Life, the Universe, and Everything

2011-09-30T09:18:00.001-07:00

My Leeds blog: http://davidinleeds.blogspot.com.

I'm Hungry

2010-07-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

Since about December, I've had some health issues. I haven't been able to sleep (worse than my usual not being able to sleep); some nights laying there pretty much the whole night, hoping that I can finally fall asleep with no success. Needless to say, I've been a little lackadaisical and aloof (again, more than usual) and have had trouble focusing. This hasn't helped with my social life, nor my relationships.

After talking to my friend, Amy, I was guessing that I had some food allergies that weren't allowing me to sleep. It would also explain my digestive problems I've been having. I had kind of guessed that it was gluten. I didn't go to see the doctor right away though. Then, I started not sleeping again.

After not sleeping for about a week, I decided it was time to do something about this. So, I went to see Doctor Remington (who happened to be cousin to the Remington's who were in my ward back in Parkland ward in Calgary way back in the day). My boss suggested this doctor because he's specialized in homeopathy and change of lifestyle remedies as opposed to immediately recommending surgery or pills....and Richard's wife works for him. :)

After the first visit, Dr. Remington diagnosed me with a Candida infection. That would be a yeast infection. He said the yeast was competing with the good flora in my stomach and stealing the nutrients and vitamin B produced in my small intestine, which meant I wasn't producing many of the chemicals that my body requires to operate, including the one that allows people to sleep (I believe it's creatonin). He also put me on a strict one month diet, but he also recommended that I take a food allergy test. I took that yesterday.

The Summary:

I have food allergy/intolerance (nothing deadly, but my body reacts sharply to it) to:
Cheese
Milk, Cow
Lactose
Banana
Pineapple
Barley
Corn
Rye
Spelt
Wheat
Gluten
Peanut
Corn Syrup
Sucrose
Caffeine
Chocolate

We'll see if I can't establish an immunity to these in the next few months, but in the meanwhile, I can't eat lot of my favorite foods anymore. :(

Nerdiest Dream EVER!!!!

2010-06-22T09:34:00.001-07:00

This morning, I woke with a start and thought, "What was that?" I don't dream very often, but when I do, it's always weird. Not ordinary weird. We're talking Crazy Weird. Last night's was fairly mild in comparison to some of my previous dreams, although it would make any Nerd proud. Which I am.

So, I was at a party. At a space station. Somehow, we heard that there was an attack in a star system that was close to us. I decided to go help.

It was then that I realized that I was Patrick Stewart and I wanted to catch up to my X-Men team so that we could soar in and save the day. Unfortunately, Professor X doesn't move too fast in his wheelchair, so I was late. The X-Men had left (from the left hand side of the bay). Fortunately, the Enterprise was still there and since I was captain of the Enterprise, I decided to take that. Oddly, the Enterprise was about the size and feel of an X-Wing once I hopped in, complete with orange Luke Skywalker jumpsuit.

Blasting off into space, the Enterprise's hologram peters out and I'm really piloting the Borg. Finally, I see my target - The Death Star. I fly close to engage the enemy (giant sphere vs. giant cube) and then both the Borg and the Death Star sprout these giant pincer arms from the Incredibles. Unbeknown to me or the crew of the Death Star, I was riding in Optimus Prime and the Death Star was Megatron.

As the robots were duking it out and stabbing each other with their pincer arms, I decided I needed to go to the bathroom. I found the one existent bathroom on the Enterprise (yes, one bathroom for however many decks there are) and peed for so long that I woke up and decided I really needed the bathroom.

Car, Storytelling, and Boardgaming

2010-02-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I attended the Timpanogos Story Telling Festival Winter Symposium. I attended several great sessions by renowned storytellers. I did an improv session and worked on ways to enhance your story by focusing on characters, voice, incident, and place. I also got to hear several very good performances. Today's session looks even better, however I do not know if I can go.

My car appears to be dead. I don't know if it's the battery, the starter, or some electrical circuit. It is completely dark when I'm in my car. We hooked it up to try to get a boost, but it didn't really sound like it was trying to turn, although that did make the inside lights and the automatic doorlocks work, so I know it's something electrical. I'm going to try to figure out how to get my car to the shop today. Hopefully I can do that early so that I can actually make it to the second half of the symposium or home so that I can get a full one credit and not a half.

Anyway, last night, we had a roommate night playing games. Puerto Rico and Mexican Train Dominoes. We certainly had the Central American theme going (name-wise anyway).

Here's hoping I can get my car working so that I can give mom a spell from the twins.

Crazy Dates

2010-02-05T04:32:00.000-08:00

So, Lizzy and I have been dating for about four months now. I've never dated anyone this long and we've had some pretty adventurous dates in the past while...not that we've done anything very adventurous. Our first date was to the international cinema where we watched the Spanish film, El Laberinto del Fauno or Pan's Labyrinth. It was a lot of fun and we enjoyed talking to each other and, since we're still dating, I'm not going to go into the details since the outcome is obvious. Still, it is an odd movie for a first date.

The next week, we went to Into the Woods at the Scera. We sat next to a kid who looked a lot like the little boy on Heroes. He was 11 and gave us his take on Twilight (he'd read the book a dozen times and was excited for the second movie in the series). Truthfully, I wouldn't want to be an 11-year-old boy obsessed with teenage vampire fan fiction. The show was a really good (even though Cinderella's prince couldn't stay in key), until we had an unscheduled 20 minute intermission when Little Red Riding hood caught her leg in a moving mechanism on one of the stages moving part and it kind of got crushed, broken and/or mutilated. It's a little disconcerting when the director comes out and asks if there's a doctor in the house and asks someone to call 911.

Our second venture to International Cinema was a supposedly very good Norwegian Vampire movie. It ended up being one of the weirdest movies I've ever seen. I don't think I can even describe it so I won't. I still don't know what to think of it.

Christmas, Lizzy took us to go see Voice Male's Christmas A Capella concert at Thanksgiving Point. We got there and passed our tickets to the ticket girl and she scanned them. They flashed "denied" on her little scanner. She looked at the tickets and said, "These tickets are for yesterday". Lizzy almost died of embarrassment. I forced her to come to the ticket office with me to see if there was anything we could do. I walked up to the ticket booth, passed the tickets, and said, "Um...it's finals week and....you know. Is there anything we can do?" The lady was sympathetic and we were lucky; a couple had just called to cancel their non-refundable tickets. We got to see the show anyway, which was good, because we absolutely loved it and I converted Lizzy to A Capella music.

Our third trip to International Cinema was with Megan, her mother, and her sister. We saw the French film, Bleu. It was so weird. None of us really cared for the movie. I don't know what we have with picking the weird movies to go to.

Last week, I got tickets to the Utah Valley Symphony (thanks, Steve) where we got to see Jessi Judd perform. There was one part where the bassoons came in and a lady in front of us giggled and turned to her companion and whispered (really loud), "I think those are the oboes". Lizzy and I had a hard time not laughing out loud. The orchestra was just starting the first movement of their third piece when the power went out. For about five minutes, we sat in the dark of the auditorium of the Covey Center while Bryce Rytting (the conductor....from my home ward) told jokes.

So, those are my dating adventures of the past few months. It seems every other time we go out, something crazy happens or the movie is extremely odd. Guess we're just cursed that way. Maybe that's why we play a lot of boardgames.

Tired

2010-02-05T04:24:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is 5:30 in the morning and I cannot sleep. This is really getting old actually. I think that it has been about 2 or 3 weeks since I've had a good sleep. Usually I only go a little more than a week. Yesterday, I was so tired. I almost fell asleep during a meeting I was at and was not fully functioning at 5pm. I couldn't think enough to form coherent strings of sentences. I still finished the ward directory and made it to my business class on time (thanks to Lizzy for driving me around since my car is still parked at BYU with a dead battery [I hope]), but I was so tired when I got home that I went right to bed...and took forever to fall asleep (if I even did) and woke up (checked my clock) at 1, and 2, and 4, and finally got up at 5. It's been two weeks now that I've started waking up around 4 and not being able to get back to sleep. I'm scared of how tired I'm going to be today.

I hope I can sleep tonight. This is really getting old.

New Years Resoultions (a little belated post)

2010-01-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

Last year, I failed miserably with my new years resolutions.

Resolution #1 I will read the scriptures everyday this year. I've been slacking as of late and need to write this down to achieve it.

Um...no. I tried, really, but everyday? Nope. Far from it.

Resolution #2 I will write for half an hour everyday, starting with when I return from Cairo (I know I should start now, but who am I kidding - I'm in Cairo and I didn't actually bring anything to write with).

Hahaha

Resolution #3 I will read at least 60 novels this year. I read 101 books last year, although several of them were children's books. I finished two on the plane coming to Egypt. You can follow my progress on GoodReads.

Completed! 112 books total with only about 10 being kids books.

Resolution #4 I will go on at least 2 dates a month this year. I dated a lot at the end of 2007, but haven't really dated much since Sarah and I broke up last year. That will change, especially when I get a girlfriend.

Completed.

Resolution #5 I will write 5 children's books and submit at least 3 of them for publication. I've always had this for a goal, I've just never submitted any before.

Um....nope. None.

Resolution #6 I will blog at least two times a week this year. I should put everyday, but I don't want to shoot for the stars on this one. I wish I could be like Nancy in this feat, but it will take time. Two a week should be sufficient.

Also, no. Not even remotely close to completing this.

2/6 is not too bad, but I would've thought I would do better. Well, since I didn't review this and didn't have a way of tracking much, I pretty much failed. So, seeing how I made very specific and difficult goals, I will simplify a little bit this year and make them a little more mundane.

Resolution 1: I will not purchase another book this year until I read 50 of the books I already own. I can accept books as gifts, but I can't purchase any. (tracking on GoodReads)

Resoultion 2: I will play all the boardgames I own this year at least once. (I'm actually well on my way to completing this one). (tracking on BoardGameGeek)

Resolution 3: I will go to the temple once a month. More is ok. (no tracking needed)

Resolution 4: I will budget and record what I spend. (tracking on Excel)

So, these goals are definitely reachable. They may not be totally, incredibly cool and involved, but they'll save me spiritually and money-wise and provide a little enjoyment.

How to wake up in the morning

2009-12-19T08:07:00.001-08:00

So, the other morning, I got up early to go to the bathroom. It was about 6am. Still groggy and half asleep, I finish my business, wash my hands and turn around. There, standing in the doorway, is a person. I must have jumped a foot. The quick rush of adrenaline subsided when I realized it was my roommate Nathan, who had a final at 7, who's alarm had sounded shortly after I left for the bathroom, and who had silently come out and was waiting for me to finish so he could use the shower. I don't think I have become fully awake faster in my life.

I'm famous!

2009-07-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

So I was just pointed to this random post on the Harold B. Lee Library blog:

Apparently, I'm now famous for pushing the limits and getting BYU to actually allow pages to be created for networking on Facebook. It took about three months to get approval from the highest powers and my experiment was an utter failure, with hardly anyone joining the group and no one using it. It was, however, something new and it didn't cost us anything about the 14 minutes I spent putting the group together and led to a professional presentation about social networking sights here on campus.

Sure, it was an accomplishment being a pioneer, but unlike the comment implies, I doubt that this act alone could assure my Godhood status....

Flashback Friday

2009-07-17T12:33:00.001-07:00

Stealing a note from Nancy's book....or blog..., here's my Flashback moment.

As a senior at BYU, I lived south of campus. Everyday, I would walk to school, which really wasn't very far and as such, was normally fairly uneventful. One morning, however, I saw a guy, who was talking on his cellphone, hit a deer. Being close to the situation, I managed to hear the cellphone conversation.

"Dude, I just hit a deer."

"No, I was walking!"

Seriously, this guy was walking up the path on the south campus hill (often called rape hill) and was talking talking on his cell, completely oblivious to his surroundings. A deer stepped out of the bushes and started walking across the path. Neither was aware of the other. Biped walked into tail end of quadruped, knocking the deer on it's rump and sending the young man staggering backwards. The deer took off running as the guy caught his balance. Then I heard the one end of the exuberant cellphone conversation. I seriously think that is one of the funniest situations I have ever witnessed.

Funny...

2009-07-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was standing in line for a couple of value-menu tacos at Taco Bell (the only cheap food left in the CougarEat at BYU...also a funny name, but that's another post entirely). Interestingly, there were a couple of older visitors to the university who had one of those unexpected reunions. I gathered that they were friends or roommates at BYU many years ago but were discussing children and grandchildren.

As they were parting, one of them said, "It was nice catching up with you. Are you on Facebook?" The other replied in the affirmative and they discussed how they would add each other as friends. "My name is _____ on Facebook if you can remember that." "Do you remember ______ or ______? I'm friends with them and you can add me through their pages."

I must say, I was rather amused at what has extended while beyond a college phenomenon and has become virtually universal. My family even organizes family reunions on Facebook! And to think, I joined Facebook in 2006 when there were less than 1000 people on Facebook from BYU, 2 from my old High School in Alberta, and less than 100 from my High School in Orem. Now, I've found most of my best friends from my various elementary schools, old teachers, seminary teachers, aunts, uncles, and family of all kinds, and I'm even friends with my friend's cousin's mannequin head for her hairstyling school. Even my Brazilian friends are leaving their old Orkut accounts and being converted to Facebook.

I think the world has become obsessed.

I'm Done

2009-07-14T17:48:00.001-07:00

Well, It's been two years coming, but I finished my Masters Degree. I don't know, it seems kind of anticlimactic. I think the biggest feeling is one of relief that it's over -no enthusiastic shouts of joy or exhilarating sense of accomplishment. I bought myself a set of Bocce Balls to celebrate...or it could have simply been an impulse buy. They were on sale and I wanted a new outdoor date activity. But now, I can put David Layton, MLIS on my letterhead. Not that I have any letterhead or would if I did, but just the thought that I can seems amusing.

Together with my MLIS, I completed the Masters Certificate in Management and, truth be told, I preferred the management classes to any other that I took. I'm now perusing the graduate school PhD options at BYU to see what I can do next, but I'm thinking an MBA would be a lot of fun as well. I'll have to keep my options open. It's a shame BYU doesn't have a PhD in any International Relations orientation. I would be all over that in a flash.

Birthday Musings

2009-03-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

Well, my birthday went by fairly uneventful, which is how I like it and how I've done it since i was 14 and got into trouble for having a food fight during our mystery dinner - Not that I was involved in the altercation, mind you.

This year was my Royal Birthday, meaning, for you Americans, that I turned 26 on the 26th. I, therefore, determined to celebrate at least a little. My birthday, however, fell on a Thursday and there are certainly not many things you can do on a Thursday. I took 3 hours off work to do homework. Then, Josie and Mom came down to wish me happy birthday and I took Josie to my house while Patrick was in class and mom was at work. We played frisbee, managed to get my keys locked in my room (seriously - I had to go to my landlord's to get the spare), and watched old episodes of Animaniacs. Josie learned how incredible cartoons were when I was little and we both lamented in the fact that today's cartoons are all pretty much retarded.

Friday, I had a small party get together with a few people. My friend Jon came down from Salt Lake and brought the game Shadows Over Camelot, where everyone is a knight of the Round Table, trying to complete quests. It's everyone against the board game, unless there is a traitor, and it's really hard. We also made pancakes.

Yesterday, was an unexpected addition to the birthday, with Steve and Nathan throwing me a bit of a surprise party at their house when Brandon and I went over for games. I haven't had that for a long time. Of course, it was just me, Brandon, Steve, and Nathan, but it was a lot of fun.

Today, the final installment will be with my parents after Stake Conference. It's been quite the week.

25 Things About Me

2009-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

I too, have been tagged many times to do this post. Actually, I think virtually everyone I follow has already done it. Therefore, if you haven't and you read this, I invite you to. Because it's fun.
No really. It is.

1. I was accepted to every university I applied to in a different field for each; everything from Recreation Management (USU) to Biology (UVSC).

2. I ended up getting a BA in Latin American Studies with a minor in Chemistry and an almost completed minor in Ballroom Dance.

3. In grade 7 and grade 8, I was voted male athlete of the year in my school. I played volleyball (MVP, grade 7), basketball (point guard), track and field, cross country, football (D-line left tackle grade 7, wide receiver grade 8), and badminton (4th in regionals, grade 8).

4. I was only on two sports teams in high school. Volleyball in grade 9 and the cheer squad as a tumbler in grade 12.

5. I gave myself a major concussion in grade four by playing on the monkey bars. We were jumping from the wooden platform and seeing how many bars away we could grab. I won. Of course, it was winter and I was wearing gloves and couldn't hold my momentum from the jump. I landed on the back of my head and you know that feeling you get when you hit your funny bone? That's what my whole body felt like. I got another concussion two weeks later playing basketball with my sister.

6. I taught grade 10 (or at least the chemistry unit) for a semester. I was in grade 10 and we had an art teacher substitute that didn't know how to do it. So, I did it.

7. I've had two girls tell me they prayed and were told I wasn't the one they were supposed to marry after only two-three months of dating. I've also had two girls stop dating me and start dating a friend....and get engaged within a month.

8. I caught dengue on my mission without knowing it and didn't even take a day off work. I don't recommend it. Actually, I never missed a single full day due to illness during the entire mission.

9. I love to travel, but don't get to do it very often - although I did just go to Amsterdam and Egypt.

10. I didn't study for the graduate entrance exam I took and made it into the top 10% who took the test! Granted, it was the MAT, which isn't accepted everywhere, is the easiest of the exams, and is only 100 questions in an hour (or something like that).

11. I once competed high jump, triple jump, long jump, 1500m, 800m, 400m and relays in a meet where you were only supposed to compete 4 events.

12. I've worked since I was 12 (gotta love those paper routes), except for a month and a half hiatus when I graduated from university and a month and a half when I moved from Canada to Utah.

13. I've lived in several states/provinces in three countries (3 month minimum constitutes living in)... Alberta and British Columbia, Canada; California and Utah, USA; Sao Paulo, Mato Grosso, Santa Catarina, Tocantins, and the Federal District, Brazil.

14. I collect coins and stamps.

15. I once sneezed face-first into my desk.

16. I went to French immersion for the first half of grade 6 (the site of my infamous desk sneeze).

17. In grade 12, I was in 5 plays/musicals, played piano in jazz band, competed ballroom dance, was a member of the cheer team, was on Backporch Majority, the back-up show choir, and took two AP classes. I lived at school.

18. I published a cartoon in our monthly school newsletter in grade 8 called "Colton". We were the Senator Riley Colts. Colton. Haha. Get it? Ok, moving on....

19. I seldom dream. Or if I do, i don't even remember the fact that I dreamed. I only remember two dreams...one was in Provo and was giant bears attacking the city back when I was in pre-school and one was in Burnaby, B.C., after we watched the cartoon, The Last Unicorn. I was chased by a flaming bulldog for a month!

20. I am an extremely light sleep. I always have been since I was born. It takes forever to fall asleep, I don't sleep deep, and I constantly wake up. I believe this is a trait I inherited from the Conrad side of the family.

21. I usually breathe through my mouth (as opposed to my nose). Bad habit, I know, and I'm working on it.

22. I love to dance. If you know me, you know that already. I went to the first dances I remember at school in grade 6. I started going to the youth dances almost weekly when i turned fourteen. I helped form a breakdance crew when I was 14. My b-boy name was Flipz. I started swing dancing at 14-15. I started ballroom dance shortly thereafter and went to five years of youth ballroom dance camps at BYU. I competed ballroom in high school and college. I was on both the ballroom dance and folkdance teams at BYU. I still take the odd ballroom class. I went on a date Israeli dancing last week. I also enjoy normal dances still.

23. Chips and Salsa are/is my favorite food(s?).
(As you can tell, I also like correct grammar and even text in complete sentences.)

24. I've never broken a bone but have had several dislocations and concussions.

25. I am constantly misplacing items. I try to have a set place for things, but when I miss setting it down there....

So there you have it. I'm sure you already know most of this, because not many exciting things have happened of late.

I'll even add a bonus one....

26. It's my royal birthday this year. 26 on the 26th of February.

Indifference

2009-01-31T09:09:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those weeks where you just don't feel motivated to do anything? That's been me this week. Of course, I did pinch a nerve in my back which made it hard to walk and really painful these past two weeks and I haven't been able to lay down without a lot of pain (which makes sleeping difficult), but I've just felt *blah* lately.
I managed to read a couple of books and have rarely left the house except for work. We've played a lot of board games and watched a couple of movies, but that's about it. I really don't know where this week went. However, today I'm moving. One, I'm a little less sore. Two, my homework is due this weekend, the house is a mess, and I'm bored out of my mind. So the dishes are now in the dishwasher, an essay is now half written, the broom is calling from the closet and I should probably end this break.
Good luck battling your preguisa (that is both sloth and laziness in Portuguese).

The Real Reason I Went To Egypt

2009-01-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

So, I have now been in Egypt for over a week. We've been to Luxor to see the old temples of Thebes and the Valley of the Kings. We've been to the pyramids at Giza and taken photos with the Sphinx. We've gotten ripped off by Calesh (carriage) drivers, almost gotten hit by cars, ridden in smoke-filled train cars, almost got stranded in Luxor, taken a camel ride, and visited all sorts of museums. But the real reason I came was to visit my sister and her family. I took some good pictures of my niece, who is just starting to warm up to me now that I'm going home in two days.

Digging for Gold

Running Around Karnak

On a Pink Granite Pyramid Stone

The Sphinx and Great Pyramid

Ready for Church

Rachel has got to be the oldest 1 1/2 year old I've ever met. She acts like, plays with and is as smart as the 3-year-olds.

Today, Rachel reached up onto the table to grab a cup of water. Unfortunately, she grabbed the top of the rim and pulled the cup over, sending a wave of water right into her face. She was not amused. Less than five minutes later, she was walking backwards (one of her favorite pastimes) and turned head-first into Nancy's chair. What a girl!

Egypt Musings

2009-01-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post. I'll update this better when we get back to Cairo. We've spent the past few days in Luxor, visiting many of the old religious temples of old Thebes. This has included the tombs in the valley of the kings. The ancient relics and buildings are amazing. The city is much cleaner than Cairo, but the people are less friendly and more cynical. Everything seems a facade, trying to get money from Tourists. Andrew even got ripped off by a Calesh (carriage driver) and our boat guide for our Faluca ride on the Nile also tried to rip us off by saying we had agreed to another price completely different from the truth. That aside, it has been very good. My favorite temple has been the temple of Ramses III. It was incredible! Check out my photos on Facebook and I'll update the blog soon.

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-02T03:28:00.000-08:00

Alright, here's the deal.

I've never made New Year's resolutions before. This time, however, I will write them down and publish them here on my blog for everyone to see. Then, I'll come back to them at the end of a year and see how I did.

Resolution #1 I will read the scriptures everyday this year. I've been slacking as of late and need to write this down to achieve it.

Resolution #2 I will write for half an hour everyday, starting with when I return from Cairo (I know I should start now, but who am I kidding - I'm in Cairo and I didn't actually bring anything to write with).

Resolution #3 I will read at least 60 novels this year. I read 101 books last year, although several of them were children's books. I finished two on the plane coming to Egypt. You can follow my progress on GoodReads.

Resolution #4 I will go on at least 2 dates a month this year. I dated a lot at the end of 2007, but haven't really dated much since Sarah and I broke up last year. That will change, especially when I get a girlfriend.

Resolution #5 I will write 5 children's books and submit at least 3 of them for publication. I've always had this for a goal, I've just never submitted any before.

Resolution #6 I will blog at least two times a week this year. I should put everyday, but I don't want to shoot for the stars on this one. I wish I could be like Nancy in this feat, but it will take time. Two a week should be sufficient.

I think seems like a good list of goals for 2009. We'll see how I do on the eve of 2010.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

2008-12-31T01:22:00.000-08:00

I now have stamps in my passport from Europe and Africa. I was told, however, that it good not to mention that Egypt is in Africa. It is in the Middle East. I don't know whether that is true, but I may soon (if I remember to ask).

I spent half of two days in a plane. The other half, I spent in layovers in Minneapolis and Amsterdam. I read Deception Point by Dan Brown, Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, and much of Jane Eyre on the trip. Besides, who wants to leave the airport in....Minneapolis?!?

Amsterdam was another matter. I've never been to Europe. And if I had a ten-hour layover, I was going to take advantage of it. Ironically, I did. So, a few other passengers and I piled into the train and ventured into the great unknown of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is quite the city. I was warned before going about the *ahem* questionable activities that go on there. I'll admit, I've never seen so many people opening smoking pot in my life. We stayed away from the Red Light district and just walked around looking at the architecture and the canals.

Turning down a little alley-way, we found a quaint Indian restaurant that served some of the best falafels that I've ever had. The Indian lady (from Punjab) said that she had lived in Amsterdam for the past 24 years and really enjoyed it. While we were there, a bunch of Israelis came in who were staying in Amsterdam for New Years. I overheard one of them asking if she ever served American tourists and I looked up and said 'yes, of course'. It was rather amusing.

After lunch and looking in a few gift shops, we got back on the train and headed back to the airport before it got dark. No sense in getting lost or missing my plane when I had yet to reach my real destination.

The flight in to Cairo was fortunately uneventful and I had a pleasant ride with a taxi driver from Giza who pointed a lot of the sites of Cairo to me as we headed for Nancy and Andrew's. It was past 4 AM when I finally got in. Quite the trip.

Snowshoeing in December

2008-12-31T00:32:00.001-08:00

Amanda invited me to go snowshoeing last Saturday with some family and friends, so we all piled in to the vehicle and away we went. Arriving at our destination way up in Provo Canyon, we noticed every vehicle in the parking lot was a 4X4 truck, jeep or SUV. Except our little two-wheel-drive mini van. We weren't intimidated at all.

It was beautiful, trekking through the snow-covered forest, admiring the breathtaking landscape, and politely disbelieving Brother Pilmer's tales of beating up bears, stalking wild animals, and (I'm assuming mildly) "true" scout stories.

We only had a couple spills. Justin decided that walking backwards in snowshoes doesn't work.

Also, I managed to knock Amanda over with my amazing fencing skills with our snowshoe/ski/walking stick thingies. We also had a drawing contest, creating a hallway of art along the trail in the middle of a field. Talk about vandalism of pristine snow landscape. Bwa hah hah!

We saw no wild animals on our trip, although we did meet up with the Peadons and had a little trouble getting out of the parking lot.

Week of Christmas

2008-12-05T23:14:00.000-08:00

So, I've decided that this is the week of Christmas. Wednesday was the library Chrisymas party. I was on the committee of five that planned the festivities for 280 people who RSVP'd and it was quite the undertaking - especially considering the fact that the room we'd booked only holds 250. We booked a room for overflow and fortunately, enough people didn't show that we ended up not needing the overflow room after all. Which meant I got to sit in the room after all.

I'm re-reading this and I realize that this is a pretty boring post. Bah!

Needless to say, the party went well, I recited Twas' The Night Before Christmas" Voice Male style, and it was a huge success with great accolades thrown my way....with regards to the party, not the recitation....

Yesterday was the BYU ballroom social dance lab with a festive theme. I wasn't in much of a mood for dancing so I only stayed two hours.

Tonight was our department Christmas party. Dinner farm-style, including hot home-made rolls. ~dramatic reminiscence~ I also managed to get a glass Santa Claus martini glass with a handle (yes, hard time picturing it. I understand that.) as my white elephant gift. Not bad. I could've ended with the hub cap.

Tomorrow is our annual Muppet Christmas Carol movie party that Brandon (my roommate) has had since before I moved to Utah. That's a long time.

Sunday is our annual family Christmas party in Sandy.

Yes, that is five....count them....1...2...3...4...5....five parties in five days. I don't think Christmas will get this festive.

I'm going to bed.

It's a small world

2008-12-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

So, about a week before going to Canada, I messaged my friend, Christine, on Facebook. I said, basically, that I have never asked anyone out on Facebook before, so I figured now would be a good time. Besides, I didn't have her phone number and I'd only be in Canada for a couple of days.

Now, don't get me wrong. This isn't something I just go and do. I've known Christine for ten years, she was my (second) cousin, Heather's, best friend, and she we had a crush on each other for a long time. Actually, she was the first girl I held hands with. Unfortunately for us, I moved to Utah a few months before she turned 16.

Fast forward to now. Laughing at my childish method of getting dates, Christine said she had never been asked out on Facebook and she'd love to go out with me. It was about time we went on a date. I mean, it has been 10 years!

So, we get to Canada and set up a date. We also visited Heather in the hospital because she just had her baby (and Sadie is really cute). Heather, in her groggy, just-had-a-baby, pain-enduring, med-imbued state, teased how Christine goes on at least three dates a week and warned me that she even has a guy up from California trying to date her. (Are you noticing the foreshadowing? No? Ok, I'll continue.

So, date night. We came up with all these elaborate plans that included dinner, volleyball, and dancing. Almost none of these came to fruition. I picked her up and we went to visit Heather and the new baby, whom Christine had never seen. We had a good visit with the whole family then went for dinner at Mr. Mike's, where my sister works (it was very good). By the time we finished though, it was well after 8 and there was no dance after all, so we just went to a movie instead. Twilight. The movie felt like the script was written by a fourteen year old. Definitely not my favorite movie - although Christine and I enjoyed heckling the movie too each other. The best part of the movie was when someone in the back yelled 'SHUT UP' to all the young, teenage girls. Priceless.

Overall, it was your typical date. Of course, she does live in Canada, so that provides a slight problem for further dates. Besides, there's this guy from California....

The next day, we visited another set of cousins in Okotoks. When they asked how our visit had been so far, I mentioned I went on a date. "Oh, with who?", they asked. My mother said that I'd gone with Christine. They kind of looked each other and laughed. You see, there's this guy, Neil, from California staying with them who seems to be trying to date her. ~Dramatic pause~ Fortunately, he wasn't home at the time. Dixie said how they were teasing him Friday night because he was home. "Where's Christine?" they ask. "Why aren't you with her?" He didn't have a clue. She was with me. Bwah hah hah.

Seriously. Who would have guessed that one cousin would warn me of a guy trying to date my friend who lived with my other cousins? Weird!

So yeah, that's my random Mormon moment. Too many connections! Of course, Christine did say I 90% convinced her to come to BYU. Hmmmmm....

My Music Horoscope

2008-12-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

So, I saw this on Abra's blog and figured I'd try it. Hers seemed to fit pretty well, so I figured I'd have to prove that the songs have absolutely nothing to do with anything. Besides, I have a lot of music, including religious, classical, jazz, Portuguese, popular, etc. We'll see how it goes.

On Abra's blog:

"You know the rules. Put your MP3 player, iTunes, WMP, or whatever on shuffle with all the music you own on the playlist. Press play and the first song that plays is the answer."

It's fitting, considering my previous post so why not?

---

1) How am I feeling today?
Make You Whole : Sonja Jenson & Joel McCausland (From the New Testament seminary CD)
Huh?

2) Will I get far in life?
English Fiddler - Mrs. Marriott : Dave Swarbrick (World Naxos World 2004 Sampler)
Um....

3) How do my friends see me?
O Canada (live) : Five Iron Frenzy
This totally fits. It's Ska. And it's random Canada-ness

4) Will I get married?
Snails : The Format (from the album Dog Problems - seriously)
Sad but true.

5) What is my best friend’s theme song?
Leatherwing Bat : Tony Trischka, Pete Seeger, Bruce Molsky (from A Sound Legacy: 60 Years of Folkways Records and 20 Years of Smithsonian Folkways)

6)What is the story of my life?
Caring Hands : Felicia Day - from Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog

7) What was high school like?
Shandon Bells/Haste To The Wedding : Marty Smith (from Aurora Borealis)
More true in University, but works for high school too...at least in Utah.

8) What’s in store for this weekend?
Long As I'm Here With You : Sheryl Lee Ralph (from the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie)

9) How is my life going?
Going Down Slow : Eric Clapton
It's funny 'cause it's true.

10) How can I get ahead in life?
Free Ride: D. Hartman
Hmmmmm...

11) What’s the best thing about your friends?
When Love Comes to Town : U2

12)What song will they play at my funeral?
I'm Moving On : Rascal Flatts
Very Fitting - I'm impressed.

13) How does the world see me?
My Girl : Aerosmith
Um....no. Unless it's the fact that all my girls end up getting married to my friends and end up their girl.

14) Do people secretly lust for me?
Kayama : ATB
I can't even find a translation for this.

15) How can I make myself happy?
Lump : The Presidents of the United States of America

16) What should I do with my life?
Bleed America : Jimmy Eat World
Hmmmmm...

17) Will I ever have children?
Goodbye Alice in Wonderland : Jewel

18) What does your mom think about you?
Lean On Me : Various A Capella

19) What is your mortal enemy’s theme song?
Natural Mystic : Bob Marley
Scary.

20) What is your personality like?
All About Ruprecht : David Yazbek (from the Musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)

21) What song will be played at your wedding?
Jumptown : Steve Lucky And The Rhumba Bums (Swing Song)
Probably something like this at one point, but definitely not my song.

22)Your overall theme song?
Elephant Love Medley : Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor (from Moulin Rouge)
Hmmmm....

Well, I must say, a few actually worked. Most were way off. Insights?

Wheels

2008-12-01T23:09:00.001-08:00

So, I broke down and bought a car a few weeks ago. I am now the proud owner of a 2001 Hyundai Elantra. It was about a $1000 below Kelly Blue Book price and has 94,000 miles. I figure I can probably get another 100,000 miles out of it. It's a good little car and runs smoothly. It has brand new tires and brand new brake pads even. And a clean record.

Now, I have some wheels so I can go on dates without borrowing my mother's cars. Not that I have time these next couple of weeks...

Book Review

2008-11-23T22:56:00.000-08:00

Sparked by a book-reading update that Ben posted on his blog, I've decided to update you all on the books I'm currently reading, also. I'm reading a lot right now, which is probably why I haven't actually finished a book for awhile.

I'm almost done with Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli. I highly recommend this book to Josie! It's about one of those people who doesn't really fit in in high school. It's cute and well written and annoyingly frustrating. I didn't think I'd get into it, but I actually enjoy it!

I'm really enjoying Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. It's one of the most unique views on magicians that I have yet read. It's a throwback to old Victorian literature with a Gothic influence and a splash of psychology. It's very enjoyable. At over 1000 pages, it is rather long though.

Oscar Wilde's only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is very enjoyable. There is nothing as exquisite as Oscar Wilde's wit, although it is difficult to decipher which character is most like the author. It is in an older language, so those who don't enjoy a slow plot probably won't enjoy this (or many classics at all).

Jane Eyre is probably my favorite of books by the Bronte sisters. It is so well written and you really come to know the characters. I definitely would not mind marrying someone with the intelligence and wit of Jane. (Now I'm even sounding like Ben).

I just picked up the Life of our Lord by Charles Dickens. I got it for free at a BYU Bookstore promotion. It's a classic rewritten account of the life of Christ for children. It is good, although I do believe that I prefer just reading the New Testament.

Standing For Something by Gordon B. Hinckley is really good. I can't believe I've never actually read it all the way through before! I can't tell you how many times I've just picked it up and skimmed some or chosen a few points for a talk.

I started Walden by Henry David Thoreau. It is definitely sound philosophy. He was about my age when he went to live in that log cabin he built himself for two years, so I thought that was intriguing. It really states the importance of food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. Everything else is just luxury.

I'm also slogging through the collection of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, Grimm's Fairy Tales, and I'm planning on finishing the Book of Mormon again by the end of the year.

So, that's a few books. When I'm done those, I'll finish the Fablehaven series, read the new Ender novel by Orson Scott Card, read the last book in the Mistborn trilogy, and hopefully start Bartemius trilogy. So much to read, so little time.

Dancing Machine

2008-11-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I went to a birthday dance party at Dema's apartment. I realized how much I miss dancing and like to dance. I just haven't done much of it lately....

My first dancing experience was a school talent show in grade 1. My best friends, Charlie, Landry, Johnny, and I, all dressed up as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (complete with brown paper bag heads), and danced around and spun on our "shells" through the Ninja Turtles television theme song. We were the most popular grade oners in school!

Another influence was the May Day festivities in elementary school and my mother teaching folk dances in our basement to the neighborhood kids. I don't remember too much of these, but I liked them.

I started going to organized dances in grade 6 when we would have dances just for the grade sixers. They were fun, even though no one actually knew how to dance. Apparently, we were the only age group that was responsible enough for these dances, since they would only be for the two grade six classes and they would be during school hours in the gym. I'm not sure how they advanced our education, but I remember them. :)

Church dances are where I really began to shine. I remember Abra taking me to my first youth dance (thanks Abra). She was 18 and was going to her last dance with her friends. I guess you could say she passed on the torch to her little brother. She and her friends taught me how to dance and I kept that style going until I left. I can honestly say that Mark Thompson, Tim Pederson, and I were the last people to dance like that and it is a style I still miss. Abra also made me promise to never miss a slow song and to dance with all the girls, not just the cute ones. I lived up to this promise and didn't miss a slow song for 3 1/2 years of Calgary dances. Consequently, I think I knew every girl in the region that went to the youth dances, much to the annoyance of my friends. The youth dances were every Saturday, they were regional, and gave me an opportunity to get out of High River (a town I never totally fit in to).

David, Mark, Logan, and I started a breakdance crew when I was 15. We weren't very good, but gave ourselves names. The crew was Breakin' Ground and my name was Flipz. We got better and were some of the top breakers in High River. Not that that is anything to brag about. It's not exactly your dancing haven. (I moved before Grade 12 and the rest of the crew became amazing - I stayed mediocre). We had a lot of fun practicing and learning new moves.

Breakdancing led to swing, and I was always partial to this (probably why I never put as much time into breakdancing as the others). We'd do stunts with the b-girls (like Sheena) and incorporate swing moves. As such, we became the top swingers at the youth dances. Of course, this was a t a time when being a good dancer was swaying in rhythm to the music and occasionally twirling a girl. Anything above and beyond that was fantastic!

Swing dancing led me to Utah to learn more moves at the youth ballroom dance camps. I was very much a beginner, but it was my passion. I suddenly found myself the ballroom guru of High River, even though I knew next to nothing. I did go back every year to improve my skills and ballroom quickly became my favorite contact sport, although hockey remains my favorite collision sport.

Moving to Utah, I quickly enveloped myself in the dancing culture, competing ballroom in grade 12 and throughout my undergrad years. I won a few competitions, was on team at BYU, and still take the odd class after 5:00. I also joined the International Folkdance ensemble at BYU and made the second highest team. Unfortunately, I joined near the end of my schooling and wasn't on the touring team because of it (although, if I had put off graduation for a year....).

The ballroom/folk opportunities, however, did have some concessions. Utah youth church dances were terrible. Sock hops at high school were fun and I went to every date dance, but I think I've been to two non-ballroom dances at BYU, a couple dance parties, and a couple institute dances, over the past seven years. The music and styles have certainly changed over that time. I do go county dancing at time, although the music is definitely not my favorite.

But Saturday night, I slipped a little into my old mold and danced just to have fun. Sure, it was mostly R&B and Latin, but that didn't matter. I just danced. It was great, and I realized how much I miss it. So, if you know of any dances going on, I'm game.

I have quirks? Oh yeah, I guess I do.

2008-11-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

So my sisters finally got me to post. That is because Nancy tagged Kelli, who then tagged me. Wow! Apparently, I'm supposed to copy the rules, so here you go...

Rules: A - People who are tagged need to post these rules and 8 random habits, facts, quirks about themselves. B - At the end of the post you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names.

I don't know if I'll fulfill rule B, since I don't know who follows my sporadic postings who hasn't already been named. Hmmmm....

Quirk 1: I would misplace my head if it weren't attached. I don't necessarily lose anything, but I do forget where I leave things in the house. I usually have certain places where I leave things, but occasionally, I will put something - wallet, keys, phone, dinner - someplace out of the ordinary and "lose" it. Most of the time, it is hiding in plain site, often in one of my usual places.

Quirk 2: I almost always text message in full sentences and it bugs me when I get e-mails with text message non-grammar.

Quirk 3: I can't remember much of my life before grade 4. Pretty much nothing, except the odd instance or stories I've been told, but those are memories of being told, not the actual occurrence.

Quirk 4: I have cracked my knuckles since grade 4. I've tried to stop countless times. It's just one of those habits that is hard to break.

Quirk 5: I'm a Broadway junkie. I sing musicals everywhere. I listen to them on my computer. I have about 15 different piano books of Broadway musicals.

Quirk 6: I read while I walk. I know, I'm coordinated! If you see someone walking towards or away from campus with his nose in a book, there's a good chance it might be me.

Quirk 7: Ballroom dance is my favorite contact sport. Hockey is my favorite collision sport.

Quirk 8: I love to play board and card games. I own many of them - Ticket to Ride, Cranium, Munchkin, Missionary Impossible, Mousetrap, Settlers, Cranium, Imaginiff, Yspahan, Killer Bunnies, Battleship, Uno, Phase 10, Fluxx, Boggle, The Wrong Games, Quelf, Monopoly, Unexploded Cow, Life, Othello, Mexican Train Dominoes, Bang!, Chess, Connect Four, etc., etc., etc.
I don't think you actually read all of those (or at least I didn't expect you to), but you get the idea.

Ok, 8 people to select. Um....Josie, Emily, Krystal, Michelle, Jennie, Uncle Bruce, Heather, and Michelle (or Andy). Bwah-hah-hah!

The Office - Contains Spoilers

2008-09-27T18:32:00.001-07:00

So, on Thursday, I went to Chris's birthday party slash season premier of 'The Office' party. Of course, I dressed as Jim (who else) and I must say, we look alike (or so I've been told). We watched old episodes, ate cake, and then watched the premier. It was pretty crazy. There were about 30 people crammed into Chris's living room. Of course, the vast majority were girls. This has its benefits (as you will read shortly) but also has its drawbacks. For example, the scene where Jim finally proposed to Pam merited a covering of the ears due to all the screaming. "Why?" I asked. "This is a daily occurrence at BYU."

Before I left, I asked Anthony if a cute girl in the room was dating anyone. Anthony promptly told me she was single, stole her phone, and called me from it so that I would have her phone number. Just before I left, I said, "So, Erica, if you get a call from a random guy from this party asking you out, it's because Anthony gave him your phone number." Erica replied, "Ok....wait....that's what he was doing when he stole my phone?!?" It was pretty funny. So now I have a phone number and a date for next week.

Ballroom Blues

2008-09-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'm taking ballroom dance every Monday night. It's fun and it's free, so I figure, why not? I'm starting to get back in form and I love it. Today, my friend Ashley (new friend...I didn't know her name until today) asked if I wanted to compete novice open with her. Craig and Brittany (Harper) Wakefield teach lessons for cheap ($25/hour) and could choreograph routines for us. I just have to decide if I have time to practice. I've got a week to decide. I really want to do it. But at the same time I've got institute and my masters degree to work on. Decisions. I'll keep y'all posted on what I decide.

Blind Date

2008-09-22T06:12:00.001-07:00

I went on a date on Saturday. Yeah, I know, it's been awhile. It was also the last day of World of Dance, which of course I couldn't miss. So at dance class on Monday, my teacher had asked who had already purchased tickets. I scanned the crowd to see who hadn't and saw a girl that hadn't that I wanted to ask out. So I did.

Saturday rolls around and I go to her house to pick her up. No answer when I knock. I call her. It goes straight to voicemail. I knock. I call. I knock harder. I call. I go to the laundry place and double check that that is, indeed, the right building. I call. I knock. No answer.

So, now I am there with Kyle and his date, and I have an extra date, half an hour before the show. Oh....did I mention that it was also a BYU home football game? That means, most every girl I know is at the game. We call around until Kyle finds a friend at home and we rush to her apartment to pick her up. Kyle goes up there and takes his time, leaving me and his date to talk in the car. Finally, he comes down with Chrysta and we leave for the date. Crazy, eh?

We made it just before they closed the doors and went and sat down. The performance was incredible. The Cougarettes were definitely the most polished, the folkdancers brought back Last Night (a clogging routine I love) and did another dance I performed two years ago, the ballroom dancers were great but didn't hit all their lines, and the ballet dancers surprisingly had a lot of falls and trouble. Oh, and the modern dancers did their hilarious mini-mattress routine. It was a good show.

We went to Red Robin after the dance show and had dinner. It was there that I discovered the truth about my sudden blind date. Kyle's friend had decided she didn't want to go and had left for the football game. Kyle was up at her house calling all his friends until a random girl walked up with her groceries. I had said earlier that we should just knock on a door or stop by a girl walking down the street and ask someone at random, so he asked her. She said yes. Yes, crazy.

It was actually a really fun blind date, even if it was with an 18-year-old who had moved here from California only 3 week ago.

So, that's my story.

Disclaimer: I was not stood up for the date. Tikla had slept in til 1:08 (I was picking her up at 1:15). So she was getting ready and all her roommates left. I came and knocked on her door because they don't have a doorbell. She couldn't hear it from her room and her phone hasn't been working properly. It didn't ring and wouldn't even show she had missed four calls. We left at 1:30 and she had remained in her room, oblivious that I was outside waiting. Sad. I'm going to take her out again some other time.

Tired

2008-09-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm tired today and finding it hard to concentrate, so I figured I'd tell you about it. You see, working full-time and taking classes for my masters degree, a dance class at BYU, and institute, it doesn't leave much time for reading. And I'm reading such a good book right now (Well of Ascension from Brandon Sanderson). It's just long....and I'm slow. Consequently, I've been reading until 1 am for the last several days and I'm starting to feel it.

So if you run into me and I'm a little aloof, there is a reason. This time.

Random

2008-09-06T17:22:00.000-07:00

So I was going to post pictures of my new house, but I can't because I left the cable at my parents. I can, however, post some of the pictures from my mission. I served in Brazil from Sept. 2002 - Aug. 2004. It was amazing.

More to come....I'm going to a party.

Library Clarification

2008-08-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

So, I realized that I need two posts for this assignment, and didn't have too much to add, since I put so much into the first post. For some reason, however, it seems people thought I worked at Temple. I actually work at BYU and was comparing the two a little. BYU has one library in the heart of campus, although we do have a small annex in the nursing building. Temple now has one library also and is making many changes that focus on the user.
I'm glad that libraries are becoming more user-centered. I think that in a service economy, that is very important. After all, we are here to help the patrons and if we don't address their needs, why be there? Science is becoming so inter-disciplinary that it only makes sense to house the subjects together. Especially since many schools are in different colleges, but have very fuzzy lines between them. I've tried to do the new book lists and to decide if a book is Nursing or PDBio or Sports Medicine is a fairly impossible task (some just go onto multiple yearlists).
So, that is where we're headed at BYU. I just need to figure out the best way to do the subject pages/blogs. Then I can think of how to better help students use our resources. We have a lot of information that can help them. I think that's the problem though. We have too much information for their needs and they don't know how to sift through it. At least I didn't when I started my undergrad 7 years ago.

Changing the Science Library Perspective

2008-07-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

Note: For my friends and family: This posting is homework. Colleagues and Classmates, read on.

Even though I've only worked in the science department since February, it's been interesting to see the changes that have been happening. We're in the process of condensing our reference section since a lot of material is being put online. We're also becoming more technology-based, I'm creating department blogs, and we're offering more courses on how to use online databases. We're also considering some changes that I can't discuss here. Throughout the library, we're becoming more technology-focused for the patrons. We've revamped our Information Commons and trust me, you can do anything there! Video editing, format conversion (including LPs, Videocassette, film negatives, etc.), software classes, conference rooms, scanners, etc. It's crazy! We've also put in a lot of lounge chairs and study tables, especially around the world classics and sampler room collections. We're also migrating to an OPAC that is more google-like and hopefully will do federated searching within all our database subscriptions!

We're not the only library doing changes though. Temple University recently closed all of their Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Sciences libraries and built a new Science Engineering & Architecture Library (SEAL). This library is well-lit and aesthetically appealing for students and faculty. The collection policy has changed. They have an extensive reference collection, computers, and only the most recent 10 years of monographs in architecture, biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, physics and general science. To aid patrons in using library resources, they also house a library instructional services. Also directed to the new technological generation are several new online services such as Instant Messaging reference, new book lists, and a blog site featuring new tools, resources, library events and news.

Temple, BYU, and many other libraries are certainly becoming more user-centered. Online reference is a big help since many people cannot, don't have time, or prefer not to go to the library to do their research. These libraries are also migrating towards more open and inviting spaces and workstations that invite collaboration. This helps the patron feel invited to the era and more likely to study and do research in that area. The Shhhhhh! Era has ended. We have moved on to focus more on the individual user so that their needs are met and they leave with a positive experience. Science is becoming more cross-disciplined. Temple showed they could address that patron issue by combining its science libraries. I'm sure there are other ways we can be more user-centered, but this is a start.

Resources used:
http://blog.library.temple.edu/liblog/archives/library_renovations/2006/07/

A Changing Profession

2008-07-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

In 2002, shortly before I left on my mission, I was working in the BYU Bookstore. It was fun and the whole campus knew me (except my fellow Freshmen who can't use their mealplans in the Bookstore) because 1, I worked the lunch rush shift in the Twilight Zone, and 2, I was the happy Canadian bag boy with the permagrin. :)
I remember about a month before I left for Brazil, Russ Taylor, one of my frequent customers, asked if I would return to the bookstore after I finished my mission. I said that I was actually hoping to find something that would look a little better on a resume. He said to look him up in Special Collections and he'd give me a job in the library.
Two years later, I found myself working in the library and that was the start of my short career (thus far). I worked in Special Collections for three years as a student, gaining experience and responsibilities to the extent that they hired me back as Collection manager upon my graduation.
It's funny. I had never thought of going into library work. Actually, I was debating between law or business and truthfully, I will probably still pursue an MBA and/or JD, but for now, I'm half-way done my MLS - partly because it guaranteed me a job for awhile, partly because it is good experience that will help me in the future, and partly because they offered me a nice little scholarship which means I won't have to pay for the degree.
Now, I'm working full-time in the Science Department as Science/Maps reference specialist. At least I'm making use of my pre-med courses and chemistry minor. It's fun, but we're seeing a lot of changes and we're going to be seeing more in the future. Students are using the library less. Methods of research and requirements for study are changing. If we can't reach the students soon, we will send many into the workforce unprepared for what needs to be done in areas of research (particularly in the sciences). We'll see how it goes.
This post is prepping for the next one, which I will warn you, is a requirement for a class I'm taking in my Masters of Library Science degree. I'll try to make it interesting. :)

Helping People Get Jobs

2008-07-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Eric, Matt and I taught the Career Workshop at BYU. I was recruited to teach the Sunday before and they told me that their last workshop that they tried to put on was a bust. Even with that torrid history, we were still optimistic. We had had over 55 people respond to the advertising and were confident that we would have at least 20 of those show up.

Getting there bright and early, we set up for the conference and slowly people began to trickle in. They did so for some time and we ended up having 64 people (who signed in) attend our four-hour workshop!

Now, it is difficult to squash a 12-hour workshop into 4 hours, but we divided the workshop into parts, created a strict time limit for each section and went to work. I wish we could have included all of the practice time that is normal and we cut out a few sections, but overall it was very successful!

My favorite sections are the 'Me in 30 Seconds' and 'Power Statements'. Me in 30 Seconds is almost like a trailer at the start of a movie. It tells you about yourself and it tried to get the audience hooked - without giving away too much. The audience could be an interviewer asking, 'tell me about yourself' or a CEO who you randomly meet in an elevator. 'Power Statements' take a quality or attribute, a specific example from your life, and the result and put it into a statement that has power! These can be used to answer almost any power statement!

Attribute + Example + Result (with numbers preferably)

An example: I'm very creative. While working at a recreation complex, I was asked to create some new programs. By the time I finished I had created the plan for three new programs that we then implemented.

These two principles will help anyone present their skills to an employer and help them get a job.

It was a lot of fun. Even my Mom came. It made me remember the good old times in Brazil. By the way, I'm a very effective teacher. For example, while teaching the Career Workshop in Brazil, I taught weekly sessions for between 10 and 25 people per week. As a result, about 25% of them got new or better jobs within 3 weeks of taking the course!

Batman and Beyond

2008-07-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

About 3 weeks ago, a group of friends and I decided that it would be fun to watch Batman: Dark Knight on opening night. Now, I haven't been to many opening night showings....I did see Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Transformers (pre-showing) and, surprisingly, the Ring II (which admittedly, I was invited to 5 minutes before and there was virtually no line). At no times, have I dressed up.

Batman is different. Batman is, well, Batman. And you dress up for Batman.

I had been planning on purchasing a Robin costume on eBay, until I saw how pricey those were. I should've started looking months ago. Then, I left my Batman shirt at my parents' house. I didn't even go home after work either, we went straight to Diana's to watch Invader Zim before going to the movie. Crazy, I know. So, puzzling over what I was to wear, while Diana was sewing a cape for Brandon and adjusting her t-shirt, I suddenly was struck with a stroke of inspiration.

On the way to pick up Steve, Diana and I stopped at Shopko where I purchased two pieces of poster board and a Sharpie. In tribute to the 1960s Batman show (which was amazing), I created my costume.

Yes, accompanied by 5 Batmans, I went as a giant POW sign. It was the best costume ever!

We got to the movie two hours before it started and played a 10-person game of Hand and Foot. In the movie theater. In our chairs. With 15 decks of cards.

The movie was incredible. Dark, yes, but very well done. Once again, there was clean language and no immorality, but there was quite a lot more violence than Batman Begins. I jumped once during the movie when a body slammed into a window (not a spoiler since I'm not saying who or when) and laughed at someone lamenting that nothing went right for Batman. It was really good. Heath Leger was incredible! I have never seen a creepier character and his little tongue twitch. Wow!

So, I got home at midnight. Exhausted. And not ready for eight hours of work the following day.

What did I do?

2008-07-16T22:52:00.001-07:00

So on Sunday, Eric announced that there would be a Career Workshop taught on Saturday at BYU. Having taught the Career Workshop in Florianopolis and Porto Alegre, Brazil (while managing the Employment Center in Floripa), I firmly believe that this is something all college students should take to prepare for getting a real job! Of course, I opened my big mouth in support of the program.

Let's jump ahead to today....

I just got home from our second meeting. I am one of four teachers teaching the workshop on Saturday and there is lots to do to prepare. We've had about 60 RSVPs which is double the largest group I taught in Brazil. We're also condensing the 12 hour workshop into 4 hours. I'm excited but also wondering how I got myself into this. You see, Eric happened to be one of the organizers, and when he realized that I was a certified instructor, he jumped on the opportunity to have me help teach.

So here I am, ready to teach Power Statements, Networking skills, getting past the Gatekeepers, Me in 30 seconds, resume building, etc. Just remember, the resume is the tip of the iceberg. It's the intangibles that employers want to discover and you need to show them exactly who you are beneath what they can see. That's what we teach!

Slip N'Slide

2008-07-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was a kid, Crocodile Mile was one of the coolest things on the block. After school, we'd pull out the slip n'slide, turn on the hose, and race to see who could make it down the slide the fastest. As I've grown, I've determined that the toys are just the same as when we were kids. They're just bigger, faster, and a lot more fun.

Imagine a 65 degree slope, draped with a two meter by 100 ft. sheet of 4 pt. plastic, three hoses, and soap. Throw into the equation thirty college students, a little music, and a lot of up-man-ship and you have the ultimate slip n'slide party.

Kicking off the evening, Ryan soaped up his hairy body (trust me....it almost rivals Dallin's) and soared down the hill. A bunch of the other guys sent down and we had to spend the next several minutes figuring out how to stop people before they hit the asphalt trail, upon which we left a few patches of skin. We'll be a little raw tomorrow. Some of the more spectacular displays included Tyler, who went whipping down the hill so fast that when a couple of guys grabbed the bottom of the plastic and pulled it up to catch him, he burst right through and kept on going! I was a little disappointed that no one succeeded in staying on their feet all the way down, although Mike made it about 3/4 of the way down before biffing it! We even got a few of the girls to go down - until Tyler broke his finger that is!

Yeah, good times. That's college for you.

Strange Examples

2008-05-18T13:59:00.001-07:00

My new Bishop is from New York. He is pretty mellow for a New Yorker. He once said that he when he was young, his parents put him in little league and his mother would sit in the stands every game and scream at him to do well, at the umpire to call the game right, and at anyone else. He said that one day, his someone asked who that loud, obnoxious lady was in the crowd and Bishop McGarr proudly claimed her for his mother. Loud and obnoxious was high praise indeed for New York and his mother couldn't have gotten a better compliment in his estimation! She was pleased too.

That is a little preview of the type of man our bishop is. We can never anticipate what will come out of his mouth. Today in Sunday School, we were talking about tolerance and getting along with people. I'll admit that there were several people who were dozing/not paying attention....until the bishop raised his hand to comment. "The best analogy I can't think of," he began, "is that it is kind of like dogs." This is how it began and it was amazing to see all of the doze-ers perk up. "I mean, you take your Saint Bernard or Great Dane to the park and they meet a little Chihauhau and you think, that dog is going to be eaten alive. Instead, they look at each other and then proceed to sniff each others butts. They don't care that one's big or little or brown or white. Everyone's equal and is worth a sniff. Not that I'm saying that we should sniff other people, but we should be more accepting like dogs."

Yes, that's my bishop. It sure makes the ward a lot more interesting....

Work - It's an ongoing project

2008-04-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

So, I've now been in my new position in the Harold B. Lee Library at BYU for about a month and a half. It's been quite the experience. I'm the Science/Maps Reference Specialist and one of my duties is to discover why students aren't using the reference desk as often as they used to. That's really an easy question. The answer is simple. The internet. Now, the more thought-provoking challenge I'm facing. How do I convince students to continue to use our resources....especially since we're shelling out thousands of dollars for electronic resources they have access to FROM HOME!?!?!

So, here's my dilemma. I need to get students aware of resources and get them to ask questions. Not that my example was good. I only went to the library to work. I didn't study. I didn't check books out. Heck, I didn't even ask out girls in the library (of course, my roommate, Landon, met and asked out his wife in the library so perhaps I should have). But, that's my task.

So far, I've come up with a couple solutions that might work. I created a Science Reference Facebook group. It's called the HBLL Science, Engineering, and Technology Forum. We'll see how it works. It's open to anyone in the BYU network and hopefully will spark some discussion.

Next, I'm trying to create database seminars that I will teach in the department buildings. Hopefully, if a session is only half an hour and we advertise well, people will come. After all, jobs hire people for their skills in finding information in databases and we have several of the most important databases on the market.

Any other suggestions on how to reach out to students would be greatly appreciated. I just graduated eight months ago and I'm having trouble knowing even how I thought that long ago. :)

I'm So Proud!

2008-03-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

Last night, Patrick asked out a girl. A girl he didn't know. In public. I'm so proud!

At about 8:30, Patrick and I ventured to Chandi's weekly Tuesday get together. This week, once again, we took advantage of Applebee's appetizers (ummm....shrimp). Our party consisted of Patrick, myself, and six girls.
After a very spririted sugar packet fight, blowing our straw wrappers at Jessica simultaneously, eating our food, and a hushed discussion about why our server had been in the bathroom crying prior to come serving us, our conversation turned to the random things guys talk about.
You see, on Saturday night, Jessica, Joel, Derrick, and I had gone to IHOP for dinner. Derrick had told Jessica that guys do not talk about girls when they are alone. Jessica was pleasantly amused that we were talking about how cute our waitress was and were trying to get Joel to ask her out. He didn't, but it did make for a lively conversation later at Applebee's. Derrick's reasoning was that since Jessica was present, we could talk about girls. :)
So here we were, sitting in Applebee's discussing these topics. Patrick mentioned that the hostess was cute and he thought he should ask her out. Patrick, however, is extremely shy. He's never just asked a girl out before. Ever. We discussed it for some time. Patrick mentioned that it's best to be direct because phone numbers left on tables just induce laughter and not dates. He should know. He worked in a restaurant and was usually the one who laughed.
Suddenly, Patrick stood up and started talking to the girls sitting behind us. He said, "Hey, I'm wanting to ask out the hostess over there but I'm really shy. What should I do to ask her out?" This coming from someone who's supposed to be shy. We were laughing too hard to actually catch what they were saying, but Patrick got the suggestion to just do it and be direct. Talk about original suggestions.
Our waitress looked at us from the other table and we mentioned that Patrick wanted to ask out the hostess. She suddenly smiled and said, "Oooh. Just a second." She came over presently and informed us that she was not dating anyone and encouraged him to go for it.
Patrick was so nervous he kept looking around. He said he felt like puking. I half expected him to do so. After a while, the hostess started clearing a table near the exit and we made our move. Patrick went to talk to her and the rest of us slipped outside so we wouldn't be a distraction (although we were guilty of peeking through the door at the scene). Well, Patrick got her phone number and has a date.
Patrick immediately called Nichole to tell her that he had completed her dare. He also called Garion because Garion wouldn't believe him.
But there are witnesses. Patrick did it. He asked out a girl. Because she was cute. In person.
I'm so proud!

Singing Praises

2008-03-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

So about three weeks ago, Russ, Joel, and I were jamming on the piano after ward prayer singing hymns. Unfortunately, that is a risky thing to do in my ward. You see, Didi, in our ward, is the stake music director...and the ward music director. Well, Didi animatedly asked us to sing a special musical number in our ward. We sang a bunch of songs, trying to choose a hymn. We then called to invite Kimball to sing in an a'capella quartet.
That's about as far as we got. We talked about it and practiced once, but never really had anything definite. We weren't too worried because we're all pretty good at sight reading...except for the fact that I was to sing Alto. Crazy.
Well, I was sick last weekend and totally spaced the fact that we were singing. Oh, and somehow, our singing in our ward morphed into singing in Stake Conference. Today. Once again, crazy!
So, yesterday I received a phone call from Didi at about 10 am, asking if we were ready to sing in Stake Conference and if I'd come to choir practice later that day. We were already in the program. I tell you, when you miss one day of church, you completely miss everything! Well, I called Russ and he was in Florida. I called Kimball and he couldn't come practice yesterday evening. We did decide, however, that Kimball, Joel, and I would sing a trio but we didn't know how we would sing each verse or even what song, for certain, we would be singing.
Choir practice went well and I was asked to lead the music in the stake leadership priesthood session. Hey! What's a little more singing? :) I told Didi we'd do the song we'd planned (even though she had put Be Still My Soul).
After Stake Priesthood session, we met for stake choir practice. Kimball wasn't not there yet, so I texted him. Of course, he had slept through his alarm. By the time he got to the church and we finished practicing our choir number, it was about 10 minutes before we were scheduled to sing and we didn't know what we were doing!
The Lord accepted our desire, forgave our slothfulness, and decided he would help us in singing praises. Joel said, "While, we should probably practice once with the piano." Our pianist for choir, Charie Brown, asked what we were singing. When we told, she said, "I have a really cool arrangement for that song." We asked if she had it with her. She said, "Oh, I made it up and don't have it written out." She played it while we sang and it was amazing! She agreed to play for us.
Needless to say, the performance went well and was highly acclaimed and we had Charie to thank for that! I switched from Alto to Lead which was good, because I still haven't got my voice all back which I'd lost at the hockey game on Friday, so I doubted I could hit all the high notes. It was a lot of fun.
It just goes to show, when you sing praises to Heavenly Father, he's always there to help you out and buoy you up.

The Newest Menace to Socitey!

2008-02-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I successfully completed another trip around the sun. It takes a whole year and this was my personal record, 25th time around the sun! I know, it's a pretty impressive stint. My goal is at least sixty more. Think I can pull it off?

Yes, I am officially a menace to society, borrowing from the lesson Steve Young gave in the movie, Singles Ward. Of course, he was in his thirties when he married, so I'm learning from the best. I had to argue, however, that I have been a menace to society long before I turned 25.

Yesterday, I got birthday wishes from Auntie Arlene and Uncle Michael in California that brought up an interesting point. I may have turned 25 years this year, but next year will be my Royal birthday! I'll be 26 on the 26th. This will be a big par-tay!

My friend Jennie asked me what I wanted for my birthday, however, I really couldn't think of any thing in particular. I recently (I was officially hired on the 25th) started work in a full-time position with benefits that pays pretty good considering I am only seven months out of a bachelors degree. :) That was my biggest wish. My second is that my mother get a better job. She has an interview on the 10th for a position she really wants, so pray for her. My last wish, I'm keeping to myself. Bwah hah hah!

So, I passed an otherwise uneventful day at work. I set up an interview for Special Collections because they are understaffed. Even though I'm on another payroll now, I'm going to stay in my old position for about 10 hours this week. I'll also return to train my replacement a bit. It's quite the transition though. Special Collections to Science and Maps.

So anyway, some of my friends planned a trip to Applebees to take advantage of 50% off appetizers like they have after 9. Shrimp and Hot Wings. Ummmmm.... It was quite the way to celebrate a birthday, although I do get embarrassed by fusses and having a hundred people sing Happy Birthday at Applebees (it was kinda busy) was a little much.

Overall, it was a quiet, non-plussed birthday. Just the way I like it.

Wedding Craziness

2008-02-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

My sister got married again yesterday. Combine Kelli's five kids with David's five kids and you get quite the family. Plus the fact that David's oldest is married and has a kid. That makes, um....14 people in the family! Crazy. Kelli's new last name is Haggard, which is what everyone is like after an afternoon of attempting to corral the twins. Lucky for me, I got to help with that last night after the wedding. :)

This is the beautiful family picture I stole from Nancy's blog. Seriously, I don't know if we'll ever get them all sitting in one place at one time again. It took several people waving arms and making goofy faces to get the twins to sit still.

It was a nice wedding. Only family and close friends were present and it was a simple ceremony. It had to be with all of the kids running around. Dave and Kelli looked so happy, although they were both obviously very stressed.

Dad toasted the new couple. He only gave them one piece though, and it had no butter or jam or anything. Uncle Kevin did the DJing. Nancy and I did some swing dancing. It was fun to see Sabrina get into the action.

After the wedding, I took the twins home with Grandma and Grandpa Layton and we attempted to get them settled and ready for bed. It was amazing how much energy Olivia has despite her IV that is still in her arm from her infection. Also, Sabrina did not want her dress off at all, even though she was poopy. I was glad to leave.

Note to those visiting Kelli. You can not turn left from her street onto the main street. I tried. There is a large divider in the middle of the road. I don't usually like to use main streets as round abouts, but in this case I did, otherwise I would've been heading up the wrong side of the street. :) Luckily, there was no traffic due to a red light and construction up the street. Whew!

Do we really need to read?

2008-02-05T15:15:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that when you go to a public bathroom and the neighboring stall is occupied, you can often hear them chatting away on their cell phone or you hear the mad dash of fingers texting away? A lot of people take that as a sure sign that books are dying and that literacy is at an end. E-mails are even starting to have texting lingo included in them so that you can ttyl to your bff. What is happening to our society?
Back before Aristotle and Socrates, or even before Homer, education was oral based. The learned man was the one that could quote all the history, rhyme and verse of the people. They learned rhyme and rhetoric and were hailed as the learned men. An emperor (who ruled, but was usually not very educated) demanding popular support could hear these wisemen give him praise and think it grand, when in reality the educated people would leave something such as bravery, or kindness, or proper rhyming or timing out of their poetic praise. The learned people would read between the lines and know what was not being said and therefore what was being implied and would laugh at their little joke.
Suddenly, the Phoenicians invented written language and all of a sudden, these oral traditions and learning were banned from the "inner circles of logic and resoning" by the likes of Socrates and others. Writing and the "scientific method" replaced oral tradition and whoever could write were given a certain power or status over those who could.
This would explain why the church became such a powerful entity during the dark ages. Those who could read and write had a special gift fom God and those that had the word of God had a mandate from him to lead his people - even if they were followed blindly and ensured it stayed so.
This led to another revolution as the printing press was invented by Gutenberg and the likes of men such as Martin Luther and Jon Wycliff paved the way for revolution. We owe these men for the power of books which guided the world for another four centuries.
We are in the middle of another revolution though. In the mid-1800's, something called the telegraph was invented. Then we had the telephone, Morse Code, talking pictures, television, computers, the internet, cell phones, blackberries, etc. We are being bombarded by a new digital age and the way we are thinking is changing. We are now a visual and oral society that is based on immediate information....and lots of it.
For example, when President hinckley died, I think everyone knew within 15 minutes to an hour. Example 2: When a student does research, he first goes to google. Example 3: We don't trust sources anymore. Anyone can say anything about anything. We trust the masses. That's why feedback and comments are so important on Amazon.com, eBay, and consumer testing sites.
So I ask, where are we going in the future?

I read this article last night. It's rather polemic in its thinking, however, I found it intriguing and have been thinking about it ever since. I kind of summed up my thoughts on the article and it's main points in the previous paragraphs, but I recommended reading the full article.
http://individual.utoronto.ca/markfederman/WhyJohnnyandJaneyCantRead.pdf

America's Next Top Model

2008-02-01T23:11:00.001-08:00

While I wast last up in Canada, my sister, Abra, said that I should try out for America's Next Top Model. Abra had done modeling when she was younger and said that the photos were good. I showed the photos to my mother and she thinks I should try professional modeling. Weird, eh? I'd never actually thought about it before.
I bring this up because today, I received some of the photos taken by one photographer during my photo shoot last August. How I got there is quite the random story.

It was a fine summer's day in June (I think....it might've been July). Patrick had planned a morning of Ultimate Frisbee and we were playing hard. While we were resting between games, a woman came and asked if some of us would like to model sunglasses for her. The only people who would were me, Ashley, Lindsay, and Donny. After the "shoot" (only one picture each and a group shot), Kris invited me, Ashley and Lindsay to come to St. George for a photo shoot of rock climbing, biking, hiking, etc. We decided to go.

So, there we were in St. George, Utah, taking pictures in the hot sun. I was selected for a few rock climbing shots, some hiking shots, some video game shots, and...well, that's about it. During the course of the three days, I felt fairly unused and to tell you the truth, I was a little put out about that (and for some other reasons). Well, I decided to market myself with some gymnastics, facial expressions, and capoeira and surprise, surprise, my photos actually turned out pretty good and were right up with some of the better selling photos from Redrockalypse on istockphoto.com.

Maybe I am a model!

We actually found one of my photos being used online at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071019174410.htm.

It was a fun experience and you know, I probably wouldn't mind doing it again.
Besides, Abra says I could be America's next top model.

What say ye?

David Layton - Super Agent

2008-01-29T06:47:00.000-08:00

Notice. This could be the start of an adventure novel. Don't steal my idea. I'll write it!
Notice. This could be extremely weird, considering it was the dream I had last night and if I remember dreams, you know they're weird.
Notice. I don't remember everything so it's going to be jumpy.
Notice. I'm hungry.

5:32 a.m. The sun had yet to rise, but the lightened hue of the horizon told us that dawn was on it's way. My partner and I were on a stakeout in the middle of [insert city]. Our mission was so top secret, that the waking of from my dream has driven it out of my memory.
Coolly we waited. Looking at my companion, I could read nothing from his featureless expressions. I knew, however, that we were in for a wild ride.
3:07 p.m. My partner and I have been joined by a female super agent. She is your typical Hollywood-type, multi-million dollar agent. Blonde, cute, gorgeous eyes, and a nice smile. Plus, she was trained in virtually every martial art known to man.
8:56 p.m. My partner and I discovered that the girl was a double agent. The method of how we discovered this has left my mind, but tracking her took us to a museum. My partner and I separated and all of a sudden, I realized that the girl wasn't really a double agent. My partner was. Fortunately, he was unaware of the fact that I knew that he didn't know that I was a double agent. Yes!
I was the first to find the girl. Fortunately, one of the exhibits was a swamp. It was narrow, but it was a real swamp -sans alligators- and about twelve feet deep. I heard hot-female-super agent call me from the swamp, whispering we were both in danger and needed to hide. I went into the swamp to hide with her. Unfortunately, I made a splash and she only had enough time to show me how to use a log to breathe underwater when my partner came to the exhibit looking for us. It was painful to see how he threatened to find her and she gave herself up and was being led away.
I followed at a distance, and was about to swing in and save her when....
~~
The dream switched and I was at a swimming pool witnessing an entire football team hop out of the hot tub and run towards the pool. They were all boasting about the cool splash they would make, however, as soon as the first reached the edge of the pool, they all simultaneously decided that it was too cold, turned around, and ran back to the hot tub. Heh heh. Wimps.
~~
Suddenly, I'm back at Nancy's house with the girl. She was as cute as ever. Nancy and her were playing a game and Nancy lost a bet. Her loss was that she had to retrieve some really gross stuff from a gross-looking pond. There was a big fish in the pond, but she went in anyway.
That was when I discovered that the girl was only 15 and I couldn't date her. I was so dismayed that the girl I had liked, Miss Super Agent Hottie, was only 15, that I...
~~
suddenly had a repeat of the football portion of the dream. Heh heh. Wimps.

Notice. Perhaps this wouldn't make a good novel after all. Either way. The plot is still copyrighted.
Notice. Did this stem from the fact that I was recently dumped or that my girlfriend (different girlfriend) over the summer was only 18?
Notice. Did this happen because I was reading Sherlock Holmes for two hours last night?
Notice. I'm still hungry so I'm going for breakfast.

I am sore and I don't know why....

2008-01-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

Just kidding. I know exactly why. I'm out of shape since I graduated and have not been dancing (whether folk or ballroom) everyday for hours on end. Not that I haven't wanted to....it just costs money and there is nothing close. Or hardly anything. I need to try harder.
But this post isn't about dance, although I do miss it. It's actually about ice skating. Why? Because we went ice skating yesterday. I have not been skating since Nancy's crazy near-arm-break-crash-into-monster-girl experience at 7 peaks. You'll have to read her blog about that.
It was starting to snow as we got to the church to meet with the rest of family home evening group. It was cold waiting outside but we passed the time doing donuts in the parking lot or sliding on the ice on the sidewalk for as long as we could stay on our feet (I won). We left right as the snow was coming down it's hardest. Fun times.
I hopped in Joel's car for the ride there and I have since repented the fact that I though Patrick was hard on cars. Joel is much worse. I was grateful when we arrived at the arena. We had 20 people from the ward there.
Skating was fun, like usual. I didn't fall once, although I had some near misses). I didn't hit anyone, although a little girl cut me off about two minutes in and I almost hit her - but dodged her, dodged another man, and hit the boards. My backwards skating is coming back to me, but I still have trouble using the front edge of my skates.
The night was rather uneventful; little games of tag, pretending to be a figure skater (I can lift a back leg up pretty high...Ryan was good too, perturbing Russ and his date (he was the only one who brought a date)....you know, the usual.
I was a little wary to hop in Joel's car for the ride home. He, however, suffered for his erratic driving. His belt started squealing while Skip and I joked about how much hamster power his car had. Unfortunately, they were rebelling.
I woke up this morning and was really sore. I need to do more dance (My English teacher would be so proud). Then I would be able to do things without being sore again.
Taking offers for free back massage.

Farewell to a Prophet

2008-01-27T20:52:00.000-08:00

President Hinckley died today. He was 97. I'm happy that he has the opportunity to return to be with his beloved spouse. I'm sure he would enjoy nothing else. It is sad though. I will miss him. He's been my prophet for the last 13 years. I remember when President Hunter passed away - rather, I remember being teased by my neighbor that my prophet had died back in 1995. That wasn't the same. I didn't know him like I know President Hinckley. Not that I have met him. I haven't. But the stories from general conference, from the mission, from my memory. It was all President Hinckley. I love how he was energetic and optimistic right to the end. That's the way I want to go.
Mom said that on her and Josie's walk, Bishop Bybee was leaving a house in the ward. Mom and Josie stopped to talk to the Bishop and Mom said that they were just walking because Josie was upset that President Hinckley had passed away. Bishop Bybee responded that that could not be - he had just been to the Olsens (grandchildren to Pres. Hinckley) in our ward and they hadn't said anything. He said he'd have to check and turned on his radio. He stopped his car and said, "I think you're right." By the time Josie and my mom got to the top of the street, the bishop was headed back towards the Olsen's house. Crazy, eh?
At ward prayer, just about everyone knew within an hour of it happening. News travels fast. At least we have a wonderful line of communication in church. If information travels as fast as gossip, we'd all know of a natural disaster or danger within half an hour of it occurring!
Well, President Hinckley will be missed. He was a great man. I'm looking forward to President Monson's tenure as President of the church (if the Lord calls him). He is also a great man. And we'll get to hear his stories more often. :)

It's like a wildlife refuge, but for books.

2008-01-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

I discovered a secret for book lovers that is hidden in the commercial industrials in Orem. Not that it's existence is secret from everyone. I discovered about it in one of the posts in one of the groups I am part of on LibraryThing.com.

Hidden in the plain yellow warehouses of 1200 W is a door with blinds that cover the windows. Both sliding doors are closed and the building looks a little foreboding. A small sign on the window informs the interested party that this, indeed, is the Worldwide Book Drive. Entering, you see shelves of books; children books on the left, religion books on the right, fiction books in front, and other shelves that flow through the back that are not entirely discernible as to the contents. It is quite the sight to behold.

Millions of books are thrown out each year. Thousands upon thousands of pounds of paper litter the world's dumps when it could be recycled. Even better, there are thousands of under-funded institutions, poor neighborhoods, and schools that are longing for better libraries.
John Keller noticed this and saw an opportunity during his senior year at BYU. Now, Worldwide Book Drive accepts thousands of donations of books. Many of these books are resold to cover expenses (hardbacks are $3, soft covers are $2). Even more are donated (140,000 last year and a goal of 250,000 this year.....they've already donated 35,000 and it's only January). Anything else is recycled.

So there you have it. A good cause and thousands of books to peruse through that will make any bibliophile palpitate. I purchased a couple Harvard Classics and a Press Edition of the Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. Oh, and a Marvin Goldstein piano book.
I give five stars and two big toes up!

http://www.worldwidebooks.org/

Check, please!

2008-01-24T18:07:00.001-08:00

So this morning, as I was buying a bagel, I commented on the novelty of my new card. I had just received it yesterday after a week of going without. Being the first transaction, the inquisitive checker asked if I wanted to keep the receipt as a memento of this momentous occasion.

Rewinding back in time, I got home from Las Vegas last Monday night (about a week and a half ago). I had been attending a conference for my MLS program and had endured eight-ten hours per day of mind-numbing instruction. Apart from my brain, which I had left mashed on the floor of the Lied Library at UNLV where my professor had trodden on it throughout the course of the conference, I thought that I had remembered everything.

To my dismay, the next morning I awoke and could not find my wallet anywhere. Now, I knew I had it in Provo because I got it out of my pocket to pay for gas. I backtracked all of my steps, called the owner of the car we car-pooled in, and searched in all the normal and not-so normal places I normally leave things to no avail; the wallet was nowhere to be found (mind you, I only looked for about 10 minutes because we were running late).

I had a feeling that my wallet was somewhere in plain sight. That is where I usually hide things of importance and it seems to work as a good hiding place. My parents were very concerned, however, at my lack of wallet-finding ability and suggested rather adamantly that I cancel my bank and credit cards. Needless to say, I put a hold on my credit card and canceled my check card, just in case.

Miracle of miracles, as soon as I got home from work, there was my wallet, in plain sight, in my room, where I had already looked.

As I looked at that receipt, the humiliation of my stupidity flashed before my eyes. I quickly declined and left the bookstore with the desire to eat my bagel in peace, far from the tortuous receipt bent on recalling to my conscience the fact that I really am scatter-brained. Then again, anyone who knows me already knows that.

Technology Challenged

2008-01-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

Today, I finished the BYU Harold B. Lee library challenge for employees. I didn't do it to learn anything....I mean, I was learning anyway. I've been training myself on wiki coding and created a page for myself on the library intranet (sorry, that means you can't see it) and was thinking of tinkering with PB Wiki. I also started this blog, started a LibraryThing account, and have been teaching myself the intricacies of XMetal encoding (I prefer normal HTML templates).

In this midst of this technical jargon, I thought to myself, "Self, why don't I record this on the library challenge so I can receive a free $50 BYU Bookstore gift certificate?" So I did.

This is coming from a guy who has had a cell phone for almost a year and my brother discovered for me two days ago how to turn it to speaker phone.

Let's face it. I'm technologically challenged. One of these days, I may actually remember all of the coding I've been doing. Just think.....I won't have to use the online tutorials.

So, let's all give a cheer for us quasi-technologically savvy persons! We'll get it someday.

Quelf

2008-01-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

This weekend saw the advent of a new party activity. Last week, I had been perusing through Amazon.com and I stumbled upon a game I had never heard before......Quelf. "Hmmmm.....," I thought to myself. "This looks interesting." I read the reviews and within a couple of minutes, I had placed my order (with the addition of the Piano/Vocal book for the musical Hairspray in order to qualify for "free" shipping).
On Saturday, Patrick and I ventured to the house of Nate Gross' fiancé. It was to be a classic games night. The invite mentioned bringing your own games, so I brought Quelf. After a few quick games of Fluxx (another great card game), we had enough players to play Quelf. I don't think I have laughed so hard in my life!

Quelf is what happens when someone couldn't decide whether to play Cranium, Curses, Trivial Pursuit, or Imaginiff. They think, "Why not combine all of these games into one?" So that's basically what they did.
In the course of the game, Patrick was cursed with having to say 'yes, sir' (or ma'am) every time he was addressed. His neighbor was then directed to perform a Shakespearian sonnet (pure improvisation) towards Patrick professing his undying love. Patrick could only say "yes, sir". It was pretty amazing. And every time someone landed on a red square, the last person to yell, "Quelf in the land of the farm," had to move back a couple of spaces. My favorite was , "what's 1111111 x 1111111?" The answer was 123454321 or something like that. It said that if you got the question wrong, you are normal and may advance another two spaces. If you got it right, it said something along the lines of, 'what kind of freak are you?" Good times.

We did finish the night playing a couple of rounds of Bang!, but this post is not about that.

Sunday morning, Patrick suggested that I invite Andrew and Nancy to play Quelf with us. I readily complied. It happened that yesterday was also my niece's half-birthday yesterday. This may not have been such a big event, but Rachel has yet to turn one, so Nancy made a cake and brought their family over to our house.

We ate dinner and settled in for our game of Quelf. It was just as good as Saturday. Nancy was cursed with having to put the game box under her shirt. She put it in her back and we called her 'square butt'. That was nothing compared with Patrick, however. He was cursed with having to put his thumbs in his mouth while it wasn't his turn and if he spoke, he had to touch his shoulders. The card was kind and gave him the hint of crossing his arms.

Garion had to do a rain dance while the timer ran out. Nancy had to do disco dancing (with the square butt) and Garion kept flipping the timer while her back was turned so it never ran out. I don't think I've cried that hard for a while. :)

So, that is Quelf. It is probably one of the best games I've ever played. As we were leaving Caroline's on Saturday, Nate told me, "Don't bother bringing this game the next time you come over......I'll already own it."

Murphy's Law

2008-01-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

It was one of those cases where something ominous was said and we forgot to knock on wood. It's not that we expected anything bad to happen but that may just have been our downfall.

Yesterday, Josie really wanted to go ice skating. Now, this is generally not a problem and it wasn't today. The plan was that Josie, Nancy, Andrew and I would go ice skating while my mother tended Rachel. Preparations made, we went to Nancy's house, visited a little and prepared to embark on our ice skating adventure. Moments prior to leaving, Mom said, in a joking attitude, something to the effect of, "Now I don't want you to break a leg or an arm." We joked about this for a while, nonplussed. Not once did we think to knock on wood.

Well, skating was fun. Nancy and I skated circles around Josie and Andrew at first and then got to the business of helping them. It was the first time Josie had been ice skating since we moved to Utah and even then, she only remembers being pushed around in the stroller as a child on the ice (something which ironically is banned at Peaks Ice Arena). She did remarkably well and by the end of the afternoon was looking like a pro. I even taught her to "snowplow" to come to a stop. It was fun.

Unfortunately, the glee of skating came to a sudden and abrupt halt for some of our party within half an hour of arriving (minus the fifteen minutes it took the zamboni to putt around the rink). Nancy, skating around the rink by herself, was suddenly cut off by a rather large woman, who cut in from a weird angle and stopped directly in front of her. Now, the first thing Nancy had said to me as we entered the ice was, "I still don't know how to stop." Needless to say, she did not learn in half an hour. When you have a one-hundred-seventy or so, pound woman against Nancy, there isn't going to be much of a fight. The woman hardly budged (she may have felt something mind you). Nancy flew backwards, landing on her back with her arm bent under her at a funny angle.

The EMTs tended to Nancy and Andrew stayed with her to help her ice her arm. Josie and I skated more and we finally returned home. We weren't sure if Nancy had broken it or not. Arriving home, we found a thoroughly happy Rachel (happy for her mommy to return home) and an equally joyous Grammy (happy for Rachel's mommy to return so that she'd stop bawling like she had been). Our first words were, "Remember when you told us not to break a leg...."

So, that was our great adventure. Nancy and Andrew went to the ER instead of going to their New Years party. I went to another New Years party since I wasn't going to Nancy's anymore. It was quite the eventful afternoon.

The moral of this story: Don't forget to knock on wood or don't run into ladies that are substantially larger than yourself.

(Disclaimer: Thankfully, Nancy's arm luckily was not broken. She only had contusions. Rachel will not have the discomfort of laying on a hard cast whilst trying to eat and Nancy will be able to continue her blogging and Rachel-tending, as usual....although not without discomfort for a few days.)

Christmas, Our Way

2007-12-23T19:30:00.001-08:00

My family has a strange tradition to do every Christmas differently. It's not that we don't celebrate Christmas or lack the spirit of Christmas; it's just that every year seems to combine different challenges and/or opportunities. I don't remember a Christmas where someone wasn't sick, moving, visiting Canada or Mexico, or going through trials. We have had everything from turkey dinner to pizza (which is personally my favorite....what a better way to have a holiday than not having to cook or do dishes!) We have therefore learned to improvise.
For one thing, presents on Dec. 23 isn't too bad. The anticipation is over, presents can be enjoyed longer before the arduous trek back to school and work, and we can concentrate on the real important aspects of Christmas on Christmas Day. That will be good. Christmas really has become truly commercial. I mean, I physically bought every gift this year. Or rather, I clicked on the items I wanted shipped to my house for the most part without even stepping into a store. Crazy.
Christmas isn't Christmas, however, without a few important things.

First, we have to have caroling. Lucky for me, Nate Gross was kind enough to host a caroling party yesterday and I was more than happy to attend.
Second, the Christmas story must be read. I read it at church last Sunday, we heard it at church (family ward) today, and by golly, we're definitely going to read it tomorrow for Christmas eve!
Third. Family is important. My oldest sister, Kelli, is coming with her kids and possibly several of her soon-to-be step children (this is one of the reasons for the early Christmas). We are also visiting my grandparents.
Fourth. Muppet Christmas Carol. Need I say more?

So, there you have it. Four important things to celebrate the holiday. I would like to start some new traditions, especially when I have a family of my own. But until then, we shall carry on the tradition of spontaneous Christmases. Who knows, maybe next year we'll decide to go to Hawaii for Christmas. Who knows? Crazier things have happened.

Sacre Chat! (That's French for Holy Cats!)

2007-11-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

To preface, we have three white cats. My sister got the first while I was in Brazil on my mission despite many years of objections about having pets professed by my father. No sooner had I returned home then my father proceeded to bring home another white cat to watch for my uncle while he was in between apartments. Needless to say, shortly after returning said cat, we were "blessed" with four more cats. We gave one away, let two go to a farm, and kept one. What was our surprise when we discovered that a cat can get its own mother pregnant at a month in a half old!!! Eight kittens later, we now had three cats(one from each litter). We now have cats underfoot, jumping at the door (to get in or out) whenever we near one, and caterwauling at night, not to mention the fact that not a single article of clothing does not contain cat hair. Needless to say, cats have become a part of our home and have even entered into our family folk art, as noted in the stained glass art produced by my father in the picture.

This morning, my mother woke up to noises in the kitchen. She thought to herself that no one was up, so why would there be noises? She got up and proceeded to check the kitchen. After letting Lucky outside, she turned on the light and caught Winter on the stove. She had managed to pull out one of the ranges on the stove and was digging out any crumbs that she could. It was quite the sight at 6:30 in the morning. I guess Winter likes to get herself early morning snacks - even though there was food in the bowl.

In another story, I was on my way to a friends house. Since our road was torn up, I drove fairly slowly down the road and was turning onto the street perpendicular to ours when a car stopped in front of me (in the intersection). The girl in the passenger side signaled me to roll down my window. I did and she proceeded to ask, "Do you know you have a cat on your roof?" Well, obviously I didn't. You'd think that the cat would be smart enough to jump off the car when it's starting or before it leaves the driveway at least!

At least with cats, it's never a dull moment.

Hallowe'en

2007-11-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hallowe'en is a time when people are supposed to get together, have parties, bob for apples, and get sick from eating way too much candy. Unfortunately, my teacher missed that memo and scheduled a 2 hour mandatory online chat for my masters degree on Hallowe'en!!! Being the keen library science students we claim to be, Ben and I (with the suggestion of Samantha) decided that it would be great to plan a partaaaay!!! We invited all future information professionals (aka. librarians) in the area in our program to come to BYU for a Hallowe'en chat-party. Being guys, we planned the event far in advance, finally getting the invitation sent out by e-mail at 11:30 PM on the 30th and not actually booking a room (at all). To top it all off, Ben got sick and everyone cancelled....except me (who drove out from Orem), Samantha and Virginia (who carpooled from Salt Lake). We actually had a pretty good time playing Clue, talking, eating a disgusting amount of junk food, and discussing our mid-term. Oh yeah, and we kind of paid attention to the chat enough to shoot off a comment every now and then. It was quite the night. And to think we all currently have A's in the class. Go figure.

Repentence

2007-10-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I must say, I promised that I wouldn't be good at updating my blog and I was correct. At this rate, I'll average approximately 4 posts per year. Not bad odds if I do say so myself. Posts will be coming out more often than general conference!

The Beginning

2007-06-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well, this is certainly an adventure. I am entering into the internet world and letting others have a glimpse into my meager existence. I hope you're prepared for this.

Sometime - either today or tomorrow-, I will embark on my first road trip with Patrick. We are taking Mom's car (with permission...it actually has a CD player and working air conditioning), and are driving up to Canada to attend the funeral of our friend Skyler Potrie who passed away a couple of days ago. Certainly, not the most happy or healthy terms for our first road trip, but terms good enough to merit a last second trip. We may have left this morning, however, it is now 11:09 am and I didn't have the heart to wake him more than three times. If we leave now, we won't get there until the wee hours of the morning.

So it's set. We leave tonight or tomorrow morning. Ok, so that's not very set, but it works.