Skiing and Podcasting

As an early Father's Day gift, Jenny had all of my previous blog posts printed into a book. She mentioned how much she liked reading my old posts and hoped that I would start blogging again. So, here we go. 

For this year's ski season I purchased a night season pass to Powder Mountain. It has been nice to be able to go skiing after work or on evenings on the weekend.

I have been able to catch some great sunsets. 

I like to ski mostly by myself and I usually listen to music while I ski. With how much I've been skiing this year I started to get kind of tired of listening to music. I also listen to podcasts, but I was going through new episodes too quickly. So, I decided to check out some new ones. 

Some podcasts that I already listen to are The Stolen Droids Podcast and Serial. Stolen Droids covers things going on in the geek world and is hosted by some guys here in Utah. You can check out their site at www.stolendroids.com

Serial is on their second season and they are covering the story of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. It has been interesting at times, but other times it's a bit boring. 

Their website is www.serialpodcast.org. 

Then, I started listening to two other podcasts. The first is Freakonomics radio. 

Those of you that know me can understand why I like this podcast. I'm a bit of an Econ geek and this podcast covers some interesting topics that are approached in an interesting way. It can get a bit dry and sometimes I find myself zoning out a bit, but that's no different from when I was studying Econ in school. 

Their website is www.freakonomics.com

The last podcast is Stuff You Should Know. 

The topics on this podcast are wide ranging, but no matter how boring you think a topic is, Josh and Chuck always manage to make it entertaining. This has become my favorite podcast. I'm sure there were plenty of nights where people on the ski lift or slopes thought I was crazy because I was laughing to myself. Their website is www.stuffyoushouldknow.com. 

Do you listen to any podcasts?  If so, what are your favorites?

Amethyst Lake

At the beginning of August I went on a backpacking trip with some of my in-laws to Amethyst Lake in the Uintas. The distance from the trailhead to the lake is about 6 miles, mostly up-hill. We camped about 1 mile away from the lake. This was my first backpacking trip. At the beginning of the year I started exercising more regularly and eating better and I felt that this trip would be a good opportunity to test my physical fitness.

Here I am in the parking lot.

This is our group before we started.

Our first rest break

This is about 2 miles into the hike. It's hard to see, but there is a sign and the trail forks here. You head left up to Amethyst, and you quickly realize that you are going to hate your life for the next 4 miles.

We hiked next to this river during the most brutal part of our journey

This was some of the terrain we had to navigate on the way up.

Our campsite with my tent in the foreground

This meadow was right by our campsite. Oh yeah, and there was a moose too.

This is the same meadow, looking up toward the lake.

This is one of the small lakes near Amethyst.

One of the meadows on the way home

We had a fantastic time, except for the part where my father-in-law fell and sprained his knee and had to ride out on horseback. I was really happy with how I faired physically and it has shown me how much fun you can have in life when you get your body in shape to do it. Also, this has been the trip that just keeps on giving! A couple weeks ago I started having some pain, so I went to the doctor and found out that I had brought a little friend home from my trip (not giardia). So, I also learned that even thought you filter your water, you can still get sick. Now I get to take medicine and eat some of this:

2011 Draft

The 2011 NBA Draft has come and gone. In the weeks leading up to the draft, I listened and read all of the stories and speculation about who the Jazz might take. I'm a bit of a Jazz fan. Okay, I'm a big Jazz fan and I enjoy the anticipation that comes with each off-season almost as much as I enjoy the season itself. There are essentially two types of Jazz fans, in my opinion. The one type doesn't question the decisions made by the front office or the way the coaching staff approaches things. The other side is always criticizing the front office, calling for the team to be "blown up", or in years past, for a Hall of Fame coach to be shown the door. I am in the first group. Kevin O'Connor is one of the most respected General Managers in the NBA. Time and time again he has shown his intelligence and ability to do what is best for the team and organization. Now that the Deron Williams trade is months behind us, take a look back and see what we got for him. Devin Harris, a serviceable point guard. Derrick Favors, a #3 pick with a defensive mind and improving offensive game who can run the floor like a deer. Enis Kanter, another #3 pick who many project could be an all star big man. Recently I've been shocked to hear and read about some of my fellow Utahns who think that the Jazz front office made the wrong move. Who do you think the Jazz should've drafted? Do you think they should've taken Jimmer? Fine, that's a valid statement if it weren't for one problem. He wasn't on the board at number 12, and you'd be high if you think that ANY team was going to take him higher than 7. You think the Jazz should've traded up to get him? Who's to say they didn't try? The only team that had shown any interest in trading picks with the Jazz was Detroit. News flash. If the Jazz traded up to 8 and took the Pistons pick, they weren't picking Jimmer. They were taking Knight. I heard today that the Jazz front office put in approximately 30,000 hours in researching for the draft, but somehow a bunch of fans think they know better. I'm happy with the direction the Jazz are headed and I expect to hear the boos when word comes that Paul Millsap has been traded. And, this time, just like every other time, the Jazz front office will be vindicated when it turns out that they made the right move. There, my rant is done. Any comments?

Wild Friday

This last Friday was a busy day. My day started off with me waking up at 5:15. I got up, exercised, and got ready for the day. I stepped outside at about 6:45, just in time to see my dad rounding the corner onto my street to come pick me up. He dropped me off at work at about 7:05. From there I had a routine morning until about 9:00 when we had 40 boxes delivered. These 40 boxes included 9 commercial laser printers with all of their accessories. The rest of the work day was spent removing everything from the boxes, breaking the boxes down, hauling garbage out to the dumpster, and assembling the printers. At about 3:30 I went into the bathroom and took a shower and changed my clothes. At about 4:05 I logged off my computer and headed outside to wait for Jenny to come and pick me up. She arrived a few minutes later and we proceeded to head down to Provo. Disclaimer: I absolutely loathe Provo. Perhaps the only place I hate more than Utah County is Las Vegas. After getting lost a little bit in Orem and Provo, we arrived at the BYU Museum of Art for the Carl Bloch exhibit. We had to move through the exhibit a little quicker than we might have liked in order to keep Flint happy. He stayed happy, but unfortunately he was in a chatty mood and this didn't seem quite like the place for conversation. Once we were finished with exhibit, we went out into the lobby of the museum and met two of my sisters with their kids. We waited while Nat fed the boys, and then we headed out to Cafe Rio in Provo. We arrived to a jam-packed Cafe Rio, which we expected. Jenny and Michael skillfully found us two large tables next to each other while the rest of us got in line to order. A few minutes later, I maneuvered my way back to the tables carrying two trays off food. Then, I headed back into the melee to get some drinks. The little guy ate his quesadilla surprisingly well. After some visiting we left and headed for home. We got home right between 8:30 and 9, just in time for the little guy's bedtime. Jenny and I were in bed just after 10. A fun and exhausting day.

Also, the exhibit was fantastic. Any time you have the opportunity to see excellent original artwork, it is always worth whatever inconvenience it might cause to see it in person.

"He just went sailing right out there!"

I wanted to post a little something about a truly classic movie: "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World." I was introduced to this movie by my wife when we were dating. She couldn't believe that I hadn't seen it and she insisted that we watch it. Well, almost three hours later, I was pretty disappointed. I really didn't think it was that great of a movie. Well, I've watched it multiple times since then and it gets funnier every time. A few years ago, Jenny and I found a DVD copy of the movie for $7. We snatched it right up.

This movie has the who's who of comedy from the 50s and 60s. Ever since I became familiar with this movie, I've started to notice references to it in other shows and movies. There is an entire scene from The Simpsons that is a parody of the last part of this movie. A few years ago they did a remake of it called "Rat Race." If you haven't seen this movie, drop me a line and I'll let you borrow it. However, I might require you make a deposit!

"Just hit the button marked 'booz'!"

Neglect

I've been thinking lately about how badly I've neglected my blog. It's not that I haven't wanted to post something. The fact is, I just didn't know what to write. I've noticed that there are a lot of blogs out there that get neglected. A few days ago I figured out why.
People neglect their blogs because they spend their time on Facebook. This got me thinking about other things that we neglect. What leads neglect? I think it's probably disinterest. We find something better or more interesting, so that's where we spend our time. It makes me sad to think about children that get neglected. Is it really because their parents have lost interest or found something that they think is better? As I sit here and watch my little guy running around, I think that's one of the saddest statements a parent can make. So, I'm going to end this post and go be interested in him.

PS - This post is not meant to say that if you are on Facebook you are neglecting your children. I wasn't meaning to lead to that point. Out!

I've been listening to this a lot lately. It was strange at first, and I wasn't sure I liked it. Now I can't get it out of my head, or my cd player.

Uncharted

I've been playing this game lately. It combines everything that I like in an action video game: puzzle solving, terrain traversing, and stopping a madman and his army of mercenaries in order to save the world. On top of that, the graphics are some of the most incredible I've ever seen. Yes, I confess, I like video games. A few years ago I decided to stop pushing away my geek side, and instead accept it. This game is for Playstation 3. I like playing Wii when I'm playing with other people, but for hard-core gaming, I'm all about the PS3. I also like the PS3 because, if you want, it can be turned into more than just a gaming system. Last Christmas, I pulled out the 60 gig hard drive and replaced it with a 500 gig hd. Since then, I've been working on loading all of my movies onto the PS3 so that with a few clicks of my remote I can be watching the movie of my choice. Oh yeah, and there's the whole ability to play blu-ray movies.

I've been able to play video games lately because I finished school, for now. I've graduated, but eventually I'll go back for my MIS. So, my time has been filled with spazzing out with the little guy, watching movies on weeknights with my wife, and generally feeling more relaxed. I like no school.

Communication

I've been thinking about this lately, and I've decided that communication is a pretty important thing. It seems that pretty regularly I am put in a position (is this vague enough?) where I am basically placed in the position of mind reader because of somebody's lack of communication skills. I get so anxious (and irritated) when whoever I'm with expects me to know what they're thinking, and then gets irritated when I have no idea what we are doing. Maybe this says something about me too. I'm not the type of person that likes surprises or not knowing what my short-term schedule is going to be. It seems like usually when I'm in one of these mind-reading situations, I get the most anxious when I don't know if the person I'm with is expecting to spend 30 minutes on a project or 4 hours. Yo, I might have other stuff to do! I can't tell what you're thinking! So, for all of you in blogotopia, please make sure you are communicating with those around you! I have to clarify, this post is not referring to my wife. In closing, here's a random picture for you visual types.

State of Irritation

Jenny and I have been discussing the State of the Union address this last week. In case you're looking at the title of my post and thinking that I'm about to bash on the address, you're wrong. Let me preface this by saying I'm not an Obama lover or apologist. However, I like to think of myself as somebody that doesn't blindly follow the first thing I hear. One of the things I've been hearing people knock on Obama for is the idea that he's not fiscally conservative. Here's some numbers for you. When Bush took office, the national debt was approximately $5 1/2 trillion. When he left office it was over $10 trillion. Don't talk to me about the current administration's spending. Bush doesn't even know what a budget is. One of the most basic principles of economics is that when the economy is in a recession, it's usually because there is a lack of cash in the market. One of the big ways to put cash into the market is through government spending! This is a principle that I have heard out of Republicans mouths again and again, but when a Democrat says it, Republicans are suddenly against it!
The Republicans talk about government staying out of business and then in the very next sentence they complain about government bailouts. Guess what? It is government staying out of business that allowed for companies to get so big that the economy couldn't afford to let them fail. This type of thinking is the equivalent of almost eating yourself to death and then complaining that you have to exercise and eat right to lose weight.
I am absolutely sick of how during the address the Republicans sat in their seats and pouted like little kids who can't get their way so they don't want to play anymore. You can sit and whine, or you can be part of the solution. It sounded to me like Mr. President already had a plan for all of the things he mentioned on Wednesday. What plans do the Republicans have? I haven't heard one yet.

Pathetic...

That's the word that I would use to describe my blogging habits lately. I've been putting a lot of my thoughts on twitter, simply because it seems to be a more convenient way for me to express what's on my mind at the moment. I'm sitting here thinking about what to say and I have the concept of defining moments in my head. We all have defining moments in our lives that we look back on and we can see how the rest of our life has changed as a result of that moment. I have a different view on this though. Do you ever run into those people where it seems that they interpret every moment in their life as a defining moment? These are the type of people that will react in an extreme way to anything and everything that happens in their life. I wonder if recognizing defining moments can be a defining moment. Have you ever been able to recognize that a significant event was about to happen before it ever happened? I think that those are the times in life when you really learn what it is to be alive. Wow, it's late. That must be why I've turned rambling philosopher all of a sudden. I'd better hit the kill switch before this gets out of control. On an unrelated note, Wii is fun, but PS3 is still best.

Alternative Lifestyle Mannequin?

Jenny and I were looking at messenger bags tonight on zappos.com (which is who this picture belongs to) and we came across this particular bag. Notice anything interesting about the mannequin? Seriously, this mannequin has a boyfriend. I'm sure of it. Look at that pose! Somebody's fabulous! Anyway, that's all I got.

Nervous

I had to give a presentation last night in my networking class. I don't really get too nervous or anxious for these types of things, but some people do. I think it's interesting that some people have no problem speaking up or talking in a large group of people, as long as they can stay in their seat. However, the minute you put them up in front of those same people for a presentation, they look like they're going to break down and cry like a baby. Why is that? I remember Jerry Seinfeld doing a bit where he says that in a poll of what people fear the most, public speaking was #1. Death was #2. He then talks about how at a funeral, people would rather be in the casket than up in front speaking. Humans are weird...

Blabbermouth

Do you ever come across those people that just don't know when to keep their mouths shut? I had a conversation tonight that made me think of people I know or have met that just don't know when to keep their mouths shut. I'll preface this by saying that I tend to not get close to people that can't hold their tongue. So, if you think I might be talking about you, it's probably a pretty good bet that I'm not. I don't think anybody but my close friends and family read this blog. Anyway, I think there comes a point in a person's life, or social development, when they need to realize that just because they have an opinion on something or they know something about a certain subject doesn't mean that everybody wants to hear about it! I remember an old saying; "Know what you talk about, don't talk about what you know." Sometimes, even when these blabbermouths are trying to help, they just end up hurting and offending because they don't realize that their opinion isn't wanted. Often these people are conversation killers. They come into a conversation, change the subject, and then dominate the conversation. Yo! The jibberish you're spouting out isn't what we were talking about when you came into the conversation, so butt out! I guess I could add these people to my list of things that must go.

My favorite season

Fall is here again. I love fall, but it's not because the leaves change (although that helps). I love driving around town with the windows open while I wear a light jacket. I love going outside and feeling the crisp air. I like huddling up in my bed at night and hearing the furnace start. Fall doesn't have the scorching hot of summer. I like the snow of winter, but I get tired of it after a while (shoveling is a pain). You don't have to do any shoveling in fall and you're not sick of everything being wet like you are when spring comes around. I just have one question though. Why does this season have two names (fall/autumn)? None of the other seasons have two names. Anybody know?

Time

Time. It just seems to be flying by lately. My mornings start early and as much as I try, they end late. It seems like I always have just enough time to get everything done. If you had the chance, would you increase the amount of time you have? Sometimes I think that I would rather have more time than anything else. What if you could buy free time? How much do you think it would cost? I'm sure the inflation on the cost of time would skyrocket. Maybe it already is. What are the things that we sacrifice in the interest of time? Isn't that, essentially, the price of time? Strange that this is what I think about when I have a little bit of it. It seems like the older I get, the faster it slips through my fingers. What would you do if you had more time?

Can you name the movie? A true classic from back when trilogies weren't about sucking every last dime out of movie-goers.

Prohibition

My bro-in-law was wearing this shirt last night and I thought it was great. I may have to end up buying one for myself. Seriously, this guy is a moron. There are a number of reasons he should love playing for the Jazz, but for some reason doesn't. 1. The Jazz are paying him $12 million dollars to not play defense, not show up in the playoffs, and miss over 1/3 of regular of season games due to "injury". 2. He plays with the best point guard in the NBA, D-Will. 3. He plays in a system where the entire offense runs through him. The guy really just lives in his own little world. He's looking for a big pay raise and a contract extension when he has proven nothing. Dude, shut up and know your role. We'll see you on opening night. Oh, and when you hear all of the boos, it's not because your last name is Boozer, it's because we want to institute Prohibition 2.0.

PS - You can check out the merch at http://www.nomoreboozeinutah.com

Dorkier

It turns out I'm not just a dork. I'm a really big dork. Remember how I started reading one of my textbooks before school started? (If you don't remember, look back a few posts.) Well, it turns out that we're not even going to start using that book until the very end of the semester. Instead, we're going to be reading this book:A lot of what this book teaches, as it seems to me, is how to protect against hackers by learning how to become a hacker. That's all good and fine, but I have now realized that I am an even bigger dork than I thought, for two reasons. 1, I'm really excited about learning skills that I will never be able to utilize unless I want to break the law. 2, Whenever I think about this class or I read this book, I can't stop thinking of Napoleon's thoughts on what girls want in a guy.

Sleepy

I'm feeling really sleepy this morning. I don't want to go to work. I just want to go back to bed and sleep for about another 4 hours. I'm not drinking caffeine anymore, so I can't use that to wake me up. I can't take a nap after work, and it's too long of a day for that to be effective anyway. What's something you do to wake up when you're sleepy in the morning?

Dork

You know you're a dork when your books arrive in the mail a few days before school even starts and you open them up and start reading. It's ridiculous! Jenny and I were hanging out last night after we put the little guy down and I started reading the textbook for my Information Security class. I loved econ when I was studying it, but I never opened the book before the semester (sometimes not during either.) I think my computer problem may be worse than I thought.