The Brazil Post!

Here it is. The longest Blog I will probably ever blog. Below is a picture from the top of our hotel room in Rio. Thats the statue of Christ on the top of the hill.

But that was at the end of our trip. So let me take you to the beginning of our trip. We flew into Rio from Atlanta and had to wait 8 hours for our flight to Floripa. And there was nothing to do in the terminal but sit.

On our way home we learned that above the terminal is a large number of shops, restaurants, places to shower, and nap. Awesome.

We did however, finally make it to Floripa. The next morning we went to the center of the city and did some sight seeing and shopping.

On Christmas Eve, we had dinner on the roof of our Host's apartment complex. It was awesome. We ate lots and played some games, including the elephant sign game.

On Christmas day we went to a beach about an hour away. Don't remember the name of the cities of beaches but does it really matter?

Bellow is a good example of what cities in Brazil look like. All of the tall buildings are apartment complexes and not office building.

This was one of the most crowded beaches we went to. The sun was blazing hot and the water was warm but still so much cooler than the sand.

Wow. White.

This is a view from the top of the apartment complex, were we had dinner.

The second beach we went to was a little more secluded but still crowded. Here we did some snorkeling with the fishes. Its was great. We also burnt on top of our burns that day.

With a view like that, how could you not strike a pose?

That night we had a pizza buffet. Not like an american buffet though. This one was actually good. We had pizza with eggs, corn, and chocolate. Good stuff.

Oh, and this little guy is a Ford KA. Its the tiny little car we pilled in when we were not using the busses. An interesting note, many of the cars in brazil do not have ac or radios. Every car we were in during that trip was also a manual transmission.

On the hottest day of the trip we took a hike to a beach. It was beautiful but unbelievably hot.

This was a great beach because there was almost no one there. It was nice being able to jump around in the water and not have to worry about our stuff.

Another great thing about this beach was that instead of hiking, you can take a boat instead for about 6 bucks a person. Not bad for a 10 minute boat tour.

In effort to mix things up a little, we took a break from the beaches, and went to a waterfall.

I love the superman pose.

That night we drove to a spot where you can see the entire island.

Behind linda is a foot bridge that connects the island to the continent. It was closed 5 years ago when linda served her mission there and is still closed. They say its famous. I didn't ask what for, I just figured it was for being a foot bridge that no one can walk on.

I know. Sand boarding is sexy right?

This was back in the center. I loved this building.

"I am waiting for a bus."

Some cool graphite we saw while waiting for the big new years party.

Our white outfits for ringing in the new year.

We took a bus to this beach. Well actually we wanted to go to another beach. The traffic was so bad that we bailed out of the bus and walked a few miles and stopped at the first beach we came to. And yes, we got there way before the bus ever did. An interesting thing about this beach was that it was a gay beach. I felt violated from a few of the eyes in that group but I couldn't help but laugh as I heard the music from the bar, "this is what we do, this is how we do it."

No this is not the gay beach. Its a different one.

Stuck in beach night traffic. It took us 3 hours to go about 10 miles.

Adult playground. I seriously think they need these in the states.

Heading of to Rio. Funny that it rained on both the day we got off, and on the plane.

Its so humid and hot that the planes AC acts like a fog machine. At least I hope thats what it was.

The view from our hotel room in Rio

This is from a view point on the way to the statue of Christ. Thats only about a fourth of Rio.

In summary, Brazil was awesome. It was hot, humid, smelly, exhausting, and all together amazing. If you have the means, or even if you don't (we sure didn't), I highly recommend it.

Back in the country

Hey everyone. Just got back from Brazil. The trip was great, aside from the collective 30 hours in the air plus layovers. I am wicked tired and the screen looks like it is melting so I'll post some pictures tomorrow or saturday. Peace.

New widget

Just wanted to share my new favorite Widget. When you click on him, he says "Do It! Do It!"

I think I am going to have to watch that movie tonight. (Starsky and Hutch)

World Domination

Right before I started my job, they updated all of the computers in the marketing department. All of the designers have bran-spankin-new G5 macs. However, when they got these computers they forgot to figure in the cost for my position, so I did not get one. To make up for it they gave me a new macbook pro to use. Which is nice but the screen is a little small and I don't really like working on a laptop. I do however have a second monitor thought which is great because it really does make me feel like an evil genius plotting a devious plan to rule the world in my secret lair.

Here is a picture of my diabolical dual monitor setup. Impressive I know.

And what you don't see in this picture is even more impressive. Like the second keyboard, telephone, stuffed Gonzo action figure and tape dispenser!

The Art of Shaving

So the other day I went into the retail store for The Art of Shaving. I know, you wouldn't think I would be interested in that, seeing how I have been sporting a beard for 3 years, but none-the-less, I when in for a gander. While I was looking at a $75 shaving kit, The store clerk walked behind me and said "That kit will last you about 6 months of daily shaving . . ." then as I tured around and he continued "or at least 2 years."

Some people ask me how I can stand to have a beard. "I can't stand the itchiness" some of them say. I'm reminded of a line that I think is applicable here. Having a beard is "like a new pair of underwear. At first it's constrictive, but after a while, it becomes a part of you."

I truly feel that the beard has become a part of me. Its a part of my personality, and image. It also helps me make decisions and tells me to burn things.

I have been thinking about shaving the beard though. For one, we are going to brazil soon and I just think its going to be way to hot to have a beard. On the other hand, when we get back from brazil its going to be way to cold to not have a beard. so, catch 22.

Seeing how I am unable to make this decision myself (as my beard is telling me that shaving it would be killing a part of myself and to go out and torch the city) I am going to get some feedback from my peeps. What do you think? Should keep the beard or send it to the grave?

This morning I woke up dreading the day. I woke up just minutes before my alarm went off and just laid their waiting. You see, today I am going to be working from 8:00 am till at least 9 pm. After my alarm finally went off, I stood their debating wether or not getting back into bed and hiding my self in my sheets would make the day go away. Then I remembered something. "Its Tie Tuesday! Today is going to rock! So today, I'm rock starting it.

A word to the wise

2 cups hot chocolate with french vanilla creamer, a mountain dew, and chips and salsa, although all quite tasty and delicious, do not mix very well at 10 in the morning. I thought about posting a picture of how this feels but I figured I would spare you that detail.

The joys of having a job

Having a job is great! You get to work with people you would normally never be around, learn about the troubled relationships of people you don't know or care about, and work on exciting projects outside of your job description; like uploading the same pictures to the new website over and over and over again, and starting the day off by taking the periods (.) out of file names on the server. And lets not forget about starting and ending your day by sitting in traffic while its snowing, 5 degrees out, and scraping the ice off the inside of your windows.

There are a few rays of sunshine that comes from all of this though, and one of them is Tie Tuesday! Thats right.

Tie Tuesday is an honored tradition that goes back to the days of cave men, who after many failed attempts of establishing dominance or controlling the tribes fires rights, or obtaining any source of food, tied ferret pelts around their necks in order to attract women to provide for them. Coincidentally this was also the dawn of the sugar-mama.

Tie Tuesday today (figuratively speaking, not today as in Dec 8th, which just so happens to be a tuesday), has evolved to become a right of passage, a symbol of style, and way to express ones defiance and hatred of 'the man' while still conforming to the masses. Its also just something to do that helps separate tuesdays from being 'just like any other day'.

So with that, I say, Tie it up!

New Job

So for anyone who might not know, I got a job here in Denver! Hurray! I am on the graphic design team of the marketing department at MDC Holding aka Richmond American Homes. Seeing how I am new, and things are a little slow in general, they haven't had much for me to do. So I thought I would work on editing some photos.

Here is the before image:

And here is my after image:

Poor suckers will think they don't have any neighbors!

And for those who need extra security, we offer the Optimus package.

I'm a slacker

Yes I know I have not posted anything for a really long time. I'll just have to refer you to linda's blog for pictures of our new place here in denver and the big snow storm we had.

Just so you don't feel totally gypped, here is a picture of downtown denver in what looks like its being attacked by aliens throwing balls of fire.

And as far as an explanation for this picture, I don't know if it was boredom or a sudden burst of creativity. Or maybe it was both of them fueled by my cheapness. It costs an additional $20 to buy a can with the recycle symbol on it. Lame!

Documentary

Alright. After almost 5 months, here it is. This is the award winning documentary I worked on for the art department. I was in charge of the last section talking about the department today, and a small section in the beginning about the landscape. Hope you enjoy and sorry it took me so long. Oh and sorry about the size reformat. I forgot to keep it in widescreen so its a little squished.

Unbelievable

One of the things I hate the most about living where we do are the public. People who don't care about anyone but themselves. Tonight at 10:30 I hear people talking while sitting on their running 4-wheelers right outside my window. After 10 minutes I walked outside and asked them "you think you could find a better place than right in front of my house to hang out?" They mumble something and as I am walking back into the house, they flip me off.

What the heck is wrong with people?! Your out in the middle of nowhere and you stop right in front of someone's house to talk? Plus they shouldn't even be there with their 4-wheelers in the first place. Its a state highway! Its illegal to have them on the road!! And then to flip someone off because they ask you to leave. I just don't understand it. Makes you want to start swinging a bat.

I know, I know. Its been forever. I don't have much time, but here is a picture of our new soon to be home. Denver.

The Tellys

At first I was excited about the news that I had won a bronze Telly for the documentary I worked on for Utah state university. But after telling a bunch of people I won and them asking me what a Telly was I realized nobody cares. So even though no one cares, I won. In your face.

Rusty

I know it has been FOREVER since the last post but things have been crazy. I have graduated, am working full time and getting ready to work on a large web design project.

Today is a special day though and that is why I am actually doing a post. We would like to introduce to everyone the newest member of the family. He has been a little abused but he was cheap!

Say hello to Rusty. Rusty is a Justy.

Check out my game in progress at the bottom of my blog. Still have some work to do. But at least its working.

NYC

Hey everyone. We just got back from an exhausting week long trip from new york. It was awesome! I post some more fun pictures a little latter but here are some of the 450 artsy shots I took with my new wicked camera. Thanks again Mom and Dad!!

New kicks

So I know they are as ugly as sin but you gotta love them.

Round Two - Please Vote again!

Snow Day!!

So yesterday it felt like I got gipped. It was a holiday and not only did i have to work, but I didn't even get holiday pay. Well today we awoke to find 7 inches (and counting) of snow on the ground and are expecting snow for the rest of the day and into tomorrow. Sad that this is the most snow we have gotten overnight so far this year, but I'll take what i can get. And with school being out yesterday, they are doing monday classes today. Lucky for me I only have one class on mondays and usually don't work on tuesdays. And even though it would be nice to make a little money, I figured I'd take a snow day. Hopefully we will do some snowshoeing, snowboarding, and other fun winter activities so check back tomorrow and i will try and have some pictures posted. Later.

If you didn't get an email, we entered a picture of Cronus to bissell for a chance to win a free pet hair eraser. He sheds a LOT so please help out chances by voting for him.

Thanks everybody

Click here to vote for Cronus

This is a twice breaded, deep fried meatball.



And this is the amazingly messy sandwich i made with the meatball.



Mmmm. I might have to make another one today. Too bad I don't have any good bread.

Cronus loves to watch the dog shows.

Bored

So for anyone who doesn't already know, Linda has been working occasional nights on tuesdays, fridays, and saturday. Some of the time, I get really really bored of staring at the dog or doing homework so I keep myself entertained in different ways. Tonight I made a little tribute video to the 90's with some of my favorite songs to play (see if you can remember who the artist are). Hope its not too painful, I'm a little out of practice. And yes, the white blur that zips past in the background is cronus. My dog is nuts!

Hiya

Just thought I would share with you a logo that i designed the other day. I saw it on their webpage and it made me feel cool.

How do you cut the cheese?

Well, I spent so much time working on my new background that it seemed a waste not to post anything. This is a little documentary that I filmed, and edited last semester. This semester I will be working on another short documentary on USU's art departments 100 year anniversary.

A look back at 2008

Wow. Took me about 2 years but I finally made it to 100!

2008 will be a year Linda and I will never forget. We have experienced a lot and have grown closer and stronger as a result. Its been a long journey from the seemingly rocky beginning of the year. It has been an uphill climb since January but we are looking forward to a new year, full of new challenges and experiences. 2009 will be a new chapter for us as I will finally be graduating and we will be moving to England, New York, Washington, Brazil, who knows.

We want to thank everyone who has been there for us this year. We could not have made it without you.

wow thats a nice look i've got there. Uhhhh!


The music is 'Breathe Me', by Sia

so funny

First we have tonight's dinner citrus steak with cajun shrimp and garlic mashed potatoes.


I marinated the steak in a McCormick Baja Citrus with a half a thing of garlic peppercorn, vinegar, and oil.
Then cooked it on the grill. The shrimp (pre-cooked salad shrimp) was 'fried' in a mixture of Tony's original and blackening, with lemon juice and extra olive oil.


This I like to call the love patty. Because you know your wife loves you when she makes you something like this. Either that or she is trying to kill me.


This is very similar to my 'Destroyer" with the addition of sauteed peppers and onions. Fantastic!


Now for the breakfast variety. Anyone who knows me would say I enjoy a good breakfast. This is something that I can't believe took my 26 years to do. And it all started with a strong desire not to do anymore dishes. We had one clean pot and a fork.


I took two strips of thick cut peppered bacon, folding them in half and placed them in our 1 qt pot. The great thing about this is the bacon cooks by being deep fried in its own grease.
When the bacon is done (you will want the bacon crispy, not chewy)

DO NOT drain the grease! Remember we are trying to limit the number of dirty dishes. So when the bacon is good and crispy, drop two eggs into the grease (on top of the bacon).
Now comes the tricky part, flipping. Flip in any way that works best for you. Its okay if things fall apart, just make sure your eggs don't get scrambled.

While the egg is cooking, take a flour tortilla and moisten one side with a little water and nuke for 10 seconds. The water will keep the tortilla most and soft so it won't tear.

When the eggs are done, place your choice of cheese (I highly recommend a 50/50 mixture of cheddar and pepper jack) onto the center of the tortilla and place the bacon/egg combination on top of the cheese.

DO NOT drain the grease! just place the pot back on the burner.

Now fold the tortilla around the eggs. and place folded end down, back into your pan. It is important to fry the folded end first so it doesn't unravel.

Let sit for a minute of two and flip. Fry for a few more minutes and then enjoy.



Well I hope that this makes up a little for all the slacking I have done. Bon Appetite!

My new job

So yesterday was my first day at my new job. I am a graphic designer and work monkey for the Image Foundry. It was a standard first day of work, feeling a little overwhelmed, cautious, and wondering if you really want to be working there for the next who knows how long. And when the job is in your field of study, you can help but wonder if this is what you want to be doing for the rest of your life.

Things when really well though and I think I will enjoy the job once I figure everything out. I also got and finished my first project which was to design a window sticker for a client that came in that morning. This is when I just had to laugh because come on, what other job pays you to create something as classy, and funny as this.



How great (tacky) is that. I am making money creating goofy stuff like this. Well maybe not creating, but recreating stuff like this. Yeah I think i picked the right degree.

Food

Can i just say, i love food and if I could ever get paid to eat, well, I'd just be in heaven.

I've been watching a lot of the food network lately and although i haven't starting cooking much more, my desire to have food cooked for me has really gone up. My desire to move has also gone up as a result because no one in logan knows what food is. Even our mom and pop restaurants and dives, for lack of a better word, suck. Don't get me wrong the food isn't terrible but its not great and the variety is lame. We've got the standard Chinese restaurants that all taste the same, pizza, fast food, ihop (which technically isn't food, i think it should be classified more as a type of drano than food), and a few local places that aside from the total lack of customer service and the ritual of failing health inspections, have food that is, well, forgettable.

Not to say that all the restaurants here are horrible, they just all leave you wanting more. But don't expect to find more because even by the time you decide what you are willing to force down next, chances are its closed as the whole town goes to bed at 9. So unless you want to settle, or in this case, step up to gas station food, your left to your own devises.

So here are a few things we have been making.


Chicken Chili. This was a recipe that i just kind of made up. and what do you know, it was good.

2 or 3 cans chicken breast
2 cans Great Northern Beans (drained but not rinsed)
1/2 onion
2/3 tsp crushed garlic (or one clove chopped)
1 can cream of chicken
1 can diced tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro
1 cup celery
1 can corn
pepper
salt
1-2 Tbls olive oil
1 cup red or green bell peppers


The Destroyer, I call it this because by the time your done, you've destroyed any good a Boca burger would normally do.

2 Boca burgers
6 strips of bacon (three for each patty)
2 slices of ham (seared in bacon grease)
1 fried egg (again in bacon grease)
sautéed onions (you got it, in bacon grease)
and 2 slices of cheese melted over each patty
-try placing the bacon on the patty then the cheese on top of the bacon for more stability-
veggies -totally optional (remember the veggies are in the patty!-
salt
pepper
and sauces


The triple by-pass

same as above but replace Boca burgers with 1/2 lb or greater beef patties


well i have more to share with you but all this talk about food had made me quite hungry so later.
Oh and if you have any recent favorites, tell me. I'd love to try them.

Web Site

Hey everyone one. So my website templates are done and you can check out the test site. Just go to www.wherewehike.com and click the link to the test site. If you have suggestions on how to make the site better, please send them via the email on the main site and on the contact us on the test site. Your feed back will be greatly appreciated.