Something really funny happened to me the other morning. Saturday night, I stayed up til about two in the morning just talking with my roommates (that is an odd occurrence for me.) When I finally went to bed, I said that I wasn't going to set my alarm, and just get up whenever I got up. They laughed because I usually get up at 7 on Sundays (which wasn't necessary for this Sunday. We only had sacrament meeting because everyone is gone over the holidays.) They said even without an alarm, I would get up at 7.
Anyway, that night I had a weird dream. In it, one of my friends in the engineering department was a mob crime boss. Apparently I did something to tick him off, and he sent all his croonies to "take care of me." Luckily, I got away in my car. Giving off a sigh of relief, I then felt a hand grab me from the back seat of my car, and that's when I woke up! After settling down, I reassured myself that there was no one hiding under my bed, and that the door was locked. Checking the clock, I saw that it was 7:00 AM exactly. I guess they were right.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
It's getting harder and harder to tell these days.
I was sitting in my chemistry class the other day when I look to my right and a few seats down there is a girl with black hair in a pony tail. "Hey, she's kind of cute." I thought to myself. At the end of the class, we took a quiz. This girl finished early and got up to leave. Because I was sitting in the aisle seat, I had to move my feet and backpack so she could go by. When I did that, she smiled, and said in a deep bass voice "Thanks"...
GGGAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
/COUGH
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!
BBBBBLLLLLLEEEEEECCCHHHHH!!!!!
/HEAVE
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
/SHIVER
GGGAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
/COUGH
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!
BBBBBLLLLLLEEEEEECCCHHHHH!!!!!
/HEAVE
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
/SHIVER
Monday, December 7, 2009
Free Agent Status!
I auditioned for Hale Center Theater this past weekend. I was excited when I got callbacks. I went into callbacks on Monday evening and I had quite the experience there. It was amazing. For starters, I have never been around so many talented singers before in my life. HOLY COW!!! I am incredibly flattered that they would even consider me to be somewhere around that level. Just to give you an idea of the caliber of singers that were there, I sat next to Rigoletto. FREAKING RIGOLETTO!!! That's right, the "You sing like a goat" guy.
Second, I realized that I have a lot to learn about performing, and especially performing under pressure. The nice lady sitting on the other side of me was very kind and would tell me every so often "Relax :D" I was trying to hide it so well too.
In any case, this means I'm a free agent. There are a few other plays I might audition for, and we'll see if I can get into any of those. I have alot of time next semester, so I will try to get into something. If not, I guess I could always... *gasp* DO HOMEWORK!!!
Second, I realized that I have a lot to learn about performing, and especially performing under pressure. The nice lady sitting on the other side of me was very kind and would tell me every so often "Relax :D" I was trying to hide it so well too.
In any case, this means I'm a free agent. There are a few other plays I might audition for, and we'll see if I can get into any of those. I have alot of time next semester, so I will try to get into something. If not, I guess I could always... *gasp* DO HOMEWORK!!!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Rock Art part 2
After my lab was done, I started walking from the engineering building to the Institute building. I passed the spot where the tower of rocks had been. They were still there, but they had been slightly altered. :D
Rock Art
So I was walking to the engineering building just now, deep in thought about how I am going to survive finals. The sidewalk to the engineering building has a median of rocks. Big rocks, medium rocks, and little rocks, sissy rocks, rocks that climb on kids... all kinds.
As I was passing, I noticed one big rock had several medium and small rocks very carefully placed on top of it, in an interesting looking tower. There were some grounds keepers doing some work around that area, and one of them saw the rocks, and came over shouting "What the Heck is This?"
Another grounds keeper came up saying "What? You don't like it?"
"Heck no! you're doing it all wrong. You call yourself an artist?
"I thought it was emotionally moving!"
I couldn't help myself. I started laughing out loud! My outlook on the next few weeks has improved dramatically :D
As I was passing, I noticed one big rock had several medium and small rocks very carefully placed on top of it, in an interesting looking tower. There were some grounds keepers doing some work around that area, and one of them saw the rocks, and came over shouting "What the Heck is This?"
Another grounds keeper came up saying "What? You don't like it?"
"Heck no! you're doing it all wrong. You call yourself an artist?
"I thought it was emotionally moving!"
I couldn't help myself. I started laughing out loud! My outlook on the next few weeks has improved dramatically :D
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Finished!
I finally finished a project I've been working on for a while now. I've gone through the entire German translation of the Book of Mormon and counted all of the references to the Savior I could find. I counted everything: Symbols, pronouns, everything I could think of. I've been working on it off and on, which is why it's taken a while. Anyway, it's done now :D
Keep in mind that I did it in German, and the German language uses a few more pronouns than english does, so there might be a few more that I counted that aren't in the english Book of Mormon. I should also mention that there were some points in the Book of Mormon where it was a little fuzzy as to whether they were referring to the Savior, or to Heavenly Father, so I just used my best judgment. Also keep in mind that there may have been some symbols that I didn't pick up on because of my spiritual immaturity.
Final count:
Number of references to the Savior in....
1st Nephi: 688
2nd Nephi: 1230
Jacob: 374
Enos: 44
Jarom: 11
Omni: 29
Words of Mormon: 11
Mosiah: 719
Alma: 1104
Helaman: 352
3rd Nephi: 1204
4th Nephi: 40
Mormon: 195
Ether: 458
Moroni: 176
Total: 6635
References to the Savior per Chapter (average):
1st Nephi: 31.27
2nd Nephi: 37.27
Jacob: 53.43
Enos: 44
Jarom: 11
Omni: 29
Words of Mormon: 11
Mosiah: 24.79
Alma: 17.52
Helaman: 22
3rd Nephi: 40.13
4th Nephi: 40
Mormon: 21.67
Ether: 30.53
Moroni: 17.6
Total: 27.7
Keep in mind that I did it in German, and the German language uses a few more pronouns than english does, so there might be a few more that I counted that aren't in the english Book of Mormon. I should also mention that there were some points in the Book of Mormon where it was a little fuzzy as to whether they were referring to the Savior, or to Heavenly Father, so I just used my best judgment. Also keep in mind that there may have been some symbols that I didn't pick up on because of my spiritual immaturity.
Final count:
Number of references to the Savior in....
1st Nephi: 688
2nd Nephi: 1230
Jacob: 374
Enos: 44
Jarom: 11
Omni: 29
Words of Mormon: 11
Mosiah: 719
Alma: 1104
Helaman: 352
3rd Nephi: 1204
4th Nephi: 40
Mormon: 195
Ether: 458
Moroni: 176
Total: 6635
References to the Savior per Chapter (average):
1st Nephi: 31.27
2nd Nephi: 37.27
Jacob: 53.43
Enos: 44
Jarom: 11
Omni: 29
Words of Mormon: 11
Mosiah: 24.79
Alma: 17.52
Helaman: 22
3rd Nephi: 40.13
4th Nephi: 40
Mormon: 21.67
Ether: 30.53
Moroni: 17.6
Total: 27.7
Monday, October 12, 2009
Incognito
Tonight I went to FHE in my new ward. I've only been to their sacrament meeting once, but I went anyway. They were having a harry potter themed activity, and they said that costumes were encouraged. So I gave Tom a call, and he let me borrow his Dumbledore costume from several years ago. It was great, I went to FHE all decked out as Dumbledore, and because I had only been there once, no one knew who I was! It was driving the Bishop nuts. The only downside is when no one know who you are, no one is willing to socialize with you :( .
Anyway, after FHE, I thought it might be fun to go get a Jamba Juice. I walked in the store, and the only people who were there were the workers and two girls sitting at a table. About 15 seconds after I came in, the girls got a weird look on their face and left. Their loss. The workers also had a priceless look on their face. "So whats this all about? Costume party?"
"Oh no, I just heard that muggle jamba juices were absolutely bewitching, so I had to come and try one myself."
One of the workers, wearing thick bottle glasses, said "You know, this is a great idea. I should go dressed up to a store like that. Of course, I would probably go as my D&D character."
The rest of the evening I couldn't stop thinking "Good gravy, I hope I don't come across as being that nerdy."
Anyway, after FHE, I thought it might be fun to go get a Jamba Juice. I walked in the store, and the only people who were there were the workers and two girls sitting at a table. About 15 seconds after I came in, the girls got a weird look on their face and left. Their loss. The workers also had a priceless look on their face. "So whats this all about? Costume party?"
"Oh no, I just heard that muggle jamba juices were absolutely bewitching, so I had to come and try one myself."
One of the workers, wearing thick bottle glasses, said "You know, this is a great idea. I should go dressed up to a store like that. Of course, I would probably go as my D&D character."
The rest of the evening I couldn't stop thinking "Good gravy, I hope I don't come across as being that nerdy."
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Steel Toe Sunday Shoes
So I've had some requests to post this story on my blog. It happened to me about a year ago. I was still working graveyards at home depot at the time, and just getting ready to start school again. I went to Walmart one day with 2 goals in mind... Get steel toe shoes for work (too many incidents with pallets falling on my feet) and get new dress shoes for church. After looking around for a while, I spotted something that filled me with hope and joy! STEEL TOE DRESS SHOES!!!!!!!! For a guy who is trying to save money, I thought this was a dream come true. "Two birds with one stone." I thought. So I bought them.
I drove home feeling pretty good about my purchase. I managed to only spend half of what I had origionally intended. When I got home, I had a very blunt and harsh revelation: "Who in the sam hill wears dress shoes to their graveyard job?" I sat there staring at my shoes, realizing that I had just scammed myself (it was an excellent scam, though). But then I foolishly thought "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try them for one night."..... I won't go into too much detial of that night at Home Depot. It was full of friendly ridicule from co-workers, including, but not limited to, Rex. (He probably deserves an entire blog post of his own.) In the end, I decided that they were too bulky and showy to be practical for work, but because my old mission shoes are so worn out, I use them for church. They're kind of heavy, but hey, if anything falls on my feet in the middle of sacrament meeting, I'll be ready.
I drove home feeling pretty good about my purchase. I managed to only spend half of what I had origionally intended. When I got home, I had a very blunt and harsh revelation: "Who in the sam hill wears dress shoes to their graveyard job?" I sat there staring at my shoes, realizing that I had just scammed myself (it was an excellent scam, though). But then I foolishly thought "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try them for one night."..... I won't go into too much detial of that night at Home Depot. It was full of friendly ridicule from co-workers, including, but not limited to, Rex. (He probably deserves an entire blog post of his own.) In the end, I decided that they were too bulky and showy to be practical for work, but because my old mission shoes are so worn out, I use them for church. They're kind of heavy, but hey, if anything falls on my feet in the middle of sacrament meeting, I'll be ready.
Friday, September 25, 2009
I don't want to toot my own horn... no really, I don't!
So last Saturday morning, I spent a good amount of time with Dad trying to fix the horn on my car. I wanted to take it in to get it registered, and I knew the horn didn't work. After about 2 hours and taking apart the car's electrical system, Dad got it to work. I know, I saw him do it.
So then I am off on my merry little way to get my car registered. As I am pulling my car into the inspection bay, the horn decides that it has a few things to say, and is very angry about it. And it wouldn't stop. I eventually had to pop the hood, jump out of the car, and unplug the horn. I took about 2 minutes to adjust some things, to the point where it was working again. But man, I sure got some great looks.
Anyway, I failed the inspection, but not because of the horn, though I'm sure that didn't exactly make a good first impression with the inspection staff. In any case, it's working now, and it doesn't stick anymore.
So then I am off on my merry little way to get my car registered. As I am pulling my car into the inspection bay, the horn decides that it has a few things to say, and is very angry about it. And it wouldn't stop. I eventually had to pop the hood, jump out of the car, and unplug the horn. I took about 2 minutes to adjust some things, to the point where it was working again. But man, I sure got some great looks.
Anyway, I failed the inspection, but not because of the horn, though I'm sure that didn't exactly make a good first impression with the inspection staff. In any case, it's working now, and it doesn't stick anymore.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Before and After Pictures
Here are some Before and after pictures of my mission.
Before the mission....
... After the Mission:
Before the mission....
... After the Mission:
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Note to Jim:
So this morning I went to a breakfast at my work for all of the interns in our Salt Lake office. There were 6 of us there, and it was nice to meet people and such, but quite frankly, it seemed a little dull. The lady running the breakfast asked us all to go around and explain how and why we decided to pursue an internship at my work. They started with me.
"Well, I guess it all started when I was a little boy. I just loved putting sharp metallic objects into electrical outlets, and over the years it began to have an affect on me to the point where it just seemed natural to go into the power industry."
blank stares.
Note to Jim... that one didn't work.
"Well, I guess it all started when I was a little boy. I just loved putting sharp metallic objects into electrical outlets, and over the years it began to have an affect on me to the point where it just seemed natural to go into the power industry."
blank stares.
Note to Jim... that one didn't work.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
I'm doing a good job :D
So my boss at Rocky Mountain Power called me in the other day to give me another project to work on. He then asked "You're planning on sticking around for the fall too, right?"
"Yeah, that's what I was planning on. That's ok, right?"
"Oh yes. You've proven yourself to be a valuable asset to our department. And I think that everyone here would agree, from the other engineers, to the dispatchers, and even my boss."
"Stop it, you're going to make me cry."
"Get out of my office, you HAM!"
It's nice to know that you're doing a good job. I could have this turn into a career if I want to. Question is, do I want to be doing this for the rest of my life?
"Yeah, that's what I was planning on. That's ok, right?"
"Oh yes. You've proven yourself to be a valuable asset to our department. And I think that everyone here would agree, from the other engineers, to the dispatchers, and even my boss."
"Stop it, you're going to make me cry."
"Get out of my office, you HAM!"
It's nice to know that you're doing a good job. I could have this turn into a career if I want to. Question is, do I want to be doing this for the rest of my life?
"Just Do It!"
So as many people may know, I am in a play this summer. I will be playing Frederick in "The Pirates of Penzance." I will be performing on the night of the 14th, and again earlier in the day on the 15th of August. Come and see it!!!!
Anyway, A something happened the other day at rehearsal that was somewhat noteworthy. I get to kiss a girl. It actually isn't in the script, but some directors put it in and some don't. I got to do this last time I played Frederick too. Anyway, last Friday we were working on blocking. We are suppose to finish our duet, she spins into my arms, I dip her, kiss her, drop her, and run off stage. So we rehearsed. We got to the drop part and I hesitated a bit. She said "Look, just do it. just do it." So I did it.
THWUMP!
Next thing I knew Maybel was on the floor, and she had one of those looks on her face that makes anyone who sees it hurt too. "I'm so so sorry!"
"I told you to do it." Said Maybel with her wind knocked out voice. It didn't take much persuasion from Maybel to get the directors to change that part.
So there is something very valuable that I've learned from this whole experience. When I eventually get to that point in real life, I now know not to drop the girl. It doesn't turn out well.
Anyway, A something happened the other day at rehearsal that was somewhat noteworthy. I get to kiss a girl. It actually isn't in the script, but some directors put it in and some don't. I got to do this last time I played Frederick too. Anyway, last Friday we were working on blocking. We are suppose to finish our duet, she spins into my arms, I dip her, kiss her, drop her, and run off stage. So we rehearsed. We got to the drop part and I hesitated a bit. She said "Look, just do it. just do it." So I did it.
THWUMP!
Next thing I knew Maybel was on the floor, and she had one of those looks on her face that makes anyone who sees it hurt too. "I'm so so sorry!"
"I told you to do it." Said Maybel with her wind knocked out voice. It didn't take much persuasion from Maybel to get the directors to change that part.
So there is something very valuable that I've learned from this whole experience. When I eventually get to that point in real life, I now know not to drop the girl. It doesn't turn out well.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
I am taking over your computer
I'm not a big fan of calling tech support. To call tech support, you usually need to get through the army of automatic answering machines, press a sequence of buttons, and if the planets are aligned just right, you get to talk to a normal human being.
Anyway, last night I noticed that my anti-virus program was flipping out. The error it gave me told me that I needed to call tech support. So I decided I had nothing better to do with my evening (Sleep... BAH!), and I called tech support. After much preparation, and due to a little Astrological help, I actually got in to a living, breathing human being. This fine gentleman had a heavy Indian accent. Surprise Surprise :)
After being able to confirm who I was and that I truly did purchase their software, he asked me to start explaining the problem in as much detail as I possibly could. So I did. I read exactly what the error said to me. After hemming and hawwing for about 5 seconds, he starting giving me instructions. This is somewhat what our conversation sounded like:
"Sir, I am going to need your permission to take over your computer."
"...... ha ha... I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you right. It sounded like you wanted to take over my computer."
"That is right sir, I need to take over your computer."
".... whoa whoa whoa... hold on.... that sounds really creepy."
"I do not understand what you mean."
"Doesn't that mean that you will have access to all of my information and files and stuff?"
"I promise you sir, I will only be looking at the files that have to do with our software. I will not be taking your credit card number."
Anyway, after a little more coaxing and convincing that it was perfectly alright, I gave in. I had to download a small program, and enter in some kind of password. Then it started.
"Ok sir. I am taking over your computer."
I don't think I was really ready for what was about to happen. My mouse started moving all on it's own, and launching and downloading programs. I felt like the victim of technological Voodoo. The entire process of uninstalling the last version of the software and installing the latest version took about a half an hour, during which the kindly man from India was explaining his every move to me. I got kinda bored, and soon realized that I also had control of my mouse. This became somewhat entertaining, as I would every now and again wiggle my mouse and challenge his authority. This brought the reply:
"I am sorry sir, but I am not finished yet."
I decided it wasn't nice to interfere with the barbaric technological ritual, so I just sat quietly and watched. We eventually started talking, and I found out we were both Electrical Engineering students (which made this guy instantly cooler then his accent had already made him.)
"Well sir, we are about 99 percent done with the process." I couldn't see any progress bar, so I remarked:
"I don't see those numbers anywhere. Do you have something else that I don't that you're looking at?"
"I've been working here for about six months."
"No no, looking at, not working at."
"Oh, I am sorry. The number was just my estimation."
Once the process was complete, he showed me how the problem was fixed, and asked me if everything was satisfactory. I said it was, and we exchanged pleasantries, and I regained control of my computer. It felt good to be back :D. So what did I learn from this experience, you ask? I learned that Indian people are really nice. You see, when it was all finished, he showed me how to call back should I ever have a problem again. And the number he gave me would skip all of the automatic machines, and the planets didn't matter at all! I'm still not a fan of tech support, but I am a fan of Indians.
Anyway, last night I noticed that my anti-virus program was flipping out. The error it gave me told me that I needed to call tech support. So I decided I had nothing better to do with my evening (Sleep... BAH!), and I called tech support. After much preparation, and due to a little Astrological help, I actually got in to a living, breathing human being. This fine gentleman had a heavy Indian accent. Surprise Surprise :)
After being able to confirm who I was and that I truly did purchase their software, he asked me to start explaining the problem in as much detail as I possibly could. So I did. I read exactly what the error said to me. After hemming and hawwing for about 5 seconds, he starting giving me instructions. This is somewhat what our conversation sounded like:
"Sir, I am going to need your permission to take over your computer."
"...... ha ha... I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you right. It sounded like you wanted to take over my computer."
"That is right sir, I need to take over your computer."
".... whoa whoa whoa... hold on.... that sounds really creepy."
"I do not understand what you mean."
"Doesn't that mean that you will have access to all of my information and files and stuff?"
"I promise you sir, I will only be looking at the files that have to do with our software. I will not be taking your credit card number."
Anyway, after a little more coaxing and convincing that it was perfectly alright, I gave in. I had to download a small program, and enter in some kind of password. Then it started.
"Ok sir. I am taking over your computer."
I don't think I was really ready for what was about to happen. My mouse started moving all on it's own, and launching and downloading programs. I felt like the victim of technological Voodoo. The entire process of uninstalling the last version of the software and installing the latest version took about a half an hour, during which the kindly man from India was explaining his every move to me. I got kinda bored, and soon realized that I also had control of my mouse. This became somewhat entertaining, as I would every now and again wiggle my mouse and challenge his authority. This brought the reply:
"I am sorry sir, but I am not finished yet."
I decided it wasn't nice to interfere with the barbaric technological ritual, so I just sat quietly and watched. We eventually started talking, and I found out we were both Electrical Engineering students (which made this guy instantly cooler then his accent had already made him.)
"Well sir, we are about 99 percent done with the process." I couldn't see any progress bar, so I remarked:
"I don't see those numbers anywhere. Do you have something else that I don't that you're looking at?"
"I've been working here for about six months."
"No no, looking at, not working at."
"Oh, I am sorry. The number was just my estimation."
Once the process was complete, he showed me how the problem was fixed, and asked me if everything was satisfactory. I said it was, and we exchanged pleasantries, and I regained control of my computer. It felt good to be back :D. So what did I learn from this experience, you ask? I learned that Indian people are really nice. You see, when it was all finished, he showed me how to call back should I ever have a problem again. And the number he gave me would skip all of the automatic machines, and the planets didn't matter at all! I'm still not a fan of tech support, but I am a fan of Indians.
Friday, June 12, 2009
My Blog
Well, I am now starting a blog. I decided to jump on the band wagon because I have more time on my hands, and I really enjoy viewing my friends and siblings blogs. I don't think I can write anything near to the caliber of what they put out, but I thought I would take a swing at it.
So, about the name of the blog. There have been many times coming home from work/school/etc. where I would walk in the door, and my mom would ask from another room in the house "Who's that?" I would then muster all of the mellow drama I could and reply:
"It is.... I"
"Well, if it isn't Kitch Cadet and his band of Merry Men."
It was the most original thing I could come up with. I might change the name later or start a new blog if I come up with something better, but I think it will probably stay this way.
Anyway, I'll be posting about my adventures with my Merry Men, so please feel free to comment and check my blog often.
So, about the name of the blog. There have been many times coming home from work/school/etc. where I would walk in the door, and my mom would ask from another room in the house "Who's that?" I would then muster all of the mellow drama I could and reply:
"It is.... I"
"Well, if it isn't Kitch Cadet and his band of Merry Men."
It was the most original thing I could come up with. I might change the name later or start a new blog if I come up with something better, but I think it will probably stay this way.
Anyway, I'll be posting about my adventures with my Merry Men, so please feel free to comment and check my blog often.
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