So, this past weekend, I went on an awesome road trip with some friends in my ward. Here in Utah, we get the 24th of July off of work/school for Pioneer Day, so we decided to celebrate... by leaving Utah and going to the beach!
One of the guys in my ward lives in Covina, CA, which is only a few minutes (ok, more like an hour, but still....) from the beach, so he offered to let us all stay at his house. A group went down Wednesday night, stopping in Vegas along the way. That's the ones who could get Thursday off of work. I was one of the unfortunate half that couldn't get work off on Thursday. Also, I was the one with the car. So, come Thursday night, I gather up my things, and throw it all in my trunk, along with all the rest of the people who are riding down and their things, and we set off at about 9:30. Yes, that's 9:30 in the PM. From Provo it's a 9+ hour drive to Chad's house in Covina. And yes, we drove through the night. That was an adventure in and of itself, tell you what. When we got there, (about 6 in the morning, local time) I shuffled into the house and promptly fell asleep.
A couple hours later I woke up to waffles cooking in the kitchen. Let me just say right now that Chad's family is rockin' awesome. His mom made some of the best homemade food ever, and his dad was just cracking jokes like the whole weekend. Anyway, so we all get up and eat some food, and by then I was about ready for a nap again. (remember, I'm running on like 2 hours of sleep) So I took a nap, and then we all headed out for the beach. We all had a blast at the beach, playing in the sand and the water. Honestly, I don't think I'd ever gone 'swimming' in the ocean before. I mean, I know I've been to the beach and at least waded into the water, but I'd never gotten soaked and ridden waves. Tell you what, it was a rush! I'm not a big fan of the salty water in the mouth thought. We also built an entire city of sand buildings and then knocked them down, Godzilla-style. After that, we played a quick game of ultimate right there on the beach. Running in the sand was really tiring, so that didn't last too long.
After more chilling on the beach, we headed back to Chad's and on the way stopped at In-N-Out for some classic California cuisine. When we got back, we cleaned up from the beach, and then we all sat down to Avatar in Blu-Ray on Chad's awesome HDTV. That is definitely the way to experience that movie. Pretty much everything is better in Blu-Ray, I've decided. I'll admit, I dozed several times during the movie, but hey, I was tired!
Saturday, we got to sleep in (yay!) and then Chad's mom made awesome homemade egg muffin sandwiches. They were pretty much the breakfast version of heaven. After that, we headed out to the LA temple to take some pictures. It's one of the prettier temples that I've seen, and I think Chad said it's also one of the biggest. On the way back from there, we stopped at another burger joint called Tommy's. At this place, everything they serve comes with chili on it. It was way intense! Then we came back and rested, chilled, napped, etc. Honestly, we kind of all turned into little kids again. Chad's nieces and nephews were over, so we got to play with them, and we all just sat in a circle and threw a ball around for like an hour. It was great! Later, we had a barbecue, with amazing burgers, chips, watermelon, the works. After that, we played duck, duck, whatever. How it works, is instead of saying 'goose,' you say another animal, and then the two that are running around the outside have to be that animal as they're running. It was great! We had unicorn, penguin, velociraptor, and my personal favorite, amoeba. Later that night we went to a neighbor's place and swam for a bit before we all decided it was time to call it quits for the evening.
Sunday morning we got up and went to Sacrament meeting early, then after that we headed out about 1. We got back into Provo a bit before 11, so not too ridiculously late. Also, my car hit a milestone of mileage on the way back. My car hit 177777 around Scipio, Utah. I tried to take a picture, but we were on the freeway, and all I had was my phone, and it was dark, so it really didn't work out at all. Oh well, I saw it happen, so that's cool.
This summer I've discovered that I really do like road trips. I figure I've got to enjoy them while I can in college. When you get married, they're not called road trips anymore. You still do them, but then they're called visiting family, or vacation, but with kids, it probably just seems like work. Then again, maybe that's just me being cynical, which has been known to happen from time to time. The moral of the story is, I'm sure this won't be the last road trip I go on with friends. :)
Monday, July 26
Tuesday, July 20
Everything Is Illuminated
So, I had the good intentions to save up a bunch of book reviews to do all at once, like I'm doing with movie reviews, but the book reading is going slower than the movie watching. So it looks like I'll just be doing book reviews as they happen.
I finished 'Everything Is Illuminated' by Jonathan Safran Foer a couple weeks ago. It had been recommended to my by a friend, and I was interested partially because it's set in Ukraine. I served a mission in Russia, so I was interested to see the author's perspective on that part of the world. I had also seen the movie starring Elijah Wood, so I had a basic idea of the plot of the book. However, going back, I'd have read the book first. So, if you haven't seen the movie OR read the book, I would recommend both, but the book first.
The plot revolves mainly around the American Jew by the same name as the author who is researching his ancestors, specifically his grandfather, who came from Ukraine during the second World War. He is especially interested in finding a mysterious woman named Augustine who saved his grandfather during the Nazi occupation of their village. I found the narrative style to be incredibly unique and interesting. Two of the characters, Jonathan and his native Ukrainian translator Alex, are writing novels based on their experiences, and they are presented to the reader as a correspondence between the two. First, we read a section of Jonathan's novel recounting the early days of the village of Trachimbrod, where his grandfather lived. Next is a section of Alex's straightforward narrative of their search for Augustine. This is followed by a letter from Alex to Jonathan regarding the last section of the novel sent to him. The connection between the two narratives is not immediately apparent, but creates some interesting contrasts among the characters.
One of my favorite aspects of the novel is Alex's butchering of the English language. He uses words and phrases that make it seem like he's learned from a dictionary without ever hearing a native speaker. He calls himself a 'premium' person, and rather than saying something is difficult or hard, he calls it 'rigid.' The reason this is so funny to me, is that when I lived in Russia, there were quite a few people who thought that their English was exceptional, but who in reality spoke like a dictionary.
The thing about this book is that it's very powerful. You're dealing with people who lived through the horrors of Nazi occupation, and might not want to relive these experiences. Serious issues are dealt with. This novel evokes intense emotions. This isn't a book you'll read just for fun. Despite all of that, I still recommend it. One of the reviews on the book cover said that this book will change you. I am inclined to agree.
Final Rating: 4/5
I finished 'Everything Is Illuminated' by Jonathan Safran Foer a couple weeks ago. It had been recommended to my by a friend, and I was interested partially because it's set in Ukraine. I served a mission in Russia, so I was interested to see the author's perspective on that part of the world. I had also seen the movie starring Elijah Wood, so I had a basic idea of the plot of the book. However, going back, I'd have read the book first. So, if you haven't seen the movie OR read the book, I would recommend both, but the book first.
The plot revolves mainly around the American Jew by the same name as the author who is researching his ancestors, specifically his grandfather, who came from Ukraine during the second World War. He is especially interested in finding a mysterious woman named Augustine who saved his grandfather during the Nazi occupation of their village. I found the narrative style to be incredibly unique and interesting. Two of the characters, Jonathan and his native Ukrainian translator Alex, are writing novels based on their experiences, and they are presented to the reader as a correspondence between the two. First, we read a section of Jonathan's novel recounting the early days of the village of Trachimbrod, where his grandfather lived. Next is a section of Alex's straightforward narrative of their search for Augustine. This is followed by a letter from Alex to Jonathan regarding the last section of the novel sent to him. The connection between the two narratives is not immediately apparent, but creates some interesting contrasts among the characters.
One of my favorite aspects of the novel is Alex's butchering of the English language. He uses words and phrases that make it seem like he's learned from a dictionary without ever hearing a native speaker. He calls himself a 'premium' person, and rather than saying something is difficult or hard, he calls it 'rigid.' The reason this is so funny to me, is that when I lived in Russia, there were quite a few people who thought that their English was exceptional, but who in reality spoke like a dictionary.
The thing about this book is that it's very powerful. You're dealing with people who lived through the horrors of Nazi occupation, and might not want to relive these experiences. Serious issues are dealt with. This novel evokes intense emotions. This isn't a book you'll read just for fun. Despite all of that, I still recommend it. One of the reviews on the book cover said that this book will change you. I am inclined to agree.
Final Rating: 4/5
Friday, July 16
Lavender 5K Results
Well, so much for finishing this up on Tuesday. Oh well, here's the race recap.
As you probably know, last Saturday morning I ran a 5K as one of the goals on my 101 list. I went with a few friends in my ward. We had to get up way early, since the race started at 7, and it was down in Mona, like 40 minutes south of Provo. We got there a few minutes early, so we just headed to the start and talked for a bit while waiting. The race was delayed for a few minutes due to some technical difficulties with the timing system, so we started about quarter after 7.
Let me back up a bit. Over the past few weeks I'd been training for the race, but in that time, the longest I'd ever run in one go was two miles. A 5K is just over three miles, so I'd never run that distance before.
Ok, back to the race. I started out in the middle of the pack, not too fast, not too slow. Once I got going, most of the people around me were running/jogging slower than I was, so I started to pass people. The first half of the race was mostly at a slight uphill slant. It was a fairly flat course, but over the distance, you can feel even the slight grade. Anyway, we get to the halfway point and I've run the whole distance so far. I start on the downhill from there, and I'm thinking to myself, 'I can do this. I'm going to run the whole race!' I was doing alright until there was one more stretch that was a slight uphill grade. I walked for maybe 2 minutes or so there, just to catch my breath, and then I ran the rest of the way. I even somehow had enough energy there at the end to kick it up a notch and run through the finish. (I don't want to call it a sprint per-say, since I probably still wasn't going that fast, but still....) Also, funny side note, I almost tripped right after crossing the finish line, since there was a bump in the pavement.
At the finish, they had fruit, muffins, and most importantly, water for the runners, so we ate while waiting for the times to be posted. I ended up with a finish time of 29:10, which apparently is pretty darn good for my first 5K ever. I'm planning on running another one in September with the same friends that I ran this one with. Hopefully I can do more training and end up getting a better time.
Anyway, that was the Lavender 5K. It was fun, and I'm glad I did it. I don't think I'm going to start running every day just for the heck of it, but it was definitely a good experience. And, one more thing checked off my 101 list. :)
As you probably know, last Saturday morning I ran a 5K as one of the goals on my 101 list. I went with a few friends in my ward. We had to get up way early, since the race started at 7, and it was down in Mona, like 40 minutes south of Provo. We got there a few minutes early, so we just headed to the start and talked for a bit while waiting. The race was delayed for a few minutes due to some technical difficulties with the timing system, so we started about quarter after 7.
Let me back up a bit. Over the past few weeks I'd been training for the race, but in that time, the longest I'd ever run in one go was two miles. A 5K is just over three miles, so I'd never run that distance before.
Ok, back to the race. I started out in the middle of the pack, not too fast, not too slow. Once I got going, most of the people around me were running/jogging slower than I was, so I started to pass people. The first half of the race was mostly at a slight uphill slant. It was a fairly flat course, but over the distance, you can feel even the slight grade. Anyway, we get to the halfway point and I've run the whole distance so far. I start on the downhill from there, and I'm thinking to myself, 'I can do this. I'm going to run the whole race!' I was doing alright until there was one more stretch that was a slight uphill grade. I walked for maybe 2 minutes or so there, just to catch my breath, and then I ran the rest of the way. I even somehow had enough energy there at the end to kick it up a notch and run through the finish. (I don't want to call it a sprint per-say, since I probably still wasn't going that fast, but still....) Also, funny side note, I almost tripped right after crossing the finish line, since there was a bump in the pavement.
At the finish, they had fruit, muffins, and most importantly, water for the runners, so we ate while waiting for the times to be posted. I ended up with a finish time of 29:10, which apparently is pretty darn good for my first 5K ever. I'm planning on running another one in September with the same friends that I ran this one with. Hopefully I can do more training and end up getting a better time.
Anyway, that was the Lavender 5K. It was fun, and I'm glad I did it. I don't think I'm going to start running every day just for the heck of it, but it was definitely a good experience. And, one more thing checked off my 101 list. :)
Tuesday, July 13
101 List 1 Month Update
Well, it's now been officially one month since I started my 101 list, so I figure it's time for a quick update. I've completed 5 goals already, and there are 3 more that are in progress.
Completed goals:
13 - See a movie I've never heard of without learning anything about it
I completed this goal last night, actually, when I watched a movie called Harold and Maude with some friends. I've been saving up reviews of several movies to post all at once, so this one is forthcoming. The short review is that I liked it, although it's fairly odd in places.
14 - Run a 5K race
I completed this goal last Saturday, the 10th. I finished with a final time of 29:10, which I hear is pretty good for my first 5K. More detailed recap of this race is also forthcoming, possibly later tonight or tomorrow.
63 - Go to the dentist
I went, I promise.
73 - Climb a tree
This one was fun! I went with some friends to Kiwanis park here in Provo, and we climbed nearly to the top of a tree. We were so high that we could see out to Utah Lake.
100 - Get a library card
This is the first goal I completed, and has actually helped a lot with several of my other reading goals. I've definitely enjoyed having a library close to my apartment.
Goals in progress:
3 - Read my height (5'8") in books
I'm sad to say that in a month, I've only read one book. I need to pick up the pace on this one if I want to finish it. I read Everything Is Illuminated (1") by Jonathan Safran Foer, and I was really impressed. Like the movie reviews, I'll be saving several book reviews to post at once.
5 - Watch 26 movies I've never seen starting with each letter of the alphabet
I've watched 5 movies for this list:
B - Behind Enemy Lines
C - Clash of the Titans (2010)
H - How to Train Your Dragon
S - Surrogates
T - Toy Story 3
40 - Eat at 20 new restaurants
I went to eat at a place called Thai Mango with my coworkers last week. It was decent food, but not incredible. I'd probably go again, if the opportunity arose. On the other hand, I probably won't go out of my way to visit again.
Well, that's where I'm at so far. I'll probably give another update in another month, so until then, stay tuned for more reviews and randomness. :)
Completed goals:
13 - See a movie I've never heard of without learning anything about it
I completed this goal last night, actually, when I watched a movie called Harold and Maude with some friends. I've been saving up reviews of several movies to post all at once, so this one is forthcoming. The short review is that I liked it, although it's fairly odd in places.
14 - Run a 5K race
I completed this goal last Saturday, the 10th. I finished with a final time of 29:10, which I hear is pretty good for my first 5K. More detailed recap of this race is also forthcoming, possibly later tonight or tomorrow.
63 - Go to the dentist
I went, I promise.
73 - Climb a tree
This one was fun! I went with some friends to Kiwanis park here in Provo, and we climbed nearly to the top of a tree. We were so high that we could see out to Utah Lake.
100 - Get a library card
This is the first goal I completed, and has actually helped a lot with several of my other reading goals. I've definitely enjoyed having a library close to my apartment.
Goals in progress:
3 - Read my height (5'8") in books
I'm sad to say that in a month, I've only read one book. I need to pick up the pace on this one if I want to finish it. I read Everything Is Illuminated (1") by Jonathan Safran Foer, and I was really impressed. Like the movie reviews, I'll be saving several book reviews to post at once.
5 - Watch 26 movies I've never seen starting with each letter of the alphabet
I've watched 5 movies for this list:
B - Behind Enemy Lines
C - Clash of the Titans (2010)
H - How to Train Your Dragon
S - Surrogates
T - Toy Story 3
40 - Eat at 20 new restaurants
I went to eat at a place called Thai Mango with my coworkers last week. It was decent food, but not incredible. I'd probably go again, if the opportunity arose. On the other hand, I probably won't go out of my way to visit again.
Well, that's where I'm at so far. I'll probably give another update in another month, so until then, stay tuned for more reviews and randomness. :)
Friday, July 9
Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience
On my way to work this morning, I was listening to an mp3 mix that I made. A song by Mae came on, and yet again I realized what an awesome yet unknown band they are.
I first heard of them in high school, but I never actually listened to them. Then, about a year ago, I got their first two albums from a friend. 'Destination: Beautiful' was alright, but not like crazy good. Then I listened to 'The Everglow' and I was hooked. I loved how the album was laid out like a story, complete with prologue and epilogue tracks. Later, I acquired and listened to 'Singularity,' their third studio album. One of my favorite songs by them (Sic Semper Tyrannis) is on this album, and it happens to be the same song that came on this morning in my car on the way to work.
This isn't meant to be a review of them as a band, or of any of their albums. I'm just trying to spread the word about a band that I enjoy. Here's a link to a grooveshark playlist with these three albums on it in order of release date. There's more than that to hear from them, but this is a good start.
Enjoy!
P.S. Mae is actually an acronym for Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience. One of their EPs was actually a scratch-and-sniff, right on the disk!
I first heard of them in high school, but I never actually listened to them. Then, about a year ago, I got their first two albums from a friend. 'Destination: Beautiful' was alright, but not like crazy good. Then I listened to 'The Everglow' and I was hooked. I loved how the album was laid out like a story, complete with prologue and epilogue tracks. Later, I acquired and listened to 'Singularity,' their third studio album. One of my favorite songs by them (Sic Semper Tyrannis) is on this album, and it happens to be the same song that came on this morning in my car on the way to work.
This isn't meant to be a review of them as a band, or of any of their albums. I'm just trying to spread the word about a band that I enjoy. Here's a link to a grooveshark playlist with these three albums on it in order of release date. There's more than that to hear from them, but this is a good start.
Enjoy!
P.S. Mae is actually an acronym for Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience. One of their EPs was actually a scratch-and-sniff, right on the disk!
Tuesday, July 6
Lavender 5K
So, I just registered for my first 5K on Saturday. It's down in Mona, and it actually goes right through fields of lavender. It should be pretty sweet. I've never been much of a runner, so this is kind of a big deal for me. I've been doing some training, although admittedly not as much as I should have. It's ok, though. Since this is the first time I'll be running a 5K, I'm not too worried about running it extremely fast, I'm mostly just concerned with finishing. The only downside to this race is the fact that it starts at 7 AM. On a Saturday morning. I generally don't do mornings. Oh well. It'll be worth it, since it'll be a lot cooler in the morning, and I won't die of heat.
Well, wish me luck, and I'll give a recap of the run this weekend.
Well, wish me luck, and I'll give a recap of the run this weekend.
Thursday, July 1
The Perfect Run
So, yesterday, I got the last star in Super Mario Galaxy 2. Here's a picture to prove it!
It was the most difficult star of the entire game, and way harder than anything in the first game. That is all.
It was the most difficult star of the entire game, and way harder than anything in the first game. That is all.
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