Pete's A-Pie Birthday Party

It isn't often that the whole family is in Utah together, so we were happy to all be here for Pete's birthday.

Plus, Nana Betts (my grandma) even came, which is a major bonus.

And if you need a delicious place to eat, then The Pie is a great Utah spot to pick!

Happy birthday, brother!

Bottoms up! Tasty root beer

Just look at those baby blues

His old lungs probably can't blow out 29 candles, so we just gave him one

Just one year left until your dirty 30 birthday, Pete! Better start planning on how we'll celebrate!

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Flashback Friday: Utah Commercials

It's been a while since I did a Flashback Friday, but yesterday I was inspired.

Being back in Utah, I saw a commercial for Primary Children's Medical Center, and it ended with the old "Hold on to Dear Life" jingle from my childhood. Thank goodness for YouTube and people uploading old commercials, because I thought of another Utah commercial to go with that one.

Don't Waste Utah

Hold on to Dear Life

They're maybe kinda downers, but isn't the 'Don't Waste Utah' production value classic?

And didn't you want to be this guy when you were a kid?

Because I did.

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Unprepared for a Great Love

Why is it that we often don't understand what we had, and how great it was, until it's too late?

Not that we always do that. But sometimes we do. And sometimes it's painful to realize that what we didn't properly value at the time could have been a life-changer.

While this can be the case with job opportunities, stock investments, travel choices, and many others, I think we see it most clearly in matters of the heart, don't we?

I had a great opportunity with a woman that I like-liked, and I blew it.

Just that simple.

It was right in front of me, and, for a myriad of reasons, I wasn't prepared for what may have been the most important choices and love of my life.

That sucks to recognize, when it now may be too late.

A part of me still hopes there is a chance at reconciliation and a return to us, as I now feel prepared to love fully and make the sacrifices and changes necessary to be the man she wants and deserves.

If that isn't enough, then so be it.

I am and will be ready.

My next chance, I don't want to be caught unprepared for a great love.

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How to Make an Uncle Melt

I had such a cute experience last night with my nieces, sweetened even more this morning by a quick text from my sister-in-law.

After dinner and playing basketball with the G-child and Adam (plus the girls), the little ones had reached sleepytime. I was lucky enough to get to read them a bedtime story, then I tucked them into bed. Breezy let me give her a kiss and responded with "I love you" after I said it first. Zonks hid under her covers to avoid a kiss and didn't say anything.

Thanks, Adam & Linds, for letting me have that special moment while I'm home on vacation.

And when I got this text message today from Linds, I melted.

Hey! [Breezy] woke up this morning and started crying because she "lost uncle Aaron." My reply... he went back to Grammy's. [Zonks'] response, and this was a doozy, "He should remain (yes... she used this word) with us."

Breezy, you'll never lose me. Zonks, hopefully someday I can accept your offer, and see you, your sister, and brother a lot more often.

I sure do love being an uncle, especially to the G-child, Breezy, and Zonks.

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Metallica Monday: Wherever I May Roam

You think Metallica Mondays are put on hold just because I go on vacation? Nope.

I spent last weekend on a guys golf trip to St George and Las Vegas, so I think this song is perfect.

Wherever I May Roam

Oh, and it feels good to be back in Utah, where my Metallica roots started.

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Like Having New Eyes

I had Lasik vision surgery almost ten years ago, and it was miraculous.
Waking up the next morning and being able to see without any corrective lenses filled my soul with joy.
Sports, swimming, and just generally living without contacts or glasses are much simpler.

But even prior to surgery, they'd warned me that my eyes would slowly decline as I age.
Finally, I reached the point that I decided I needed to take action.

A quick visit to the LensCrafters in Fashion Place Mall, and I had contacts again.

Oh, how grand it is to be able to see clearly!

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My First Train Ride

Today I took my first train ride!

I've been on trains before at the zoo and Disneyland and of course subway/metro/local.
But this was my first big one.

I'm quite excited about it, even if the ride was just a short one from DC to BWI.

Someday I still want to ride across the whole country in one.
Who will join me?

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Kevin Spacey's "Jameson First Shot" Short Films

I spend more time on YouTube than I probably should. But can you blame me? There are all kinds of gems to find and watch on that site.

For example, I recently came across a series of short films called Jameson First Shot, which were written by (to my knowledge) unknown writer-directors, and which star Kevin Spacey.

Note: I have to admit that I'm a huge Kevin Spacey fan. The guy just knows how to pick good movies, and then he nails the performance. So anything that he's in, I know I'm likely going to like it (that sentence sounds strange with "like" being used in multiple ways, but I'm going with it anyway).

The goal of Jameson First Shot was to find new, talented writer-directors in America, Russia, and South Africa. Not sure why they picked those locations, but I think they got some pretty good submissions (or at least the winning short films are interesting/fun/clever). Oh yeah, and I believe the submitters actually got to direct their films, starring Kevin Spacey. Very cool.

"Envelope"

He also starred in their shorter "The Ventriloquist" and light-hearted "Spirit of a Denture" videos.

I'd love it if more actors teamed up with companies (whether alcohol-based or otherwise) to create these kinds of short films and give young and/or undiscovered talent the opportunity to shine.

So what do you think of the program, and of these films in particular?

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Why I Don't Wash My Car As Often As I Should

Because as soon as I do, a bird will poop right on it.

Washed at 5:30 pm. Dirty by 7:30 pm.

And I know I'm not the only one this happens to. Right?

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Happy Father's Day!

Just a quick shout-out, because I'm always happy to celebrate my dad.

Thanks for all you did, do, and will do.

Happy Father's Day, Chetjet!

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Raw Shakti Chocolate: Pricey but Delicious

There is chocolate, and then there's really good, high quality chocolate. Often I settle for the former.

Recently, as a result of following her blog and coming up with a caption for a funny picture, my friend Jen mailed me some of the latter, and my taste buds have been dancing for joy ever since.

What's more, I was promised one chocolate bar, and received two! Yes, that's the very definition of a double bonus! Pretty sure Jen is lobbying for sainthood, but I'm going to nominate her even if she isn't.

And who doesn't like extra goodies to go with their edible loot?! I sure do!

The chocolate is called Raw Shakti, and its quality is unmatched*. I appreciate how the makers didn't add a ton of sugar just to sweeten it up. The citrus and other ingredients take the edge off the bitter, but leave the true, natural cacao taste, which I liked very much.

Have a look at the actual bar. I love that it doesn't have some brand molded into it. Simple and beautiful.

Just like the taste.

Really, the only downside is the cost. Apparently they are cheaper when bought at a farmer's market or festival, but they work out to $7 each when bought online ($42 for 6, $84 for 12, free shipping). Ouch.

I'm hopeful that as they grow in popularity and increase their distribution, the cost will come down.
For now, I can't really bring myself to pay $7 for a chocolate bar, even one as delicious as Raw Shakti.

Thanks again, Jen!

*In my limited United States experience, anyway. I'm told chocolate in Europe is fantastic, but I've never been so I can't opine either way on the Raw Shakti vs Europe comparison.

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Metallica Monday: Unforgiven

Just a short one, because I'm not really in the mood to blog.

It's been a rough couple days, as a relationship came to a sad end and will not be revived as I'd hoped it might be. Guess that's just how it goes sometimes. And nothing against her, because I was the one who blew it by not being prepared when we had our chance.

So here's today's Metallica Monday choice, from the classic black album:

Unforgiven

Later.

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A Night of Artomatic Fun

My friends have a wide variety of talents. Last night, I saw one of my friends perform a few bellydancing routines at the Artomatic 2012 show in Crystal City, VA.

She did a great job, and I was impressed at the body control, as I know I could never get my hips and upper body to move the way she and her fellow dancers did. Way to go, Alice!

After rocking her group routine

The gang there to support

Going solo

After the performance, we all looked around at the various art exhibits, which ranged from sculptures to murals to small paintings and photography. There were even Lego creations and the famous Washington Post Peep-o-ramas to check out.

Nyan cat made from Legos

That is one large Peep!

We spent about 2 hours walking around and only saw 3 of the 10 floors. I'm thinking I'll have to go back another time or two to check out a couple more floors. Very interesting stuff!

Makes me want to get artsy and create something...

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Muppets: The Next Evolutionary Step?

Just a quick thought I've been pondering, sparked by the most recent Muppets movie.

If Gary (Jason Segel) and Walter (puppet) are brothers, then that means Walter must be or have some sort of genetic mutation, right?

Don't get me wrong. I love Walter.
His mutant status in no way reduces my love for him as a Muppet.

As we all learned in junior high biology, mutations are not necessarily a bad thing. They can lead to an increased ability to survive, such as with the peppered moth evolution with the Industrial Revolution.

So my question is this: if Walter and all the other humanoid Muppets are just humans with a mutation, could Muppets then be the next step in human evolution?
Note: I recognize it's a movie, so I'm thinking of this in terms of that fictional world's reality, not our real world.

The Evolution of Man... to Muppet

It makes sense, doesn't it?

I mean, think about it. Muppets never seem to age, they can survive falls from high buildings, repeated electrocutions, they don't seem to need to eat or drink, as well as a whole host of other advantages over humans. When the zombie apocalypse occurs, you can bet rats, cockroaches, and Muppets will survive.

The only question remaining is whether humanoid Muppets have the ability to procreate and continue their species, or if they can only begin as mutations directly from humans...

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USA Lady Olympians to Watch at London 2012

London 2012 is only 52 days away.

I can't hide my excitement about that fact. Every 2 years I spend way too much time watching the Olympic Games. From major sports like basketball and the 100m Dash and hockey, to little-followed events like taekwondo and curling, I just can't get enough of the (almost round-the-clock) coverage.

The Olympics are so much fun to watch, and I'm continually amazed by how each country's athletes bring their best effort and put their training to the absolute highest test of competition.

However, I'm going to say this upfront: While these ladies have incredible skills in their respective athletic fields and deserve a great deal of credit for their abilities and achievements, my post today is centering on their physical looks. If that's not okay with you, feel free to move along, and/or write your own companion post to this one about the fine fellas you'll be following come July 27th.

Note: I'm only highlighting American (USA) athletes here. Sorry, foreigners, write your own posts for the undoubtedly attractive ladies your country is sending to London. And then leave the link to your post in the comments below.

Natalie Coughlin (swimming)

Shanelle Landry (trampoline)

Julie Zetlin (rhythmic gymnastics)

Corey Cogdell (trapshooting)

Cassidy Krug (diving)

Allyson Felix (track & field)

Gwen Jorgensen (triathlon)

I know there are many more worthy of being in this post, but this is just a small sample. Go USA!

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How Had I Never Heard the Story Behind Ben Affleck's New "Argo" Movie?

Have you seen the trailer for "Argo"?

I especially love that Ben Affleck's newest film is based on a true story.

Yes, the CIA used a cover story, Hollywood razzle dazzle, and the Canadian government's help in order to sneak 6 Americans out of revolutionary Tehran under the guise of being a sci-fi flick's crew.

Awesome, isn't it?

If you want to read about the heroics, you can click [here for a brief synopsis] or [here for a more comprehensive write-up].

This is one of the reasons I love movies. If not for this film being green-lighted, I'd probably never have heard of this story and the creative, extremely-gutsy efforts to save these expats.

Bonus fun fact for those still reading: Using Aerosmith's song "Dream On" in a trailer always makes me want to see a movie even more. I think it's due to my fond memories of the movie "Miracle".

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An Evening at the Polo Matches

I've been hearing about these polo matches in Virginia since I got here, but I'd never been. So when my friend Kim invited me to join her, I jumped at the chance.

The drive out to Great Meadow in The Plains, VA, took about 40 mins or so, which was less than the solid hour Google Maps had predicted, so already things were off to a good start. We parked, carried in our supplies (camping chairs, blankets, food, and cooler), and found a spot on the hill with a great view.

On 'Mad Hatter' night, Kim came well prepared

We started to pick up on the rules during the warm-up games, though I still think my understanding is a bit hazy as to what constitutes a foul and what isn't.

The main event matches were very impressive. Rider and horse seemed to move together so fluidly, and the mallet swinging was very precise to be able to hit the ball while on the run. Also, Kim pointed out that in between 'chukkers' (what we think is a term for 'period'), they'd switch out horses, so they'd go through several horses for a single night's match.

If you do go out to watch the polo matches, be aware that it can get fairly chilly at night, or at least it did our night. Thank goodness for some random spare clothes and my trusty ol' BYU blanket in the car.

Pretty cool, right? Have you ever been? What other less-watched sports have you seen live?

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