Livin' the Dream

Manda Bear and I are going to be fortunate enough to go on back-to-back dream vacations in the coming months. This is in no way meant to rub it in, but simply to inform.
We are traveling to the Big Apple in August for a week to live it up and see the sights. New York City has been my favorite vacation I have ever been on because of the abundance of things to do and see. I am so excited to take my honey to the city and do EVERYTHING! This trip feels like it was meant to be because everything/timing is falling into place perfectly for us. My old friend Robert lives in Manhattan and will be allowing us to stay in his apartment while he and his wife Lindsay are out of the country. If this isn't enough, this trip will be right between summer and fall semester. If that isn't enough...My wonderful mother-in-law bought me a plane ticket to NY for Xmas that needs to be used this year or it will be no good. Are the stars aligning? I think so. Can't wait to tell you all about our adventures!

Roughly a month after our excursion to the East...we will be heading west to spend a week in the land of sun, beauty and beaches. You guessed it...Hawaii! It just so happens that Hawaii, Maui in particular, is Amanda's favorite place to go. She lived there during the summer right before we met and expresses interest in going back on a tri-daily basis. :) We now have the opportunity! This one should be a lot of fun as we will be heading out with Steve and Colleen, Dr.Brooke Hansen, and quite possibly Corbefanie and their entourage. Stoleen (short for Steve and Colleen. ??) will have a Marriott condo waiting for us in mid-September. This trip was originally thought of a year or so ago, as this is when the Maui Marathon will take place. I am not sure but I think most of all will participate in the half marathon.

Some of you may know that I am scared of the ocean. I don't like sharks and they don't like me. There's a chance that the ocean will teach me a mean lesson if I go in too far. I am aware of this but I may test the limits and play in the water. We will see. :)

Both trips are basically as good as it gets. We feel very fortunate to have these opportunities and realize we probably won't get to go on this caliber of vacation in the foreseeable future. "We get to show each other our DREAM LANDS," said Amanda. We will soak up each moment to the fullest.

We'll let you know what happens....

Watch Dog

A week ago, Matty and I went on our usual weekend-movie date to see the movie "UP". Although I'd heard it was a clever, humorous animation, I didn't know what to expect. The movie was fabulous and I highly recommend it to those of you who truly appreciate the creative mind.

But let me back up here. When I say I didn't know what to expect, I especially mean that I didn't expect to stumble upon what is found in the following video. Just take a look at what we observed on our way into the movie theater:



Did YOU expect that?

At first glance, we thought it was a giant stuffed animal or human in a dog costume...NOPE!

And two hours later...



...still there. In honor of our liking of "UP", we named him Kevin.

You're in for a treat

If you're anything like me then you are on a constant lookout for a good snack. A snack that you can place perfectly in between meals but won't slow you down or fill you up.

Choosing the right snack (for me) can be a tricky process because I prefer opting for the healthy alternative. My snacks range from fruit, veggies, rice cakes, yogurt, protein shakes granola/bars and everything like such as. However, I revel in the idea of finding a new snack to join the rotation. I have found just that.

What I'm about to tell you is kind of secret. It's something that I have found to be a wonderful/healthy/light/wonderful treat. It's easy, it's safe and best of all you can take it anywhere! :)

No, I'm not talking about avocados or banana bread.

Before I get to the newest treat...let me ask you a question...do you like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? (Insert nod here) If you answered no, number one...what's wrong with you? and 2, you can stop reading now.
Here's what you do...you take a large ziplock bag and empty a bottle of unsalted, plain peanuts and a bag of raisins into it. Combine and enjoy!
You may be thinking..."that's it?" Well, let me tell you...this is peanut butter and jelly in its truest form! It is magical. It is heavenly. It is so tasty. I'm not kidding, you should try it. You should preferably combine an even amount of peanuts and raisins, as this will give you the utmost enjoyment.

I'm a Puppy for your Love

I've written about music on several occasions. Music really is a great thing, and I love sharing what I have found to be great.

In honor of the recent release of the Dave Matthews Band's 7th studio album, I share some memories.

First, I would like to point out that the "Chez Playlist" that you have come to know and love has been updated to feature Dave Matthews exclusively. I have chosen my favorite tracks and hope you take the time to listen to some of it. I get all giddy inside when I sit and jam out to it.
When I was young I enjoyed all sorts of music. I was on a continuous journey to find new songs to add to a mix-tape. It ranged from Oingo Boingo to Will Smith. From Genesis to Green Day. From Kenny Loggins to Slaughter. You're asking yourself, "what is slaughter?" exactly. I believe my original love of the mix-tape came about from my brother Jerry as he was always buying cd's and allowing his little brothers to pilfer his collection. Each of my brothers will attest to the love that we all shared of music and the random act of finding new tunes for a mix-tape. Oh, the mix-tape. haha!

As I aged, my music-loverhood went with me. Instead of listening to Top Gun & Beverly Hills Cop soundtracks, I started opting for real music. I remember the first time I heard Dave Matthews. I believe I was about 10 years old and Jerry had the album "Crash." I overheard him listen to it a bunch of times and I thought..."If Jerry likes it, then I should too!" The next thing I knew, I heard Jeff listening the heavenly twangs of DMB! Ok, so, if Jerry AND Jeff listened to it...then I needed/had to be a part of it. When I would visit the Little Caesars that Jerry worked at, the "cool" employees would talk about it and such.If this wasn't enough...on more than one occasion I overheard our buddy Derek Judd strumming on his guitar to Dave music. It was everywhere! I knew I was making the right decision. :) But, it wasn't until I was about 15 that I truly discovered the lyrics and grew an appreciation for the guitar and for Dave's style.
It was about this time in my life that I needed to make a choice. The choice that I believe everyone makes at some point in their life. The choice as to what band I would forever say is my favorite.

Obsessed is a strong word, that brings with it many negative connotations, so I choose to use the word passionate. I am very passionate about Dave Matthews' music. It's so good! Don't believe me...well, why haven't you listened to the playlist on the right-hand side of this blog?

I have my brothers, Jerry and Jeff to thank for this...gracias amigos!

"I can't believe that we would lie in our graves, dreaming of things that we might have been, could have been. I can't believe that we would lie in our graves wondering if we had spent our living days well." Let's take Dave's advice and live it up!

Career High

This past weekend we made the short journey down to Fat Cats for a good ol' fashioned bowling extravaganza. Well, it was actually just 4 amateurs giving it their all whilst enjoying laughter and food. We met our good friends, The Palmer's, down there and got our bowl on.

It was much fun and the pizza was worth the hefty price. We bowled 3 games and I am happy to report that my previous career high of, 100, is now obsolete. I surpassed all expectations and bowled an enormous 143!

Impressive, I know. Not only did I have a "Turkey" but I learned the art of the spin. (Thanks Eric.)

It was a good night and I hope we continue to make bowling a tri-decade event.

and the winner is...

The following is a column that appeared in The Daily Utah Chronicle, about who will win the NBA Finals. You can see the actual article here...

www.dailyutahchronicle.com

Matt Sanchez
Staff Writer

Published: Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Long ago I swore allegiance to all things Utah Jazz and in so doing promised to despise anything that resembles a Lakers logo. Clothing, automobiles, umbrellas, food--if it’s adorned with purple and gold, I won’t go near it. I am as devout as it gets.

That being said, picking winners still comes from the brain, not the heart.

The NBA Finals will get underway Thursday for the 63rd time and will pit the Los Angeles Lakers against the Orlando Magic. Los Angeles is no stranger to the Finals, as this will be its 30th appearance in the big dance, having won 14.

Orlando, the little-engine-that-could franchise, will be playing in the Finals for the second time.

I do not believe there is a logical, knowledgeable basketball fan who believes the Magic will win this series. Outside of the Magic organization, anyone who attempts to argue in their favor doesn’t meet the above criteria, or has something up their sleeve. Pun intended.

Some people might tell me the Magic swept the season series with the Lakers, 2-0. I’d say they’re right, but I’d also say that All-Star point guard, Jameer Nelson, was the Magic’s leading scorer in both games and he has been out since early February with a torn labrum in his shoulder.

People might also say Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu and Mickael Pietrus were unstoppable against the Cleveland Cavaliers and will probably do the same against the Lakers.

True, those guys played great, but each of their statistics were inflated because the Cavs didn’t have the players to defend them. Besides LeBron James, Cleveland’s roster is basically made up of point guards and centers. Players who should be guarding Shaquille O’Neal-types were forced to defend faster, smaller, skill players like the aforementioned Magic men.

That will not be the case with the Lakers because Kobe Bryant, Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom are more than capable of playing excellent perimeter defense.

Why am I so sure the Lakers will win this series? First, the odds are on their side. The Lakers have home-court advantage, and in the last 25 years, only six teams have won the title without it. If I said that you could go to Vegas with a 76 percent chance of winning, then you’d empty your bank account and floor it to Sin City. Those are the same odds the Lakers have to win the Larry O’Brien trophy for the 15th time. Still not convinced? Well, numbers aren’t sexy.

Just last week, I watched both teams win their conference and earn a trip to the Finals. Los Angeles was all business. They accepted their new hats, smiled for the cameras and went on their way. Orlando, on the other hand, acted like they just won the title. Confetti poured in from all angles, the players smiled like 5-year-olds who were just given a lifetime pass to Disney World. Notice a difference?

Oftentimes when a team is so excited about reaching the peak, right before the summit, they fall. The Lakers have been there before, they know what it takes to win and they will do just that.

Los Angeles is deep. Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol will prove that Dwight Howard isn’t the true man of steel. Kobe will torch the Magic and will earn his first NBA Finals MVP. Phil Jackson will win his record 10th championship and the city of angels will celebrate once again. Lakers in six.

A Glimpse

I'm taking a video production class this semester. I was given an assignment to create a "personal statement" that I can show to my class. Our professor told us that we could pretty much do whatever we wanted, as long as it represents us. I thought it would be funny to tape various members of my family saying a little something about me. I had never used Windows Movie Maker or uploaded anything to YouTube but that's not true anymore. The statement had to be between 30-60 seconds and no more.

I think it's really funny. Give it a look and then give it another look.

Enjoy...