Going to Disneyland!!!!

Kristina, Timmy, and I made it to Disneyland Friday and Saturday after Christmas. It was a graduation present for both of them from my mom. We left about 6:30 Friday morning and had a pretty uneventful drive up there. I'm sure it helped that traffic was light as people were on vacation. We got there and it took me another 45 minutes to get my Deluxe Passport and then go to the Annual Passport Center and upgrade it to a Premium Passport. I have to take a picture of that!

We had fun over the next couple of days going on Haunted Mansion Holiday, Space Mountain, Astro Blasters, Autopia, Indiana Jones, California Screamin', Tower of Terror, Soarin' Over California, and Toy Story Midway Mania. It was a blast, but my feet got so tired. I got a room at a Courtyard Marriott for only $20, thanks to my brother's employee discount!

Check more photos here: http://flickr.com/photos/byukirty/sets/72157611911520642/

Missin' my girls

This is a LONG one. Sorry about that, but it's about a very important few years in my life.

Yesterday I was released as the Young Women President of my ward. Members in our church are called to various positions, either in charge of music, helping with the children of the ward, Sunday School, the women or the men. I was in charge of the 12-18 year old girls. It was a very sad day for me. I got the opportunity to bear my testimony, but partly because I felt guilty of getting too emotional with one of my girls about to speak (the one I'm sure was the most upset to lose me as President), partly because I was trying to keep it a testimony, as requested, and not a forum for me to talk about myself and how much I'll miss my girls, and partly (mostly) because all of these emotions were coming out and I didn't have them properly organized, I didn't get to say all that I wanted to. So I'll do it here.

After graduating from BYU and moving back to California, I was looking for a singles ward to go to, but thought the one in Santa Rosa was too far to go to from Petaluma, so I decided to just to go the family ward. I never thought about being in Young Women and was happy just doing what I was doing. Then I moved to Vallejo, and I still didn't think much of it until one year I thought it would be fun to go to camp. I didn't know who I should talk to, but knew the Stake Young Women President was in my ward (hi Shawn!), so I asked her, but she said they didn't need anybody but perhaps I should talk to the ward YW president. I didn't for some reason. Then Kathy J. was called as the YW president of our ward, and I let her know that I would be interested in joining their happy gang if they ever wanted me, and I think she had submitted my name when they announced the creation of the Napa young single adult ward. I was a little crushed, because I was pretty sure I would have been called to Young Women, but figured I should support the YSA ward, especially since I only had a couple of years left to enjoy it.

So I went to the new ward and was called to be the Relief Society President. It's funny, there have been three times in my life when I was pretty sure I was going to be called as president of something, and I was right two of those times (RS President and YW President). The other time, the first time, I was called as Second Counselor, which I think in a way led up to the other two times). I was getting along great with the Bishop and enjoying my calling, even though I didn't really feel adequate. Then he moved away and I got a new bishop. This bishop was as warm and inviting, and I really felt inadequate in my calling, so I felt relieved when he told me I was being released. While I was happy not to have the responsibility, I was just going through the pains of realizing that I was turning 31 and so was about to be kicked out of my YSA ward (it's supposed to be only for those 18 through 30), I just had a big fight with my best friend, and I was losing my calling, so I was a bit adrift.

I told Sister J. that I would like to go to camp again (I went the previous year and had fun, although I was a very slow hiker on the third year hike). That second year was different. Maybe I wasn't as concerned with hanging out with my single friends (there were four of us about my age in third year the year before). I was watching the girls more this year, and seeing how they interacted. I was a tent leader for the second years, and it happened to be the year that most of the girls from my home ward were there for, either as second year girls or YCLs. I have to say, I fell in love with all of them and their spirit. Most of the YCLs I had in my Sunday School class a couple of years before, and they were frankly bratty, talkative, and not always fun to be around. But I got to see them as wonderful future leaders, as caring and considerate, and I loved spending time with the second year girls. In short, I knew that I had found a home, and instead of wondering what to do with myself, I knew I wanted to return to my family ward and hopefully get to work with these wonderful Young Women.

I returned home and told Sister J. that I was moving back to the ward and if she was in need of anyone and felt the right prompting, I'd be happy to serve. It's the only time I ever 'campaigned' for a calling. She evidently agreed and about a month later (the bishop has never been especially quick with YW callings), I was called as a MiaMaid Advisor. What was really funny was that Megan, the Bishop's daughter, was so sure I was going to be called as Beehive Advisor, that when her dad called me to that, she very audibly said 'What!?' in front of the congregation. We all laughed.

It was a great calling, getting to work with our three MiaMaids (four when one came back from another country). They were so full of life and I really liked their sense of humor. Leslie, Allison, and this girl I didn't know before, Rebecca. I really enjoyed that calling and would have been happy having it for years to come, but then Sister J. needed a new counselor. I should have known I was on the short list, as I went to almost every Mutual, even though I was only an advisor (if I remember right, they are encouraged to attend). I was somewhat reluctant to take the calling, because I knew that Sister J. had been YW President for awhile and that she was likely to be released soon. And with the release of the president, her counselors are also released, so I was afraid I was going to be out of Young Womens just like that. However, it was about that time that I had a sneaky suspicion who the next YW President would be. April, the secretary, and I kept joking that each other was going to be called as the new president. But like I said, I kind of felt I already knew.

Then it happened one night after Mutual. The Bishop asked Sister J. how long she had been president, and she said about three years. She knew and I did that after that, her time as president was almost done. And sure enough, a couple of weeks later, at a Mutual at Sister J's house, the Bishop asked to use Evan's room as his office, and released her and myself and then called me as the new Young Women President. The Bishop said they knew I could do a good job as I had the experience as RS President. Because I had been expecting it, I was very quick to say I accept.

When I was called in Church the next Sunday, Megan was at first worried as Sister J and I were both released (along with the second counselor), but then relieved when I was called as President and April as my first counselor - it took me awhile for my second counselor. The girls were sad to lose Sister J. but we had fun.

I remember when I realized I had the mantle of leadership for the Young Women. That it was all up to me. That's a lot of responsibility, to be in charge of leading these girls to try to avoid all the pratfalls of teenage years. I was neverous about it but grew to love it. These were my girls. Some of them are young enough to actually be my daugters, if I had children when I was 18 or 19. These were my girls. I loved them and cared about them. I was sad when they would graduate and leave for college. Our present size is about a third of what it was when I first came into Young Womens. I miss the larger group, but it was so much fun being with our small little group of girls.

As I mentioned, I found a home with the Young Women. It's depressing being in Relief Society, hearing everyone talk about difficulties with husbands or children, or even worse, hearing all the great happy stories and not getting to share any of mine. Not that I'm not happy, just that my stories don't really complement the lesson usually. Here with the Young Women we could share our hopes and dreams of our future. I didn't feel like an outcast because I was single. I could relate to the Young Women and their feelings. And I came to love them as my daughters.

When the bishop told me at the end of my tithing settlement that I was being released, it came as a complete shock. I don't know how long the average Young Women President serves, but figured since Kathy J. served three years, and since one more year would have put me past the new bishop, and thinking there was no way the bishop would release me if he had to suffer the wrath of his daughter (who for some reason just absolutely loves me), I figured I had about a year to go. And I was excited, because besides camp, there was also Trek this year. I didn't get involved in the last one, and I was very excited to be involved in this one and hear the girls experiences and help them prepare. But it's not to be.

I was very surprised and distraught. I was a little bitter, as I mentioned in my testimony yesterday, but I think it was more a feelign of loss, of sadness. Not knowing what I would do next. I really didn't want to go to Relief Society, but the prospect of serving in Primary wasn't too appealing. I also thought it was hard not having kids to get to see all of these adorable children. I was very sad, and when going to my parents ward's Christmas party, I did a little pouting that of course the Young Women had to be the ones serving. See, I'm a jealous person, and the idea of anybody now getting to spend time with the great Young Women of the church made me a bit sad, because that won't be me. It's weird, I've never been so upset to leave a calling. I guess it's the close bond that we develop in general as Young Women Presidents as well as my own issues I deal with being single in the Church. I was just always happy, even during the tough times as President. I imagine it must be a small bit like what the Prophet must feel. Such love for those under his stewardship, that even with all the difficulties, it's totally worth it. Anyway, I was sad to say goodbye and again not knowing where I would serve next and if it would make me happy, but as I partook of the Sacrament last week, I very strongly heard 'Be still, and know that I am God.' I knew then that the Lord would take care of me and that all would be alright. And I think he did.

My new calling is working with the Primary kids who are seven but turning 8. It's an important year because that means they will be getting baptized. So it'll be fun to watch them go through it, and I know I will have some amazing kids this year, including two girls I adore from two of my favorite families in the ward. I'd have to say that I think this might possibly be the best place for me outside of Young Women. So kudos to the Primary President and all involved in listening to the Spirit. I think that if I were in Relief Society and had to see the Young Women leave every Fast Sunday, I would be very much wanting to join them. I guess it's good to have a complete break...for a little while. I definitely don't think that's the last time I'll work with the Young Women. I'm excited for the opportunities for my friend Shannon and her presidency. It's such a fun time and great opportunity to work with these young daughters of God. I will miss them terribly but am so greatful that they are in great hands.

As I feel this is kind of my testimony, I will conclude by saying I know the Lord lives and He listens to His children. He is there, always aware of our needs and wants. When one opportunity closes, another one awaits and by that we can become stronger and more compassionate. I know he lives, and loves me too! I know the Church is true and is led by those following the promptings of the Spirit. We might not always agree with our leaders, but they are put in that position for a reason, and the Lord will never fail us.

And this I say in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Dressing up doggies

Oh the cruel things pet owners do to small dogs. I don't really dress up my doggies all the time, but it's fun to do from time to time. My favorite is this little Harley Davidson leather cap for my really little dog Jewely. I'll have to dig that picture up.


Chloe with the casual sweatshirt.


Chloe Clause, Chloe Clause....



Chloe trying to get out of her Santa suit




See, at least I don't make my doggies wear what Molly had to




Jewely sportin' the 'ugly Christmas sweater'

Thanksgiving 2008

Well, my mom won't like this picture, but here are some pictures from Thanksgiving weekend. I've been so busy/sick that I haven't had the time to post anything since the first of the month. Thanksgiving was great, even if Zach and Khristine couldn't make it.


Kristina and my mom


My daddy


My sister and me (before I got my hairs cut)


The cute little nephews


Timmy and Kristina, my oldest nephew and only niece (and she wants it to stay that way). I'm going to have a daughter just to spite her.

Translator for the prayer?

For Thanksgiving, I went to visit my family (I'll blog more about that later). But I went to church Sunday, at the ward I've been going since I was like ten, and for the closing prayer, the sister missionary said it all in Spanish. Now, I don't mind when they do stunts like this every once in awhile, but when they do it to show what it's like for those that don't speak our language, I have two points to make - first, this is the unofficial language of the country, and so should expect it won't be in their language (just as if I went to Mexico or Russia, I wouldn't expect to hear the service in English), and second, they have a translator translating the talk or prayer into Spanish. So my only complaint is why don't we get a translator to translate the prayer back into English. I can't say 'amen' at the end of the prayer if I don't know what's been said.

I did like that they had a Spanish speaking woman speak in my current ward, but they had someone translate all the time.

Anyway, I just had to write about my very minor annoyance at that.

Too many late nights

I've been staying up too late this week, but it's been fun. Wednesday or Thursday I went to my first Christmas party. I have a friend named Jen who's going to work for a cruise ship for six months and wanted to have a Christmas party before she left. I didn't get home until after midnight. Then Friday night I went to a friend's birthday party and we hung out until about 1AM, before going to another friends, where I stayed until about 3:30. I slept in Saturday, so I got most of that sleep back, but still, I was tired. Then Saturday night we went to go see the new James Bond movie (good flick, but I'd have to watch it a couple of more times to get it all), went to IHOP afterwards, and then to a friend's house after that. Left at 1AM. Then had Ward Council at 9 AM the next day.

So I didn't quite catch up on my sleep like I like to do on the weekends. But I'm not too exhausted now.

The Rainy Magic at Magic Mountain

I went to visit my family last weekend and we went to Six Flags Magic Mountain to celebrate both my niece's 18th birthday and my brother's 28th (he can't be 28 already, can he?). Even though the forecast said it would clear up early morning, it ended up raining off and on throughout the day. That normally would have scared off a lot of people from attending, but evidently there were a number of school groups there, and because of the weather, each big ride only had one train going, so it was a little slow. We only got to go on three rides the whole day.

But we had a lot of fun, and it was so good to be together with the whole family (well, many of my family - my sister and her husband, as well as her oldest son, weren't there and neither were my brother and sister-in-law in Utah). I always enjoy hanging out with my niece and nephews!

Imagine this scenario

The year is 2016. The Church has requested our assistance yet again in defending traditional marriage, making it the fifth time since 2000 that we've been asked to do so. After successfully passing Prop 8 in 2008, we have had to endure two other propositions on the ballot trying to reverse it. There is an increased scrutiny on the Church, people who in the past have given a lot of money are complaining that they keep being asked to help out, and some have fallen away from the Church, including some prominent Mormons. Would that shake your faith?

In reading some online responses from KSL about a certain prominent Mormon that may or may not have followed the counsel of the Prophet, somebody mentioned again that in the final days, we will go through a refiner's fire and there may be many that will fall away from the Church. I remember hearing that a lot growing up, and I could never understand how that could happen. What could make so many people be upset with the Church. What could make so many once faithful members fall away?

Then this Proposition 8 thing happened. Now, everyone of course is free to vote how they choose, and the Church has come out saying 'Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.' So I don't want this to sound like I'm bagging on everyone who disagrees with the Church. However, some of the arguments I saw Church members make that support gay marriage got pretty close to being outright defiance, and some comments had me worried if that person, if pushed enough, might fall away completely from the Church. I worry about some of them if we encounter further measures like Prop 8. I also worry about those that might get worn down over continued fighting for traditional marriage and other moral issues, who might start complaining that they've given enough and might turn angry towards the Prophet and Church leaders for asking more from them.

As we are faced with continued moral challenges that we are asked to support (and they will continue to come), I hope that I will not be put off, but will listen to the will of the Lord in all he does. I pray for the understanding that comes from the Lord.

I don't know whether this might be the issue that causes many to break away from the Church. I hope it isn't. I hope that it never comes true. I love my Church family, both in my ward now and those that have ever been in a ward with me, in my Stake, or attended BYU with me. I'd hate to think of any of them leaving. I hope and pray that we can all follow the Prophet and pray about every important decision that we face in life.

From the archives: George Strait Troubadour review

OK, with this weed remembering the deaths of Diego and Paul, I need something a little more upbeat. So here's a review I made of George Strait's latest CD - Troubadour. George Strait is my favorite singer, by the way.



Thursday, April 03, 2008
Review of George Strait’s Troubadour Current mood: excited Category: Music
Well, I bought George Strait’s new CD, Troubadour, on Tuesday. I would have to give the CD an A. I had heard from the George Strait Fan Club that it was a really great CD, and I think that caused my expectations to be too high at first, but after listening to the CD a second time, I love it! It’s hard to top his last stuido CD, It Just Comes Natural, and I’m not sure yet if this will, but it’s very good. It’s a very diverse CD, with songs reminiscient of songs throughout George’s career. The title track, which I first heard at King George’s concert last Friday, is very good.

My favorites are the Western Swing songs ’Make Her Fall in Love With Me Song’ and the duet with Dean Dillon ’West Texas Town’. They’re both a lot of fun. I’m not always the biggest fan of George’s duets - even though I love Alan Jackson and Kenny Chesney - they just aren’t usually my favorite songs. But West Texas Town is, and I think it’ll be a hit if he releases it. It’s only about a minute, forty-five seconds, so it’s kind of short.

Brothers of the Highway and River of Love are also a lot of fun and a little different from most Strait songs. This CD definitely displays all the different styles of Strait songs. House of Cash is one of those duets I talked about before. I love Patty Loveless, but I’m not the biggest fan of this song. It’s just not my favorite, but it is a good song and George sings it well.
I’ve heard a national reviewer say that such formulaic songs as ’I Saw God Today’ are beneath George. Maybe it is a bit formulaic, but it’s such a great song with a great message, and George sings it so well that who cares.

The other songs on the album are good too, but I imagine the releases from the album will be among those I’ve written about. It’s a great album and it’s amazing that George Strait continues to put out such quality during his third decade as a singer. Simply amazing!

3:02 PM

From the archives: I hate cancer

It's been one year since my cousin's husband, Paul, died of cancer at the age only 28. In two weeks will be the anniversary of when my friend Shara left us. I hope that we may someday find a cure for this thing. We miss you, Paul!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007
I hate cancer! Current mood: frustrated Category: Life
I *^%$ HATE CANCER!!!! My cousin's husband, Paul Hutton, died a little over an hour ago from testicular cancer. Last Veteran's Day my friend and coworker Shara Franyovich died from cervical cancer. I hate this disease. I wish I had the ability to stop it to find a cure. Paul was only in his late 20's, with a wife and two children, one just a few months old. Shara was 41 and had a husband and a little girl. They were both such inspirations to me. Not that I want anyone to suffer from AIDS, but at least there are pretty good ways of ensuring that you won't get that disease. There are ways to help prevent getting certain forms of cancer, but basically anyone can get it. And it can be so painful to have treated. I am glad that Paul no longer has to suffer, but I look forward to the day when nobody has to suffer for this horrible disease.
7:40 AM

It's been three years.....

....but I still miss you, Diego. Thank you for being such a good dog. I look forward to the day when I get to hug you again in the next life. Rest in peace, my dear companion.

To All The Cars I've Loved Before.....

(To those who don't know, the title of this post is a spoof off of Julio Iglesias' To All the Girls I've Loved Before)

I just got my 2006 Honda Civic back after it being gone for a week in the shop. I had an odor coming out of my car and knew it was probably a coolant leak. It turned out to be a coolant leak from the engine and they had to replace the whole engine block. Ouch! Luckily, it was covered under warranty! But in the meantime, I had a rental car. It was a cute little Nissan Versa, and other than the fact it was the base model and therefore didn't have the fun features on my car, it was nice. But I REALLY missed my car. And it got me thinking about the four cars I have owned. So, here's a tribute to my 1980 Honda Accord, 1988 Nissan 300ZX, 2003 Nissan Altima, and 2006 Honda Civic.

Unfortunately, I don't believe I own a picture of my first car, a 1980 Honda Civic. This picture I found on the Internet. It looks just like my first car. I remember fondly coming home from BYU after my freshman year. The Reynolds dropped me off at about 1 in the morning, and I remember seeing this strange car on the street. My mom then told me that it was my car. I loved that little car, even though I had fuel pump problems, head gasket problems, and master cylinder problems with it. In fact, it was broken down more than it was running. Still, it was my first car, and it was fun to drive (my first time driving a stick shift). The master cylinder went out while driving down 2230 North, which is right downhill. That's also when I learned that master cylinders control the breaks. Yeah, that was a scary time, and luckily the light turned red before I got down the hill, because it forced me to quickly turn right onto a desereted street rather than go down and smash into some other cars. After the second head gasket blew, I had to leave the car where I used to live. A friend was supposed to go over and pick it up later and fix it, but it didn't quite work out that way, and it was eventually towed away and is probably now in some junk yard with people robbing it for parts (at least, I hope that's its fate, and not that it's a little cube of steel. But here's a picture of what he looked like. I called him Kermit and I had a license plate frame that read 'If you can read this, I'm still in first gear.

My next car was a 1988 Nissan 300ZX. I got it my senior year of college. It was so much fun, but ended up having so many problems that I sold it for only a few hundred dollars. If I had a house, I would have kept it and perhaps have fixed it up. When we bought it, it was salvaged. The driver's side door never closed correctly, which meant I had a lot of fun whenever I went through a car wash. But it was such a fun car. It was powerful too, having no trouble going up Lombard Street. And up a dirt hill at Saltair in Salt Lake City. Eventually the passenger window wouldn't roll down, there was no air conditioning (causing many a humerous trip home to my parents in the middle of summer), a failed attempt to steal the car caused the door handle to work correctly, but I still loved that car. It was fun to drive.

So I bought my first car, an Altima, in 2003. I never liked sedans, and before this had thought about getting an SUV. But then I saw the restyled Altima and fell in love. I just love those rear taillights. I didn't like the color of blue they had, but at the dealership I liked this color, and I liked the leather seats, LOVED the Bose speakers, and liked the sunroof and heated seats. So I bought it. It was my 'luxury' car - it had all the cool things I wanted in a car. It had a ton of room and Allison and everyone loved to hear that stereo. I would still have that car if the engine didn't go. I was driving from temple pageant and it started making sounds. It ended up that the catalytic converter somehow messed up and went into the engine and messed it up. The local Nissan dealership told me that it would be $4000 to fix it. I looked at how to get a new car, and only later did the dealership tell me that it was covered under the emissions warranty. By that time, I was already in the process of getting a new car, but my brother decided to buy the car off of me, so at least it's still in the family.

Here are my Altima and Civic together.

So I bought my 2006 Civic. It's a fun, sporty car. It has the audio controls on the steering wheel and the sunroof, but no leather, and the stereo isn't nearly as cool. But it's a lot of fun. I love the smaller steering wheel and the digital spedometer that makes it look like a cockpit. And I really missed it the past week I wasn't able to drive it. Thank goodness I have it back.

Yep, I loved each car I've had. Two Hondas, two Nissans. They've been good and fun cars. Hopefully I'll get to keep this Civic for awhile so I can buy the next one in cash.

Travellin' Through the Corn Maze

This last Saturday Amy and I joined other 'midsingles' in going to the Dixon corn maze, http://www.coolpatchpumpkins.com/ First we went to Mary's Pizza Shack, but we were both too chicken to introduce ourselves to the group, so we ate on our own. We then met everyone at the maze and followed some people around. It was fun, and we got to know people enough to join them at Dennys afterwards. It was a lot of fun getting to know a bunch of new people. I really like true midsingles activities, because it gives me hope that there are some normal guys my age out there. Singles dances instead either have a lot of weird guys or much older guys.

The maze was a lot of fun. Evidently, it's the largest in the world. Amy and I got lost from the group once at the beginning of the maze and thought we might have to traverse the maze on our own, kind of defeating the purpose of going with the group, but luckily we met them again at the first station, Ducati station. I know I felt relieved, as I didn't bring a flashlight. Amy had one, but it ended up dying, even with new batteries. So we might have got stuck in there for awhile. And it's always more fun to be with a group of people.

I'm very glad we got to go on this little trip and meet midsingles at an event other than a dance. It was a lot of fun and I hope we get to hang out with them again soon.

A different world

Every once in awhile you hear a song you've heard a million times before but for some reason, those lyrics get to you that one time you hear it. Yesterday that was true with Bucky Covington's 'A Different World.' Sometimes I think of just how screwed up our society's become just since I was a kid. The part that got to me was
'Not every kid made the team when they tried
We got disappointed and that was all right, we turned out all right'

I think as a country we've become so weak. We try to appease everybody, and worry too much about people who complain. Case in point is a parade in New York that will no longer be the 'Christmas' parade because one or two people complained about discrimination. Most likely, those people who complained are atheists. We've just become such a nation of veal calves, as my favorite talking head likes to say. Oh, and I got daddy's belt many, many times.

A Different World
Bucky Covington

We were born to mothers who smoked and drank
Our cribs were covered in lead based paint
No child proof lids no seat belts in cars
Rode bikes with no helmets and still here we are, still here we are
We got daddy’s belt when we misbehaved
Had three TV channels you got up to change
No video games and no satellite
All we had were friends and they were outside, playin’ outside

It was a different life
When we were boys and girls
Not just a different time
It was a different world

School always started the same every day
The pledge of allegiance then someone would pray
Not every kid made the team when they tried
We got disappointed and that was all right, we turned out all right

It was a different life
When we were boys and girls
Not just a different time
It was a different world

No bottled water, we drank from a garden hose
And every Sunday, all the stores were closed

It was a different life
When we were boys and girls
Not just a different time
It was a different world

It was a different life
When we were boys and girls
Not just a different time
It was a different world

It was a different world

Flu shots suck

At work we are able to get free flu shots. I have never gotten a flu shot before and have never got sick with the flu (at least not longer than a day or two). So I didn't plan on getting one this year, but yesterday I felt like I should. I can't say I prayed about it because I didn't really have time, but I really felt like I should get it. So I did. And I got sick.

Last night taking kids home from Mutual, I started coughing and being a little short of breath. I finally got home, called home to say hi to the parentals and then took some Nyquil and went to bed about 10 PM (that's REALLY early for me). When I woke up at 6 this morning, I was still dragging, but took my shower and started getting ready. But soon after I just felt exhausted, and decided I had better call into work. So I called my actual IT boss and my RM boss and told them I'd probably be in later. I went back to bed and slept until about 10:30, then slowly got ready. I thought about not going into work at all, but it was 1 and I knew I wouldn't get anything done at work, and it was getting warmer, so I wasn't feeling that great, so figured I might as well go to work. So now I have three hours of sick time to use sometime else.

I really hope I was inspired to take the flu shot and this will help me not get the flu later this year, or else this was a big waste of a sick day.

I miss my car

I started smelling a 'sweet' smell coming out of my car last week. It was kind of like a maple syrup smell, but not as good. From my really old 1980 Honda Accord I had in the past, I knew this could be the head gasket, but there wasn't a whole bunch of white smoke, so it most likely was a leak in the coolant system. So I took it in yesterday to the dealer and they called me later to say the leak was coming from the bottom of my engine and the engine bloc would have to be replaced. They had a bulletin on it though, so it's all going to be covered. But since they basically have to take my engine apart, I'm going to be without it for up to a week, so I get a rental.

My rental car is a Nissan Versa. It's the base model for it, and although I like the looks of the hatchback version of it, the sedan is kind of boring. Especially in silver (I usually don't like silver cars, they're boring to me - sorry to anyone with a silver car - your car looks beautiful in silver :). Still, it gets me from Point A to Point B. I wonder if I would like it better if it was an upgraded version. But it makes me miss my Civic. I miss my audio controls on the steering wheel, the input jack for my iPod, and my sunroof (I didn't realize before how much I like the option of looking up to see the sky if I would like to.

I didn't like sedans for the longest time. They all looked boring to me and seemed like they were just family cars, like minivans, but a little cooler (not much). Then I saw the 2003 Nissan Altima which I fell in love with and bought. It was a great car before it's engine acted up. I like the looks of my Civic, although I do believe someday whenever I buy a new car, I'm going to go for the coupe version of a car.

Well, hopefully I'll get my car back before the weekend. It'll make me really appreciate that car!

From the archives: George Strait Concert Review

I've got to see many George Strait concerts over the years. He is definitely my favorite singer. I just love almost every one of his songs. He could go on and sing for 4 hours and still have PLENTY of songs he wouldn't have played that I would have liked.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008
George Strait Concert Review Current mood: calm Category: Music
Last Friday night, March 28th, I got to see George Strait. It was a fantastic concert. I had a lot of fun.

My friend Jennifer invited me to go to the concert with her and some friends. I gladly accepted. The tickets were only $35. When my mom and I were thinking of going to see George Strait in Fresno, by the time she was able to call them, they only had nosebleed seats left and they were still $70. So we passed. These were nosebleeds to, but for only $35, I’ll gladly take it.

I went with Jennifer, our friend Chris, and two other friends of Jennifer’s. Chris isn’t much of a country fan, but someone else canceled, so he went.
This was at least my tenth George Strait concert (let’s see, about three at least before going to school - one in SLC, one George Strait Country Music Festival in Provo (that was probably the weirdest GS concert - no beer or cigarettes - it was great), one other festival in Las Vegas, one concert in Sacramento, one at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, and this one at Oakland’s Oracle Arena. I’m sure there are two other ones I haven’t accounted for here. Anyway, the GSCMF concerts were actually a low point for George. They had gotten boring, especially compared to Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney. He played a lot of other people’s old school country, and it just wasn’t that exciting any more. The concert in Sacramento, when I went with my sister and her friends changed all of that. He now plays a LOT of his own songs. It’s cool. And the last three concerts have had a different mix of songs. He’ll always sing Amarillo By Morning, end the main concert with Unwound, and end the encore with The Cowboy Rides Away, but most of the other songs were either different, or not as often heard as those ones. He didn’t even sing one of my least favorite songs, which I’ve heard at EVERY concert for years, Milk Cow Blues. I was a little shocked at that.

The concert was great. GS seemed to enjoy himself and so did we. Even Chris seemed to enjoy himself, especially making cat calls and yee haws. I did get beer or something pouring down my back. The people behind me had dropped it. I didn’t realize it right away, and they didn’t acknowledge it at all. It was annoying, but it wasn’t too bad. It quickly dried enough that I was able to enjoy the concert. I had kind of expected to hear some more of his songs from the 80s and early 90s, to tell you the truth, but this concert seemed to be heavier on songs from the last ten years. Man, I could easily listen to a ten hour concert from him. With breaks, of course, but man, he has so many songs he could sing!

George Strait doesn’t move around the stage much, but his music moves for me. I guess that’s why I enjoy his concerts for me. I always get a little sad when I start to hear Unwound, knowing the concert’s almost over. And then when I hear the Cowboy Rides Away, I get prepared to say goodbye to George until next time. See you next trip!




[New] Link to review: http://www.ibabuzz.com/concerts/2008/03/29/george-strait-is-king-of-country-in-oakland/

Beautiful Monterey

I've always loved Monterey, and it's one of the places I'd really love to live. I went this weekend to visit my mom and her best friend Colleen who went to get away for the weekend there.

I got there Friday night, in time for us to go to Bubba Gumps. The next morning we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. What was really funny was that in line I saw one of my coworkers. Small world!
Here's a cool fish without much of a rear fin. He's a slow eater or something like that. We also explored a bit of Cannery Row and ate at Willy's BBQ. It was pretty tasty!

That night we went to see the beach at Pacific Grove. That place has such beautiful beaches.

The next day we went on the 17 mile drive (my first time). The beaches are so beautiful and it made me want to take up golfing. We got to see the Lone Cypress, which has been standing for 250 years being battered by wind and the ocean. It's cool to look at.

And we got to see Pebble Beach. It was a very fun weekend and I'm so glad that it's so close!