Ok ok...I have to admit that I am (even though I am a die-hard Ute fan) fairly proud of the BYU men's basketball team and all of the success that they are having this season. It is a great thing for a school in the state to be doing so well and even better for a school that is connected to such a little-known, little-understood religion. However, despite all of their success, I am constantly reminded of why I absolutely hate BYU fans. Not even hate, loathe is probably a more fitting term, detest would work as well.
You see, it's not just that they are fans of our rival school, and I pretty much have no connection to that school at all, BYU fans are a different breed. They feel like their players/team/fans are invincible because of the "holiness" of their school. It's that prideful, self-righteous attitude that makes me loathe the star player of the BYU Cougars, Jimmer Freddette.
First point, who names their kid Jimmer? Is he a small cricket who grants wishes to a puppet who wants to be a boy? Oh wait, that would be Jiminy, and he's much cooler anyways. Second point, last thing BYU fans need is another person to idolize. It seems like everyone in P-Town has jumped on the Jimmer bandwagon, and the godlike comparisons are hard to avoid. It has gotten so out of hand that there is actually a fan page (not odd for a star athlete) that actually compares Jimmer as something like..."the best thing since sliced bread", hardly! Here's a couple other quotes from die-hard Jimmer fans on the facebook website:
"The Jimmer can count to infinity, starting from negative infinity" (really people?)
Dear Elder Jimmer,
You are hereby called to serve as a point guard in the National Basketball Association. You are assigned to labor in California Los Angeles Laker Mission. It is anticipated you will serve for a period of 72 months." (there are just not even words for this, I am speechless)
More ridiculous comments can be found on the facebook fan page. I am not a fan of "The Jimmer" as he is now known, but it looks as if he's here to stay awhile, at least until he goes to the NBA. What remains to be seen though, is what he actually does there, because the NBA is a totally different ball game (no pun intended) than the NCAA, especially Mountain West Conference, BYU Basketball...
Again, best of luck to the Cougars, I wish them well on their journey during March Madness (heaven knows the Utes aren't going to do much)...but please, for the love of everything good, appreciate the team and the game, not the idolized play who, before 2 months ago, was virtually unknown to the Cougar basketball world.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
stares on valentines day
So I recently became single and yesterday was the first valentines day in long time that I was single. My really good friend ( who's married ) and I decided to go get sushi last night because his wife had to work until 10 pm. We know the owners of a really good sushi place in Sandy and they told us that we could just show up whenever and not have to wait for a table. We jumped on the opportunity to go out because we didn't have to wait at all to be seated. He brought his one-year-old daughter and she kept us entertained all night.
Throughout the night, we got more stares than usual. Him and I used to be roommates and would go out together all the time. At first, we figured that everyone was just looking at his adorable daughter. About an hour into us being there we decided what some of the stares had to be. The two of us, both males, were out together on valentines day together. My buddy came up with the bright idea that some people were probably thinking that we were a gay couple with a daughter. This idea got us to talking about the movie, "I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry." So the rest of the night, all we did was quote lines from that movie and had a blast. I never thought that I could have that much fun on valentines day being single and hanging out with another guy. By the end of the night, all of the good quotes from that movie were exhausted and we couldn't stop laughing.
The owner bought most of our sushi and we had a pretty big bill just from the beer alone. All in all, it was a great valentines day and neither of us had to be romantic with a girl and we got to dress however we wanted. Although it's always nice to get all dressed up and take a girl out, it was a huge bonus not to have to do it last night. There were no flowers, jewelery or chocolate bought and we figured that our beer and food were cheaper than having actual dates. It was awesome.
Throughout the night, we got more stares than usual. Him and I used to be roommates and would go out together all the time. At first, we figured that everyone was just looking at his adorable daughter. About an hour into us being there we decided what some of the stares had to be. The two of us, both males, were out together on valentines day together. My buddy came up with the bright idea that some people were probably thinking that we were a gay couple with a daughter. This idea got us to talking about the movie, "I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry." So the rest of the night, all we did was quote lines from that movie and had a blast. I never thought that I could have that much fun on valentines day being single and hanging out with another guy. By the end of the night, all of the good quotes from that movie were exhausted and we couldn't stop laughing.
The owner bought most of our sushi and we had a pretty big bill just from the beer alone. All in all, it was a great valentines day and neither of us had to be romantic with a girl and we got to dress however we wanted. Although it's always nice to get all dressed up and take a girl out, it was a huge bonus not to have to do it last night. There were no flowers, jewelery or chocolate bought and we figured that our beer and food were cheaper than having actual dates. It was awesome.
The Best Man
My dad is the greatest dad ever! He is the most genuine, loving, kind person I know. For Valentines Day he gave me and my brother a build-a-bear. Mine was a love bug. It made my day. I thought it was a really cute idea and the thought was there. All my life my dad has always been there. He coached me through basketball, softball, and volleyball. I grew up playing sports and being by his side. He not only taught me sports but the important life lessons along the way. He is the one that made me dream big and told me that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. Most of our time together was spent together at sports events. Either I was playing, he was playing, or we went to a sporting event. No matter what we were always there for each other. He is always there to help you even if it's staying up late with you to help you with homework or a paper. He likes to volunteer at his church fixing things for the building and giving up his free time to help others.
Now when you first see my dad you wouldn't see a big loveable teddy bear. He looks intimidating and scary to a lot of people. He's 6'2" and a skinny guy. And when he's not smiling he has a serious look on his face but its not because he hates the world or anything that's just his serious face. Once you start talking to him you get to know that he's really a nice friendly guy. One time at high school registration my dad went with me and was waiting at a bench while i was in line. My friend was scared to talk to him but as she walked by he said hello and they started talking. After they were done she came up to me and told me how nice she thought my dad was. My dad was pleased to hear that my friends don't think he's a scary beast. I guess with this post I just wanted to tell my dad and share with all of you how much he means to me. He is the greatest guy in the world and I couldn't of asked for a better example and loveable man in my life. He is my hero and I love him so much. I know Valentines is over but it's never to late to tell someone you love them.
Now when you first see my dad you wouldn't see a big loveable teddy bear. He looks intimidating and scary to a lot of people. He's 6'2" and a skinny guy. And when he's not smiling he has a serious look on his face but its not because he hates the world or anything that's just his serious face. Once you start talking to him you get to know that he's really a nice friendly guy. One time at high school registration my dad went with me and was waiting at a bench while i was in line. My friend was scared to talk to him but as she walked by he said hello and they started talking. After they were done she came up to me and told me how nice she thought my dad was. My dad was pleased to hear that my friends don't think he's a scary beast. I guess with this post I just wanted to tell my dad and share with all of you how much he means to me. He is the greatest guy in the world and I couldn't of asked for a better example and loveable man in my life. He is my hero and I love him so much. I know Valentines is over but it's never to late to tell someone you love them.
Wedding Planning
I got engaged on January 28th of this year and I was so excited to get started on my wedding plans. When I was younger I wanted to be a wedding planner so I have always had a lot of ideas for what I want for my own wedding. That was until I started actually planning. Since my fiance and I are both from San Diego that's where the wedding will be which makes it really difficult since I don't live there. It is also difficult because my fiance and I are trying to plan a wedding while living in separate states...not fun! So as of right now these are the issues; my mom and I disagree about EVERYTHING, the guest list is out of control, I have to work with a budget, I live 600 miles away from where I will be getting married, I have become addicted to wedding blogs, and my wedding colors are unique almost too unique because they are difficult to find in anything and especially together.
So the first issue; my mom and I disagree about everything. We are totally different from each other which normally is fine until now she wants a say in everything about my wedding and we are having a hard time finding some common ground. Another issue is that she took over the guest list and decided to invite everyone she has ever met. We currently have 322 people not including any of my sorority sisters (I have 90 of them) or any of my fiance's friends or family and she thinks she's already done a lot of downsizing. Normally I would think its totally fine that means more presents (haha) but the problem is that the maximum amount of people we can have at our venue is 300 and she will not budge. So basically we have to hope that around 100 people don't come so that we will be able to use our venue, which is sad. Another of my issues is the fact that i have become totally addicted to wedding blogs and trust me there are hundreds of them out there. It is a serious problem because I see things I like everyday and I change my mind all the time about what I want for my wedding.
The distance is also another problem because I have to find all my vendors pretty much by the internet so I have to go off websites which is not always the easiest thing to do. I also only have a week at spring break and Presidents day weekend to meet with vendors, look at the venue, taste catering, choose a DJ, meet with my florist, pick out invitations, pick out suits, decide on a cake and spend time with my fiance. Too much to do with not enough vacation time to do it!
So the first issue; my mom and I disagree about everything. We are totally different from each other which normally is fine until now she wants a say in everything about my wedding and we are having a hard time finding some common ground. Another issue is that she took over the guest list and decided to invite everyone she has ever met. We currently have 322 people not including any of my sorority sisters (I have 90 of them) or any of my fiance's friends or family and she thinks she's already done a lot of downsizing. Normally I would think its totally fine that means more presents (haha) but the problem is that the maximum amount of people we can have at our venue is 300 and she will not budge. So basically we have to hope that around 100 people don't come so that we will be able to use our venue, which is sad. Another of my issues is the fact that i have become totally addicted to wedding blogs and trust me there are hundreds of them out there. It is a serious problem because I see things I like everyday and I change my mind all the time about what I want for my wedding.
The distance is also another problem because I have to find all my vendors pretty much by the internet so I have to go off websites which is not always the easiest thing to do. I also only have a week at spring break and Presidents day weekend to meet with vendors, look at the venue, taste catering, choose a DJ, meet with my florist, pick out invitations, pick out suits, decide on a cake and spend time with my fiance. Too much to do with not enough vacation time to do it!
How to make a fool of yourself
I want everyone to know who might read this, that this story is 100% true. Nothing has been exaggerated or overblown. The year was 2002. I was a junior in high school. There is a tradition for high schools in this great state of Utah concerning dances. When either asking or answering someone to a dance you must do it in some outrageous way. My friends and I loved this and took every chance we had to go all out. This time was no exception.
Each of us had been asked but we wanted to answer as a group. My dear friend had a wonderful idea. A giant poster would be placed on the doorstep of the girl with a big fishing net. The poster would read, " These are my fairies count them one by one. See if you can catch them and read the note on their little bum!" From there little cut out footprints would lead the girl to us group of guys who were dressed up in tights, tutus and fairy wings. The girl would have to catch us with the fishing net and try to get an answer from one of us. The plan was to do this same thing to each girl. We just didn't know that our night would be cut short.
Another friend of ours wanted to come along but was out with his family and needed to meet up with us. We told him to meet us at the 7-11 at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. We parked our car at the front of the store and waited for him. Now, mind you, we did not have any other clothes on at this time. We didn't think we needed any. We thought we were going to just do this and go home. Then our friend showed up. He pulls up in what we called the Fun Shuttle. It was a 1993 Chevy Astrovan. This is when all hell broke loose!
As he pulled up he wanted to jump out of his car to say 'hi' (He at least had some shorts on). But as he did this he forgot to put the car in park. He got out of the car it began to roll forward. So as he is trying to get back in, say hi to us and put the car in park, instead of pushing on the break he pushed on the gas. The next thing I see is the Fun Shuttle jumping up the curb and right into the front door of the 7-11 store. Somehow he was able to turn the car so it didn't go right through the store. Instead, it was parallel to the storefront. After that he smashes into the big cement garbage can and it goes soaring in the air and slams to the ground. He then gets high centered on the can. He tries to get off it and stars flooring the gas. When his tires finally catch, he peels out and hits another car in the process making it do a 360.
After that we did not know what to do. We didn't have any clothes! Sure enough the police came and we tried to tell them what we were doing but did not believe us and made us walk the line and do the Breathalyzer. Of course we hadn't been drinking and they us go. And yes we did get some pretty weird looks. To top it all off, after all the dust had settled we got together in the parking lot and one of the other guys said to our poor friend who just created mayhem "Sorry about your car man but... that was awesome!"
Each of us had been asked but we wanted to answer as a group. My dear friend had a wonderful idea. A giant poster would be placed on the doorstep of the girl with a big fishing net. The poster would read, " These are my fairies count them one by one. See if you can catch them and read the note on their little bum!" From there little cut out footprints would lead the girl to us group of guys who were dressed up in tights, tutus and fairy wings. The girl would have to catch us with the fishing net and try to get an answer from one of us. The plan was to do this same thing to each girl. We just didn't know that our night would be cut short.
Another friend of ours wanted to come along but was out with his family and needed to meet up with us. We told him to meet us at the 7-11 at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. We parked our car at the front of the store and waited for him. Now, mind you, we did not have any other clothes on at this time. We didn't think we needed any. We thought we were going to just do this and go home. Then our friend showed up. He pulls up in what we called the Fun Shuttle. It was a 1993 Chevy Astrovan. This is when all hell broke loose!
As he pulled up he wanted to jump out of his car to say 'hi' (He at least had some shorts on). But as he did this he forgot to put the car in park. He got out of the car it began to roll forward. So as he is trying to get back in, say hi to us and put the car in park, instead of pushing on the break he pushed on the gas. The next thing I see is the Fun Shuttle jumping up the curb and right into the front door of the 7-11 store. Somehow he was able to turn the car so it didn't go right through the store. Instead, it was parallel to the storefront. After that he smashes into the big cement garbage can and it goes soaring in the air and slams to the ground. He then gets high centered on the can. He tries to get off it and stars flooring the gas. When his tires finally catch, he peels out and hits another car in the process making it do a 360.
After that we did not know what to do. We didn't have any clothes! Sure enough the police came and we tried to tell them what we were doing but did not believe us and made us walk the line and do the Breathalyzer. Of course we hadn't been drinking and they us go. And yes we did get some pretty weird looks. To top it all off, after all the dust had settled we got together in the parking lot and one of the other guys said to our poor friend who just created mayhem "Sorry about your car man but... that was awesome!"
It's all about coffee.
Coffee. The rich, dark, piping-hot elixir that binds all college students. I admit, I LOVE coffee. It's become as much a part of my daily routine as brushing my teeth or checking my email. If there were a way to permanently attach my french press to my hand, I honestly would consider it.
"So, what's so great about a bitter-tasting, murky cup of joe?"
Being a barista, I've surprisingly been asked this questions more times than you may think. What is so great about coffee? Caffeine is generally the answer for most people, but not for me. Although the energy boost is an incentive to chugging down a cup or two before leaving the house, it's definitely not the main reason I drink it. I drink it because I like the flavor. A good cup of coffee should be nu†ty and full-bodied and complex. The aroma should linger in your mouth and nose long after you take a sip. But, this type of experience doesn't come out of a 99 cent jug of day old drip coffee from 7-eleven, sorry. If you truly want to taste, smell and experience coffee the way it should be, here are a few pointers:
1. Know where the coffee beans come from. If the roasters are local, they tend to baby their product. It's a competitive market out there, and in order to go up against the bigger companies (Starbucks) and survive, they need to have something even better to offer. Have you ever noticed how bitter Starbuck's coffee and espresso are? It's because machines oversee the roasting NOT actual, hardworking people. The senses are a huge part of properly roasting coffee beans. Machines can't smell when the caramelization stage is reached. Bottom line, respect in the roasting process can be tasted in the final product. Go local when you can.
2. If you're brewing from home, use a french press or a percolator. Yes, I realize brewing coffee this way is much more labor intensive, but the pay off for your patience is worth it. A french press requires a course grind. The coffee grounds steep in the water for several minutes, allowing their natural flavors and oils to stay in your coffee rather than get trapped in a paper filter. It does take a bit of practice to get the desired strength, but once you have it down, you'll never go back to drip. So, buy a local bag of coffee beans and experiment with your new french press!
3. Find a few local coffee shops in your area. Keyword here is LOCAL. I know Starbucks is seemingly ubiquitous, and thus, their coffee is readily available. But, compared to some of Salt Lake's best local places, Starbuck's coffee fails. Don't fall into the "caramel macchiato" trap. It's a made up drink, people! A traditional macchiato is far from the sugar-laden latte of Starbucks. Okay, it's sweet and fattening and some may say delicious, but it's an insult to coffee's flavor potential. So, like my suggestion to buy local beans, buy coffee from local coffee shops. The quality is always so much higher, and they don't tend to stray from the traditional. If your heart is set on a sweet coffee drink, try a regular latte or be bold and go for a soy cappuccino. Steamed milk and soy have a natural sweetness that doesn't over power the flavor of espresso.
Here are some suggestions for excellent local coffee shops in the Salt Lake area:
The Rose Establishment - 235 South 400 West
This place loves coffee just as much as I do. The design of the actual shop is adorable, and the drinks are very well made.
Salt Lake Roasting Company - 320 East 400 South
This is my favorite place to study. I can spend hours here sipping coffee and eating some of their house-made pastries.
The Coffee Garden - 898 East 900 South
This coffee shop is sophisticated and cool. It's a popular hang out for both business people and Salt Lake City hipsters. Their baristas know what they're doing.
Alchemy Coffee - 390 East 1700 South
Although this place is rather small, it is cozy and often quiet. The design is very eclectic and the employees are very friendly.
So, the next time you reach for that grande caramel macchiato, remember these tips to reach coffee nirvana!
"So, what's so great about a bitter-tasting, murky cup of joe?"
Being a barista, I've surprisingly been asked this questions more times than you may think. What is so great about coffee? Caffeine is generally the answer for most people, but not for me. Although the energy boost is an incentive to chugging down a cup or two before leaving the house, it's definitely not the main reason I drink it. I drink it because I like the flavor. A good cup of coffee should be nu†ty and full-bodied and complex. The aroma should linger in your mouth and nose long after you take a sip. But, this type of experience doesn't come out of a 99 cent jug of day old drip coffee from 7-eleven, sorry. If you truly want to taste, smell and experience coffee the way it should be, here are a few pointers:
1. Know where the coffee beans come from. If the roasters are local, they tend to baby their product. It's a competitive market out there, and in order to go up against the bigger companies (Starbucks) and survive, they need to have something even better to offer. Have you ever noticed how bitter Starbuck's coffee and espresso are? It's because machines oversee the roasting NOT actual, hardworking people. The senses are a huge part of properly roasting coffee beans. Machines can't smell when the caramelization stage is reached. Bottom line, respect in the roasting process can be tasted in the final product. Go local when you can.
2. If you're brewing from home, use a french press or a percolator. Yes, I realize brewing coffee this way is much more labor intensive, but the pay off for your patience is worth it. A french press requires a course grind. The coffee grounds steep in the water for several minutes, allowing their natural flavors and oils to stay in your coffee rather than get trapped in a paper filter. It does take a bit of practice to get the desired strength, but once you have it down, you'll never go back to drip. So, buy a local bag of coffee beans and experiment with your new french press!
3. Find a few local coffee shops in your area. Keyword here is LOCAL. I know Starbucks is seemingly ubiquitous, and thus, their coffee is readily available. But, compared to some of Salt Lake's best local places, Starbuck's coffee fails. Don't fall into the "caramel macchiato" trap. It's a made up drink, people! A traditional macchiato is far from the sugar-laden latte of Starbucks. Okay, it's sweet and fattening and some may say delicious, but it's an insult to coffee's flavor potential. So, like my suggestion to buy local beans, buy coffee from local coffee shops. The quality is always so much higher, and they don't tend to stray from the traditional. If your heart is set on a sweet coffee drink, try a regular latte or be bold and go for a soy cappuccino. Steamed milk and soy have a natural sweetness that doesn't over power the flavor of espresso.
Here are some suggestions for excellent local coffee shops in the Salt Lake area:
The Rose Establishment - 235 South 400 West
This place loves coffee just as much as I do. The design of the actual shop is adorable, and the drinks are very well made.
Salt Lake Roasting Company - 320 East 400 South
This is my favorite place to study. I can spend hours here sipping coffee and eating some of their house-made pastries.
The Coffee Garden - 898 East 900 South
This coffee shop is sophisticated and cool. It's a popular hang out for both business people and Salt Lake City hipsters. Their baristas know what they're doing.
Alchemy Coffee - 390 East 1700 South
Although this place is rather small, it is cozy and often quiet. The design is very eclectic and the employees are very friendly.
So, the next time you reach for that grande caramel macchiato, remember these tips to reach coffee nirvana!
Blogging: Is it here to stay?
Blog
–noun
opinions, etc.,and often having images and links to other Web sites.
Blogging has become a huge part of the way that I communicate. Almost 3 years ago I started a blog with the sole purpose of not having to talk to my family on the phone. Really, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. If anyone in my family of 8 called wanting to know about what was going on in my life I would direct them to my blog. If you have a question or want to tell me something, there is even a special place where you can leave your questions or comments...I will get back to you as soon as I feel like it.
3 years ago I was a single guy living in Las Vegas working as a valet at some of the hottest spots in town. I had so much to talk about, like the time Mike Tyson came out of a night club so drunk he was falling all over himself and the small group of people he was with. In that moment, I fantasized about how it might have been the one time in my life I could go over and punch Mike Tyson without him being able to do anything about it. Did I call my family to tell them about it...Nope.
Since then I gave up that job to go to school here at the U. I got a part-time job working in the Student Services building making A LOT less money. I did however find my wife, which really put the kibosh on my single lifestyle. I really shouldn't complain, she is playing the role of sugar momma perfectly. Needless to say, my pool of ideas and experiences dwindled and became a lot less interesting.
Anyway, after getting married my blogging took a new direction and I had to write about girly stuff (like how romantic our Valentines Day was) to appease the Mrs. And now that her parents were apart of the viewership, I had to tone down the content a little too.
Blogging is fun, it is a way to get your ideas out there without having to argue with anyone...like your family.
How do your blogging experiences compare?
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