Noted

New

2012-01-26T10:21:00.000-08:00

New

Dental Damned

2011-08-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is a post from my other private post. I liked it and decided to repost it on "Noted", enjoy.

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.

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.

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.

So in summary:

My mouth sucks right now.
It's not as bad as I thought
Dr. Harker, great dentist
Watching a ballgame while they take that tiny pirate hook and poke in your tooth hole, not so bad.
Oh and I need a root canal...awesome

a stitch in the blanket

2011-06-06T21:15:00.001-07:00

The Man Who Had HIV and Now Does Not

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.

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.

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.

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.

jux because

2011-04-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

My wife began her contractions on April 10th, 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 gave him a mischievous wink back.

Craig Tovey and Everything Else

2011-01-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Denny Tovey needs our help

2010-06-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

This is Denny Tovey, I know. Awesome.

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: To Lesser Human Beings.

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:

Denny Tovey
6433 Beechwood Dr
Paradise, CA 95969

or to my family

Brooke and Chris Barragan
2321 Palisades Dr #103
Lake Havasu City, AZ

"What do we live for if not to make less difficult for each other?" -George Elliot

Bear

2010-04-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yesterday I got the call at 11am. Bear was sick and the doctor said it was his time.

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.

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.

Craigslist

2010-02-03T20:02:00.001-08:00

In my search for a truck and a dog I've come across some pretty funny posts. Please enjoy.

Dog: My life sucks now

Truck: toyota 4runner $3000 obo

Oh darn it there was a follow up to the dead Chihuahuas

Dog (part 2): sorry my dogs died not lost

Apathy...or whatever.

2009-10-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Mark McGwire, Baseball, and The Home Run Derby

2009-07-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Watch this.

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.

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.

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.

Was it totally right what he did? No.

Is it disapointing that he never admitted to using perfformancing enhancing drugs? Absolutely.

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.

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.

He was a nice man, he was a fan favorite, he brought baseball back when the 1994 strike all but pushed America away.

McGwire was good for baseball, steroids are wrong, but McGwire was good for baseball.

Oh and watch this...

The Emblem of The Land I Love

2009-07-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

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 Takeru Kobayashi.

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)

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.

God Bless America and God Bless the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest.

And then there's this moment...

Father's Day First

2009-06-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

This 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:

"Happy Father's Day Mister!
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."

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.

i'm babysitting my daughter tonight

2009-05-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight Brooke is at a candle party (I think a candle party is something like a Police 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.

Oh and then there's this...

Hinckley

2009-04-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

I'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."

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.

Amy named her Hinckley because she was little and Gray (We didn't know she was a girls yet) after the late prophet.

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.

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).

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.

When she was very little she would nestle herself into a blanket and suckle it.

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.

Bear, my best friend, an 85 pound pit bull mix was terrified of this animal that was one tenth his size.

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.

I Have to Say I am a Lucky Man

2009-04-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

This 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.

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.

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?

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.

I loved it. Reflecting on it now I'm in awe of how perfect Brooke has been for me.

I got hosed

2009-04-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

As 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.

As I was settling into the evening (watching American Idol) I got a call from the front desk.

"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."

Crap. Really? Really my car just got hit?

I left my room and walked to the front desk

Chris: "My car was hit by another car?"

Steve: "I'm sorry I don't know what your talking about"

Chris: "You just called me down here to identify my car"

Steve: "I think someone is playing April fools joke on you."

And he was right.

Brooke you did it.

I fell for it, hook, line, and sinker.

Tomorrow, I swear

2009-03-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow 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.

Time to Plan

2009-03-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Well 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.

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.

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?

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?"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

So that's a bit. Its a start a something bigger. I want to think long term. Hopefully I won't lose my steam.

I've never been this tired and this happy

2009-02-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

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)

We love her so very much and I can't wait to share more pictures and stories about her.

I am so eternally thankful that she has come into my life.

Let me know if you'd like to meet her.

Roommates Revisited

2009-01-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

Today I shared with a classmate in Indianapolis my blog and more specifically "Roommates". If you haven't seen it, its nothing special. It was a short Craig and I did during the summer last year.

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.

We purposely filmed scenes showing the friendship we had. In editing Craig decided to include an outtake. It was such an honest moment.

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.

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.

Last Week at Lilly's Lair

2009-01-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

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).

So guess who'll be back tomorrow morning to hopefully pass the Fibromyalgia test?

Chris Barragan.

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.

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.

I went to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis 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 "To Catch a Predator"

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)

I left probably 20 minutes after getting there so $15 well spent. I gave my ticket to a couple and they were pretty stoked.

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.

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.

And then there's this guy...

Hold Me Closer Tiny Snowman

2009-01-02T12:21:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

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.

I love it. I love the white, I love how it covers everything. I love getting crazy in the car on slippery roads.

Let's go over some of the highlights:

Sledding with the Ellermeier's (my first time since the Tahoe Igloo fiasco)

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)

The Park City commute (I loved pulling into work and watching people snowboarding and skiing down the slopes above our office)

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)

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)

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!)

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)

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.

And then there's this guy...

The absense, I'm sorry things have been crazy.

2008-12-24T15:19:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Merry Christmas.

Love,

Chris

We're Winning the War!

2008-11-17T21:59:00.000-08:00

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!

Keep the Faith and Come What May

2008-11-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I was in Elder's Quorum (The third hour of our Sunday worship), the lesson came from "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith" specifically "Chapter 21: The Second Coming and the Millennium". I recommend the lesson.

Our instructor began with the question, "When you think of the Millennium what are your thoughts?"

We had several comments and then I added

"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."

I got a good laugh about the Cubs.

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.

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.

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.

This lead to a discussion about preparedness. Comments, strong comments were made about being ready for anything.

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.

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.

That discussion brought me my blog post title "Keep the Faith and Come What May"

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.

In all this I really feel the answer is keeping your faith.

If I know that I am doing my best to keep God's commandments, I can know why all these things happen.

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.

I really do know that the pains and hurts of this world are swallowed up in a reality of eternal life.

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.

I really enjoyed my lesson this week. I didn't become some doomsday fanatic. I just came a little closer to preparing myself.

And then there's this guy...

They Cleared the Path Now Pave the Way

2008-11-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

I'd like to give a shout out to the men who have played our commander-in-chief on the silver screen.

Deep Impact: President Tom Beck

Our country faced it's biggest threat, a meteorite the size of your mom. Morgan Freeman as President of the United States, unfortunatley didn't have Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck to help rid the world of their impending destruction (they were busy facing another asteroid with the help of Aerosmith)

24: President David Palmer

David Palmer. What can I say about Dennis Haybert's role in 24. I love 24 and Haybert was the most confident and plausible character in the show. I all but forgot he played a Voo Doo chanting power slugger in "Major League" (Up your butt Jobu) Without a second thought I would have voted him to office.

His brother on the other hand had a very scandelous stay in the oval office.

So now as President elect Obama takes office Hollywood's Black presidents will no longer be fantasy. Hollywood will have a real person to build from.

In a moment of seriousness (If I can mingle the funny and serious in a single blog post) I am completely supporting my future president. I only wish our country was beyond the race issue enough to not make it about Obama's skin color. When I first heard the man speak, he was an inspiring orator. He's proven himself and his campaign. My hope is that his administration can now move forward and be measured by its accomplishments and not by his race.

And please oh please oh please oh please oh please, Chris Rock, stop it, don't make anymore movies, do yourself favor and just go away...

Here lies the Lazy Pants Movie Club...

2008-11-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

A movie club that was too lazy to even get part time participation. I intended it to be a monthly movie watching opportunity for friends. Couldn't get people together. Then it became a venue to write about movies loved by people. Only one person really contributed. Now it's gone but hopefully not forgotten. I'll always love you Lazy Pants Movie Club, you didn't live as long as a pet store hamster, but you provided us a couple of laughs, some insights, and a hope for a better tommorow.

I'm so sexy

2008-10-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

Brookey is 27 weeks pregnant. Which to be honest I hate this measuring by weeks thing. I don't know how many months that constitutes (I'll probably need a slide rule and that Chinese math tool that has a bunch of beads...oh yeah an abacadabra)

So just now while we were lying in bed she rubbed her belly and said "I'm so sexy!!!" I loved it. I love how she can be playful.

She is sexy is the thing. Well you're not suppose to think that cause I'll punch you or something. But I am so in love with her right now.

I love her humor.

Here's to 13 more weeks (or 91 day, or 2184 hours, or 232040 minutes, or...well you get it)

That's funny

2008-10-30T16:56:00.001-07:00

One Week and Then the Election Madness Ends

2008-10-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

Here's the deal, when this election really began, when parties had their candidates and it was time to make a decision, I was excited.

I registered, I listened to both conventions, and I made my decision.

Now it's just crap. I've grown tired of the experience.

You're telling me you haven't decided who you'll be choosing? You're telling me that after hours of debates, talking heads and celebrities weighing in (they're the one's we really need to listen too. I made my decision because Oprah told me so) you haven't picked a candidate?

Well I'm tired. Tired of hearing about the election. I'm over these last minute dirt diggings. I'm way tired that the election is all I see.

I get it you're voting for McCain, you want Obama.

What I can't stand is the nature and lengths we go to be heard. More so, how we pick our party.

It's the party or bust.

I wanted one candidate, they didn't win the primary. I watched the conventions and formed my opinion.

Does it match what I initially chose? Nope.

Am I okay with that? Sure.

What other option do I have?

What sucks is I have to hear the candidates, the Facebook, the blogs, the MSNBC, the FOX, beating their effing drum relentlessly.

I feel like I'm getting on an airplane and learning how to buckle a seat belt.

Oh the big end goes in the little end? Really?

Oh this is the most important election I'll ever be a part of? Really?

If you think I don't care about my civic duty, I registered and will vote early this week. I am also scheduled to work as a Poll Clerk in Utah.

Bottom line is I've chosen my presidential candidate

(I made it independent of you and as far as I know this blog has not eluded to who it is. You don't need me to make your decision for you. You don't need to hear my drum banging. You're a big kid, read up on the issues and make a decision)

Do me a huge favor, there's one week left. Put some faith in your fellow Americans and let them cast their votes in peace.

Poll Worker

2008-10-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today I went to my beginner training to be a poll worker for the upcoming election. We spent two hours learning how to write a persons name down and hand them a card to vote on a touch screen computer. The sad thing was there were actually people there who need more training. Brooke and I had some good laughs especially with the lady who looks like the dad from 50 first dates and a woman who died about four months ago but no one told her. Our teacher was great and could tell we could handle our responsibility. I'm looking forward to earning my paycheck on November 4th when I work from 5:30 am to 8 pm. I hope we get a couple of trouble makers so I can exercise my civic duty of knocking their heads in and showing them the door. Did you know you can't wear anything that promotes your party within 150 feet of the polling center?

8 Things

2008-10-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Brookey did this 8 things bit on her blog so I added it to mine. Here are my answers. Please feel free to comment.

8 Favorite TV shows...
1. Arrested Development
2. 30 Rock
3. Friday Night Lights
4. Curb Your Enthusiasm
5. Family Guy
6. Short Attention Span Theater
7. 24
8. The Cosby Show

8 Favorite Restaurants...
1. Gino's Italian (Salinas, Ca Blackened Chicken Alfredo)
2. Tito's Tacos (Los Angeles, Ca Tacos and Salsa)
3. Hank's at the Hook (Capitola, Ca Chipotle Mango BBQ Chicken Sandwich)
4. Pizza My Heart (Santa Cruz and Capitola, Ca Pepperoni Pizza)
5. Zion Ponderosa (Zion, Ut Porterhouse steak)
6. Killer Shrimp (Santa Monica, Ca Shrimp and french bread)
7. Nestor Barragan's House (Goodyear, Az spaghetti and meatballs)
8. San Benito House Deli (Half Moon Bay, Ca Turkey on squaw bread)

8 things that happened yesterday...
1. I woke up late with Brookey
2. Talked myself out of going into the office to "help" Craig with the microwave
3. Played Dactyl and scored 558 points to become attain new high score (over Craig)
4. Had some apples with peanut butter
5. went to Zumas with Brookey
6. Watched Saved
7. Started watching VH1 do a countdown about Hip Hop songs
8. Fell quickly to sleep

8 things to look forward to...
1. Playoff to end (No Yankees, no interest...well go Cubs go)
2. General Conference
3. Dinner with the guys before Priesthood
4. Potentially going to the BYU game in Logan
5. Halloween
6. Thanksgiving
7. The snow coming soon
8. Baby Olive

8 things I love about Fall...
1. Turkey
2. Cranberry
3. Stuffing
4. Pumpkin Pie
5. Sweet Potatoes
6. Mashed Potatoes
7. Hawaiian Kettle Rolls
8. Effing Egg Nog

8 things on my wishlist...
1. As much time as possible with Brookey and Olive
2. Opportunities to do shorts with Craig Tovey
3. Chances to go Snowboarding
4. A dog
5. A calling
6. The opportunity to make Brooke happy
7. Time with my siblings and their children
8. Discipline

"The Other Day"

2008-09-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Just an editorial note. When I use the term "the other day" it may in fact have been a day which occured a week ago, several weeks ago, a month ago, several months ago or even several years ago.

For example in the post entitled "We're all out of beans" our visit to Taco Bell was a week ago.

In that case the term "the other day" would still, in my opinion be within the standard and not cause a great commotion.

However when I to tell you "the other day" my friend Craig Tovey bought the complete Voltron action figure on Ebay, you'd be disapointed to know that it happened in October of 2007.

That's all.

"We're all out of beans"

2008-09-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

No greater words have ever come from a speakerbox at a fast food resturant. If you've been a religious reader of my blog you'll remember Lymie Beans!!!!! where I began my disdain for all legumes.

That being said the other day I went to Taco Bell with Brooke. As we pulled up to the drive through (I rarely go to the drive through, I hate it. I'm already so impatient that I can't wait for a decently cooked meal? Now I have to eat it in my car? Why don't they just shoot it into my mouth as I speed by?) the person taking our order made the following statement:

"Welcome to Taco Bell, we're all out of beans how can I help you?"

To which I replied:

"No sweeter words have ever come out of a Taco Bell speaker, I hate beans"

The employee got confused and it took a little while to get our order. When we drove up I explained that I hated beans and that this was a wonderful day. He really didn't care all that much.

You see any order that I placed, with the caveat to omit beans could not be denied or ignored. I was free to order a Burrito Supreme and not even have to add the tagline "no beans on that please." The crunchy cheesy wrap no worries no beans. Yes it was a wonderful visit to our local Taco Bell.

Ocho Sinko (da NFL)

2008-09-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a little bit tired over all this election hype. I've watched both of the conventions, been inspired, enjoyed talks from both sides and now I'm ready for some football.

College football did not disappoint in its first week. With upsets all around, probably the greatest being UCLA's upset of Tennessee.

The NFL has started. My Giants beat the Redskins last night to open their season (that made the pain of a Yankees postseasonless year a little easier to handle)

Now get this Chad Johnson has legally changed his name. For those of you who don't know Chad, he's a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. A wide receiver is possibly the most overwhelmingly loud member of the team (with the exception of the field goal holder), Here are some of the more memorable moments in post touchdown celebrations:

Terrel Owens (the sharpie celebration)

Joe Horn (the cell phone celebration)

and Chad Johnson ("the river dance", "the proposal", "the golf putt", "the CPR")

(He's actually putting the effing football with the touchdown pylon!)

These wide receivers have been provided colorful touchdown moments. However this post is about Chad.

What did Chad change his name to you ask? Of course he made a wise decision and changed it because "Johnson" was too plain. Perhaps it was all those wrong phone calls due to a common surname. Chad would have to change his name to differentiate himself from the little man.

With careful consideration Chad will now be referred to as Chad "Ocho Cinco".

Yep Chad "Ocho Cinco".

Now in defense it is his jersey number (which makes it a completely rational decision)

A grown man has changed his name to reflect his nickname. The thing that bothers me the most is he gave himself the nickname.

Its one thing if you get a nickname. I have several friends who have nicknames For example:

Mikey Barragan- "Scurvy" and "Smalls"
Ryan Murray- "Lumpy"
Josh Gale- "Routine Ria", "Mischa" and "Ralphie"
Matt Badja- "Grimace"
Matt Duffy- "Kibby"
Kevin Peterson- "The Wolf"

and of course

Jeff Bryner- "Poopsie"

Following Chad these friends should all change their names.

But to give yourself a nickname, well that's as weak as...as legally changing your surname to reflect it. Way to go "Ocho Cinco" you've given credibility once again to million dollar professional athletes.

I can't wait to see what Manny Ramirez does to top it.

Greatest Hits Volume 1

2008-08-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

So the other night Brooke was in Chicago and I couldn't sleep. I was watching television at about 12:30 am. During my flipping I came along an infomercial starring Bowser from "Sha Na Na". It was "The Ultimate Oldies but Goodies Collection"

There I was mesmerized by song after song. Loving the short snippets of great music. I realized I love these commercials. I love just getting five seconds of a great song and then moving on to another.

Then this afternoon while Brooke was resting I was watching the Cosby show. Elvin, the lame ass son-in-law, had come over to the house because he and his wife, the daughter that no one ever really cares about, Sondra, were in a fight.

Anyhow Clair and Cliff begin to reminice about moments that the family has shared and suddenly we're in a clip show. Oh how I love the clip shows. You get the best moments and just enough to have you looking for more.

Anyhow in a tribute to the great Timelife music commercials and the Huxtables I present to you

Cbarragan4.blogspot.com's Greatest Hits Volume 1.

That's right if you read right now you can enjoys such favorites as...

Lymie Beans!!!!!

"So what came of this lesson in life. I grew to resent all of the legume family, so much so that I began to have psychosomatic reactions to beans."

"Me Thinks it's a scam...let's see"

"On Jan 21, 2008 11:35 PM, Chris Barragan wrote:
Please allow me to pay rent now $650 I am willing to pay each month. I have check for $1500 can you please take your $650 and forward remaining $850 to party I have payment for in Panama. I have brother who has Christian work relief mission there. If this is good time please reply."

And what about such classics like...

"Dun Da Da Na Na Dun Na Nana Nana Na Nah Nah Nah"

"Five minutes before the end of the movie I leaned over to Craig Tovey and asked "What's the plan? What do we write on her form?" Craig Tovey's reply 'I kinda thought that when the credits start rolling we run like hell.'"

or hits like...

"What I've learned by not logging out of my email"

"...Thanks Rusty Jackson. Pretty Awesome."

yes by looking to the right of my blog your can read these great posts and much much more.

*Just a note, I really do hate Elvin. He's such a pansie. I hated that he called Dr. Huxtable "Dad". It was so lame. I seriously hate Elvin Tibideaux.*

Marriage (The Barragan Family Home Evening #2)

2008-08-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

This morning I was preparing for my family home evening lesson (which will be tomorrow night). Brooke, in our first family home evening had us read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”.

In keeping with her theme we will be reading "The Divine Institution of Marriage" , an article on lds.org's newsroom link.

Late Friday evening after Craig Tovey's wedding Brooke and I were at David's house talking with friends about California's proposition 8 which will be voted upon by the people of California. The proposition states:

"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

It has been a debate for some time now and one that friends of mine have shared varying viewpoints. I myself have have looked at many views trying to formulate a strong opinion. I thought that a recent ariticle posted on www.lds.org helped provide me with some insight.

Here is one part of the article that I most important to my personal view on marriage:

The Divine Institution of Marriage

Marriage is sacred, ordained of God from before the foundation of the world. After creating Adam and Eve, the Lord God pronounced them husband and wife, of which Adam said, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Jesus Christ cited Adam’s declaration when he affirmed the divine origins of the marriage covenant: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.”

In 1995, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” declared the following unchanging truths regarding marriage:

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children . . . The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.
The Proclamation also teaches, “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.” The account in Genesis of Adam and Eve being created and placed on earth emphasizes the creation of two distinct genders: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Marriage between a man and a woman is central to the plan of salvation. The sacred nature of marriage is closely linked to the power of procreation. Only a man and a woman together have the natural biological capacity to conceive children. This power of procreation – to create life and bring God’s spirit children into the world – is sacred and precious. Misuse of this power undermines the institution of the family and thereby weakens the social fabric. Strong families serve as the fundamental institution for transmitting to future generations the moral strengths, traditions, and values that sustain civilization. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms, “The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society.”

Marriage is not primarily a contract between individuals to ratify their affections and provide for mutual obligations. Rather, marriage and family are vital instruments for rearing children and teaching them to become responsible adults. While governments did not invent marriage, throughout the ages governments of all types have recognized and affirmed marriage as an essential institution in preserving social stability and perpetuating life itself. Hence, regardless of whether marriages were performed as a religious rite or a civil ceremony, married couples in almost every culture have been granted special privileges aimed primarily at sustaining their relationship and promoting the environment in which children are reared. A husband and a wife do not receive these privileges to elevate them above any other two people who may share a residence or social tie, but rather in order to preserve, protect, and defend the all-important institutions of marriage and family.

It is true that some couples who marry will not have children, either by choice or because of infertility, but the special status of marriage is nonetheless closely linked to the inherent powers and responsibilities of procreation, and to the inherent differences between the genders. Co-habitation under any guise or title is not a sufficient reason for defining new forms of marriage.

High rates of divorce and out-of-wedlock births have resulted in an exceptionally large number of single parents in American society. Many of these single parents have raised exemplary children; nevertheless, extensive studies have shown that in general a husband and wife united in a loving, committed marriage provide the optimal environment for children to be protected, nurtured, and raised. This is not only because of the substantial personal resources that two parents can bring to bear on raising a child, but because of the differing strengths that a father and a mother, by virtue of their gender, bring to the task. As the prominent sociologist David Popenoe has said:

The burden of social science evidence supports the idea that gender differentiated parenting is important for human development and that the contribution of fathers to childrearing is unique and irreplaceable.
Popenoe explained that:

. . . The complementarity of male and female parenting styles is striking and of enormous importance to a child’s overall development. It is sometimes said that fathers express more concern for the child’s longer-term development, while mothers focus on the child’s immediate well-being (which, of course, in its own way has everything to do with a child’s long-term well-being). What is clear is that children have dual needs that must be met: one for independence and the other for relatedness, one for challenge and the other for support.
Social historian David Blankenhorn makes a similar argument in his book Fatherless America. In an ideal society, every child would be raised by both a father and a mother.

Chinese, Spanish Team, Dirty Knees, Look at These

2008-08-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

So I heard about it, read about it and now as I'm eating my packed lunch (which consists of a turkey sandwich and a jello pudding snack) I'm blogging about it. The Spanish Olympic team while posing for a photo decided to make "Slanted eyes" in a playful gesture about being in Beijing. Was it the smartest move the Spanish Olympic Basketball team could have made? Probably not. In fact it brought me back to seventh grade. I had a geography teacher, Mr. Dorfman. (I wish I could make up a name that great)

Mr. Dorfman was an engaging teacher, one of the many great teachers at Cunha Middle School. (Someday I'll blog about the Cunha years) I'd show you a picture of him but he refused to ever be photographed. (Maybe a little creepy in hindsight) Every Friday at lunch he would replay the "Simpsons" episode which played on fox the night before. It was like going to the movies at school.

Mr. Dorfman had all the school in a buzz over his map races. In fact he had a giant map in his room which he used. Students would compete against each other in a one on one competition to see who could find the Country, State, City that Mr. Dorfman had just announced. I remember his little finger on his right hand was permanently retracted because he had lost the ligament in it. (speaking of fingers you can get a great deal more out of your pudding snack if you use your index finger at the end. It's a bit messy but we're talking like 5 to 10% more pudding) Sorry to digress.

In any event one day we were going over some geographical facts he wanted to go through an example. I don't clearly remember the details only that as an object he was using students to represent places. He began by using me as China. I without thinking turned to my fellow students and made the "Slanted eyes".

No sooner than I did it Mr. Dorfman stopped and said "not funny" and then immediately removed the assignment from me and placed it on another student. I was crushed. I felt so dumb for doing it. It was so knee jerk on my part that I didn't even think about others feelings.

To be quite honest my friend Christian Chee was the only kid my age that was Chinese. I'm pretty sure he wasn't in the class with me so I didn't know who I would was hurting. I did however offend Mr. Dorfman and that made me fell so small.

There I was feeling like a big dummy for making that mistake. I've never done it again. I was 12 and I had learned a lesson that has always followed me. I'm sure these Spaniards feel enormously small for what they did. I'll forgive them, I can empathize.

..........Thank You For Being a Friend..........

2008-07-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

"If you threw a party and invited everyone you knew. You would see the greatest gift would be from me. And the card attached would say... Thank you for being a friend."

Today we say goodbye to Estelle Getty, Sophia Petrillo Zbornak to so many. She died at the age of 84 in Santa Monica California.

Sophia is survived by her friends Rose Nylund, Blanche Deveraux, and son, Dorothy Zbornak.

I have to admit I watched way too many episodes of Golden Girls (and "Mama's Family" for that matter.)

In any event we won't let "Stop or My Mom Will Shoot" or "Mannequin" take away from what a great actress you were. Forever in our hearts you'll be "ma"

Thank you for being a friend!

...and then there's this guy,

It Took Seven Months But I Finally Got to Witness The Power of Direct Marketing (And Why You Can Too!!)

2008-07-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

So I don't get it. Really I don't get it. There's all this juice being sold here in Utah. There all from some weird plant and they all make you feel so much better and cure your dog's cancer. They also all taste like crap.

Why?

Why do Utahans subject themselves to Amway Fruit Juice sales pitches?

I don't know either. All I know is that last Wednesday I was taken to a lunch by my future brother-in-law, lets just call him Rusty Jackson and I was told how amazing this opportunity is. So here I was eating a "free" lunch while I learn about the power of "Seven Plus".

You see the thing about "Seven Plus" is that they take all six of the crappy fruits and get their crappy tasting extract out to form an "exfuzion" of epically crappy proportions. (The seven is important because they are always looking for a new and more powerfully crappy fruit to add to it)

I've been told that it can heal the lame, make the blind see and if poured into the gullet of the Dread Pirate Roberts, can bring him back "to blathe".

I'm in this restaurant hating life and hoping it will end. I am in awe of how assumptive the Host's sales pitch is.

The first thing I'm thinking is "I have no idea how multi-level marketing works." I've never been a part of it and try to run away from these sales pitches.

As I'm trying to figure out how it works our host is talking about a company called "NuSkin" which I've seen advertising for but I've never stopped to learn about. I guess they're big and have notable "Top Sellers". He mentioned names of people who I assumed worked for NuSkin at some point and had made the move to Exfuze. So Exfuze has to be good. Right?

I wish you were there (You could have had chicken parmesan with a side of mashed potatoes, really potatoes?)
because I don't think I'd be able to give the presentation justice.

He played a DVD of what this juice can do (his pitch also was that he's just a normal guy and all he has to do is play a DVD). They had testimonials of people who were using it and loving it. Lawrence Taylor, that's right former cocaine addict and New York Giants great, Lawrence Taylor tried to sell me the health offerings of Seven Plus.

After the DVD there was some more song and dance about how the product is moving out to California and beyond.

I have a great opportunity to be a part of something huge. I have to get in now.

After the meeting I had a phantom phone call which I had to take and hoped that my ride would be finished soon.

Rusty Jackson and I rode with a current Exfuze rep. The rep was busy taking advantage of a couple of Spanish gentleman that were reallly excited. "The Hispanic Market is just waiting to be reached!" exclaimed the rep.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do to sell this stuff. I have no clue what the buy-in is. All I know is that you get bottles of this filth every month and you pay for it.

If you can trick enough people to also buy a product they don't need or want, it starts to pay for itself.

Then there's like "down-line" and "up-line" and residule checks and who knows what else.

I don't speak "Alientate my friends and family and pressure them every time we have a get together juicey juice talk".

I'm gonna be fine not making that great passive income.

Why I love Brooke Michelle Eaton

2008-07-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

This is Brooke Eaton. I am in love with her. For a while now I've been asked about this new woman in my life. Recently a friend of mine, Brandon Ogden and I were talking about her. I stopped for a minute and told him, "It's so hard to encapsulate my feelings for her. I feel like whatever I try to verbalize won't ever come close to how I really feel."

That being said I will give my best effort to at least bring you to some understanding of what kind of person she is and more so what she means to me.

The "How we met":

I suppose I met Brooke about two years ago. I was in Utah for a company picnic at a golf and games place called Boondocks. I stayed at a friends and over the weekend we went to a movie (Invincible starring Marky Mark) To be completely truthful I don't really remember her being there. I do remember Saturday morning going to Dave Eaton's house with my friend Craig Tovey and while there Dave's sister (who honestly I didn't remember who she was) came to use the pool with two children who I assumed were hers. In any event this was my first time meeting her and it was completely in passing.

This last November I went to my friend Craig's Birthday party and spoke with her again. She was a very nice person.

In mid December of last year I moved to Utah. I was pretty sad. I spent time with Brooke and her family. Brooke was a great support. She was so soft to me and so fun. I can not tell you how much of a blessing it was to have her in my life. I fell in love very fast and she is so much of what I needed and need in my life.

So let's get into the "why I love her":

She wants so badly to love her children.

Okay so this isn't her child, she has yet to have one. But I use this picture as an illustration of how much a loving mother I see in her. I cannot tell you how much she and I want to be parents and how much I truly and deeply I love her for her want to be a mother.

When speaking of my own mother I am often brought to tears when I tell people "My mother always wanted to be more than anything the best most loving mother she could be. My mother loves her children more than any other I have ever known." I mean that. My mother loves us so much. I am so grateful that Brooke's desire is so strong to love her children. If anything all the pain and hurt that I have had longing for a family and children of my own was worth the pain knowing that Brooke will be the mother loving our children. I cannot tell you how much I know that she will love our children. I see it in every interaction she has with her 26, soon to be 27 nieces and nephews. I cannot imagine how hard it was for her to see all these children born and raised. How patiently she has waited to become a mother. I am so humbled to think that I have the opportunity to raise a family with her.

Before she was a wife she was a missionary:

Brooke served a sister missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am humbled by her sacrifice. I joke with her a little bit about it (that it was for 18 months rather than 2 years) but in all honesty it takes a lot for anyone to leave there family and friends and serve. What's more she became a Spanish speaking missionary after arriving in Southern California. Her efforts as a missionary have continued to be an influence in her life and now mine. I get a "To Do" list from her by way of email every morning. It reminds me to read my scriptures, take care of today items, "do something for someone somewhere" as well as spend quality time with Brooke (that's my favorite). I know that comes from her dedication as a missionary. The best part is it's not nagging at all. I look forward to it. I love that she wants us to be organized and proactive. I love that she was a missionary.

She loves me:

Brooke and I have had very lonely times in our life. We both have tried very hard to be good, faithful people. When we met we were both very lonely. The time together has helped that. There were many who were surprised at the suddeness. Some were concerned about it. Even we looking back are regretful that we may have been too selfish and rushed some things. We have accepted the consequences both positive and negative. Some family members have gotten sad, some have only ever shown support knowing how much we need to be happy. Throughout it all she has always loved me and supported me. I love her for that.

Brooke is an amazing women. She is beautiful, talented, funny, amazing just amazing. She has the voice that would call ships into dangers. She can make you feel like the greatest man that ever lived. She is so soft. I love the way she makes me feel. I love that she is the last person I talk to at night. I call to say good night each night and then I call again one more time.

August 1st we are getting married. I cannot tell you what it means to call Brooke my wife. That she will be a mother to my children. That we will be together.

That's why I love Brooke Michelle Eaton.

What I've learned by not logging out of my email

2008-07-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

So I sometimes use my friends computer (name withheld for safety reasons) so anyway this friend, lets call him Rusty Jackson sent an email on my behalf to a former colleague of my in Connecticut. It was embarrassing and though I was able to smooth it over it was pretty hard to believe that I had to fix it. Well I did my best going forward not to forget to sign out.

So in the process of time I have been trying very hard to get a position with two great companies. It's been a long process and I haven't worked since a short lived position with a Connecticut based company and a Park City Benefits company.

I enjoyed my time with the Park City company and I am grateful for that opportunity. I worked with great people and had opportunities to create things.

Since it's been taking so long to hear from these new companies I've been a bit worried about having a job. I'm sure others including my friend Rusty have been concerned. I get that.

Now this is what happened. Yesterday I checked my email and saw that I got an out of office reply from my former boss. I thought it was weird but I didn't think anything of it.

This morning I was talking with Rusty Jackson and he asked me if I had heard anything from "Don" at the Park City company.

I couldn't believe it. "You didn't email him. Please tell me you didn't email him" I said.

"I just know that you need a job." Rusty said.

"Come on man, I don't even want to work there again. Come on you didn't really email them."

"I just sent the email it'll be okay."

"Rusty you can't do that, I'm gonna go check."

I went to my gmail account and sure enough in my sent emails was a letter to my former boss. And I'll quote...

"Hey Don,
I've been thinking about my departure. Career wise, I'm not sure if it was the right move. Can you let me know if any positions open and reconsider my employment?

Have a good holiday.
Chris"

But you know what the best thing is. At the end of each of my emails is a link to my blogspot. Which if you're a reader of my blog you'll know that I recently posted a video with Craig Tovey. So the best part about the email is that if my former boss clicks my blog link he'll get to watch that video and get to see my bare bottom. Yes, me in a towel.

Thanks Rusty Jackson. Pretty awesome.

***As a note. I just found out that he sent four other emails.So That's awesome***

"Roomates"

2008-06-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Some years ago Craig Tovey, John Barragan, Matt Chidester and I began making movies. Saturday with the help of Gordon Peterson and Doug Tovey we started a new generation of shorts. It's an homage to a early short Craig, John and I made. If I ever find a copy I'll be sure to post it. Please enjoy Craig Tovey and I in roommates

My dad taught me that George Carlin is funny.

2008-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Comedy great George Carlin died Sunday of heart failure at the age of 71. I remember as a kid how much my dad loved watching his comedic style. My dad would let us listen to records of Carlin and whenever there was an HBO special we watched it together. Carlin was Manhattan raised as was my dad. I think that was one of the things that made it fun for my dad to watch. I can honestly say that a lot of my humor comes from growing up and listening to what my dad loved. George Carlin, Steven Wright, Bill Cosby, and others shaped my funny bone. Seeing the article this morning reminded me of times when me and my dad laughed and laughed hard. Where ever George may be I hope he's happy there. I hope for his sake those nuns that taught him in his youth will go easy on him.

Included for your pleasure and in memory of George Carlin I include a favorite piece.

"Baseball is different from any other sport, very different. For instance, in most sports you score points or goals; in baseball you score runs. In most sports the ball, or object, is put in play by the offensive team; in baseball the defensive team puts the ball in play, and only the defense is allowed to touch the ball. In fact, in baseball if an offensive player touches the ball intentionally, he's out; sometimes unintentionally, he's out.
Also: in football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and all sports played with a ball, you score with the ball and in baseball the ball prevents you from scoring.

In most sports the team is run by a coach; in baseball the team is run by a manager. And only in baseball does the manager or coach wear the same clothing the players do. If you'd ever seen John Madden in his Oakland Raiders uniform, you'd know the reason for this custom.

Now, I've mentioned football. Baseball & football are the two most popular spectator sports in this country. And as such, it seems they ought to be able to tell us something about ourselves and our values.

I enjoy comparing baseball and football:

Baseball is a nineteenth-century pastoral game.

Football is a twentieth-century technological struggle.

Baseball is played on a diamond, in a park. The baseball park!

Football is played on a gridiron, in a stadium, sometimes called Soldier Field or War Memorial Stadium.

Baseball begins in the spring, the season of new life.

Football begins in the fall, when everything's dying.

In baseball you wear a cap.

Football is concerned with downs — what down is it?

Baseball is concerned with ups — who's up?

In football you receive a penalty.

In baseball you make an error.

In football the specialist comes in to kick.

In baseball the specialist comes in to relieve somebody.

Football has hitting, clipping, spearing, piling on, personal fouls, late hitting and unnecessary roughness.

Baseball has the sacrifice.

Football is played in any kind of weather: rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog...

In baseball, if it rains, we don't go out to play.

Baseball has the seventh inning stretch.

Football has the two minute warning.

Baseball has no time limit: we don't know when it's gonna end — might have extra innings.

Football is rigidly timed, and it will end even if we've got to go to sudden death.

In baseball, during the game, in the stands, there's kind of a picnic feeling; emotions may run high or low, but there's not too much unpleasantness.

In football, during the game in the stands, you can be sure that at least twenty-seven times you're capable of taking the life of a fellow human being.

And finally, the objectives of the two games are completely different:

In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.

In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! — I hope I'll be safe at home!"

My Barbizon Shoot

2008-06-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone should have an Anna in their life

2008-05-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

I got to spend Wednesday through Monday in Arizona. The highlight of my trip was Anna. For those of you that don't know I have a 2 year old niece. Now I know some of you have two neices, maybe a nephew here or there, heck you may even have 26 nieces and nephews. Well for the next two and a half months I have only one and her name is Anna. She's always been adorable (for additional pictures see www.thebarraganfamily.blogspot.com)

This weekend was all Anna. She's amazing, we were playing scrabble and she was looking at my letters, she then said "A". I thought "okay she knows 'A' and she got lucky."
I showed her a "Q" (10 point letter) and she said "O" then "Q". I had her guess five other letters and she nailed them. This kid is two years old. She's a friggin genius.

The next game was rummy. Anna started listing all my cards by their numeric value.

I learned two things from that experience. First Anna knows her numbers and letters and second I need to make sure she stops revealing my game hands.

We watched Sponge Bob Square Pants and even went to the lake and pool. I love Anna. You should get to know her, she'll lighten your world.

The World Famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Jazz Basketball is there anything better (Okay Foo FIghters and Yankees' Baseball but I'm in Utah)

2008-05-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day and I decided to do something that everyone should do at least once. I went and saw the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in its "Music and the Spoken Word" performance. The performance was great. You have to get there early to get your seats. We, Brooke and I sat in the front row. Prior to the live performance (which is the longest running performance in U.S.) they introduce several promenant attendees. Unfortunately I was not noted. Next time perhaps. Janice Kapp Perry who is a big deal with Mormon music was there because they were playing her song. The music was inspirational. They started with "Morning has Broken" a song that Cat Stevens covers and lots of other people. One of the songs during the middle of the performance had a snare drum. The acoustics made it sound as if it was right overhead. It was awesome. They closed the presentation as they always do singing "God be With You Til We Meet Again." After the show I was even able to get my picture taken with real live Mormon Tabernacle Choir peoples!

The best part was later that night. You see the Utah Jazz were having Game 4 of the Western Conference Semi Finals. During the game they were showing some of the more notable Utah attractions and wouldn't you know it there we were front and center. You could totally see us. I even re-wound the television, which you can do these days, and saw it again and again. All in all it was a great experience.

Oh yeah and then there's this guy...

Dun Da Da Na Na Dun Na Nana Nana Na Nah Nah Nah

2008-05-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Lots of people, like lots, saw the Iron Man movie this week...

But what they didn't get to do was see it three weeks early like me and Craig Tovey.

So without further adu I'd like to tell you the story of how Craig Tovey and Chris Barragan saw Iron Man three weeks early...

I just quit my job and had the rest of the day to play. Craig and I met at one of those Baja Fresh/Mexi Fresh places that have the fish tacos (I decided to go for it and they were muy tasty). Anyhow Brooke and her family were with us and we were all having a nice meal. When Brooke had to go back to work I asked Craig if he wanted to go see a movie. He said he did and we made our way over to the dollar theater.

There was nothing playing. I mean there were tons of things playing if you like crap (The Game Plan featuring Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson, 27 Dresses featuring that girl from Knocked Up and the X-Men guy) so we decided to go to the Century 10 on 33rd and State street.

When we got there once again crap movies. But wait a second, private screening, what does that mean?

"Excuse me, what's the private screening?" says Chris Barragan. "That's for the Salt Lake film critics, they're watching Iron Man."

"Oh really?!" Chris Barragan replies "We'll have two for that please."

"You can't buy tickets for it." states the ticket counter girl.

At this point I could see that she didn't really like her job and she wouldn't care what we did after we had our tickets ripped.

"Okay give me two tickets for anything playing"

"What do you want?"

"I don't know, Drillbit Taylor."

So we took our tickets and proceeded to fake out the other underpaid movie house employees on our way to Iron Man. Once inside we were immediately greeted by our credential asking tardy guard.

"Are you with the Salt Lake film critics"

Now before we came in we started developing a poorly designed plan for how we were going to pull this off. Craig, once confronted would tell any security people that he worked for Fuel Marketing, that should do the trick. As for how we were to get out...

"Once the movie ends please come see me so that I can get you information" say tardy woman.

We started watching the movie. It's awesome. You can now watch it without deception and truly enjoy the experience.

So as the movie went on I would have moments where I freaked out. How are we gonna get out of here. Then I'd look over to Craig Tovey and he was as cool as could be.

Five minutes before the end of the movie I leaned over to Craig Tovey and asked "What's the plan? What do we write on her form?" Craig Tovey's reply "I kinda thought that when the credits start rolling we run like hell."

So that was the plan, the credits roll we run in the dark like hell. The only problem was when the credits began to roll the lights immediately came up and there we were sitting in the front of the theater for all to see.

So what did I do? Well I just calmly got up, made eye contact with tardy woman and began toward her. Three steps toward her and then I bolted. I ran as fast as I could, first out of the double doors to the lobby, then immediately to my left and out the back exit. Craig was at one point on my heels but quickly passed me as we made a dash for the car. I didn't look back. I didn't want to see tardy lady running after me.

We got to the car short of breath and laughing our heads off. Two grown men acting like kids, dressed professionally, outrunning the law.

When we got in the car Craig Tovey said "Do you really think that fat lady was gonna chase after us?" we bursted into laughter it was classic.

So that's how Craig Tovey and I saw Iron Man three weeks before it opened.

And then there's this guy...

Do you know this future NCAA Star?

2008-03-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

So I met this great kid who will most definitely become a great college athelete. As for now he's a bit of a smarty pants. But hey at least I can say I was the first to post incriminating photos of this future College All-American Nick Margiotta and his sister in the tub. Do you think this will help his popularity in his up coming freshman year of high school?

I don't know if you know this...but I am a bunny hill master

2008-03-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

So I moved to Utah. And I found out when I got here that, and I wonder if anyone else has heard about this, but Utah has places where you can ski and snowboard. Crazy right? Well apparently it's a pretty big deal here. I mean they even had an Olympics here, with a child of light and everything!!

Friday, two weeks ago my co-workers wanted to leave work a little early and go to Main St. in Park City. (just a block down from our work) People were snowboarding and skiing. They had set up some rails and jumps in the center of town. As the snow was falling people were lining up to take their turn. This got me so hungry for surfing. I haven't had the chance in a while. Being in Utah I think it may be a while longer. I thought about being in a wave, carving back and forth and thought to myself "Snowboarding can't be that much different." So I texted Craig Tovey.

Chris: What does one have to do to try the snowboarding?

CraigT: Just get in the car with Gordon and me tomorrow.

Chris: Seriously

CraigT: Yeah we're going in the morning to Park City.

So I was set. Not only set but overwhelmed at how cool this was. Craig and Gordon, bless them, seriously bless these guys cause there awesome, had everything for me. Boots, board, goggles, googles, gloves, clothes and one free lift ticket. So the next morning I got up at 7, got in my car and drove down to Provo. Gordon was still in bed when I arrived and Craig was ironing the bottom of the snowboard, I don't get it but that's what you need to do I guess. So after pressing my pants I went up stairs to wake Gordon. (he was awake but still in bed, oh lovely, lovely Gordon) They suited me up and we headed to Park City.

It took a little bit of time to get the free ticket. There was some guy pissed that he didn't get something he thought he should have because rules don't apply to him. Anyway we got the ticket and headed over to the bunny slopes.

Now before I continue I want to impress upon my audience the indebtedness I have to Gordon Peterson and William Craig Tovey.

When I was asked by a friend to teach them how to surf, I would get them a wetsuit, a board and bring them to the ocean. This was pretty much the extent of my teaching. Actually I'm not that bad, I stay with them for a while but eventually get over it and go get my own waves.

Anyway with Gordon and Craig, these guys were with me every step of the way. They started me with one foot in the board, the helped me make turns to the left, to the right, to the front, to the back, then slide baby slide...wait.

No they were the best instructors you could imagine.

I hated getting on and off the lift. You do it with one foot in the snowboard, which is awkward. Then you have to hang in what appears to be the least safe ride at the carnival, the ski lift. That's okay because you're not belted in and there's nothing to hold on to.

The second time I came off the lift, I totally wrecked. I spilled myself all over the ground. What's good about that is there are people constantly coming off the lift behind you and since they're more than likely strapped into some board or ski, they have to maneuver pretty quickly to get around you. I loved it.

The first run of the day for me was a little difficult. I fell a few times and at first hated trying to get up from my butt. I decided to take the roll over and push up approach.

The second run I started making my turns a little more clean.

On to the third run, Craig and Gordon wanted me to go down a different hill, I was grumpy about that because it bled into the more advanced skiers.

The thing of it was Gordon and Craig were totally cool about it. They stayed close by, they made suggestions, supported me, it totally helped.

Craig had to pee on my fourth run, so Gordon and I went up by ourselves. That run I made it all the way down the bunny hill only falling once.

I know I totally mastered the bunny hill.

Gordon was proud of me and I wish Craig would have been there. As I got to the bottom of the hill I stopped for a minute to take it in. I was so happy with myself and at what comfort I made my turns. Sure they were a little sharp but I was having a great time. As I was basking in the greatness that was me I went to head toward the lift and where Gordon was and I totally lost my balance, fell to my butt and ripped my head against the ground. My goggles and beanie went flying and I was completely deflated.

As I was lying there, I thought, "no really the snow isn't cold. I can stay here for a little while."

I got up, dusted the snow off and tried to get to my goggles.

The thing about it is, when you don't want to be gliding down a hill, it's almost impossible to do the simple things like walk two feet and pick up your belongings. So after ten minutes of awesome effort, I got my goggles and headed back to Gordon.

Craig was now with Gordon and we went up the hill for one more run. I loved it. I want to do it again and again. They were so great. It was so generous of them. Sometimes I effing love those guys.

Anyway that's how I mastered the bunny hill.

Now I'm ready to take on Lane Myers on the K12. That's right John Cusack, I want Beth, or Monique, or the two Asian guys you race...or booger.

Troy James fell off the bed this morning

2008-02-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

I was just sitting at my desk, stressed about this PowerPoint I have to do, and all I could think about for a minute was little Troy James Ellermeier falling from the bed. I just envisioned (and it's making me giggle just thinking about it) his little body all tucked into itself, hands, feet, just like he always lies, falling through the air toward the ground. In my mind he has enough time to begin to rotate, much like buttered bread always does, face down toward the carpet. I see him having enough time to feel the fall as the gravity driven wind blows across his tightly closed eyes, and in a moment of realization he wakes, looks at the impeding crash and has this realization, "Well, now, I've never had to deal with this, what do I do?" And what does a baby do, at what age does your body know to reach out it's arms and brace itself for impact? I'm guessing it's not three months. Anyhow he just has to take it. He just hits the ground waking his aunt in the other room (oh and maybe he bounces just a little bit, oh God please tell me bounced a little bit) and forever becomes one of the greatest short stories we will ever get to verbalize, and why? Because it came on the same day little Dane Ellermeier slammed his wiener in the toilet.

Me thinks it's a scam...let's see

2008-01-22T12:39:00.000-08:00

The following is an email conversation I began as I was inquiring about an apartment for rent in the Salt Lake area. Note Salt Lake City is where this Craigslist posting was listed...

On Jan 22, 2008 11:52 AM Chris Barragan wrote:
1. Chris Barrington
2. 730 Ocean St Santa Cruz, Ca 831.427.0532 (editors note: this is the address and phone for Wamu)
3. 31 years old
4. four
5. yes, a dog
6. yes
7. Insurance
8. Christian
9. Praise yes.
- Hide quoted text -

On Jan 22, 2008 11:40 AM, Beth Moore wrote:
Thanks for the reply.
Good hearing from you that you shall be promising us that our house
will be well taken care of,and i appreciate your expression.So , i want you
to stick to your words.Is that okay with you?And the below is the
final question that you must answer to qualify for this the rent of my
house?

RENT APPLICATION FORM:
Also,Pls let me get this answer.
1)Your Full Name
2)Your Full Address & Phone Number
3)How old are you?
45)How many people will be living in the house?
6)Do you have a pet?
7)Do you have a car?
8)Occupation?
9)What is your religion?
10)Are you born again?

Looking forward to hear from you with all this details so that i can
have it in my file incase of issuing the receipt for you and contacting
you.Await your urgent reply so that we can discuss on how to get the
document and the key to you,please we are giving you all this base on trust
and again i will want you to stick to your words,you know that,we do not
see yet and only putting everything into Gods hand and I pray the lord be with you,so please do not let us down in this our property and God bless you more as you do this.
Below is the address of the house
325 Dune st
Norfolk Va

Regards.
Await your reply now

On Jan 21, 2008 11:35 PM, Chris Barragan wrote:
Please allow me to pay rent now $650 I am willing to pay each month. I have check for $1500 can you please take your $650 and forward remaining $850 to party I have payment for in Panama. I have brother who has Christian work relief mission there. If this is good time please reply.

Thank you.

On Jan 21, 2008 9:01 PM, Beth Moore wrote:
Hello,
Thanks for your response regarding your interest in having my apartment for rent.The apartment is much available for now.I want you to know that I am the owner of this building .But right now i am in africa on a Christain mission with my wife and we have the keys right here with us.I will like to inform you that it was due to my transfer that made us to leave the house and also want to give it out for rent and looking for a resposible person that can take very good care of it as we are not after the money for the rent but want it to be clean at the time and the person that will rent it to take it as if it were its own.So for now,We are here in West Africa,NIGERIA our new house and also with the keys of the house,we are trying to look for an agent that we can give this document before we left but could not see and we are as well as dont want our house to be used any how in our absent that is why we to ok it along with us here.We are only willing to give the apartment out to a lovely and caring family only, so if you know you cannot give the apartment the neatness it deserves please don't contact me.But if you promise to always take good care of apartment,get back to me on how you could take care of our house or perhaps experience you have in rentiong home.Hope you are okay with the price of $650 with hydro,heat laundry facilities,air-condition and so on.i look forward to hearing from you ASAP so that i can forward you an application to fill out and discuss on how to get the house for rent,also are you ready to rent it now or when?
Thanks,
Await your reply

On Jan 21, 2008 7:28 PM, Chris Barragan wrote:

I am interested in the advertisement on craigslist and would like to have more information.

Thank you,

Chris Barragan
831.239.9913

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

My Belief.

2008-01-07T15:46:00.000-08:00

I felt that I had a duty to write something heartfelt with regards to my belief in the God, Jesus Christ and His Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. When I was a senior in high school I joined the LDS faith. My introduction to the church began between my freshman and sophomore year of high school. My friend Craig Tovey had recently move to Half Moon Bay from Paradise California and we became close. That summer I had a bad bicycle accident which left me in an arm cast for six months. Over that time he shared his beliefs about God. For me it was amazing to see a 14 year old kid speak about his intimate belief in the after life. Not only that but to see his conviction to and love for the gospel. I took his lessons and filed them in the back of my thinking. He moved back to Paradise and I began to associate with the other Mormon kids at Half Moon Bay High. The biggest reason for my association was that I wasn't a party person, I didn't drink and I didn't smoke weed. I liked that I could hang out with them and not feel the pressure of getting wasted. In time I learned about seminary, a morning religious study. I'll admit initially, they made it out to be much cooler than it ended up being, no teenager in his right mind wants to wake up at 5:45 am and make his was to a cold classroom at the church building. I did however go and later took the missionary discussion. On November 20, 1994 I was baptized at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach, Ca.

I've never written the account of the night of the 19th of November, please note that although I've spoken about it often, I do hold it as an important and defining moment in my life and as it will now be posted for anyone to run across I hope you, the reader will take a minute and give it a heart felt listen.

On the night of November 19th, I went to South San Francisco to have a baptismal interview with the Elders of the Church. I had never met an Elder before and assumed they were old men. To my surprise they were a little older than I was. An Elder was in fact a missionary who had committed to two years of service for the church between the ages of 19 and 25. I don't recall his name but I do remember him being from the Midwest. He asked me a series of questions "Do you believe in God the Eternal Father?" "Yes I do." "Do you believe in His Son, Jesus Christ?" "I do." "Do you believe that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God?" "Yes." "Do you believe that the Book of Mormon is the word of God?" "Yes." "Do you believe that a prophet leads and guides us today?" "I do." "Are you ready to be baptized?" "I am."

And I was. Leaving the building I remember that my friend Christian's mom had driven me to the interview. As I was getting into the van she said "the moon looks very golden tonight." I remember looking at it and getting an sense that anytime I saw a golden moon I would recall that evening.

After they had dropped me off at my house I decided to not quite go inside. My family was not looking into the religion as I was and I still needed time to go over the questions that I had answered. As I stood outside a moment early in my chruch discussions had come to me. There are a series of six church discussions which cover the basic beliefs of the church. The sister missionary who had taught me asked me in the first discussion to pray to know is Joseph Smith was a prophet and if the Book of Mormon was true. I didn't want to. I had logically come to the conclusion that this was the right thing to do. It sounded right and I made sense of everything the sister missionaries had taught me. I could believe in the prophet Joseph Smith, having current prophets also made sense to me. I could believe that God would command others to have a record of Christ so why couldn't the Book of Mormon be true? But what was getting to me at that moment was the thought "You know for yourself that it is true but you haven't asked God if it is."

I made up my mind to ask God if this was the right thing to do. Knowing that the ocean was less than three blocks away, I crossed Highway 1 and walked down to Venice Beach (not the Southern California but Half Moon Bay's named beach) Walking there I remember noticing a street light that was out. When I came to it it lit up, which was welcoming because it was getting dark. I got to the cliff and knelt down to pray. I remember saying to God "Well I'm getting baptized tomorrow and I know that what I've learned is true. I haven't asked you however and I want your decision on the matter."

I took a minute and got up. When I was walking back, there was that street light. As I passed it and made my way over the highway it went out. I though for a minute, "maybe that's the sign, he ways watching my way and giving me light." I thought little more about it a felt confident that I was making the right decision. As I walked up my driveway I suddenly felt a confirmation of the spirit that has been promised to those who seek after it. I felt in that moment a feeling that was undeniable, a feeling that to this day brings me to serious reflection and great appreciation for a loving Father in Heaven. I found myself on my knees, consumed in the spirit and love of God. I knew that my efforts were not in vain but that revelation has been and is given to those who desire a closeness to Deity. I cried for a moment, in gratitude. I then got up from my knees and went into my house and waited for the next day.

On November 20th, 1994 I was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was a great day and one that I use as a point of strength and courage when faced with adversity. My hope is that this post is inspiring to those who have a desire to be closer to God. I love God and I am grateful that I am a child of God.

The things you learn about when you copy and paste (And why Mitt Romney is not a whack job)

2008-01-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the likes of Brooke Eaton, I can cut and paste and create a delightful post about my religion, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Mormons. Enjoy, be sure to drink your Ovaltine.

Facts
Some facts might include:
First, “Mormon” is a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day Saints,” or “LDS.” The term “Saint” means “member.”
Second, the Church was restored in 1830 in upstate New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, with President Gordon B. Hinckley as the present prophet.
Third, there are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these are in the United States, making us the fourth largest Christian denomination in America. As one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the world, we complete a new chapel every working day. Members pay a tithe, which is 10 percent of their income, making this and other programs possible.
Fourth, local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions.
And fifth, Mormons are well represented in politics and government. (In the United States, for example, there are 16 members in Congress, from both political parties.) Members also serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment.

Faith
Next, people need to know something of our faith as committed Christians with strong traditional values. Along with the Articles of Faith we need to emphasize that:
We believe in the eternity of the soul, that God is the Father of our spirits, and that we can return to Him after death.
We believe that Jesus Christ is our personal Savior, and we try to model our lives after Him and His teachings. We commemorate Christ’s atoning sacrifice in our Sunday worship services, similar to taking communion in other churches. We accept as fellow Christians all who believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and the Savior of all mankind. Many Christians do not understand that we have much common ground with them. Joseph Smith taught that Jesus Christ is the core of our belief, and everything else is an appendage to it (see Elders’ Journal, July 1838, 44). The name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We believe the original church that Jesus established was lost and has been restored again in our day. The priesthood, the authority given to man to act in the name of God, with apostles and a prophet to lead us, has been restored as have all necessary ordinances of salvation.
We believe in and we use the Holy Bible, both the Old and New Testaments.
And we believe in the Book of Mormon and other books of scripture which support and authenticate the Bible and testify of the ministry and divinity of Christ and of God’s ongoing revelation to man. Indeed, the Book of Mormon is “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”

Family
The next thing it is good for people to know is how family-centered our theology and our lifestyles are. Once again, simple statements are helpful to someone who is uninformed but curious about the importance we place on families.
Mormons place particularly strong emphasis on family as the basic unit of the Church and of society. We have a deep commitment to marriage (defined as a union between one man and one woman). Polygamy, a limited practice in the early pioneer days of the Church, was discontinued in 1890, some 117 years ago.
Families and individuals, whether members of our faith or not, can attend Sunday services in our chapels. Here we worship together, instructing one another from the scriptures.
Latter-day Saint families are encouraged to hold family home evenings weekly, usually on Monday nights. This provides a regular and predictable time for parents to teach values to their children and to have fun together. We invite those not of our faith to adopt this practice with their own families.
The Church has auxiliary programs for women, youth, and children as a support to the family. These programs provide such things as religious instruction, opportunities for Christian service, sports, drama, music, and Scouting.
And there is also much focus on extended family, genealogy, and personal family history, providing young and old with a stronger sense of roots, identity, and belonging. The highest and most sacred ordinances of our faith relate to our families, both living and dead, and some of these ordinances take place in our temples.

Fruits
Now, even as someone begins to understand a few facts about us and comes to know us more accurately by our faith and the importance of family, it was the Savior who said “by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20; emphasis added). A church, or any way of life, should be judged by the fruits or the results that it generates. Here are a few examples based on United States statistics. But these would be similar throughout the world among practicing Mormons (by which we mean those who attend church and the temple regularly):
One of the fruits is a longer life. Studies show that practicing Mormons are healthier and therefore live longer than the national average. In 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the Word of Wisdom, which is the way to live in order to enjoy a long and healthy life.
Second, those who are married in and attend the temple regularly have a divorce rate far below the national and world average.
Third, we achieve an educational level that is higher than the national average.
Fourth, over 70,000 members volunteer at their own expense to serve for 18 to 24 months in humanitarian efforts, Church service assignments, and full-time missionary service throughout the world.
And fifth, we place strong emphasis on self-reliance and a solid work ethic. We encourage active involvement in our communities and in providing service to others. The Church continues to donate substantial money, goods, and services to humanitarian causes around the globe, including untold hours of labor donated by members to assist in disaster cleanup and relief.

I know this was sort of the lazy way out, but he really articulates everything in a more concise and thorough way than my own was turning out to be. Feel free to ask or comment or whatever. (This last paragraph was Brooke's words, turns out she copies and pastes too. So much for original thought. Then again look for my all new blog, coming soon!!)

was I asleep when the apocolypse occurred? And why I hate nickleback

2007-12-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

Why Nickleback? Really you're into this? Really Creed? Train really? What is going on, did I miss something or did rock bands decide to let these ass clowns just walk all over decades of good quality music.

Now I'm not saying that you have to be some hardcore metal head or some "Enter Sandman" living, "Hot for the Teacher" rocker, but come on "arms wide open?"

If I have to ever hear this line again, "Look at this photograph, ever time it makes me laugh" I'll effing take a school bus full of nuns hostage and drive it into a Panda Bear orphanage. Arrgh!!!!

You Ask Me How I am

2007-12-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

I need sleep tonight, I've had a hard time. Without making public comments to the world and being mindful of the thoughts of those who I love, specifically my friends and family, I will keep the recent events in my life ambiguous as to not offend or draw improper thoughts or perceptions. Needless to say this has been the most difficult time in my life. I have gone through a gambit of emotions, I have shared some with those of you and withheld some for my own comfort and the respect of those involved. I want to take this opportunity to elaborate on my feelings.

First, I have a great sense of relief about my new beginning. I have come to this decision with the help of my Heavenly Father. I have struggled for years with feeling of dejection and inadequacy. I know that as I made public my intent, these feelings have began to flee. I am a more confident and hopeful man.

Second, as my comfort has been confirmed by my Heavenly Father, I also have received some certain and immediate blessings. These blessing have resulted in a renewed desire for life, a rededication to the Lord as well as a resolve to find happiness in eternal covenants again. Those close to me have seen the immediate happiness that this has created. Some may question the timing of such emotions and decision, even go so far as question the calculated timeline in which it has occurred. In keeping with my initial desire not to specify this life moment I will trust in my friends that they know I can converse with God, He does speak to me, and the actions that I am taking are not in haste but in accordance with my mind, spirit and heart and are supported by revelation.

Third, I am concerned for the welfare of my friends and family as these events are transpiring. As I have found relief and hope renewed, I have turned my focus to the well being of others. I am okay, more than that I am happy. My concern is more for you. I worry that you may create perceptions that frustrate you, that worry you and may leave you in a state of judgement that you do not need to pursue. Trust in my ability to rely on my Heavenly Father and know that the fruits of my actions will be justified in time. Not only justified but provide me and you and our family a better life. I know what I am doing, God knows it, believe me we have spoken on this matter and he has allowed me to pursue my new life.

Finally, I love you. I love you for the support, the perspective, the warnings, the pleadings, for all of your effort. Your care and thought toward me shows me that you truly love me. Thank you.

This one goes out to you Cathy Barragan (and Toblerone too...oh yeah and I guess that Joel guy although he wasn't mentioned much)

2007-11-22T21:59:00.000-08:00

Thought about this one, maybe just for a second. Well anyway I was inspired tonight just to write for a minute or two, who knows it could be months without returning here. My first and second posts were separated by days. Anyway my sister Cathy and I spoke briefly today about the subject of blogging, by the way, I've been really self conscious about myself in recent years and haven't been happy about photos. Craig took this one this past weekend and I liked it so it'll become a theme pic. I think it will be utilized when I'm pondering, pontificating or pensively alliterating my sentences out. So back to me and Cathy. Cathy made mention that she doesn't quite get blogs, they're suppose to be almost an online journal of our thoughts, feelings, etc. I agreed, she then went on to say how does one allow themselves to become that intimate with the readers on the world wide web. I answered simply that the author can edit their words, hold back from disclosing too much. In retrospect I can't help but think of how sincere a statement Cathy made. She sees a entry as a personal look at her self, completely exposed perhaps to all around. I don't think I could ever be that vulnerable but man she made me think.

I don't remember who I was talking to about this the other day and I'm not saying it to conceal any information from you three valuable readers, I saying it because I don't remember, but there was a time when Cathy and I really struggled as brother and sister. I am so happy where we are at in our relationship right now and I am so happy that she is with her new husband Joel. It just sucks that she's all the way in Seattle and doesn't get to live near Toblerone any more.

So I've been on a tangent since the beginning, apologies. It is a bit late and I'm getting tired. I just wanted to write something more and I think that this blog turned into the conversation with Cathy, reserved words because of whatever. I'll try my best not to censor my blogs, in the future at least. I'm realizing that with each word I'm playing a bit of a hipicritical role. Haven't been the happiest lately, I did go to Utah to see Craig and friends (Alex, Brooke, Dave, Gordon, Grant, Heather, Poopsie and others) notice I put those I remembered in alphabetical order as to not offend. Craig got his own mention cause let's face it I wouldn't know this band of misfits without him. It was refreshing, it was freeing. I feel like when I visit I reclaim a part of my past that I miss tremdously. Not that my current friends aren't great mind you, but I really do long for these friends and this environment. Craig has and will always be my shelter from reality. I'm getting tired right at the point where I could go on. Blogs should be short though and often, keep you three out there on the hook for more. Please post comments and let me know how to attch others to my blog site. I noticed Craig and Brooke have me on there site and I don't know how to reciprocate that. Awesome.

Lymie Beans!!!!!

2007-11-22T08:04:00.000-08:00

Note the picture. You know what that means, yes you do!! So here's the story of why I can't eat beans. It all started with a Lima bean, now prior to the Lima bean incident I call vaguely recall eating burritos from the Taco Bell in Pacifica, Ca (They were listed as the number 8 fast food restaurant in the world on Travel network because of there oceanside walk up window).

Anyhow when I was about six or so my siblings and I were eating with my parents and one of the options on our plate, and now as I write about it I suppose it wasn't an option but a requirement to consume Lima beans. Now for some reason and the reason is being finicky, I decided to take a stand and not consume said legume. Well to my surprise as a post dinner treat we were having Strawberry Shortcake. I did not recall ever having this dessert before and it's presentation was impeccable (my father Nestor Barragan prides himself on great food and greater presentation). Now as I was taking a Caesar Chavez approach (and now contemplating my choice of protesters, what a curious coincidence) my father had decided to make this a learning moment for not only me, the eldest but in breaking his first born he would send a message to the rest of his offspring "don't f with dad". I remember in bits and pieces, as memories often are recalled, I was standing in the kitchen looking at my father. In one hand he held a fork with a single lima bean and in the other the plated Shortcake. The cake with its whipping cream and fresh strawberries hovered over the sink. My father gave me a final choice, eat the bean or your dessert goes down the drain. With all confidence, I knew, I KNEW, he was not going to throw away my dessert. In a final act of defiance I shouted "No!!!" Then in slow motion my father tipped the plate over and the Shortcake dropped into the drain. In a Luke Skywalker plead I screamed "That's not true, that's impossible" or at least wanted to. Rather I just watched on as I got my ass handed to me by my father.

So what came of this lesson in life. I grew to resent all of the legume family, so much so that I began to have psychosomatic reactions to beans. During a two year mission, I was hospitalized after a chili incident. Now I love Mexican, but beans I do not do. No frijoles gracias. I do everything in my power to avoid beans. Every so often I will find the proverbial pea under the mattress (surprisingly I like peas, especially split pea soup). That is my story about the bean.

The Royal Barragans

2007-11-22T07:20:00.000-08:00

This picture is of the Barragan children when we attended Disneyland for the second time. This post's intention is to introduce this picture as a classifier of all childhood memories. Because our ages at one point were 4-Chris, 3-John, 2-Cathy, and 1-Michael. Practically every memory of childhood I can recall has one of these three in it. Please note the matching Adidas pullovers, they were actually part of a sweat suit that included matching sweat pants. We went to an Oakland A's game and they were giving these out to the first ten thousand kids. Since the A's only drew about thirteen thousand total in those days (they draw well over eighteen thousand now) we now had uniforms for our family. This was actually pretty nice because they replaced numbered outfits our parents had made by using iron-on decals and those sports tees with the different color sleeves. Getting back to the sweat suits, what the hell?! You never get that kind of hand out anymore at baseball games, a complete wardrobe?! It's not like the ticket prices have stayed the same, it was like three dollars to watch a game and they gave you everything as a promotion. I remember a Giants game where everyone in the stadium got full size Coca-Cola bats. That didn't last too long though as fans, disgruntled by the Giants of the mid 80's, would get drunk and turn on fellow spectators, "What can I use to vent my frustration about Candy Maldonado's missed fly ball? Oh that's right the 33 inch Louisville Slugger with the Soda Pop logo should take care of Dodger Fan." So as mentioned before the tangent, this photo will serve as a classifier of everything youthful in my life. Till next time.

Welcome

2007-11-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

So I suppose this begins my journey as a independent blogger. I've followed my friend Craig Tovey once again down a path that I will hope to find some enjoyment in. The picture above is my favorite of me, it hearkens back to a day when I was not so chubby and my sister decided that the angle worked well for me. (By the way this blogging tool spell checks for you and I decided to add "Tovey" to the dictionary)

I guess with blogging these days people everywhere trying to say something that others will have interest in. Most blogs I've noticed are trying really hard to be quick witted and incorporate obscure pop culture like "Voltron" to seem hip. I'm not saying I won't use that method as well in fact I may use those approaches. In fact if I were to take a deep look into my skill set I would find that pop culture and an attitude for the hip are really two of my stronger desires.

That being said, this initial blog is more or less just a simple "hello", "I'm here" and that I look forward to at least three weeks of dedicated blogging followed by intermittent visits to this website followed by a long lapse in posts then a short resurrection of interest and finally an end all together to it and a new profile on friendster or something.