life is good, but sometimes it's amazing

Yesterday I looked into the mirror and smiled. I’m not sure exactly why, but I felt joyful. For the past few months I have been happy, but there has been something keeping me a little down. At that moment, everything felt different. I knew that I had a family who loves me, friends who care about me, and the gospel in my life. At that moment, everything else didn’t seem to matter. At that moment, I realized life is not only good, it's amazing.

my pain may have been a good thing

I usually only wear high heels on Sunday for church or the rare occasions I drive to work. Friday night, however, I was trying out the heels with jeans thing that I have been told some guys really like. The roommates and I were going to SLC for dinner. I was walking to the car when all of a sudden I found myself falling down the concrete stairs toward the front of my car. I can’t be certain, but I think I tried to catch my balance and ended doing a 180 which saved my butt from a big bruise. My left leg, just below the knee, wasn’t so lucky. Of course the roommates didn’t get to see my graceful fall; just me sprawled on the garage floor. I got up and immediately knew I had to change my shoes. I took off the heels, quickly limbed upstairs to my room, and grabbed my much more sensible, but still fashionable boots.

As we were cruising down I-15 nearing the Farmington interchange area (I know they have a name for it but I can’t remember because it hasn’t caught on like the “Spaghetti Bowl”) we saw one of those UDOT signs that said the left lanes were blocked due to an accident and lots of break lights. We came upon a multiple-car-pile-up that had occurred maybe a minute or two before we got there. It seemed to be caused by the slowing of traffic following a previous multiple-car-pile-up.

All three of us rubbernecked as we slowly drove passed the two scenes and couldn’t help but wonder if we had been on the road just a few minutes earlier if we would have been one of the cars with the smashed-in front end. So if my tumble down the stairs and the resulting changing of the footwear saved us from a wreck, then I’m glad my pain resulted in something good.

so good for two reasons

One of my favorite shows recently used one of my favorite bands in an episode and it made me extremely happy.

good to my ears

I'm not a fan of buying single songs, I have always like buying albums. One reason is I often find I like songs on the album more than the singles that are played on the radio. I tend to listen to the same albums over and over. The following are my most recent favorites. I can honestly say I listen to each these albums and enjoy each song.

Absolutes--Barcelona



Are You Nervous?--Rock Kills Kid



Armistice--Mute Math



Collective Soul (Rabbit)--Collective Soul



Don't Make Me Wait--Locksley



Final Straw--Snow Patrol



Once Upon a Time in the West--Hard-Fi



The Resistance--Muse



The Sun and the Moon--The Bravery



Viva La Vida--Coldplay

good reason not to go to wal-mart

I have many reasons I do not go to wal-mart, but I gained an additional one on last Saturday night. I only had a half hour in order to pick up some printer ink, chips, and salsa before I needed to be to my friends' birthday party. I needed the printer ink to be able to print my lesson for the next day and the chips and salsa were for the party. I usually go to target for said purchases, but wal-mart happens to be closer to my house and my friend's house. So, despite my better judgment I found myself in a harshly lit aisle staring at the salsa when someone approached from my left and said "you don't want any of those."

I turned and looked at a late 40-something man and gave him a confused look. He then proceeded to tell me that he was making fresh peach salsa with peaches from his garden and that I should come over to his house and get some. I just gave a creeped-out courtesy laugh and turned back to making my salsa selection. He then crossed behind me to my right and told me that he was making watermelon salsa the next day and I could go to his house and get some of that too. Another courtesy laugh followed and he was gone.

There is my newest reason: Getting hit on by creepy old men in the salsa aisle.

Some additional reason for not going to wal-mart were observed during this latest trip: A larger woman in a v-neck tank top that was 3 sizes too small with lurpy boyfriend in a wife-beater and baggy pants. Long lines with slow checkers. Security devices on everything over $20 that can easily be concealed in a purse or down someone's pants.

good clean capitol funishment

I have now been to Washington D.C. six times. The first five times were for work and I wasn’t able to see everything I would have liked because I was in meetings all day and by the time I was able to get to the Mall, all of the museums were closed. I was lucky if I had a two hour window before my flight to get through one museum (usually about half of it). This last time I was on an actual vacation and had the chance to see nearly everything I wanted to. Here is everything I saw while traveling to D.C and back again.

Day 1—Traveling
Salt Lake City Airport
Atlanta Georgia Airport
Washington Dulles Airport
Comfort Inn at Tyson’s Corner

Day 2—Monuments Day aka Lots of Walking
Washington Monument
World War II Monument
Vietnam Memorial
Lincoln Monument
Korean War Memorial
Holocaust Museum* (A humbling experience and not for the faint of heart)
FDR Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
PF Chang’s with a group of 32

Day 3—Day at the Museum
Fords Theater
American History Museum*
Natural History Museum*
Pizza and Games with the family

Day 4—Another Day at the Museum
The White House tour with an appearance by Alonzo Mourning (President Obama held up the tour because he was in a room nearby)
Top of the Washington Monument
Native American Museum
Air and Space Museum*
Fudruckers

Day 5—More Museums
National Archives (when a big security guard with a deep voice tells you not to take flash photography you better listen. Luckily I didn’t have to learn through experience)
Library of Congress*
Tour of the Capitol
The Golden Corral (not by choice)

Days 6-7—Pilgrimage to the Uncle’s House in Virginia
Church
Tour of James Madison University
Listen to my uncle’s sweet speakers (we’re talking speakers costing tens of thousands of dollars)
Harrisonburg, VA bowling alley

Day 8—Traveling
Washington Dulles Airport with the slowest ID and gate ticket checker ever
Cincinnati Airport
Salt Lake City Airport
Home!

*highly recommended

good timing

I went to Washington D.C. with my extended family for a week in June. At one point we had 40 people wandering around the Mall, getting on and off the Metro, and taking over PF Chang’s.

The timing of our trip couldn’t have been better. We narrowly missed two tragic events. The shooting at the Holocaust Museum took place less than a week before we arrived and the worst accident in the D.C. Metro’s history took place only two days after we left downtown. These two events are incredibly sad and I’m sorry for the families that are affected, but I’m grateful my family had a safe vacation.

Because of this I’m reminded that bad things can happen at anytime and we need to be grateful every time we arrive to our intended destination safely, every time we go a public area and return home again, every time we go to work and return to our families.

good (m)orning

Rarely do I attend a concert where I have enjoyed an opening act as much, if not more than the headliner. That happened to me a couple of weeks ago at the Avalon. I went with my brother and a friend to see Mae. Little did I know that I would walk out of there a fan of a band I had previously never heard of. For this particular concert there were actually four opening acts, and since it was general admission and we were buying our tickets at the door, we had to get there on time to ensure we even made it in. Otherwise we probably would have missed at least of few of the openers. Usually I’m not one to fail to buy tickets in advance, but in this case it turned out to be a good thing we were not be prepared.

The first act had already taken the stage when we arrived, so we walked into the dark venue and attempted to find seats. As a result of the combination of our eyes adjusting from the light of day and the stage lights finding empty seats was somewhat difficult, but we managed to find a row that was virtually empty. We settled in and listened to the first two acts, a solo artist called Tokyo and a local group called Larusso. Tokyo was comfortable on stage with his acoustic guitar and was thoroughly enjoying himself as he bantered with the audience between songs. He had a good sound. Larusso, I didn’t like at all so I won’t waste time and space on them, but lets just say, they need a new lead singer, one with a voice that doesn’t crack on the high notes. They also need to learn how to tone it down just a bit so the audience can actually hear the notes being played.

All right, here is where the whole night changed for me. The third group to take the stage was a group called Barcelona. They are a trio from Seattle, with keys, guitar, drums and the occasional xylophone. The moment they took the stage, my friend turned to me and expressed that he thought these guys were going to be good. The moment they started playing I knew he was correct in his assessment. During most of the set, the stage was nearly pitch black with only three colored spots on each guy. After the first song I knew I would be buying their album.

The best word I could come up with at the time to describe their music was chill. I was impressed with their stage presence and control. The drummer was particularly impressive. Also, it takes skills to switch from the guitar to the xylophone mid song. They even brought a bit of nostalgia to stage by showing off their slap bracelets.

Immediately following their set my friend and I made our way to buy their album, a tee shirt, and slap bracelets. I haven’t been that excited about finding a new band in a long time.

After listening to their one and only album, I would have to say that my initial reaction was spot on. Here are a few links and you can decide for yourself what you think.

Lesser Things

It's About Time

To finish up the opening acts was a band called Person L. Not much to say but they were trying way too hard and were way too loud.

Now, even though I don’t have quite as much to say about Mae doesn’t mean I didn’t highly enjoy them. Mae, an acronym for Multisensory Aesthetic Experience, is all about appealing to multiple senses during their performance: sight, sound, and smell. They included visuals and smells to coordinate to each song. For example, a song about fire had the smell of burning wood. One about the ocean smelled of salt water. They even used 3D visuals. Mae is a unique band in that during 2009 they are releasing on song a month and selling it on their website with all proceeds going to build a home for a family in need. Following the regular concert they were selling tickets to an all request acoustic set. I would have loved to attend, but it was already 11:15 when they concluded the three-song encore.

The night was well worth my 20 bucks.

good to go

Dating is one of those things in this life that is a necessary evil. While dating can be an enjoyable experience, at times it can be confusing. Guys often wonder, do I hold her hand; do I go for the kiss? While I can't take full credit for this (this advice was recieved from an older and wiser friend several years ago) here are a few guidelines to follow while adventuring in the land ‘o dating.

The steps to a kiss

1. The “Invitation”

Accepts the “invitation” – go to the next step

Denies the “invitation” – it’s over

2. The “Lean”

Accepts the “lean” – go to the next step

Denies the “lean” – it’s over

3. The “Hand Placement”

Good “hand placement” – go to the next step

Bad “hand placement” – it’s over

4. The “Googily Eyes” or the “Triple Tapper”

“Googily Eyes” – go to the next step

“Triple” Tapper” – it’s over

5. The “Kiss”

Accepts the “Kiss” – go back to step 1

Denies the “Kiss” – it’s over

Ok, so these steps might need a little explanation. The “invitation” simply means call and ask the girl out, ask her out in person, just ask the girl out. Guys know the saying you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, well you are denied 100% of the invitations you don’t extend. If she wants to go, she will find the time. If she repeatedly denies your invitation, move on and find another girl.

The “lean” refers the contact that happens when you’re sitting down at the movie theater and you lean closer to your date so that your arms nearly touch. If she accepts the lean she in turn moves closer. If she denies the lean, she will increase the distance. The concept of the “lean” can also be judged when sitting on the couch; if she sits right next to you when the entire couch is available the lean has been accepted. If she uses the available space on the couch, the lean has been denied.

The “hand placement” is a vital step; it gives permission for you to even think about proceeding to the final step. If there is good “hand placement” the girl’s hand is readily available. It is on her knee or the armrest. It repeatedly brushes against your hand while walking. If this happens you are safe holding that hand. If there is bad “hand placement” the girl’s hand is usually hidden from view, she will fold her arms while sitting and put her hands in her pockets while walking because if you can’t see her hands you can’t hold them.

The “Googily Eyes” refer the look that says I totally want you to kiss me, this usually consist of prolonged looks into the guys eyes with the occasionally glance at the lips. “Googily eyes” are often accompanied with lingering hugs. But be aware of the “triple tapper,” this is the hug equivalent of saying “thanks ole buddy ole pal, you’re my friend so I’ll give you a hug, but don’t even think about anything more.” So if you get a hug with pats on the back, you have just received a “triple tapper.”

Finally we come to the last step, the culmination of the night, the “Kiss!” If you have received the googily eyes, it is a sure thing that a kiss can follow. Now, just because the night might not end with the “kiss” doesn’t mean it wasn’t a success. If you make it through 4 out of the 5 steps the date was a success and feel free to go back to step 1. Steps 1 through 4 are critical to proceeding to step number 5. If any of the previous steps have not taken place do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Unfortunately, every dating situation is different, that is what makes it so evil. The steps to a kiss are just a baseline to judge dating behavior. Best of luck and get dating.

you never had it so good

My Facebook status the other day said “Effie + Jimmy Johns = Happy.” A friend of mine was not aware that Jimmy Johns is an excellent sandwich place that is a fairly recent addition to the Salt Lake City market and took my message to mean that I was dating a guy named Jimmy Johns. She frantically searched my friends list to find him but came up empty handed. This got me thinking about if Jimmy Johns was a real guy and the reasons he would be a good boyfriend.

He’s always happy to see me walk into a room and greets me with an enthusiastic hello.

He’s willing to wait for me to make a decision, but gives suggestions when asked.

He’s very quick to get me exactly what I need.

He may be slightly hard on the outside, but he is nothing but a softy on the inside.

He spends just the right amount of time with me, but is gone before I have too much which leaves me excited to see him next time.

He’s so good that he inspires me to write about him.

good advice from the captain

One day while I was attending Utah State, my roommate and I were discussing with our FHE brother our frustration with dating. He being the older and wiser big brother provided us with some insightful advice about attracting the best kind of guy. Nearly five years later (whoa that makes me feel old) I think his advice still applies. So girls this is how you can get someone like Captain Stud (he may have been older and wiser but he was still a college boy).

How do I get someone like Captain Stud?
1. Don’t waste time with guys who are below you.
2. Don’t be afraid to be smart or who you are.
3. Don’t laugh at stupid jokes, unless you actually like stupid jokes.
4. You attract the kind of guys that treat you the way you treat yourself. Love yourself, have good self-esteem.
5. Love the Lord first. The order of things: First the Lord, second yourself, and third someone else.
6. There is no list, only values and goals.
7. He should treat you like gold, if he doesn’t he’s trash.
8. Look for the “right one,” don’t make the “right one.”
9. No guy is rich. Either he’s spoiled (bad) or in debt (bad).

Number nine applies more to guys who are still in school; guys who are established in a career are allowed to throw a little dough around. While I haven’t yet landed my Captain Stud, I have been able to see when it is time to bale from a relationship. Thanks Capt’n.

good to know

While I normally enjoy reading others "25 Random Things about me" it took me a while to compose one of my own. It turned out to be kind of interesting experience. I know I'm a geek, but now the proof is in writing. I also added a few extras to the end.


In general I don’t like female singers, nearly all the artist on my ipod are male.

I’m a total geek at heart. Give me Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Star Trek.

I have been into Star Wars for nearly my whole life. I have seen the original trilogy so many times I have each movie memorized. During Junior High and High School I read nearly every post “Return of the Jedi” novel available. I have only been beaten once playing “Star Wars: Trivial Pursuit.”

I’m inwardly obsessive but outwardly passive.

I love a good turkey sandwich, adding bacon makes it even better. However, even more important than the toppings of a sandwich is the bread. For me the bread makes the sandwich. My current bread of choice is ciabatta.

I ride the bus to and from work nearly everyday and have done so for three years. Oh, the gas money I have saved and the books I have read.

I prefer to work behind the scenes but will step up and take charge when the occasion arises.

I love country swing and line dancing but don’t really care for country music. I do have some left over music from my short liking-country-music-phase.

I love amusement park rides, especially the rollercoasters. I would rather spend a vacation day at Six Flags than at the beach.

I have had a season pass to Lagoon for the past three summers and I already have my 2009 pass.

No one in my family has had braces and I don’t mind going to the dentist.

Witty comments and flashes of brilliance are few are far between so I’m always proud of myself when they do occur, especially when it is in the moment and not an hour later.

I still separate nearly all food items on my plate so they do not touch. Not a big fan of warm mashed potatoes and gravy and cold jell-o mixing.

I’m picky when it comes to my nighttime sleeping environment. One time I was staying at my sister’s house and I made my brother-in-law turn off their outside lights even though they were on a timer and would have turned off shortly.

It makes me mad when people blow the snow from their sidewalks onto the cleared street. Do they not realize that they can blow it back onto their yard?

I often have delusions of grandeur.

I don’t think people should like something just because it is popular. I also think people shouldn’t not like something just because it is popular. Figure it out.

I’m not ticklish.

I rarely respond to being teased the way the person doing the teasing was hoping.

I know a little about a lot, but only a lot about a little.

I loved drawing and painting and doing crafts when I was little, but as I got older I had less time to devote to this hobby and have now lost most of my skills.

Growing up, the only time we had soda/pop/soda pop in our house was sprite or 7 up when we were sick. When I was old enough to choose what I wanted to drink I choose Dr. Pepper. It was my little rebellion.

I’m the type of person that has a tendency to get in trouble. If I even step one toe over the line I get caught.

I love getting new music and movies.

I often hop on the band long after everyone else has jumped off.

I have had a few people tell me I look like Jennifer Aniston. I don't know if I agree, but I'll take it.

the reason it's all good

My brother-in-law passed away on January 30, 2009 after a ten-month battle with cancer. I don’t have an older brother, so he took on that responsibility when he married my sister. He was always willing to help me work through my concerns and problems. He would give me advice on anything from guys, dating, skiing, fashion, education, money, and the gospel. He had a remarkable outlook on life and he expressed his zeal through the phrase “It’s all good.”

As one way keep his memory alive, I’m going to integrate this phrase into life. I’m going to look past the bad to see the good. Life is better when we remember that it’s all good.