tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19487372741391629812024-03-12T21:19:17.429-07:00Life, the Universe, and EverythingDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-53325532722499745162011-09-30T09:18:00.001-07:002011-09-30T09:18:49.748-07:00My Leeds blog: <a href="http://davidinleeds.blogspot.com/">http://davidinleeds.blogspot.com</a>.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-60319025990564814422010-07-09T16:44:00.000-07:002010-07-09T17:04:46.532-07:00I'm HungrySince 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. :)<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The Summary:<br /><br />I have food allergy/intolerance (nothing deadly, but my body reacts sharply to it) to:<br />Cheese<br />Milk, Cow<br />Lactose<br />Banana<br />Pineapple<br />Barley<br />Corn<br />Rye<br />Spelt<br />Wheat<br />Gluten<br />Peanut<br />Corn Syrup<br />Sucrose<br />Caffeine<br />Chocolate<br /><br />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. :(Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-25412129356371200502010-06-22T09:34:00.001-07:002010-06-22T09:54:34.451-07:00Nerdiest Dream EVER!!!!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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-29103745938436067042010-02-06T07:52:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:00:58.719-08:00Car, Storytelling, and BoardgamingYesterday, 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />Here's hoping I can get my car working so that I can give mom a spell from the twins.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-71102947739904892522010-02-05T04:32:00.000-08:002010-02-05T05:00:10.539-08:00Crazy DatesSo, 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-8109605011855560572010-02-05T04:24:00.000-08:002010-02-05T04:32:39.463-08:00TiredWell, 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.<br /><br />I hope I can sleep tonight. This is really getting old.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-17985574764788484512010-01-19T09:09:00.000-08:002010-01-19T09:23:01.421-08:00New Years Resoultions (a little belated post)Last year, I failed miserably with my new years resolutions. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:blue">Resolution #1</span> I will read the scriptures everyday this year. I've been slacking as of late and need to write this down to achieve it.<br /><br />Um...no. I tried, really, but everyday? Nope. Far from it. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:blue"><br />Resolution #2</span> 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).<br /><br />Hahaha<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:blue">Resolution #3</span> 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.<br /><br />Completed! 112 books total with only about 10 being kids books.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:blue">Resolution #4</span> 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.<br /><br />Completed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:blue">Resolution #5</span> 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.<br /><br />Um....nope. None.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:blue">Resolution #6 </span>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.<br /><br />Also, no. Not even remotely close to completing this.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red">Resolution 1:</span> 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)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red">Resoultion 2:</span> 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)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red">Resolution 3:</span> I will go to the temple once a month. More is ok. (no tracking needed)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red"><br />Resolution 4:</span> I will budget and record what I spend. (tracking on Excel)<br /><br />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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-76251894083699832772009-12-19T08:07:00.001-08:002009-12-19T08:14:10.504-08:00How to wake up in the morningSo, 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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-79935860056468504262009-07-21T07:31:00.000-07:002009-07-21T07:40:40.276-07:00I'm famous!<p>So I was just pointed to this random post on the Harold B. Lee Library blog:</p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6cgNZve1EBn9Qh9PzKm8uyHI9RDZf0rHLliFOolygSXAkODv9SmKU9xOBHhRLW6cJCzCsE6DRf5F-bBJkT2C9CFeNsx0fw11Zzprdkfrx7t8w6XlFGdPyu9jHygz9y6gGiYNY__VPpwS/s1600-h/funny.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 327.5px; height: 500px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6cgNZve1EBn9Qh9PzKm8uyHI9RDZf0rHLliFOolygSXAkODv9SmKU9xOBHhRLW6cJCzCsE6DRf5F-bBJkT2C9CFeNsx0fw11Zzprdkfrx7t8w6XlFGdPyu9jHygz9y6gGiYNY__VPpwS/s400/funny.bmp" alt="Funny Blog Screencast" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360921318323022594" border="0" /></a><br />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.<br /><br />Sure, it was an accomplishment being a pioneer, but unlike the comment implies, I doubt that this act alone could assure my Godhood status....Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-91852136413222532592009-07-17T12:33:00.001-07:002009-07-17T12:44:08.323-07:00Flashback FridayStealing a note from Nancy's book....or blog..., here's my Flashback moment.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />"Dude, I just hit a deer."<br /><br />"No, I was walking!"<br /><br />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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-61571137076921866802009-07-16T08:42:00.000-07:002009-07-16T08:55:20.737-07:00Funny...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.<br /><br />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."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />I think the world has become obsessed.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-2980047350629202222009-07-14T17:48:00.001-07:002009-07-14T17:55:03.546-07:00I'm DoneWell, 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. <br /><br />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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-67890293490008323472009-03-01T08:07:00.000-08:002009-03-01T08:17:30.471-08:00Birthday MusingsWell, 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Today, the final installment will be with my parents after Stake Conference. It's been quite the week.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-18682297506731525522009-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:002009-02-11T14:43:16.943-08:0025 Things About MeI 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.<br />No really. It is.<br /><br />1. I was accepted to every university I applied to in a different field for each; everything from Recreation Management (USU) to Biology (UVSC).<br /><br />2. I ended up getting a BA in Latin American Studies with a minor in Chemistry and an almost completed minor in Ballroom Dance.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />9. I love to travel, but don't get to do it very often - although I did just go to Amsterdam and Egypt.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />14. I collect coins and stamps.<br /><br />15. I once sneezed face-first into my desk.<br /><br />16. I went to French immersion for the first half of grade 6 (the site of my infamous desk sneeze).<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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....<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />21. I usually breathe through my mouth (as opposed to my nose). Bad habit, I know, and I'm working on it.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />23. Chips and Salsa are/is my favorite food(s?).<br />(As you can tell, I also like correct grammar and even text in complete sentences.)<br /><br />24. I've never broken a bone but have had several dislocations and concussions.<br /><br />25. I am constantly misplacing items. I try to have a set place for things, but when I miss setting it down there....<br /><br />So there you have it. I'm sure you already know most of this, because not many exciting things have happened of late.<br /><br />I'll even add a bonus one....<br /><br />26. It's my royal birthday this year. 26 on the 26th of February.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-62381102820557795522009-01-31T09:09:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:14:14.516-08:00IndifferenceEver 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. <br />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. <br />Good luck battling your preguisa (that is both sloth and laziness in Portuguese).Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-90792515155835415962009-01-09T11:02:00.000-08:002009-01-09T11:27:10.189-08:00The Real Reason I Went To Egypt<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">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. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWyKudGWNzjy68yD-QJzfUBHzihpCWOu1gG70DHyrOi-Cy0PK4Qtje8sFIWXjmujs8iMjxaEjH5mBpmHMJgPUgTuUfGIKthHJbkuk2KmtTs_uetGNwKHA0SgWznGEv303fUHnUsay5EqD/s1600-h/IMG_0807.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWyKudGWNzjy68yD-QJzfUBHzihpCWOu1gG70DHyrOi-Cy0PK4Qtje8sFIWXjmujs8iMjxaEjH5mBpmHMJgPUgTuUfGIKthHJbkuk2KmtTs_uetGNwKHA0SgWznGEv303fUHnUsay5EqD/s400/IMG_0807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289372866558591650" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Digging for Gold</span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IA29hriVkaRec5ruUngRb7O09g258o-_t67j239fP4JYOj2iWb-jNm3x10SkVDTBRa4WvqSNdomEe29GAKlL3u_AaemoOu1j1UkYrMKGYRp6j6KaD4k2uWdj3PM5z54kZXfcXLG4e8DD/s1600-h/IMG_0495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IA29hriVkaRec5ruUngRb7O09g258o-_t67j239fP4JYOj2iWb-jNm3x10SkVDTBRa4WvqSNdomEe29GAKlL3u_AaemoOu1j1UkYrMKGYRp6j6KaD4k2uWdj3PM5z54kZXfcXLG4e8DD/s400/IMG_0495.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289375639389391938" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Running Around Karnak</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh-XlncFQ5rM01XdXT_kNha_1z5sRzFckha6N1CgCmaSsYf-yIt90vS6d_WUU6rmHMBcviE-l6uSjIwx_kFBUi72WN_QthPMyE26ES1Hqe8GAMTR6hPnu4Y9TvHgzILON8DIA1HSgXu3K/s1600-h/IMG_0705.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh-XlncFQ5rM01XdXT_kNha_1z5sRzFckha6N1CgCmaSsYf-yIt90vS6d_WUU6rmHMBcviE-l6uSjIwx_kFBUi72WN_QthPMyE26ES1Hqe8GAMTR6hPnu4Y9TvHgzILON8DIA1HSgXu3K/s400/IMG_0705.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289375634797076130" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">On a Pink Granite Pyramid Stone</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9gEHTWGScfsI3uwlmBHGdftVCNFQCgflaZBfvfKySmz4rl-NbBr1SLEMPnjfQOY4EeIutnlYyB9syYUEJXSL0ybsspg_brh9iChdwOl428xdCBcQG93giw8i7Wkt2qlmOPiUwnN80_fO/s1600-h/IMG_0759.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9gEHTWGScfsI3uwlmBHGdftVCNFQCgflaZBfvfKySmz4rl-NbBr1SLEMPnjfQOY4EeIutnlYyB9syYUEJXSL0ybsspg_brh9iChdwOl428xdCBcQG93giw8i7Wkt2qlmOPiUwnN80_fO/s400/IMG_0759.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289375630987726994" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Sphinx and Great Pyramid</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUtBhs2uDbRn6ddxOWWMabDmH-RWPrzdrNy-7Ky0g3mQpXgKXOA0KIz3H9z_HKVc3B4bSL-F_ryncMnniH3VhT_5gJBW-wiAfLCaWIT8w5mdDqYfotcz2rBpe9zdCRWSwMBB2FyrfdiLC/s1600-h/IMG_0791.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUtBhs2uDbRn6ddxOWWMabDmH-RWPrzdrNy-7Ky0g3mQpXgKXOA0KIz3H9z_HKVc3B4bSL-F_ryncMnniH3VhT_5gJBW-wiAfLCaWIT8w5mdDqYfotcz2rBpe9zdCRWSwMBB2FyrfdiLC/s400/IMG_0791.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289375626845080530" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ready for Church</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">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!</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-21813692538896880622009-01-05T06:15:00.000-08:002009-01-05T06:20:34.025-08:00Egypt MusingsJust 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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-76404497053117962222009-01-02T03:28:00.000-08:002009-01-02T03:41:00.130-08:00New Years ResolutionsAlright, here's the deal.<br /><br />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.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red;"><br />Resolution #1</span> I will read the scriptures everyday this year. I've been slacking as of late and need to write this down to achieve it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red;">Resolution #2</span> 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).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red;">Resolution #3 </span> 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. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red;">Resolution #4</span> 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. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red;"><br />Resolution #5</span> 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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold; color:red;">Resolution #6</span> 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. <br /><br /><br />I think seems like a good list of goals for 2009. We'll see how I do on the eve of 2010.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-72802236508499321942008-12-31T01:22:00.000-08:002009-01-02T03:51:35.200-08:00Planes, Trains, and AutomobilesI 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). <br /><br />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?!?<br /><br />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. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUX_2TE_1d9fi_zuYSVYJhnc_VLfCE_sNet5BvXDnhLaXt-Pp3Ayr5b08-hMsL3WM9X-mhoypUZMv9UA2GRuyejZ5fTlzgPbFw0oj10HlXe3f90HHWRFocVTgyZGvwUiNOj10h2Trb74T/s1600-h/IMG_0023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUX_2TE_1d9fi_zuYSVYJhnc_VLfCE_sNet5BvXDnhLaXt-Pp3Ayr5b08-hMsL3WM9X-mhoypUZMv9UA2GRuyejZ5fTlzgPbFw0oj10HlXe3f90HHWRFocVTgyZGvwUiNOj10h2Trb74T/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285884477620071650" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpmHfe6kAWG9FmzrM4eXMSTHO_rhQpDRyE3_OAdProIZkYReBNB-RPXEJEwONiQH3MJKXijjlj4ItjMN4yWitd2pm0em-8wFhxgZzpyon2z-fz0Jo837vK1ElBQ5o5TN8oaFPWJhRxbs8/s1600-h/IMG_0027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpmHfe6kAWG9FmzrM4eXMSTHO_rhQpDRyE3_OAdProIZkYReBNB-RPXEJEwONiQH3MJKXijjlj4ItjMN4yWitd2pm0em-8wFhxgZzpyon2z-fz0Jo837vK1ElBQ5o5TN8oaFPWJhRxbs8/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285949938202476914" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgJiViZoO_INRNZ71hIWMECknahLJ7H2ZJqRt7mD1NHzK9Im6jnmImzbD2SK6tpHIZvQbkvgZx8iPyuu6oxTjTcfJgtVMboIzTIZ3byTIjQt0Kk2Ly8NBu00wv2Q6oWh34Pry7irbx4TL/s1600-h/IMG_0026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgJiViZoO_INRNZ71hIWMECknahLJ7H2ZJqRt7mD1NHzK9Im6jnmImzbD2SK6tpHIZvQbkvgZx8iPyuu6oxTjTcfJgtVMboIzTIZ3byTIjQt0Kk2Ly8NBu00wv2Q6oWh34Pry7irbx4TL/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285949023475146018" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsvZAs_omQajnyYcdzwZrHxMCcFBgHjP0FxY0xZIsKyovcSVT54f67hdHgmGs06-1ZfUsDtSa7P9RcDqQZSdCz8O6bVhO5BMyAIpmM4hp3-VGZciQhzhtReShzoF0MSiadZsRg-cp0Cp2/s1600-h/IMG_0025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsvZAs_omQajnyYcdzwZrHxMCcFBgHjP0FxY0xZIsKyovcSVT54f67hdHgmGs06-1ZfUsDtSa7P9RcDqQZSdCz8O6bVhO5BMyAIpmM4hp3-VGZciQhzhtReShzoF0MSiadZsRg-cp0Cp2/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285948407293810770" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8qIEdqbQbg7XZhwwaTOlIAttdVnhcudqvBlhQuAHqnZBLsc0DTQ7qgde4hE33eRI-rFXebQ944O5Hcq1S8X2FdRjeSfGiPRFldBkpRGTrmYp98lyQyfnP7UVnPSFYOMyBugQPwJerTL2/s1600-h/IMG_0024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8qIEdqbQbg7XZhwwaTOlIAttdVnhcudqvBlhQuAHqnZBLsc0DTQ7qgde4hE33eRI-rFXebQ944O5Hcq1S8X2FdRjeSfGiPRFldBkpRGTrmYp98lyQyfnP7UVnPSFYOMyBugQPwJerTL2/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285947637950400210" /></a><br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-59911973963638214022008-12-31T00:32:00.001-08:002008-12-31T01:16:13.842-08:00Snowshoeing in DecemberAmanda 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.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgFKcyfCqN6rOcOo45W9tee-S5UErbI_qyRjmhxnI_83LNqvPAFmh8pIqhfswWoRrUOOa1Ye-d6a-ZQzYKQwyLj2FXoWtSPuCcyEvvudJu263dFQgcBmrgQR-2K2h9I2t88VjNJXPbaa_/s1600-h/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgFKcyfCqN6rOcOo45W9tee-S5UErbI_qyRjmhxnI_83LNqvPAFmh8pIqhfswWoRrUOOa1Ye-d6a-ZQzYKQwyLj2FXoWtSPuCcyEvvudJu263dFQgcBmrgQR-2K2h9I2t88VjNJXPbaa_/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285879053253255602" /></a><br /><br />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. <br /><br />We only had a couple spills. Justin decided that walking backwards in snowshoes doesn't work. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNUxmTpCHHdy13v8fwx31X257aoEIHRPo-WPsU4OLUJJ27X24bGusIex_UsNkvJ04Z5qlbdDaweiW_VOYngZlTT9fHTihpM3tTPqOmWINspp2xT_dbM0SsaZ2z-U_DdYAx44hwxphytzC/s1600-h/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNUxmTpCHHdy13v8fwx31X257aoEIHRPo-WPsU4OLUJJ27X24bGusIex_UsNkvJ04Z5qlbdDaweiW_VOYngZlTT9fHTihpM3tTPqOmWINspp2xT_dbM0SsaZ2z-U_DdYAx44hwxphytzC/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285878340672675810" /></a><br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-47244016441857866662008-12-05T23:14:00.000-08:002008-12-06T07:38:43.251-08:00Week of ChristmasSo, 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. <br /><br />I'm re-reading this and I realize that this is a pretty boring post. Bah! <br /><br />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....<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Sunday is our annual family Christmas party in Sandy. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />I'm going to bed.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-61965878838776439952008-12-04T20:31:00.000-08:002008-12-04T20:55:07.238-08:00It's a small worldSo, 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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 <i>10 years</i>! <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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....<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!<br /><br />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....Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-2538311385393780392008-12-04T18:17:00.000-08:002008-12-04T19:03:13.432-08:00My Music HoroscopeSo, 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.<br /><br />On Abra's blog:<br /><br />"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."<br /><br />It's fitting, considering my previous post so why not?<br /><br />---<br /><br />1) How am I feeling today?<br />Make You Whole : Sonja Jenson & Joel McCausland (From the New Testament seminary CD)<br />Huh?<br /><br /><br />2) Will I get far in life?<br />English Fiddler - Mrs. Marriott : Dave Swarbrick (World Naxos World 2004 Sampler)<br />Um....<br /><br />3) How do my friends see me?<br />O Canada (live) : Five Iron Frenzy <br />This totally fits. It's Ska. And it's random Canada-ness<br /><br />4) Will I get married?<br />Snails : The Format (from the album Dog Problems - seriously)<br />Sad but true. <br /><br />5) What is my best friend’s theme song?<br />Leatherwing Bat : Tony Trischka, Pete Seeger, Bruce Molsky (from A Sound Legacy: 60 Years of Folkways Records and 20 Years of Smithsonian Folkways)<br /><br />6)What is the story of my life?<br />Caring Hands : Felicia Day - from Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog <br /><br />7) What was high school like?<br />Shandon Bells/Haste To The Wedding : Marty Smith (from Aurora Borealis)<br />More true in University, but works for high school too...at least in Utah.<br /><br />8) What’s in store for this weekend?<br />Long As I'm Here With You : Sheryl Lee Ralph (from the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie)<br /><br />9) How is my life going?<br />Going Down Slow : Eric Clapton<br />It's funny 'cause it's true.<br /><br />10) How can I get ahead in life?<br />Free Ride: D. Hartman<br />Hmmmmm...<br /><br />11) What’s the best thing about your friends?<br />When Love Comes to Town : U2<br /><br />12)What song will they play at my funeral?<br />I'm Moving On : Rascal Flatts<br />Very Fitting - I'm impressed.<br /><br />13) How does the world see me?<br />My Girl : Aerosmith<br />Um....no. Unless it's the fact that all my girls end up getting married to my friends and end up their girl.<br /><br />14) Do people secretly lust for me?<br />Kayama : ATB<br />I can't even find a translation for this.<br /><br />15) How can I make myself happy?<br />Lump : The Presidents of the United States of America <br /><br />16) What should I do with my life?<br />Bleed America : Jimmy Eat World<br />Hmmmmm...<br /><br />17) Will I ever have children?<br />Goodbye Alice in Wonderland : Jewel<br /><br />18) What does your mom think about you?<br />Lean On Me : Various A Capella <br /><br />19) What is your mortal enemy’s theme song?<br />Natural Mystic : Bob Marley<br />Scary.<br /><br />20) What is your personality like?<br />All About Ruprecht : David Yazbek (from the Musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)<br /><br />21) What song will be played at your wedding?<br />Jumptown : Steve Lucky And The Rhumba Bums (Swing Song)<br />Probably something like this at one point, but definitely not my song.<br /><br />22)Your overall theme song?<br />Elephant Love Medley : Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor (from Moulin Rouge)<br />Hmmmm....<br /><br /><br />Well, I must say, a few actually worked. Most were way off. Insights?Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-81307105993857882082008-12-01T23:09:00.001-08:002008-12-01T23:13:36.284-08:00WheelsSo, 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. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBQFkLj5m_TV_P8szg-Ei6z1uuX3LWO1Fx92fYhtoDfYBQvXE4a2mqoHyNWcDs25dm9xVkzoUxpCP_eHrIOig1tX1Rhn5XQ5z5U4MSQzmo3FdcPOZd5Pppg9N-tpHehBg0umGU3pa2vTu/s1600-h/P1010439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBQFkLj5m_TV_P8szg-Ei6z1uuX3LWO1Fx92fYhtoDfYBQvXE4a2mqoHyNWcDs25dm9xVkzoUxpCP_eHrIOig1tX1Rhn5XQ5z5U4MSQzmo3FdcPOZd5Pppg9N-tpHehBg0umGU3pa2vTu/s320/P1010439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275087056923763890" /></a><br /><br />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...Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1948737274139162981.post-37065381938027017022008-11-23T22:56:00.000-08:002008-11-23T23:11:10.043-08:00Book ReviewSparked 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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />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).<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13427379666853239661noreply@blogger.com7