Love Thy Neighbor?

Deal of the Day?

Does anyone else think that it's weird that I popped open my email to see this irresistible deal waiting for me.  Yes, get your Book of Mormon storybooks for your kids "plus" get a great discount on that class you've been waiting to take so that you can carry a concealed firearm around with you wherever you go!

Have your kids read about Ammon's mission and great example of love and service to the Lamanites whilst you legally pack heat with your concealed carry license?  Something about this just strikes me as a little off...  :-\

Spin Cycle

I have a big day on Saturday all planned out.  I'm riding with some friends in this year's Cycle For Survival.  This years' event will take place over 5 days, in 10 cities, with 27 rides, 2,750 bikes, and will include 13,000 participants.

The event is a fundraiser for rare types of cancer.  In 2012, they raised $8.3 million.  This year, they have raised over $12 million!  It's awesome to be able to participate in a fun event for a great cause.  I want to thank both of my generous sponsors for helping to contribute to this record-breaking fundraiser!

The only bummer to my participation is that my drive up to Westwood will take probably three times as long as my stint on the bike.  :-/  I may have to find another workout later in the day to make sure I stay on pace for Ironman California.

Last year's event

I really am not sure what to expect at the event.  When I was first asked to participate, I envisioned some sort of contest where people pedaled away in a quest to log the most miles or some other such team goal.  Turns out I was way off base.

Each team has a four hour block in which the riding shifts are broken up into half hour segments.  The whole thing is like a giant spin class/party--it really doesn't matter how far or how fast you go.  There is food, entertainment (for those not riding), and other festivities (yoga anyone?).

Captain Spandex

So I've never actually done a spin class before and I'm a little nervous.  What is the proper etiquette in a spin class?  I've only ever ridden on the trainer in my garage and the open roads (helmets required).  I really need to figure out what to wear.  I don't want to show up and be "That Guy".  (at right...)

You know, the guy who shows up with way too much attitude, way too much spandex, and takes himself way too seriously.  

I'm much more interested in being a good teammate, cheering on my teammates, getting a good workout, and having fun.  If I get a chance to do a cool class as well, I'm not going to complain.

I promise that I do some research to make sure that I'm appropriately attired for the fun and festivities.

I love this picture of Aunt Susan

One of the cool things about the event is that they encourage you to bring a photo and written tribute to a cancer survivor.  I am going to accept that challenge and will be bringing a picture of my Aunt Susan.  She survived breast cancer and a brain tumor before she finally succumbed at much too young of an age--leaving behind her husband and 7 young kids.

Susan took me in for four straight summers in law school and treated me like one of her own kids.  I still feel like her kids are more like brothers and sisters to me than cousins.  I still miss her and love her. 

Aunt Susan, I will think about you as I ride on Saturday!  :-)

Deja Who? (Dominican Rice Style)

Cure for World Hunger?

One of the drawbacks of taking a break from blogging is that you can get a bit rusty.  It's either that or old age, but my memory must be slipping.  I got hungry as I often do last night (Don't ask me why Sundays always seem to be extreme hunger days for me) and decided to cook some Dominican Rice for myself.

I grabbed the ingredients and thought that this was the perfect chance for me to do my long-awaited, much requested blog post with the recipe for Dominican Rice.  I know, everyone's excited aren't they???

Only problem is that I actually already did that post...last July!  Maybe it's early onset of dementia???

Anyway, I view this as a shameless attempt to beat Google's top-secret search formula and drive more web traffic to my sight by internally linking to a previous post.  I have to do something to keep this blog relevant.  After all, how many people can there be worldwide who are looking for pics of Vladimir Putin in a wife beater?  Or scintillating insight on the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer?  Did I mention that there's a new episode of the Bachelor on tonight?  Because I did a very popular post last season when Sean Lowe and the guys were wooing Emily in Croatia.  If I'm ever going to monetize this blog, I need numbers people!!  ;-)

The rice is cooking....

But I digress--back to the Dominican Rice.  It turned out great.  It's really hard to mess it up, even when you take off the lid to the rice cooker (which you're not really supposed to do) to take a picture of the rice cooking.

Bring all the other ingredients to a simmering boil...

But don't take my word for it.  My kids asked for seconds and one of my office colleagues stole the leftovers out of my office when they spotted it.  Luckily, there was enough to share and I tracked down my container in the office fridge!  :-)

Buen provecho!

"It's Time..."

Hoosiers - One of the Great Movies of All Time

I still remember the first time that I saw this movie in the theater.  I've seen it a bunch of times since and I never get tired of it.  The first DVD I ever bought was Hoosiers (I just wish I knew were it was now!)

I've been thinking about blogging for a little while now and last night this scene from Hoosiers popped into my head:

I've heard from a few people who suggested that I do another blog post.  Your kinds words of encouragement meant a lot.  There are a lot of (good) reasons for why this blog took a hiatus, but probably just as many for why it's a good idea to continue.

So if I have any readers left out there, I hope I can occasionally post something funny, enjoyable, or at least worth a few minutes of your day.

So, in the immortal words of Jimmy Chitwood: "I don't know if it'll make any change, but I figure it's time...."