I got this from my sister as one of those pass-this-along-to-other-people-via-email-chain-things. So rather than bother the 5 people in my contacts list with a chain email, I figured I would just post it to my blog -- And it would give me something to blog about ;)
A - Age: Twenty-Seven (do you hyphenate between numbers in your age??)
B - Bed size: Queen size (i've heard that a king size mattress is the first step to divorce)
C - Chore you hate: Washing dishes (by hand)
D - Dog's name: Don't have a dog...yet
E - Essential start-your-day item: Shower (more for those around me than for myself)
F - Favorite color(s): "non-BYU Blue," Purple, and Red
G - Gold or Silver: Gold, because it's more efficient. It's only 4 letters and only 1 syllable. Plus, it's got that hard "d" at the end that just makes it ... powerful.
H - Height: 5' 10 3/4"
I - Instruments you play(ed): Piano, percussion instruments (pretty much all of them - but the timpani are my favorite), saxophone, trumpet, and the tuba (which I played for about 3 days while we had a substitute teacher in band class and he didn't know which instruments we actually played)
J - Job title: Actively Seeking
K - Kid(s): Two. Alex (3yr) & Josie (17mo)
L - Living arrangements: Apartment
M - Mom's name: Kelley
N - Nicknames: Cory-oreo-cookie, Snuggle-Bear, Sugar-Pumpkin (I guess I shouldn't proclaim these, huh?)
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Not for a personal injury. I've stayed overnight at the hospital during the birth of both of my children and during Josie's first and second hospitalizations.
P - Pet Peeve: When people call me by my nicknames :)
Q - Quote from a movie:
R - Right or left handed: Well, I have both...does that count?
S - Siblings: 2 brothers & 4 sisters
T - Time you woke up this morning: 3:10am, 4:30am, 5:55am, 7:05am
U - Utah is the only place I have ever lived. True or False?: False
V - Vegetable you dislike: Asparagus
W - Ways you run late: I don't usually run, so technically, I never "run late." (Ha, Ha, Ha)
X - X-rays you've had: My hand in junior high, my knee before and after surgery, and I think that I've had my teeth x-rayed a few times.
Y - Yummy food you make: Pancakes and Waffles
Z - Zoo favorite: The long lines...oh wait, you said favorite. I guess that would be when the lines are short.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
My Afternoon with Bednar
I did not go to church today because of my surgery recovery. So I decided to have Elder Bednar be my church speaker today. I logged on to lds.org and found his talk from last week's CES fireside and that was my church message today.
His topic was "Truth," or rather "Things as they Really are." It was an incredible talk!! It gave me a lot to think about. He fulfilled the prophecy that Paul made when referring to the "man of sin" being revealed by the prophets before the Second Coming. Elder Bednar spoke of Satan's desire to have us 1) misuse our bodies; and 2) minimize the need for our bodies. Of course, we need to cleanse our inner vessels and keep ourselves unspotted from the world; but the second half of his talk was most intriguing. (If you haven't heard it, please take the time -- about 40 minutes -- and listen to it.)
He spoke of how spending inordinate amounts of time in a virtual world minimizes the need for our bodies. It distracts us from real-life interactions and human relationships. All we need to function in cyberspace are a brain, hands, and your gluteus maximus (for sitting purposes), we wouldn't actually need to use our bodies. The adversary is tricky. Trying to get us to obsess over things are they could be in our virtual worlds, rather than focusing on "things as they really are" in our real world.
Now I am not using this as a doctrinal excuse to not blog anymore, or visit anyone else's blog. Nor is this a ploy that the Church is using to stop people from using Facebook or Twitter or Second Life. Elder Bednar's message (as other's before his) is to not let the things of the world distract us from our eternal potential. I don't think Facebook or Blogger is evil; but I do think that we can all fall into the trap of spending more time doing these things (including watching TV or movies, or sports, or even school) than we should and neglecting those things that are most important. Shiree and I have commented on several occasions where we put the kids in bed and we spend the rest of the evening not saying one word to each other because I'm watching TV or a movie and she is blogging or Facebooking. That is not what I want our marriage to be!!
The most poignant part of his talk was at the end, when he was bearing his testimony. He spoke of God's love for us and of the day when He will "enircle us in the arms of His love," that it will not be a virtual embrace, but a real embrace. I look forward to that day!!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
ACL Reconstruction Surgery
So about 24 hours ago, I woke up from a chemically induced nap when my Orthopeadic Surgeon reconstructed my ACL in my right knee. How cool is that??
I obviously don't remember anything from the surgery because I was out for the whole thing. Here's what I remember...
After getting an IV placed in my left hand, they took me in to another room where there placed a nerve block which was to be used after the surgery was over for the first 24-48 hours to help with the "agonizing pain" that follows ACL reconstruction surgery. (Their description not mine. So far, it hasn't been agonizing but that's because my nerve block is still working -- my right knee is still pretty much numb). After that, they gave me a "relaxer" before they gave me the full-on anesthetics. Just so you understand correctly, they gave me an anesthetic before they gave me the anesthetics. Pretty cool huh? I love Western medicine!! After the relaxer I went back to my pre-op room where Shiree was waiting. At this point, I started to feel the effects of the relaxer. Although my mind was still clear, I felt pretty dizzy and started to get sleepy. Once the relaxer was in full effect, the surgeon came in to talk to me about the surgery. Yes, that's right. My surgeon came in to talk to me after I was relaxed with the anesthetics. Oh well, at least he came in before he actually did the surgery. After he left, I said goodbye to Shiree and they wheeled me into the operating room. It looked like a pretty cool room, but I didn't really get a good look at it because they wheeled me up to the operating table and after I transferred over to the table, they placed an oxygen mask on my mouth and it was really uncomfortable where they placed it. So I reached up to adjust the mask and...
the next thing I remember was waking up in post-op looking at a clock while someone was calling out my name. I tried to open my eyes, but everything was pretty hazy and blurry. So I just closed them and went back to sleep. When I woke up again, it was about 30 minutes later and I was much more cognizant, but still pretty hazy. The funny thing was that as soon as I could put two sentances together, Luisa (my nurse) was getting me ready for discharge. As she wheeled me out of post-op I can still remember that the room was spinning. I love Western medicine!
The effects of the anesthesia lingered for a few more hours and I remember a few things about what happened and what I said. For a more detailed account, read Shiree's post from yesterday about our funny "conversations." In my defense, I am pretty sure that even under heavy anesthetics, I would still know that the 18th Amendment was about Prohibition and not the 12th. But then again, I was pretty loopy. ;)
All in all, it went great! I had a great surgeon and I have some pretty cool equipment that is helping me with my rehab. Although, it turns out that when they opened me up to do the surgery, there was no meniscul damage and my MCL was healing just fine. The funny part was that my ACL was not completely torn. How funny! I am still glad I had it repaired, but I am just glad that my ACL was tough enough to hang on for two whole months after being ripped during church basketball.
For anyone who's interested, the doctor made a video of my surgery and added some pretty cool pictures. I am happy to schedule a viewing for any one that wants to see the inside of my knee :)
I obviously don't remember anything from the surgery because I was out for the whole thing. Here's what I remember...
After getting an IV placed in my left hand, they took me in to another room where there placed a nerve block which was to be used after the surgery was over for the first 24-48 hours to help with the "agonizing pain" that follows ACL reconstruction surgery. (Their description not mine. So far, it hasn't been agonizing but that's because my nerve block is still working -- my right knee is still pretty much numb). After that, they gave me a "relaxer" before they gave me the full-on anesthetics. Just so you understand correctly, they gave me an anesthetic before they gave me the anesthetics. Pretty cool huh? I love Western medicine!! After the relaxer I went back to my pre-op room where Shiree was waiting. At this point, I started to feel the effects of the relaxer. Although my mind was still clear, I felt pretty dizzy and started to get sleepy. Once the relaxer was in full effect, the surgeon came in to talk to me about the surgery. Yes, that's right. My surgeon came in to talk to me after I was relaxed with the anesthetics. Oh well, at least he came in before he actually did the surgery. After he left, I said goodbye to Shiree and they wheeled me into the operating room. It looked like a pretty cool room, but I didn't really get a good look at it because they wheeled me up to the operating table and after I transferred over to the table, they placed an oxygen mask on my mouth and it was really uncomfortable where they placed it. So I reached up to adjust the mask and...
the next thing I remember was waking up in post-op looking at a clock while someone was calling out my name. I tried to open my eyes, but everything was pretty hazy and blurry. So I just closed them and went back to sleep. When I woke up again, it was about 30 minutes later and I was much more cognizant, but still pretty hazy. The funny thing was that as soon as I could put two sentances together, Luisa (my nurse) was getting me ready for discharge. As she wheeled me out of post-op I can still remember that the room was spinning. I love Western medicine!
The effects of the anesthesia lingered for a few more hours and I remember a few things about what happened and what I said. For a more detailed account, read Shiree's post from yesterday about our funny "conversations." In my defense, I am pretty sure that even under heavy anesthetics, I would still know that the 18th Amendment was about Prohibition and not the 12th. But then again, I was pretty loopy. ;)
All in all, it went great! I had a great surgeon and I have some pretty cool equipment that is helping me with my rehab. Although, it turns out that when they opened me up to do the surgery, there was no meniscul damage and my MCL was healing just fine. The funny part was that my ACL was not completely torn. How funny! I am still glad I had it repaired, but I am just glad that my ACL was tough enough to hang on for two whole months after being ripped during church basketball.
For anyone who's interested, the doctor made a video of my surgery and added some pretty cool pictures. I am happy to schedule a viewing for any one that wants to see the inside of my knee :)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Oda to Sakoda
First off, let me say congrats to the 4 Utah players who were drafted into the NFL this past weekend. They truly deserved it! (notice that 3 defensive players were drafter and only 1 offensive - props tp Gary Anderson and Coach Whittingham)
I was shocked and amazed that All-American Louie Sakoda was not drafted!! How can pass up a punter/kicker who can do all of that, plus performs amazingly in the clutch?!?!?!? It was a crying shame that King Louie was passed up for one of the few punter spots in the NFL.
So here are some pictures to remind us of the "good ole days" when King Louie was truly "King."
This one is my favorite! (Notice the Oregon State Player #64, who is overcome with awesomeness from Sakoda that he just fell down on the ground.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
What did You think of Conference?
For the past few years, I have tried to prepare myself for General Conference. One way that I did this was to try to go to the temple before Conference. Note to self: DO NOT try to park at Church parking downtown the days preceeding Conference. I drove around the Conference Center parking for about 20 minutes before I finally decided that I was thwarted in my effort to go to the temple that day (because I spent 20 minutes driving around, I did not have enough time to attend the temple before I had to be somewhere else).
Another way that I have tried to prepare myself for Conference is to come up with a list of questions that I want answered or things that I want help with that I am struggling with. Well, on the top of my list was the question, "What do I need to do to get a job?" For those of you that heard the first session of Conference, it didn't take long for me to get my first answer.
Elder Robert D. Hales spoke about being a provident provider. (You can read his talk here) I listened to his talk and felt the Spirit. I realized some specific things that I need to do to prepare myself better for the job that the Lord is preparing me for. I knew that this talk was one that I needed to read again when it came out online. So this morning, I did. I am grateful for the gift of the Spirit that I felt when I read it: guilt. I thought that I was doing well with my spiritual and temporal preparations for getting a job. I realized that I could do better. In particular, he mentions that we need to not covet. For me, it's been hard to plan for a future where I don't know where I'll be working or living or what we need to plan for. How can you have hope in the future (relying on God to provide a job and a home) without coveting the jobs and homes that you see everyday? It is a very thin line, and I think I was on the wrong side too many times.
The rest of the first session of Conference was, in my opinion, given for me. Three talks in particular stood out: Elder Allan F. Packer, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, and President Henry B. Eyring. The second of these three was particularly poignant because of something that I recently learned from my Stake Conference in March. Elder Robert S. Wood was the visiting General Authority and he said: "Let covenants, not circumstances, define your decisions.... Always consult your covenants and you will, in effect, control your circumstances." If we trust in the covenants we have made we are preparing ourselves to receive the blessings that the Lord has in store which He is waiting to bless us with.
Presideny Eyring's talk was also heartfelt for me when I first heard it because of the story he told about the father who lost his job but was nevertheless optimistic and hopeful because "he said he had examined his life to be sure that he had done all he could to be worthy of the Lord’s help." It made me wonder what more I can do to examine myself and see where I am lacking in my "worthiness" of the Lord's help. The great thing about the gospel is that when we ask a question, even if it is rhetorical, God will answer. Now I have several things to work on to make myself more prepared for God's help.
The final talk that really stood out to me was Elder Richard G. Scott's talk about attending the temple. I was impressed that he spoke so personally about what the temple means to him and why his temple covenants are so important. It helped me remember and realize the eternal purposes of the temple (here is a great link to the purpose of the temple) and made me want to have the blessings of the temple more prominently in my life. I was grateful to be reminded how important the temple is in my Christian worship.
Wasn't Conference wonderful!!
Another way that I have tried to prepare myself for Conference is to come up with a list of questions that I want answered or things that I want help with that I am struggling with. Well, on the top of my list was the question, "What do I need to do to get a job?" For those of you that heard the first session of Conference, it didn't take long for me to get my first answer.
Elder Robert D. Hales spoke about being a provident provider. (You can read his talk here) I listened to his talk and felt the Spirit. I realized some specific things that I need to do to prepare myself better for the job that the Lord is preparing me for. I knew that this talk was one that I needed to read again when it came out online. So this morning, I did. I am grateful for the gift of the Spirit that I felt when I read it: guilt. I thought that I was doing well with my spiritual and temporal preparations for getting a job. I realized that I could do better. In particular, he mentions that we need to not covet. For me, it's been hard to plan for a future where I don't know where I'll be working or living or what we need to plan for. How can you have hope in the future (relying on God to provide a job and a home) without coveting the jobs and homes that you see everyday? It is a very thin line, and I think I was on the wrong side too many times.
The rest of the first session of Conference was, in my opinion, given for me. Three talks in particular stood out: Elder Allan F. Packer, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, and President Henry B. Eyring. The second of these three was particularly poignant because of something that I recently learned from my Stake Conference in March. Elder Robert S. Wood was the visiting General Authority and he said: "Let covenants, not circumstances, define your decisions.... Always consult your covenants and you will, in effect, control your circumstances." If we trust in the covenants we have made we are preparing ourselves to receive the blessings that the Lord has in store which He is waiting to bless us with.
Presideny Eyring's talk was also heartfelt for me when I first heard it because of the story he told about the father who lost his job but was nevertheless optimistic and hopeful because "he said he had examined his life to be sure that he had done all he could to be worthy of the Lord’s help." It made me wonder what more I can do to examine myself and see where I am lacking in my "worthiness" of the Lord's help. The great thing about the gospel is that when we ask a question, even if it is rhetorical, God will answer. Now I have several things to work on to make myself more prepared for God's help.
The final talk that really stood out to me was Elder Richard G. Scott's talk about attending the temple. I was impressed that he spoke so personally about what the temple means to him and why his temple covenants are so important. It helped me remember and realize the eternal purposes of the temple (here is a great link to the purpose of the temple) and made me want to have the blessings of the temple more prominently in my life. I was grateful to be reminded how important the temple is in my Christian worship.
Wasn't Conference wonderful!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
NCAA Bracketology
I thought it might be fun to engage in some bracketology for this year's March Madness. So I filled out an online bracket with some friends in my ward and I am currently tied for last place. Granted, there are only 9 people participating (one of which is a woman and she is leading), but still being tied for last place is a big deal.
It has been interesting to see my approach to bracketology pan out over the course of March Madness. I started out with Mississippi State making it to the West Regional Final and winning against Missouri (which means they would have had to have beaten UConn in the SemiFinal). Unfortunately, Mississippi State didn't even make it past the First Round. The same thing happened with Florida State in the East Region. I had them beating everybody up until Duke in the Regional Final. Florida State lost to Wisconsin the First Round.
What is it about underdogs that got me excited during this March Madness season? In spite of the many disappointing underdog stories, there are the few that kept my hopes alive:
Villanova.
Need I say more?
Even though Villanova is a 3 seed, they were underdogs to both Duke and Pittsburgh and came out victorious on both occasions.
I need Villanova to make up for the devastating loss of Louisville in the Elite Eight. Of course, they're going up against UNC so while I am hoping, I am also realistic. I know that Villanova is going to put up a fight to the end, regardless of the outcome.
Oh well, maybe next year's bracket will be more successful. Though, with my passion for the underdog, who knows. :)
It has been interesting to see my approach to bracketology pan out over the course of March Madness. I started out with Mississippi State making it to the West Regional Final and winning against Missouri (which means they would have had to have beaten UConn in the SemiFinal). Unfortunately, Mississippi State didn't even make it past the First Round. The same thing happened with Florida State in the East Region. I had them beating everybody up until Duke in the Regional Final. Florida State lost to Wisconsin the First Round.
What is it about underdogs that got me excited during this March Madness season? In spite of the many disappointing underdog stories, there are the few that kept my hopes alive:
Villanova.
Need I say more?
Even though Villanova is a 3 seed, they were underdogs to both Duke and Pittsburgh and came out victorious on both occasions.
I need Villanova to make up for the devastating loss of Louisville in the Elite Eight. Of course, they're going up against UNC so while I am hoping, I am also realistic. I know that Villanova is going to put up a fight to the end, regardless of the outcome.
Oh well, maybe next year's bracket will be more successful. Though, with my passion for the underdog, who knows. :)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
How a torn ACL changed my life!
I realize that it's been a while since I last posted. I figured that February was a month not worth reporting about. Here's why.
Have you ever had an experience that, as you look back on, if you had just made one choice differently, it would have made all the difference? Well, mine was on February 21st. If I had just chosen to not go and play basketball that morning, I might still have two good ACL's, rather than one good ACL and one ACL that's not so good.
For those who can't read between the lines :) I tore my ACL (at least that's what the doctor says, though it's not definitive). Now I realize that even if I would not have played basketball that day, it may have happened at a different game or even practice, or just walking down the street. But what if? Have you ever thought that?
On the flip side, what would have happened if one fateful day, I decided not to talk to Shiree? Would she still have married me? Would I be married to someone else? That decision I made so many years ago to go up and talk to her was one of the best decisions I ever made!! If taking back my choice to play basketball means losing a choice like this, I am happy with my alleged torn ACL.
It is interesting what I have learned from this experience. One of the best things that has come from this is a change in attitude. For those that do not know, the country is in a recession and the economy is doing very poorly. That means that businesses are a lot less likely to hire people. The three top organizations that I wanted to get a job with all have a hiring freeze. It's amazing what unemployment will do to your attitude when one of your primary goals in life is to provide for your family.
So, what happened to get me out of my funk? I tore my ACL. Pretty wierd, huh? I began to realize how much control I DON'T have. God is the Great Master of the universe and is all powerful. What He asks of me is to provide for my family with what he provides for me. Consider the lilies of the field. They toil not, neither do they spin. Yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. (Sermon on the Mount) If God can take care of something like a lily, how much more will He take care of one of His children? God giveth me my breath, and He can take it away. If He takes away my ACL, then He can give it back. That, I know!
I know that trials strengthen us and, if we choose, can help us turn our lives over to God. For me, it took a torn ACL. For you, I hope it's not that drastic.
Have you ever had an experience that, as you look back on, if you had just made one choice differently, it would have made all the difference? Well, mine was on February 21st. If I had just chosen to not go and play basketball that morning, I might still have two good ACL's, rather than one good ACL and one ACL that's not so good.
For those who can't read between the lines :) I tore my ACL (at least that's what the doctor says, though it's not definitive). Now I realize that even if I would not have played basketball that day, it may have happened at a different game or even practice, or just walking down the street. But what if? Have you ever thought that?
On the flip side, what would have happened if one fateful day, I decided not to talk to Shiree? Would she still have married me? Would I be married to someone else? That decision I made so many years ago to go up and talk to her was one of the best decisions I ever made!! If taking back my choice to play basketball means losing a choice like this, I am happy with my alleged torn ACL.
It is interesting what I have learned from this experience. One of the best things that has come from this is a change in attitude. For those that do not know, the country is in a recession and the economy is doing very poorly. That means that businesses are a lot less likely to hire people. The three top organizations that I wanted to get a job with all have a hiring freeze. It's amazing what unemployment will do to your attitude when one of your primary goals in life is to provide for your family.
So, what happened to get me out of my funk? I tore my ACL. Pretty wierd, huh? I began to realize how much control I DON'T have. God is the Great Master of the universe and is all powerful. What He asks of me is to provide for my family with what he provides for me. Consider the lilies of the field. They toil not, neither do they spin. Yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. (Sermon on the Mount) If God can take care of something like a lily, how much more will He take care of one of His children? God giveth me my breath, and He can take it away. If He takes away my ACL, then He can give it back. That, I know!
I know that trials strengthen us and, if we choose, can help us turn our lives over to God. For me, it took a torn ACL. For you, I hope it's not that drastic.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Utah is on the Map!!
For those of you who do not know, I am a fan of Stephen Colbert (at least, most of his stuff). So when I was shown that he did a spot on his show about "Utah's Third" I was most intrigued and had to make a post about it.
"Utah's Third" refers to Utah's third congressional district which recently elected a new Congressman, Jason Chaffetz. If you've ever seen Stephen Colbert interview somebody, you are in for a treat; especially, when the interviewee plays along (which Chaffetz does, to some extent).
Enjoy the clip and Go Utah's Third!!
"Utah's Third" refers to Utah's third congressional district which recently elected a new Congressman, Jason Chaffetz. If you've ever seen Stephen Colbert interview somebody, you are in for a treat; especially, when the interviewee plays along (which Chaffetz does, to some extent).
Enjoy the clip and Go Utah's Third!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The 44th President of the United States
What a historic day!!! I hope that you remember this day for the rest of your life and have the chance to tell your children about today. The first Black President of the United States has now taken office.
But even more important than that is that after today, America will change. The way to make that a positive change is up to each one of us. As we participate in government and make our voices heard, as we fight against inequality, as we raise our children to become good citizens in this country, we contribute our part to making America the greatest nation on Earth!!
But even more important than that is that after today, America will change. The way to make that a positive change is up to each one of us. As we participate in government and make our voices heard, as we fight against inequality, as we raise our children to become good citizens in this country, we contribute our part to making America the greatest nation on Earth!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
For the first time, I love the AP Poll
I just had to take a break from my studying to post about the #1 NCAA Football Team in the Country...
The Utah Utes!!!
Even though they didn't get a shot at the National Championship, even though they "only" ended up in the Sugar Bowl --where they blew The Crimson Tide out of the water (at least during the first quarter and most of the second half), and even though they "only" came up #2 in the AP Poll, in my book, they should be No. 1!!!
I realize that Florida actually won the National Championship and it's obvious why they ended as ranked #1; BUT, the blue-collar football team from Salt Lake City, UT jumped the Trojans AND the Longhorns to snatch away the #2 spot. They deserve everything they earned (AllState Sugar Bowl Champions, MWC Champions, a convincing win over the 25th ranked Cougars, and BCS-bustin' fame) and MORE!!!
I don't think that the BCS will change it's mind anytime soon about allowing automatic bids to BCS bowl games for non-BCS conference teams. But I do think that as the MWC and the WAC continue to win their high-profile games, in a few years, it might become a reality.
On another note: I did feel bad about the lot Texas got this year (though I don't think they would have done any better against Florida). They had an amazing season and I'm glad they were able to pull off the win against the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl. I cheered almost as hard for Quan Cosby at the end of the Fiesta Bowl as I did for the Utes in the Sugar Bowl (not as much, but almost). NEVERTHELESS, I don't feel bad that they ended behind the Utes. I do feel bad that they ended behind the USC Trojans. Sure, USC beat Penn State, but the way Penn State was playing last week, anybody could have beat them -- even BYU ;) Also, I'll admit that the Fiesta Bowl was close and the Buckeyes almost pulled off an upset, but at least the Longhorns had their only loss come from a top-ten ranked opponent, whereas the Trojans lost to the unranked Beavers from Oregon State (though I give props to the Beavers, they earned that win vs. USC). Colt McCoy and the Longhorns should have ended up as #3 and the Trojans as #4. But what can I do.
All I can do is cheer for the #2 Utah Utes Football Team!!!! They earned it!!
The Utah Utes!!!
Even though they didn't get a shot at the National Championship, even though they "only" ended up in the Sugar Bowl --where they blew The Crimson Tide out of the water (at least during the first quarter and most of the second half), and even though they "only" came up #2 in the AP Poll, in my book, they should be No. 1!!!
I realize that Florida actually won the National Championship and it's obvious why they ended as ranked #1; BUT, the blue-collar football team from Salt Lake City, UT jumped the Trojans AND the Longhorns to snatch away the #2 spot. They deserve everything they earned (AllState Sugar Bowl Champions, MWC Champions, a convincing win over the 25th ranked Cougars, and BCS-bustin' fame) and MORE!!!
I don't think that the BCS will change it's mind anytime soon about allowing automatic bids to BCS bowl games for non-BCS conference teams. But I do think that as the MWC and the WAC continue to win their high-profile games, in a few years, it might become a reality.
On another note: I did feel bad about the lot Texas got this year (though I don't think they would have done any better against Florida). They had an amazing season and I'm glad they were able to pull off the win against the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl. I cheered almost as hard for Quan Cosby at the end of the Fiesta Bowl as I did for the Utes in the Sugar Bowl (not as much, but almost). NEVERTHELESS, I don't feel bad that they ended behind the Utes. I do feel bad that they ended behind the USC Trojans. Sure, USC beat Penn State, but the way Penn State was playing last week, anybody could have beat them -- even BYU ;) Also, I'll admit that the Fiesta Bowl was close and the Buckeyes almost pulled off an upset, but at least the Longhorns had their only loss come from a top-ten ranked opponent, whereas the Trojans lost to the unranked Beavers from Oregon State (though I give props to the Beavers, they earned that win vs. USC). Colt McCoy and the Longhorns should have ended up as #3 and the Trojans as #4. But what can I do.
All I can do is cheer for the #2 Utah Utes Football Team!!!! They earned it!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Licensed to ...
I have always considered myself a good test taker in school. I have never failed an exam and I did pretty good on my ACT's (at least good enough that the two universities to which I applied accepted me). Even in grad school, I performed pretty well on my exams. Sure, I haven't aced all of them, but I always managed to scrape at least a B. So my expectation of what my social work licensing exam would be was about the same as a graduate school final. Boy was I wrong!!
This experience of preparing for the social work licensure exam is kicking my trash. I took a practice exam and scored 50%. I have never gotten a 50% on any exam or assignment in my entire life!! (unless you count that time in high school that I missed a chemistry exam and because my track coach was the teacher, he waived it for me -- my sister, who was in the same class, was very mad). I have really been stressing about this exam since I finished school in December. I can't imagine trying to prepare for the board examinations that doctors and other professionals have to take. This one is tough.
I have planned on spending this entire week to prepare for it (luckily I am currently, temporarily unemployed). Eight to twelve hours straight of studying. Holy Crap!! Not my idea of fun. At least I get to take breaks and watch the BCS games (one of which was last night -- what a game!!).
This preparation has taught me one thing though. I can't pass this test by myself. That doesn't mean that I'm planning on cheating. It means that since God is the source of all truth, he knows what social workers need to know to pass the exam. So I am trusting in Him to help pull me through. After my week long study binge, His grace will be what compensates for what I lack. That's the only way I can pass.
Here's to faith to walk on water (Matt 14:22-33) and to pass licensing exams!!
This experience of preparing for the social work licensure exam is kicking my trash. I took a practice exam and scored 50%. I have never gotten a 50% on any exam or assignment in my entire life!! (unless you count that time in high school that I missed a chemistry exam and because my track coach was the teacher, he waived it for me -- my sister, who was in the same class, was very mad). I have really been stressing about this exam since I finished school in December. I can't imagine trying to prepare for the board examinations that doctors and other professionals have to take. This one is tough.
I have planned on spending this entire week to prepare for it (luckily I am currently, temporarily unemployed). Eight to twelve hours straight of studying. Holy Crap!! Not my idea of fun. At least I get to take breaks and watch the BCS games (one of which was last night -- what a game!!).
This preparation has taught me one thing though. I can't pass this test by myself. That doesn't mean that I'm planning on cheating. It means that since God is the source of all truth, he knows what social workers need to know to pass the exam. So I am trusting in Him to help pull me through. After my week long study binge, His grace will be what compensates for what I lack. That's the only way I can pass.
Here's to faith to walk on water (Matt 14:22-33) and to pass licensing exams!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Teach by Example
Teaching children by example has always been my motto of parenting. Unfortunately, the downside is that they learn the bad stuff too. But then there are those times when kids do things that just melt your heart.
One of those times was last night when we all knelt down to pray as a family. We have started including Josie in our family prayers (this means we do evening prayers about 6pm because of Josie's bedtime). But last night we were trying to get Alex to kneel down and fold his arms to show Josie the right way to pray. Alex didn't seem to want to be very obedient at that time. Josie, on the other hand, was very willing to be obedient. She crawled over to the couch and it looked like she was trying to climb up on the couch; but she knelt up and put her hands together and just looked at Shiree and I, as if to say "Look, Mom and Dad, I am ready for prayers." We were shocked and impressed all at the same time. Then she started crawling around and a few seconds later, she knelt up again and put her hands together and looked at us again. It was soooooooooo cute. So we used that opportunity to explain to Alex that Josie was ready for prayers and he wasn't.
Kids. Aren't they precious?!?!?!
One of those times was last night when we all knelt down to pray as a family. We have started including Josie in our family prayers (this means we do evening prayers about 6pm because of Josie's bedtime). But last night we were trying to get Alex to kneel down and fold his arms to show Josie the right way to pray. Alex didn't seem to want to be very obedient at that time. Josie, on the other hand, was very willing to be obedient. She crawled over to the couch and it looked like she was trying to climb up on the couch; but she knelt up and put her hands together and just looked at Shiree and I, as if to say "Look, Mom and Dad, I am ready for prayers." We were shocked and impressed all at the same time. Then she started crawling around and a few seconds later, she knelt up again and put her hands together and looked at us again. It was soooooooooo cute. So we used that opportunity to explain to Alex that Josie was ready for prayers and he wasn't.
Kids. Aren't they precious?!?!?!
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