This one's for Uncle Adrian

Colored by McKenna. If you like these, check out ToonBaboon's Print a Penguin blog!

Short Disneyland Trip

I know a few of my relatives and in-laws get tired of how often we go to Disneyland. Actually, we haven't been since May, due to money issues and problems with my herniated disc. At almost the last moment, we decided to go, and I'm glad we went. Not only did we get a really good discount on a car rental, but we also had a wonderful time together as a family.


McKenna got three new experiences on this trip. On Saturday, before we left home, we measured her height - she was pretty darn close to 40 inches tall with her shoes on. Once we had an opportunity to check at the park, she came in right at 40 and she got to ride Big Thunder Mountain and Star Tours with me. And even though she has seen Fantasmic a few times on You Tube, there's nothing better than seeing it in person.


In all, we had a great time. We usually spend a lot of time together, rarely do Haily or I do anything without involving the kids, but it's sure a neat feeling to find yourself flying in an elephant, or sailing over Neverland with your child beside you.

One of our "must do" activities is to watch the "Billy Hill and the Hillbillies" show at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. These four brothers, each named Billy Hill, put on a bluegrass show that touches almost every muscial genre from Elvis, to the Beatles, to Country and Disco (They call that style Crisco) and Country meets Rap (no name for that style yet). They always put on a good show, and I've yet to be disappointed.

Special thanks go out to Karen and Charles for hosting us for the night, and extra thanks also go out to Bryan and Jamie who helped us out with an issue after we got home.

Blowin' In The Wind

Living in Arizona, we're constantly aware of any changes to the dry heat of the summer. One of the most dangerous changes comes with the monsoon, a seasonal weather pattern that brings moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. The storms often appear unexpectedly, and bring a high amount of rain, preceeded by high winds and dust. Many of the local television stations broadcast a special about the dangers of the monsoon.

On Thursday night, we got caught up in one of the storms. We were driving after dark and fought the wind for a good distance. We could see the dust getting kicked up, and watched as heavy raindrops splattered on the car, muddying up the windshield with a thick paste. Our field of view diminished to the point where we could see only a few feet ahead of us. We pulled over, turned off our headlights, and turned on the hazards. A signpost that was only ten feet ahead of us disappeared in the gloom. We sat for several minutes, in silence, watching as cars slowly passed us, and others, following our example, pulled off the road. At one point, McKenna said she was scared and wanted to go home. In all, we waited for about fifteen minutes for the storm to pass us over.

As the wind slowed and visibility increased, we could see that the car was covered in dirt. I'm glad we had the sense of mind to pull over and let the storm pass over us.

Dr. Seuss invades the Warren home

Watch as Haily reads a book,

Check out Kenna's hair - new look!

Eric ignoring the world again,

And Adrian with a cheesy grin!

It's September

And I was just getting used to it being August. I only just realized that Labor Day is next week.

Growing up in Idaho, the first week of September was always exciting. It signaled the opening of the Eastern Idaho State Fair, probably the biggest thing to hit the area. For a few dollars, we could see arts, crafts, livestock, and a selection of the best food to choose from. Over the years, different things would appeal to us, but we always had to get a tiger ear and go on the carnival rides. There were even years which found different members of our family behind the booths, serving up the ubiquitous tiger ears, and I later manned the booth for the TV station I worked for.


Different music acts, mostly country, would perform, and it was at the fair that I went to my first concert. What I consider to be my first real date was at the fair. And I'll always remember the night I came across my two best friends before and after they attacked a certain ride. The after was definitely worse than the before.

The pictures used for today's blog came from http://www.idahofallstoday.com/2008/08/31/idaho-state-fair/

Egad - No post yesterday!

I completely forgot to post a message to my blog yesterday. I set a goal for myself to post at least something every day. For those of you who may be reading my blog through Facebook, you may say, "Yeah, but he posted all of those crazy pictures yesterday." Technically, that's true, however, I didn't actually post anything to my blog at www.hpflyer.blogspot.com.

Now if this isn't a crazy way to drive traffic to my blog, I don't know what is. :)

15 Movies

Rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen movies you've seen that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. Tag fifteen friends, including me because I'm interested in seeing what movies my friends choose. (To do this, go to your Notes tab on your profile page, paste rules in a new note, cast your fifteen picks, and tag people in the note -- upper right hand side.) I hope you participate, even if you didn't get tagged! No judging! Okay, fine, judge .

Star Wars: A New Hope
Dragonheart
The Last Starfighter
To Kill a Mockingbird
Beauty and the Beast
The Goonies
The Iron Giant
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Raiders of the Lost Ark
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The Fifth Element
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Moulin Rouge
The Other Side of Heaven
Serenity

Project Vulcania - Revealed

"...there is hope for the future. When the world is ready for a new and better life, all this will someday come to pass, in God's good time." Captain Nemo




I put the finishing touches on Project: Vulcania this afternoon and can now officially reveal it!



Based upon Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, I give you Captain Nemo's Submarine - The Nautilus! The film, of course, is based upon Jules Verne's novel. My project's title, Vulcania, came from Nemo's secret island base.



The build took an estimated 10 hours spread across four days and involved seven printed sheets. To build the model I used scissors, an x-acto knife, Elmer's glue, a scoring tool and ruler. During the build I discovered that two sections were not glued correctly and ended up replacing them. One final error remains, but at this point I'm not going to worry too much about it. I also utilized a themed stand designed specifically for the Nautilus.

The template, instructions and stand all came from www.thedisneyexperience.com, which in addition to several other papercraft projects, also offers several free desktop backgrounds, user images, icons, fonts, and projects - all with a Disney theme.

I've built some other papercrafts from this site, but they, as well as most of my papercrafts, are at work. I'll try to remember to bring a camera to work and post pictures of those as well.

Threes of Me

Rules:
You've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with the 3's of YOU. At the end, choose people to be tagged. You have to tag me. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you - but not in a creepy stalker kind of way.

(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 3's, tag 26 people (in the right hand corner of the app), then click publish.

Three names I go by:

1--Daddy
2--Eric
3--Junior (thanks Channel 3)

Three Jobs I have had in my life:

1--Hydrotubular Transportation Specialist (pipe mover)
2--Local TV news photographer
3--Lead agent for US Airways group department

Three Places I have lived:

1--Pingree, ID
2--Grant's Pass, OR
3--Chandler, AZ

Three Favorite drinks:

1--Chocolate Milk
2--Orange Julius
3--Black Cherry Kool-Aid

Three TV shows that I watch:

1--Lost
2--Hell's Kitchen
3--America's Got Talent

Three Places I Have Been:

1--New York
2--Moscow
3--Copenhagen

People that text/e-mail/facebook/tweet me regularly:

1--Haily
2--Adrian
3--My mom

Three of my favorite restaurants:

1--Chipotle
2--Cracker Barrel
3--Good 'N' Plenty

Three friends I think will respond:

1--Haily
2--Adrian
3--Amanda

Three things I'm looking forward to:

1--Next trip to Disneyland
2--Birth of our new son in January
3--Next papercraft project

Project: Vulcania - Nearing Completion

After taking Monday off of model building to regroup and decide how I wanted to correct an error I made early in the build process, I nearly finished Project:Vulcania last night. I still have one step left to complete before I'm ready to finish it. It's been a lot of fun to work on, but in the meantime, I've promised McKenna I would make a special papercraft project just for her. Pictures of both will be forthcoming. I may also take my camera to work, where I have my other papercrafts, and get pictures of those as well for posting.

Everything but . . .actually, yeah.

I wish I had a camera. On my drive home, traffic slowed down extremely quickly on a stretch of the road that normally doesn't have any traffic problems. It was enough to get out of the fast moving left hand lane into the suddenly much quicker right hand lane. I soon learned what the cause of this backup was - it seemed Jed and all his kin had packed up the homestead headed to Beverly. Apparently, a family was moving all of their possessions by pickup and makeshift trailer, with several items which appeared to be lashed on. I couldn't help but think that they had everything but the kitchen sink . . . until I was close enough to realize that, yes, the kitchen sink was lashed onto the back of the trailer as well. Again, I wish I had a camera.

Project: Vulcania - day 3

Here's a few more pictures of Project: Vulcania. I'm not quite halfway through with this build, but it looks to be turning out to be one of the best I've done so far.

Secret Project

. . . I've only just begun.

I started a new project.

And I'm really excited to see this one take shape. Pictures to come!

Scientific Study of Me

A friend of mine posted this on her blog and I figured I'd co-opt her idea. I really have nothing better to do for the next ten minutes.

************FOODOLOGY*****

********

1. What is your salad dressing of choice?
Ranch, except when I feel like Catalina.

2. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Probably Cracker Barrel, but I don't get to eat out like that very often.

3. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
Pizza

4. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Pepperoni and Canadian Bacon with pineapple

5. What do you like to put on your toast?
Butter and raspberry jam.

***********TECHNOLOGY************

1. How many televisions are in your house?
Three, however, one does not work. Should I count my portable DVD player as one more?

2. What color cell phone do you have?
Black

3. How many computers are in your house?
2. One works. One takes up space.

4. Have any idea how many Megahertz your computer has?
Nope. There used to be a time when I cared about such things. Now I only worry about it not turning on.

**********BIOLOGY***************

1. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right.

2. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Teeth and a portion of my colon (that's a lovely story involving a near death experience).

3. What is the last heavy item you lifted?
My kids.

4. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
No.

****************BULLCRAPOLOGY***************

1. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
I could see the benefit, but I would rather not.

2. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Rockerfeller, but only for the inheritance that would come with the name.

3. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
No.

*************DUMBOLOGY*************

1. How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
One, but I haven't worn them for a couple of years.

2. Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
1999. I ran a red light.

3. Last person you talked to?
Haily

4. Last person you hugged?
Haily

***********FAVORITOLOGY***************

1. Season?
Spring. The days are nice and everything is green (I live in the desert, what do you expect?)

2. Holiday?
Christmas, followed closely by Halloween

3. Day of the week?
Saturday.

4. Month?
April. Spring and birthday, and 3rd favorite holiday, Easter.

***************CURRENTOLOGY****************

1. Missing someone?
I miss being close to my family, fortunately my brother lives a little less than an hour away.

2. Mood?
Generally calm

3. What are you listening to?
Haily sleeping.

4. Watching?
Nada. Just the computer screen

***************RANDOMOLOGY*************

1. First place you went this morning?
The ubiquitous water closet.

2. What's the last movie you saw?
Made of Honor

3. Do you smile often?
Every chance I get.

**********OTHEROLOGY************

1. Do you always answer your phone?
No.

2. It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
No one texts me that early in the morning.

3. If you could change your eye color what would it be?
Blue, it's very close to that already.

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
I prefer an Orange Creme Slush.

5. Do you own a digital camera?
Yes, when Haily lets me use it.

6. Have you ever had a pet fish?
Yep. Despite the loss of our platys, we've still got a plecostomus.

7. Favorite Christmas song?
Mary Did You Know.

8. What's on your wish list for your birthday?
HD TV, PS3, Home Theater sound system. I know I won't get them, but I can wish.

9. Can you do push ups?
Yes, but I don't do them as often as I should.

10. Can you do a chin up?
I doubt it.

11. Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
I try to keep an open mind about it.

12. Do you have any saved texts?
Only the last several I've received.

13. Ever been in a car wreck?
Yes.

14. Do you have an accent?
Midwestern American.

15. What is the last song to make you cry?
I don't remember.

16. Plans tonight?
Hopefully my Mom will make it here from Dominica.

17. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
There were a few days like that in college.

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
Chicken strips, potato wedges, a soda.

19. Have you ever been given roses?
No. I've given them.

20. Current worry?
Politics.

21. Current hate right now?
People who excuse their own bad behavior and errors..

22. Met someone who changed your life?
Most definitely.

23. How will you bring in the New Year?
Probably by having fallen asleep at 10 on New Year's Eve.

24. What song represents you?
Moving Right Along.

25. Name three people who might complete this?
Surprise me.

26. Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
As long as it is not to the destruction of Pompeii, why not?

27. Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
No.

28. Does anyone love you?
Yes. My wife and kids show me every day.

29. Ever had someone sing to you?
My daughter.

30. When did you last cry?
Yesterday on my way to work. I missed my family.

31. Do you like to cuddle?
Yes

32. Have you held hands with anyone lately?
Haily, McKenna, and Adrian.

33. Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
Most of my friends are old.

34. Do you like pulpy orange juice?
No!

35. Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Enjoying my family and life. Probably while on a visit to Disneyland.

Up and atom

Another day ahead of me. Uh oh, I hear Adrian awake in his crib. Ever since we moved the computer out of the unused bedroom, it's harder for me to accidentally wake him up, as the two bedrooms are right next to each other. The master bedroom, where the computer is now, has a lot more space between us and the kids.

We weren't planning on having any daycare kids today, as their mom is off for the day, so I think we're going to hit the ground running this morning and start looking for some more kids that Haily can watch. She talked with one of her friends about what's been going on, and knows some of the ladies in our ward who are also doing daycare. One of the people she spoke with mentioned that there have been times she's only watched a child for a week or less, and indicated the mother may have just wanted to get the kids out of her hair for a little while. We're hoping some of the daycare moms in our ward might be able to send some kids our way if they're already full.

I think it's been good for Haily to have this experience, and I hope we can make this work. It hasn't stopped Haily from looking for work, but it would work out better for us if we can provide daycare.

Uh oh, I think McKenna heard me typing. I think she's hiding in the hallway just out of my sight.

So much for that . . .

Just found out that the kids we've started having for daycare won't be with us. The mom had some difficulties between her schedule and having someone pick up her kids at school - the district doesn't bus within our community and we don't have a large enough outfit to carry our kids and hers.

Back to square one, but now we've had a taste of what to expect and have done the research to be ready for the next kids. Keep us in your prayers.

Moved it all around

Well, we're making some changes around our home. Haily has begun a day care service. Unfortunately, any job offers that have come along wouldn't pay enough for us to put our kids in daycare ourselves, so we figured this might be a better option.

We've spruced up our little used front room and moved several toys out there. We took the computer out of the unused bedroom and moved it into the master bedroom, then moved a bookcase from the front room to the unused bedroom. I'm not sure how long that bedroom will remain unused, because McKenna will need her own room soon, while Adrian and the baby will be in the other.

We're currently watching three children every afternoon. They are all brothers and sisters. The youngest is three and he and Adrian have been tearing up and down the house. He's had fun with someone other than McKenna around. The other two children are in Kindergarten and first grade, and they will usually arrive around 3 in the afternoon. Their mom works until eight. McKenna's having fun with them as well, and is adjusting pretty well to having three other kids around. I have to wonder how my Mom dealt with all of this noise. Then again, we could be sent to the basement or outside for hours.

I have no idea

I want to blog more. It's as simple as that. I want to improve my writing skills, and learn to make my writing interesting, and I know that blogging can help that. It doesn't matter to me that people may not care that I'm writing (okay, maybe I care a little bit). When I first began this blog, it was with the intention to provide assistance to flyers, ie. travel tips, best airport to fly into where there's a choice, etc. Then it suddenly veered into my impressions of comic books, then on to my family, and then, well, I just started writing about whatever I felt like writing about.

Don't get me wrong, I want to write, but I just am not sure what to write about. Do I write about my son waking up at 6:30 this morning? After my wife got him out of his crib, she brought him into our bedroom, where I was busy working on a Sunday School lesson. She set him on the bed, and he ended up laying on my pillow with a very relaxed look on his face.

Do I write about how excited my kids are to see me when I come home from work? Should I write about my family's trips to California, Utah, Idaho, Washington DC, etc? The possibilities are wide and varied, and maybe I just feel a little overwhelmed when I sit down to type. Regardless of what I decide to do, I think the important thing is just to write.

Getting ready

My morning usually starts around 5:30. After a hop in the shower, I'm dressed and checking my email by 6. I try not to wake up the kids, but Adrian can hear me every so often. I try to check out my favorite websites for updates - I usually visit sites about upcoming movies and current events, as well as facebook and twitter. I also look to see if any of my brothers and sisters have updated their blogs as well. Then I'm out the door by 6:45 at the latest, on my way to work.

Project Playlist

If you haven't already heard it or seen it everywhere else, over on the right hand side of my blog at http://hpflyer.blogspot.com/ is a playlist. The website, http://www.playlist.com accesses music files and lets you put together up to 2oo songs on a single playlist. I've already built five playlists and it's a good replacement for an mp3 player, at least as long as I'm nearby a computer. The site has agreements with record labels to provide the music. Check it out. You can post your personalized playlist to your blog or myspace page (still trying to figure out how to post it on facebook).

Short update.

Had a fun Family Home Evening tonight with McKenna. She made sure we got out our scriptures and read for a little bit. She even "helped" Haily read every few verses.

It's amazing to watch her as she grows. She's developed her own little personality, and it's hard to believe that she'll be going to school next year.

Speaking of growing, little Adrian has been sprouting up himself. He's figured out a few words, like Mamma (boy does he have that one down!) Daddy, shoes, and book are his favorites.

We're also expecting a third child right around new year's. We just found out today that it's a boy. I think Haily may be a little disappointed, she was expecting a girl. But we'll love him just the same.

Past Jobs

I got to thinking about my past jobs in years gone by, and thought I might write about what I liked and disliked about them.

1. Mowing my grandparent's lawn. When I was about 9 or 10 I started mowing the lawn for my grandparents who lived next door. It was fun because they had a riding lawnmower, but a BIG yard, and grandpa was a stickler for having it done right. The most difficult part was mowing around the apple trees at the northern end of the yard, although dealing with the lilac bushes and the well were also trouble spots.

2. Pipe moving. For two years my brothers and I moved water pipe for a local farmer. Dad would always brag about how he moved a line in about ten minutes, we were lucky if we got it done in a half hour. It was hard work, which had to be done twice a day - we were up extremely early, and worked in the late afternoon. Don't really know if there was anything I really enjoyed about it.

3. Potato Harvest. Hard to grow up where I did and not be involved in it. I was interested in all the machinery used from the field to the cellar. My dad used to be a farmer and we would often go with him the the main shop or out to the farms. Years later, potato harvest meant hard work, long days (pre-sun up to long after sundown), and dust and dirt everywhere.

4. McDonald's. About the only thing I enjoyed was that I worked with my best friend. The work was repetetive, my hours were cut down to about three a week (what was up with that), and management didn't care if anyone got hurt. The worst of it was the manager would give a pass to their favorite workers (who were often dating their family members). Welcome to the big time.

5. At call cafeteria crew. My first college job was so infrequent, it would hardly qualify. I worked as replacement staff if employees did not show up or called in sick. Most of the time I would help in the dishwashing area, but there were a couple of nights where I worked from 9 to midnight cleaning the kitchen, which was downright tiring. Thank goodness I only got called a handful of times.

6. Spring Planting. In order to raise some money for my mission, I spent two months working for a local farmer. Unlike my previous experience with farm work, I really enjoyed being outside. It wasn't the same thing everyday, one day, yeah, I had to move pipe, but another day I'd be out preparing irrigation equipment or any number of different things. Looking back, the only thing I disliked about it was that I missed out on TV, which wasn't so bad, all things considered.

7. After returning from my mission, during my second year of college, I was an administrative assistant for my choir instructor. Five hours a week, but I got to see a lot of behind the scenes work of a teacher, and partly inspired my desire to become a teacher myself. I also met a well known LDS author and often think back to that year being one of my best in college.

8. Kirby Salesman. The summer of 97 was spent in the pursuit of selling overpriced vaccum cleaners. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have one, but sheesh, the things are expensive. I'm surprised I even managed to see any. I worked with a fun bunch of guys, and we spent a good deal of time working away from our base of operations in Pocatello - like Soda Springs and Logan. I was able to earn enough money to buy my first computer. Unfortunately, I also missed our summer party due to my other summer job

9. Demonstrator. You know, the folks at Walmart and Sam's Club who give out samples. What are you supposed to say to someone whose kid takes half of the product you prepared? Long, tedious, and boring. Then I learned that not only did the company set me up to do demos, I was also hired out to help grocery stores restock after they remodeled. I pulled a few all-nighters, and was not happy to learn that along with restocking, we were also to cut and wrap cheese and other deli items. I thought that was the responsiblity of the store's employees.

10. Suncoast Video. Great job for me, bad job for my wallet. What can I say, I'm a movie freak, and this provided a great opportunity to buy every Disney cartoon - not to mention close to a hundred and fifty video tapes. Then, when I least expected it, I fell deep into DVDs when they first came out. Good times working there, and I felt like a valued member of the staff - despite working on the day after Thanksgiving in a mall, and getting frozen out of my car. Eventually had to quit due to school obligations.

11. Hollywood Video. All right, no longer do I have to pay for the movies, just rent them for free! I worked in three separate stores, eventually getting up to shift supervisor. Lot of fun, but very little money. Prior to getting married, I worked at a Hollywood video in Las Vegas.

12. Matrixx/Convergys. Telemarketing. My first stab at it was in Provo. Part time, calling people during dinner to sell long distance phone service. It lasted three months. I went back to the company in 2001 and worked on a sattelite TV service, inbound calls this time.

13. Party Palace. Part time. Low pay. Lots of fun. I was primarily hired to work in the costume shop getting ready for Halloween, but ended up doing just about everything but arranging flowers. One of my favorite moments was being Santa Clause for a nursing home.

14. Television news photographer. Don't even ask how I fell into this one, I still have no idea. Worked for a local TV station for over a year and a half. Highlights included watching the Olympic torch as it was carried through Pocatello, and being left in charge of the Pocatello Bureau on Saturdays. Late nights though. Least fun was driving to schools for basketball games in the dead of winter, and live shots from Pocatello for the 10 o'clock news - had to drive from Pockey to Idaho Falls then back to Blackfoot.

15. Disney Store. I only worked there a month prior to getting married. Got a day's worth of Disney training, and spent a lot of my time in the stock room. Fun interview (What Disney character are you most like?) Hated having to leave that job when I moved to AZ.

16. Airline - I started out in Reservations, moved to Group Sales and am now in the Customer Relations department. I'll reserve comment (for now).

17. Animation company. I've been trying my hand at a number of responsibilities, and have enjoyed what I've done so far.

119 Questions

ReplyAre you really ready for 119 questions?
Ready for anything !

Where's number 1?

2) Do you regret your last relationship?
No. I learned from it and while I wasn't in a relationship for a long time after, I am grateful to have learned and moved on.

3) Do you believe in God?
Yes.

4) Who did you last say "I love you" to?
McKenna

5) Do you regret it?
No.

6) Have you ever been depressed?
When I was still going to BYU, I lost all desire to do anything. School, work, etc.

8) Are you a boy or girl?
Boy

9) What is your relationship status?
Married

10) How do you want to die?
In my sleep, old and surrounded by family.

14) When was your last non-physical fight?
It seems I'm in a fight everyday at work - I'm in customer relations.

15) Do you have an attitude?
When I get my hackles raised, yeah.

16) Ever been in love?
Yes.

20) Do you hate anyone at the moment?
Idiots who think the world is their oyster.

21) Do you miss someone?
Yes. I miss my family in Idaho, Utah, and Florida.

22) Right or left handed?
Right

23) Do you tan a lot?
Not intentionally, but it's hard not to get a tan in Arizona when you wear shorts.

24) Have any pets?
A fish.

25) How exactly are you feeling?
I'm tired, from putting in mondo-overtime at work.

27) Ever made out in a bathroom?
No.

28) Would you take any of your exes back?
No.

29) Are you scared of spiders?
No.

31) Do you regret anything in your past?
Yeah, I think I was too rude towards my brothers and sisters.

32) What are your plans for this weekend?
Relax and go to church.

33) How many kids do you want?
We've got two, and I'd like more.

34) Ever kissed somebody that name starts with an D?
No, but my nephew calls my wife "Aunt Dee Dee" Does that count?

35) Do you type fast?
Yep

36) Do you have piercings and what are they?
No, though I've stepped on nails. Does that count?

39) Do you miss anyone from your past?
Yeah. I miss several of my roommates and missionary companions.

40) What are you craving right now?
Brownies

41) Ever been to a bonfire party?
Yeah. We had them during homecoming week in High School. When I was at Ricks we went out to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes a few times and had big bonfires as well.

43) Have you ever been on a monkey?
Yeahbuwhat?

44) Kissed someone in a lifted truck?
Nope.

45) Have you ever broken someone’s heart?
Mine has.

47) Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry?
nope.

49) Would you live with someone without marrying them?
No.

50) What should you be doing?
Finishing up the X-Sheets for my other job.

52) Ever liked someone so much it hurt?
Yeah. It hurt worse when she to me she wasn't interested in me.

53) Is somebody in love with you?
Yes!

54) What is your favorite color?
I vary between green and blue

55) Have you ever changed clothes in a vehicle?
Yeah.

59) Have you ever shaved in the kitchen sink?
Nope.

63) Who was the last person you cried in front of?
Haily

64) Who’s the last person you hugged?
McKenna

65) Is it easier to forgive or forget?
What was the question again?

67) What was your childhood nickname?
I didn't have one. Bryan always chanted "Chickaboo" around me. At one of my jobs, I was nicknamed "Junior"

68) Are you a good person?
Yeah, until I get mad enough to throw tater tots.

69) What was your favorite thing about the past year?
Getting to visit Washington D.C.

70) Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
I think we need to find reason, and learn from what happens to us.

71) What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
Watched TV.

73) What is bothering you?
McKenna talking back to her mother.

74) Have you ever been out of state?
Yeah. I was just out of state last weekend.

76) Are you listening to music right now?
Yeah, Haily's online playlist.

77) Do you like Chinese food?
As long as it's sweet and sour, teriyaki, or orange chicken.

79) Are you afraid of the dark?
Only after vivid nightmares.

80) Is cheating ever okay?
No

81) Are you mean?
No, but then again, there was the tater tot incident . . .

82) Can you keep white shoes clean?
I once got really anal about a pair of my tennis shoes . . .

84) Do you believe in true love?
Yes

88) Do you like the outside?
Yeah, except for Arizona summers when it's only a few degrees cooler than the surface of the sun.

89) Are you currently bored?
No.

90) Do you wanna get married?
Already am.

91) Do you like when a boy calls you babe or baby?
Can't say as I do.

92) Are you hungry?
A little, but I'm trying to control it.

94) Who makes you happy?
My family - here in Arizona and in Idaho

95) Would you change your name?
No. I toyed with calling myself Ric or using my middle name, but it didn't seem right.

99) What’s your zodiac sign?
Aries

100) Do you like Subway?
Yes.

101) Last person that made you smile?
Adrian, when he looked up from his toys and gave me a great big smile.

102) Your best friend of the opposite sex loves you, what do you do?
That's my wife you're talking about, buddy.

103) What song are you listening to?
Dancing Queen. Again, it's on Haily's playlist.

104) Whats your fave show?
Lost

105) Have you ever seen someone you knew & purposely avoided them?
Yeah.

106) Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete
self around?
Haily.

107) Who is the last guy you talked to?
Someone at work.

108) Does it matter if your boyfriend/girlfriend smokes?
Yes.

109) Do you smoke?
No.

110) What’s going on between you and your best friend?
Trying to raise kids and stay sane at the same time!

111) Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with?
Haily

113) Do you enjoy piercings & tattoos?
No.

14) What do you wear more: jeans,sweats,or shorts?
Shorts.

115)You are a sharpie marker what color do you prefer to be?
Forest green

116) What are your conversations mostly about right now?
Travel

117) Do you prefer to shower at night or in the morning?
In the morning.

118) Have you ever said you’d never love again?
No

119) Do you want to make everyone happy?
My job is to make people happy.

Nostalgic

I don't know why, but I've been feeling very nostalgic about high school the last couple of days. I've gone so far as to create a group page on Facebook for my high school class.

Despite the fact that high school was a living . . . well, to quote Joss Whedon, "my high school years were not all terrible. There was that one Thursday . . ." I think as teenagers we become so wrapped up in the world we create for ourselves that, naturally, we do think the world revolves around us. Because someone else might not fit our idealized world-view, we exclude them from our group. When something doesn't go according to plan, it's always someone else's fault.

Then again, I know quite a few adults who still have that perspective.

Despite all of the drama, overall, high school was a good experience. It's good to look back and see how far we've all come.

25 Things

On Facebook, several of my friends have posted 25 things about themselves. I decided to follow their example, and have now posted mine.

1. If I could have one superpower, it would be to fly.
2. While I usually tell people my favorite movie is either Star Wars or Beauty and the Beast, it's really To Kill A Mockingbird.
3. I have every studio album by "Weird Al" Yankovic.
4. After learning auditions would be held in a nearby town, I tried to get a part as an extra in "Masters of the Universe." Unfortunately, they didn't need any, and decided to film in a different state.
5. I worked as a photographer for a year and a half for a local TV station.
6. I know that my best friend is always looking out for me.
7. For a sixth grade project, I made a short movie based on an Encyclopedia Brown story. I've wanted to be involved with film ever since.
8. I miss my family. It's been great having my brother and his wife nearby for these last few months.
9. My favorite thing to do at Disneyland is to sit near the hub and people watch.
10. I love to sing, but haven't done it on a consistent basis since high school.
11. I get too wrapped up emotionally in RPG video games.
12. I still can't believe I found someone who loves me as much as I love her, even after (almost) six years of marriage.
13. I graduated with a degree in education and hope to use it someday.
14. I enjoy playing Guitar Hero - that was the last game I thought I would like.
15. Nothing beats the smell of a field of spearmint after a summer rain.
16. I am impressed by the lives my brothers and sisters have led.
17. My 100 pound sister-in-law is the strongest person I know.
18. The last good book I read was "Night Watch" by Terry Pratchett.
19. I've never really been into sports, but will support my hometown team when they go to the Super Bowl (go Cards!)
20. My current favorite music artist is the late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
21. Joss Whedon is my master now.
22. After buying my first DVD player in 1998, I hid it from my family, worried they would give me a lecture about using my money wisely.
23. I miss the camaraderie of my Ricks and BYU singles wards and the ward activities we had.
24. I don't feel I should be as old as I am.
25. I almost died 4 years ago, and know that it was only through the power of prayer and faith that I am here today.

Organ Stop Pizza

My Dad flew down on Friday to surprise my brother for his birthday. As part of the festivities we went to a pizza place called "Organ Stop Pizza" in Mesa. The owners purchased an old movie theater Wurlitzer Organ, and after a short run in Phoenix proper, built a pizza place around it. Along with the requisite pipes, the organ was hooked up to several different instruments, including drums, a piano, and an accordion. The organist played several songs, ranging from Red River Valley to the Indiana Jones theme to the Phantom of the Opera. McKenna was able to get right up close to some of the wooden pipes and felt the air blasting out of them.

We had a good time, and the pizza wasn't half bad. It's definitely an experience like none other.

A happy boy!

Someone finally cut his most recent tooth!

Class

I'll readily admit that I fall along conservative lines. While President Obama was not my choice, I am happy to celebrate his inauguration today and recognize the strides that have been made for this day to happen. As a citizen of the United States, President Obama has my support as president, and I'll reserve my right to criticize his policies when I feel it is necessary.

I hope I never descend into the immaturity of those who sang "Na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye" and boo-ed as President Bush took the dias this morning. I hope I won't be someone who is unhappy that my choice was not elected. I hope I won't feel bitter.

We may have reached a new milestone today, but I fear we've still got a lot of growing up to do.

All Safe

Just a quick note to everyone who knows I work for an airline. A US Airways jet collided with a flock of geese, losing both engines and had an emergency water landing in the Hudson River to the west of Manhattan. While we like to get away, and New York is on our "must visit" list, we were not traveling today and were not involved with that flight in any way. We're all safe and sound in Arizona.

My congrats to the crew for successfully making a truly difficult landing, and for ensuring the safety of all passengers on-board. Reports currently indicate no fatalities and all passengers made it safely off the aircraft.

Disneyland Dream

This video was recently announced as an addition to the Library of Congress as part of the National Film Registry. It's a home video of a family who won a trip to visit Disneyland in 1956, shortly after the opening of the park. It's a great window to a world that I'm too young to have known. The video follows the family from submitting their entries to the contest, their TWA flight to California, and video of Knott's Berry Farm, Hollywood, Universal Studios, Catalina, and of course, Disneyland.

The Weekend's Here!

Finally! It's the weekend! So what if I took a day off on Wednesday, it's finally the weekend! We really don't have much planned, but I'm probably going to putter around in the yard (I guess I'm getting to be a bit more like Grandpa Jones). Anyone aside from Mom and Jamie have big plans this weekend?

My Disneyland substitute

Check out this video: Disneyland: Its Alright

Talk Time

I met Haily and the kids in town today after work. While Haily and Adrian went to Fry's, McKenna and I went home and started taking down our outside Christmas lights. We have/had several strings along the rafters of the house, then down in the yard we had two strings on a couple of bushes and some more running through some river rock that winds through the front yard. We also had these three foot tall multi-colored candy canes along the driveway and the front walk. I got everything put up, except for the lights running along the roof.

I was starting to wrap up my job, when Haily pulled in and started getting Adrian out of her car. Just then, my phone rang. The caller ID came up as "Bishop." I figured I was probably going to be asked to come in for a calling. To my surprise, the Bishop mentions that he needs some help for Sacrament Meeting and asks if we could talk. I told him I needed to get permission first, and ask Haily if she would like to give a talk as a couple, before the Bishop interjects to say he only needs one of us to talk. Guess who got nominated?

So, I get to talk on "Blessings that come from heeding the prophet's voice." Time to crack open the last conference issue of the Ensign, eh?

Family

It's been a fun couple of months. My brother and his wife recently moved to Arizona, and we've been able to spend time together. For the last few years, my wife and I have pretty much been cut off from spending much time with family, just due to the fact that we're so far away from everyone else. Sure, we get to visit, but if I get home more than twice a year, that's a lot. It's been good to have someone to hang out with and catch up with.

What the hey . . .

So, I'm just perusing the internet, and have nothing better to do, why not update my blog, since I'm so good at updating it! (yeah, right).

I enjoy the Christmas season. The trees, decorations, lights, general feeling of goodwill everywhere except the mall and Walmart. It's been a very good year. It started with the birth of my son, who has just learned how to walk this last week. My sister-in-law Jamie recovered from her double lung transplant and now she and her husband, my brother, moved to the Phoenix area last month. I went through a huge change at work that forced me from a job I enjoyed to one I hated, but was able to find something better. I've visited Pittsburgh for the first time, and got to visit Washington D.C. for the second time in my life. On the down side, Haily lost her job in October and is still looking for something, but we're healthy, happy, and are doing fairly well despite the lost income.

I'm glad I've taken some time to really evaluate where I am, and what I have, and how lucky I am to have my family. I know I am truly blessed.

Is there anything better in the world?

Sure, it's a couple of months old, but isn't he cute?

Ugh. . .

As some of my reader might know, I've gone through some bad experiences over the past few months at work. It's been affecting my health, and I've been fortunate to use FMLA time to rest and recuperate. These past couple of weeks have been a bit of a wild ride for me. I found out three weeks ago that I was transferring to another department - great! I've been trying to move out from my current position all year. However, over the past month and a half, I've taken off some needed time for FMLA - not a problem, the doctor approved it and my administration office has been working with me on it. Several months ago, I scheduled last week and this week off as vacation time and did not plan on needing to reapply for FMLA time to rest. However, as I'm transferring from a union job to a non union job, it was pointed out to me that if I were to take the two weeks off as vacation, I would not be paid for it as vacation time is accrued monthly, not allotted in full at the beginning of the year (new policy that went into effect this year, of course). Fine, I cancelled my vacation, and reapplied for FMLA time. The next day, I was pulled into a manager's office and told that it looked "funny" that I applied for FMLA the same day I cancelled my vacation. Um, hello - what part of "I've got an ongoing medical situation and I had two weeks off" did they not get? Fine, I've been keeping my nose clean and working every day, up until yesterday. When I got into work today, I noticed that I've only been given three hours of FMLA time for the past week for each day I've needed to leave early - on days where I was gone more than three hours, I was listed as being sick for the remainder of the time I was gone. Okay . . . here's the deal. I've taken less time off these past two weeks than I have in the last month and a half - no one felt the need to mention to me that they were going to apply the strictest application of my allowance - I've had the same allowance for the past month and a half and no one seemed concerned about the amount of time I had taken off. Now, all of a sudden, when I've cancelled my vacation and I'm trying to live by their rules, do they change the rules on me. I can't wait to leave my present job. For the past five months, it's been nothing but soul damaging and heart breaking. I used to enjoy my job, and felt good about the work I did. I still work hard to do my job, but I'm afraid that someone has decided that it's better for the company to crush me before I can move on.

Ugh.

High School Muscial - The Reunion

I recently got an invitation to my high school's 15th year reunion. I got to thinking about the cover story I could offer (if television and movies have taught me anything, I need to lie big about how my life has changed. TV can't steer me wrong, can it?).

Okay, the last time most people saw me was at our 5th year reunion - so where to start? Immediately after leaving the reunion, my car was hit by a multi-millionaire nuclear plant owner who took me in as his heir. Then I later joined the flying Elvi parachute corps. After rescuing bigfoot and the loch ness monster from some nasty legal troubles, I tried to convince George Lucas to kill off Jar Jar Binks in the most inhumane way possible. He didn't go for that, but he did like my idea of sending Howard the Duck to South America to find a lost crystal skull. I wonder whatever became of that idea . I then singlehandedly convinced the Disney board of directors to fire Michael Eisner and appoint me as supreme ruler of Disney World, but after a nasty tussle with Sea World, I had to turn in my crown. With that said, I now moonlight as the Burger King, but that's only a part time gig. What I really do now is dress up like a bat and scare the living daylights out of criminals, that cowardly and superstitious lot! At least I did, until Warner Brothers threatened to sue. I now live the mild mannered life of an airline representative caught up in the day to day struggle of prices and seat dimensions and getting Auntie Amelia from Boca Raton to Schenechdady on a non-stop flight.

Shaved Ice!

With the onset of early summer in Phoenix, it's never too early to start thinking about how you're going to cool down. Christmas of 2006, my parents gave me a shaved ice machine, designed to fill 2 snow cones at once. I've since figured out how to manipulate it to fill up a bowl and then dish it out, complete with syrup, as needed. Both Walmart and Target sell shaved ice syrup, but I've found a local water and ice store that will mix up their own concoctions for you at 10 cents an ounce. My latest finds from them have been pink bubble gum, black cherry, and dreamsicle. Mckenna has certainly enjoyed them!

Myspace

Ok, I'm an idiot. Here I encourage a visit to myspace, and forget to include the link! Click above to get there.

Learning to write again is killing me

Not really, but remembering to blog often is a tough thing for me. It's not that I don't want to write, but I find that I can't spend the time. I'm going to try better. Also, if there's nothing recent here, be sure to check out my myspace page, where I blog about as often as I do here!

What's been going on lately - check out the myspace blog for my thoughts on Iron Man and this summer's movies.

Last night Haily and I took the kids to a local park where the city was showing Raiders of the Lost Ark. I figured it would be a good chance to dive into the Indiana Jones hype machine. I'm really looking forward to the new movie. Last night's showing really reminded me of the humor and roller coaster type fun that this series offers. Thinking about it, one of my favorite Disneyland rides is the Indiana Jones Adventure - the Tokyo Disneyland version of the same ride is called Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull...hmm, maybe it's time to book a flight to Japan!

This next week is going to be interesting. Tuesday, Bryan and Jamie will be flying back from Pittsburgh into Phoenix and might stay the night. Wednesday morning, I have an appointment with my Dr., and hopefully, I'll find out what's been causing my stomach cramps - hopefully, it's not diverticulosis again. On Saturday, we may fly up to Salt Lake to meet my cousin as he comes home from his mission, and on Sunday, I get to lead the music in Primary while all of the sisters enjoy Mothers Day in Relief Society.

Tired and feeling a little flat.

Lately, my days have been long and the nights extremely short. After putting Mckenna to bed and settling down little Adrian for the night, it's about 10:30 and I can't fall asleep easily. It's been rough this week as my schedule has me up at 4:30 to be to work by 6 (I used to work this schedule, but I've been off of it for almost a month and I'm having a hard time readjusting). To complicate matters, Haily's current shift has her working until almost midnight. Last night Haily called around 11:45, concerned that one of the tires looked a little low. She said that there was air in the tire - the rims weren't in any immediate danger. She felt that she could drive home without a problem and I stayed up with her on the phone and talked with her as she made her way home. She didn't get home until close to 12:30 and we didn't get settled in until close to 1. Then, of course, my alarm goes off way too soon, and I'm back up and getting ready for work. When I went outside, I looked at the tire - it was almost completely flat! Somewhere, we ran across a screw that got stuck in the tire. I ended up late for work, but I knew we couldn't leave the tire on in that condition.

Haily was able to get the tire in to be fixed, and there isn't any damage - she said it wasn't that flat when she got home, so overnight it must have deflated. Hopefully, that's the most exciting thing that will happen this weekend, and I can look forward to a relaxing couple of days.

My family

Thanks to everyone who's been in touch with us. We're doing well. Adrian is getting bigger everyday, and so is his big sister, Mckenna - it seems like she's been going through a growth spurt of her own lately. We're still in AZ, but we are looking for ways to move to Utah in the near future.

Recently, my department was closed, and I've been moved to a department that I worked in four years ago. It's been a difficult transition, but I know how to do the job and how to do it well. I've just begun a new project outside of work that may translate into better circumstances for my family, but I'll need to wait to get more information before I can discuss it.

Legend of Link

One of my favorite series of games through the years has been "The Legend of Zelda." As kids, my brother borrowed the first two NES games from one of his friends. We were never able to get the hang of it, and life moved on. In college, I found a second hand Super Nintendo and Legend of Zelda, a Link to the Past and was hooked. Half the reason I bought a Nintendo 64 was to play Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. I've played the Gameboy and Gameboy Color games and just recently finished The Legend of the Windwaker - there's still a couple more games out there that I need to get my hands on and I eagerly look forward to when I can try them out.

The storyline is pretty simple. The main character, Link, must collect certain mystical items and gain a sword to fight the evil Gannon and rescue the princess Zelda in most games. You can obtain certain items like bows and arrows, mirrored shields, flutes, music wands, etc. to move on in each quest. The games are not exactly sequels or prequels of each other (see the Angry Video Game Nerd's diatribe on the chronology of Zelda), but it's hard to find a Zelda game that not only improves upon it's predecessor, but also moves the genre forward. They're fun games, and I highly reccommend playing them. If the current 3/d realtime games aren't your cup of tea, I would suggest "A Link to the Past." It features a great storyline, fun mini-quests, and is just an experience that you need to check out.

More pix

Here's a few more pictures of our family.

This is our most recent "family" picture, taken a month before Adrian was born.

Here's McKenna and Adrian with Grandma Warren
And with Grandma Bratton.
And McKenna trying to be a good big sister.

Adrian Wayne Pix

Baby 2008, make way for Baby Warren

Adrian Wayne Warren was born this morning at 6:35 am in Mesa, AZ. He weighs 6 lbs, 5 oz, and is 19 inches long. We hope to have pictures up within the next 24 hours.

Also, please click on the following link to Jamie Warren's blog. She has fought cystic fibrosis her entire life, and has recently recieved the gift of two transplanted lungs. www.jamiebug.blogspot.com

Summer Travel Tips

Summer is just around the corner so here's a few insider tips to help get through the hue and cry of air travel!

Quite a bit of time has passed since the "no liquids" rule was changed last year. Please keep in mind that beverages are not allowed through security, so guzzle that starbucks or chug the coke before getting in line. You are allowed to take some liquids (toiletries, makeup, etc) through security if they meet the following criteria
1. 3 ounces or lighter
2. In a quart sized ziplock bag
3. Only 1 per passenger
You may fill the bag with as many items as will fit comfortably within it. At security, remove the bag from your carry on items, as it must be scanned separately from all other luggage.

Of course, it goes without saying that larger portions of the same items are allowed in checked luggage. For more information, please visit http://www.tsa.gov for more information about what can and cannot be carried or checked.

If you are sending the kids to go see Grandma and Grandpa and they're flying on their own, please verify your airlines unaccompanied minor policy. There are fees involved for children between 5 and 14, and you may be limited to only non-stop flights. I've heard of too many cases where a family thought they could circumvent the rules, buy a ticket from a website like Orbitz or Expedia, and get to the counter, only for the child to be denied boarding because there is a connection or a stop along the itinerary.

Have fun flying! Go visit the beach


Or see Mickey!
Whatever you do, have a good Summer, and hopefully, I'll post something else before it's over!

Daddy's Girl

This is my daughter Mckenna. She's nearly 2 and a half and has Daddy wrapped around her little finger. This picture was taken at her cousin Malachi's first birthday party, and she wasted no time in finding the cupcakes!

Online all the time

I recently upgraded to a high speed internet connection. I've set up a myspace account, downloaded tons of videos from youtube, and upgraded my windows software too many times to even think about. My favorites tab takes me from the Drudge Report to Aint it Cool News to KIDK tv 3 (I used to be a photographer). And yet, for all the speed I've gained, I still have a huge pile of laundry to sort and fold.

Hitting the links . . .

I've added a few new links to the side. JDee and Jen are my brother and sister, and hopefully I'll increase the family members over as I get everyone's info. Miceage.com is a great website for Disneyland geeks. It has updates on the status of the park and upcoming changes and events, often breaking news about what's coming down the line. Jim Hill writes about the entire Disney company, and sometimes can take a bleak view of the prospects of upcoming films and ventures Disney is persuing. Laughing Place is comprised of a community of hundreds (if not thousands) of posters who discuss everything Disney. Airliners.net has great pics of aircraft (just check out the top photos) as well as a great discussion forum for the airline industry. Newsarama is updated daily with comic book news. Enjoy!

I'm just so white and nerdy

Yeah, I guess I resemble Weird Al's latest anthem. I have argued as to whether Kirk or Picard is better (let's see, Royal Shakespearan actor verses the guy who hosted Rescue, 911). I want to ride a Segway. I haven't edited wikipedia, but I spend way too much time there. I used to collect cherry action figures. Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. I'm like a chubby version of JD from Scrubs, a bit too into being a geek. I love movies, I still read comic books, yet I've managed to move out of my mom's basement and get married. I even kissed a girl before I was thirty (take that Shatner!). Yeah, I wish I could've been one of the cool kids, someone that everyone looked up to and wished they could be. But I wasn't. My sense of self worth has grown since them. I'm comfortable with who I am and what I choose for my entertainment. And decorate my home with. And get yelled at by my wife for buying. Ah, who cares! I'm just so white and nerdy.

Travel tips

Just started packing my suitcase last night. I'm heading up to Idaho to spend some time with my family, and I just realized, I haven't seen snow since 2002! Living in the sonoran desert can do that to you I guess. But as I packed my bags, I got to thinking about some of the recent changes by the TSA regarding carry on items.

* Always verify baggage limits with your carrier. Some airlines allow only 2 checked bags, some allow 3. Be aware that if you go over the free limit, excess fees will come into play, and you pay those fees one way - if you're still heavy, oversize, or have too many bags on your return flight, you'll have to pay again.
* Your airline may allow 1 carry on and 1 personal item, but the aircraft may not be able to handle it. Many smaller commuter jets, like the Canadair Regional Jet have limited carry on space. Larger carry on bags may have to be placed beneath the seat, or gate checked.
* Beverages are not permitted through security. Drinks purchased after you've been though security may be taken onboard.
* When it comes to toiletries in your carry-on bag, remember 3-1-1...items weighing no more that 3 oz in a 1 quart bag, 1 per passenger. These items should be kept at the top of your luggage, just in case the TSA agents need to take a closer look at your bag. Of course, there's no limit on the amount of these items that can be placed in checked luggage.
* And always during the holidays, remember to give yourself at least 2 hours to checkin for your flight. Checkin and security lines will be long. In fact, if you check in too late, while you may still have 45 minutes left before departure, if the lines are too long, you may be denied boarding.

Happy flying and have a Merry Christmas!

I didn't see Marion . . .

. . . the librarian, but the last three weeks have been great as I've rediscovered the local library. Since moving out to the sticks, the local library options have been limited. The town we live in has a small modular (read: trailer) home that manages to squeeze every book they can into the limited space. Unfortunately, there's not that much more room, and the offerings are a bit scant. One day after work, I drove through a part of town I hadn't been to before (I work in a metro area, but live in a bedroom community miles away) and discovered a branch of the metro library. I also discovered that anyone living in the county, not just the city, could become a patron. It's only been since November 28th that I discovered the library, but what a great three weeks. And here's the kicker. For those who know me, or read my blog back in ... what was it March? I had an article or two on the state of comics. I've read at least a hundred graphic novels and comic trade paperbacks since getting my card, and I'll tell you, I've found some new winners.



Ultimate Spider-man. Wow. When I first heard about it, I was part of the camp that wondered why in the heck Marvel wanted to throw out 40+ years of continuity to create a new universe for tweens to discover classic Marvel characters. I mean, yeah, the clone saga was pitiful, but we're talking Spider-man here! John Romita, Steve Ditko, Todd Macfarlane, Erik Larson, John Romita Jr, the list goes on . . . Spidey's the supreme example of what could happen to any of us if we got bit by a radioactive spider - life sucks, we try to make it better, but it's always a roller coaster. You don't mess with Spidey. Or so I thought. Cut to, what is it now, six years later, and boom, Ultimate Spiderman has just celebrated issue number 100. I've picked up the trades out of curiosity, and I've read them a bit out of order. I can't say I'm much of a Brian Michael Bendis fan, a lot of his stuff is too "adult" for my tastes, but he nailed Spiderman on the head. For me, it feels like a natural progression as Peter discovers his powers, loses Uncle Ben, finds love from Mary Jane, and disowned by Aunt May. It's great writing, great art (by Mark Bagley), and something a lot of books don't have - heart.



Another book that has heart is "Herobear and the Kid." This book has received a LOT of praise, and I even picked up the first issue a few years ago, but it's only been over the last few weeks that I've read the first volume. I've read "indy" books since the days of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and I love "Bone." "Herobear and the Kid" reminds me a lot of what I found interesting about Bone when I first discovered it. Something about the black and white creates a sense of innocence and wonder in these books, and in this case enhanced by the animated pencils of writer/artist Mike Kunkel. In it's later issues, Bone got a little too serious, compared with its beginnings. I don't think that'll be the case with Herobear. It's loaded with heart, and dare I say whimsy. I can't wait for the next installment now.

Five Years Ago

Five years ago, I watched the towers fall.
Five years ago, I learned what heroes truely are.
Five years ago, our world changed.
Five years ago, I saw the best and worst in humanity.

I awoke that Tuesday morning as my sister knocked on my bedroom door. I couldn't hear her clearly, she said something about the world trade center being on TV. Just like millions of others, I turned on my TV to see the black cloud rising from tower one. My thoughts turned back 12 years. On a July evening in 1989, I stood atop that tower and gazed past the Statue of Liberty to the lights of the New Jersey coast, wondering how many people were looking back at the tower that night. Earlier that night, I trembled with anticipation as I waited for the elevator doors to open. I've never been good with heights, and up to that date, the highest up that I had been (aside from the plane that took me to the east coast) was 26 stories up in a high rise in Salt Lake City. After spending about a half hour at the top, I lingered with my tour group in the courtyard between the two towers and marvelled at the sheer magnificence of the buildings.

I went to work that afternoon in shock. At the time, I was a photographer with a local tv station. The roads were empty, and the general hubub that permeated the newsroom on most days was somber. The anchors and reporters were gathered around the monitors which recorded the national feed. We were all quickly dispatched to our assignments. I don't remember everything I did that day, but I do remember going to the local aiirport to set up a live shot for the evening newscasts. Our competitors were also set up, and the usual banter we shared took on a somber tone. I remember feeling relieved that I was given this assignment, as it meant that I wouldn't have to do any interviews, too worried about emotions too near to the surface.

Since that day, my life has changed dramatically. I'm married, and my wife and I have a beautiful daughter. I thank my Heavenly Father daily for the blessings in my life. I look back today a little bit older and wiser, and still feel deep sorrow over the lives lost in New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville. I heard a song today, titled "Have You Forgotten." I hope I never forget. May God bless the USA.