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Bachelorette News Flash

I was walking through Walmart this evening, minding my own business, when I happened to look up as I whizzed past the checkout stands and this magazine cover caught my eye.  Is anyone really that surprised?  What may be surprising is that it's only been what? About 3 weeks since the season finale?

I feel bad for Des especially because she seemed so likable and I think she really gave her heart to What's-His-Face, only to have him casually toss it away.  Unfortunately, while the show can be entertaining (and some would doubt that there was much entertainment value in this past season due to the crop of duds bachelors dredged up by ABC's casting department), its track record for producing lasting relationships is abysmal.

Let's hope that Juan Pablo has better luck...  :-/

One Night In Bangkok

Let's Get Ready to Rumble!

I recently helped a client through a tricky legal issue.  What I didn't know was that the client is a Hollywood producer and is in the movie "biz."  My client was helping to promote an MMA event at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, California on Friday night and he invited me to come as his VIP guest.

I could get used to the VIP treatment...

Now, I know that Commerce is a long way from Bangkok, Thailand, but MMA (or mixed martial arts) fighters practice a variety of fighting disciplines, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, American wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, taekwondo (from Korea), and Muay Thai fighting (from Bangkok, Thailand).

Truth be told, I really never watch this stuff on television (despite having a lot of friends in my church ward/congregation who gather to watch on pay-per-view), and I'd never actually been to a live fight.  This was my first.

As a VIP guest, I got a personal escort to my seat and access to the free bar.  Of course, the bar wasn't much of a perk since the only thing I ended up drinking was Coke--but at least that was free!

The event was BadBeat 10 and I had great seats on the front row.  I made friends with a young guy sitting next to me on the front row of the roped off VIP section.  He was super helpful and showed me things to watch for in the fighters.  Only later did I learn that he was "in the biz" and was a successful actor as well.  The fact that he didn't trade on his celebrity only made me like him more.

"A Witness to the Ultimate Test of Cerebral Fitness"

Ace Marrero of Body of Proof and General Hospital

He was Ace Marrero and he provided some "ace" commentary on the finer points of MMA strategies and techniques.  Thanks to Ace, I know that there is more involved to the sport than just beating the crap out of another fighter.

The final fight was pretty intense--the challenger beat the champ, but neither fighter left the cage unscathed.  I'm glad that my natural sports are limited to basketball and litigation.  I wouldn't want to have to make my living in the cage.

Here's a photo essay of some of the remaining pics from my One Night in Bangkok (which is a great song, by the way--see the video here):

"One Night in Bangkok and the Tough Guys Tumble"

First match of the night...the fighter on the left is praying after KO'ing the fighter on the right

"You See One Crowded Polluted Stinking [Casino]..."

Checking in at the VIP table

"I Get My Kicks Above The Waistline, Sunshine"

You really can't get much closer than this
#nozoom

"The Creme de la Creme of the [MMA] World"

Celebrity Lineup...many of these are soap actors that only someone like @TheMostess would know!  ;-)
If you look closely, you can see the villain from Karate Kid 3 (Sean Kanan)--he too was really nice in real life

"One Night In Bangkok and the World's Your Oyster"

Can't believe they let me hold the title belt #ihavenodesiretotryandwinit

I'm a little bummed that the cage was locked...

"One Night in Bangkok Makes a Hard Man Humble"

One of the best parts was meeting actor Danny Trejo.  He was so nice and was willing to pose for several pictures.  I have since learned a couple of things about him.

• He apparently starred for a couple of seasons in "Breaking Bad" as a character named "Tortuga" (Tortuga means "Turtle" in Spanish).  He must have been a bad guy--and he didn't make it.  But he apparently went out in a very memorable way.  I haven't seen a single show in the series, but I know some people swear by the show.

• He spent time in some of California's worst prisons before he got into acting (in and out of jail for 11 years).  On his first acting job, he was cast as a prison convict.  The director was trying to give him some direction and here is how Danny describes the conversation: 
• "It was the funniest thing I'd ever heard. I'd been in Soledad, San Quentin, Folsom, Vacaville, Susanville, Sierra--and here's a guy asking, "Can you act like a convict?" I remember I said. "I'll give it a shot".

• Danny doesn't drink and neither does anyone in his entourage.  That was kind of cool.

The Entourage (and I look like a giant standing next to all these Hollywood types!)

Danny Trejo and Me
#moneyshot

It's Cool to be Kind--to Animals

With Olympic Silver Medalist Gretchen Bleiler and her husband Chris Hotell

Last night, I got a chance to go to an event that was being co-hosted by a client and friend of mine.  The event was a fundraiser benefit for the ASPCA and was at this spectacular house in Bel Air.  Bel Air is this tony neighborhood in Los Angeles in the hills above Westwood (where UCLA's campus is).  It is nestled between Beverly Hills and Brentwood and the Getty Museum is practically around the corner.

It was kind of a long drive, so the first thing that I did when I got there was head for the food.  The ticket that I had to shell out for was not cheap, so I was expecting some decent food at least.  (There was also wine tasting going on, although I didn't bother with that.)  I was not disappointed in the menu.

I took a picture of the menu for all you "Foodies" out there.  I should have taken a picture of the food.  It was that good!  :-)

First up was the salad.  The balsamic vinaigrette was outstanding, as were the beets and pear tomatoes.

Then we had some finger foods.  The mini paninis were extremely tasty.  I thought that the turkey and havarti cheese were outstanding, but my conscience felt much better knowing that it was "cruelty-free" turkey.  Hey, given that it was an ASPCA-event, I was just glad that it wasn't a vegetarian menu--or vegan.  (No word on whether it was GF--sorry Kaari!)

I also liked the mini chicken pot pies as well.  Again, I didn't even know that there was such a thing as "cruelty-free" chicken.  I just know that it tasted good (and I bet it cost more!).

I also got a chance to wander around the house and the grounds a bit.  The swimming pool was so beautiful. It had these fountains shooting up all along the pool and there was a spectacular peek-a-boo view of the beautiful lights of Westwood and Los Angeles.  From "The Hills," the city below really does look like a jewel and worthy of its name ("The City of Angels").

The dessert bar is at the far end of the pool (yes, I had several desserts!)

View from Above...Note the city lights in the background

Anyway, it was fun to be able to visit with my clients and meet/visit with some interesting people (including All-World, Olympic Snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler and her husband).  On my way out, I grabbed a swag bag.  It made me feel a little more like a celebrity!

The Swag Bag Table was a little depleted by the end of the night...

I enjoyed myself and gained a new appreciation for the ASPCA.  Among other things, I was reminded that puppy mills are bad and rescue animals are good!  ;-)

All in all, it was a great night--great people and a great event.  Thanks AKS and the whole S&Co. team for planning and pulling the whole thing off!  You are total pros!

Now if I somehow could have avoided that long drive home!

A Midsummer Night's Eve

San Clemente Sunset

If you think of the summer as being June, July, and August, today marked the midpoint of the summer.  We walked out of a youth fireside tonight to see this scene from the parking lot of the Stake Center.  This does a fairly decent job of capturing the beauty as we enjoyed the view of Dana Point Harbor in the distance.

I couldn't help but think that as the rest of the country is melting in an unprecedented summer heat wave, we are so blessed to have moderate temperatures, cool breezes, and these types of views.

Andy Reid, Head Coach of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles

The speaker was Andy Reid one of the most successful head football coaches in the NFL.  His wife Tammy spoke with him and I was struck by what a dynamic, strong marriage the Reids had.  They have been married for 31 years and I loved how Coach Reid referred to himself as the "Head Coach" and to his wife as the "Head Coach of the Head Coach."

It was a really great fireside--funny, interesting, and spiritual.  Coach Reid and his wife even took questions (on any topic) from the audience for at least 45 minutes.  They were so gracious.  I had a couple of questions that I wanted to ask him, but I held off so that the youth would have plenty of chances.

I got a chance to thank both Coach Reid and his wife afterward and remind them that their daughter and my brother had served in the same mission in Florida.  Coach Reid posed for a few pictures and even let people try on his Super Bowl Ring (from the Green Bay Packers).  I may regret not having my picture taken, but if I do, it's only because I felt weird asking for a picture after a fireside while we were on the stand in the chapel.

Coach Reid and Sister Reid, in the unlikely event that you ever read my blog, thank you so much for coming to speak to us tonight!

The Bachelorette: 101 Dalmatians Edition

Pongo and Perdita

This week's edition of The Bachelorette took us to Dubrovnik, Croatia.  Dubrovnik is a city on the famed coast of Dalmatia--an ancient region in Croatia.  I've actually been to Croatia and it was great to remember the couple of weeks that I spent there.  But I digress, and since this blog isn't "all about me", I'll get back to the task at hand...yesterday's episode.

Emily and Her Remaining Suitors

For better or worse, we don't have 101 "dogs" that Emily has to weed through at this point in the season.  As the episode opens, we are only down to 8 dogs--The Ox (aka Ryan); Horton (the "Egg Guy" from Horton Hatches An Egg aka Travis); Sean; "Wolf" (aka John the paper shredder); Jef with One F; Doug; Chris; and Arie.  

Spectacular!  Dubrovnik lies on the Dalmatian Coast.

***SPOILER ALERT***  By then end of the episode, it became clear to me that there were really only three serious suitors (Arie; Jef with One F; and Sean).  The rest are all dogs.  And I'm still trying to figure out who is playing the role of Cruella de Ville...(It might be the Ox, but I'm not sure that he is smart enough for that role...)

The episode starts with Emily dropping in on the guys in their hotel room.  No sign of Chris Harrison.  I guess he must have been held up in Customs with visa problems.  The guys look mostly like they just got off the red-eye from London.  None of them have shaved.  But Ox's beard looks particularly grown in.  (Later on, we would find out that he waxes his legs and plucks the hair from his fingers.  He also shaves little designs in his beard.  Frankly, it was TMI as far as I was concerned!).

Best line from this portion of the date, was Jef inserting this classic line: "If you're going to fall in love, North Carolina Bermuda London Croatia is the perfect place to do it."  Is it just me or do they say that every single week???

Horton's Date:

Poor Horton/Travis

Horton and Emily decided to tour Old City Dubrovnik.  Emily said that they were both "like two fish out of water."  As luck would turn out, being like two fish out of water would have less to do with two Southerners being in this beautiful walled, European city and more to do with the fact that Horton and Emily were completely locked in the "Friends Zone" with absolutely no chemistry.

They apparently spent the whole day together.  We saw about 3 minutes on film. Yes, it was that boring.  I was bored just watching it.  Maybe the most "exciting" portion was when Emily told the confessional camera that she was wondering: "What's underneath [Horton's] shirt?" and was disappointed that he didn't take it off at one point in the date.

I was also a bit suspicious as both of them proclaimed how "perfect" the date was going.  To quote the Bard: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks!"  If it really were so great, neither one would have felt the need to convince themselves or us how the date was a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10.

By dinner, Emily had to psyche herself up by letting us know that the "stage was set for romance."  Sadly, Horton would only disappoint both us and Emily.  In his defense, maybe he's just out of practice.  He did admit that he hadn't been on a date in two years!  Yikes!

Horton showed more passion when he chucked the umbrella
than he did during the date...

Needless to say, Horton did not get the rose.  Emily extolled his virtues and told him how great he was, only to drop the "But" bomb on him.  It wouldn't be the first time that she pulled this trick during the episode.  She told him that they had a "great friendship foundation, but at the same time I don't think we have that romance."  Ouch!  She might as well have told him: "It's not you, it's me."  Oh wait, she kinda did.  (She told him that she didn't want him to think that he could have "done anything differently" to make her change her mind.)

The Group Date or "Since When Did The Scottish Highland Games Move to Croatia?":

Like Merida, Emily Can Be a Straight Shooter

The group date begins with Emily declaring that "Sometimes a girl just wants to see a movie."  Naturally, the Bachelorette producers somehow managed to snag a copy of Disney/Pixar's new movie: "Brave."  Not coincidentally, both Pixar and The Batchelorette fall under the "House of Mouse" (Disney corporate family) and the movie just happens to open on Friday at a theater near you!  Don't forget to buy your tickets!  ;-)

Both Emily and Doug pointed out that there were some similarities between the heroine and Emily.  I'm not a huge Arie fan, but I give him credit for this clever line: "Merida [the movie heroine] kinda got gypped--she only got three dudes!"  Funny stuff.  But as we would later learn by the end of the episode, I now wonder whether Arie came up with this line on his own or whether it was fed to him by the show producer who happens to be his ex-girlfriend...

Rumor has it that Jef With One F (2nd from Right) is pretty comfortable with knee-high socks...

After the movie, the guys got to don kilts.  Women across America cheered as the camera focused on the men stripping down.

The games themselves were a trip.  The games were complete with bagpipers and traditional highland games (archery, log toss, and stick pull)  All of the guys did pretty well.  All of the guys that is except Chris.  Chris is a pansy.  He was the only guy that couldn't hit the target during archery.  Not only could he not hit the target (he totally missed), but he also managed to look like a total dweeb doing it.  It's like he was giving a tutorial entitled: "How NOT to shoot an arrow" (i.e., put your feet together, stick your butt out, and cock your wrist at a funny angle).  It really wasn't very attractive.  Hopefully I can get a picture here for your viewing pleasure.

This is just awkward...

For some inexplicable reason, however, Emily chose to reward his pathetic-ness with the "Bravery" Award and then with the rose!  I honestly think she felt sorry for him.  I don't think I'm alone in that sentiment.

The guys were totally jealous.  Chris didn't waste much time in getting under a blanket with Emily for some "quality" time.  Then again, Sean didn't waste much time in locking lips with Emily either.  Of course, I don't really think the other guys have much to worry about.  Sean's kisses are so chaste, he might as well be kissing his sister.  (Yuck!)

Arie works his magic

Then there's Arie.  He's never been ashamed to kiss Emily.  We were treated to an extended, prolonged, lingering shot of Emily and Arie kissing whilst Emily is pinned up against the wall.  Somehow, I don't think she minded.

Jef with One F and Emily had a great conversation.  Especially after Emily called him out for waiting so long to kiss her.  Then Jef with One F made up for lost time by--kissing her.

Jef with One F also whispered to her: "Can I tell you a secret?  You give me the type of feeling that people write about.  I'm crazy about you."  I think he definitely scored some points with that one.

Chris was last.  He's not as smooth and his eyes kind of freak me out because they are so intense.  I've heard them referred to as devil eyes.  They must be devil eyes because he somehow managed to bedevil Emily into giving him the rose.  Chris beamed as she gave him the rose (and a kiss or three...).  The other guys...not so much!

Jealous much?  Arie and Jef with One F are incredulous as Chris gets the rose on the group date.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure if there was a guy on this date that Emily DIDN'T kiss.  It reminded me of a saying I heard growing up about saving your kisses to make them special.  My grandma always told me that kissing someone who'd kissed a lot of other people is kinda "like eating a piece of bread that had had all the butter licked off."  Obviously, Emily's grandma never told her that story.


The Babe (Emily) and the Big Ox (Ryan):

Take Paul Bunyan's unshaven mug and combine with the brains from Babe the Blue Ox...
....and you get Ryan

We were treated to an extended montage of Ox getting ready for his date with Emily.  We saw how his uses his razor to make triangle shapes in his beard.  We also saw how little the other guys in the house like the Ox.  Chris called him a jack-ass and called him out for taking three hours to get ready.  Ox thought that the guys in the house like him a lot.  In reality, as soon as Ox left, the guys doubled over in laughter and couldn't stop mocking him.

I'm not sure why he bothered to lather up the beard when he
wasn't going to shave it?

Ox took command behind the wheel and promptly found himself getting honked at and passed by just about every single car on the road.  He is a terrible driver!  Then they went to eat oysters.

"Beep, Beep"...Ox getting passed by another car.  My grandma drives faster than the Ox!

Dinner continued the comedic train wreck. I found myself both fascinated and yet horrified by the spectacle. Clearly, Ox isn't used to hearing people tell him no.  I just got the impression that Emily wasn't "buying" what the Ox was selling.

Then Ox pulled out his "list" of qualities that he wanted in his wife.  I loved how Emily thought that none of them hit her #1 priority (family).  Here is a smattering of some of those characteristics:

• #4 - Encourager - always "lifting [him] up and never ridiculing [him]."  That's actually tougher than you might think given that Ox says so much stuff that just begs to be mocked...
• #8 - Someone that is a Servant - because any wife of Ox's is going to have to serve him...a lot!  (Something to look forward to, ladies!)

I went ahead and added a couple that I'm sure that Ryan forgot...

• #13 - Good Cook, but not "Well Nourished."  Because Ox needs to eat well, but can't run the risk of Emily getting so big that he can't "love on her" anymore.
• #14 - Tigress.  Because heaven knows that Ox needs someone good in the sack to meet all of his manly "needs."

Emily clearly has her doubts...

Emily was not impressed with Ox's list and America collectively cheered as Emily told Ox that she didn't want to be married to Ox because she "fit into [Ox's] mold."

Here's a sampling of some of Ryan's actual quotes from the date (you can't make this stuff up!):

• "It's been a good day.  You know, spending time alone, you know, that's really what I wanted more than anything."  (Ox, since you live to show off to other people, I highly doubt that you actually wanted to be alone all day.)
• "I think it says a lot that I was chosen for this date.  I keep things fresh and new."  (I always thought that Tupperware was much better for keeping things "fresh.")
• "I look at myself every day when I wake up and say to myself: 'Who do you want to be today?'  Most men do not do that."  (You're right Ox, most men do not spend as much time looking at themselves in the mirror as you do!  Thankfully, or our nation's economy would grind to a halt!)
• "I know that I am a very good-looking guy that can get women."
• "The world is our pearl...I'm already thinking there's a pearl in there...You're the pearl."  (Covering up for his flub that the saying is actually "The world is your oyster.")
• "I'm a very safe driver.  You may not feel safe, but I don't get in accidents."  (Did anyone else notice how all this little grannies and other cars were constantly passing the Ox?)
• "Trouble, I'm definitely trouble."
• "My biggest hope for today was that we would spend time together and I would recognize and you would recognize that I could be a companion to you and you could be a companion to me."
• "You're like a trophy wife."
• "Every man should believe his wife is a trophy."  (Ox, please don't speak on my behalf.  You already make me embarrassed enough for my gender!)
• "How are you going to say you don't want to be a trophy wife and come looking like that?"

As with Horton, Emily began extolling Ox's virtues, but then dropped the "But" Bomb.  When she told Ox, she couldn't give him the rose, Ox couldn't take it.  He was "shocked" and "very surprised."  He went through many of the stages of grief--bargaining, anger, denial, acceptance--it was all there.  Emily actually teared up.  I don't know why because Ox is nobody to cry over.

Ox's exit interview was memorable.  Again, Ox's own words are too good to paraphrase (at least he didn't cry though: "She is making the wrong decision. I don't know that she will find the right guy for her here...Right now I can't imagine how shocked the guys are...we've built great friendships...Losing sucks...When you look at me you're thinking 'winner.'  That's shocking man.  Getting the ax this evening, it's definitely a blow.  You spend five minutes with me, I'll tell you that while I'm blessed with many earthly gifts, those are not worth being confident in."


He concluded with what seems like a somewhat lame and pathetic plea to the producers to not be portrayed as an "arrogant ass."  No Ox...The producers didn't do that to you--you did it all to yourself.


Rendezvous With Arie

Yes, they have chemistry...Look at the body language.  She is into him.

Arie took advantage of Ox's departure to sneak over to Emily's apartment.  He just wanted to talk make out with her.  Emily didn't seem to mind.  Before the rendezvous was over, she gave Arie the rose that had been intended for Ox.  She also talked about seeing Arie next week, telling him: "Next week's going to be fun."  Obviously, Arie is sticking around and she clearly likes him.  A lot.


The Cocktail Party/Rose Ceremony
Clearly John (aka Wolf) and Doug were on the chopping block this week.  John pulled out the funeral cards from his grandparents and Emily fell for it.  He also managed to sneak in a kiss (his first).  Is there anyone that Emily hasn't kissed at this point?

It can't be a good thing when a girl has to say: "Scooch on over here"...
...but keeps this type of barrier between the other person

Doug's time with Emily was just awkward.  Look at the body language.  She is leaning as far away from him as she possibly can.  Every time I see Doug, I think of Emily's: "Of course you did" line.  Very funny.  I'd like to think that Emily was being a little sarcastic, but maybe she wasn't.  Again, I'm just not sure what type of connection Doug and Emily have other than the fact that they are single parents.


Also Doug, here's a tip: Quit telling Emily that you don't want to go home!  She's likely to get the hint and realize that you aren't bringing much to the table.  Emily spends a lot of time trying to build up Doug's confidence.  At the end of the day, I dont' think it's going to matter.  I just don't think Doug's approach is going to be effective for him in the long run.

Doug started crying even before the Rose Ceremony...
...I hope Emily didn't see his breakdown

The Rose Ceremony came down to one rose--with Doug and John left.  Then Emily picked up the rose and split.  Double veto!  I was positive that Emily was keeping neither of them.

Emily went outside and found Chris Harrison who was talking to some "mystery lady."  Turns out the mystery lady is the Bachelorette producer who used to date Arie (I'm pretty sure...)

Chris Harrison, Emily, and the Mystery Lady

Then Emily came back in and pulled a 180 by giving both roses to Doug and John.  Everybody breathed a sigh of relief.  Especially Doug and John.


Next week: Prague.  And we get to see what the "real" story is about Arie and the Bachelor producer.

Giddyup!

PS--If you want to see a funny clip, watch to the end of the credits where you can see the guys try (and mostly fail) to mount up on the donkeys for the Highland Games.

Every Beautiful Thought's Been Already Sung?

This is something that's been on my mind lately...

I recently read a couple of books about World War II.  I was impressed by the letters that the soldiers wrote home and how eloquent they were.  One book quoted a prayer written by the mother of a U.S. soldier who was a prisoner of war.  The mother's prayer was short, simple, beautiful, and profoundly expressed her heart's deepest desires.

In our modern high-tech society, we have so many ways to communicate and we can do so effortlessly, instantaneously, and (essentially) for free.  

(So long as you have an unlimited text messaging plan that is...one of my brothers didn't and after a recently getting a monthly bill with an unexpected $58 worth of text messages, I think he's finally getting one!)

But even with the miracle of modern technology, I wonder if we are merely using more words and/or modes of communication and, yet, actually saying less...

Modern Day Prose:

I cite some recent chart-topping examples:

Bruno Mars -- Not a Really a Poet In My Book

If you ever leave me, baby,
Leave some morphine at my door
'Cause it would take a whole lot of medication
To realize what we used to have,
We don't have it anymore....

--"It Will Rain" by Bruno Mars

'Cause what you don't understand

Is I'd catch a grenade for ya

Throw my hand on a blade for ya

I'd jump in front of a train for ya

You know I'd do anything for ya

--"Grenade by Bruno Mars"

There's just something about "taking a whole lot of medication" or having morphine left on your doorstep that really brings home the imagery of the power and majesty of true love...NOT!  

Also, I'm not sure what Bruno Mars was thinking with the list of things he'd do to prove his love.  I'd argue that whoever he's dating that is constantly in such mortal peril may need much more than a boyfriend.  She'd probably be better off with a good counselor for starters.  Or maybe she just needs to marry a doctor or EMT!

Katy Perry -- Her Prose Doesn't Exactly Make Me See Fireworks

"Do you ever feel like a plastic bag...?"

--"Firework" by Katy Perry

Yes, there is nothing more inspirational than comparing oneself to a "plastic" bag.  I even like some of Katy Perry's songs, but this type of prose ought to be banned just like environmentally minded municipalities across the country are banning real plastic shopping bags.

The Good Old Days:

On the other hand, check out some of these examples from the good old days (before every beautiful lyric had already been sung)...

Oingo Boingo -- My Favorite Band in High School

With sadness in my heart and joy in my mind
I thought about the ghost that we left behind
With everyone around telling us what to do
With deafening sound whisper: "I love you."
The fire in your eyes--may it never go out.
The sweetness of your tears make it feel like night.
I see no escape from the roles we always play
What do we have to prove on this judgment day?

--"Not My Slave" by Oingo Boingo

Oingo Boingo is a great band and this is just the first example that I thought of for them.  What does it mean?  I'm not entirely sure (I've heard it said that it is an ode to the band's fans), but the prose (from 1987) is well put together and shows that the songwriter (Danny Elfman) has actually thought about the message he is trying to convey.

The Cure

Whenever I'm alone with you,
You make me feel like I am home again.
Whenever I'm alone with you,
You make me feel like I am whole again.
Whenever I'm alone with you,
You make me feel like I am young again.
Whenever I'm alone with you,
You make me feel like I am fun again.

However far away,

I will always love you.
However long I stay,

I will always love you.
Whatever words I say,
I will always love you,
I will always love you.

--"Lovesong" by The Cure

This song from The Cure (circa 1989) is simple, repetitious, yet haunting.  

Cause baby, there ain't no mountain high enough,
Ain't no valley low enough,
Ain't no river wide enough,
To keep me from getting to you, babe.

--"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell (also by Diana Ross) 

Even though this prose is not proper English, it's fun, catchy, and inspiring.  The message is clear and it's just a great song.  Even though it's from long before I was born (the song was first released in 1967).

It's not just music either...Listen to this letter from an unknown Civil War mother:

I never had any taste for war - indeed have always had a most unmitigated horror of it as an evil worse than pestilence or famile - but, it is a more obvious fact that this war has been forced upon us by a most unrelenting bitter and arrogant despotism - I must meet it as other mothers are compelled to meet it. I could not expect my son with his ardent temperment to remain indifferent. And I trust and pray that God may protect him, and that he may do honor to the memory and virtues of his Revolutionary Grandsires. But there are considerations that make it very bitter, very depressing to my feelings...

--Unknown Civil War Mother -- July 10, 1861

Think back to the last text or email that you received from someone.  I doubt it even came close to expressing it thoughts as articulately as did this random mother who was understandably concerned that she might have to lay a very "costly sacrifice...upon the altar of freedom."  (To quote Abraham Lincoln's 1864 letter to Mrs. Bixby.)  

So, Selena, though it may seem like every beautiful thought's already been sung, I hope you're wrong.  There must still be room in our world for more inspirational music and lyrics.  It's our job to create them.

What lame song lyrics have been bugging you lately?

UPDATE:  My brother reminded me of this gem from Nelly: "It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes...I am getting so hot, I want to take my clothes off."  Classy!

Whitney...

The Bodyguard - 1992
This album--one of the best selling soundtracks of all time--got plenty of air time my freshman year of college

Did you watch Whitney Houston's funeral service yesterday?  Neither did I.  Though I presume millions of Americans did.  I heard it was all over the news.  I just didn't have any time to watch.  Nor do I wish that I did.

One piece of news that stuck out though was that Bobby Brown and his 9-person entourage apparently got into an argument with Whitney's family and was not allowed in.  I think I'm with Whitney's family on this one.

I also loved hearing the stories in the news over the past few days about Whitney's compassion and good works for the underprivileged.  And I loved that I never heard about this from Whitney.  I love that she did them relatively anonymously and not so that anyone would marvel about how charitable that she was.

But back to the funeral...I didn't watch it because I was too busy trying to be a dad on a busy Saturday.  I do  think Whitney's story is a sad one.  I would say tragic, but somehow that word just doesn't "feel" right to me.  Tragic is something sad that happens, but more than sad--a tragedy is something that is unexpectedly sad.  Even though Whitney's death came as a shock, I can't say that it was unexpected given the demons that she has battled over the years.

I Wanna Dance With Someone - 1990
Whitney Made Us All Wanna Dance

The sad thing about Whitney's death is not just that she was taken too soon.  It's that this type of ending seemed a little predictable.  Whitney's struggles with addiction and drugs have been widely documented for what seems like years.  It's sad that this ending had to happen, especially to her--someone that (still) seemed so young and whose music has given such joy to so many people.

I thought about posting a recent pic of Whitney.  I'm sure I could have found one really easily that would have shown how drugs can really rob you of your youth, innocence, and beauty.  (Thank goodness for the Word of Wisdom!)  But then I decided that I didn't really want to look at that on my blog, and I'm pretty sure that you wouldn't either.

America's Sweetheart - 1991
I still remember collecting this football card when I was in high school

Instead, I choose to remember the fresh-faced, innocent (as far as I know) Whitney of my youth.  The Whitney who "wowed" us at the Super Bowl in 1991.  The Whitney who won Kevin Costner's heart as a famous singer who needed protection in 1992's "The Bodyguard" (I know, who woulda thunk she could pull off that role??).

I'm not naive.  I never thought that Whitney was a role model.  But even though she was flawed, I think she had a good heart.  Goodbye Whitney, we will miss you, your voice, and your music.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

Our family celebrated Thanksgiving Day this morning by participating in the 34th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot.  Thanksgiving morning runs have become a tradition in our country.  It seems like most communities have at least one.  We had a lot of fun today, so I thought I'd give you five tips for ensuring a fun, traditional Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot.

I know, most of us are still in a tryptophan-induced haze following dinner at this point.  But don't worry, this is not the type of blog that actually gives real advice or tries to tell you what to do.  Nor will I give you any boring, "tried and true" tips like: "warm up and cool down properly"; "eat a good breakfast"; "run at a good comfortable pace without overdoing it"; "make sure to stretch out"; or "get a good training schedule."  The truth is, I don't do any of that, so why would I advocate that anyone else do so.

And all of that is really just common sense anyway.  So don't worry about taking any notes or remembering anything from this post.  This post is mostly just an excuse to throw up some cute pics of the kids.  :)

#1 - Early Bird Registration is Key

Team Dyer

Usually you can save a few bucks if you pre-register.  Plus it will save you some time on race day when you don't have to track down your timing chip, race bib, and cheap t-shirt that you'll probably promptly donate to Goodwill.

I saw the line this morning of people trying to do same day registration and I wouldn't want to wait in that.  If you miss the online registration like I did, it's much better to go sign up about a minute or two before the race officials shut down the packet pick-up.  If they give you a hard time like they did to me, look at your watch and let them know that it's still not closing time and tell them that you had a long drive to make it there.  I only had to wait for about 5 minutes, rather than 45 if I'd had to come back this morning to do it.

#2 - Nupe It!



Years ago, there used to be all sorts of commercials for this little yellow pill called Nuprin.  I have no idea what happened to Nuprin.  While Nuprin may be gone, we still have ibuprofen which is the generic version of Nuprin.

I woke up Tuesday morning and couldn't get out of bed because I was having some intense back spasms.  I was pretty sure that I was not going to be able to run in the race.  That was before i started on ibuprofen.  Thanks to what was probably illegal amounts of ibuprofen and a very therapeutic session at Massage Heights, I showed dramatic improvement and was able to run this morning.

In my opinion, ibuprofen is a wonder drug.  Every home should have it as a staple of its medicine cabinet.

#3 - Don't try to Break In a New Pair of Shoes on Race Day

As you may know, I did the St. George Marathon about two months ago.  I decided to get some new shoes before the race.  Then I was smart enough not to wear them.

My last race before today was the Pumpkinman Triathlon about six weeks ago.  I've been running exactly once since then.  I thought that since I had had my "new" shoes for two months, they'd be broken in enough to wear today.  Bad move.

For some reason, I signed up for both the 10k Race and the 5k Race.  Then I ran the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run with R. and S.  Total mileage on the day: 10.3 miles.

The 10k "Team" From the SC 6th Ward!

The 10k Race was first.  By the time I hit the finish line, I had developed a hot spot on my foot.  It was a full on blister by the time I started the 5k Race 45 minutes later.  Let's just say that every step of the 5k was...unpleasant.

The boys were excited for the Fun Run!

Then the Fun Run may have been the worst, even though it was only 1 mile.  I could hardly keep up with the boys!

Let's just say that the boys were way more excited to start the fun run
than I was.  Check out S.'s "high knees" on the right!

Anyway, I learned my lesson and will have my shoes well broken in before my next race!


#4 - Avoid the Crowds When the Gun Goes Off


Last year when the gun went off, I was still walking to the finish line.  I spent the first mile dodging strollers and walkers en route to a pretty miserable time.  (No, I won't share it...I do have a small amount of pride remaining!)

This year, I tried to make my way much closer to the start line.  Overall, I was better off, but I was still shocked with the amount of people that will go to these races, push their way up to the start line, and proceed to run slowly while pushing a jog stroller or actually walk in the first half mile of the race!

People, please!  If you are going to be walking at the start of the race, please do us all a favor and let the runners go in front of you and then try to stay out of the middle of the course!

#5 - Find Something to Keep the Kids Occupied

This is crucial!  Last year we staked out a spot by Mile 6 that allows clear views of three parts of the course.  it also has lots of grass for the kids to run on:

Trees for the kids to climb in:

Hours of entertainment...

It's also great to bring some friends or buddies along.  In this case, we brought their cousin J. from Tucson.  He literally is a miracle baby.  His mom ran in the race and my brother did a great job of cheering her on.  They also have a really cool blog:

The "Real" Team Jacob

It was so cute to see E. playing with her cousin Jacob.

Team Jacob?

I know I'm biased, but I think that this Jacob...

...is way cuter than this Jacob:

Odds 'N Ends:


Anyway, it was a really fun morning.  I was pretty happy with my run times, especially considering that I really had not prepared like I should have for the race.  The official results aren't in, but my watch unofficially had me in the following times:

• 10k - 49:11 (7:56 pace)
• 5k - 24:37 (also a 7:56 pace--a big improvement over last year, but I definitely was feeling the effects of the 10k earlier that morning)

R. and S. did great too.  Last year, S. did the Fun Run and I forgot to set my watch, but it was probably about 10 minutes for him.  This year, S. (who is 2 years younger) did the 1 mile in 9:11 and R. did it in 9:13.  What was amazing was that their mile pace was only about a minute slower than mine!

They both had a good time and I think they'll do it again next year.  R. stopped for water at the half mile mark and couldn't bring himself to throw his cup on the ground because he didn't want to litter!  It was fun to run with him and show him how to chuck his cup on the ground and that it was okay to do that just during the race!

Also, the race had a couple of celebrities.  We passed female athlete and amputee Sarah Reinertsen during the Fun Run.  She was on the Amazing Race and is an accomplished triathlete and marathoner.  She was the first female amputee to complete the Kona Ironman.  (Someday, I hope to do that!)  Sarah was very gracious during the run and I told her that I loved her on the Amazing Race!

Sarah Reinertsen

I also saw one of the cast members from the Real Housewives of Orange County.  I'm actually ashamed to admit that I recognized her, because I never watch that show.  But she did happen to be on the one episode that I guess I watched.  Anyway, I refuse to name who she is.   I want to preserve what little shreds of dignity that I may have remaining to me!  ;)



We'll be back next year!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!