New Year's Resolutions: 2009 Edition

Well, another year has come and gone. I'm not going to revisit last years resolutions because I wasn't very good about keeping them.

So here are this years:

1.) Go for a hike or walk along the beach once a week.
2.) Watch two sunrises or sunsets a month.
3.) Take more photographs.
4.) Workout more consistently.
5.) "Blog it out" more.

I decided this year that I needed to make my resolutions things that will help me relax and have fun. That should also help me keep them!

Happy New Year's

Happy 2009 everyone! May this new year bring happiness and bountiful success for each and everyone!

The end of Curling league

Curling league finished a couple weeks ago now, but I am just now getting around to blogging about it. We finished with a 4-5 record after we won our last match 11-0 against the last place team in the other division. That team just so happened to also have the curling club founder on it, so it was pretty cool to beat him and his team of veteran curlers.

Curling was a lot of fun. I really didn't mind the 90 minute drive down to LA every Sunday. I won't be able to join the next league that starts in February because of basketball. I hope to be able to join either the spring or summer league though. Hopefully there will be more curling updates later this year.

Out to the Movies: Quantum of Solace and Slumdog Millionaire

On Monday after basketball had recessed for Christmas I decided to indulge myself in a cinema double feature.
The first movie I saw was the latest James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig. I thought Craig did a great job in "Casino Royale" so I was looking forward to seeing this one. Majority of my friends and even my parents beat me to seeing this movie. They were all kind enough to not spoil the movie for me, so I truly appreciate that. "Quantum of Solace" was action packed and tried to pick up where "Casino Royale" left of. Unfortunately, the plot wasn't as strong. I felt that they had a lot of good ideas for the plot and they put them all in. The lack of editing the plot down to a few consistent themes ultimately made "Quantum of Solace" pale in comparison to "Casino Royale". There was a small thread that tied the movie together and to "Casino Royale", but was often lost in the fog of the other plot components.
The second movie of my double feature was "Slumdog Millionaire". I had heard this movie had been getting phenomenal reviews and watching the trailer I wanted to see what this one was all about. I thought this movie was very well done! The story was gripping and held your interest throughout. I liked how they used the "Who wants to be a Millionaire" as a vehicle to tell the story of children growing up in the slums of India. This movie pretty much had it all. There was a love story, a story of working hard and getting out of the slums, tragedy, cruelty, and redemption. The ending maybe a little hollywood but it is just what you want to happen to these characters after everything they have been through. I give it an A!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Alone for the Holidays

Being on the road with not a lot to do has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are that you can recharge the battery a little bit because there is a lot of downtime. That downtime also can be a disadvantage because it gives you plenty of time to sit and think about everything. Needless to say I've been doing a lot of thinking over the past month.

With that being said I've been in hotels that have decked the halls and are playing christmas tunes 24/7 and sadly that has been the only indication for me that it is Christmas time yet again. This Dec. 25th marks the third year in a row that I have not spent Christmas with my family. I've come to realize just how important they are to me; especially my mom and dad. It seems that as each year goes by I miss them more and more! We talk on the phone just about every week, but it's not the same as being able to hug mom and joke around with dad. Shoot, I even miss my brother!

They live on the east coast now and I've removed my self from the family by moving to and staying on the west coast, and neither of us really have the finances or the availability to visit each other. The distance has made it more difficult to feel connected to them. When we talk and actually get to see each other our conversations are typically quite weird and just the standard catching up. I feel like I am gradually losing the sense of who they are and well to varying degrees they know little about me. We've never been a family comfortable with each other to talk about anything and everything. Each of us in our own ways are very guarded from not only the rest of the world, but also each other. So, in a way the distance is both figurative and literal between myself and my family.

I've always been the child that has wanted to get away and strike out on my own! Ever since I can remember I've wanted to move around and explore different areas, trying to find the spot that is just right for me; the area where I feel I belong and fit in. So far in my life I feel like the closest I've come to that place was Eugene.

Anyway to get back on topic, on this last road trip I've realized that being around family is what makes the holiday season so special. I miss soo much the Christmas eve get togethers' , opening gifts with my parents and brother on Christmas day and seeing the looks on their faces, sitting by the fire, and playing card and board games all afternoon and evening. I miss getting pizza and watching the movies we got for Christmas on New Years eve, all the christmas cookies and holiday snacks mom would whip up, but most of all I just miss being able to spend time with them!

Mom, dad and to the rest of the family, I miss you all very much and wish I could be there for the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Greg

5 Films I want to see

"The Class"


"Doubt"


"Milk"


"Ciao"


"Slumdog Millionaire"

Happy Birthday Heather

Happy Birthday Heather!

"How I Met Your Mother"

When Heather, Laef, and I all lived together back in Eugene Heather typically controlled the tv and made us watch all sorts of reality television. Some of the shows we watched included American Idol, Laguna Beach, My Super Sweet Sixteen, Dog the Bounty Hunter, and The Real World. We had some really great tv watching conversations, discussions, and moments. It was through Heather and Laef that I came to truly become addicted to "The Office".

Even since we have all moved on to other areas of the west coast Heather is still giving me suggestions on what tv shows to watch. It turns out Heather knows me entirely too well! One of the shows she suggested I begin watching is "How I Met Your Mother" or "HIMYM" for short. I had resisted until it came time to load my ipod for my long road trip of the year. I decided why not I'll buy the first season off itunes and see how it goes. I was hooked from the pilot episode! In fact, I didn't begin reading the books I brought on that trip till after I had watched every episode.

The idea behind the show is a father telling his kids the story of how he met their mother. The show centers around Ted Mosby an architect in New York who is looking for his soul mate. All the stories include Marshal and Lily; Ted's friends from college, Barney another friend of Ted, Marshal, and Lily's, and Robin a woman that Ted falls in love with and becomes integrated into the group.

Good call Heather! If I ever get a tivo I'll let you program it! Although you were right about "HIMYM" I'm still on the fence about "Friday Night Lights". I need more convincing on that one.

If you haven't checked out this show it airs Monday nights at 8:30pm on CBS and it is Awwwesome! High-Five!

Reading Corner Recap

Since my last reading corner update I have finished reading two books. The first book I just completed reading was "Touching the Void" by Joe Simpson and the second was "Strings Attached" by Nick Nolan.

"Touching the Void" is a real life account of a mountaineering survival story that takes place in the Peruvian Andes. Much like Jon Krakauer's "Into Thin Air" the book is about Joe Simpson and his friend Simon who decide to summit a 21,00 foot Peruvian Andes mountain when on the way down a series of unfortunate events puts the pair in the midst of apparent danger and ultimate peril. The story was well told and amazing. "Touching the Void" was an amazing and inspiring real life account of one man's struggle to survive and beat the odds. For those of you non-readers this was made into a movie of the same name.

"Strings Attached" is a work of fiction. I typically go with real life stories and events, but I decided to give this book a shot. The idea behind this book is a take on the tale of "Pinocchio". The premise is this, a teenager growing trying to become a "real man" and is being pulled in so many directions that it is as if the people in his life are controlling him like a puppet; hence the title "Strings Attached". I liked the theme of the book and I think it is something that we can all relate to. Although the idea was good the way the author wrote it sometimes missed its mark and just seemed more trashy romance/drama novel than a soul searching endeavor. Overall the book was just okay.

So, what's next? Well next on the list is "Schulz and Peanuts" by David Michaelis. This is a biography about Charles M. Schulz. I am really looking forward to this book because as a lot of you know I am a huge fan of Peanuts the comic, I liken myself to Linus; aka the voice of reason, and because there was some controversy surrounding it when it came out.

Turn up the volume

From the Portfolio of Andy Everson

"Protection"

Back Home

Oh it feels good to be back in Santa Barbara after a solid 13 days on the road. Well okay maybe not 13 consecutive days on the road. There was a solid day and half that I was home before we left for another trip.

Our Thanksgiving trip went well for the most part. We won 2 games and lost 2 games. I got to see my Grandparents and my best friend from undergrad; Allison.

Allison and I had not seen each other in person since she came to visit me in Eugene while she was in Seattle for her brother's wedding in the early spring of 2006. Though we have kept in touch through emails, phone calls, and care packages nothing comes close to being able to catch up in person. Allison is finishing up Med School in Kirksville , MO and was on her way back there from her Mom's house in Deckerville, MI. Luckily, Bloomington, IL and Illinois State University just happened to be on her way. It was great seeing her. However, she did have a few tricks up her sleeve. She brought some Mint brownies, pumpkin pie, and her camera. I hadn't noticed the camera till I looked up and saw it pointed in my direction. I immediately took evasive action hiding behind our 7' 2" freshman; I knew he was good for something besides dunking basketballs. She did manage to get a few shots of me working though:

I spotted the camera on this one, but was unable to get out of the way

No clue this was being taken


Our first picture together since graduation in 2004

I also got to visit with my grandparents. It was great seeing them and being able to catch up with them. They are both doing well. I truly appreciated them making the drive out to Illinois to see me. The last time I saw them was last season when we made a stop in Muncie, IN. I promise I will do my best to get the coaches to schedule someone closer to Cincinnati for them.

Hitting the road...

... with the basketball team yet again. This year we are going on the longest road trip we've ever been on. We leave tomorrow morning heading up to San Francisco for a game on Monday. We then hang out in the Bay city another day before we make our way east of the Mississippi for a three day invitational in Normal, IL. This will be the first year since senior year of undergrad that I will not be "at home" for Thanksgiving. We play Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Normal before heading back Monday.

With this especially long trip I have had quite the list of things to accomplish, and I am still trying to get everything done! Here's what my Saturday before this epic road trip was like:

9am- Cell phone alarm goes off. I promptly set another alarm to go off at 9:15am
9:15am- Cell phone alarm 2 goes off. Begin internal debate on whether to get up or lay in bed till 9:45am
9:45am- Cell phone alarm 3 goes off. Roll out of bed and do daily body test on the Wii Fit. Still Overweight, but slimming down slowly
9:50am- Shower
10:15am- Drive to work
10:35am- Speak with Physician regarding ongoing medical case
11am- Sit in Athletic Training Room (ATR) waiting for athletes to show up
11:45am- First athlete decides to come in for treatment
12pm- Team begins watching film; Begin tearing kit apart in prep for packing
12:45pm- Team emerges from film
12:50pm- Meet with athlete, physician, and coach regarding case
2:30pm- Practice is supposed to be over
2:45pm- Practice was supposed to be over
3pm- Players finally allowed to leave the court
3:30pm- Athletes all gone. Head back to main ATR
3:45pm- Resume packing kit
5pm- Still packing kit
5:30pm- Get Emergency Cards and Insurance information together
6pm- Send email to physician to work on scheduling referral for case previously discussed
6:30pm- Much needed haircut
7pm- Begin laundry
7:15pm- eat left over "Hot N' Ready"
8:15pm- Begin loading Ipod with music and video's
8:30pm- Begin paperwork unable to finish at work
8:45pm- Laundry is dried and ready to be folded
10:15pm- FInished paperwork for work
10:30pm- Pack duffel bag for trip
11pm- Do dishes, take out recycling and trash
11:15pm- Shave and shower, pack toiletries
12am- Sleep

Biggest thing to look forward to on this trip: Catching up on all the sleep that I have not been getting since basketball started. Be ready for phone calls people. We've got some catching up to do and when I'm bored in the hotel you are all on speed dial; between naps of course!

From the Portfolio of Andy Everson

"A New Song"

Looking at the past

The sands of time are slipping, running through my fingers. The sands of time are slipping. Slipping into a dreamless sleep. Slipping away from me. Too much to do in one day, not enough time to accomplish the goals in which I have set. The hour glass is falling; falling through the air, off the side of my desk. The glass shatters under the impact and disperses its precious cargo all over the floor. The time in which I need is escaping, with reckless abandon I work on capturing and subduing that which is escaping. I grasp, but the sands of time are slipping through my clutched and wretched fist; fleeing ever so slowly. I open my hand to see nothing, of what I had possessed has stole through my hand and into the night.

The sands of time have slipped through my fingers, and as the desecrated hour glass lays on my floor; the shards of shimmering glass reflect on to my face like stars in the night sky, a sense of hopelessness. Hopelessness soon transforms into despair, "too much to do," "not enough time," "I want to go to sleep." And as I lay my head down to rest, thoughts start dancing around my head. If only I had gripped tighter; had not let go. As my eyelids creep across my eyes like the veil of night, darkness ensues and covers me with way too much to do.

Time has slipped through my hands is wreaking havoc on the land. The sands of time are slipping into the unknown. The sands of time are slipping into some black hole. The sands of time are slipping out of my control.

I originally wrote this senior year of High School. I remember writing as a journal entry for a creative writing course. I was so proud of this particular entry and made just about everyone read it because I thought it was amazing. Looking back on it I think I was just struggling with senioritis and time management skills. What good is writing in a journal if you can't be a little dramatic right?

Movie Trailer: Quantum of Solace

Election Hangover

Once again, I've been slacking on the blogging. I'm not going to make excuses because I hate it when people make excuses for not doing things that they should, and I'm trying not to be a hypocrite. With that being said I maybe a week late in discussing the election results of 2008, but better late than never.

When I moved to California I registered to vote for the first time ever while registering my car with the state. At the young age of 24 I officially became a voting eligible american. I know, I know, what took me so long right? To be honest with you I don't know. Well, maybe I do know; I'm kind of procrastinator in my outside of work life. Anyway, so this was my first ever presidential election to vote in.

On election night I went over to a friends place to watch the results. Myself and Heather were pretty excited that Ohio decided to vote democrat this year and not become that dreaded "Red" state instrumental in the re-election of George W. Bush. So, high-five to you Ohio voters! The election turned out to be a bit more lopsided than I thought it was going to be with Barack Obama sealing the deal at 8pm PST when the west coast polls closed.

Critique of the speeches:

John McCain: I thought Senator McCain's speech was good, but not great. I felt the words of his speech conveyed a good message, but the sincerity in his voice was lacking. It must be hard to be truly sincere when admitting defeat, so I'll give him a pass on that point. The one thing I couldn't help but thinking when the camera panned the crowd was; wow! there are a lot of sad rich old white people there. I'm pretty sure there were some tears running down wrinkled faces.

Barack Obama: I thought this speech was simply amazing and completely what the country needed to see in its next President. I felt the undertone of President elect Obama's speech was very similar to JFK's "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" speech. If you have not already seen the speech here it is for your viewing pleasure from Youtube.


Overall thoughts:
I think President elect Obama is exactly what our country needs at this moment. I'm not saying that he is going to be the best president ever, but I think he is going to bring the peoples trust back to the federal government and especially the "Commander and Chief" of our country. Last tuesday night was indeed a historic night for the United States. I think the video of Jesse Jackson crying tells the story of the struggle that African Americans have waged in the land that they call home. For my generation I don't think that we truly grasp the importance of this moment in our history. We grew up in schools completely integrated where the color of a persons skin never really registered as being a significant difference. I'm sure this night rings louder and more historic for our parents and grandparents generations who may still be holding onto those prejudices of their parents and grandparents.
With that being said I applaud Americans for taking the step of electing Barack Obama to the presidency, but am also disappointed with other happenings on election night. I think an analyst on CNN said it best when they stated " With the election of Barack Obama the population of the United States is sending a message that they are ready for change, but with gay marriage bans passing in Florida, Arizona, and California the country is not completely on board with Obama's ideals."

For me election night was a one step forward and two steps back kind of night. A huge step forward in the election of Barack Obama and two steps back with the passage of laws discriminating against another group of Americans. It seems destined that some minority group will always be fighting for basic civil rights in our country. Eventually, we will fully uphold and believe that every man is indeed created equal.

Happy Halloween

Curling season update

The first half of the season is over and we've been reclassified into Group A and B. We lost our first two matches but after a well placed bye week we regrouped and won our last two matches. With our victory last Sunday we ended up in a tie with the third place team in the other group for the final position in Group A.
We were given this choice: coin toss for the last spot in Group A or go into Group B and pick our bye week for the next half of the season. It was a tough decision, but we decided to go into Group B and pick our bye week. My basketball schedule is keeping me from being able to go one weekend and another teammate might not be able to make it that weekend either, so we went with keeping the team together the entire season.
Curling League has been great fun. We all look forward to it all week and then when we are done on Sunday night it's "dang it we have to go to work tomorrow".

Here's some pictures of the fun courtesy of Rob:
My form still needs a lot of work!

What proper form should look like.

Strategizing

Hello Basketball! Goodbye Weekends!

Another year and another October. I always get a little depressed around the middle of October. NCAA rules stipulate that Men's and Women's basketball teams around the country may officially begin preseason practice on the Friday closest to October 15th. This is always an unfortunate day for me because that means my nice relaxing weekends go into hibernation till April.

Here are some of the things I'm going to miss the most:
- Being able to roll out of bed whenever I want
- Playing beach volleyball
- Hanging out with friends
- Random road trips
- Weekend getaways
- Watching college football games

And here's what I have to look forward to this season:
- Thanksgiving in Normal, IL
- 2 separate trips to Utah (Orem and Ogden)
- 3 days off for Christmas
- A visit from UNC

The worst part basketball season is the preseason. Who decided teams needed three weeks to prepare for the season? Let's just get these games rolling and the season over by February!

SNL Political Humor

Congratulations Allison

Allison this one is for you. This past weekend my very good friend Allison ran the Chicago Marathon. Congratulations Allison on finishing the race and finishing strong!



Here are her splits
5k.....25 min. 14 sec.
10k...55 min. 22 sec.
15k...1 hr. 15 min. 59 sec.
20k...1 hr. 41 min. 54 sec.
Half...1 hr. 47 min. 41 sec.
25k...2 hr. 8 min. 36 sec.
30k...2 hr. 37 min. 5 sec.
35k...3 hr. 6 min. 39 sec.
40k...3 hr. 35 min. 57 sec.
Finish......3 hr. 48 min. 35 sec.


Congratulations again Allison! Awesome job!

PS: I'm still working on your Halloween gift package!

AIDS Walk 2008 Recap

Hey everyone, sorry for the long delay in blogging lately. I am hoping to get some inspiration to be more consistent again.

This past weekend I participated in the 2008 Heart and Sole Aids Walk. This was a 10k walk along the Santa Barbara coast line. The weather was kind of crummy with a heavy misting rain that gradually got better as the walk progressed. Although the weather wasn't the greatest everyone had a great time. My team and I had such a great time that there was actually a picture of us in the local paper. I'll post the picture tomorrow.



I wanted to thank everyone who donated to this cause on my behalf. With your help myself and my two co-workers were able to raise over $1,000 for the Pacific Pride Foundation. All the donations go to support programs like free and anonymous HIV testing, HIV/AIDS Mental Health Counseling, a food pantry, and a needle exchange program. I was very proud of our efforts this year and I owe that in large part to all of you who donated.

So once again, thank you so very much to everyone who donated I truly appreciate the support!

AIDS Walk 2008

I am once again going to be doing the Santa Barbara AIDS Walk. This event was a lot of fun last year, so I am looking forward to doing it again. They made it a little easier to fund raise this year with a new web based donation platform. So, far the response to my email has been lacking.

The walk is on Oct. 4th and is about 6 miles in length. All donations go to support HIV/AIDS programs in Santa Barbara County. In the past two years this issue has had a direct influence in my life. I found out over a year ago that a really good friend of mine had contracted HIV. Their diagnosis affected me considerably, but through them I learned a lot about this topic. Now I am looking to honor them by raising money for programs to help other people living with or at risk of contracting HIV. I am also going to be wearing a red ribbon at every basketball game this year to also promote awareness.

Please visit the link to my AIDS Walk Donation page and make a donation. Every little bit helps!

If you don't feel like donating to a cause that does not help your community I ask you please to find your local HIV/AIDS charity and donate to them.

Thanks everyone!

Cute and Cuddly Returns!

Curling the night away

Last night I learned how to curl. Curling is a winter Olympic sport that began in Scotland. I have always thought that I could be a decent curler, but never had the opportunity to try it out till now. This whole thing started when I was talking with my co-worker Nina over the summer how the only chance I had to be an Olympian was to become a curler. It turns out we both had a similar thought. I immediately googled US curling clubs and managed to find one in Los Angeles. Before the beginning of each league they hold an open house where the Hollywood Curling Club invites the public to come learn about the game and begin playing. The open house is then followed by two classes for beginning and intermediate curlers leading up to the beginning of league play.

Our night began with a thirty minute introductory video, followed by a quick ice safety talk, and then practicing the basics. We started by gliding the stone; or rock as it is known, back and forth. Then we moved into pushing off the "hack" and gliding in a curling position. This progressed into gliding with a rock, and then into gliding and releasing the rock. Next up was sweeping while some threw a rock down the lane. I was pretty bad at sweeping. I "burned the rock" three times. Burning the rock is when a sweeper touches the rock on its way down the lane and thus knocking it out of play. We finished the night by playing a mock match.

Curling was awesome and amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I may have been the one to fall down the most and I have a bruised chin to prove it, but it was awesome. I can't wait to go back on Sunday.

A little something for me...

I've been tracking this online for weeks. I have journeyed to Oxnard in search of it in a store. Today my day came and found that circuit city had it available to order online. After debating all morning and a majority of the afternoon I broke down and decided to treat myself. What is this treat you ask? It's a Nintendo Wii!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait! My Wii is to arrive on Monday with Wii sports and Mario Galaxy. I am so freaking excited! I also plan on getting a Wii Fit, so I can workout at home.

Who's up for a game of tennis and bowling?

Opening Ceremonies

All I have to say is that the Opening Ceremonies were simply amazing! What they were able to accomplish with people power was awe inspiring and beautiful. My favorite part was the Chinese moveable type segment. In the beginning I was thought it intraquet patterns was achieved by a complicated computer program. As I watched in awe I began to notice people underneath the moving blocks. I began to put two and two together and realized that this magnificent feat was in fact performed by people. The performance was perfectly executed and simply amazing. I also enjoyed the drummers in the very beginning that did the count down!

Well played China, well played indeed!

Here are some of the images I was able to find:

A much needed break

Well things are beginning to look up. We hired our newest staff member and he got into town yesterday. With the arrival of Justin; a duck by the way!, Women's Soccer is officially out of foster care. Justin is crashing with me till he and our other new staff member Leah find a place to live. Justin rolled into town at about 3:45 yesterday and then we were right off to our team orthopaedists house in the hills of Montecito for a BBQ.
The BBQ was awesome filled with good food and company. It was nice to have the whole staff together for the first time. We were all able to get to know the two new staff members and watch some Olympic action.

Arts and Lectures Series

Ok first I apologize for it taking me so long to post on this one, but hey I've busy as hell, so lay off me. Last week my co-worker Nina, David, and myself went to Campbell Hall to see "Up the Yangtze". I went in with some high expectations of what I thought this film was going to be like. I was a little disappointed to be completely honest. The documentary was about China completing the Three Gorges Dam and how it was going to affect the lives of those who live by the massive river.

The documentary focuses on the plight of one family that is forced to exploit their daughter to be able to live after the Three Gorges Dam is completed. Their daughter goes to work on a river boat that tours the Yangtze washing dishes. One of the sound bites that really stuck with me is how some families in China live on two dollars a day. Unfortunately the narrator always seemed to talk at some of the most awkward times that it made the underlying story disjointed at times. Overall the film was interesting, insightful, and had some very moving images.

Craziness at work

The past week has been a bit crazy at work. Last week our Women's Soccer ATC decided that he wasn't going to be able to live in Santa Barbara on what he was going to be paid and decided to quite. Mind you this whole thing went down exactly one week before Women's Soccer begins double days! So after some scrambling by the staff Women's Soccer has officially become a team effort. Our Women's basketball ATC and myself are basically becoming what we have coined "Foster parents" of the Women's soccer team till a suitable home can be found for them. We already have some great lines planned; "Go talk to your father!" and "Did your mother say it was okay?"

In the meantime we've offered the position to three people. The first one had already accepted a job, but was not going to be working with athletics, so we thought we could lure him away from there, but alas he had already moved himself and his family, so one down. The second guy had also already accepted a job, was definitely tempted, but ended up turning us down; strike two. We are waiting to hear back from guy number three tomorrow. If we strike out tomorrow then we'll be opening up this position and seeking applicants and soccer will remain in foster care.

Needless to say, on top of all that Basketball has begun conditioning and lifting again, so their keeping me somewhat busy. We are also transitioning to a computer based injury documentation system. This new computer based system kind of sucks because we have to input all the data for all our athletes into the computer. It took me the entire day to get Men's basketball done and there's only fifteen of them right now to worry about. My eyes were so dry and tired from staring at my computer screen and my contacts were not helping. I have to input Women's Soccer tomorrow which will be a feat in itself since there is over thirty of them.

Today was quite busy and definitely signaled the end of summer. Fall is starting to kick into gear. Basketball season is going to be here before I know it ready to kick my butt again. Wish me luck!

Out to the Movies: Mongol

This afternoon I went to see the movie "Mongol". I was quite surprised to turn around at the ticket booth and see my team physician and his wife also going to see Mongol. It was a pleasant surprise.

The movie is about the rise of Genghis Khan. The movie was beautifully shot and had a feel very similar to "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" and "300". There was plenty of blood to be seen throughout the movie and quite a bit of foreshadowing. Over all the movie was very good and interesting to watch. The movie begins when Genghis Khan is nine years old and his Father is taking him to another clan on Mongols to pick a wife. The movie then follows the course of events that shaped his life up till the time that he united the Mongols. Over all the film was entertaining and interesting. It had piqued some interest in me on the subject, so I'll probably add something about Genghis Khan to my reading list.

Next Week

Next week I will be going to another film presented by the Arts and Lectures department called "Up the Yangtze."

Check out the trailer:

Arts and Lectures Series

Ah the yes, the Arts and Lectures summer film schedule. Tonight I went to see "The Band's Visit." This film was kind of slow in the beginning, but picked up some steam and had some very funny parts and some mild awkwardness mixed in. The film felt very genuine and did a nice job of showing individual connections between people of very different cultures. I enjoyed myself watching this movie. I don't think this movie is for everyone, but check out the trailer and see for yourself.

Youtube: Public Awareness?

Out to the Movies: The Dark Knight

Last night some co-workers and myself went to go see the latest Batman movie. This movie opened last weekend to record setting numbers and to my surprise the showing last night was sold out as well. This movie is a summer movie blockbuster people, and it is well worth the admission!
Batman Begins took the Batman franchise back to its dark and grungy Gotham City that had been lost in the previous two installments. The Dark Knight continues the trend. Growing up as a kid I used to hate it when my brother wanted to watch "Batman"; I was more of a Ninja Turtles kid, but looking back on the series the original Batman movie was my favorite because it was more dark and real feeling than the movies that followed it. It doesn't hurt that Jack Nicholson was a pretty good Joker either.
There was a lot of buzz leading up to this movie because Heath Ledger had died earlier in the year and sources close to the movie were saying that he hit gold in his portrayal of the Joker. After seeing the film I would have to agree. Took what Jack had developed and delved even deeper into the sadistic and troubled mind of the criminal master mind.
The Dark Knight may have been the most interesting and mesmerizing film I've seen all year. The Dark Knight is everything you want in a movie. It's two and half hours that keeps your eyes glued to the screen, action, adventure, a good supporting cast, and a great story.

If you have not already seen it; go and go now, you won't be disappointed!

Dentist Visit

Ugh, what a morning. There is nothing quite like spending almost 2 hours at the dentist office. That is my own fault however since it has been about three years since my last visit to the dentist chair. Growing up as a kid I never had a lot luck with the dentist. I seemed to have always had a a bad visit followed by a good visit over and over again. I thought I had been doing well.
So it turns out I have some tooth decay that needs to be taken care of next week and one that can be observed. In addition to having to get another filling I was told I have marginal gingivitis. On the bright side though I came away with some dental floss, a toothbrush, special toothpaste and some special mouth wash to combat the gingivitis. I was also instructed to go out and buy an electric toothbrush.

Some other interesting things I learned from the Dentist this morning:

I am a bilateral chewer, which apparently is a fairly rare characteristic. Score some unique points for me!
My teeth alignment makes me more susceptible to biting my lip increasing my potential risk of lip cancer, yeah double ouch there people.
My lower lip is very dry also making me more susceptible to lip cancer. Good thing I carry Chapstick around with me everywhere.

It was a pretty informative and disappointing day at the Dentist this morning. I hope my eye exam goes better on Friday.

Photos from Sea World

16_015.jpg">

Taking a Vacation

I'm officially taking a vacation people! This weekend I will be heading down south to the land of Ron Burgundy. In other words I'm heading to San Diego for the weekend. Sea World here I come! I'll try to get photos up as soon as I can. Have a good weekend everyone.

Alternate Careers

For a little over six months now I've been throwing the idea around of possibly getting out of Athletic Training and pursuing another career. I've been throwing around a couple of different ideas that I'll discuss further in a new blog series.

Here are some of my ideas:

Physician Assistant
Physical Therapist
Biologist
Naturalist

That's the short list.

From My Portfolio

"Clear Lake, Oregon"

From My Portfolio

"Mackenzie Pass, Oregon"

Wildfire Update

Here's an update on the Gap Fire here in Santa Barbara County. The fire is at 90% containment and is expected to be extinguished in two days. Four out buildings were destroyed, but no homes were lost. The cause is still not known, though there has been some speculation that global warming is partly to blame.



*These photos are not mine