College

I am close to receiving that piece of paper. (Close is a term that I like to use that means: 1 year left).

The piece of paper, that declares to all the world that I have reached a certain "degree" in life.

Here's a short compilation of things I have "learned" while being a college student...
*Philosophy classes are not like normal classes. I am currently taking a "Philosophy of Law" class and my professor gave a 60-minute lecture on how laws are just like ducks. That's right...ducks.

*Bob Dylan & Bono are constantly fighting each other for the "greatest of all time" label.

*In reference to politics, anything conservative is bad.

*The term "I'm the cat's pajama's" is considered a good thing. It loosely means...I'm awesome.
*Even though the title sounds very fun, promising and rewarding...Anthropology is none of the above.

*In order to do well in college, there is one absolute rule to live by: Go to class.

*The world is filled with many useless terms. For example: a man that is athletic, strong, "manly" as well as sensitive to the feelings of others, is not called "well-rounded." He is called "Androgynous." (an-draw-ja-nus)

*Henry David Thoreau was pretty much a crazy guy. But he may have been on to something with his whole "nature" thing.

*According to a diversity instructor, with my last name of Sanchez, I can officially call myself: Latino, Hispanic, Chicano or Spanish. Diversity? I think so.

*Black & White dramatic movies are supposed to be called, "Film Noirs."

*Whilst acting, it is ok and widely accepted if you face the audience during your performance.

*The Mitochondria is, in fact, the "Powerhouse of the cell."

*Aristotle was the absolute smartest person to ever walk the earth. Seriously, the man lived thousands of years ago. Yet, we are still learning his teachings. Here's one that I really like: Every human has a plant, animal and human soul. The plant deals with basic survival. Our animal soul controls our desires and animalistic instincts and our human soul is where we get our logic and decision making abilities. Smart guy.

*Commas, are sorely over-used, yet, they are very necessary for grammar, including news writing.

*Before a job interview, it's smart to practice what the interviewer might ask.

*The Eye is one of the most complex parts of the human body. However, we still use elementary terms like "rods" & "cones" to describe it.

*The Quest for Perfection really does look better in RED!
*Barrack Obama is going to save the world.

*The correct technique of a basketball jump-shot is to bend the knees, "spring" up and then release.

*Protein & Fiber are the most under-rated parts of any diet.

*If you take a group of 15 random strangers, there is a 100% chance that 2 of them will share the same birthday.

*Undergrad degrees are no longer valuable...now you must get a graduate degree to be truly successful.

*Though un-paid internships can be frustrating (no money) they are very rewarding and perhaps the key to success.

*Arguing/debating in class is all about sounding like you know what you're talking about. Actually knowing isn't important.

*Female professors are much more difficult than Male professors, no matter how much you smile at them.

*Though Internet classes seem cool, they are not and it's scary how easy it is not do any of the work.

*Making friends with your professor, will indeed help your grade.

*Christopher Columbus didn't really discover anything.

*John Hancock is really only famous because he signed his name rather largely.

*When reporting the news, it is entirely inappropriate to insert your personal opinion. (very hard for me not to do).

*They really do screw you with the cost of textbooks. and in most cases, you don't even need the $100 book.

*The longer the beard = the smarter the professor.

*Psychology is very frustrating...they don't have a single fact in the entire field of study!

*It's wise to take a class with your sister-in-law because being the very awesome person that she is, she will always give you her notes. (Kristin that B+ belongs to you!)

*Sitting in the front row is the best thing. I don't know what I was thinking in high school.
College really is a fun time and gives me many fun memories. This list could probably go on for a long time but I realize that your time is important, so I will end it here. Fill free to add to my list!

Cheers to another fun-filled year! I can see the light!

Wanna Watch Some Lost...?

This is an attempt to Inform & Persuade

I love Lost!

In honor of Season 5 starting tonight, January 21, 2009, I reminisce...

Back when I was living with the wonderful Jeff, Kristin and Mr. Goo, Jeff would always try and get me to watch Lost. He said things like, "You don't know what you're missing!" "It's unbelievable!" and "What the heck is wrong with you?!" I would shrug off his statements and say, "I'm too far behind to watch it...I'd be lost myself!" At this time, it was the middle of season 3 and I just didn't think I had the will to catch myself up on several seasons of a TV show.
Wednesday nights came and went and I continued the ludicrous act of not watching, even though I could see the obvious joy it brought to my brother's face. Then...I decided to give it a go. Little did I know that I would be engaging on an adventure that would change the course of time! The episode was "Tricia Tanaka is Dead." Not a particularly amazing episode but it was the one that got me hooked.

Up to this point in my life, I had only truly dedicated myself to a handful of TV shows. They included: Seinfeld, Friends, Home Improvement, Boy Meets World, CSI and ER. That's it. Anything else that I may have watched was simply a coincidence and nothing more. As you can see by my list of shows, it needed to be upgraded.


After a few weeks of consistent watching...I decided it was time to take the plunge and get the first 2 seasons. It timed out perfectly because Jeff and Kristin had vacated their lovely home for a few days as they traveled to San Francisco. I had the house to myself and had no intentions of leaving 'til I was up to speed on all things Lost! I visited my local Hollywood Video and successfully rented 12 DVD's. I then proceeded to watch approx. 48 hrs of Lost over the next week.

I guess this came at a perfect time in my life when I was a bum that lived with my brother and I had no job, no prospects and nothing to do. Looking back at that extraordinary week in my life: the late nights, many many calories, nightmares of the LOST coming through my TV and attacking me, a beautiful beard that had appeared due to my lack of grooming and no longer being afraid of a plane crash...it was all worth it!

For those that have never seen the show, what are you waiting for? but here's a brief synopsis of the story....Plane full of "strangers" crashes on an island. The pilot said he lost power and the plane was 1,000 miles off course...well...just watch this season 1 trailer...


Without saying too much, Lost really does have it all! Take a gander at this list...

Adventure, Mystery, Comedy, "Others", Polar Bears, Love, Flashbacks, Flashforwards, YOU ALL EVERYBODY!, Islands, The Dharma Initiative, many renditions of the song, "downtown", fighting, revenge, suspense, Desmond, thinking to yourself "what the crap is going on??!!", survivin', Sawyer's nickname's, Love triangles, strange french women...the list goes on and on!

What makes Lost so great is the characters and how they learn to live together. Here's a couple clips of some great TV...



It's now been a couple of years since I became a Losty and since that time I've successfully helped 8 people find their love of lost. If you've never watched it, it's not too late. I'm not gonna lie, it'll take some work on your part but it's worth it!

I'm excited for tonight and I know I'm not the only one! My good friend Deron Williams even told us, at KFAN, how excited he is for the premiere tonight! Happy Watching!

Have you ever heard of...The Dead Sea??

This past Thursday, I was in between school and my job at the radio station. I had some time to kill and thought..."hmm...why don't I go to the mall and spend that gift card?!" My wonderful sister-in-law, Adrienne, gave me a gift card for Christmas and I wanted to make her proud by spending it.

Fashion Place was good and I did some very efficient shopping. On my way out, I was minding my own business and taking place in some first class people watching. Then...I hear a voice come from somewhere..."Excuse me sir?" I looked down and there was this very nice lady, who couldn't have been taller than 4'10". "Have you ever heard of the Dead Sea?!" she asked. I didn't know what was going on. I nodded, and uttered..."yyyeah." I think I answered because I have this need to be nice to everyone and I'm not gonna lie, I was a little frightened of my new friend. She said, "follow me" as she started walking away and motioned with her index finger. Then it hit me, she's gonna try and sell me something. I, of course, didn't want anything to do with the Dead Sea munchkin or whatever she was selling, but for no reason...I followed her.

She commanded me to show her my hands. I didn't want her to cast a spell on me, so I rolled up my sleeves and showed her my hands. She immediately started spraying them down with water and now I was stuck to hear her spiel. Once my hands were wet, she slapped on some salty concoction and told me to start rubbing my hands. "The Dead Sea is near Israel and I from Israel. The Dead Sea is special, very special. This soap is directly from inside the Dead Sea and has no added chemicals or anything else of the like. It is very special and everyone should be using it." My mind was racing, "how can I get out of this?" I thought. "Are you married?" she asked. As I nodded, I thought, "you idiot! now she can tell you your wife needs this crap!" Next, she proceeded to slather my hands with "boddy budder" and told me to take a giant "whif" of it. It may have been the worst smelling "budder" ever created. "This budder, is also straight from the Dead Sea! and is very special. Both of these usually cost $99.99 but I can give them to you today for $49.99, today only." I smiled and almost starting laughing. "Follow me" as she motioned to her cash register...


Upon some research, this is actual Dead Sea Mud. I'm sorry, this photo is not too attractive but I think it tells quite a story!

"I've gotta stop you right there. I have no intention of buying this." "But why?! It is very special and can be used on more than your hands" she responded. "Be that as it may, I don't think I would ever use it" I said. "You might not, but your wife would love it! It's no joke, this is very special!" She was starting to play with my emotions and started to look sad. I knew that I couldn't let this tactic get to me. "I appreciate your performance and what you are trying to do, but I need to go." She gave me a very cold look and said, "you may leave."

I escaped and left the mall. I knew I needed to share this story with any and everyone. If I can say "no" so can you!

Tis the Season!

~This really is the best time of year. Although, I hate the cold weather and snow, I love Christmas time. It's fun to get together with family, reminisce on the old days and share fun stories. Traditions galore fill the air: Christmas Vacation, snow angels, hot cocoa, chex-mix(mmmm), snuggling up under a warm blanket, snow ball fights, staying up late, going to movies, fighting off the crowds at the mall, holiday pick-up basketball...and much much more.
This is also the time of year for watching fun holiday movies. Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, The Family Man. I got to thinkin...Home Alone 2 really gets the shaft. Nobody remembers this holiday treat and I think it's even better than the original. Nod if you agree....here's a fun clip from the movie..."little moe with the gimpy leg!"


MANDA & I WISH ALL OF YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

~This has been a crazy and fun NFL season. It's been filled with injuries, surprises and disappointments. Who would have thought the Miami Dolphins would be at 9-5 when the same team went 1-15 last year. Also, the Atlanta Falcons have bounced back from the Michael Vick dragging them down. Tom Brady's injury shook up everything but the Patriots are still sitting atop their division. In short...FOOTBALL IS GREAT! We're coming down to the home stretch and I thought now is a great time to make my predictions. As you know, I'm big on predictions and like to put them out there before the rest of the world does. (Phillies!)

Parody is the name of the game and it is tough to pick winners in the NFL but I feel the Carolina Panthers will beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl. They both have excellent defenses but Carolina is clicking on all cylinders, at the right time. I just don't think they are going to lose. Take it to Vegas now!

~Colin Cowherd, of ESPN Radio, had the following to say about what's a sure thing to make a woman look good. I thought it was funny..."I love a woman in a cowboy hat. Every woman out there if you're wondering..'do I look good?' Go buy a cowboy hat! I guarantee you will turn heads. There's nothing better. Honestly. Nothing."

~Alec Greven is a 4th grader from Colorado and he has written an ingenious book, "how to talk to girls." I first saw him on the Today Show and his stuff is brilliant! It's basically a book filled with "what and what not to do" advice. Here's a sample: Comb your hair and don't wear sweat pants when you talk to a girl. Act smart and they'll like you. Really pretty girls are like cars that need a lot of oil...just stay away. Needless to say, his stuff is hilarious! If you haven't heard about him or his book then check out this video.

~One of my most favorite hobbies is going to the gym and exercising. I've been accused of having a disorder for the amount of time I work out. Although I spend a lot of time there, I assure you...It's a healthy hobby. Anyway...being at the gym allows many opportunities for some great people watching. I have many funny stories I could share but I want to focus on just a few...

The other day I was jogging on the treadmill and a very nice lady was about to get on the machine right next to me. I thought it was odd because she started the treadmill before she got on and stretched for a minute. After her stretch session, she stood on the platforms while the belt ran underneath her....I thought to myself..."what the?" She then hopped on and fell face first to the floor! I suppose the speed exceeded her ability and I'm sure she was pretty embarrassed. I remember my natural instinct was to reach down and try and catch her. I stopped her treadmill and she looked up at me with a look that can only be classified as..."do you think anyone saw that?"

I had just finished up a work out and was gathering my belongings in the locker room. I was just about to leave when I noticed a man, about 35 years old and in good shape, sitting on a bench near me in only a towel. He was shaking and started shouting! "Hey! You! Do you have any crackers?! I'm about to pass out!" I turned and was blank. "I have some water!" I uttered. He said..."No, I have water! I need carbs!" He was clenching his fists and looked as if he was in real pain. I didn't know what was going on. He started yelling louder. I grabbed my stuff and ran out to the front desk. Explained the situation and a bunch of Gold's gym workers ran to the locker room. One of them looked completely horrified. Now, I can only assume everything went ok with the mystery towel guy but I didn't really want to go back there again. (I did the right thing. right?)

Another instance...I was minding my own business...like I always do....and was stretching. I noticed a nice old lady trying to get my attention. Once I looked at her, she was pointing at the stair master, the kind that is a revolving stair case...ya know...the one that I made famous? anyway...I, being the nice person that I am walked over to her. She pointed again and said, "what does this thing do?" "I said, it's a stair master." "A stair what?" she said. "It's a machine you use to work your cardio system." I said. She looked at it up and down and then let out a very subdued chuckle.

...til next time...

Enchant Your Soul

Music is one of those powerful things that can touch your emotions unlike anything else. It can bring tears to your eyes, love to your heart, passion to a workout or peace to your mind. In short...it's a great thing!


If you haven't already noticed, this blog features an ever-changing array of music. We have the music to (a) make your sanchezthoughts experience more enjoyable and (2) show you the music that we enjoy and just maybe persuade you to like it for yourself.

This is our personal invitation to you....Turn up your volume, check out the playlist on the right hand side and have a listen. It may change your life. and as always, feel free to comment as to what tunes you like and/or any you suggest.



Spread the love...

A Utah Man Am I

This post is about a week over due but nevertheless...here it is...

This college football season has been classic. Probably the most enjoyable I've ever been a part of. When the season started, everyone was on the BYU bandwagon and thinking they were going to go undefeated and the whole "quest for perfection" thing. Now, I could use this lovely blog as a platform for dogging cougar fans...but...that's not my style. Plus, I remember "Harline open in the endzone" and "4th and 18". Oh, the sadness! Instead, I'll just revel in the Utes Success.

The Utes had a few close calls throughout the season but overcame everything on their way to a perfect season.

First, there was Oregon State and the Utes scoring 11 points in the final two minutes to win the game!

Manda and I after the game. We were practically forced to rush the field by all the crazy fans. Probably the most exciting game I've ever been to.

Next, there was the game against TCU. They had just blown out BYU and nobody was giving the Utes a chance to win this game. It was the blackout game and the crowd looked awesome sporting their black gear. I had 4 near coronaries throughout the game but the Utes did it again and won in the end!
The game against BYU could have been the biggest game in the world. But,the Cougs had to go and lose to TCU and take a little umph out of this match up. But, it was still fun. Here's a few pictorials that tell the story...
Manda with her game face on before our walk to the stadium...

To keep fans happy random things get thrown into the crowd. Despite the cold, Amanda really wanted some Ice Cream. We screamed and screamed then they threw us some ice cream. and look how happy she is! Lt. Dan..ICE CREAM! (I'll take any chance I get to quote the amazing Forrest Gump.)

It gold cold in a hurry...good thing I was there or she would've froze completely. The game was close throughout the first half and then Max Hall decided he was tired of being good. He threw 5 Interceptions and had 6 turnovers in all. It was so exciting and fun to be there. One of the best parts is when the BYU fans headed for the exits at the start of the 4th quarter. Sweet Redemption!

Doug and Molly...our MUSS buddies!

In the end...the Utes dominated 48-24 and went undefeated, again. Bring on Texas!

Quote of the day

Our fridge wasn't working for about a week and all of our food went bad. Not fun. Not fun at all. Anyway, we needed to go to the store so we could replenish our barren fridge...

An exchange of dialogue between Amanda and I...

"Honey, we definitely need to get milk and eggs. What else can you think of?"

"Umm, toilet paper and gum..."

Gotta love it!

He Shouldn't Be Eating So Much Pizza....

As humans, we have our parents to thank for most of our crazy ways. They pass off their characteristics and traits onto us, their innocent offspring. Though some traits are mimicked and perfected over time, others are passed on via genetics.

One such genetic quality that I would like to focus on is that of...dreams. Not dreams as in being a Sportscenter anchor or playing in the NBA but unconscious movies that we make up in our minds while we lay around.

My father has had some pretty crazy dreams, most of which make you shake your head and think..."what the?" Remember the infamous "black bull" incident? Case closed. My brother Jerry was a legendary dreamer. He had dreams about some of the most random events but what made his dreams special were the length and detail in which he dreamt. On more occasions that I can remember, Jerry would sit and describe his dreams to me and literally go on for 30 minutes or more at a time. I often encouraged him to write down his dreams so everyone could enjoy the organized craziness.

I, a descendant of Jerry Lee Sanchez Sr.,(above) also have the ability to dream up some funny stuff. Here's another dream that's short and sweet. Cheers!

I was working as a Little Caesars Pizza Man. I started receiving threatening text messages, from a number I did not know. The messages told me that I must deliver free pizzas to random addresses or physical harm would fall upon me. They were sent to me sporadically and went on for about a month. I began to get tired of the blackmail and refused to take the pizzas to anybody or any place. The texts kept pouring in, but I did not care.

Then! Amanda and I got home one night, to a luxurious house. A house that I couldn't believe I could afford on my pizza wages. In the middle of the living room sat an empty pizza box with a message inside...it read..."you don't want to do it like this. we need pizza." Amanda started to get angry and upset. She yelled..."just give them the pizza!" and stormed off. I was torn. I didn't want to live like this but somehow this random pizzaburgler knew where we lived, so I had to go through with it.

The next day...I was walking through a crowded city square when I received a text. It said.."75 pizzas." I yelled aloud, "75?!!" Just then...I thought I knew the phone number of the assailant. I walked up to a stranger and said..."Isn't this LeBron's number??!!" He looked at me and said, "yup." I couldn't believe it. LeBron James, the best basketball player in the world was blackmailing me for pizza!

Just then I shouted, "He shouldn't be eating so much pizza!" I began to get worried about his physical health and decided to start cooking him healthy meals instead of the greasy/amazing pizzas. I wasn't going to tell LeBron about my idea and just went out and bought a car-full of chicken and rice. I took the food to my mother's house for preparation. It was a disaster because I had never attempted to cook 75 chickens at once. My mom was freaked out and at one point was covered in rice. I apologized to her and got the meal ready. As I was driving to deliver the food.....I WOKE UP!

As I stumbled out of bed, I had this very un-easy feeling until I realized it was all a dream. I then felt relieved and happy. I quickly told Amanda the story and the entire time she was shaking her head with a look on her face that can only be defined as, "what the?"

I'm a crazy dreamer. Thanks dad! Here's the explanation...I was cooking chicken last night at about 9. I was also watching basketball as I fell asleep. and, I'm always thinking about pizza. There ya have it. :)

"That guy from Princess Bride was so big..."

It has been 6 whole months, to the day, since Amanda and I were married. Married life is great and I wouldn't trade it for anything! A lot has happened since May 14 nd we've learned a lot about each other. In honor of our half-year mark, I give you some insights on some things I've learned...

Top 10 things I've learned since being married...

10. I should learn to squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom.
9. When I get in trouble...all I need to do is touch my shoulder to my smile.
8. My jokes are not seen as jokes.
7. The TV in the bedroom is for looks. Not watching.
6. Not everyone shares the same love of 80's movies that I do. (sad)
5. Eating all the food is frowned upon. :(
4. Using the kitchen sink to get ready for church on Sunday is not that bad.
3. Ice Cream and Hugs can cure anything.
2. When Amanda is venting, it's ok not to speak up.
1. Sports isn't the ONLY thing on TV.

Top 10 things I love about being married...

10. Inside Jokes
9. No longer flying solo while performing a prank.
8. Having someone that will watch me dance. (I dance randomly when I'm happy.)
7. The opportunity to teach the world of sports each and every night.
6. Always having someone to laugh at my lame jokes.
5. Sleepover every night!
4. Vegging out, pigging out, laughing til it hurts then sleeping in can be a date.
3. Making and sharing the same memories.
2. Knowing that all we really need is each other.
1. L.O.V.E.

Ouch my side! Ok...now that we're all done laughing. I reiterate that the married life is good. I highly recommend it...it's so choice. (anybody know that quote?) but yeah...the first 6 months is in the books and has taught me a lot. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Celebrate Good Times...

This past Thursday, October 30, gave us a lot to celebrate.

First of all, we welcomed in the newest member of our family.


Brooklyn Kate Sanchez was born Thursday afternoon at a solid 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 1/2 inches long! She is the first girl to be born a Sanchez and has already upped the family's beauty factor. Brooklyn is the daughter of my brother and sister-in-law Jeff & Kristin. Good Work you two!

Manda and I love taking pictures with cute kids that are not our own. :) Here's the proof!
Mr. Goo

Samantha

Finn

Ashy (Sorry Stef) :)

Hayden...and my pretty green tie


The other great event that went down on Thursday was Amanda getting extended at her internship. Manda Bear is working for an Advertising Agency & Public Relations Firm, Richter7. The company is the industry leader in the state and is giving her amazing experience. Positions for this internship are ultra-competitive and very hard to come by. Positions for college students only last a few months and then they get passed on...BUT! Richter7 likes my amazing wife so much that they asked her to keep coming back. That's a great accomplishment and her hard work and dedication is paying off. She is one motivated chica and I know she won't quit til she's at the top! To celebrate...Amanda wanted to go to our favorite Italian Restaurant. The place where you go when you want to feel like family. The One, The Only...Olive Garden!

Here is a lovely snapshot of Amanda showing her approval


Til next time...