goals of making some connections. We are hoping to develop some professional relationships among our peers, to network, and to just catch up and reunite in life.

1. Is this your best email address to contact you? You sent this via postcard...
a. If not, what is the best email address?

2. What is your current address (at least which city and state are you residing/working in)

3. What do you currently do professionally? Pharmacy Student
a. Do you run your own media production company? No
b. Do you freelance in media production? Not anymore

4. What year did you graduate from the Film or Media Arts program? 2003
a. What years did you attend? 2001-2003
b. What was your area of interest/emphasis? General

5. What are your thoughts on a networking event/reunion with the TMA department?
This would've been helpful 5 years ago.

7. Anything else you want let us know about what you're are doing now.
Nothing film-related, unless you count watching them.

That's it. I look forward to hearing from everyone.
I'm not bitter.

2008-01-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

RX United is back!
Unfortunately, only three of us returned for season two. So BJ had to beg a girl running on the track wearing a high school "soccer" t-shirt to join. Our ringer, the middle-aged Syrian, is out of town for two weeks. And the first team we played was the one that we lost to in the semi-finals. The other team had subs in abundance and skill to boot; in short, they slaughtered us. Joya injured her wrist in the last 30 seconds of the game and the only person to save us from a shut-out was our newfound player from the track.
Here's hoping we play better next week.

2007-12-27T23:32:00.001-07:00

42%

Become an Ultrasound technician

60%

11%
Ali's Geek Score