Tyler Lewis' Portfolio

Cool Motion Graphics

2011-08-16T11:00:00.000-06:00

BBC KNOWLEDGE 60 from iamrader on Vimeo.

And the information is pretty neat, too.

Very cool.

2011-08-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Check out the other two on his Vimeo channel. They're called "Learn" and "Eat."

Inspiring

2011-08-14T22:49:00.000-06:00

Awesome

2011-02-01T12:45:00.003-07:00

Click on the squares to create music.

Source: Sembeo

old spice parody

2010-07-15T16:53:00.002-06:00

soothing

2010-06-02T08:23:00.000-06:00

pencil

2010-05-06T16:27:00.000-06:00

I just wrote myself a note to pick some things up on my way home from work (the essentials: honey, chicken, and Rocky Road Ice Cream). I used a pencil and remembered I enjoy writing with pencils the mostest. It has to be a regular pencil and slightly dull. It's easy to write with and makes a pleasant noise. I also think that my handwriting looks the bestest when I use a pencil that is in that perfect state of dullness. My only complaint is that it doesn't stay properly dull. It fills my life with grief!

updated portfolio

2010-05-05T16:18:00.001-06:00

Check it out. Sometimes I get a really cool project to do at work instead of making graphics for elementary algebra, geometry, data, and measurement tests (I've learned just how tricky and picky test makers are!).

I made a series of wallpapers to be used on the computers in the lab. I think my job is pretty swell because my work is used and displayed. I guess it wouldn't be worth their money to have me design stuff but never use it...

why is my blog called "Go For It"? i'm glad you asked.

2010-04-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

For all the dear readers, this post is a tribute to my lovely blog title. Travel with me back in time...

"It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." Ok, it was not during the French Revolution that Charles Dickens writes about, but that seems to be a highly catchy (if overused) way to begin something. In any case, I have your attention. Please continue to read.

At the beginning of 2008 I was starting to correspond with a lovely girl. We had first become acquainted with each other on Facebook (as most relationships should begin). Together, we planned a road trip to a wedding in Arizona. I'm fairly certain the details of the trip have been shared to all of you who read this so I won't repeat it. After the road trip, I found her blog on the www. She said nice things about the trip and alluded to someone that I suspected to be me. I was intrigued with her blog because it dealt with happy thoughts in her life. I read all the posts. Our Facebook converstations and face-to-face conversations (yes, we had progressed to a face-to-face relationship at this point) were often focused on her blog and blogging. She suggested I should start my own blog to share my thoughts, gushy feelings, humorous anecdotes, and whatnot.

So I did.

I named my blog, "Go For It." The reasons:
1. I wanted to do what the girl suggested. Perhaps to impressive, but I don't remember.
2. I was unsure if I should date this cute girl because she lived forever away (so it seemed when driving home late at night).
3. I was also unsure if I should date her because she was a little older than me. Nothing scarier than older women, right?
4. As I was setting up my blog, I realized I shouldn't let anything stop me. "I should go for her," I thought. That would sound weird for a blog title. So, I changed "her" to "it" and dropped the first two words.

Yup. I talked myself into dating Lisa when I was setting up my blog. I may night post very often. But I'm very glad I went for it and started dating Lisa. I've never had more fun. I've never been on as many adventures. I've never been as secure of myself. And I've never been happier since I decided to "Go For It."

Happy birthday, Lisa! I'm going to keep going for you because you're my Schatje.

sucked in

2010-03-23T16:20:00.000-06:00

Lisa and I spent a little of our tax return on improving our bedding situation. The less visible upgrade is perhaps the most appreciated, in my opinion. We bought a memory foam pad for our mattress. Oh my goodness. For two mornings I could not escape the bed when my alarm went off. I fell back asleep as soon as I turned my alarm off. Yes, that may be a slight exaggeration, but my arm did not make it back onto the bed. Nope, it was left hanging off the side of the bed because I fell into another deep slumber as I tried to return my arm to the comfort of the bed. We've experienced some of the deepest sleep of our lives since we purchased that pad and enjoy sinking into oblivion every night.

Thought you might want to know.

stop motion

2010-02-19T17:05:00.002-07:00

burj

2010-01-06T08:39:00.005-07:00

The world's tallest building opened on Monday. This video is impressive, if a bit long. Start watching it at 9 minutes, unless you want to watch a light show, water show, and listen to some Middle Eastern music. Wow! I would have loved to see that firework show in person.

This site also has some cool pictures of the tower and its construction.

catch up

2009-12-23T10:39:00.002-07:00

I'm done student teaching. I finished about a week early when my wife's water broke (by the way, I found it awesome that I could push on Lisa's belly and make her wet her pants while the amniotic fluid drained out). Ending so abruptly didn't give me a chance to say goodbye to those midgets, and I'm sad about that. I miss them, actually.

Time for a list:

1. If necessary, I could teach those midgets for a career.

2. They are more willing to trust what you say, which leads to some exciting anticipatory sets. High schoolers rarely trust what you say at first and don't get into it easily.

3. I severely disappointed the female midgets by naming my son Simon instead of Jacob, some bare-chested werewolf.

4. My CO2 car wasted all of the 8th graders' cars. I mean, .67 seconds compared to 1.22 seconds? No contest.

5. Students get beaten down all day long from many teachers (see number 4). They are just seeking approval and recognition for what they are doing. Give them that, and they change completely.

6. Teaching is really exciting and rewarding. I made a good career choice - sorry Pixar, I'm not heading your way.

7. It's finally snowing!

simon j.

2009-12-15T11:49:00.002-07:00

I like this guy. He's tiny and functions perfectly. I also like cuddling him and watching him smile. Soon he'll be able to do that consciously. I think we've bonded well. He's comfortable enough with me to poop into my hand as I was changing a wet diaper. Twice. I just think of it as a gift he's giving me. He doesn't have much else to give in the tangible sense, so he gives whatever way he can.

Speaking of season, Christmas does not seem that exciting anymore. My Christmas came two weeks ago in a hospital. Opening presents seems inconsequential compared to wiping my son's poop off of my hand. However, I do feel very blessed this season because of a wonderful wife that loves me and our son. She's a champion in everything she's doing. A super champ, I dare say. I love her and him.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

pontification #2

2009-10-30T16:35:00.006-06:00

Middle schoolers' (midgets as some might say) backpack sizes are disproportionate to their size.
The smaller the midget, the larger the backpack or amount of contents within.

The larger the midget, the smaller the backpack or amount of contents within.

I have yet to see any midget provide sufficient evidence to refute my claim. Maybe the larger midgets can quickly transverse the school to their lockers and thus have enough time to use them. Or the smaller midgets try to make up for their diminutive size by showing their great strength.

I need to conduct more research to back up my claim.

go panthers!

2009-10-28T19:23:00.000-06:00

Thoughts since starting at the middle school include:

1. 45 minutes is not enough time to teach and give each individual student the attention they need and deserve.

2. Aren't middle schoolers smarter than to pass a note right in front of me?

3. These kids are midgets.

4. Hearing the concert band amuses me.

5. Dress code really improves the actions of midgets.

6. The 7th grade little people are still innocent.

7. What happens to students after 7th grade?

8. The last names of "Mohawk" and "Minutes" exist.

That's all for now.

ehhs

2009-10-27T21:22:00.001-06:00

I finished teaching at East Hollywood High School. It was a great experience. I learned to respect kids for who they are, and they will in turn respect you. Those kids were awesome and work harder than a lot of people think they do.

On my last day there I had them fill out a little paper where they wrote things they liked and didn't like about the class that I taught. Here are a few responses...

Like:

1. "You don't yell."

2. "I like you very motivating cuz u so cute."

3. "I enjoyed how you were really motivated to get us to work, even though we didn't."

Didn't Like:

1. "Gave Taylor a swear slip."

2. "I didn't like that this is your last day."

3. "I dislike nothing."

4. "You're a good teacher."

Other:

1. "I'm sort of neutral and don't know what to say."

2. "Hit the middle school kids, cuz they sucks."

Next week I start at a middle school in Provo. No more commuting!

(If you haven't kept up with things, we used to live in Murray for a year, and I rode the bus down to BYU. After moving back to Provo I have had to travel back up to Salt Lake to teach. I'm excited to get a little more sleep!)

game time

2009-09-22T15:26:00.004-06:00

Quite often one might find a glass of water left on the table or next to the sink from Lisa. Often she's letting it become a littler warmer because it's too cold from the fridge or waiting until she has more room in her belly to drink it. She's doing really well on her New Year's resolution to drink more water, especially since she's been pregnant. I made a resolution a little late- to drink Lisa's water. Whenever I pass one of her water cups I'll either drink most of it or drink all of it. Why not? Free water, I say. Saves me a few seconds of getting a glass down and filling it up or from getting my hand wet as I drink from the faucet. It's a fun game and garners some great reactions from her.

Oh, and did you know I love cold water from the fridge?

sad goodbyes

2009-09-20T11:41:00.002-06:00

Last night Lisa and I watched some of the special features from the extended version of Return of the King. The part that really caught my attention and emotions was when they were talking about wrapping up the filming and saying goodbye to everyone. They had been shooting for over 14 months. I'm sure they were sad that they were done filming the movie, but they seemed almost shell-shocked that they would be leaving the people that they had built strong relationships with over those months.

I relate to that. I think most of us can. For me it brought back the feelings of leaving the mission field. 2 years of working hard on a single purpose with many other people, missionaries or members, and then saying goodbye seemed surreal. It didn't seem like it should be happening. I was finally understanding what I was doing, how to speak with the Dutch and Flemish, and was at the peak of my game. Yet, they still sent me home.

Walking down the terminal to the airplane I kept trying to think what it would be like at home, and I couldn't figure it out. It didn't seem like there would be anything. It seemed empty. I'm sure that's what ol' Frodo, Sam, Aragon, and the others were thinking. That's why I sat there almost crying with them last night. 3 and a half years haven't buried those feelings as well as I thought they had. I still miss my European friends and companions. Dominic Monaghan said to the cast and crew of Lord of the Rings, "All of you have made me want to be a better person. That's the greatest compliment I can give." I echo those words.

student teacher

2009-09-17T12:48:00.004-06:00

The funny thing is how I didn't like student teachers in high school because they weren't my real teacher. I had built such an intimate close relationship in the first week or two, then BAM! They come in and take control of the class trying to teach. I didn't sign up to be in THEIR class. How dare they? Actually, I can only remember one student teacher I had for a history class and of him only his red-headedness comes to mind. The others I've blocked very successfully from my memory.

And here I am. A student teacher. Currently, I'm at East Hollywood High School in West Valley. It's a charter school that's mainly a tv/video production school. That's awesome because my teaching emphasis is in multimedia (video editing, graphic design, 3D stuff). I'm teaching a video editing class and a stop motion animation class. Awesome, huh?

It almost makes me rethink my life when I remember how I used to view student teachers and realize that NOW I'm one of them. I came in and took over some classes, changing the rhythm that the students got accustomed to in the first weeks they had with the original teacher (who is an awesome teacher/mentor, by the way). However, I'm not going to rethink my life. Student teaching is only for one semester. JUST one semester with no time to work (thanks for supporting the family, Lisa!). JUST one semester of taking over classes and destroying students expectations for the class (good or bad).

So far it's easier and less stressful than an actual semester of classes on campus. It is much more entertaining. For example:
1. A few students daily wearing cloaks, capes, or robes from various medieval/fantasy influences.
2. A student wearing a white mask covering his entire head.
3. A student trying to glare me down in the hallway with her vampire eye contacts and fangs in place.
4. A friendly transvestite.
5. The student names Forrest, Raven, Kiel, and Ramse.
6. Club Friday when I can watch the LARPing club (live action role-playing, search the ol' www for examples) in action.
7. A faculty of about 15 teachers that create the atmosphere similar to that from the movie The School of Rock.

hummingbird update

2009-08-31T15:43:00.002-06:00

Last night in a 20 minute period a hummingbird repeatedly ran into our living room window about 6 times. Perhaps it was trying to get revenge for losing its soft tail feathers. Or it was trying to commit suicide but the glass was too bouncy.

the soft feathers

2009-08-25T12:56:00.004-06:00

My sister gave Lisa a fabulous hummingbird feeder, and Lisa has faithfully been feeding them birds for over a month now. She even lovingly chastises them from the window as they are bullying each other away from the feeder.

A few weeks ago we went out to put in some fresh sugar water for them when we noticed something that made us wince. There was a small clump of soft, down feathers stuck to the lip of the feeder. The poor bird got stuck to the seat from some sticky sugar water and had to pull its own feathers off of its little rump to escape the sugary trap! Can you imagine the little hummingbird flapping its tiny wings so fast trying to escape? Or perhaps it was a normal take off but a sudden stinging in the rumpus area might have caused the little bird to black out in mid-flight as the shock set in.

Poor bird.

worst surprise

2009-07-22T11:35:00.004-06:00

I groggily clambered into the shower and fumbled with the hot water knob to turn it on today. When I heard the sudden hiss as water was forced out of the shower head and doused me with cold water left over from yesterday's shower it made my heart skip a beat, and I almost screamed. I was waiting with my eyes closed for the water to make the normal gurgling noise coming out of the tap. Cold water unexpected is rude.

I wish I could say this was the first time.

lions roar

2009-07-15T10:29:00.001-06:00

The Hush Sound — Lions Roar from Mig Reyes on Vimeo.

Catchy song and amazingly designed video!

college

2009-07-08T09:00:00.012-06:00

I'll be student teaching this fall to complete my undergrad work. In preparing for it, I've reflected a little on what I've done through college. It's quite unique, and I've had lots of fun. Here's a quick look at my school "work."

Wood work: night stand

Lego robotics

Innovation

Life size Operation game: Med Unit

Electronics

3D modeling

Animations

Also, graphic design, flash game Dodger (click on the screen to control with arrow keys), videos, trebuchets, CO2 cars, and photography.

Many times Lisa would shake her head and say, "This is your homework for college?"

prediction

2009-07-06T16:21:00.002-06:00

I was quoted in high school to say that I'd like to work for Pixar and make Toy Story 5. My life's destiny is heading elsewhere than Pixar (and I'm glad), but Pixar's recent trailer for Toy Story 3 seems to make Toy Story 5 more plausible. If it was anybody but Pixar I would bemoan the fate of a movie franchise going to numero five, but now I think I've got a chance!

How do I get my name on the credits for a movie?
"A special thanks to Tyler Lewis for not bothering us anymore."
Wish me luck!

creativity is inspiring

2009-06-24T08:31:00.002-06:00

don't like

2009-06-18T10:03:00.002-06:00

I don't like it when the milk jug gets crusties around the threads and cap. They flake off and get in my glass of milk or worse yet, get on my lips when I drink out of the jug. It almost deters me from the later when I feel the crusties stuck to my lips. That's when I have to wipe my mouth with my hand instead of licking it.

And that's all.

kijkus

2009-06-10T14:55:00.003-06:00

I recently put some of my stuff together online. Check it out.

fyi

2009-06-09T15:56:00.001-06:00

Announcement: Go to Lisa's blog.

antwerpen centraal

2009-05-01T08:14:00.004-06:00

One of my areas while serving a mission in Belgium was the city Antwerpen. It had a big, old, train station under construction the entire time I was in Europe. The floors were cement, trash was everywhere, and it was always very dark inside. Things have changed. This rad video shows the station completed, and... it's a pretty sweet event. I would love to see something this random happen in person.

it's that time of month

2009-04-28T13:51:00.002-06:00

Hello. Lisa and I recently got back from New York City. It was a blast! I loved everything, especially seeing Wicked on Broadway and the city from the top of Rockefeller building. Lisa has posted some pictures from our adventures, and instead of posting them again myself, I'll link to hers. I'm lazy like that.

Click me.

Check it out again.

I also learned one very important lesson- check your driver's license before flying. Mine expired back in January on my birthday. I got to New York just fine, but when we were coming home I got some very personal attention. I've never seen someone give me such close physical attention while not paying attention to me at all. I was just the dude's job and not a human being he was frisking. I felt like I deserved more attention from him and not just his hands.

intimidation

2009-03-25T06:46:00.006-06:00

Women-folk may not understand the following. Public restroom etiquette differs for different types of people. An interesting trend that I've noticed has to deal with persons that are large in stature- large in the girth about their middle or the breadth across their shoulders, but either of these factors seem to change the etiquette of these persons possessing the afore mentioned qualities.

In my opinion, resting an arm on the dividers between urinals is crossing a boundary that is established early in life. Whatever it is these men seem to relax and feel content when their elbow is hanging across the divider into the adjoining urinal's space. Women-folk may not have recently seen a men-folk's restroom, but there isn't much space about a urinal. An elbow hanging across the divider crosses all sorts of personal boundaries. Maybe these men-folk types try to spread their power and dominion in this fashion. They can have the public restroom. As for my occasional visits to their public restroom domains, I'll try to use the urinal as far away from them as possible.

that's not my name!

2009-03-19T13:04:00.010-06:00

A. If I was named Matthew or Scott (or Brittney), I would be smugly satisfied as I crossed both of the T's off at the same time. I know that all the Scotts and Matthews feel that way and want to rub it in that the rest of us can't be more efficient at writing our names and thus save .25 seconds of our day. I wish I could be smug when writing my name. (My sources: Matthew and Scott - friends and former roommates)

B. This song is annoyingly catchy: That's Not My Name
(Thanks Larry)

C. I overheard a conversation behind me while enjoying the public transportation system. The speaker is an athelete in the Special Olympics.

"Let's just say that if you saw me you would be impressed. I'm like the Michael Phelps of the Special Olympics. No really, if you saw me swimming you would be impressed. When I get in the water you hear the Jaws theme song, you know, like a heart beat that starts slow then gets faster. It will get closer and closer to you until I take a bite out of you. That's right, that's me in the water. You would be impressed. The same could be said of me in softball..."

here's lookin' to you

2009-03-10T15:19:00.002-06:00

1. Thanks to all the dedicated readers out there. I try to make it easy by only posting in utmost need.

2. Powerful orchestral music backing up a powerhouse singer is spine tingling good. I recently rediscovered this while acquainting myself with the music of Wicked. Wow. I'm a fan.

3. I spent my lunch reviewing scholarship applications. One of the requirements was to explain your creativity and individuality. One girl said she would follow the Facebook fetish and post part of her 25 list that recently swept Facebook. She probably copied and pasted it directly into the application. Her responses weren't very creative; however, the fact that she had guts enough to do that was quite creative. Now how do I rate that?

4. Number two still amazes me. I love that everyone can get that feeling to different kind of music. Rock on everyone.

5. Lisa is publishing violent stories about our marriage. How dare she!

6. I'm lucky to have that Lisa.

free!

2009-02-23T10:35:00.002-07:00

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice for you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It’ll be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it’s going to be.
5. I reserve the right to do something I’ve never done before.

rantings

2009-02-05T16:57:00.001-07:00

You may have noticed that I've raved a few times about carrots. I've come to another conclusion.

Walmart's brand of carrots, baby or adult, is not delicious.

=)

2009-01-21T06:54:00.005-07:00

So, a few months ago I gots me a wife... or the wife gots me. I'm not really sure who did the gettin' but someone got gotten. It seems to have been a rather mutual process of gettin' to the point where we both wanted to be gotten. I must say that there ring on her finger was a smidge difficult to come by in the right size to make it so any other getters wouldn't get any idears. Almost as difficult as it was for her to get out a word when I gave her the ring.

The new(ish) Mrs. Lisa Lewis is fantastic. I'm her #1 fan. Here are a few reasons why:

1. She dazzles me with her smile every time I come home. It makes all the cares and troubles of my day drop off my shoulders.

2. Sometimes she just won't let go of me after we pray in the morning. She holds me tightly, even for someone who's half (more like a quater) awake. It breaks my heart to pry her hands off me so I can go and catch the train.

3. Lisa frequently breaks into dance as she's doing something and her dazzling smile and gorgous green eyes draw me to dance with her.

4. She makes me laugh all the time. All the time.

5. She's excited about things we can do together and plans them out in great detail. (Watch out New York!)

6. Sincerety is something she radiates. She's always sincere with her compliments and her gratitude.

7. With her around, I am completely comfortable. I'm comfortable being myself around her. I feel comfortable in the way we interact and help each other. I love it!

8. I love the way she dresses. It's stylish and good looking!

9. I love seeing her concentrating or thinking deeply because she sucks her checks in a little and bites on them. She's so cute when she does that!

10.
Wow.

bye bye babies

2009-01-16T08:05:00.002-07:00

Growing up is a good change. Leaving childish things behind has been an awarding experience the last week. I feel more confident and proud. I am a man and will eat like a man. Full-sized carrots, which I think we should call Adult Carrots, are rich with carroty flavor. They don't taste weird like baby carrots do. Adult Carrots don't get slimy. And, this might be the largest reason for my gained confidence, they don't wet the bag. I've been proudly trying to get everyone I know to mature and see the subtle pleasantries of Adult Carrots.

So, have you experienced Adult Carrots recently?

done

2008-12-11T16:16:00.004-07:00

No more will I spend late nights away in a distant town away from my wife. It's too hard living a double life. Lisa would call anxiously call me and ask when I would be home. My unsure responses have surely left her unsettled. I feel terrible.

And guilty.

I have called it quits and have decided to reveal my mistress to the world. She's been very demanding the last few weeks and has caused marital discomfort betwixt Lisa and I. Luckily Lisa is very forgiving. More forgiving than my mistress. When I would get careless and not pay as much attention to my mistress, it would take me hours to appease her. I think I've settled everything now, and I've arranged for the two to meet next week.

I plan on bringing my mistress home to live with us. I think it's a really good idea. I love my beautiful, pale-skinned wife, but my mistress' dark color is truly captivating. The more love the better, right?

My mistress

ratings

2008-11-25T15:12:00.004-07:00

I've become intrigued with how descriptive movie ratings have become. It's nice that they've become that why but some of them make me wonder...

1. Charly and the Chocolate Factory
-Rated PG for quirky situations, action and mild language.
2. Lord of the Rings
-Rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and frightening images.
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
-Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images.
4. Star Wars: The Clone Wars
-Rated PG for sci-fi action violence throughout, brief language and momentary smoking.
5. Shrek the Third
-Rated PG for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action.

I'm glad to know that if I'm against swashbuckling action or quirky situations, I can find out from the movie's rating.

woodshop

2008-11-06T15:55:00.002-07:00

I'm a woodturner. One thing really bugs me about achieving this status is how I must follow all the rules of the wood shop. I know rules are protection. But one rule has been irritating me as bad as if I combed my hair with a part on the wrong side.

The Rule: No jewelery.

I don't have a problem following the rule. I just hate how it feels when I do it. I hate taking my wedding ring off and putting it in my pocket. Hate it. That's a symbol of my eternal marriage to Lisa! I don't want to stuff it in some dark pocket to lie with lint as if it doesn't matter to me. I love my wedding ring. I love Lisa! I want to always be able to see it. I love every reminder of August 15, 2008 and of Lisa. I do not want to go around and hide these reminders. Even if my finger gets cut off, that will be a reminder too!
P.S. I'm not a real woodturner - a padawan perhaps but not a real one.
P.P.S. My ring is different and much cooler than the picture.

old man

2008-10-29T17:21:00.009-06:00

Today I was cutting through the BYU Bookstore to get to my bus stop. I glanced at the credit union stationed inside of it and noticed an armored truck guard walking out with a bag. Seeing the man a thought struck me, and I'm not sure that I should share it because I could get in trouble if someone acted on it. I am going to share this thought because it seemed quite funny to me at the time.

The Victim: The guard. He was well passed the age of retirement. He should have been home sitting on the front porch in a rocker reminiscing about the good ol' days. His back was hunched over, and his footsteps were very small shuffles.

The Crime: Steal money.Walk up to the guard, grab the bag, push him over and run.

The Motive: Easy money.

Would it be possible? I think so. Before he could even pull out his gun or radio (if he wasn't paralyzed from the fall), you could be outside of the Wilkinson Center walking like a normal student carrying a shoulder bag. Simply walk to your car (or steal one- you might as well go all the way, right? You did just push over an old man...) and drive to Mexico. I mean, it's BYU. No one would think that a person would push over a harmless old man and STEAL money from him. It's not that BYU students are above crime; it just rarely happens. That's why it would be possible

prophet of God

2008-10-25T13:13:00.003-06:00

Two weeks ago Lisa and I went to the Salt Lake Temple to go through a session there. It was the first time either of us had been there. As we were walking out of the temple, there was an old painting of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Lisa saw them and whispered, "Oh look! There's Joefus!" I stared at her and then she realized what she had done. She had called the prophet of the restoration "Joefus." She hurriedly whispered, "Don't tell anyone!"

The time has come to tell all. I know in the Old Testament that people who made fun of a prophet or called him names were eaten by bears or struck dumb. You know, some crazy way that God showed them to not mess with His main man on earth. And now my wife is saying these things. You may understand why I've given her a can of bear mace and told her not to talk for a while until things up above have settle down.

Disclaimer: She said "Joefus" because she has an adorable nephew that everyone calls "Joefus." I doubt any of his family even know how to say "Joseph" anymore...

auction

2008-10-22T16:24:00.005-06:00

As I'm typing this, I'm eagerly watching the bid climb higher and higher on Lisa's MacBook that we're selling on ebay. I've never sold anything before, and this is quite exciting to watch it. The anticipation and suspense is great! I have to catch the bus about 5 minutes before the auction ends, and I think that I might injure the old and feeble trying to get on the bus as quickly as possible so I can check it out again.

I remember going to Salem Days and hearing the end of the auction that they do before the pageant. It seemed rather mild and not exciting. Then again, I was always sitting far away and couldn't actually see the bidding going on. This isn't anything like that. I'm riveted.

It's an interesting concept, this auction business. Put a bid down and a final amount, hoping to win the auction by paying more than the "other guy" while still saving money if bought elsewhere. Weird.

graphics

2008-10-01T07:56:00.004-06:00

Last week I did a couples things for one of my classes in photoshop. Realizing I've never put anything on my blog that I've done, here they are. I made them for my major, TEE.

kentucky

2008-10-01T07:15:00.005-06:00

3 days from my wife; terrible! Missing general conference; sinful! Flying out at 6 AM; unnatural!

It's going to happen this weekend. I guess I signed up for it over a year ago when I joined the leadership for Phi Eta Sigma (that's gibberish for Freshmen Honor's Society). Next time I should read the fine print that mentions those first three things before I sign up.

My plan:
1) Test the limits of unlimited texting as I sit in meetings missing my Lisa-girl.
2) Read conference.
3) Eat all the food on the airplane. That will show 'em...

:)

2008-09-19T07:19:00.000-06:00

Someone is snoring on the bus. I find that funny.

walk not run

2008-09-08T17:34:00.002-06:00

When I saw Trax about 100 yards from its stop as I was driving into the parking lot, I sighed, groaned, and screamed at the same time inside my head and prepared myself mentally for a mad dash. If I missed this train, I would miss my bus. And that would probably put me back about 40 minutes and make me extremely late to class.

Even as my car came screeching into the parking stall, I had already turned it off, taken my keys out, grabbed my bag, opened my door and locked it. Once the car was (I hope) completely in the stall, I let the clutch out and sprung out slamming the door as I began my mad dash. I held my backpack in my right hand and made a quick decision in the first few strides.

The parking lot is about 10 feet higher than where the buses and Trax pull up, and they conveniently made one way to get down there. A bottle neck. A bottle neck that is in the middle of the station while the Trax entrances are on either end. The rest of the steep slope is covered in lush grass protected by a chain-linked fence at the top.

My decision, take the quickest route to the north Trax entrance. Mind you, I was sprinting with my backpack trailing from my hand, which is carrying my expensive laptop inside. Approaching the fence, I imaginied myself smoothly jump the fence, fall on my face as my shoe got caught on it, only to get up, race the rest of the way and to miss Trax by inches with a bruised body, broken laptop, and people laughing at me from inside the train. Luckily, reality occured differently. I awkwardly hurdled the fence at full speed protecting my bag and face from the ground and continued sprinting down the hill and started across the many lanes of bus stops. That's when I heard the beeping of the Trax doors closing. Using the last of my 6:30 AM energy, I raced around the entrance to Trax and leaped into the closing doors on the last Trax car.

Panting and keeping myself from falling over with my hands on my knees I had a few realizations:
1) I will never become an Olympic hurdler.
2) I never thought I would have to run for a train or bus after the mission.
3) Since I was wrong about #2, I'm glad I don't have to run wearing a suit and really uncomfortable running shoes.
4) Running that early really wakes you up.
5) Were my headlights off?

good morning

2008-08-29T06:47:00.002-06:00

I would like to say hello to my new friends that I met this morning- the construction worker sporting his bright, reflective orange vest and helmet who was also carrying his "Slow" sign, the bearded kid standing half asleep with his bicycle, the other guy decked in black from his bike helmet to his bike gloves with the fingers cut off and his black mountain bike, the lady with the perpetual frown that never opened her eyes as she munched on Honeycomb cereal, and the guy who was asleep behind his sunglasses yet had his foot resting on his upside down skateboard. Hello friends. I hope that we can become better acquainted with each other's morning personalities.

Most of them got off at different stops as I rode trax down to Sandy, but the bike kid in black is on the bus with me now heading to Provo. Oh, did you know that the bus has internet? It's not the fastest internet in the world, but I'm not going to complain because it's amazing that they even made the internet available on the bus.

And this isn't your ugly, uncomfortable bus that you normally see belching black exhaust as it slowly travels through the city. This is the Express. Flashy red and blue streaks down the side, the lush chairs that slightly recline, and the sparkles in the floor that reflect the blue light under the seat. I actually feel like I'm on a really low flying airplane. I'm just waiting for the stewardess to come by with my snacks...

1 hour and 10 minutes. That's how long it will take me to get to BYU after I hop on trax in Murray. That's not bad, not bad at all. Think of all the things I can do during this trip! The books I can read, the blog posts I can write, the homework I can do, or the sleep I can catch. My thoughts, I'll do the homework so I can have more time to be focused on my wife when I get home.

perfect

2008-08-25T11:07:00.002-06:00

August 15, 2008.

It was the perfect day for the most wonderful event in my life. Lisa looked breathtaking, and her wedding dress added to her beauty. Family and friends were at the temple, luncheon and reception to express their joy and happiness for us on our marriage. And that marriage is an eternal one. I love that and want nothing less than that with Lisa.

The day didn't drag or rush by but moved at a perfect pace. Even losing my phone in the middle of the day didn't dash the magic of it all. I want to put pictures up here for everyone to see, but I don't have any. I'm anxious to see them myself. So, just imagine in your mind a happy married couple, and you'll have the gist of it.

a cry of warning

2008-07-23T12:18:00.007-06:00

The phenomenon of water in a bag of baby carrots is probably scientifically explainable, but that would ruin my tale. As far as I'm concerned, the carrots peed in the bag. Today I was being environmentally friendly and decided to take the carrots in the bag they normally come in rather than put them into a sandwich bag and waste that much more plastic. I pulled them out of the fridge and stuck them in my back pack for lunch. There was not any H2O residue on the bag that I noticed.

I dare to postulate that the carrots got so excited at going for a ride in my bag that they peed their bag- probably more than once. I say more than once because they peed the bag to capacity and burst little holes in it to then allow the pee to spread into my backpack. I discovered their dastardly deed when I got to work and opened my bag to get my jump drive. Carrot pee. In my bag. I don't care how a botanist, biologist, nephrologist, or phlebotomist explains this carrot phenomenon; the carrots peed.

Carrots need help.

i want it

2008-07-14T12:27:00.004-06:00

When I'm older, I want to have smile wrinkles. Not the kind of wrinkles that show I've scorched my face blowing out countless numbers of birthday candles. I want my face to show that I've gone through life happy. Happiness will be etched at the corners of my eyes and mouth.

I think it's going to happen; I laugh a lot with Lisa, and she makes me smile. In 20 years, I'll let you know how I'm doing. Believe you me.

i'm it

2008-07-11T12:35:00.002-06:00

4 Places I Visit Over and Over
1. Lisa's house
2. Bookstores
3. Moab
4. Logan

4 People who call/text/email me regularly
1. Lisa
2. Mom
3. Kevin

4. Christi

4 Favorite Foods
1. Lasagna
2. Mashed Potatoes
3. Döner Kebab
4. Dipped Courtesy Cones at Arctic Circle

4 Places I'd Rather Be
1. Anywhere with Lisa
2. The Netherlands/Belgium
3. Moab
4. Australia

4 Movies I'd Watch Over and Over
1. Any Pixar Movie
2. Emperor's New Groove
3. Enchanted
4. Monty Python and The Holy Grail

4 Bands/Groups I love to listen to
1. Jimmy Eat World
2. Guster
3. Snow Patrol
4. Death Cab For Cutie

4 People I'm Tagging
1. Christi
2. Pamela/Kevin
3. Kyle/Amanda
4. Mike/Alex

love

2008-07-02T11:15:00.012-06:00

My happiness. My love.

past summers

2008-06-24T09:18:00.005-06:00

Every morning I walk by the Provo High School going to campus. This morning's walk took me down memory lane as I saw and heard their marching band marching around the track. The band was small and pathetic looking, but these kids were out there at 8 to practice doing what they loved.

My summers in high school were full of marching and drumming. I remember going to the high school at about 7:40 am to get my drums and music ready to warm up with the drumline by 7:45 am. The marching band didn't even arrive until 8. For the next two hours we marched around the track, marched around a parking lot, and marched around the side streets of Spanish Fork playing cadences and practicing our marching music. The ancient T shaped drum carrier dug into my shoulders and back, and I always got a beautiful T-shaped sweat mark on my t-shirt. At 10 am the band was done with practice and went home. If it was a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday the drumline stayed another 2 hours to practice. I gained some sweet skills with all that time. I could stand in one spot without moving for hours, walk around for hours, and do both of those things with a heavy set of drums on my shoulders. The sweat, pain, and time put into it made me proud of what I was doing.

And why was I doing it? My brother did it. Once Kevin brought home a snare drum to practice for concert band, and he let me play it. It was the coolest thing to hold the drum sticks and try to play what he just showed me. I think I even played a buzz roll (which is really easy), and I almost wet my pants with excitement. Also, when Kevin talked about drumming, marching, and competitions I got excited. At parades and competitions he looked so cool in his uniform and the drumline sounded powerful that I knew I wanted to do it, too.

So, my 4 high school summers were spent marching and playing in a band that probably looked just as pathetic as the one I saw this morning, but I thought it was the greatest thing in the world. It was hard. It was hot. And sometimes it was really long, but now I'm really glad I did it.

I liked it so much that I played for 2 years on BYU's drumline. And that is anything but a pathetic looking marching band. And the drumline rocked.

embarrassing? i think not

2008-06-16T19:33:00.005-06:00

The funniest and most embarrassing stories always seem to be those that happen with future in-laws. Perhaps it's because the pressure to give them a good impression is abnormally high and that sparks situations that don't normally occur. Or the planets align just so and cause these normal occurrences to twist into some freakishly hilarious event. I don't know the reasons, and I don't have an embarrassing story that has happened with my future in-laws in the last 12 days that I've been engaged. But, the weekend before I proposed is another story. A story that I'm now going to tell.

The crackling of the fire filled the night-time sky of May 30th. I was seated around the campfire with a bunch of Lisa's friends laughing and enjoying ourselves. They were friendly and funny. We talked about many things, but eventually the theme for the night came out. Poo stories. The embarrassing type (is there any other type?). A few of the stories caused us to laugh hard enough to almost create new poo stories right then.

I didn't have a story to share with them. I felt like an outcast.

The next day, Lisa and I ate breakfast at her parents' house. Her parents asked us how the camp-out fared. I believe they were slightly shocked at the our response. I tried to contain my snorting laughter as Lisa retold a few of the stories. I tried hard to be more polite and contain my laughter; I mean, I was planning on proposing to their daughter and still needed to make a good impression! I couldn't be rolling on the ground guffawing over a poo story, and while they were also laughing, I felt ashamed at my own reaction. They waited politely for me to compose myself and asked if I had a story to share. This time when I answered that I did not have a story, I felt relieved instead of rejected. I didn't want to try and impress them with my own poo story.

The next day Lisa's parents and her brother's family were gathered together for a family BBQ. We were all outside enjoying ourselves and the beautiful weather when I felt a stirring within. I left the group and didn't announce my destination. No one noticed me leave, and Lisa's mom, who was in the kitchen, didn't notice me go downstairs. I completed my business in the bathroom, stood up, and flushed the toilet. My ears were alerted that something was wrong when they didn't hear the normal flushing sounds. That's when a quick flash of panic swept my body.

I confirmed the source of my panic after I lifted the toilet seat and peaked underneath. No worries, I thought, I'll just find the plunger and be done in a minute or two. I looked around the toilet, underneath the sink, and through all the drawers for a plunger. No luck.

Still being the optimist I am, I walked jovially down the hall and started up the stairs. The thought crossed my mind, "This could potentially be one of those really embarrassing moments that people dread." I wasn't dreading anything, but for some reason I still crept up the stairs and into the back bathroom so Lisa's mom didn't notice me. Quietly, I looked in every crevice for a plunger only to be disappointed. Once again using my stealth, I left the back bathroom and crept through the front room to avoid the kitchen (where Lisa's mom was) to go to the master bathroom. There, the treasure was found. I retraced my steps through the front room and down the stairs without the faintest sound to give away my presence.

Little more than 5 minutes had passed since I had left everyone, and I figured I would still complete the task at hand and get out without anyone knowing. With these thoughts, I stuck the plunger in the toilet and plunged. Nothing. Again I plunged. And plunged. And plunged.

I think it was about 25 minutes later that I realized that people might start to wonder where I was. The water level had only receded an inch, and I started to feel the panic return. Then I heard voices. Not just anyone's voice, Lisa and her nephew's. Feeling strangely afraid of Lisa and knowing her nephew's tendency to tell all, I felt a fear that is difficult to explain. I responded to their calls with a simple, "Yes?"

"Are you alright?" Lisa asked. "Yes, everything is fine," I responded. I was standing next to the door to prevent anyone from catching a glimpse of the horrific scene. I didn't trust the lock, and sure enough, the nephew twisted the doorknob and it opened. I stopped the door and gently pushed it closed. He asked if he could come in, and I said no. I told him the toilet was broken, but I almost had it fixed.

About 15 minutes later, I had the water almost completely out of the toilet and had a blister on my right palm. Tenderly feeling my blister, I leaned back to catch my breath, wiped the sweat off my forehead, and thought, "This will make a great story for my blog!"

I reached confidently to flush it again, pushed, and watched with horror as the toilet filled up again. I don't know exactly how much time I had spent, but I knew I needed help. If I kept trying by myself, I would end up in the hospital with my hand a bloody pulp. So, I put my shoulders back, lifted up my chin, and walked with a smile upstairs and outside to face Lisa's family. They were all gathered together around the new tree swing, and they simultaneously turned their attention on me as I walked up. This was probably the closest feeling I'll ever have to being in the front line during the Revolutionary War. I stood brave and tall and swallowed my urge to tuck my tail in between my legs and flee. I then explained my mysterious disappearance for over 45 minutes.

They laughed. And laughed. In fact, by the time Lisa's brother went down, plunged twice to fix the toilet, clean up, and walk back outside, they were still laughing.

At least I have a story now.

25 minutes

2008-06-05T12:35:00.015-06:00

You know when time seems to drag on forever? You know that excited feeling you get on Christmas Eve? Multiply those feelings by 100.2, and you'll kinda know how I felt last night.

5:06 Arrive at Lisa's. I parked half a mile down the street to make sure that Lisa wouldn't see my car when she came home. I was on a mission, and I couldn't risk anything. This is also when I first noticed that I was shaking.

5:07 Twist the front doorknob. It was locked. My heart actually dropped into my stomach and stopped beating for a few seconds. In those few seconds, my mind ripped through thousands of alternatives (I've gotten good at this the last two weeks trying to keep secrets and figuring things out). For example: breaking a window, breaking a screen, hiding in the bushes, go down the chimney, ring the doorbell (I actually did this one), try the side door, etc... you get the point. No one came to the door after I rang, and I walked quickly to the side door to try it. I saw a vehicle in the car port and heaved a sigh of relieve. Someone HAD to be home. The side door was open, and I felt my heart crawl back into its proper place albeit exhausted and heaving.

5:07 and 30 seconds. The Navy Seals could learn a thing or two from how quietly and quickly I snuck through the house to Lisa's room so her roommate didn't notice me.

5:08 Connect iPod to speakers. It was difficult. Very difficult. Remember I was shaking, and now I was constantly looking out the window watching for Lisa's arrival. I gave up on the speakers because they put out a constant static noise when the iPod was on pause, and I didn't want that when she came in. Plan B- hook it up to her laptop. I couldn't find the cord as I searched her entire room (with one eye still looking out the window). Plan C- use the portable speakers she got from work. I found them and got it hooked up with no problem.

5:10-5:30 Sit on Lisa's bed cupping a little, velvety, black box in my hands. My entire body was still shaking. I replayed the upcoming meeting thousands of times figuring out responses and reactions and planning my counter-moves.

5:30 Lisa drives up. She texted me to tell her she was home (I had told her I was on my way to her house a few minutes earlier... it's very difficult to press the little buttons on a phone when shaking). She walked in, said hi to her roommate, and then I heard her walking down the hall.

5:31 She sees me sitting on the bed, jumps, and lets out a startled squeak. She said, "You surprised me!" and rushed me for a hug. I stood and hugged her holding the little box behind her back, and she said, "You're shaking." I responded, "Can I give you another surprise?" She nodded, and I pried her away from my body. I got down on my knee and opened the black box to reveal a beautiful, sparkling ring; "Lisa, will you marry me?" She gasped and covered her mouth with both hands. She stood like that starring at the ring for a full 45 seconds. And there I was, on my knee, waiting for an answer. Finally, after an eternity of waiting (my heart was once again passed out in my stomach), she said, "mmmhmmm!" and pulled me up into another hug. I reached over to play the song that we heard on our first date (Unchained Melody) and kissed my beautiful fiancee.

June 4, 2008 at 5:31 pm I proposed to the love of my life and after 25 minutes, finally stopped shaking.

walk the walk

2008-05-30T08:34:00.006-06:00

I walk to school and work everyday. It's enjoyable and they say it's good for me. Also, with the gas prices being high enough that I need to take out a loan just to fill my car up, I'm saving money by using the gifts God has given me- feet. And while I may struggle at walking up stairs without stumbling and some might see that as I curse, I see it as an adventure. However, that's a story for another day. Back to walking.

Many returned missionaries talk about the things they learned from the culture they served in, and the thing I learned in Belgium was how to properly cross a street. Aggression is more apparent in their driving AND in their walking. Let me explain. They drive like they needed to be somewhere 33 minutes ago, and yet in their haste, they are still aware of their surroundings. They are courteous to drivers that need to merge or change lanes, and they stop for pedestrians IF the rules of engagement are followed.

Rules of Engagement:
1. Look left and don't worry about your right.
2. Don't step in front of a vehicle that's close enough to touch.
3. Take a step into the road when the vehicle is any distance further than your outstretched fingers.
4. Point your index finger at the driver.
5. Make eye contact.
6. And keep walking.

At this point they will have stopped without any hostility or honking. The car behind them might honk until they see you walking. If you want, you can point at them to really pacify them. Now it is time to focus on to your right side. (These rules only apply if they haven't also stopped, which in most cases, they have)

7. Point at the driver.
8. Make eye contact.
9. Keep walking.

(Note: A smirk is proven to be the most effective facial expression while crossing.)

At this point, you will be on the other side of the street merrily on your way, and the drivers will be rushing to their imagined missed appointment. It might sound like a dangerous and slow process, but it is very safe and quick. It sure beats the way people try to cross the streets here in the US of A. And since I'm a fan of using efficient methods, I apply my street crossing skills on my daily journey to work and school.

Americans, it seems, aren't used to being pointed at by pedestrians crossing the street. They are used to the slump shouldered, unsure pedestrians that stand 4 feet from the edge of the sidewalk waiting for a half-mile gap in the traffic to cross. So the shocked look that I see on their face when I aggressively cross the street is funny, but it usually lasts only seconds before it turns to anger or realization that it's ok to actually let the pedestrian have the right-of-way (like they really have).

To close, I suppose I should apologize to the rich, business man in his new Mazda CX-9 that almost ran into me. I'm sure that vehicle isn't used to such a hard pounding on the brakes, and I might have made him upset because he realized that he hadn't been paying attention to his surroundings and was angry about his neglect. I'm sorry.

dodger

2008-05-22T08:21:00.004-06:00

Flash. I don't know that program, at all. But I have just made a flash game for one of my classes. "How did you do it then?" you may ask, and I may answer, "With lots of help from Mr. WWW himself." I'm like a father that is proud of his newborn child; he loves the baby even though it is discolored, screaming without any thought of air, and covered in stuff. I love my game even though it's ridiculously simple, has some glitches, and has only 5 levels.

I present to you my new baby, Dodger.
(Click on the game screen to be able to control Dodger with the arrow keys)

lisa & tyler: a history

2008-05-08T13:38:00.012-06:00

Yesterday I was deathly ill. My head was threatening to burst like a water balloon, my throat was vehemently protesting the normal act of swallowing, I had the strength of a 3 week old baby, and to tell the truth, I was suffering from a hangover (see if I ever take Nyquil again). News of my condition reached my sweet girlfriend, Lisa, and she came down after work to care for me. Her kindness and concern for me was tender and made me reflect how lucky I am to know her.

For your viewing pleasure, I want to show you a short history of our relationship and its progression. (Lisa, I apologize if you don't like any of these pictures!)

This is Lisa's reaction to me the first time we met in person... which happened to be a 12 hour car ride.
Two days later during the 12 hours back home she actually smiled while around me, and look at how close we were to each other!

A few weeks later... close and cuddly.
The next stage in our relationship after being close and cuddly...
And that's where we stand. I love it and love her.

stumble to surf

2008-05-01T14:25:00.007-06:00

Surf the web. That was my first assignment given this semester. Amazingly, I don't really surf the web, and the only sites I know of are ones that my peeps tell me about. However, I have been absolutely amazed at the amazing things I've found.

Here's what you do to make the search easy.
1. Download this add-on; StumbleUpon
2. Select your interests when it asks you
3. Click "Stumble!" to stumble across sites that fit your interests

Here are some that I've found interesting, funny, slightly annoying, or creative:

http://www.petercallesen.com/index.html
http://uploads.ungrounded.net/221000/221483_Play.swf
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
http://www.xmarkjenkinsx.com/outside.html
http://www.vectorpark.com/
http://www.jacksonpollock.org/
http://svt.se/hogafflahage/hogafflaHage_site/Kor/hestekor.swf

And this site is perfect for a random laugh:
http://www.nolaf.org/

diary

2008-04-23T15:14:00.009-06:00

Dear Blog,

It has been the longest of times since I wrote you, dear friend. I'm afraid life has gone the way of the season- finals. Don't get me wrong, you were never far from my thoughts, but the daily grind of group projects curtailed my time to express to you my devotion and admiration. Shall I enlighten you about these dastardly projects that are now behind me? Yes, I shall, and I hope that you will understand my long absence.

This project, my dear little Blog, is what I call, "Operation: Medic." Our instructions specified making an interactive game that started with quarters, involved at least 4 pneumatic cylinders, 1 servo motor, at least 1 circuit board, and could fit on top of a table. Needless to say, my wonderful group completed the task with flying colors, even if we had to slide 2 tables together.

Yes, it looks like a crude substitute to time spent communicating with you, Blog, but there are a few things not apparent to the eye in this game. For one thing, the body shakes and you are shocked when you touch the sides of the holes while extracting the shrapnel. Also, there are small holes in the box where air spurts at you to mimic distractions from the battle field. Finally, the whole body moves as the time gets closer to running out.

My other projects are less glamorous and not easy to share. I dare say you might be jealous of my involvement with them because my time with them was mostly spend on the computer. Yes, the means of professing my feelings and secrets to you was spent another way. I turn my head away in shame and hope you can forgive me.

Sincerely yours,
Tyler

life

2008-04-11T08:16:00.004-06:00

Lisa and I read a book together called Peter Camenzind. Actually, I read it. Lisa hasn't gotten very far, so we technically didn't read it together (sorry Lisa!). I was captivated by the imagery and description the author used and couldn't stop reading. The story wasn't anything grand; it's a fictional story about a man and the main events of his life as he discovers the meaning to his life. One of his thoughts about life struck me.

"All my life I have been as timid and obstinate as a child, always confident that real life would come like a storm and overwhelm me. It would make me wise and rich, and bare me on its huge wings towards a ripe fortune.

Wise and frugal, life remains silent, however, and let me drift. It sent me neither storms or stars but waited so that I would become aware of my insignificance again and in patience lose my obstinacy. It let me perform my little comedy of pride and knowledge, ignoring this as it waited for its lost child to find his way back to his mother."

True, yes?

my drumming side

2008-04-09T08:29:00.004-06:00

When I hear or see a drum solo that is cleanly played I get chills down my spine. I get the urge to forget school and work to just practice all day. This recent find is last year's bass drum line from the Blue Knights. It might seem weird at the beginning but just watch. It gets better. Way better.

flippin' out

2008-03-31T09:48:00.004-06:00

My cousin's have this sweet contraption set up in their barn. It was really fun and quite a good workout at the same time.

withdrawals

2008-03-31T09:06:00.010-06:00

This last weekend Lisa went to Oregon for her cousin's wedding. I didn't go, and I happen to be addicted to her. Like any other type of addict, I had a severe withdrawals and abnormal behavior. Let me illustrate.

I helped burn this witch:

I ranted and raved like a madman to bring in the new year and threw colored powder at complete strangers to vent about my loneliness:

And finally, I calmed myself down through finding inner peace:

Did it work? Not really. It was such a fun way to go through withdrawals that I wished Lisa was there the entire time to experience it with me.

discovery!

2008-03-24T15:47:00.007-06:00

I was introduced to a new candy this Easter weekend. I fell in love with it. Those that were around me (Lisa & Holly) might not believe how much I actually enjoyed it because I hid the extent of enjoyment I experienced. The sort of enjoyment that I had is usually related to a girl and chocolate or a girl and a certain type of shampoo. Do you see why I didn't react that way? I can't be connecting myself with these stereotypes. It's not guy-like.

Here it is:Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans

These little conglomerates of goodness are just as delectable Jelly Bellies. Not as many flavors, true, but they are as "mmm" good as chocolate and a hair-flipping "yes!" like shampoo. Trust me.

invitation to the pain of learning

2008-03-19T15:27:00.005-06:00

One of my professors gave me this thought provoking article (title of this post). It was written in 1941 by Mortimer J. Adler, and if his views were correct then, they are exactly on today. I find it interesting that I read this article now when I've been thinking about this and talked to Lisa about just working for the grade but not actually learning. I'll quote a few parts that I like because they are powerful statements of truth.

"Heaven forbid that learning should ever take on the character of a serious occupation - just as serious as earning money, and perhaps, much more laborious and painful."

"We do not try to deny the fact that taking care of a household or holding down a job is necessarily burdensome, but we somehow still believe that the goods to be obtained, the worldly goods of wealth and comfort, are worth the effort. In any case, we know they cannot be obtained without effort. But we try to shut our eyes to the fact that improving one's mind or enlarging one's spirit is, if anything, more difficult than solving the problems of subsistence; or, maybe, we just do not believe that knowledge and wisdom are worth the effort."

"Anyone who has done any thinking, even a little bit, knows that it is painful. It is hard work - in fact the very hardest that human beings are ever called upon to do. It is fatiguing, not refreshing. If allowed to follow the path of least resistance, no one would ever think."

"Whoever passes by what is over his head condemns his head to its present low altitude; for nothing can elevate a mind except what is over its head; and that elevation is not accomplished by capillary attraction, but only by the hard work of climbing up the ropes, with sore hands and aching muscles."

Education applies to secular and spiritual subjects. I thought about how Satan is using distractions as a way to stop us from learning and progressing. He distracts us with entertainment; it usually lures us into a drug-like complacency and wastes our time. As society seeks to improve methods of enjoying more entertainment, Satan is slowly lacing it with more sin. He has a captive audience "follow[ing] the path of least resistance..."

Today I wonder: Am I following the path of least resistance in certain aspects of my life?

D&C 130:19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

update

2008-03-10T16:45:00.003-06:00

This really isn't a new post. Tradition dictates that I rarely post. However, I have added links to a couple photo albums on the left side of the blog. These albums are a smorgasbord of my interests and travels in my life. And since you are interested enough in my life to read my blog, go ahead and look at my pictures!

say uncle

2008-03-05T09:36:00.003-07:00

I'm excited today because my brother's wife had their baby. That means that I'm an uncle! I'm absolutely excited about it. However, I draw a blank on how to be an uncle. Good thing the little tyke will be patient with me. Check out the pictures: http://thelewisfamily.wordpress.com/2008/03/05/new-born-joins-us/

heel goed

2008-03-03T16:32:00.005-07:00

I watched 'Enchanted' last Saturday night with Lisa. I'm a huge fan of the movie, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I go around all day with the song, "That's How You Know" echoing in the empty spaces of my head. After we left the theater, I was tempted to run to the nearest park to prance about and sing with Lisa.

I really wonder now why we don't break into song throughout the day. And if we did that, why doesn't a choreographed dance happen all around? I personally think that life should be a musical. Enjoy life and go for it!

boring

2008-02-26T11:29:00.003-07:00

I've come to realize that it is boring for everyone (myself included) to look at my blog when nothing new is added. I haven't had much time to blog, and this post isn't going to be anything either. Why? Because I'm going to California today and still don't have time.

story time

2008-02-19T20:12:00.003-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a boy that was given a really expensive camera for a school assignment. He had no idea how to use it and could barely get it out of the bag without pulling a thumb muscle. However, he came across a small cricket in distress while walking to school. After helping the cricket, it taught him the Eastern art of photography while a motivational song played in the background.

One day this boy was locked in a small, studio room by his arch enemy, Worque, with nothing to do but look at small video screens. Relying heavily upon his training, the boy took pictures of random things to barely conquer Worque, succeed in school, and win the girl (and that's a story for another time).

And he lives happily, heading towards ever after...

back to real life

2008-02-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I took a trip up to Logan to visit Lisa's family and friends. I had a great time meeting so many great people. Besides physically driving to another geographical location, I also took a trip to the real world the moment I stepped into a house.

This real world consisted of four kids six years old and younger. They reintroduced me to the wonders of the imagination as we tried to avoid lava that covered rooms. Playing without worrying what anyone else thought and asking everyone to join them. They showed more care and concern for each other as we tried to cross the lava-filled room than most adults do when passing someone looking emotionally devastated in a hallway.

This real world seemed more defining and meaningful than the adult 'real' world I'm usually in. The trust, love, and friendship that they showed me was so powerful and sincere and given without reservations. So, what is the real world really made of?

cat call

2008-02-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

Last night I went grocery shopping with my roommate, Pete. Like normal, we went our separate ways once we entered the store. I went to stand in front of the myriad of cereal flavors to try and decide the flavor I wanted for the next week. As everyone knows, this decision is crucial for an effective start to your day. Pete went to buy healthy stuff, because that's the sort of fellow he is.

After I made my cereal decision, I had to get milk to complete my breakfast experience. As I was walking past the frozen food isle, I noticed Pete standing there pondering whether to buy frozen peas or frozen corn. He didn't notice me so I attempted a cat call. Normally, my whistling is weak and nonexistent. Not this time. I was successfully loud and powerful. Gloating from whistling capabilities, I turned my head forward to look where I was going at the exact moment the lady in front of me looked back. I was grinning. She was glaring.

I'm still unsure if she was married or not, but either way, she didn't like it.

all systems are go

2008-02-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

This is it. I'm spreading the word about my blog. If any one has suggestions about the design, content, or me, make a comment to this post.

do it

2008-01-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

I want to have this thing fully designed and fledged out before I write on it or let my family or friends know about it. The problem is that I'm busy. Maybe I should just slowly work on it and add posts so it will have content besides the design. Maybe. Ha, so right now, I'm writing this for me.

no? yes.

2008-01-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

Two years passed until I fully comprehended blogging and considered blogging. Yup, I learn and move quick. But I'm hesitant. Why? Who would read my blog in the tidal wave of information people drown in every day? Hence my former title, "To Blog or Not To Blog..." my inner dilemma that is no longer in.

My plan: Express myself. Maybe I'll even blog it.