Rivalry

So I randomly saw this picture on my facebook homepage, and it made me laugh out loud. Despite the fact that it is dissing my beloved Cougars, I thought it was pretty clever and thought I'd share. Gotta love being a part of the #3 rivalry in the country. Go Cougs!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/stewart_mandel/11/11/power.rankings1/index.html?eref=T1

Just as a reminder...

Memories

My memory for today comes from my adventure in Alaska this past summer. My roommates Jessie, Shirley and I went on a sea kayaking adventure down in Valdez. We left Sunday afternoon after church and began the 7 hour journey. The scenery was breathtaking, of course, because everything in Alaska is undisturbed and beautiful. The Alaska Pipeline was visible for a lot of the drive down, and it was neat to see how great a distance the pipeline travels. We saw several glaciers and hundreds of lakes. And my roommates are AWESOME and so the drive was a blast! Sometimes road trips suck the energy out of me, but this time it was just pure fun! We had a little bit of a scare on the drive down with our gas levels. We were about 100-120 miles outside of Valdez and passed a gas station, but we still had a little over a quarter tank of gas so we thought we would drive a little farther and then get gas. Well, silly us, that was the last gas station until Valdez. Our gas light went on about 50 miles away from Valdez. Luckily, it was downhill for a good portion of those 50 miles. We ended up making it to a gas station, and then we went out to eat at a restaurant along the pier.
Let me just say here that Valdez took my breath away. It is what I imagine heaven to look like. I called my parents and told them they didn’t need to come get me because I was gonna stay and live in Valdez. (I was 75% serious… if my parent’s didn’t come to Alaska to drive back down with me, I probably would have stayed). The port was surrounded by steep mountains that looked a lot like the mountains in Hawaii—very green and beautiful. There were waterfalls streaming down the crevasses and snow covered the peaks. Soft, white clouds floated along the middle of the mountain. Then you had the sea in between the mountains, with all the goodness that goes along with that. It was your typical fishing port. The air was super crisp and fresh. I loved it!
After dinner, we went and found the campsite that our other 2 friends from Wasilla (I think) were at. It was about 11:30 or midnight by now, and the coolest thing was it was dark! Since we were about 400 miles south of Fairbanks, it actually got pretty dark at night! It was amazing how quickly I got used to the sun being up most the day, and it just being dusky the rest of the time. Anyway, we set up our tent and went to bed.
The next morning, we got up and had some leftover pizza and cheetos for breakfast and then drove to the pier again and met up with the rental place that we were getting all of our kayaks and gear from. That took FOREVER. We get all our waterproof gear, our sea skirts, our dry packs, our kayaks, etc. We were camping at the glacier that night, so we had to stuff our tents, sleeping bags, food, etc. into the dry packs, which lemme tell you… that was an adventure. Only so much stuff could fit into the kayak, so we had to take only 3 sleeping bags and not all of the clothes we brought.
We finally got onto the water around noon I think. Shirley and I shared a kayak, Jessie and Rosie shared a kayak, and Megan was a pro and had her own kayak. Thank goodness for Shirley! I know I look super strong, but I’m really not. I was exhausted after the first 5 minutes. We kayaked out to Shoup glacier, which was ten miles away. TEN MILES!!! My poor little arms were not too happy when they found that out. I had to count out 150 strokes and then take a 30 count rest, then 150 more strokes, then a 30 count rest just to keep myself going. Again, thank goodness for Shirley. She was a kayaking machine!
Despite the fact that my arms hated me, it was amazing! It is the coolest feeling in the world to be paddling along the ocean (not really open ocean, we were still in Prince William Sound), with the fish jumping all around you, sea otters popping up every now and then, and beautiful scenery all around. We kayaked past all the fishing boats out there doing their thing, which was awesome.
It had been raining the whole day, but not too heavily so it wasn’t a big deal at first. But then about an hour into our journey, I started to feel wet—like I was sitting in a big puddle. Keep in mind that I had on basketball shorts, waterproof pants, a T-shirt, sweatshirt, and then heavy-duty rain gear (pants and jacket). I also had a sea skirt around the opening of the kayak that I was sitting in. So despite all of my waterproofing measures, I was getting soaking wet. Apparently my sea skirt had worn away in some areas and water was leaking in. We stopped after about 3 hours of kayaking to eat lunch and I was already soaking wet, clear through to my underwear. No bien.
Well it took us about 6 hours to get to the glacier, and by this time it was raining fairly heavily. Our plan was to camp out by the glacier, but the forest service had built 3 small, basic cabins out there that you can use. We didn’t have a reservation for one, but we were hoping that the rain had deterred some people from making the trip to the glacier and that one would be open. Unfortunately, that was not the case. By this point, I was very cold and exhausted. Shirley and I stopped at a cabin right by the glacier and stripped down on the porch. One of the other girls had some extra clothes that I changed into and that helped. The people who were in the cabin were not there, so we just hung out on the porch for a while. The rain was coming down very hard by now. After much discussion, we decided that we that we better stay where we were and not go camp closer to the glacier. We got out the food we brought and made dinner on the porch. They had given us emergency flares, and a walkie-talkie radio thing and so we tried for about an hour to get a hold of someone to come and get us because we did not think it was a good idea for us to stay the night at the glacier and we wouldn’t be able to make it back (it was about 9 o’clock now). We didn’t have any luck with that.
Eventually, the people who were staying in the cabin showed up and were very nice about the fact that we had been chilling on their porch for a few hours when they had some very expensive equipment inside. We decided to get camp set up and get ready for bed. We found a patch of wild grass that would be semi-comfortable for us. We had a 3 man tent and we decided that it would be best for all 5 of us to sleep in the one tent for 2 reasons: (1) body warmth. (2) We were worried about bears and thought it would be best for all of us to be in the same tent because the fishermen in the cabin had given us a pistol. A pistol would be pretty useless against an attacking bear, but it was nice of them to let us use it anyway. Shirley was put in charge of it because she was in the Marines for quite a few years. There had been numerous bear sightings in the area, and there was semi-fresh bear poop near where we were set up, so we were very concerned. Needless to say, there were numerous prayers said throughout this journey of ours. We only had the 3 sleeping bags and most of our clothes were wet, so we had to strip down and do what we could to stay warm throughout the night.
Some funny stories during the night… apparently I started snoring (lightly, of course) and it scared the crap out of the other girls because they thought it was a bear. Another time Jessie scared us to death when she let out a scream… luckily it was because water was dripping on her. Not very fun for her, but a relief for us.
Well, we made it through the night alive. We had some bagels and granola bars for breakfast and started the ten mile journey back! The trip back was much easier because I knew I was headed back to a nice warm car and dry clothing. Shirley and I spent a good majority of the trip singing away, mostly Christmas songs. It was quite an adventure, and at numerous points during the paddling I wondered why I was doing this, but now that it is all over, it was AMAZING and I would love to do it again!
Ironic side note—that same week some girls from Utah were attacked by a bear up in Alaska, and my brother in law found the article in the Salt Lake Tribune and was very worried!

Operation Smile Fundraiser

The University of Utah and Westminster College Operation Smile Clubs are sponsoring a fundraiser at Rubio's Mexican Grill on Thursday November 13th from 3pm - 9pm.

Rubio's is willing to give Operation Smile 20% of their profits from every order placed with a flier on Thursday. If you right click on the flier below, then go to save image as, you should be able to print it off! Or if you just click on the flier, it will pull it up in a new window and you can print it from there!


You not only have an excuse to go out for dinner, but you will more importantly be supporting a great cause!

This would be a great date night, celebration after a test, group activity, or family night (they have a kid's menu)!

Spread the word!

The participating Rubio's locations are listed on the flier (they are in SLC and Sugarhouse).

Visit www.rubios.com/menu/ to see what food they have to offer!

ENFP... ??

So Marissa took this quiz, and I just want to be like her so I took it too. I think some of it describes me pretty well, but some of it doesn't sound like me at all :). When I took the real version of this test (that you have to pay for) for school, I was an ISFP...

You are an ENFP

The Inspirer

You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.
You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority.
Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.
You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller!

In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart.
You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. You break a lot of hearts.

At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do.
You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.

How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding

When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused

Well said...

Good quote:

' As most of you know I am not a President
Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not
about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it
seems to hit the mark.

'The other day I was reading Newsweek
magazine and came across some Poll data I found
rather hard to believe. It must be true given
the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67
percent of Americans are unhappy with the
direction the country is headed and 69 percent of
the country is unhappy with the performance of
the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry
just ain't happy and want a change. So being the
knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What
are we so unhappy about?''


A.. Is it that we have electricity and
running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?


B.. Is our unhappiness the result of
having air conditioning in the summer and heating
in the winter?


C.. Could it be that 95.4 percent of
these unhappy folks have a job?


D.. Maybe it is the ability to walk
into a grocery store at any time and see more
food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last
year?


E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our
cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the
Atlantic Ocean without having to present
identification papers as we move through each
state?


F.. Or possibly the hundreds of clean
and safe motels we would find along the way that
can provide temporary shelter?


G.. I guess having thousands of
restaurants with varying cuisine from around the
world is just not good enough either.


H. Or could it be that when we wreck
our car, emergency workers show up and provide
services to help all and even send a helicopter
to take you to the hospital.


I.. Perhaps you are one of the 70
percent of Americans who own a home.

J.. You may be upset with knowing that
in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of
trained firefighters will appear in moments and
use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames,
thus saving you, your family, and your
belongings.

K.. Or if, while at home watching one
of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or
prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun
and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you
and your family against attack or loss.

L.. This all in the backdrop of a
neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and
pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where
90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.


M.. How about the complete religious,
social and political freedoms we enjoy that are
the envy of everyone in the world?

***My own note: I would argue that laws are slowly being passed to take away our freedoms, particularly religious.
~ In New Jersey, a lesbian couple wanted to solemnize their civil union in a Methodist pavilion. Based on firmly-held religious beliefs that marriage is only between a man and a woman, the Methodist organization said that the couple could have their marriage ceremony on the boardwalk or anywhere else in the surrounding area, but not in the building where they hold religious services. In the ensuing law suit brought by the couple, the Methodist organization responded that it was their property, and the First Amendment protects their right to practice their faith without government intrusion. The Methodist organization lost, and its tax exemption has been rescinded by the state. (Bernstein/Paster v. Methodist Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association)
~ An employee of the City of Oakland was threatened with termination for using the terms “natural family, marriage and family values” in a public forum for co-workers. The City claimed that such language constituted "statements of a homophobic nature" and promoted "sexual-orientation-based harassment,” and threatened to terminate the employees. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that “administrative efficiency in a government office is more important than free speech.” (The Good News Employees Association v. City of Oakland)
***

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks
unhappy.


Fact is, we are the largest group of
ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever
seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet
has a great disdain for its citizens. They see
us for what we are. The most blessed people in
the world who do nothing but complain about what
we don't have, and what we hate about the country
instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.


I know, I know. What about the
president who took us into war and has no plan to
get us out? The president who has a measly 31
percent approval rating? Is this the same
president who guided the nation in the dark days
after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to
bring an economy out of recession? Could this
be the same guy who has been called every name in
the book for succeeding in keeping all the
spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist
attacks? The commander in chief of an
all-volunteer army that is out there defending
you and me?


Did you hear how bad the President is
on the news or talk show? Did this news affect
you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't
take a look around for yourself and see all the
good things and be glad? Think about
it......are you upset at the President because he
actually caused you personal pain OR is it
because the 'Media' told you he was failing to
kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it.


The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have
volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have
died for your freedom. There is currently no
draft in this country. They didn't have to go..
They are able to refuse to go and end up with
either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than
honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a
''dishonorable' ' discharge after a few days in
the brig.


So why then the flat-out discontentment
in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?


Say what you want but I blame it on the
media. If it bleeds it leads and they
specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a
car crash with blood and guts How many will
watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The
media knows this and media outlets are for-profit
corporations. They offer what sells, and when
criticized, try to defend their actions by
'justifying' them in one way o r a nother Just ask
why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J.
Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill
his wife, but if he did he would have done it
this way......Insane!


Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New
York Times for the bottom of your bird cage.
Then start being grateful for all we have as
country. There is exponentially more good than
bad. We are among the most blessed people on
Earth and should thank God several times a day,
or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With
hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud
slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up
the country from one end to another, and with the
threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we
sure this is a good time to take God out of the
Pledge of Allegiance?'

My Favorite Part of the Game on Saturday

Joey Porter was in town because the Dolphins were playing the Broncos, and since he is a CSU alum, he came to the game. After CSU scored, he ran out into the endzone and chest bumped the player and the team got a penalty for it. He was then escorted off the field. I don't really think it deserved a penalty.... I personally love to see things like this. Go Dolphins!

On a semi-related note, for anyone who finds Todd Christensen annoying, I just read a great idea! Mute the TV and listen to the radio play by play! Brilliant!

Kaiizen Baja

Well it looks like I am headed to Mexico again! This will be my 4th trip down to Baja with Kaiizen, and each trip has been amazing. Kaiizen is an awesome organization and you can really see what a difference it makes. This upcoming trip will be the Christmas trip, where Kaiizen basically throws Christmas for the children at the orphanage and provides much needed supplies to the surrounding community. They do several different projects that they need money for. Some of these include: rice and bean distribution to the surrounding area, Christmas gifts for the kids at the orphanage, emergency clothes (i.e. sweaters, socks, underwear) for kids at the local elementary school that cannot afford them, and much more. While down there, Kaiizen volunteers put on a show for the kids, make stockings and other Christmas decorations with them, have a Santa visit, etc. If you are interested in donating, please email me at soccarcher@gmail.com or go to www.kaiizen.org and click on donate (and then let me know that you donated and what you would like the money to go towards). All donations are tax deductible. Thanks for your help!