Superman, More...

This past weekend, my little sister, Katie, became an "adult." She is now 18 and the world is on alert. To celebrate this joyous occasion, we gathered at my mom's house for a little reminiscing, wii, fajitas, nostalgia, cake and fun. AND some amazing video! (At the end of the post...)

Leif was excited and for good reason!
I had the pleasure of hanging out with the first Sanchez girl born in America! (I know this isn't true but it has a nice ring to it.) I call her, Brookie the Pretty.
The nice group shot. Gotta love the timer on the camera.
Manda tried to keep the sanity levels up while looking absolutely stunning!
The birthday girl!
The Mom. She made an absolutely amazing meal. Here, I'm not quite sure what she was doing. Love you mom!
The Mama's and their babies.
Somehow I ended up with the ribbon on my head. ?
Michael loves him some cake!
Jeff doesn't like his picture to be taken when food is on his brain.



Michael, Mr. Goo, loves to play the Superman game! It consists of me throwing him up in the air! Gotta admit, it is a fun game. Gotta love that goo!


The game was so fun, that Leif and I wanted to partake. We know that we are a little bigger than most but that didn't stop us from having fun. The goo reminded us that it's OK to act like a little kid. My side still hurts from laughing!

A Teddy Bear Heart Doctor Wears Flip Flops and Eats Chocolate ALL Day...

A Sentimental Yearning

If you think about it, words are so random. Why do we call a hand, a hand or salami, salami? Why is a delicious, sugary treat called a cookie? I don't know. Semantics is interesting.

Anyway...

There are two words (among many) that I love to say, love to hear, love what they mean and love how they sound. And they relate to each other very well...

*Nostalgia-(no-stal-juh)–noun

1. a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time.

*Reminisce-(rem-uh-nis)–verb

1. to recall past experiences, events, etc.

Go ahead and say them to yourself. Do it!

I often perform these words in my life, daily. My wife has even commented, on more than one occasion, "You really like the word nostalgia don't you!" I'm usually thinking about the good times and the funny/random things I've done.

The reason I share these extremely random thoughts: I was thinking about my favorite childhood movies. By childhood I mean ages 6-14ish.

The following collage is considered, by many, an utter masterpiece.

Now that I think about it, each of these movies all have things in common. They are all 80's or early 90's films,(The Best era of film). For the most part they are all centered around comedy and hijinks. If you're thinking..."where's the Disney movies? What's wrong with this kid?!" All I can say is, I just liked real movies. :) I highly recommend viewing any of these films because...well...they will make you happy!

The Secret

I am not talking about the secret fountain of youth.

I am not talking about that book/movie or whatever it is that promises "the secret."

I am not talking about the secret formula for coca-cola.

I am not talking about the secret to six pack abs.

I am talking about THE secret to an amazing sandwich. (Now that I think of it, maybe my secret really is the secret to those other things...?? Interesting.)

*Now that you have the giggles out, let's get serious*

Avocado's. Did you know they grow on trees? Well, they do and one day I hope to own my own avocado tree. This delectable treat can make any sandwich, or salad, something special. I just enjoyed what would have been an ordinary/plain turkey sandwich. But alas! I topped it off with an "Avo" and it became a piece of heaven and, I might add, the envy of an entire office.


Not only are avocado's very pleasant to look at, extremely tasty, but they are very healthy as well. Studies have shown that they help reduce cholesterol. PLUS, if you replace the miracle whip (or mayo for weirdy's) with avocado then your sandwich won't only taste better, it will be healthier! Who wouldn't want that?

This is an invitation to all...next time you're at the store, pick one up. Or, next time you're at Subway, ask for avocado...You won't be sorry!

She's my honey

Hey Readers!

This is Matthew Brian Sanchez and I hope everyone is doing well! I am writing today because I find it necessary to remind everyone that my LOVELY, AMAZING, SMART, FUNNY wife, Amanda, is also a contributor to Sanchez Thoughts. She has been posting some aweomse stuff lately but sadly, everyone thinks that I am writing them. Just a reminder....at the bottom of each post it says who wrote it...

Tippy Toes

Today awakened a distasteful childhood memory when I pulled into the east parking lot at the University of Utah, opened my car door and stepped right onto a BIG, FAT WORM! It took nearly every muscle in my body to refrain from throwing up as I looked down to see the squirming insect half alive. I couldn't hold back the gagging and the air REEKED a fowl smell of the disgusting creatures. I stepped to the side to avoid a second worm and noticed they were everywhere, all within inches of each other. Then my reflex kicked in -- I was walking on my tippy toes the entire rest of the way (100 feet or more to the building) and I didn't care one bit who was watching.

Worms are the ONE thing I HATE about rainy days. Why on earth do these nasty insects wiggle themselves all the way out to the middle of a bare gravel or cement surface, just to get squashed (unwillingly, mind you) by people like myself? I don't see the logic in it. Does it not make more sense for these worms to stay in the grass or dirt or wherever they came from? If they're looking for food, I can assure them all the other insects know better than to roam a large stretch of public, man-made land on any given day, let alone a rainy one.

The experience brought me back to my elementary years when I walked to school with my older brother and sister. I dreaded having to walk to school on days when it was raining, NOT because my hair would get wet, NOT because my shoes would get ruined, but because the WORMS were out and the thought of squishing guts under my feet literally made me dry heave. 

And that's when I learned to tippy toe -- one of my many timeless childhood intuitions.

You didn't ACTUALLY think I'd post a picture of real worms, did you?
Be careful out there.

"Man imposes his own limitations, don't set any"

In less than a week, the 2009 Salt Lake City Marathon will be underway. If you've never run it, you should participate by cheering the runners on and letting yourself be INSPIRED as you watch thousands cross the finish line 26.2 miles later. You can do this at any marathon race, of course, but the Salt Lake City Marathon (starting at the University of Utah, ending at The Gateway Mall) draws an ElEvAtiNg crowd like no other. 

I'm only speaking from partial experience. I've never run a marathon, though I hope to sooner than later. Last year I ran the Salt Lake City Half Marathon -- such a high! I've never felt so sore and so accomplished in a matter of two hours. I absolutely loved the entire experience and wanted to do it again the second I crossed the 13.1 mile-marker finish line. 

I don't deserve the title "runner," but I dream of being worthy of such a label. I won't even allow the words "recreational runner" to fall in the same sentence as my name, because I believe I am capable of so much more than that. Reaching goals that are set with every mile reached in training, is part of the exhilaration that comes on race day. Putting in the time and balancing impatience with excitement makes every struggle along the way entirely worth the enduring process. 

Last fall I set my sights on the 2009 Maui Marathon (a chance to return "home" to the place of my dreams). Discouragement set in early, with the start of a new semester in my undergrad endeavors, and I quit running altogether to pursue accomplishments with more pressing deadlines - August graduation and a real job afterwards. 

For now, as I watch others around me grow from pushing themselves toward reaching this common goal, patience comforts me, knowing I will have my chance soon. Feeling held back, this desire to exceed the limitations I've set for myself will feed the flames at my tail when the chains of restraint are let loose.  --Okay, it might not be quite as elaborate as I've described it, but I'm simply saying, I can't wait to start training, I can't wait to run MY 26.2 miles and truly remove any/all limitations I have imposed upon myself. I have no doubts I CAN and WILL do it. 

Pre said it best, "Life's battles don't always go to the strongest or fastest man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the fellow who thinks he can."

GoOgLeD

Here's a creative idea. I found this on my lovely friend Sarah's blog and just HAD to try it out for myself. You go to google.com (obviously) and type in your FIRST name, followed by the word "needs." Then you write down the first 10 results to your search.

Here are the results for Matty and me:

MATTY needs...
...at least 7 blocks, and can add at most 10 extra blocks.
...a place to sleep.
...no screw ups.
...to draw.
...to stay on a maintenance level of hydrocortisone as his Adrenal Gland tests show little production of national steroid... (I swear I didn't make this one up).
...to know.
...some...no, tons of work.
...some pitchers.
..."Matty's Friends" to help with the organization, promotion, and running of all of these fundraisers, as well as all the others...
...to go.


AMANDA needs...
...you to map yourself.
...to pee.
...to read Barbara Bush's speech to Wellesly graduates.
...help?
...the game.
...to be able to do multiple genres in order to be considered talented.
...food right now.
...more ink.
...to know the truth about KYLE. (Coincidentally that's my brother's name. Hmm).
...your vote!


If any of you can help us with ANY of these needs, please inform us via blog comment. We'll return the favor.

A Dancer's Life

A Dancer's Life is sometimes brutal, often charming and always surprising. It is what it is.

We're dancers. That's who we are. Anything and everything can get us in the mood to stop what we're doing and shake our stuff.

We're not always the greatest at what we do. In fact, there's usually somebody that tries to outshine us and if they do...more power to 'em.

Our moves vary from fast to slow. From popped to smooth. From humorous to that of the seductive type.

Music can alter the style but sometimes...emotion just bursts through and takes over.

We have a very extensive array of moves but most have not been filmed for sharing via this medium...however that may change in the days to come.

We offer this small sample of what can happen when emotion runs its course...


Here, Manda shares her version of the chicken dance. This dance often comes out when the love drop is in a crazy and happy mood.


Here, I bust out a trio of moves from the collection. A collection that contains over 30 inspired steps including: Tebow, apologize, celtic feet, spinning rips, soulja boy, superman, frankenstein, bumble bee, moose, byrd, bavetta and many more! When they all flow together...well, few things can split a side like it. This is: Tebow to Bumble Bee to Arnold.

Want more? Let us know.

Q & A with M & A

In an attempt to let our audience know more about us, and for fun, we give you the following question and answer sessions...

Q's for M by A

Q: If you could master 1 instrument, what it be?
A: Piano. It's appropriate for more types of music. and it's really pretty too.

Q: Would you stop eating all junk food to live 5 years longer?
A: Yes! Junk food, who needs it?!

Q: Would you choose to be the worst player on a winning team or the best player on a losing team?
A: Definitely, the best player on a losing team!

Q: If you were to own a fabulously impractical car, what car would it be?
A: Ferrari>. Umm...always loved 'em and they're cool.

Q: What do you most miss about being single?
A: Living with my buddies and the good times that we had.

Q: What did you get into trouble for most when you were young?
A: I never cleaned anything and ate everything...yeah my mom didn't like that.

Q: Would you rather be able workout or watch tv/movies? Only one or the other.
A: Workout. I need it despite my love of the tv...I couldn't live without the gym!

Q: What do you think your weird dreams mean?
A: That I watch too much tv. :(

Q: Which language would you like to speak fluently? Why?
A: Espanol senorita! It would benefit my life and also I could say "yes!" to all the people that ask me if I speak it.

Q: If you could re-name yourself, what name would you choose?
A: Hank. No, I'm pretty cool with the name Matthew. So, I'd keep that one.

Q: If you could have any view from your back porch what would it be?
A: Brooklyn Bridge/New York City

Q: Would you rather be smarter, more athletic or better looking?
A: Definitely smarter. But I heard I could eat more smarty's and get smarter.

Q: What do you complain about more than anything else?
A: The Jazz! Them losing or not getting enough credit or their highlights not being shown on espn!

Q: Do you think space exploration is important?
A: No. I feel there are better things we could be spending our money on than missions to mars. But hey, that's just me.

Q: What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
A: Manda Bear. My baby. :)

Q: Would you rather wash your hair with honey? Or, brush your teeth with candle wax?
A: Honey. I'm weird about my teeth and don't want that wax stuff on 'em.

Q's for A by M

Q: If someone gave you a million dollars but said you could never go to Hawaii again, would you take it?
A: I'd take it with tears in my eyes...

Q: Would you prefer money for a housekeeper, cook, gardener or personal secretary?
A: Cook. Cuz they would make me nutritious meals.

Q: Which historical sporting event would you like to witness in person?
A: Definitely John Stockton making that shot against the Rockets.

Q: If you could only wear clothes from footlocker or hot topic, which would it be?
A: Footlocker. At least I'd be able to have cool workout clothes.

Q: What do you miss most about being single?
A: Going country dancing with my friends.

Q: Which celebrity do people say you look like?
A: Kristin from Laguna Beach.

Q: Would you rather take a bath full of ketchup or mustard?
A: Ketchup. Cuz people say if you get sprayed by a skunk to take a bath in ketchup.

Q: Would you rather be a movie star or a doctor? why?
A: Doctor because I wouldn't want people talking about my personal life.

Q: Who's the last person you'd want to be stuck in a room with?
A: Reba Mcintire. Her voice would drive me crazy and she's a little too much to handle.

Q: What celebrity would you most like to have lunch with?
A: Jack Johnson because he's so famous but still down to earth.

Q: Would you rather be amazingly good at bowling or bull riding? Why?
A: Bull riding because it's cool and really risky.

Q: Would you rather have someone tell you how LOST ends or watch if for yourself?
A: Watch it for myself because I'd miss all the times Jack puts Kate in her place.

Q: If you were on a deserted island and there was an unlimited amount of 2 foods, what would you want them to be?
A: Pizzookies and fish tacos from leilani's

Q: Would you rather live in the old west or medieval times?
A: Old west because I love cowboy boots.

Q: Would you rather sing in public or dance in public? Solo. Why?
A: Dance becuase I tried singing and it was embarassing!

Comings and Goings

I am a movie lover. This is no secret. When I come across a good one I feel inclined to share my thoughts with anybody and everybody.

Going to the movies has always been a really fun thing for me. Maybe it's the swarms of people hustling and bustling or the excitement that fills the air when you're about to witness something that you never have before. Or, maybe, it's just the happy thoughts I get when I think about getting drunk on movie popcorn...a love that my dad instilled in his boys long ago. (I laugh when I think about Jeff telling me his mouth gets "raw" whenever he goes to the movies!)

This past weekend, Manda Bear and I decided to go to the movies. We saw Duplicity. I didn't really know what to expect but had heard some mixed reviews. However, I'm never one to let some random movie critic decide if I should like a movie or not. I read one review that said..."Duplicity is a movie for people who enjoy solving Rubik's cubes." Is this supposed to mean it's a movie for smart people?
We saw it and I really enjoyed it. I would say it's a mix between Ocean's 11 and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. I'm not going to go into a full-on synopsis of the film, you can and should watch the trailer that I have provided. But I will say this, the story was great. It's the kind of movie that forces you into watching it and to figure things out. It's not one of those (though I like these sometimes) movies where things just blow up and there is no mental effort needed to view it. Duplicity is a romantic-comedy-thriller that is definitely worth watching. It has a quality story that men and women will enjoy. Just when you think you know what's coming, you really don't and the mystery all comes together in the end. This one gets 2 enthusiastic thumbs up from your Sanchez Thoughts Committee.


We saw the trailer for, The Soloist, before Duplicity and it looks like a great film. I don't know what it is (maybe the music) but I get emotional just from watching it. Have a look for yourself.


I'm a big Jamie Foxx fan and it looks like he gave another award worthy performance in The Soloist. I love stories like this. People helping those in need. It comes out in April and I'm excited.

A brief sabbatical

We took a brief 2 week break from all things blog. Did anybody notice? It's been a busy time, with work, school and love taking time away from this lovely site. However, we are back! and there will be a minor change...Manda is going to be blogging more and more! And, we split our account name from "Matt and Amanda" to "Matt" and "Amanda." Why would we do this? It's simple...so YOU know who each post is coming from. Hope all is well!