CRAZYTALK

what rachel said

2007-04-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

you don't say

2007-04-16T13:55:00.001-07:00

Abstinence education doesn't work, US report shows

random pictures

2007-04-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

I began to realize that whenever I upload photos to my Flickr they span about four months. Oh well, hopefully with our new camera we will take more photographs and upload more often. Check them out on the right.

veggie tales

2007-04-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

I am a hypocrite, I know. I have the hardest time motivating to blog but I curse everyone else for not blogging enough. I would like to think I could blog daily and I applaud those that do but I struggle to come up with topics. Maybe I am thinking about it too much.

Today, however, is a different story. I have a whopper of a topic for you (my choice in words will be quite humorous as you read on and I swear I didn't plan it. Pure coincidence. Now I am just attempting to break the record for longest parenthetical phrase. Is that a word, parenthetical? Kudos on the vocabulary. OK, I'm done.).

Rachel and I have been attempting to eat vegetarian. I will never call myself a vegetarian, only that I eat vegetarian. Calling yourself a vegetarian comes with too much scrutiny, just ask Becca. For me, it will be two weeks meat free on Monday. It has been something Rachel and I have talked about for a long time but I just brushed it off claiming it could never happen. Although the choice seemed abrupt,it happened gradually. First I wanted to only eat meat that came from free range animals (You know, the ones that have a smile on their face as they get their throats slit). It wasn't enough. I like animals too much to eat them. If it were my job to decided whether the animals on the farm live or die, I would pardon them every time (That'll do pig is what I'd say). I understand the natural order of things and where we lie/lay/lain (damn journalism class didn't teach me a thing) on the food chain but as long as I can be healthy without it, the choice became easy.

I refuse to judge or even attempt to influence those who still eat meat. I may even slip up sometimes (Is there anything not fried in lard on Carolina's menu?). I have yet to decide if fish are off limits because I haven't decided if I care about fish (cruel but true). I look at it like religion. Leave it up to the individual to decide what they believe without having to decide if a right or wrong answer exists. Besides, I have been eating meat for almost a quarter of a century, how annoying would it be if I started getting all preachy.

P.S. Let's Go Mets

et tu, brute?

2007-02-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have always considered myself a loyal person, faithful to those that are dearest to me. I cannot identify myself that way anymore. I have done something awful, unforgivable even. I am in the middle of what may be a nasty breakup. I have betrayed that of which has only provided me with countless fond memories, something I could always depend on to eagerly await my arrival when I returned home...

Netflix I hope you can move on. I hope you will find some way to be happy, but I must leave you for something fresher, younger and more exciting...Blockbuster Total Access.

Please forgive me.

happy birthday rachel

2007-01-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

bragging rights

2007-01-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

It is important for me to say this because I know Rachel never will. Rachel has been told on multiple occasions how impressive her mock-marketing plan was for the interview that ultimately won her the current position of Associate Marketing Specialist. Today, she was told by a member of the committee that, during the interview, she thought, "We are interviewing the person that will be the head of NAU marketing some day". That is a prety strong first impression. This may not surprise me, or any of you that know how smart and talented Rachel is, but it genuinely surprises her every time. I will never understand why Rachel doesn't see it. She goes into these situations will little confidence but always walks away successful, impressing everyone she encounters. I need it to be clearly understood just how proud I am of her and how truly amazed I am by her. I only hope that she too can learn to see herself the same way. There is something to be said about being humble, but I think she needs a little credit. That is why I will be the one to give it to her.

And she is mine! :)

the great pine cone drop

2007-01-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a 3 second shotty cell phone video of the Great Pine Cone Drop in downtown Flagstaff. There was a surprising turnout despite the cold. Time Square has nothing on a Flagstaff New Year.

Probably not even worth it. I need a video camera apparently. Mostly I am just excited to embed my very own youtube video.

dear dbacks,

2007-01-04T15:36:00.001-07:00

It was fun while it lasted...

merry christmas

2006-12-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I also want to make you aware of a new blogger entering the blogoshpere. My mother-in-law Mary Hanna can be found on her new blog Rant. A link has been added on the right as well.

change of heart

2006-12-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

I know how perturbed you all must have been when we decided to move back to Flagstaff. After all the bad things we used to say about the place, I decided to seek documentation of my criticisms. Sorting through all my archived posts, below are all the negative statements regarding Flagstaff. Enjoy the hypocrisy in no particular order...

...You all know very well how much it would take for me to miss Flagstaff...

...I can't wait to get out of here. It's cold, wet and depressing...

...Along with the cold, the depressing brown hue of the rundown town is getting to me. As much as I want to believe that I am not this shallow, I like flat, well paved roads, contemporary architecture and warm weather...

...Snow is depressing...

...When people look at Flagstaff they see beauty while I see cheap motels and mud EVERYWHERE...

...On a new subject, I am still on my "mix things up kick", thinking that through minor changes (bright colors) and some major ones (my major), my time in Flagstaff will be less painful and boring...

...Thing are getting down to the wire up north in our backwards mountain town...

...It snowed again yesterday. Every time I think it is over it's over and spring is here, it snows. It wasn't nearly as much as earlier snows but it snowed. Snow means cold and I don't want it...

...This too will be a much needed vacation from Flagstaff...

...I absolutely, positively cannot wait for May 13, 2006. Not only is it the day I officially graduate but it is when the bleeding will finally stop. Flagstaff will become a great memory (the only way for Flagstaff to be considered great is as a distant memory)...

...Also, I miss parks. I miss flat cities. I miss cookie cutter buildings and desert landscape. It may be sacrilegious to some of you but I prefer rock and cactus to any other landscape, even ocean...

...Also, bad weather and possibly snow might be rolling into Flagstaff this weekend so I am glad we are getting out of here...

...I am always interested to hear why someone would leave southern California for Flagstaff. An arrest warrant first came to mind...

This list doesn't even include Rachel's opinions. To be fair, these kinds of statements became less frequent towards the end.

teaser

2006-11-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

I have about 5 minutes to dedicate my short attention span to for a new post. Things are going crazy planning for the upcoming move. We are going up to Flagstaff tomorrow to try and finalize our housing situation. Also, I am getting excited about Thanksgiving. It will be the first time I have flown in a long time and it will feel like a true vacation.

It may dissapoint some but I was thinking the other day that it may be time I stop hating the Diamonbacks. I don't think I will be their number one fan but I don't think I will cringe when they win either. Most if not all the reasons I hated them are gone now. Here is the list of those who are now just bad memories: Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Gonzo, Counsel, Jay Bell, Thom Brenneman (which is huge because I really disliked him) and now, the ugly purple, teal and copper have given way to Sedona Red and Sonoran Sand. Every decision I have made as a baseball fan has been with my gut so we will see how I feel opening day.

popular demand

2006-09-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a few picture from our Out of Africa safari. If I didn't get lazy, there should be more photos from our weekend on Flickr. Be warned that picture number three is not for the squeamish. In other words, enjoy Kim!

The infamous snap-happy ostrich. Not really. He just had no respect for personal space. I did not zoom at all to get this picture.

I just thought this picture was cool. Our tour guide got the animals to stand up to get some food. It was crazy to see how big these animals really are.

Some of you may know Sunday as the Sabbath. Out of Africa knows it as feed the carnivores large quantities of raw animal parts. Notice the fur that remains attached to the flesh. If you are wondering what animal this is from, it's horse. Whoever is able to identify what that is on the bottom left meat hook wins a prize.

Other than finding out that raw horse smells awful, the experience was great. It was a lot of fun to see these animals up close. Thanks again Rachel!

my apologies

2006-09-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I have neglected this site for so long. I am never sure what to write. I want this blog to be funny and amusing but I am not sure I can be that in written form anymore. I know I don't have to be funny for you to appreciate more posts but it is hard to motivate to post boring stuff such as this.

Our weekend in Sedona was just what the doctored ordered. The sights and weather were beautiful and we had an opportunity to visit our beloved Flagstaff. No really, we love it now. Out of Africa was awesome and an incredibly thoughtful gift on Rachel's part. I took some good pictures that I will post soon. Besides almost being bitten by an Ostrich, it was perfect.

don't ask me what a meme is

2006-08-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Josh from schulzone tagged me. I suppose that means I answer the same questions he did. I am embarrassed, however, because I read books at the rate of once every five to six years so this might be painful for all of us. Right now I am staring at our extensive library of half a shelf to figure out what I have read.

1. One book that changed your life? Hhmmmm. Words on paper? Change my life? Is that possible?

2. One book you have read more than once? A Child Called IT. Once for a book report, once allowed to Rachel on a car ride to Phoenix.

3. One book you would want on a desert island? Dummy's Guide on How to Survive on a Desert Island

4. One book that made you laugh? The first and only two lines of an attempted book written by my roommate in college Luke. Man, was it bad.

5. One book that made you cry? I don't remember any specific tears but A Child Called IT effed me up pretty bad.

6. One book you wish had been written? I don't know how I am supposed to answer this one.

7. One book you wish had never been written? Anything by Ann Coulter. She totally skeeves me out.

8. One book you are currently reading? I started Middlesex by the same author who wrote The Virgin Suicides. Now, I didn't read that book but the movie was great.

9. One book you have been meaning to read? A Prayer for Owen Meany. It is Rachel's favorite and it is important for me to get a good understanding of all the things that make her happy.

10. Now tag five people: Mark, Colleen and I don't know anyone else with a blog that Josh hasn't tagged. I double tag Rachel and Kim.

yo soy muy...weak?

2006-08-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

My Spanish is very limited.

About six days later, I already blew my attempt to not eat Mexican food by going to Carolina's with the Toschi's. Apparently my will power has it's limits.

In other news, I accepted a position as a Career Advisor for Collins College. It is funny to consider my difficulties with the job search and then think that doing a job search for others will be the main responsibility of my job. The job starts on Monday.

no mas por favor

2006-07-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, I plan on attempting the impossible. I am not going to go out for Mexican food until my birthday on September 25. The last time I got Mexican was with the Toschi's on July 25 so it will be a full two months. I can, however, have chips and salsa at home as well as homemade fajitas because I have to be realistic. Many of you that I have spoken with don't believe I can do it or don't understand why I would do it but I will. It is a practice in discipline, something I dearly need.

In other news, I completed my third interview for the Career Services Advisor position with Collins College but I have yet to hear a definite answer. They did have me fill out a background check which everyone seems to think means the position is mine. I should be hearing back in the next couple of days so keep your fingers crossed.

rachel is to steve as spinach is to popeye

2006-07-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know whether it is sweet, pathetic or both but I have the hardest time motivating without Rachel. When she leaves for work in the morning, I want to do whatever makes the time go by faster so I can be with her again. This puts a serious cramp in accomplishing anything. I also refuse to allow myself to do anything like watch television or play a video game because I feel guilty with Rachel working so hard. I am excited for my job interview tomorrow and hope that I get it because I am looking forward to having purpose again or at least more purpose. In the meantime, I will battle my demons and try to be of some use.

rock the vote

2006-07-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Arizona Ballot Could Become Lottery Ticket

A proposal to award $1 million in every general election to one lucky resident, chosen by lottery, simply for voting — no matter for whom — has qualified for the November ballot.

Maybe this will motivate the like-voting slackers.

life is good

2006-06-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

Is they any better combination than the New York Mets and Jon Stewart? Not in my world.

is butter a carb?

2006-06-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I have yet to unlock the formula to healthy eating. I take that back, we know how to eat well; we just can't motivate to do it. We made pacts and promises but nothing really sank in. We said we would tell each other when we are cheating or deviating from our goal but telling your spouse (weird, right?) what to eat and what not to eat can only end badly.

That brings us to today where the magic of advertising conjured up a mad craving for Rachel. The enemy: the new Monster Cookie Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Before we left Rachel wanted to check the nutritional facts online. This little venture snowballed into an hour-long nutrition fact search on all of our common vices. Needless to say, we did not get the Blizzard but instead opt for the lesser McDonald's soft-serve ice cream cone (baby steps). We decided that we should always agree to check these nutritional facts before we go out to eat because it truly is disgusting.

I was really interested to check out two meals from Chili's that I regularly ate a couple years back. It is no secret that Rachel and I struggle with home cooking but we have improved slightly. However, sophomore year I switched off between Chili's Triple Play (appetizer sampler) and their Chicken Fried Steak every time we went there which is more than I care to admit. Here are their nutritional facts:

Triple Play:
Calories: 2330
Fat(g): 177
Sat Fat(g): 31
Carbs(g): 96
Protein(g): 91
Fiber(g): 9
Sodium(mg): 5360

Chicken Fried Steak:
Calories: 1890
Fat(g): 107
Sat Fat(g): 29
Carbs(g): 148
Protein(g): 99
Fiber(g): 7
Sodium(mg): 2750

You know at the bottom of nutritional facts where it says based on a daily consumption of 2,000 calories? At least it's good protein.

memories

2006-05-13T06:34:00.000-07:00

Now that I have successfully completed four years of college, it is nice to sit back and remember how it all started.

Whats Up, Me? was my first attempt at blogging my freshman year at NAU. Enjoy. Start from the bottom up to read in the right chronological order.

it's perfect

2006-05-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Job description: Personal Assistant

I will be moving to the Scottsdale area sometime over the next few months. I am looking for a part time personal assistant to hire immediately.

Initially the duties would include:
-finding an apartment or house to rent
-furnishing the apartment/house
-decorating the apartment/house

After I make the move some of the responsibilities would be:
-grocery shopping
-clothing and gift shopping
-dropping off and picking up dry-cleaning and laundry
-managing my personal schedule
-misc errand running

I am moving to Scottsdale to finish my degree at ASU. Ideally I would like to hire someone who is also a current student there to make my transition easier. Being well connected in the local social/nightlife scene is a VERY big plus as well.

This is probably the easiest and most fun job you will ever have.

Along with your resume please also tell me why you would be the perfect person to be my local tour guide.

I always told Rachel that being someone's personal assistant would be my dream job. I am a doormat anyway so I might as well get paid for it. By the way, who is this person? Rachel has a theory that it is Kristen Cavallleri from Laguna Beach.

sweaty self disclosure

2006-05-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

I love an empty gym. My routine of going to my fitness center at 8:30am Monday, Wednesday, Friday throughout the semester made it almost guaranteed that I could workout alone. I am not anti-social, more self conscious. It wasn't until recently that I stopped turning around if it the fitness center was occupied. On the few occasions that someone is there, I certainly don't speak to them never even making eye contact. Pretend they are not there. I am getting better. Sometimes I force myself to "get over it". With a new unusual schedule, I wasn't able to make it to the fitness center until 1:30 today. About five minutes into my routine, some guy knocked on one of the doors leading into the fitness center that is permanently deadbolted. See, only one of the four doors that accesses the room can actually be accessed. I told him through the glass that he had to go back outside to the other door. Oh no, eye contact. This little exchange made it impossible to avoid further conversation. He asked why there weren't any free weights and if the fitness center on the opposite side of the complex was better. There's another fitness center on the other side of the complex? He then asked how long I had lived in the apartments. When I asked him if he recently moved in, he told me he just moved here from San Diego. I am always interested to hear why someone would leave southern California for Flagstaff. An arrest warrant first came to mind. His answer: "I had to get out of that mess, man. The minorities are taking over." I paused to consider how minorities taking over would in fact make them a majority. Then, I just kinda nodded and luckily he didn't elaborate. This is were I have to analyze what exactly constitutes racism. My instinct tells me it was but my naive side forces me to ask, why would someone be comfortable making these statements to someone they barely know? Then I ask, does having an ace of spades tattoo on your arm symbolize white power? I don't know, I am too lazy to google it.

popular demand

2006-04-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

27 days left...

enjoy your Sunday.

under pressure

2006-04-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

I've had to remind myself of something these last couple of days. When I changed my major to advertising, I always said it didn't mean I wanted a career in advertising but a major that was a little more practical. This reminder has relieved a lot of pressure I have put on myself lately. I have always viewed a job as a need, not a want. While I know the importance of liking your job, the most important thing is that I have something that will provide for Rachel and I and that's it. I don't want something that will monopolize my time. I want a "9 to 5" and be done with it. I have stressed a lot these past couple of weeks because of the lack of available entry level advertising jobs. Now I get to expand my search and I couldn't be more excited.

Thanks Michelle, my conversation with you really helped.

you think you know a guy

2006-04-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

It's a good idea never to bring politics into anything you otherwise enjoy. As you all should know, I am a Mets fan. Tuesday, they played opening night at RFK (Home of the Nationals) in D.C. with Dick Cheney throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

The fact the majority of the audience booed (for good reason) resulted in a couple of news articles covering the event the following day. These articles included the opinions of some of my favorite Mets players past and present. Here is what was said about Mike Piazza, former Met catcher and former favorite player, and Al Leiter former Met pitcher and eternal loser:

The Mets' clubhouse recently had been a Republican stronghold, with Al Leiter an aspiring GOP politician and Mike Piazza last year referring to Rush Limbaugh as "American royalty."

No, no, not Rush Limbaugh. Whatever, they aren't on the team right? Well, new Mets golden boy often referred to as "the chosen one" (by Met’s fans) had this to say.

New York third baseman David Wright said he was thrilled to meet Cheney and shrugged off the booing. "When you've got 50 percent of America that's Republican, 50 percent that's Democrat, you're probably going to get mixed reviews," Wright said.

Thrilled? At least not AS bad. There is hope for some. Carlos Delgado is the Mets new 1st basemen and has been known for his opposition to the Iraq war and was criticized for sitting on the bench during "God Bless America" while a member of the Blue Jays. The articles stated this about him:

Carlos Delgado's opposition to U.S. military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan are well documented. But the first baseman took a tactful approach when Dick Cheney visited the Mets' clubhouse yesterday, before the VP tossed out the ceremonial first pitch at the Nationals' home opener. Delgado conveniently got busy with pregame preparations as his teammates posed for a picture with Cheney. "I was doing my routine," Delgado said with a smile. "I happened to be somewhere else. Go figure."

You're a class act Carlos. Some other hopeful signs:

Cliff Floyd identified himself as a Democrat and Xavier Nady said he grew up in a Democratic household. Nady had the VP sign a bat, but later joked: "I'll probably use it tomorrow. It depends how many I go through."

unemployment

2006-04-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Job searching is no fun. While the prospect of having a job rather than being in school is exciting, helplessly awaiting response to an application is stressful. I applied for three jobs late Friday and haven't heard any response yet. I am not sure how the process works or how long it takes. I also have no idea if I am qualified or what the jobs entail exactly because job descriptions are always so vague. Anyway, I will keep going. Hopefully my low standards will prove to be a benefit.

I found some picture on my school desktop. I will upload all of them on flickr. I thought they would provide reason to smile for most of you.

flagstaff the new hollywood?

2006-03-22T00:31:00.000-07:00

Flagstaff has a celebrity. Check out this excerpt from Tim Salmon's blog:

I haven't played in three days. Yesterday, we were rained out. The day before that the team played in Tucson. And today, we were off. It's spring break, so I took my family to our cabin in Flagstaff.

It's snowing. I took the kids sledding, and we had snowball fights. It's very weird to be doing that in spring training. I did great in the snowball fights. Fortunately, my surgically repaired shoulder is my left one, not my throwing shoulder. So I lobbed a few grenades at the kids. I'm sure they'd like to stay here all week, but I have to get back and play tomorrow.

Yes.

moment of zen

2006-03-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Being a Mets fan just got cooler. While sifting through the many Mets blogs I read daily, this one had a link to a new radio commercial for the Mets narrated by Jon Stewart, apparent lifetime Mets fan.

In addition, The blogger went on to describe his experience running into Stewart at the Bronx Zoo:

I had the pleasure of meeting Jon Stewart this past December at the Bronx Zoo(not the ballpark but the place with the other wild animals) As my kids were waiting to go on the carousel, Stewart, his wife and baby were posing for pictures with some of the staff. Of course the wise ass as I am, I yelled over to him and said "Yo , Jon move it along" He came over to me and said, "I was ready to tell you off, but I saw your Mets jacket and since we both like the same team I let you slide" All the while he was laughing. While we waited for the kids to ride the carousel, I got to talk to him and found him a really nice guy. He has been a Mets fan his whole life and has enjoyed going to Shea since he was a kid. I told him how much I love The Daily Show and he told me he had another big gig coming up but couldn't talk about it (a couple of weeks later he was named to host the Oscars) He was looking forward to the Mets season.

I'm dreamin' of a white...spring break?

2006-03-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I considered ourselves lucky to avoid snow this winter. It has made a stressful last semester a little more bearable. Apparently, the weather decided to dump all the snow lacking throughout the winter this weekend. Rachel and I have not stepped out of the house since Friday night and there is no sign that we will be able to leave today. Of course, tomorrow will probably be clear enough for school to be on which, canceling school is the only real benefit of heavy snowfall. According to weather.com, it feels like 1 degree outside. We were excited to to see how well our covered parking spot held up against the snow but apparently it doesn't protect against snow blowing sideways.

On top of everything I am sick. I have been since Thursday. It started with a sore throat and evolved into aching everywhere and a gross cough. The aching has subsided and my energy came back but the cough and sore throat remain. So, I am going a little stir crazy in our apartment and the idea of TV, movies, internet or Gamecube are no longer appealing. Wish we had Settlers of Catan.

Pictures below were taken from our patio this morning:

i am no michelle

2006-02-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

I am in a photography class this semester and my next assignment due is a landscape/nature photgraph. I have had a miserable time thus far because I know how to identify a great picture but not how to take one. The assignment require us to take 24 photos but only turn in one so I would like to provide a few of the best (of what I have) and get your opinion on which one I should use. All pictures were taken in Sedona. Please list your choice with your reason in the comments section. Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

Picture 5

times they are a changin'

2006-02-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

I absolutely, positively cannot wait for May 13, 2006. Not only is it the day I officially graduate but it is when the bleeding will finally stop. Flagstaff will become a great memory (the only way for Flagstaff to be considered great is as a distant memory). I can't wait to be living in a warmer climate. And as sad as it may be, outside the wedding, I most look forward to TiVo or DVR. Really, I do. I want to be able to watch good TV at convenient times rather than crappy TV at convenient times because simply not watching TV isn't an option. Also, I miss parks. I miss flat cities. I miss cookie cutter buildings and desert landscape. It may be sacrilegious to some of you but I prefer rock and cactus to any other landscape, even ocean. Besides, California is an awesome place to visit, so, if you live there, where do you spend your vacations? I will miss friends here. Let's not kid ourselves, we will miss Bryan and Colleen, our only friends here. But they and the possibility of Becca transferring here will be good reason to visit (not to mention New Jersey Pizza).

Rachel and I did a pretty kickbutt job of wrapping up some much needed wedding plans. We picked out flowers, tuxes, a rehearsal dinner location and tried some wedding cake. The rehearsal dinner will be at BJ's, a restaurant/brewery near Rachel's home in Las Vegas and the menu will most likely include unlimited pizza, salad and soft drinks. Hard drinks? You are on your own.

Rachel and I love to look at potential living arrangements after graduation. If we ultimately end up in Phoenix (you can come too Hanna family, just up and quit you current jobs, it will be fine), we like the Trillium properties, most notably: Edge, Venu and Rio Salado. We looked at the Edge in person and they were pretty darn awesome. It's all very speculative as much will be determined once the job picture clears up.

When I ran spell check, it wanted me to replace Colleen with clean, so, props to you Colleen.

~sag

time flies

2006-02-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

It is crazy how fast time is going. The school weeks go by fast and the weekends even faster. Before I know it, I will be a married college graduate in a different city with a full-time job (cross your fingers). I have known this forever but when I stop to really think about it, it's crazy. I couldn't be more excited. To have all the changes coming at once will be a lot of fun and I am glad I get to celebrate most of it with the important people in my life.

Rachel and I are scheduled to get a lot more wedding stuff done this weekend in Las Vegas. We need to look at flowers, cakes, tuxes and places for the rehearsal dinner. We are planning on talking to a manager at BJ's Brewery because they offer food buffet style for parties of more than 20 at a reasonable price. Also, bad weather and possibly snow might be rolling into Flagstaff this weekend so I am glad we are getting out of here.

For some reason, Mac computers don't offer the hyperlink option so I am not able to go as link crazy as I liked to in the past. Too bad.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

~sag

oh dear

2006-02-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Looks like finding intelligence in the White House is as easy as finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

"Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a companion during a weekend quail hunting trip in Texas, spraying the fellow hunter in the face and chest with shotgun pellets."

Good job, Dick.

~sag58

sunday bloody sunday

2006-01-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry. This would have made more sense last night but I was just too darn upset.

Read below while keeping in mind that all day Saturday, New Jersey Pizza wasn't answering their phones so we settled for nasty Pizza by George.

Panang part two: Rachel, being the great person that she is, promised me Thai food over the weekend. I requested we go Sunday because there is no better way to close a week than with coconut curry goodness. Our first attempt was Dara Thai, quickly becoming my favorite for their dependability and atmosphere. That was before Sunday. The sign on the door of Dara Thai read, "Closed due to Super Bowl Sunday". That would be understandable if it was Super Bowl Sunday. Duh! Next stop Racha Thai, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Dara. Sign on door reads, "Hours of operation blah blah blah to blah blah blah closed Sundays and Mondays". Are you kidding me? A little disenchanted with the current Thai pattern I change my mind to Mexican. El Charro, also closed on Sundays. At this point I am losing my appetite. One final try for Thai; a place called My Little Thai Kitchen. Cute right? It would be if it didn't share a kitchen with Ralberto's and a gas station convenience store. Didn't matter, it was closed too. Finally, my fifth choice was Casa Bonita and would you believe, it was actually open for business. Too bad the food sucked terribly.

Prepare Phoenix family, this boy still needs some panang. Stat!

Is blogging about food twice in a row a symptom of an eating disorder?

~sag

so hungry

2006-01-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

It is 8:07pm and I am sitting in the School Of Communication's computer lab. I am also starving. My 2 1/2 hour class lasted only 45 minutes. Cool, right? Yes but Rachel's 2 1/2 hour class is still going so I must wait. I know you must all be dying to hear how my Monday has gone since I wasn't able to describe my classes a week from today. Well, they were good. My journalism class seems like it will be mostly in-class writing assignments which makes time go by faster and my Communications Law class only lasted 45 minutes. Also, despite a wickedly bad reputation, I think I can handle the professor.

I love Panang from Thai restaurants. It is completely uncool how good it is. I crave it all the time and it is impossible to duplicate at home. I am in the mood for Malee's next time I am in Phoenix and I better get it. I am looking at you Toschi family.

When I am bored, I play this fun little game called, plug in a random phrase before blogspot in the above URL and see what appears. I recommend www.georgewbush.blogspot.com.

Need dinner bad.

~sag

let it snow. let it snow. make it stop.

2006-01-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of "real" snow. As beautiful as it is, I am not sure I like it enough to warrant the slippery bitterness. If it snowed once every two weeks but then completely melted the next day and was followed up by 13 sunny days, I'd take it.

The first week of school has come to an end tonight. So far I am very excited with the past week's events but it didn't give a great indication of how the rest of the semester will go because I have two, two and a half hour classes on Mondays that haven't happened yet due to the great MLK. The one semi-issue is with my capstone class. In the past the clients for the advertising class have been Voltswagon, MGM Grand, and Citywide Financial. This year there were two choices and my class was to be randomly assigned one of them. We got the Arizona Daily Sun, the local Flagstaff newspaper. The alternative was Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde (gggggheto). While I was first upset, it's good to know that the client is easily accessible and is more likely to actually use our campaigns. I am also excited for my photography class mostly because we don't have to develop our own prints. We just take them to our nearest Target or Walgreens.

Those of you who have read Rachel's blog should already know that her father has a new blog entitled "Incite".The link has joined the others on the right. He has a new post already so for those interested you can add it to your blog rotation.

I find it funny that if you run spell check on Blogger it doesn't consider blog a recognizable word.

~sag

mumbo jumbo

2006-01-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

I have been having a pretty lazy break. It makes me appreciate balance. For instance, 15 credits hours plus 20 work hours equals: overload. Day and night with no agenda or purpose makes Steve a dull boy. While I expect next semester to be a challenge, I look forward to a slightly decreased work schedule to allow time for homework and getting in better shape (I pushed myself too hard at the gym the other day trying to make up for lost time and I almost died). I, of course, have a wedding to finalize as well. All in all I am excited for the Spring of '06 to begin.

While I have been lazy this winter, I must say I surprised myself as much as I surprised Rachel's family with the dinner I cooked Friday. Becca got Rachel and I a cookbook and I made a dish that was a pretty dumb choice for someone as inexperienced as me but it turned out pretty darn good. It began with cutting a horizontal "pocket" into four chicken breasts and stuffing it with a soft garlic and herb cheese spread. I then had to roll the chicken and wrap two slices of prosciutto around each and tie it off with string. I then let the chicken simmer in a red wine sauce and served it with a salad and a French baugette. At the end of the experience it made me appreciate those people who do that stuff every night because I think I am done for another year.

Rachel, Nate and I made a spontaneous trip to California. Much like Christian enthusiasts travel to walk in the footsteps of Jesus in Bethlehem, we wanted to walk in the footsteps of other gods. The cast of Laguna Beach. While no sightings occurred, I got to live like Talan for a day, except much pastier. Much to Michael and Michelle's enjoyment, we are working on a small video project to document our day in the life of the rich and spoiled.

All kidding aside, we went to California just because we wanted to. We stayed right outside Disneyland because the hotels are cheaper there and it was hard not to buy tickets. We just explored different beaches, shops and restaurants enjoying an environment opposite of which we are used to.

I better go, Rachel is studying hard for her upcoming French CLEP test and she is a little anxious. Send her over your blessings.

'til another 6 weeks,

~sag

happy new year!

2005-12-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Had to slip in one more post before the new year. Cheers to more frequent blogging in 2006. Check out new pictures.

~sag

december 15th

2005-12-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

I will have something to post someday. I have been the busiest I have ever been and I am not quit sure how to handle it.

Oh, yeah. I am coming to Phoenix tomorrow. Surprise!

~sag

down bailey!

2005-11-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I always wondered why our nice apartments were the same price as the severely crappy apartments near NAU. We told ourselves it was the distance to campus that drove the price down. Night after night, the truth behind this discrepancy rears its ugly head. You know the image when you come home to the aroma of dinner baking in the oven (yeah right), we come home to the smell of dog food. At night, the air around our apartment smells like you straight stuffed your head in a bag of the stuff. For those of you who own or have access to dog food I encourage you to try for yourself. Gross huh? Darn Purina plant.

This brings me to my next topic. Whenever the above incident occurs I say, "I should blog about that". Is that sad? That I actually say out loud, "I should blog about that". To make matters worse when discussing this with Rachel, I said "I should blog about that" In reference to saying "I should blog about that". And, now I am.

~sag

losing my religion

2005-11-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

Who knew one's spirituality could be summed up with a five question quiz?

You are a Self-Discoverer

You're not religious, but you've created your own kind of spirituality.
Introspective and thoughtful, you tend to look inward for the divine.
You are distrusting of all forms of organized religion.
You especially dislike religious gurus and leaders, who you feel are charlatans.

What's Your Religious Philosophy?

copycat

2005-11-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

I realized that I never know what to post so I am jumping at the opportunity to copy Ali's Top 5.

Top Five Desserts:
5. Pink Lemonade Pie
4. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
3. Strawberry Shortcake with the strawberries
2. Dark Chocolate Pecan Clusters
1. Pizzookie

mmmm, mashed sweet potatoes

Top Five restaurant Foods:
5. Cheese Crisps
4. Enchiladas
3. Burritos from Black Bean Burrito Co.
2. Panang (Thai Curry)
1. Chips and Salsa

Panang is infiltrating the mexican food sweep

Top Five Television Shows:
5. Today Show
4. Lost
3. South Park
2. Nip/Tuck
1. Laguna Beach

All but one of those shows is before 8am or after 10pm if that tells you anything. Boo-hoo right? Kristen is so mean. Poor L.C. Stephen's such a tool, but not as much as Jason.

Top Five Songs (I have been listening to lately):
5. Mr. Brightside by the Killers
4. Give it Up by Pepper
3. Beating Heart Baby by Head Automatica
2. Feel Good Inc. by The Gorrillaz
1. Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll by The Killers

I don't listen to music often so this list spans about 8 months.

Top Five Reasons Why I Need a Life:
5. I need to live it up before it gets too cold
4. I visit everyone's blog at least 5 times a day
3. We decided to invite some FRIENDS over tonight and 1 is coming
2. Laguna Beach is my #1 show
1. I COPIED THIS POST!!!

Rachel and I are so bored and ronery.

~sag

better start repenting

2005-11-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

I don't believe in Armageddon. Or at least, not the biblical version as described by the book series Left Behind. I just don't think the righteous are going to float up to heaven while the rest of us suffer the trials and tribulations that come with not being "saved". That was until today. Someone that must be named Lucifer revived Scott Stapp’s career with the realease of a solo album. The lead singer from Creed is back on the radio. I can't stand him. Forget the tidal waves, the hurricanes, and George Bush’s being elected for a second term; this is the true sign of the apocalypse.

~sag

ick

2005-10-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

By now, all of you know that the Miami trip did not go as planned. When we arrived at our hotel, we were notified that the conference had been postponed and that we wouldn't get a refund. While we are working to get our money back, who knows what these clowns will say next. After we heard the news and the yelling and blaming ended, the trip turned out to be pretty nice. We enjoyed the warm waters of the Atlantic and some fun Miami surroundings. However, the place is like a stinking sauna and the bugs are HUGE!

On a side note: I figured out how to email myself pictures from my camera phone so picture taking should be a little more frequent albeit not as good quality. Overall the trip was enjoyable. However, if someone were to outline the exact course of events before I committed to the trip and money, I probably would have passed.

Last night, we went to dinner and a movie with Bryan and Colleen to celebrate Bryan's 22nd birthday. We went to Olive Garden where the food is always consistent. We have this long standing tradition (4 years) where we try to see a scary movie for Bryan's birthday since it is so close to Halloween. The past 3 years have been Ghost Ship (as horrible as its tagline),Texas Chainsaw Massacre (freaky)and The Grudge (weak plot, freaky visuals. Do not watch if you question whether or not you house is haunted). This year has been lacking in scary movies and because Bryan had already seen The Fog, we saw Stay. While I wouldn't classify this as a scary movie, it was a very interesting suspense thriller type that I could never summarize because I am not sure I understand what the heck happened. It was entertaining nevertheless.

I really want to have a fun Halloween this year. I want it to be full of costumes, parties, pumpkin carving, scary movies and trick or treaters. What costume should I get?

~sag

fantastic

2005-10-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Wilma Models Show Sharp Bend Toward Florida

Just my luck.

Stallone sets stage for "Rocky" comeback film

Completely unrelated yet a very bad idea:

~sag

the plight of being a mets fan

2005-10-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

The last few baseball seasons have been very interesting. I noticed today that I have been more excited during the off-season than during the actual season. Maybe that is because the Mets haven't been contending and in their market I always know that there will be some dramatic and newsworthy off-season moves. The season playoffs haven't even ended and I find myself already looking at rumors about what the Mets will do to improve their team. I can't wait until next year when I will hopefully have some more time to actually watch baseball and maybe even see a game in person, something I haven't done since being in college. On a semi-related note, congratulations to Bobby Valentine (former manager of the Mets) for making it to the Japan series. I'll take whatever former Met glory I can get. Hey, Benny Agbayani is on that team too. Some of you may remember him.

Some people from my work and I competed in a whiffle ball tournament Saturday. There wasn't much preparation or organization but Rebecca from my work decided to make everyone matching shirts with green stenciled frogs hopping around. It was a little embarrassing but it spawned a pretty clever team name: the Underfrogs. Anyway, we did a lot better than we expected for a group that doesn't play whiffle ball all that much. We won our first game 29-5. Our second game was against these hardcore guys called the OG Killers. We just conceded that we were going to lose badly but we had an early 10-0 lead. They must of been furious because they were having batting practice before the game and a few of them had headbands and now they were being shut out by people with frogs on their shirts. Anyway we blew the lead and were down 11-10 in the last inning when Brett on my team hit a 3-run homerun to put us ahead. In the bottom of the inning with the bases loaded, I caught a line drive and leaped (you like that? leaped.) at second base to double up a guy that forgot to tag up. We thought we were back in business before the next batter hit a 3-run walk-off homerun to end the game. Oh well.

The conference is almost here. The bad thing is that Miami is expecting some bad weather.

~sag

isn't it ironic?

2005-10-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Dontcha think? Anyway, I was going to write today about how I have been "crazybusy" and have little time to write. That was until I read Schulzone and Josh wrote about it being a blogger tradition. Oops, my cop out is exposed.

At work, Kyra has become a great motivator for me. Whenever I get bored or frustrated I close out my browser or whatever program I am using and see this picture on my computer desktop:

Sure enough, there is Kyra giving me the sign for "more". Needless to say, Kyra has been working me like a dog. When is it enough Kyra?

A week from tomorrow, Rachel and I will be on our way to Miami. I couldn't be more excited for (1) getting a break from school and work and (2) going to Miami. My wardrobe for all the funky socials is almost complete. Now I just need white shoes.

~sag

bye bye tetris

2005-10-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

Tetris was making this blog to difficult to load for some people. Besides, it sucked anyway. It did no justice for the original.

~sag

it's like they read my mind

2005-10-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Rachel sent me this Luann comic and we both feel it describes this semester perfectly. Click on the strip to make it larger. Hope you enjoy.

~sag

election poll

2005-10-02T10:59:00.001-07:00

Hillary wins 8 to 3. Something tells me that this would not be the actual ratio if these two were to be candidates.

bored?

2005-09-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Why not come to crazytalk and play some Tetris. That's right, the timeless NES classic has found a place in generic form on my blog. There was no real reson for this. I just can't help but want to add so many pointless things to this blog. I do have to hold true to: random. unstructured. generally pointless. Warning, pressing down has a much different effect than the original. Hope you all enjoy.

~sag

places to go, people to see

2005-09-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Becca and Nick came to visit Flagstaff this weekend. Becca was really interested to show Nick the NAU campus as well as Sedona. They came in Thursday and ate at the Black Bean Burrito Co. Friday, we walked and shopped downtown and the visited the campus. We then took them to New Jersey Pizza Co. for the pizza and then Oregano's for the pizzookie. We came home an watched Sin City which was a visually stunning movie. From there we went to go see two comedians and a pair of professional jugglers. Saturday, we went down to Sedona to check out Vladimir Kush's display at the Visions Fine Art Gallery. We then ate lunch and went to Grasshopper point for some cliff diving in freezing cold water.

The are more pictures like this in the pictures link. From there it was back to Flagstaff where Becca and Nick soon left for Las Vegas. Thanks for coming guys. I hope you had fun.

It was a goal of mine and Rachel's to get more involved with clubs this semester. More specifically, we decided to join PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America). It is a club for all communications majors in which you get some hands on experience in the your field. In fact, this year they are working to become an accredited agency in which you do actual PR and advertising. This means I could put on my resume that I worked for a legit agency. The best part of this club? We are going to Miami! I know it's crazy but Rachel and I have committed to go to the PRSA national conference. We will get to meet some of the top executives from the top firms around the world and tour an actual agency among other conferency things. I am very excited. We will be in Miami from October 21-25. I'll bring you guys back some oranges.

The weekend after we get back from Miami Rachel's parents are coming to Flagstaff. We are all going to do the train ride from Williams to the Grand Canyon thing. I am really excited about this too. Even though the Grand Canyon has been only an hour drive away, Rachel and I have never gone there since being in college. Also, I have never been on a train before so that's icing on the cake.

~sag

new poll

2005-09-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

After a conversation between Colleen, Bryan, Rachel and I, it would be interesting to know who everyone would vote for if the 2008 election was between Hillary Clinton and John McCain. Feel free to comment below on your reason(s) why you voted the way you did. Thanks everyone.

~sag

pencil me in

2005-09-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to better schedule my time. I figure, if I have a set plan I will stick to it much better. So far I have tried scheduling working out, a coffee shop study session with Bryan and Colleen once a week and a Sunday basketball game with whoever while Rachel and Colleen do Yoga. Our first attempt at recreation night was hindered by our indoor basketball court being closed. At least it wasn't me canceling plans this time. Maybe with all this scheduling I will be better with posting new stuff on this site.

I gave my first speech Wednesday. I hate public speaking. I was to write a personal narrative on a person or experience that shaped who I am. I chose to speak about my 3 sisters rather than a single person or event. I talked about how they were and always are there for me in different ways (awww). Anyway, I was very nervous delivering it because I noticed that I can write a speech that someone more smooth and confident to deliver. I include jokes that no one laughs at because I don't deliver them well. Oh well...

I traded in my broken down XBOX for a Nintendo Gamecube. It was a good decision because Gamecube has games that a bunch of people can play which makes Rachel happy. So far I have been good with balancing play time with work but will see how it goes.

~sag

am I......old?

2005-08-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Inevitably, when you begin a new major your senior year, you have to take some entry level classes. In my journalism class today, I was referred to as old cause most the people where freshman. That felt really weird. At first, when asked how old I was, I stumbled and couldn't remember. I don't like it.

There has been a considerable amount of time between today and when I last posted. Way too much has happened in that time to catch up so rather than try, I am going to start fresh. I will say though that Pepper was fun to see live.

There is a new voice in the blogosphere. Colleen, my roommate from last year, has a blog about living Simply in Flagstaff. Stop by and say hello (see her link to the right).

~sag

tell me it's not happening

2005-08-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

Rachel had a confession for me the other day. She told me that she enjoys the latest Jack Johnson single. What? As if it weren't bad enough, I find myself hating his music a little less. Also, I find myself not hating Norah Jones. What is happening to me. Am I "mellowing out". Kim and Josh must be loving this news while Ali is probably cursing me.

I will be moving in a couple days. I am excited to go back to Flagstaff and I recently learned that I will be working full time until school starts once we are back. Before we go back, we will be in Phoenix from Tuesday, August 9th to Friday the 12th. I have three finals to take to finish off my summer school and I am excited for that.

I am typing this from our shiny new computer. I know you already heard this from Rachel but I can't get over it. It is awesome and the fact that it came with a free iPod makes it that much sweeter.

~sag

outbreak!

2005-07-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Just when I got excited to return to Flagstaff....

The outbreak of norovirus at NAU's Flagstaff campus is causing a sanitation nightmare a month before the fall semester begins as health workers try to retrace the steps of infected summer campers.

What happens when you get the Norovirus?

Norovirus causes vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea and dehydration that generally lasts for 24 to 48 hours, though the person who contracts it can remain contagious for up to two weeks

Will it be gone by the time I get there?

Everything they touched needs to be cleaned with a 10 percent bleach mix, as the virus can live on surfaces for up to 28 days

Who has it affected?

Soon after the wrestlers became ill, members of a soccer camp, debate camp and Mormon youth camp also became infected, with 17 children from the Mormon camp sick by Friday night

And now this...

The Arizona Cardinals announced that the team has decided to move its 2005 training camp at Northern Arizona University following the recent outbreak of norovirus on the school’s campus in Flagstaff

It's OK. I can't remember a school year that didn't start with violent vomiting and diarrhea.

~sag

let's go to the movies

2005-07-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Rachel, Nate and I have seen two movies this past week. On Thursday night or technically, Friday morning we saw the midnight showing of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on an IMAX screen. Some interesting folks show up to midnight shows, some even dressed up as Willy Wonka himself. Also, while waiting in line to get into the theatre, Nate said, "Hey, it's Hulk Hogan", and he couldn’t be any less enthused. Because of this, I expected to see some guy who thinks he's Hulk Hogan, but it was, in fact, Hulk Hogan who walked right by us. No one seemed to jump out of their seat to talk to him, perhaps because the dude is scary. However, the people next to us got a little too excited and kept talking about him and for every other person that walked by they said, "It's (insert WWE wrestler)," and giggled to themselves. The theater itself was filled with people who love to hear themselves talk and will do it so loud just to say, "I can do what I want" when people ask them to be quiet. Nate, seemingly out of his element, adds "Oh my God, I am probably the only one wearing Abercrombie in here." The movie itself was pretty good. I had high expectations and it met most of them although some of the additions to the first movie were kind of weird. Also everyone I know who has scene it has made a similar observation that Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka seems an awful lot like Michael Jackson.

Yesterday, we went to go see Wedding Crashers. Upon our arrival to the casino, Nate looked around for food that he can eat before we watched the movie and some dude asked me where he could find the nearest Hooters. Luckily, every theater is in a casino which also has food so we went to the Bagel Cafe which is much like an Einstein's with pizza. In a hurry, Nate ordered a pizza and we are asked to wait while they warmed it up. It was taking forever and Nate asked what the hold up was and the girl said "oops, I just gave it to someone else." He then asked if he could just have a bagel because we couldn't afford to wait for another pizza. With bagel in hand, we headed towards the theater. On the way in, Nate goes to throw away the plate that the bagel was on and, in the process, drops the bagel in as well. Nate then proceeded to REMOVE the bagel from the trash can slash ash trash saying "I have to eat it, I have to eat it". I just started laughing with disgust. When we got into the theater, Nate spotted they guy who had his pizza and told him of the situation and the guy gave Nate the pizza. I then said, "Oh good, now you don't have to eat the trash bagel. He ate it anyway. The movie itself was great. I am beginning to realize, any movie containing two or more actors from Old School is going to be hilarious. Vince Vaughn cracked me up the entire time.

Rachel and I head down to Flagstaff tomorrow to finalize apartment stuff. I am excited to be back there and it is our goal to eat at a restaurant in which we were regulars because we have been without them far too long. Right now, it is between Oregano's and Monsoon. We will then be coming to Phoenix for a couple days where we finally get to see Kyra walk.

~sag

ignorance is bliss? ya got that right

2005-07-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

I have been confronted with many big ideas lately. Pondering life's big questions has left me with what I will call a spiritual hangover. Rachel and I sometimes talk about the often tried questions of, why we are here and what purpose do we serve. It seems the theme of my life lately is to find a balance for all things, spirituality being one of them. Some people may call it non-committal or "fence-sitting" but I can’t put all my stock into science or strictly religion. We rented "What the "Bleep" Do We Know" yesterday, a movie about quantum physics and a bunch of other things I don't quite understand. Spirituality has been a hot topic on my mind the last couple of years and it has been constantly evolving. I can't believe Jesus was the literal son of God anymore than the rest of us are just because I have been told to believe that. I don't know what God is at all. I also don't believe in Heaven and Hell in a traditional sense anyway. It's all to storybook for me. I don't think my spirituality will be shaped upon a system of punishments and rewards either. I have repeated time and time again that if some religions are right then their Heaven sounds an awful like what I imagined Hell to be. However, deep down in what can only be described as my "soul", I feel that there is something bigger. This feeling isn't for self preservation so that I don't have to succumb to the fear that there may be no God. I really do feel that there is something larger than I can comprehend. I also believe that some of the teachings in the Bible and other writings offer positive life lessons regardless of calling it the word of God. I look at Rachel and truly believe that are love is meant to last far longer than our bodies. To make myself clear, I have feelings, sometimes strong feelings which can lead to beliefs which then lead to faith. However, I will never be able to make guarantees about any of life's great mysteries or even tell anyone that my way is the right way because my way, my beliefs and my spirituality are just that, mine.

Sometimes it is good for me to write these things down. It causes me to really think about how I feel. What better place to do than then here for all to see. This post was meant for me to simply write out what I have been thinking about and is no way meant to preach or cause unrest. (I really couldn’t resist putting a disclaimer at the end. I love disclaimers).

~sag

cut the drama

2005-07-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I had talked the other day about how much this world relies on drama. Looking at my own life, it is scary to realize how many of my own relationships were built on drama. Rachel and I were frightened and depressed after this realization and we are determined to "cut the drama". No joke, it has gotten so bad. In the car, rather than listen to happy music, I will turn the radio to Rush Limbaugh or Dr. Laura just to get pissed off. It is becoming a sick obsession. But I don't want to be mad anymore. I don't want to contribute to the drama. I want to be laid-back and fun loving and let that be the reason people want to be around me. SIDE NOTE: When the hell did this blog get so self-centered? My blog about no drama is dramatic. I know eliminating drama completely is impossible and that's not even what I want. I just don't want it to run my life or creates bonds with people.

The Daily Show has to be the most genius thing I have ever watched. I laugh so much at that show that it’s not even funny...well...I guess it is.

~sag

moving day...well...not yet

2005-07-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

While there are six weeks remaining before we move back to Flagstaff, it has been in the forefront of my mind despite having a bunch of summer school left. I am excited for our new apartment and getting back to the sometimes unpleasant flow of Flagstaff and NAU. I am planning on taking my finals for summer school the weekend of Friday, July 22. Before we get into Phoenix, we hope to make a quick overnight stop in Flagstaff to finalize some apartment business. Back to moving day. We will be moving into our new apartment on Saturday, August 13 and we hope that anyone wanting or able to help can make it. We will not be getting a UHAUL so any help we can get will make the process that much smoother. Rachel's family is slated to come down and help and so is my dad (right, Dad?). The apartments have a pool and an indoor basketball/volleyball court so entertainment is more readily available than in the past.

Thanks for the comments guys. I hadn't seen Allison or Josh's until today because my comments link isn't numbering appropriately. Josh hit it on the nose and while he may be joking, there is a good chance if we started up a firm, those exact events would ensue.

~sag

advertise this!

2005-06-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today about what I should do with my advertising degree. I am really in to the prospect of design more specifically web design but I don't thing my schooling will cover much of that. I am also facing the challenege that I want to believe in that which I will be advertising. I don't really want to advertise soda, or fast food, or sell an image that makes people doubt themselves. Rachel was talking the other day about how she hopes that someday we can open our own public relations and advertising firm. She talks about the fact that she thinks she could do all the things being done at her work this summer. That would be preferable. I would love to work from home and entertain clients. However, I also realize the importance of experience and will probably need to prove myself before such a venture. Could you imagine? I would love to make a comfortable living so that we could do pro bono work for non-profits or other charities and organizations we believe in. We will see.

I think my sense of humor fell out of the car and was run over twice. I am noticing the complete lack of humor in what I have to say, yet humor is something I value a lot in life. Everything is so serious. When I reread what I post I bore myself and that ain't good. I notice the blogs I like most include quirky, rediculous events that happens in one's daily life. Stuff that isn't innately funny until you make it that way. This ,big picture, meaning of life stuff is truly a drag. I thought college and living on my own would loosen me up I've grown more uptight save going to a foam party and actually dancing. Who the hell saw that coming. While I may never be innovative enough to think up "nutcam" (that's for you kim), I need to walk the fine line of fun-loving and responsible, being careful not to lean too far one way or the other until I fall on my face. It always comes down to balance. If I were to ever tattoo a word on myself it would be balance.

~sag

what is there to say

2005-06-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

I have nothing to say. That is why I have not posted in awhile. That is why, when I talk to you on the phone, I am quiet. I have no idea why but I have nothing to say. I don't think I have adjusted. I keep busy with summer school but I think what is lacking is human interaction. In college, you are constantly around people. At home, in class, everywhere there are people. The minute Rachel walks in from work I am happier and when the rest of her family comes home I am happier but from 8:00am to 1:00pm I am lost. In result, the unthinkable is happening: I miss Flagstaff. It has nothing to do with Las Vegas or Rachel's family. I enjoy my time here, and I am having a lot of fun with her family. It's something hard to explain. I miss our friends, our Safeway, our restaurants, our furniture, our town, our school, our parks, our everything. The rediculous thing is that I know two weeks into being back I will miss Las Vegas and the people here and continue to miss Phoenix while constantly complaining about how terrible Flagstaff is. I thought this summer, my free time would be good to spend on improving myself. I would have time to do homework, eat right, and exercise but I am finding that these are things easier to accomplish when the rest of your life is busy. Anyhow, I don't mean to complain because the majority of my time is spent having fun and enjoying my summer break. Of course, the selfish nature of people is to concentrate on whats going wrong rather then to appreciate all that's right their life.

~sag

i'm so ronery!

2005-05-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

A little reference to Team America to title this post. Now that Rachel has begun her internship, I find myself alone often which is something I am very much not used to. Although I keep busy with summer school work, keeping our room organized and doing laundry I feel isolated with no one to talk to. Over the last couple years I have been in dorms or with roommates where someone was always around and being alone rarely occured. Hopefully soon I will find part time work to pass the time until everyone else is done working.

Thanks for the comments guys. Its good to see that you are still around. Thank you for the effort Noah, but I cannot imagine a stranger finding anything worthwhile here anyway.

I tried posting a comment on Schulzone in reference to Revenge of the Sith but it wouldn't take. I just mentioned that I was lucky to find that Rachel's family owns the orignial Star Wars and was able to watch all three. It is amazing to see all the references that otherwise were meaningless to me. It was like watching two different movies. Being the sucker that I am for modern day special effects, I wish they would remake 4,5 and 6. I know how that may sound blasphemous to some.

I am excited to visit Phoenix this weekend to see everyone and to celebrate Rachel's and my engagement. This weekend should be crazy with people but I have high hopes that everyone will enjoy themselves.

To answer Allison's question about my new profile picture; I used the program Microsoft Picture It! to alter the photo much like the one of Rachel and I on my Flickr. Rachel thinks it looks like and old picture of JFK.

~SAG

comments much?

2005-05-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

I have noticed an extreme decline on comments for this site. I know that not every post warrants a comment but I have no other way of knowing if anyone reads it anymore. So, I ask you to leave a comment just so I know that you are paying attention.

I know I said that I would be taking more pictures this summer and maybe that jinxed me because I left the camera in Phoenix when we were down there for Allison's birthday/Mother's Day. Rachel and I now have high speed internet so uploading pictures should be quick and painless.

~SAG

negative one year anniversary

2005-05-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

Rachel observed a couple days ago that today is our negative one year anniversary for our wedding. To celebrate, we are going to go to the restaraunt at the place we are going to be married and sample some food for the wedding. The place sent us a $50 gift certificate and a free appetizer coupon in order to try out a variety of dishes. We will be joined by Rachel's parents.

~SAG

new poll

2005-05-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

There is a new poll below asking your opinion on the method of displaying pictures on the site. Remember to vote only once (DAD).

~SAG

i lied

2005-05-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

One day after my promise to post once a day, I didn't. Rachel's computer went off the deep end recently but she got it working again. The only thing is that it deleted our NAU Dial-up connection and when I went to add it again, it wouldn't work. That being said, I had no access to the internet yesterday and no way to write anything. I also had a horrendous amount of work and studying to do so there wasn't much time anyway.

Kim was right. What would CrazyTalk be without random rambling. I decided to scrap my one post per topic idea and decided to keep writing until I've got nothing left.

The end of today marks a huge relief for me as far as workload goes. I had a test in math this morning and I have to turn in all my papers to my Research Methods class this afternoon. There will be work left to do after today but nothing too big.

I cannot wait for the semester to end. I cannot wait to go to Las Vegas this summer and relax in the warmth by the pool. Rachel officially set up a schedule with her intership today and she seems really excited. I was tempted to be a pool boy this summer but I don't like the stigma that goes along with it. I am a little bummed that I won't have much of a break before I need to start up my 9 credits of summer school. Hopefully it won't be too bad or time consuming.

I'm coming to Phoenix this weekend to celebrtate Allison's birthday and Mother's Day. This too will be a much needed vacation from Flagstaff.

Rachel and I are very excited about the upcoming engagement party thrown for us by the Toschi's. Rachel's parents have made hotel reservations for the weekend and it should make to be a great time. Tell your friends............that they aren't invited.

PS. Thanks to Josh for providing me with a Flickr Por account so that picture taking this summer will be even better.

~SAG

a post a day? shut your mouth

2005-05-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have decided to try posting an update once a day a least for your enjoyment. Also, it will make it easier for me to write things rather than waiting a week and trying to include everything. I do however expect continuos comments from my loyal readers so that I know you still exist. Write anything, it doesn't have to be witty. See Allison's comments for example.

I don't think many of you knew but Rachel and I misplaced her camra charger so we haven't been able to take many pictures since christmas. Well, the other day I looked in the same spot we already had many times over and oops, it was there. Anyway, I plan on taking many more pictures than in the past so that it will be worth having a picture link. Also, with the upcoming summer vacation to Las Vegas, there will be many more picture necessary moments. Hope everyone is having a good time.

~SAG

All Good Things Must End

2005-04-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for the extended time between posts. With the smester coming to an end, thing have been crazy busy. Also, Rachel's computer had not been working until yesterday.

The past week has been quite eventful. This semester has been heavily backloaded with school work so getting things done to stay on pace has been a miserable yet successful effort. I also played my last softball game last Thursday. This one did not go as well as in the past for the team but I did pretty well. I went 4 for 4 with a home run but it wasn't enough as my team lost 9-4. The game wasn't without its drama when my team went off the deep end after a few questionable calls. One of my teammates was running home and arrived at the same time as the ball. While the ball did land in the catchers glove, my teammate ran into him in one motion and the ball flew out. The runner was called out because the ump said he had posession and that he wasn't allowed to knock the ball out of his glove but we argued that, withought sliding there was no way to avoid it. The next play, someone on our team was called out at second on a close play and my team when nuts. Determined to contest the umps calls, my team talked to the official who happened to be at the dome. The only problem is with our lost the team the official is on makes the playoffs. If we win, we make the playoffs. No one in their right mind overrules a call to knock thmselves out of the playoffs. Oh well, there is always next year.

Rachel and I went to Las Vegas this weekend to celebrate her mom's birthday. Rachel's granfather (dad's dad) was also there with his wife. We had a really good, relaxed time. Happy Birthday again!

Thing are getting down to the wire up north in our backwards mountain town. School's end is nearing and so is our reign at the Lake Mary Apartments. Rachel and I have to get a storage room soon and start the packing process. I can't wait for summer break.

~SAG

Can't Wait

2005-04-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

I can't wait for this semester to be over. I am going nuts and this has proven to be the worst semester since smester uno in terms of my interest. I only have a few weeks left and much to do. This summer will be perhaps the most needed summer break of my entire life and I fully intend to take advantage. At the same time, I have to take 9 summer school hours so it will not be all that relaxing.

I had another softball game last night and my team is shaping up to be pretty darn good. We had another one in the dome and won 15-9. I have come to decide that the dome is built for me because I am a dead pull hitter and the seats in left field are closer than any other part of the field. I went 2 for 4 yesterday with 2, 2-run home runs. My outs were a long fly-out caught against the wall and a sad attempt to hit the ball the other way because we already reached our 4 home run limit. Our last game is on Thursday in the dome and hopefully if we win again we will be in the playoffs. Our current record is 3 and 1.

~SAG

Win Streak

2005-04-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

I had another softball game yesterday. This time it was an outdoor game. The difference being, outdoor has no fence and indoor does. Anyhow, this game was not too exciting. I was telling Rachel the other day how when opposing teams have matching uniforms, I automatically think they must be good. Why else would they go to the expense of buying matching custom made shirts? Well, not to dog the team for not being good, but we won 18 to 0. They called the game after three innings via the mercy rule. We scored 15 runs in the first without the other team calculating an out. I went 2 for 2 in the game, each time hitting very weak grounders that I had to outrun. As bad as I felt for the other team it was nice to have a team confidence booster for our next 2 games. My next game is Sunday so I will let you know what happens.

~SAG

Highs and Lows

2005-04-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

HIGHS: I had my second official softball game on Thursday. This one went considerably better than the first. We won 14-11 and I had a grand slam and a double going 2 for 4 in the game. The grand slam came in the first inning and it was awesome. Considering the fact that I hadn't hit a home run since t-ball, it felt pretty good. Also, my first game I only hit grounders so hitting a home run was a pleasant surprise. My next game is tomorrow a 4:00. We are 1-1 and I have 5 hit in 8 at bats on the season.

The Mets got ther first win of the season this morning improving their stellar record to 1 win and 5 losses. I am happy though becasue Pedro Martinez continued to pitch well and the Mets beat John Smoltz and the Braves, despite Smoltz's 15 strikeouts.

As I mentioned in my last post. I am officially registered for the necessary classes needed to keep on track to graduate in May 2006 with and advertising degree.

LOWS: It snowed again yesterday. Everytime I think it is over it's over and spring is here, it snows. It wasn't nearly as much as earlier snows but it snowed. Snow means cold and I don't want it.

Rachel and I went out for ice cream yesterday and when we walked down to the car Rachel noticed a sheriff's deputy holding up a large gun. We ignored it, got into the car and drove toward the entrance/exit of the apartments. At the entrance were 5 or six police cars lined up all flashing lights. We looked behind the cars and there was a car crashed into the Lake Mary Crossing sign in front of the apartments. We went to Dairy Queen and decided to go back into the complex another way. There were two more police cars and yet another parked by our building. We wondered if it was ok to be walking around the apartments because it was apparent that the police had set a perimeter around the complex. This morning, I went on google news and found this article explaining the incident. Flagstaff it such an exciting town.

~SAG

Wicked Nervous

2005-04-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Celebrate! I can't believe it. I am officially registered for all the classes I need for next semester. Before registering there was one seat left in the class below and I somehow snatched it. To quote Napoleon Dynomite, "Lucky!" The entire story is far too dramatic and stressful so if you want the long version, you are going to have to call me.

I am going nuts over the advertising major change. I had waited 4 long weeks to register and finally say that everything is official. Well, I register today a 1:00 and as of now (8:45) there are only three seats left in the one class where it may be impossible to BS my way into. The same class where the teacher said he'd allow me to take it but doesn't plan on signing any roster overrides. The same teacher in which I dropped his COM 101 class. So, at 1:00 I will find out if all of this misery has been worth it. I have never been so scared in my entire life for this has life changing potential. Even if the class is full I refuse to give up the fight and will probably stare at a computer all day everyday hoping and praying that someone will drop. However, this is not one of those classes that people drop because they probably need it as much as me.

~SAG

Catching Up

2005-03-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Batter Up? Catching Up? A coincidence I swear. It has been awhile since I last posted because I have been on spring break. I think I visited everyone that reads this at one point over vacation so I won't get into the details. Let's just say, it was hard coming back to the cold.

My first softball game is tomorrow and I am really excited. I try not to think about barely knowing only one of my teammates. I have no idea what to expect. I will let you know the final results of the game tomorrow night.

As you can see I have yet again made changes to the site. I am having fun figuring out how to do some general HTML work through trial and error. This whole time I thought giving up on my FrontPage experiment would stop the format changes but I guess I just can't let it go.

I finally broke down and bought MLB 2K5 on Xbox. I am getting really excited about the upcoming season and needed to get a fix somehow. For $19, I didn't think it was a bad deal.

I am going to see the Ring 2 tonight with some people from work. I have been anxious to see it ever since it came out. I hope it is a good sequel unlike most I have seen. Although, I also like Be Cool.

As you have probably seen on Rachel's site, we are officially set to marry on May 20, 2006 at The Grove. Next up finalizing colors, bridesmaid dresses and tuxes, although we may be close to all three decisions.

~SAG

Batter Up!

2005-03-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, I am playing around with the title of my blog. I have a feeling I will never be satisfied and I don't know if I have enough ideas to warrant a vote. It is always the trivial things that get to me.

As I mentioned in Word Vomit, I want to join a softball team and it seams that I may have my chance. I mentioned my desire to a few people and Sarah asked around for me. She told me that Brett (from the very old Grasshopper Pointe pictures and intramural volleyball) had a team and gave me his phone number. After we talked he said I was welcome to play. After all the hype, I was struck with uncharacteristic nerves. What if I am not good? I haven't played baseball in a long time and thats a different sport. Sarah warned that these guys pride themselves on doing good and plan on winning. I need to go out and practice. When I am in Phoenix I am going to hit up the batting cages. Anyone wanna play catch?

Yikes!

~SAG

Damn You Blogger

2005-03-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

By now, you all must have noticed that I made a change to the way you leave comments. I also made this change on GIC, Rachel's dad's websermon site. Although it was not the most difficult transition, I needed to find a new comment sponsor, in this instance Haloscan, to make it so comments pop up in a new window and does not prompt you to include Blogger account information. I have to say I was proud of myself once I completed it because it took some HTML work. However,today on Blogger's news wire I read this:

"Good news everyone! We've updated the way comments work. Among the many improvements are pop-up windows for comments and the ability for commenters to fill in their name and web site info—no Blogger account needed."

Are you kidding me? Now, if I want to change back the comments to the Blogger format, I wouldn't know how. Also, when I changed the comments the first time, I lost all past comments on both my site and GIC's. Arrgh. Maybe I should refuse to change it back since it took them so long to make this change in the first place. Or, maybe they made the change because they noticed everyone was looking elsewhere.

On a new subject, I am still on my "mix things up kick", thinking that through minor changes (bright colors) and some major ones (my major), my time in Flagstaff will be less painful and boring. For my newest alteration, I want to change the name of my blog. Although original, sag/blog just isn't doing it for me anymore. This also helps me in my quest to make this blog more inclusive and interactive. I love feedback so, I ask you for suggestions. These suggestions don't need to be titles in themselves, but maybe direction on what the title can be focused around. Once I come up with ideas, I would like to hold a vote for the favorite. I would like to know if Josh Shculz knows a way to create polls on Blogger or any other way. For instance, can I have a list of the choices and have everyone bubble in their favorite and submit? Kinda like an online survey. I know this seems like too much effort for juct a title change but hey, it's all I can come up with.

Note: I know Rachel and I both complain about how boring our lives are. I think about how bad that sounds because I wonder if it makes people think we have a bad relationship. That, however, is not the case. Rachel and I love each other and enjoy each others company, it is just the envirionment that is miserable. In all actuallity, we are in much better moods now that it is warming up.

UPDATE: Look to the right and you will see that I figured out a method for polling. If you think it will work for my purpose, vote yes, if not, vote no

~sag

You Gotta Believe!

2005-03-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

This title has two meanings

1) "You gotta believe" is a phrase that Mets fans have used for a long while now. With spring training upon us I thought it was fitting. I love it because it is very vague. You gotta believe what? This year I will take it as "you gotta believe they'll do better than last year."

2) You gotta believe that changing my major will work. A lot of obstacles have presented themselves, trying to ruin my effort to switch to advertising. I knew it wasn't going to be an easy task to change my major with one year left and without taking any required advertising courses, but I have never been more determined. This was a long process so bear with me. First, I contacted the communications advisor via email and she responded with an academic plan that would set my graduation date back to the spring of 07. Not happening. From there, I decided to contact The main advertising professor, Rich Lei and asked to meet with him and work something out. With great effort, he told me that my plan to take certain classes concurrently would not work because some were prerequisites for the other. He did give me a scenario where it may work and it involved taking ADV 207 (the introductory advertising course) over the summer. After leaving his office, I researched everywhere for a summer course that would transfer as ADV 207. After searching through all Maricopa community colleges, NAU, Las Vegas community colleges and UNLV, none were offering a comparable course. Now, rewind to my senior year in high school. I received Glendale Community College credit for my Greenway marketing class. It transferred to NAU as MKT 271. I contacted the Professor Lei to ask if that could count for ADV 207 but he told me that it would not because marketing classes don't cover essential advertising material. Today I just about gave up hope. With one final desperate move, I asked if I could somehow do an independent study and takes the tests to receive ADV 207 credit or if I could petition to add ADV 207 this year even though it is almost halfway over. In response to that last email he responded:

I looked up the gcc web site and found the course description for mkt
271 (which you took and got an "a")..based on this, i will accept it
as a substitution for adv 207 (intro to advertising)...i hope this
helps you in your scheduling.

Hallelujah right?? Not so fast. I have one more hoop to jump through. I have to ask a different professor if I can take two classes concurrently that should be taken in sequence. Although this is something that the main advertising said could be possible, it is ultimately up to Professor Paul Helford. Coincidentally, I dropped professor Helford's COM 101 class a couple semesters ago. Let's hope he forgets. So, I have emailed professor Helford with the situation and wait nervously for an answer. If it works all is set and my next three semesters look like this: Summer = 9 credits, Fall = 15 credits and Spring = 15 credits. Not too shabby.

Although I have left Rachel out of the process, she played a huge role. She supported me, gave me the names of the condtacts I needed and figured out all the different possibilities that made this never ending process possible. Thanks Rachel!!

The only downfall to this is if somehow this doesn't happen, I am going to have a tremendous breakdown. Be prepared.

-SAG

Keeping Things Interesting

2005-02-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

This semester at NAU has not been good. Along with the cold, the depressing brown hue of the rundown town is getting to me. As much as I want to believe that I am not this shallow, I like flat,well paved roads, contemporary architecture and warm weather. I thought this alone accounted for my somber state of mind. It is not. I have little tolerance or motivation for school anymore. My classes are no longer interesting and they haven't been for the last couple semesters. As Rachel and I were voicing our respective frustrations I realized that the whole reason I choose sociology as a major is because I found it interesting. I defended profusely that I did not need a practical major that gives you specific direction. Thus my dilemma, my defense for sociology was that I wanted to do something that interests me when, I am beginning to lose interest.

Enter my revelation. In true Steve fashion, I am pondering the possibility of changing my major this late in the game. During our lunch, Rachel and I began to get excited about my new yet old interest: advertising. Most of you that know me remember my high school interest in marketing and advertising. When I first came to college, I wanted something new and different. That is why I turned to sociology. Though, my interest in advertising had never truly faded. I am constantly critiquing ads on TV and the radio (remember my post about the coupon mailer thing). I am so hungry right now for something practical and creative. I can't stand to learn or re-learn any more theories. I will not regret taking sociology because it has made me a more informed and aware person. Sociology will now be my minor. Also, understanding human behavior can only help my new major.

Because I made this decision so late, I will have to put in some hard work. What now stands in my way of an advertising major is 9 credits over the summer, 18 in the fall of 2005 and 15 my final semester. While catching up will take effort, I finally have some self confidence and true excitement for completing college. Cross your fingers everyone, this will surely be an interesting journey.

~sag

Word Vomit

2005-02-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

I am back in a rut. Soon after taking a two month hiatus from writing anything, I am at a loss. I seem to have nothing to write about. Because I am to scared to face the wrath of my loyal groupies (oh, but you mean so much more to me than that), here is my latest idea: word vomit. The following will be a random spew of nonsense blurbs having no real redeeming value.

Let us begin:

Green Day's America Idiot CD is great. NIP/TUCK is enjoyable. Embarrassingly enough so is Simple Life Interns. Sadly, prime time MTV is amusing as well. Organized religion and its practitioners have the uncanny ability to drive me up the wall. George W. still sucks. College is draining. People never stop and think. EVER. The mountains between Las Vegas and Flagstaff are beautiful. My new Van's are fun and comfortable. I am addicted to baseball. Snow is depressing. Spring is hopeful. Sweaters over collared shirts = stylish warmth. Smoking is a habit that will forever confuse me. Transfats are in everything. Midori Sours get a thumbs up; wine a thumbs down. When people look at Flagstaff they see beauty while I see cheap motels and mud EVERYWHERE. I am addicted to baseball blogs. I want to be on a softball team. It makes me sad that the last Simpson's had a "viewer discretion advised" warning because it's topic was homosexuality. I would write a book if I had anything to say. I still lack motivation. I want to run on the beach. My apartments are attempting to rip us off. Sideways was overrated. I feel I need a hobby when in all actuality I just need to concentrate on school. I wish I had carpentry skills. I want to be married and working already. Pit Bull puppies can be adorable. Smokey, my hamster, is making me nuts. Kirk and Candace Cameron are two people I never want to meet. Their heaven = my hell. NAU is headed in the wrong direction and charging more... and I want a picture phone.

~SaG

long time no updates

2005-02-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Finally after 2 months I have taken the time to write something, anything for you guys to read. I will probably have to accompany this with an email alerting you all that something is in fact "goin' on". Michelle especially will be happy to see that I didn't just change the colors or format.

Too much has happened in the two months since I last posted to even begin to write about; so I won't. Instead I will give a quick summary of what the near future may bring: moving people, axing cactus, crawling niece, in-law visits, baseball (go, Mets), San Diego spring break and above all (fingers-crossed) some sunny weather.

I am done with cold. I am on this kick that If I wear bright fun colors, warm weather will closely follow my prematurely purchased spring wardrobe.

It is all but official that Rachel and I will be living in Las Vegas this summer. She has been in contact with a public relations firm called impress communications, and they have told her that an internship for her this summer is in their plans. I will look for some part-time work as well but the biggest plus will be the warm weather and the money saved by living with the in-laws (sounds so impersonal but I just love referring to Rachel's parents as that, hope you don't mind). To my Phoenix people, this means I will be further away but it leaves you guys as the only family we will need to visit and Las Vegas will be a much bigger draw for you to visit than Flagstaff.

That's all I got for now. I know you have heard it before but I WILL update more often. By the way, the pizza is still damn good.

~SaG

Hot Damn That's Some Good Pizza

2004-12-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

So the story goes; I was looking through an annoying coupon/ad thing we got in the mail and stumbled upon a menu for a pizza etc. place I had never heard of or seen in Flagstaff before called The New Jersey Pizza Co. Knowing that (1) it is the time of year where money is sparse and (2) Rachel is more fiscally responsible than Bush.. uh... I mean me.. I knew the only way going out to dinner would be possible was if pizza was on the menu. So I posed the question: Want to try a new pizza place? It didn't take long for her to bite. So after inviting Bryan and Colleen we were off on adventure of Flagstaff proportions. Trying to locate this place was quite interesting. I knew where to find the road and drove up and down it but there was never any sign of the place. Not willing to throw in the hat, we drove to near-by Safeway and Bryan asked the shopping cart collector where to find the pizza. Funny story, looking through the windshield as the explanation of location unfolded, the cart guy pointed in every direction even making up a few that until that moment never existed. So, as I pondered how I was going to manage driving straight up into the sky, Colleen suggested we try our luck at Walgreen's. They sent us right back where we looked before but this time we were extra attentive. Finally we found the place and our prior difficulty was justified. The place has a painted mural of Italian-ish things which cannot be seen from the pitch-black Flagstaff road, and no sign or poster or anything with the restaurants name on it. When you have to stare through the window just to make sure your at the right place, that is not great advertising. Nevertheless, we had made it and had a great first impression. It was a cozy, well decorated restaurant and I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a little flattered when the cooks eyes lit up and smiles followed when we walked in (we were the only ones there then and for much of the evening). We looked over the menu and were amazed by the many different options and their claim that they have made thousands upon thousands of different topping combinations of pizza. Then, I snapped back to reality where Rachel and I always order plain cheese pizza. Speed forward now because I must be losing your interest. We were plain amazed. Every order of an item on the menu came with an explanation of where the meat and vegetable came from, always Arizona grown and raised, as well as "of, course, everything is made from scratch." Now, I have yet to commit to the organic or bust mentality but it is still refreshing to go to a place with all fresh and hormone-less ingredients. However, that alone would not be enough to satisfy me. Rachel and I ordered a pizza, half just cheese, half artichoke hearts (mmmm... artichoke hearts), traditional buffalo wings (different sauce variations were available), and Breadstyx (that what they call them). The wings were awesome and I am not even joking. Not just the sauce but the chicken quality was amazing (no veins or fat like most wings). Then when the pizza arrived Rachel and I were on cloud 9. Rachel, in fact, had goose bumps for the rest of the nigh and dipping the thick crust (thin crust available) into their homemade ranch dressing was heaven. I don't want you to think I am exaggerating. This is no Buffalo Wild Wings where the novelty wears off and I feel like an idiot for praising it so much. To top off the evening, are server/cook (they can do it all there), treated us to free samples of the desserts: a thin slice of some chocolate thing with maple whipped cream and some pumpkin cheesecake variety. Those too were very delicious. That experience alone was enough to make us miss Flagstaff. You all know very well how much it would take for me to miss Flagstaff. Needless to say if and when you visit you will be treated to the New Jersey Pizza Co. As an illustration I will leave you with this: to Michelle and Alex, it's your Del Mar Pizza, to Josh and Kim, your Chino Bandito or Mini-Chimis, to Allison your Midori Sour (just kidding, but really what is your favorite?).

This is probably my last post until after the new year. Definitely, on this main page because I can only update it at school. However, I may still update the Blogger page which, you can always access by clicking on SaGblog at the top. This is dependent on whether people outside my immediate family read this because I will be with my immediate family and can tell them what's going on face-to-face. So, if you are a person that will go through painful withdrawal if I don't update and won't see me over Christmas, you can email me with a request to keep-a-postin'. As for the Phoenix bunch, see you all on Thursday...err...tomorrow.

Also, I have not been using my guestbook anymore so if you have anything to say to me, click on comments below.

~SAG

Untitled

2004-12-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I found a program on her computer that lets you distort pictures. We had a lot of fun doing it and you can all look forward to me distorting you. Besides the distorted picture of Rachel and I, if you click on my picture link you will see pictures of Ginger Soggy-Bottom our cat friend. We found it around our apartments in the snow with its tail literally frozen. We decided we would dry it off and feed it (already had cat food from a previous visitor) and then post flyers and knock on doors the next day. Well, that was three days ago and no word yet. Colleen and Bryan have been keeping the cat in their room since Rachel is allergic. We had a small celebration last night when it used our makeshift litter box of cardboard and newspaper.

I am having trouble updating this site on a regular basis. I always think of thing that would be fun to write about but I am never in the mood to actually write them. I need to start updating the Blogger page first, then, if I find time to copy it to this site I could.

It has been somewhat busy this last couple weeks with school's end nearing. I can't wait to get out of here. It's cold, wet and depressing. I am looking forward to winter break. I have my schedule pretty set. Rachel and I are coming down on the December 16th. She will fly to Nebraska from Phoenix on the 24th and will return the 29th. We will then both drive to Las Vegas after the New Year holiday and Stay until the 17th.

~SaG

Oops.

2004-11-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that it has been so long since I last updated. As you can see, I spend more time fooling around with the format than writing. I still have a hard time figuring things to write but my guess is that the people that read this blog (if they exist anymore), would appreciate me writing anything rather than nothing. As you can see, I changed the title form SaGsite to Sagblog and I don't really know why but the link to my Blogger acount has changed from sagsiteblog.blogspot to sagblog.blogspot. What I do know is that you can expect more randomness to come because that is my specialty. Randomness.

I had been fearing the dates November 15th and 16th since the first week of school. Scheduled for those two days were two tests, a term paper, a Biology research paper, a process recording (typed results from a 45 minute interview I had to conduct on one of my classmates) and yet another Sociology paper. If you remember the post awhile back where I talked about freaking out, it was in regards to this series of unfortunate events. Luckily, those days have passed and I have come out of it more or less unscathed.

I am finally all registered for the Spring 2005 semester. I am enrolled in Sociology of Fear, Sociology of Deviance, Families Issues and Social Change, Sociology Research Methods, Quantitative Reason (or, stupid people Math) and Volleyball. Rachel figured out for me that if I average 16 credits for my next three semesters at NAU and take 6 more credit hours this summer at Rio Salado, and I will graduate in May of 2006. Which would be nice considering I plan to get married then too. Also, I have decided to drop social work as a minor because somehow I overlooked that I can major in Applied Sociology and not have a minor. Instead I will emphasize is family studies.

I am on a volleyball intramural team and are record dropped to 2-2. Were were 2-0 but lost the last two. Our first win was due to a forfeit because the other team didn't shoe but, shhh... don't tell anyone. Our next and last game is on Sunday.

~SaG

A Hard Lesson

2004-11-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

As you probably could have guessed, the results of last night's election left me feeling sad and scared. It was something that I genuinely feared, but at the same time, didn't think would happen.

Throughout the day, I have pondered how I wanted to go about writing this. At first, I wanted to spew all my anger and fear and disgust that overwhelmed me at the beginning of this day. I thought better of that because I have realized that such a display would not help me or you. Instead, I am forced into a new mindset. I don't think I can sit back and believe that I live in the greatest country in the world when the examples of 58 million people have taught me otherwise. I fail to see how this country, consumed with fear, bigotry and intolerance for its own people is better than England, Spain, Sweden and France. Is it because we make more money? Is that how we measure greatness? Is it that we have the greatest capacity and resources to do good? That may be if we used those resources for good? Is it our freedoms? I am willing to sacrifice some of those if it means that children can have healthcare and the elderly can have their medications from Canada. Clearly, I am in the minority when it comes to the willingness for those sacrifices. I hear that morals and values are what won this election. What moral and values? What's moral about a war that the majority sees as a mistake? What's moral about taking away one's Constitutional rights because of whom they love? Honestly, it makes me sick. It makes me sick that "bleeding heart" has a negative connotation. Is it so wrong to think of those suffering before you think of yourself? Obviously, it is.

Once the sadness, confussion and overwhelming disappointed in this country subsided, I decided to create my own "silver lining". I realized that, although the majority of this county doesn't see the suffering of people as a top five concern, doesn't mean I can't make it a priority in my life. Already I have weighed the possibilities of joining the Peace Corps because, I began to realize that there is an entire world out there that I know nothing about. That would be a though choice because it is a two year commitment and I can't miss two years of my families lives. I know, I too have selfish things to get over but I assume family is a better value than assault weapons. Instead, I will strive to become active in the lives of the less fortunate in the communities around me and maybe one day, I will have the resources to expand my effort across the country's borders. I know what you are thinking: "Steve is a hippie, tree-hugger." That's out of the way, so now think about it. I want to dedicate some of my time to benefit the lives of others less fortunate. I think if people would stop to think, they'd get passed the negative stereotypes. If anyone can tell me why a bleeding heart is bad, feel free to comment.

I know it's hard to get a true idea of my state of mind right now because you only get to read my thoughts. I assure you that I am the same old Steve. Now, however, I need to express my values through my actions, not only my words.

Note: After reading this, I know it can be hard to follow but that may be because I had no set format in my mind before I began writing. The words just began to flow, straight from my bleeding heart.

~SaG

Voting, Then "The Grudge", Followed by Snowing, Then, Finally the In-Laws

2004-10-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I took advantage of early voting at the County Election Office on Tuesday, fulfilling our moral obligation and most sacred right (yeah, ok). Still, it was very exciting to do for the first time. The ballots were very straight forward with only a simple filling in of a bubble with a big black marker being the only instructions. Rachel and I did joke, however about how many times we stared at the the ballot once we were finished to make sure we didn't accidentally vote for Bush. It's good to get out of the way and now we just have to wait and see the results.

Yesterday, Bryan, Colleen, Rachel and I went to dinner at my old stomping grounds, Ruby Tuesday and then we went to go see "The Grudge" as part of a tradition of seeing a scary movie for Bryan's birthday. I was really excited to see this movie. Perhaps the first mistake was going into the movie using "The Ring" as the standard. First off, let me say, this movie was intense throughout and never gave you more than five minutes to relax before they scared they bejesus out of you again. After the movie, we were forced to analyze the plot and character development, both areas where this movie lacked. It was way too straightforward and didn't provide and real twists or surprises. You are never really able to put yourself in the characters position and that's where good scary movies shine. Anyway, if you are looking for a good scare, go see this movie but don't expect to be blown away.

When I looked out the window this morning I was extremely disappointed. At 8:00am, there was already about 4 inches of snow on the ground with no signs of slowing up. I took the time to take some pictures of the even but I will have to post them later this afternoon from home. The only thing that was exciting was the possibility of school being cancelled but there was no such luck. At NAU, we have a snow line that you can call to find out whether or not classes are cancelled so, as you can imagine, I was calling it every 10 minutes. The snow is suppose to stop tonight and with a couple days of clear skies, hopefully it will melt soon.

Rachel's family is coming to Flagstaff to visit this weekend, taking advantage of Nevada Day (the last Friday in October). I don't think there are any specific plans but it will be nice to see everyone. Rachel and I were however, invited to a Sociology Halloween party and I here those can be pretty rockin', especially when they are being promoted by a forty year old woman talking about getting to drunk to drive home.

Also, I am sure you have already noticed some additional links to my collection to the left. The Surprise! link in particular is where I will try to post interesting pictures article or events. I'll put it this way, if I see or hear something surprising and want to share it with you, it'll be there.

~SaG

ADD and OCD Don't Mix

2004-10-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. As you can see, there have been more layout changes to SaGsite. I think I finally have it the way I want and there will only be additions in the future, not major changes. Of course, something will not look right when I check this site from another computer and I will have to fix that. Mainly, I just wanted more color and pictures on the main page. This project, however, has taken forever. Hence the title, ADD and OCD Don't Mix. I have been trying to make this site as perfect as possible making countless changes along the way, but hopefully, you will agree with me that it has paid off. Josh, in particular, will be extremely excited to know that, although I couldn't give up my pet project of making a fun, FrontPage website, I will however begin to save the posts on a Blogger account so that he can access my postings from an RSS feed (still don't know exactly what that is). Keep in mind, this will not only benefit Josh. Because a Blogger account let's you archive old posts, you will be able to access any of theses old posts by clicking the archives link on the column to the left of this page. I also stole Josh's idea and opened up a Flickr account in order to post my pictures. This will make it easier for me because now I will be able to post pictures from home when I normally couldn't do it unless I burnt pictures to a disk and downloaded them at school. This concept will also apply to posts because I can post new information on my Blogger account from home and then copy and paste it to this site. Pretty exciting huh? All in all, SaGsite should now be a better, more accessible and all around fun experience for the whole family. With all of this reformatting and long winded explanation, I can't find the motivation to make an actual post to tell you what's new. If you are desperate to find out what has been going on, Rachel has recently updated her site. Thanks again for everyone's patience.

~SaG