tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80030295471850677012024-03-13T12:18:01.259-07:00NotedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-78916677920186540162012-01-26T10:21:00.001-08:002012-04-18T16:42:39.944-07:00I love Melk<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HrtZ4ox1MuwGTBrmxyNF7lG4d6dXwsjBv8fDBgojv6r9RNpJSZkylifLUQc47i2G9iSPY0D_Ii93Fll_HaZ7L62HTHHaugJeeHouBYVKd81UrrHr_k-Pernuc9xbum6nBOLgNl_tUA/s1600/Melk"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HrtZ4ox1MuwGTBrmxyNF7lG4d6dXwsjBv8fDBgojv6r9RNpJSZkylifLUQc47i2G9iSPY0D_Ii93Fll_HaZ7L62HTHHaugJeeHouBYVKd81UrrHr_k-Pernuc9xbum6nBOLgNl_tUA/s320/Melk" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732890046180600802" /></a><br /><br />What Dr. Mercola won't tell you is...<br /><br />I love Melk!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-77577413103597087992011-08-11T10:37:00.000-07:002011-08-11T10:44:46.996-07:00Dental Damned<h3 class="post-title entry-title">This is a post from my other private post. I liked it and decided to repost it on "Noted", enjoy.
<br /> </h3> <div class="post-header"> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV9rDVRbeUlZLLDFcOzT2OJFplAUwFBL5S9V9sW3xld87pNfZMPQQEDAuaEB-kq4PhfQL83Insdcgj424VMkJRrTB-AzBuDZ8DTyMAG8qq_Ht3AfQ_PWJnWkT32s-x8SxtNc9aNzpPZE/s1600/tumblr_lijbvmpszj1qi5auoo1_500.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV9rDVRbeUlZLLDFcOzT2OJFplAUwFBL5S9V9sW3xld87pNfZMPQQEDAuaEB-kq4PhfQL83Insdcgj424VMkJRrTB-AzBuDZ8DTyMAG8qq_Ht3AfQ_PWJnWkT32s-x8SxtNc9aNzpPZE/s400/tumblr_lijbvmpszj1qi5auoo1_500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591950843703610946" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Went to the dentist today. Haven't been for a while. Last year a dentist told me that I had neglected my gums and that I needed to pay more attention to flossing. He also said I had four cavities. After feeling like a moral deviant I did what any sane person would do. I stopped going to that dentist, waited a year and when my tooth started hurting made the decision to find a new dentist. To be more specific; my tooth cracked, I continued to neglect it, chewed food on the right side of my mouth, learned a new way to drink to avoid cold sensitivity, and finally relented when I began to get a bitter taste from the tooth (it's an abscessed tooth, Pharaohs have died from it). So since I won't be buried in a pyramid I called a church friend that doubles as a dentist.
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<br />My appointment was scheduled for 3:30pm. At 2:30 my anxiety hit. I hate going to explain to someone why I avoided taking better care of my teeth. I'm sure he's heard every story, he's seen a lot worse (this is Havasu, and we love our toothless river folk). For me telling someone how bad it's gotten and letting them look into my mouth is about as embarrassing as it gets. I'd rather have to tell my Bishop that I looked a boobie magazine 682 times.
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<br />Dr. Jesse Harker put me right at ease. First off there is a flat screen on the ceiling, it's better than a mirror in a hotel room. I got to watch the Yankees game while he poked and prodded. Second he has state of the art equipment. He took digital images of everything, no more archaic x-ray negatives or tiny toilets to spit into. Finally he gave me an itemized look at the expenses to complete all of the work. I love that because the last guy did all the work and then stuck me with a bill for $2,000.
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<br />So in summary:
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<br />My mouth sucks right now.
<br />It's not as bad as I thought
<br />Dr. Harker, great dentist
<br />Watching a ballgame while they take that tiny pirate hook and poke in your tooth hole, not so bad.
<br />Oh and I need a root canal...awesome Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-6986343741234245492011-06-06T21:15:00.001-07:002011-06-06T21:15:59.208-07:00a stitch in the blanket<div class="post-header"> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxP7FLWT9QBmN6wmaVQQcgwGnbufLcLs7cTOgzAy17gHVDcyMlNM4LFZvT5G-3Mzx1ab5Odh54Scc1v-0uN9IxKFuBrKOy8b0Ysw69E8b-LGelAYHZQZjVYSr7raYh7nb9QQtfgnrB7o/s1600/aids110606_560.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxP7FLWT9QBmN6wmaVQQcgwGnbufLcLs7cTOgzAy17gHVDcyMlNM4LFZvT5G-3Mzx1ab5Odh54Scc1v-0uN9IxKFuBrKOy8b0Ysw69E8b-LGelAYHZQZjVYSr7raYh7nb9QQtfgnrB7o/s320/aids110606_560.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615321021949804930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><h2 class="primary first-page"><a href="http://nymag.com/health/features/aids-cure-2011-6/">The Man Who Had HIV and Now Does Not</a></h2><br />In 1995 I was eating chicken flavored Top Ramen in my dorm room at UCSC. My brother John called me from Half Moon Bay and I was surprised to hear his voice. Not very far into the conversation John told me Steve Harvey had died. Steve was a friend of the family. He was one of the Harvey boys that my father worked with in the car business. As kids we grew up around Steve, his younger brother Richard (who died in a car accident), and his older brothers Bill and Mike. Bill and Steve were closer to my dad than Mike and Richard and would often come over for dinner. Steve was a giant. Or at least that's what I remembered about him. He had red curly hair and an awesome mustache which rivaled the greats of the 80's. Steve would always play any sport with us. Often he'd take us to Smith Field and we'd play baseball for hours.<br /><br />Some years prior to his death my parents sat us down on the couch and told us Steve had AIDS. I was the oldest and I really didn't know what to think. I remember it was some later that Steve would visit us. I remember thinking to myself when he was coming over "Should I touch him?" There still wasn't a lot of information about the disease.<br /><br />I hugged him. When he came over and I saw him, I hugged him. He was smaller. You could tell he was sick. It was the last time I would see him. He spent his remaining years away from us. He may have gone to Chicago. Unfortunately my parents didn't tell us much.<br /><br />Above is an article I found interesting. I learned something today. It's not a cure, it certainly isn't the answer. I just thought it was interesting. I miss Steve.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-47665725991792647782011-04-13T15:11:00.000-07:002015-02-02T08:16:34.844-08:00jux because<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dKwHdmQR3KRlXe3Wi94vdbV9hHQioA9AIonLz_aU6BMDaGK2II8hX7w_CRYZ6u-4JWUXB0AHncP-OwFXrRt3H5HVPaSbAEQc6KGlXq2uyDQBLAZb7_Ufhf809aoHX-IDpH_gR7p-hw/s1600/denny.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dKwHdmQR3KRlXe3Wi94vdbV9hHQioA9AIonLz_aU6BMDaGK2II8hX7w_CRYZ6u-4JWUXB0AHncP-OwFXrRt3H5HVPaSbAEQc6KGlXq2uyDQBLAZb7_Ufhf809aoHX-IDpH_gR7p-hw/s400/denny.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595195299812153682" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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My wife began her contractions on April 7th, that afternoon Denny Tovey died. At around nine that evening I was lying in bed with Brooke and said to her that it was time for me to focus on our new son. The following day at 3:54pm George Christopher was born. These two events; the death of a friend, the father of my best friend and the birth of my son will always be a great reminder of mortality. I wondered Thursday evening as I settled in bed whether Denny and George passed each other in some eternal hallway. I'd like to think their conversation wasn't long, just a "hello" and a mutual "good luck". I'd like to think that both were a little too preoccupied with what was about to happen. Denny had an orientation mixer to get to and George eagerly wanted to try his new body. More than anything I like to think as they were passing Denny gave George a wink as if he knew what George was in for, that Denny had a lifetime of experiences, of knowledge, of love. I like to think that Denny knew about all the moments George would come upon, learning to ride a bike, drive a car, put up with complete morons. That he knew that George would feel love and feel hurt, that he would have lots of doubts and fears. I like to think that as Denny was passing giving that confident wink George without missing a beat would look right back into Denny's eyes and give him a mischievous wink back. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkvF9XlGQnn8Fe1UtJGMOek0WFh5qUdsa9M17kfXqGGAh0VMj9CJB4nDR_kN0grvhMY0UEv99TfDNI_cbk7jn27mIGYr1ng1a6UiYU0FvxlP9jHDZKZHo_BgtLYTDjRLNylQc9St9g/s1600/IMG-20110409-00091.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkvF9XlGQnn8Fe1UtJGMOek0WFh5qUdsa9M17kfXqGGAh0VMj9CJB4nDR_kN0grvhMY0UEv99TfDNI_cbk7jn27mIGYr1ng1a6UiYU0FvxlP9jHDZKZHo_BgtLYTDjRLNylQc9St9g/s400/IMG-20110409-00091.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595195075064549330" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-81514278474238703302011-01-31T20:11:00.000-08:002011-01-31T20:43:36.122-08:00Craig Tovey and Everything Else<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn8kSk9Jkhh_SZI0epFUjwm0IlnFnF68KrXMVqj9D_kS912pj7SuB_8gIm6rHv5vHZ3ALMIcvyr3jyhZCpCnJh8DPPyVhuW6QkDD7nckLiWFJZcCjc3hz-qbbjAFq6Q_dVUvgIEKEDg/s1600/aboutme_photo-200x300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn8kSk9Jkhh_SZI0epFUjwm0IlnFnF68KrXMVqj9D_kS912pj7SuB_8gIm6rHv5vHZ3ALMIcvyr3jyhZCpCnJh8DPPyVhuW6QkDD7nckLiWFJZcCjc3hz-qbbjAFq6Q_dVUvgIEKEDg/s400/aboutme_photo-200x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568576232569069602" /></a><br /><br />Craig Tovey is my best friend. Has been since the summer of 1992. I broke my arm that summer and he came over everyday to play Street Fighter II. He taught me about the Church. More specifically he asked me where I thought I would go when I die. <br /><br />Not a single person up until that point had every asked me that question. Not my mother, not my father, not a teacher or scout leader. No one had asked me what happens after this life. My answer was something along the lines of "I think I will live a good life and I'll be in Heaven with God." After my reply he just agreed with me. <br /><br />To this day I have been astonished at the manner in which he treated that situation. We were two teenagers discussing a weighty topic and he had the insight to recognize my level of understanding with regards to eternity. Since that time, I've joined the LDS faith. I've spent countless hours learning about my religion and formulating my own understanding of what happens to me when I die. Still that first encounter with Craig resonates with me. It is still one of the pillars of my spiritual being. <br /><br />Tonight Craig and talked about his father. It's a coincidence but one worth noting that I haven't posted a blog since I wrote about Denny Tovey. Craig and his family are now living with the reality that medical efforts have not aided in the fight against cancer. I've written and deleted text after text trying to find the words to express my empathy for Craig. He's my best friend. He loves his dad. I cannot imagine his life right now. I don't know why I'm even writing this right now. It's not cathartic, it doesn't help my friend. <br /><br />I mentioned to Craig that my sister's mother-in-law died this last month. To be more specific my friend Joel's mother died this past month. I love Joel and Cathy so much. I love their son, my nephew Gabriel. I struggle to do what I can to comfort them. I've spoken to Joel more than Cathy. I struggle with what to say. The last thing I said to Joel was that I believe that his mom is in Heaven. I believe that.<br /><br />A few hours after talking to Craig I was lying on the couch with Olive. I stroked her face and cuddled with her. I love my family so much. I love my girls, I love my wife so very much. <br /><br />There are moments in my life that I will carry with me forever. There are people that I will always cherish. Craig happens to be a part of both of those facts. I don't know how to conclude this post.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-18124034888771193462010-06-19T12:02:00.000-07:002010-06-19T12:18:04.446-07:00Denny Tovey needs our help<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXa3fdVvNHGdwBhY-J3ec41xiTUwTGyLDVcw6hbOzSchEiUyI2gcIt5rPB5zSHSrLFj58T498jkP7nh005PduoBt7XDKGLntVcSwgj5CTwhQ8JO-Z18kOliU3kMpfmUt2kj14qQDICQ/s1600/denny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXa3fdVvNHGdwBhY-J3ec41xiTUwTGyLDVcw6hbOzSchEiUyI2gcIt5rPB5zSHSrLFj58T498jkP7nh005PduoBt7XDKGLntVcSwgj5CTwhQ8JO-Z18kOliU3kMpfmUt2kj14qQDICQ/s400/denny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484562384000759506" /></a><br /><br />This is Denny Tovey, I know. Awesome. <br /><br />I am calling on friends, family, and anyone else to help him right now. Denny was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Denny also happens to be my best friends dad. Please read Craig's blog: <a href="http://craigtovey.blogspot.com/2010/06/what-do-we-live-for-if-not-to-make-life.html">To Lesser Human Beings. </a><br /><br />I am asking for a financial donation from all of my friends in the amount of $25. Denny needs help. My wife and I will be making a contribution and I would like to include your support. Please either send a check directly to Denny at:<br /><br />Denny Tovey<br />6433 Beechwood Dr<br />Paradise, CA 95969<br /><br />or to my family<br /><br />Brooke and Chris Barragan<br />2321 Palisades Dr #103<br />Lake Havasu City, AZ<br /><br />"What do we live for if not to make less difficult for each other?" -George ElliotAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-57057119005941268312010-04-17T21:48:00.000-07:002010-04-17T22:36:25.026-07:00Bear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0lcAwpYpL8yceWifFyANE4272gRc2uekrIn8D1ZClhO6EqL6qe0nHhLVVKpFRtqw2KyAdHxe2Ky6U3BnYjh6MMayTfySntngjJ7tdY7zVneLEeN8_GbvXLZK4_exVEdkYqq8tQwfpA/s1600/bear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0lcAwpYpL8yceWifFyANE4272gRc2uekrIn8D1ZClhO6EqL6qe0nHhLVVKpFRtqw2KyAdHxe2Ky6U3BnYjh6MMayTfySntngjJ7tdY7zVneLEeN8_GbvXLZK4_exVEdkYqq8tQwfpA/s400/bear.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461335017367245154" /></a><br /><br />Every boy should have a dog. I was so very fortunate to have Bear. Yesterday I received a phone call from Santa Cruz letting me know that my dog was very sick and being put to sleep. <br /><br />When I first met Bear he was well over 120lbs. We were walking through the animal shelter in Scotts Valley looking for a little dog to adopt. As we went to take out a dog named "Shaye" we were told jokingly that we would have to take "Bear" out. We agreed jokingly and first took Shaye out. She was a small dog with no interest in us. Shaye was the kind of dog that would run the first chance an open door presented itself. Deciding to keep our promise we met Bear. <br /><br />There in his kennel was Bear laying on his back, his mouth barely in reach of his food bowl. It was the laziest sight I had ever seen. I loved it. We took him outside. On the way out Bear looked to a table where the handlers kept dog treats. I remember loving that he knew that. When we got outside he stayed so close me. He was a great dog. <br /><br />The file said he was a lab/pitbull mix. His size most likely scared off many potential owners. He was a rescue twice over and when he was found he had the remains of some small animal in his stomach. We were told he was chained outside with two other dogs that were too violent to be kept alive. I always thought that Bear had it in his mind that if he made it out that situation he would be the best friend a boy could ever have. <br /><br />The day he came home I took him down to the beach on West Cliff. We walked down the stairs together. He didn't tug at his leash he just walked along side me. When we got to the sand I walked over to a log and sat down. I took him of his leash. He walked away from me a few steps and then came back over to my side. He sat down right next to me. I remember looking in his eyes. He could have been a very intimidating dog if he wanted to but his eyes just reassured me that he would always be my friend. <br /><br />I'd walk with him every chance I could get. I took him to the beach as often as I could. He loved getting in the car with me. When softball season was in full swing he'd come with me to the games and sit in the dugout. He'd get so sad when I went to take the field. <br /><br />He loved the bed. He'd do anything to sleep in it. He'd pretend to sleep to avoid being kicked out. More times than not I'd fall for it and let him cuddle. A hundred pounds of fur and hot breath. <br /><br />When we moved to Arizona he endured the hot summers with a smile. During our time there we got a new puppy Noe. I remember the first days Noe was home, Bear was not happy with it. He didn't act out, he didn't bite or even growl, he just did his best to deal with this new dog until she would be on her way. <br /><br />Noe didn't go away and Bear began to warm up to her. She had this thing about nipping at his cheek when he would come back in the house. He didn't mind, he'd allow it. They became a family, they became "Bear and Noe". I can still see them sharing a large crate together. That was where they slept. Noe nestled up next her big Bear. Noe loved her Bear. <br /><br />In 2007 I left Santa Cruz. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take Bear. Noe wouldn't have it. My heart was so broken. I missed my friend so much. <br /><br />In the spring of 2008 I asked if I could take the two for the day. I picked them up in the morning planning to go to Half Moon Bay. I cried when I got them into the car. As silly as it was I cried. <br /><br />We went to Smith field just south of Half Moon Bay. There is a large area where they loved to run and play. Noe got out and immediately took off. She ran in and out of the chaparral, chasing birds and jumping over ditches. I watched as she stretched those legs out running as fast as she could. <br /><br />My favorite part of it was Bear. There he was just right by my side. As we walked for well over an hour he never left my side. <br /><br />Yesterday I got the call at 11am. Bear was sick and the doctor said it was his time. <br /><br />I asked that he get a hug from me. That he be told that I love him. Silly probably but he's my dog. I cried. I'm crying now over it. He was the dog a boy should have. He was my dog. I just wished I could have been there. I wish I could have hugged him one more time. <br /><br />Last night when as I slept I had a dream. I was on that deck in Santa Cruz. That old weather torn deck I'd been on a thousand times. Bear was brought out to me. There he was with his green collar and that old green leash. I grabbed his great big neck and hugged him one last time. I said thank you. I said goodbye. He was so happy. I loved that I got to say goodbye.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-79844108874117741712010-02-03T20:02:00.001-08:002010-02-03T20:11:57.636-08:00Craigslist<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGtFdDHsthkjbmv5jjAwhTz0YTWCrqY1t269VokFCD11xuicMBb49-RhYa8juakhh9OV7LYeTjn4SpuSQtE0ogrs5se-JXAVqVQMvTqk9-hqr5u7AerzSssXSWUM3vKvi3wJFQgPyeg/s1600-h/craigslist-home.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGtFdDHsthkjbmv5jjAwhTz0YTWCrqY1t269VokFCD11xuicMBb49-RhYa8juakhh9OV7LYeTjn4SpuSQtE0ogrs5se-JXAVqVQMvTqk9-hqr5u7AerzSssXSWUM3vKvi3wJFQgPyeg/s400/craigslist-home.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434233943375993618" /></a><br /><br />In my search for a truck and a dog I've come across some pretty funny posts. Please enjoy.<br /><br />Dog: <a href="http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/pet/1585059069.html">My life sucks now</a><br /><br />Truck: <a href="http://mohave.craigslist.org/cto/1584372342.html">toyota 4runner $3000 obo</a><br /><br />Oh darn it there was a follow up to the dead Chihuahuas<br /><br />Dog (part 2): <a href="http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/pet/1585098066.html">sorry my dogs died not lost</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-79382669464285151932009-10-28T21:52:00.000-07:002009-10-28T21:56:51.787-07:00Apathy...or whatever.So I've been a bit stalled this last month. I've struggled in a lot of areas, mainly the desire to be proactive in my responsibilities. I need to get motivated.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-5031057191145665802009-07-11T09:48:00.000-07:002009-07-11T10:39:54.910-07:00Mark McGwire, Baseball, and The Home Run Derby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtk9Q5ynE8MlFYQFT2P8ceuwXeopB7n-63HlSNYtT_GCngJ2AaWQS0AY2Rp7WArbvdu36fz0uw9XaRy0id2W8Z69EDMSwN1ckGE_XrcFoX_YeIf2gjz9DbINhWbdWnQQdSz7FuFtegHQ/s1600-h/markmcgwire-38th.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtk9Q5ynE8MlFYQFT2P8ceuwXeopB7n-63HlSNYtT_GCngJ2AaWQS0AY2Rp7WArbvdu36fz0uw9XaRy0id2W8Z69EDMSwN1ckGE_XrcFoX_YeIf2gjz9DbINhWbdWnQQdSz7FuFtegHQ/s400/markmcgwire-38th.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357258661761306978" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNWlYDEotN4">Watch this.<br /></a><br />I suppose this post can't get to far along without bringing up steroids. Though McGwire has never publicly admitted it, we can safely say that his guilt is only as damning as OJ Simpson's homicidal tendencies and Michael Jackson's pedophile rumors. <br /><br />I'm watching the 1999 Home Run Derby on ESPN. It was held in Boston. McGwire captivated the crowd in the first round hitting 13 towering bombs. Sammy Sosa was there rooting him on. The fans went crazy after each and every mammoth blast. <br /><br />Knowing what we now know, or think we know, what can be said about McGwire's legacy? I know this, he was a great baseball player, he was fun. <br /><br />Was it totally right what he did? No. <br /><br />Is it disapointing that he never admitted to using perfformancing enhancing drugs? Absolutely. <br /><br />I don't want to get into a long debate over steroids, baseball, cheating, Barry Bonds being a douche bag, I just don't want to go there. <br /><br />I do want to address is this, whether McGwire gets into the Hall of Fame or not, (If I had a vote he would be in) he will go to his grave with the image of a user. <br /><br />He was a nice man, he was a fan favorite, he brought baseball back when the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_Major_League_Baseball_strike">1994 strike</a> all but pushed America away. <br /><br />McGwire was good for baseball, steroids are wrong, but McGwire was good for baseball. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJvL1dI1Eyc">Oh and watch this...</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-80642769633120682052009-07-04T10:52:00.000-07:002009-07-04T11:17:58.279-07:00The Emblem of The Land I Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXcs9ll1el2707G3kB0xKy7GAtIkuLHm9X4OCvhbSkb_P22zYzIstRGQdui7SW8fyPr4JUnPbJQcumiUtu-8fdiXmTcLvMTU8AbfHqvE0pjQMiF2-tqqqw0beuMdLWUYM8nF3knHXxw/s1600-h/p1_chestnut.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXcs9ll1el2707G3kB0xKy7GAtIkuLHm9X4OCvhbSkb_P22zYzIstRGQdui7SW8fyPr4JUnPbJQcumiUtu-8fdiXmTcLvMTU8AbfHqvE0pjQMiF2-tqqqw0beuMdLWUYM8nF3knHXxw/s400/p1_chestnut.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354664411068723154" /></a><br /><br />The home of the free and the brave. Brave enough to consume 68 hot dogs in 12 minutes Joey Chestnut, introduced as reigning champion, ate 3.5 more dogs than his rival <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgqbCq_sxmo">Takeru Kobayashi</a>. <br /><br />It was truly a memorable one Chestnut again defended his title. A record breaking record topped his previous feat of 66 in 2007 (Joey ate 59 in 2008 which lead to a sudden death eat off win over Kobayashi)<br /><br />I begin my fourth celebration each year watching the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. The founding fathers would have wanted us to remember their efforts this way. <br /><br />God Bless America and God Bless the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. <br /><br />And then there's this moment...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eipxOv942MG7DLBDnQy0m9fFm-NOX8S7K1j-UY9vYyxFlmTSKpi9iJhy6e1fdkFY-kY-8mU8lWxEAdgC2_LD4ty3a7MLrNZO2ExxF5STxFxX1lJGtJ4kFZxT62MhZuYU_P3XouG21w/s1600-h/24225202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eipxOv942MG7DLBDnQy0m9fFm-NOX8S7K1j-UY9vYyxFlmTSKpi9iJhy6e1fdkFY-kY-8mU8lWxEAdgC2_LD4ty3a7MLrNZO2ExxF5STxFxX1lJGtJ4kFZxT62MhZuYU_P3XouG21w/s400/24225202.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354668188378506546" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-87378023085559406022009-06-21T19:50:00.000-07:002009-06-21T20:00:44.597-07:00Father's Day FirstThis morning I woke up very much under the weather. I opened my eyes and next to me was my glorious little daughter chewing on a fabric book. I smiled and closed my eyes for just a little bit longer. When I finally woke up there was a card waiting for me addressed "Daddy". The card read:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"Happy Father's Day Mister!<br />I know its been a long time coming for you to celebrate your first Father's Day, and Olive is so lucky to have you for her daddy...Thank you for that, and for being the best Daddy ever." </span><br /><br />There was more in card which I want to keep to myself, needless to say it was one of the most important cards I've ever received.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-27756675271166400152009-05-06T19:34:00.000-07:002009-05-06T19:52:12.987-07:00i'm babysitting my daughter tonightTonight Brooke is at a candle party (I think a candle party is something like a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4FKS-a9Enk">Police</a> video) so I get to watch baby Olive. Currently she's rocking in her swing sleeping away. She fussed earlier but overall she's been wonderful. I'm a pretty good babysitter if I do say so myself.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Oh and then there's this...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd46Mynx6mQgjfSnryKKGyzC63N19Iu7KcdNL-vBZGqvJCmiX8_v0gGk9HSV1TYMlkOCWTcUQAOeA6MWODklM6i_YEJ6eU99HmTb0NcS-ZcmHtTySEKHXTY-KNSv8fAU7vBbQ0-zl_hg/s1600-h/babysitter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd46Mynx6mQgjfSnryKKGyzC63N19Iu7KcdNL-vBZGqvJCmiX8_v0gGk9HSV1TYMlkOCWTcUQAOeA6MWODklM6i_YEJ6eU99HmTb0NcS-ZcmHtTySEKHXTY-KNSv8fAU7vBbQ0-zl_hg/s400/babysitter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332909063456795154" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-83585334655639404812009-04-23T21:50:00.000-07:002009-04-23T22:25:45.498-07:00HinckleyI've spent a little time thinking about this post. I got a text today that said "I'm going to put Hinckley to sleep this afternoon." <br /><br />Sometime in 2001 Hinckley entered my life. During a Family Home Evening at the Santa Cruz church building a girl named Beth brought in a few kittens to give away. When everyone had left, Amy (Who I was dating at the time) was holding one of the kittens. <br /><br />Amy named her Hinckley because she was little and Gray (We didn't know she was a girls yet) after the late <a href="http://www.gordonbhinckley.org/">prophet</a>. <br /><br />The first great gift that Hinckley shared with the world was ringworm. Kittens are adorable, they're little and fun to play fight with (their razor claws haven't matured). Everyone wanted to hold her and cuddle with her. <br /><br />It started showing up, ringworm on my roommates, Amy's roommates, my friend colleen and her daughter (I never had the courage to admit that her daughter got ringworm from my cat). <br /><br />My boss at the time told me one day that he had this bad rash on his stomach, which made me laugh because he said he didn't like cats. <br /><br />When she was very little she would nestle herself into a blanket and suckle it. <br /><br />Soon enough the cute kitten became a ferocious feline. She terrorized all around her by allowing them the opportunity to stroke her only to turn on them with ninja quick reflexes. Her adamantium claws would shred the flesh of any who would dare overstay their welcome. <br /><br />Bear, my best friend, an 85 pound pit bull mix was terrified of this animal that was one tenth his size. <br /><br />I know it was a hard day today as Hinckley was put to sleep. My hope is that she has a little blanket to suckle and an unsuspecting angel in heaven to absolutely tear into celestial ribbons.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-89447918734052279932009-04-07T20:52:00.000-07:002009-04-07T21:10:12.905-07:00I Have to Say I am a Lucky ManThis past weekend was wonderful in some respects and difficult in others. Brooke and I went to Santa Cruz with Olive. We visited Brandy Rose Sanders. We stayed at the Wilson, visited with Mikey and Alena. We got to even see mom Chidester. <br /><br />Despite the recent hardship we now must face I needed to say how lucky I am. I am so blessed with an amazing wife and a breath takingly beautiful daughter. We face so much uncertainty right now. Seeing Brooke and Olive I have so much hope. <br /><br />We had a long drive home on Monday. From Santa Cruz to Lake Havasu it's about nine hours. We drove almost the entire way without music or other distractions. When was the last time you spent one, two or even nine hours in a car with someone and not feel the need to fill the time with outside sounds? <br /><br />We laughed, we talked a bit about how we're going to make it each month while having to send $2,000 of our income away. (Another story for another time) We spent sometime just talking about our life, how far we've come and what our plans are. <br /><br />I loved it. Reflecting on it now I'm in awe of how perfect Brooke has been for me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-81985000248308284812009-04-01T22:03:00.000-07:002009-04-01T22:29:26.995-07:00I got hosedAs part of my new job I drive to Henderson, NV each week. Today was no exception. I drove two plus hours, visited doctors, and then checked into the Hilton Garden Inn. <br /><br />As I was settling into the evening (watching American Idol) I got a call from the front desk. <br /><br />"Mr. Barragan do you have a black Chevy Impala?" I told him that I did. "We need you to come out and identify it. Its been hit by another car."<br /><br />Crap. Really? Really my car just got hit? <br /><br />I left my room and walked to the front desk <br /><br />Chris: "My car was hit by another car?" <br /><br />Steve: "I'm sorry I don't know what your talking about"<br /><br />Chris: "You just called me down here to identify my car"<br /><br />Steve: "I think someone is playing April fools joke on you."<br /><br />And he was right. <br /><br />Brooke you did it. <br /><br />I fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-5385284713015300022009-03-29T19:15:00.000-07:002009-03-29T19:17:44.059-07:00Tomorrow, I swearTomorrow I swear I'm starting my goals. The biggest thing is getting started. My plan is to get my chubby butt out of bed at 6:02 am. I need to start these goals and get moving forward. I'm so tired of being a lazy biscuit. So here's to tomorrow, I swear.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-85298197556604151602009-03-11T22:29:00.000-07:002009-03-11T22:59:35.430-07:00Time to PlanWell today, and many days leading up to today, I've been facing myself. Please excuse me as this may end up being more ramble than content. What I'm trying to get at is I'm at a major crossroad in my life. <br /><br />I am so happy with my new life. I have a loving supportive wife. She has been a relief from a long time of pain and hurt. She has been inspiring in my progression and I am so in love with her. I have a new daughter. I am so in love with her. She truly makes me want to be a better man every day. Ultimately these two are bringing me to this point in my life. <br /><br />I've been listening a lot more lately. I've been hearing so much unhappiness and worry in the world. I myself have been worrying a great deal. Where are we going to be as a society if we keep going the way we are? Our financial, social, spiritual well being. Who's hands are we in?<br /><br />I really don't want to put hollow words on a blog and be inspiring for a fleeting moment. I really want to do something good. I look around and I think to myself "What am I doing and what more can I do?" <br /><br />I've decided that over the next several months I want to put in place goals that will reflect my desire to do something more. I want to put them into categories and work at each in an attainable manner. <br /><br />First: Spiritual, I want to present myself to my Bishop, he being my spiritual leader, to let him know that I am living my religion to the best of my abilities. That means I am doing proactive and noticeable things, not because I am seeking praise or an outward recognition, but because I want to show that I am ready to exercise the priesthood again, hold a calling, and be worthy to attend the temple. I plan to pray daily, with more sincere intent. I plan to read daily, if just one verse of scripture personally and one as a family. I intend to attend and participate in all of my Sunday meetings. <br /><br />Second: Family, I want to spend time with my wife in a quality way each day. I want us to be able to talk with each other without the distractions of job or tv or dog. I want us to set goals for our family and most importantly for Olive. I want to be able devote an ample amount of time to her and be willing to abandon all else when Brooke and Olive need me. I want to be able to sing to Olive at least once a day. <br /><br />Third: Career, I want to complete the tasks assigned by my manager, mainly, complete my business routing and action plan. I want to work on engaging questions for my offices and develop relationships with all the staff in each office I call on. My goal is to have a comfortable working dynamic with my offices by May. I want to set goals to really determine the needs of all of my clients. <br /><br />Fourth: Socially, I want to get to know new people in Lake Havasu. The dog park has been a great place to meet people. I want Brooke and I to ask a young couple to something social. <br /><br />Fifth: Governmentally, This is a lofty one. Initially I want to contribute to my political party in Lake Havasu. I want to attend my City Council meeting and see how I can help in my new home. Greater still I am concerned with the state of health care in our country. I want to see what I can do to team with others to provide possible solutions. I have already spoken with old acquaintances about this and hope to move forward. <br /><br />Sixth: Educationally, I want to set a goal to learn a new skill. I need to come up with a list of ideas in the next month and plan how to approach them. <br /><br />Seventh: Health, I plan on seeing the doctor this April and I plan to improve my health based on his suggestions. I intend to exercise and eat more appropriately. <br /><br />So that's a bit. Its a start a something bigger. I want to think long term. Hopefully I won't lose my steam.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-79528998952988674342009-02-05T14:00:00.000-08:002009-02-05T14:12:35.471-08:00I've never been this tired and this happy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAg_NQW5IeXNhAMG4-9MaqIGzs-35BBdYODWNDuDNVN9_g6eNy3XkNNl4PRJD5q6wc1xVElIPIJ14xRvJwuJ5rAPH4jkaTFA1jCUnuNZO6FhYwEJy1T5Gx-qZB5NUnt-cy6nmFuZP2w/s1600-h/Olive+and+Dad.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/AVvXsEijAg_NQW5IeXNhAMG4-9MaqIGzs-35BBdYODWNDuDNVN9_g6eNy3XkNNl4PRJD5q6wc1xVElIPIJ14xRvJwuJ5rAPH4jkaTFA1jCUnuNZO6FhYwEJy1T5Gx-qZB5NUnt-cy6nmFuZP2w/s400/Olive+and+Dad.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299437001434735970" /></a><br /><br />This is just a short post to let you know that my daughter is here. Olive Michelle Barragan was born at 9:01 pm February 4th 2009 in Sandy Utah. She was 7 lbs 13 oz and 20.5 inches long. (She's already in the top 5% in Awesomeness)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-nCmnOskmb1mjvEe9f4I_zpEPuXAArIG1BjsmxTA_ZcnH6bt8ZUxd-2ludaeV2ElSGSTAsFSFXSj_o_fn1ghWp0qHLX-GLBaVofepVC3JfyWRcHRZJuSMIoCQF6aIvUICsKQgT41tQ/s1600-h/CIMG1060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-nCmnOskmb1mjvEe9f4I_zpEPuXAArIG1BjsmxTA_ZcnH6bt8ZUxd-2ludaeV2ElSGSTAsFSFXSj_o_fn1ghWp0qHLX-GLBaVofepVC3JfyWRcHRZJuSMIoCQF6aIvUICsKQgT41tQ/s400/CIMG1060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299438616564108274" /></a><br /><br />We love her so very much and I can't wait to share more pictures and stories about her. <br /><br />I am so eternally thankful that she has come into my life.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw90vxRnFa20w4ydqI_pFyCc0JtMaf9I2bYVfs1YBwtlGJ4CyJnfxj2zNicTsGtcmTQtupnXoHqqHD1hsiJuRQA4lDbuyoNSv0KKwsUgktFc4U5db9koE1_Xr9SUXHIjnLEO8eC3uuhg/s1600-h/CIMG1068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw90vxRnFa20w4ydqI_pFyCc0JtMaf9I2bYVfs1YBwtlGJ4CyJnfxj2zNicTsGtcmTQtupnXoHqqHD1hsiJuRQA4lDbuyoNSv0KKwsUgktFc4U5db9koE1_Xr9SUXHIjnLEO8eC3uuhg/s400/CIMG1068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299438613856470290" /></a><br /><br /><br />Let me know if you'd like to meet her.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpfujpxVZtd8gjYqDzvglCNpVY2Kjs7rOC1IXaa1K3SOK7USaMgcfqr2O59uMMrdlj2nUAqV9scD_lW7KIi9FU5573x_HCTUQmOvA3SBO2utQ3_pSFNrZNDiDTX-pgzJIaFwrjboFkA/s1600-h/CIMG1084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpfujpxVZtd8gjYqDzvglCNpVY2Kjs7rOC1IXaa1K3SOK7USaMgcfqr2O59uMMrdlj2nUAqV9scD_lW7KIi9FU5573x_HCTUQmOvA3SBO2utQ3_pSFNrZNDiDTX-pgzJIaFwrjboFkA/s400/CIMG1084.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299438622069473122" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-66130777664659826682009-01-21T07:20:00.000-08:002009-01-21T07:32:53.710-08:00Roommates RevisitedToday I shared with a classmate in Indianapolis my blog and more specifically <a href="http://cbarragan4.blogspot.com/2008/06/roomates.html">"Roommates". </a>If you haven't seen it, its nothing special. It was a short Craig and I did during the summer last year. <br /><br />There's a scene at the end of the short where Craig's character is drowning me in the pool. He has a reflective moment of all the good things about our relationship. <br /><br />We purposely filmed scenes showing the friendship we had. In editing Craig decided to include an outtake. It was such an honest moment. <br /><br />That few seconds really encapsulated my relationship with Craig. We laugh, that's what we do. I've known him for over fifteen years and that's what we do. <br /><br />It may sound mooshy but if I had to take only one memory with me of Craig and my friendship, I'm glad its on film.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-23646404037270074122009-01-19T05:49:00.000-08:002009-01-19T06:14:48.662-08:00Last Week at Lilly's Lair<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg3X67ZuhFJ1Rg5ac75nBWScpMFGf868_e86nJrSXeskBrpwPHvP9rFICfqRD6KZPoefTAqVtqWfyNq4LX38M6_FnyzfPXtAtSdX8Q2LmlN05BDHteh-lTfgmheUke7FYEpjyvdCHQQ/s1600-h/zyprexa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg3X67ZuhFJ1Rg5ac75nBWScpMFGf868_e86nJrSXeskBrpwPHvP9rFICfqRD6KZPoefTAqVtqWfyNq4LX38M6_FnyzfPXtAtSdX8Q2LmlN05BDHteh-lTfgmheUke7FYEpjyvdCHQQ/s400/zyprexa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293006973180337554" /></a><br />So it's 8:50 am on the east coast. I'm no where near the coast, I'm in Indianapolis. I've been here since the 5th of January training for Eli Lilly (not the cotton gin inventor). This morning we had three test covering Depression (100%), Fibromyalgia (100%) and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain (70%, not so good). <br /><br />So guess who'll be back tomorrow morning to hopefully pass the Fibromyalgia test? <br /><br />Chris Barragan. <br /><br />Indianapolis hasn't been great, but it hasn't been that bad either. I've had some good food, and there's been a lot of learning which I am really enjoying. Really the hardest thing has been being away from Brooke. It sucks man. I want to just be home and to just know that I could waste a day just hanging out. <br /><br />Oh, it's been cold here, it was -10 degrees last week. -10!!!! What the heck?! The wind chill brought it to a balmy -30. Which is awesome. I learned very quickly that you don't open your mouth when it's anywhere under -5. Good times.<br /><br />I went to <a href="http://www.childrensmuseum.org/">The Children's Museum of Indianapolis</a> on Saturday. Great place if you have kids, not so great if you're a 30 year old chubby man. I must have looked like someone Chris Hansen is looking for on <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24128499/">"To Catch a Predator"</a> <br /><br />I went because they had an exhibit on comic books. It turned out to be really lame (growing up a huge comic book fan it was a real let down, it was more for kids so I understood)<br /><br />I left probably 20 minutes after getting there so $15 well spent. I gave my ticket to a couple and they were pretty stoked. <br /><br />My classroom has a industrial view of the city (lots of factories in our area) you can see where the Colts play from the class.<br /><br />It's quiet right now because we just finished our test. I think I'm gonna play some Beavers and Ducks, I like that song and so should this class. <br /><br />And then there's this guy... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvagYg2W6eVd7Oej6KbaPTOsNLwT6U-o9AEVSZSwXHGBKynm8rYOjhooBrzinUKAcAiGWMrUI1xYIwOH8IVFs-kyBSBVNtK19-seAEQa3GWeGUPjnlHXH_4oJeLB3NQnx5fqqXD8vsw/s1600-h/Craig+t.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvagYg2W6eVd7Oej6KbaPTOsNLwT6U-o9AEVSZSwXHGBKynm8rYOjhooBrzinUKAcAiGWMrUI1xYIwOH8IVFs-kyBSBVNtK19-seAEQa3GWeGUPjnlHXH_4oJeLB3NQnx5fqqXD8vsw/s400/Craig+t.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293006468939849922" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-56762756680136512592009-01-02T12:21:00.000-08:002009-01-02T13:13:00.198-08:00Hold Me Closer Tiny Snowman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKuityqzzja1PsMlHwL3uIW1kbieKpd-fMvnbKhC7ylKIFRmD5XRwq-cBTc8xNAcHmsBR8Y3xp-0vjJsRAaDQwKswAvBzKfHGyy6-UbNvC6xD9nh2SdwehuU5_o0YYwYSbxAwSXKnBw/s1600-h/tiny+snowman+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKuityqzzja1PsMlHwL3uIW1kbieKpd-fMvnbKhC7ylKIFRmD5XRwq-cBTc8xNAcHmsBR8Y3xp-0vjJsRAaDQwKswAvBzKfHGyy6-UbNvC6xD9nh2SdwehuU5_o0YYwYSbxAwSXKnBw/s400/tiny+snowman+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286795742688246866" /></a><br /><br />We're moving to Arizona soon. In fact we just sent January's rent to our landlords. I'll miss the snow. Last year was my first real winter. <br /><br />I grew up in Half Moon Bay and the only memory of snow was a childhood trip Tahoe where I destroyed some family's igloo sledding. <br /><br />But winter of 2008 was just that, winter. We had snow and lots of it. The winter ran clear into May (the 15th we still had snow falling in the valley). As early as labor day it had returned. <br /><br />I love it. I love the white, I love how it covers everything. I love getting crazy in the car on slippery roads. <br /><br />Let's go over some of the highlights:<br /><br />Sledding with the Ellermeier's (my first time since the Tahoe Igloo fiasco)<br /><br />Snowboarding with Gordon and Craig Tovey (Gordon Peterson is the best instructor ever and both Craig and Gordon were so patient as I got it down)<br /><br />The Park City commute (I loved pulling into work and watching people snowboarding and skiing down the slopes above our office)<br /><br />Snowballs, snowballs, snowballs (I've made and successfully landed dozens of snowball deliveries to unsuspecting victims including a snowball which smacked Brooke right in the kisser one night before dinner. The result was a lot of laughing, a bit of crying and me making up for it as best I could)<br /><br />Sledding with Craig Tovey last week (there's nothing better than watching two grown men ride and deflate inner tubes off ice ramps in the cold December evening) <br /><br />Maeby's first winter and all the yellow snow (You know what else is awesome, when she poops I just cover it with snow and "ta da!!!" the poop disappears!)<br /><br />Probably the greatest thing has been snowflakes. It wasn't until 1997 when I first saw snow fall. I was in Provo in the MTC. I was actually a little shocked at how small snowflakes were. (My only childhood memory of snowflakes were made of paper and they were huge by comparison) <br /><br />I see the winter as a wonderful novelty. Worth the cold, the slipping and sliding. Hopefully in the future we'll be in a place where we'll have snow again. <br /><br />And then there's this guy...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4tg9DlZQ3hLcSIvpY-lOIQVvSMC0S-bbyB_YU4-MgoufmI81jWOyBMFrkzTPVy18PpucBHIZtcrj8CTnwMubGYZ4mXRMVy12llr2RTOE4Run3AGJ8LXo3CTlf7EadJwOXFvnns5EYA/s1600-h/jmmy.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/AVvXsEgq4tg9DlZQ3hLcSIvpY-lOIQVvSMC0S-bbyB_YU4-MgoufmI81jWOyBMFrkzTPVy18PpucBHIZtcrj8CTnwMubGYZ4mXRMVy12llr2RTOE4Run3AGJ8LXo3CTlf7EadJwOXFvnns5EYA/s400/jmmy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286805225891639986" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-17448415702887511042008-12-24T15:19:00.000-08:002008-12-24T15:39:17.376-08:00The absense, I'm sorry things have been crazy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEkByMkIFs5kCWcdc6_VmVSUq_Rc4SDmcWeMCr0hz12ylVsnfwXe_kVjR_h_kXCqpxX-cPPuSDw9nH9LC0oUIbZ-omYv3sOQJ3BjPTp9fClJ7O1lpOwO-HvhtYSwg5CcGVCi535ruxg/s1600-h/Oh+my.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283500846841200274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEkByMkIFs5kCWcdc6_VmVSUq_Rc4SDmcWeMCr0hz12ylVsnfwXe_kVjR_h_kXCqpxX-cPPuSDw9nH9LC0oUIbZ-omYv3sOQJ3BjPTp9fClJ7O1lpOwO-HvhtYSwg5CcGVCi535ruxg/s400/Oh+my.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br />It's been a long time (believe me I don't want to look at the gas prices picture anymore either). And for my loyal four readers I sincerely apologize. In my defense I've been incredibly busy. I stopped working for the Mahoney Group in December and took a new job with Eli Lilly (not to be confused with Cotton Gin creater Eli Whitney). This was a job that I had been after for quite some time. I'm happy to have it. The past three weeks have I've spent studying Osteoporosis and a wonder drug called Cymbalta. It hasn't been anything but extremely stressful. <br /><br />We moved our belongings (Brooke, myself and our newly acquired puppy, Maeby) to Arizona. We'll live in Lake Havasu full time after I return from training in Indianapolis. <br /><br />Let's see, today is the day before Christmas, and its almost time for "Christmas Eve". The weather is cold outside and a storm is on its way. I welcome it. It's been a long year and I just want to duck under the blanketing storm and rest for a little bit. <br /><br />This year has been full, Brooke and I are married, with Olive due in a little over a month. I've been through four different jobs finally getting the one I had been after since the beginning of January. I've moved to Utah and now from Utah. <br /><br />I'm very happy. I'm so happy to be with Brooke, to be having a little daughter. Happiness I suppose doesn't come close to the feeling I have for Brooke and Olive. I have such an immense gratitude for both of them. Stress has distracting me from truly realizing how lucky I am. I hope whoever reads this is having a little bit of the same fortune as I have this year. I promise lots more posts. I have good stories and I intend to share them. <br /><br />Merry Christmas.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />ChrisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-27327148643353118912008-11-17T21:59:00.000-08:002008-11-17T22:06:23.889-08:00We're Winning the War!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUUOoReeYAaPt-YvBCVFq3S3RxDk2lcwP0HNfZJy8QXa-HjZeDghGDgAGbXmNYDtgqx-jfD3D924YnyGJweGtT-WNtzWqyscdC3-uQ55Da0C4DMsCc15onSilMNaspWQ-2U8_QL0gGg/s1600-h/gas+prices.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUUOoReeYAaPt-YvBCVFq3S3RxDk2lcwP0HNfZJy8QXa-HjZeDghGDgAGbXmNYDtgqx-jfD3D924YnyGJweGtT-WNtzWqyscdC3-uQ55Da0C4DMsCc15onSilMNaspWQ-2U8_QL0gGg/s400/gas+prices.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269873738672275682" border="0" /></a><br />We're winning the war! That's the line I use every time I see the price of gas drop. This last week gas fell below $2.00 for the first time in forever. I didn't know what to think. What's even more wonderful that since the 13th (when the above picture was taken) gas is now as low a $1.79 in my area. Can you friggin believe it? $1.79! We are winning that war baby! We are winning that war!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8003029547185067701.post-65934933697989419632008-11-11T08:39:00.000-08:002008-11-11T09:14:29.731-08:00Keep the Faith and Come What MayOn Sunday I was in Elder's Quorum (The third hour of our Sunday worship), the lesson came from <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=05425f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=ae2720596a845110VgnVCM100000176f620a____">"Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith"</a> specifically "<a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=da135f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=8cc720596a845110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1&contentLocale=0">Chapter 21: The Second Coming and the Millennium</a>". I recommend the lesson.<br /><br />Our instructor began with the question, "When you think of the Millennium what are your thoughts?"<br /><br />We had several comments and then I added<br /><br />"To me the Millennium is so intangible, its like imagining Candyland. It's such a incredible idea. That prophets of old and Christ Himself will return, that the earth will return to a state of Pangaea, that Cubs will win the World Series. It seems unreal."<br /><br />I got a good laugh about the Cubs.<br /><br />In seriousness I don't doubt the Millennium, in fact I welcome it. I want to see what many see as impossible. It'll be an amazing time.<br /><br />Now don't suppose that I'm some whack job that thinks that Adam rode on Dinosaurs. I am very practical in my belief in God and Heaven. I know that there is a God and I have 14 years of spiritual bruises to prove it.<br /><br />What was interesting about our discussion was the immediacy of Joseph Smith in announcing the Second Coming. Our instructor felt that Joseph really believed it would happen in his, Joseph Smith's, lifetime.<br /><br />This lead to a discussion about preparedness. Comments, strong comments were made about being ready for anything.<br /><br />I've used it in the past and I used it on Sunday. I feel that whether we walk out of our home today and there it is Second Coming in all its glory or whether it's not there we need to be prepared. We could just as easily walk out of our home and be hit by a bus. Then where will be? Facing some sort of afterlife.<br /><br />Our discussion moved a bit off center to why good things happen to bad people. Why when we are faithful we're rewarded but also when we're faithful we're tried.<br /><br />That discussion brought me my blog post title "Keep the Faith and Come What May"<br /><br />Good things happen to bad people, bad things happen to good people. Faithful God fearing people are rewarded for their faith, faithful people are also tried for their faith. And then there's things that just happen. A butterfly flaps its wings in Japan and your mom while holding your puppy gets hit by a boulder.<br /><br />In all this I really feel the answer is keeping your faith.<br /><br />If I know that I am doing my best to keep God's commandments, I can know why all these things happen.<br /><br />I can know that a reward is a reward and not some lucky break. A trial is a trial and not some punishment. I can also reconcile the unexplained because ultimately there is such a larger part of our existence after this life. I know there is and it stretches eternally.<br /><br />I really do know that the pains and hurts of this world are swallowed up in a reality of eternal life.<br /><br />I know that there is so much happiness if we do what is right and let consequence follow. There is so much comfort in being a good person, doing good things. Saying sorry for our offenses and trying so hard to remain good.<br /><br />I really enjoyed my lesson this week. I didn't become some doomsday fanatic. I just came a little closer to preparing myself.<br /><br />And then there's this guy...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3ITnMc277izcK9yz-GxdBFznetY70LELiZklVXSKy_qeh6Z2tibr_nMtzgd0vvsj9E_dIbe7I_jF4F-yCvnTTgE3EAfxHOpwyyCqjHL3DeENsD4VFxn8W0sqf9zRP-UcQmeHlPNYnA/s1600-h/EndIsNear1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3ITnMc277izcK9yz-GxdBFznetY70LELiZklVXSKy_qeh6Z2tibr_nMtzgd0vvsj9E_dIbe7I_jF4F-yCvnTTgE3EAfxHOpwyyCqjHL3DeENsD4VFxn8W0sqf9zRP-UcQmeHlPNYnA/s400/EndIsNear1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267447483015397842" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15456946548424595119noreply@blogger.com3