Well this is it, unless there is an unforeseen run in with a time machine, this will be my last post of 2010. Almost one year ago I wrote a post about The Year of Peter. In a lot of ways it was, I did many of the things I wanted to do, but left just enough things to keep 2011 interesting. I hope you have enjoyed reading Pete Chat as much as I enjoy writing it. Like I always say regularly maintaining a blog is a like playing quarterback in flag football, it's harder than it looks.
Have a happy, and safe New Years!
-Peter
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
There's Always Something There To Remind Me
Greetings from soon to not be sunny Southern California. I hope you didn't think Pete Chat was done for the year. I may have a blog post or two left in me.
In case you were wondering, the flag football game on Christmas Eve was great, although I didn't play that well. I had a pretty awesome Christmas with the exception of the Lakers getting beat, and I spent the day in Big Bear with my family. I am looking forward to a few more days of California Dreaming.
You may not know this, but it is quite possible you have a theme song. Like baseball closers, professional wrestlers, and sitcoms, there is a chance that when I hear the first few chords of a certain song, I think of you. Sometimes you even have that song as a personal ringtone on my phone. I assign you a song and that is that. My sister Jennifer likes Incubus so when I hear my phone playing Anna Molly, I know it is her. If I hear "Party in the USA" I know it's my dad. But what happens when you assign a song to someone and then you no longer like that someone. Uh oh, here I am being cryptic.
So today I was reading What The Dog Saw while happily listening to my iPod. I heard the first few notes and I thought, "Oh no, this song is ruined." The really terrible part about it is that I enjoyed that song quite a bit, in fact I think it was my favorite song this summer, but now when I hear it, it is inextricably connected to someone I no longer care to think about.
So I turn to you my loyal Pete Chat readers, what do you do? First off, am I the only person who assigns people songs? If you do this, what do you when the association ends and you still like the song but not the person it is associated with?
If I learned anything from this, I will be more conservative in the future before I assign a song, especially a song I really enjoy.
In case you were wondering, the flag football game on Christmas Eve was great, although I didn't play that well. I had a pretty awesome Christmas with the exception of the Lakers getting beat, and I spent the day in Big Bear with my family. I am looking forward to a few more days of California Dreaming.
You may not know this, but it is quite possible you have a theme song. Like baseball closers, professional wrestlers, and sitcoms, there is a chance that when I hear the first few chords of a certain song, I think of you. Sometimes you even have that song as a personal ringtone on my phone. I assign you a song and that is that. My sister Jennifer likes Incubus so when I hear my phone playing Anna Molly, I know it is her. If I hear "Party in the USA" I know it's my dad. But what happens when you assign a song to someone and then you no longer like that someone. Uh oh, here I am being cryptic.
So today I was reading What The Dog Saw while happily listening to my iPod. I heard the first few notes and I thought, "Oh no, this song is ruined." The really terrible part about it is that I enjoyed that song quite a bit, in fact I think it was my favorite song this summer, but now when I hear it, it is inextricably connected to someone I no longer care to think about.
So I turn to you my loyal Pete Chat readers, what do you do? First off, am I the only person who assigns people songs? If you do this, what do you when the association ends and you still like the song but not the person it is associated with?
If I learned anything from this, I will be more conservative in the future before I assign a song, especially a song I really enjoy.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Singlehandedly Saving the Print Industry
Before I get to the main topic of this post I just wanted to give you a quick FYI. I don't have the same address that I had at this time last year. I know it is a bit presumptuous to think that you might want to send me a Christmas card. If you do want to send me a card and need my address, just send me an email and I'd be happy to oblige. I got cards from the Walburgers and Watkins' today as a matter of fact.
If you are a devourer of media like I am then you are surely aware of the fact that traditional print media is going through a bit of a crisis. I am by no means a media expert but very simply, people don't read the newspaper like they used, and people don't advertise in the classifieds like they used to. Instead people like their news instantly online for free and advertising on websites like Craigslist. This accompanied with new e-readers, has affected traditional publishing This change in the way that media is consumed has caused the entire industry to reevaluate the way they do things, and especially how they make a profit.
From an early age I've been a reader (despite the fact that I proudly own and watch TV) whether it's books, comics, newspapers or magazines, I love to accumulate knowledge through reading. If I really like a book I'll stay up late into the night until I find out what happens. I also love magazines. I had an SI for Kids and WWF magazine subscription when I was young.
So let me take you back a ways to Winter of 1997. I am with my family driving home from Utah and I need something to read. I pick up a copy of Men's Health, and I am hooked. I enjoy the articles about staying fit, eating right and finding adventure. In fact I learned something from Men's Health that I tell all of my friends just before they get married. By the time I got home from my mission Men's Health had sort of changed its focus and was mostly focused on fitness. I just didn't like it as much. I needed something else to read.
I am pretty embarrassed to say that my roommates and I had an apartment subscription to Stuff and Maxim magazine. In my defense I was 21 and not nearly as mature or refined as I am now. Looking back I think wow, how trashy.
Today I subscribe to five magazines. All of which I enjoy for different reasons.
1. The Liahona -In Swedish.
The Liahona is is the Church's monthly magazine that focuses on the non English speaking world. I subscribe to it in Swedish, because it gives me a chance to practice my Swedish every month, plus there is a section of the magazine that tells about the news of the church in Sweden. It's really fun when I read one of the articles and recognize some of the people I knew when I was a missionary there. I have thought about writing an article for the Swedish edition but have never done it. Maybe I should.
2. GQ
I have to give my brother in law Don credit for introducing me to GQ. He had a subscription when he and my sister were first married and I would read it when I was at thier house. As I got older I actually looked to Gentleman's Quarterly for ideas on what to wear and that sort of thing. I find myself looking forward to the sartorial column every month. It's a pretty classy magazine.
3. Esquire
One day I was flying back to Washington DC and I bought and issue of Esquire to read on the plane. It happened to have this article in it. It may be the best article I have ever read. The article tells the story of Chechen terrorists who took over a school in Russia. It is an amazing article and well worth your time reading it. Esquire also had my favorite writer Chuck Klosterman as a monthly columnist so you know I was. And as much as I enjoy the letters to the editor, the "Rules Every Man Should Live By", or the celebrity profiles, its the feature articles I enjoy the most. On occasion they are actually moving. I dare you to read this and not be moved by this powerful story. You might not expect something like this from Esquire, but that is why I read it. In my humble opinion the writing is excellent. I enjoy it so much that I got subscriptions for both Don and Marc. Jennifer intercepted the Jessica Simpson issue. Sorry Marc.
4. Men's Journal
Probably the coolest magazine I subscribe to. Men's Journal is an adventure magazine, that reviews gear and tells stories of trips that I would love to go on, and just need the time, and means to accomplish. Whether it is mountain climbing in Asia or river rafting in Utah, Men's Journal takes you there with fantastic stories and photographs. On more than one occasion I have called Don or Marc, and said hey we need to do this. We never have, but at least the thought is there. Men's Journal is a magazine that any red blooded man would enjoy. Where some of the other magazines might have questionable content occasionally, Men's Journal is all age appropriate.
5. Rolling Stone
I am not an audiophile. I love listening to music but my taste is pretty well dictated by what I hear on the radio. When I listen to my iPod I don't even hear the latest music. Back in college I wanted to improve my taste in music so I subscribed to Rolling Stone. I miss the days of the oversized magazine but that changed to its new size about 18 months ago. I have a love/hate relationship with RS. I love it because it's feature articles are outstanding. I read an article on the War on Drugs, that I made copies of it and have held on to for years. I think I even sent it to Kat's dad. If I didn't, I meant to. The problem with RS and me is that it leans (an understatement of the century to the left) and I lean to the right. I started playing a game every time I start reading a new issue, I count how long it takes me to completely disagree with a statement in the magazine. On average it takes about four seconds. In addition I am annoyed how in every issue they mention how the music market is shrinking. No duh? People get there music digitally, people produce there own music, they have cut out the fat in the recording industry. But I venture to say that now people have access to more music than in any time in history. Virtually everytime I read RS, I think how much I wish there was a cool magazine like this that presented the conservative point of view. If it does exist I haven't seen it.
So those are my magazines. Sometimes I'll be playing a trivia game and a person will look at me and ask how I know that. I figure it comes down to two things, I read a lot and I have a knack for remembering random facts. That is what I love about reading, the chance to learn new things. One of my simple pleasures in life, is sitting by the pool or at the beach and reading a magazine. Sure I may never listen to the songs they review, or be able to afford the $3,000 duffle bag but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy learning about them.
I used to subscribe to Details, and Men's Fitness both of which on further review were a little "Comme Ci, Comme Ça"
If you have any suggestions on any magazines or books I am missing out on let me know. If you want to borrow any of my old magazines, I am happy to loan them to you.
If you are a devourer of media like I am then you are surely aware of the fact that traditional print media is going through a bit of a crisis. I am by no means a media expert but very simply, people don't read the newspaper like they used, and people don't advertise in the classifieds like they used to. Instead people like their news instantly online for free and advertising on websites like Craigslist. This accompanied with new e-readers, has affected traditional publishing This change in the way that media is consumed has caused the entire industry to reevaluate the way they do things, and especially how they make a profit.
From an early age I've been a reader (despite the fact that I proudly own and watch TV) whether it's books, comics, newspapers or magazines, I love to accumulate knowledge through reading. If I really like a book I'll stay up late into the night until I find out what happens. I also love magazines. I had an SI for Kids and WWF magazine subscription when I was young.
So let me take you back a ways to Winter of 1997. I am with my family driving home from Utah and I need something to read. I pick up a copy of Men's Health, and I am hooked. I enjoy the articles about staying fit, eating right and finding adventure. In fact I learned something from Men's Health that I tell all of my friends just before they get married. By the time I got home from my mission Men's Health had sort of changed its focus and was mostly focused on fitness. I just didn't like it as much. I needed something else to read.
I am pretty embarrassed to say that my roommates and I had an apartment subscription to Stuff and Maxim magazine. In my defense I was 21 and not nearly as mature or refined as I am now. Looking back I think wow, how trashy.
Today I subscribe to five magazines. All of which I enjoy for different reasons.
1. The Liahona -In Swedish.
The Liahona is is the Church's monthly magazine that focuses on the non English speaking world. I subscribe to it in Swedish, because it gives me a chance to practice my Swedish every month, plus there is a section of the magazine that tells about the news of the church in Sweden. It's really fun when I read one of the articles and recognize some of the people I knew when I was a missionary there. I have thought about writing an article for the Swedish edition but have never done it. Maybe I should.
2. GQ
I have to give my brother in law Don credit for introducing me to GQ. He had a subscription when he and my sister were first married and I would read it when I was at thier house. As I got older I actually looked to Gentleman's Quarterly for ideas on what to wear and that sort of thing. I find myself looking forward to the sartorial column every month. It's a pretty classy magazine.
3. Esquire
One day I was flying back to Washington DC and I bought and issue of Esquire to read on the plane. It happened to have this article in it. It may be the best article I have ever read. The article tells the story of Chechen terrorists who took over a school in Russia. It is an amazing article and well worth your time reading it. Esquire also had my favorite writer Chuck Klosterman as a monthly columnist so you know I was. And as much as I enjoy the letters to the editor, the "Rules Every Man Should Live By", or the celebrity profiles, its the feature articles I enjoy the most. On occasion they are actually moving. I dare you to read this and not be moved by this powerful story. You might not expect something like this from Esquire, but that is why I read it. In my humble opinion the writing is excellent. I enjoy it so much that I got subscriptions for both Don and Marc. Jennifer intercepted the Jessica Simpson issue. Sorry Marc.
4. Men's Journal
Probably the coolest magazine I subscribe to. Men's Journal is an adventure magazine, that reviews gear and tells stories of trips that I would love to go on, and just need the time, and means to accomplish. Whether it is mountain climbing in Asia or river rafting in Utah, Men's Journal takes you there with fantastic stories and photographs. On more than one occasion I have called Don or Marc, and said hey we need to do this. We never have, but at least the thought is there. Men's Journal is a magazine that any red blooded man would enjoy. Where some of the other magazines might have questionable content occasionally, Men's Journal is all age appropriate.
5. Rolling Stone
I am not an audiophile. I love listening to music but my taste is pretty well dictated by what I hear on the radio. When I listen to my iPod I don't even hear the latest music. Back in college I wanted to improve my taste in music so I subscribed to Rolling Stone. I miss the days of the oversized magazine but that changed to its new size about 18 months ago. I have a love/hate relationship with RS. I love it because it's feature articles are outstanding. I read an article on the War on Drugs, that I made copies of it and have held on to for years. I think I even sent it to Kat's dad. If I didn't, I meant to. The problem with RS and me is that it leans (an understatement of the century to the left) and I lean to the right. I started playing a game every time I start reading a new issue, I count how long it takes me to completely disagree with a statement in the magazine. On average it takes about four seconds. In addition I am annoyed how in every issue they mention how the music market is shrinking. No duh? People get there music digitally, people produce there own music, they have cut out the fat in the recording industry. But I venture to say that now people have access to more music than in any time in history. Virtually everytime I read RS, I think how much I wish there was a cool magazine like this that presented the conservative point of view. If it does exist I haven't seen it.
So those are my magazines. Sometimes I'll be playing a trivia game and a person will look at me and ask how I know that. I figure it comes down to two things, I read a lot and I have a knack for remembering random facts. That is what I love about reading, the chance to learn new things. One of my simple pleasures in life, is sitting by the pool or at the beach and reading a magazine. Sure I may never listen to the songs they review, or be able to afford the $3,000 duffle bag but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy learning about them.
I used to subscribe to Details, and Men's Fitness both of which on further review were a little "Comme Ci, Comme Ça"
If you have any suggestions on any magazines or books I am missing out on let me know. If you want to borrow any of my old magazines, I am happy to loan them to you.
Friday, December 10, 2010
All Things Peter
So after a little more than two weeks I guess I have adjusted to being 30. There is absolutely nothing I can do but to accept the situation and full on embrace it. I will attempt to enjoy my last year in the highly sought after 18-30 demographic.
When I was approaching 30 I thought about what kind of party I wanted to celebrate this historic event. Some are perfectly satisfied with cake and ice cream and a few close friends. I am not one of those people. Instead I wanted all of my friends to come, and participate in a party that focused on a few of the things I love the most. Those of course being in no particular BYU, Angels, Lakers, MMA, 49ers, Civic Mindedness, Sweden, and the Church.
I threw some ideas around and realized quickly that I wouldn't be able to plan and execute the party I wanted without some serious help. I sent an email out for a party planning committee and plan they did. The combined forces of Mary, Heather, Patricia, Natalie, and Amber helped to take my ideas and turn them into a reality. My main concern was finding a space. I didn't want to have it at the house and I thought even I am not so bold to use the church to celebrate my 30th Birthday.
I try to bust out a phone call to my friends on their birthdays (Jim I know you have one on the 19th) and a lot of my friends are good about that as well. My sisters, their kids and my dad all made sure to call and sing to me, and Jordan called to arrange a birthday conversation as well.
The night before Patricia and Heather dutifully created the signs for my party.
The day of the 19th was hectic. There was a lot of last minute shopping and planning to do. I found a space at a community center and it was just what I wanted. The only problem being that we absolutely had to be at of there by nine PM. I invited just about everyone of my facebook friends, all of my church friends, and my old colleagues and friends from the hill. My goal was to have 100 people sing Happy Birthday to me, and have a lot of blog comments.
As I drove to the All Things Peter Party I got a phone call from an Unknown number. I figured it was Chrissi but it turned out to be international singing sensation Wing. Wait, you don't know Wing? Jordan had arranged for Wing to call me and wish me a happy birthday all the way from New Zealand. She of course sang one of my favorite songs and I was completely blown away.
As the time of the party came closer and closer I was totally stressing about everything. But it actually went quite smoothly.
It was an All Things Peter Party which means that I had stations featuring all the things I love.
That meant a Punch Pete table with my favorite drink Fruit Punch Gatorade, and my face on the focus pads. There was a bit of a groundswell for people to have the chance punch me in the face. This allowed for people to take out their ruthless aggression and for me to keep the moneymaker in its normal pristine condition.
There was a station focusing on civic mindedness. I asked everyone to bring a can of food, and gave them an opportunity to take a pass along card and people even had the opportunity to register to vote. I felt like that was a pretty great way to honor my commitment to the community.
The surprise hit of the party may have been the football pass. My roommates especially liked testing their passing prowess. Patricia and I found mini footballs at the dollar store and Mary was kind enough to draw a cougar for people to throw through. We took some shots from all over the room. Despite my quarterbacking skills I don't think I ever connected.
The highlight of the Three Pete station which was a tribute to my love of the Lakers was my roommate and consigliere Dan Nelson hitting a shot on the Nerf hoop from across the room. Again I don't think I even came close.
Chances are that I am the only person you know who wears jerseys on a regular basis. I wanted everyone else to have a chance to feel what it is like to live my pro style life. I brought like 14 jerseys (that isn't even all of them) for people to wear and get their picture taken in.
I also wanted my guests to have a chance to win a prize and meet the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader. I searched all over town to find the Darth Vader stand up. I bought the display out of the window of a party store in Falls Church. I was so happy to find him.
The party was a blast complete with a DJ set by Dj Quick Spin Juan Felix Hernandez, a raffle for prizes, and a few costume changes that seem to be the thing on every episode of my Super Sweet Sixteen. (Yes, I do fully realize that this is a bit narcissistic but c'mon you only turn 30 once).
One of the highlights was finding out that JJ and Jennifer are expecting. JJ I loved my snap shirt, but if you name the young lad Peter*, that would be the absolute best birthday present ever.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the evening.
The grand prize for the raffle was an autographed picture of me. Emily was the proud recipient of this prize. You can imagine how excited I was when I walked into her house a few days later to see it prominently placed in her entry hall.
It was an awesome evening and a great way to enter into my 30's. Of course I wanted my sisters there, but they have assured me that they are coming for a visit in the spring.
There is absolutely no way I could have done this without my party planning committee. They we so awesome. Thank you so much.
Let me answer two of your questions. No, I am not wearing a shirt. Yes, I am wearing a championship belt.
As for 31? I'm not sure, I'll have to ask my wife.**
*This goes also for Ryan and Lauren, Shane and Katherine, Jim and Marissa, Thomas and Lisa, Dan and Lindsey, Matt and Abby or any of my other married friends who are expecting.
**I have this thing where if anyone asks me about my future plans I always say, I have to ask my wife because I just assume that I'll be married. You know, the power of positive thinking.
When I was approaching 30 I thought about what kind of party I wanted to celebrate this historic event. Some are perfectly satisfied with cake and ice cream and a few close friends. I am not one of those people. Instead I wanted all of my friends to come, and participate in a party that focused on a few of the things I love the most. Those of course being in no particular BYU, Angels, Lakers, MMA, 49ers, Civic Mindedness, Sweden, and the Church.
I threw some ideas around and realized quickly that I wouldn't be able to plan and execute the party I wanted without some serious help. I sent an email out for a party planning committee and plan they did. The combined forces of Mary, Heather, Patricia, Natalie, and Amber helped to take my ideas and turn them into a reality. My main concern was finding a space. I didn't want to have it at the house and I thought even I am not so bold to use the church to celebrate my 30th Birthday.
I try to bust out a phone call to my friends on their birthdays (Jim I know you have one on the 19th) and a lot of my friends are good about that as well. My sisters, their kids and my dad all made sure to call and sing to me, and Jordan called to arrange a birthday conversation as well.
The night before Patricia and Heather dutifully created the signs for my party.
The day of the 19th was hectic. There was a lot of last minute shopping and planning to do. I found a space at a community center and it was just what I wanted. The only problem being that we absolutely had to be at of there by nine PM. I invited just about everyone of my facebook friends, all of my church friends, and my old colleagues and friends from the hill. My goal was to have 100 people sing Happy Birthday to me, and have a lot of blog comments.
As I drove to the All Things Peter Party I got a phone call from an Unknown number. I figured it was Chrissi but it turned out to be international singing sensation Wing. Wait, you don't know Wing? Jordan had arranged for Wing to call me and wish me a happy birthday all the way from New Zealand. She of course sang one of my favorite songs and I was completely blown away.
As the time of the party came closer and closer I was totally stressing about everything. But it actually went quite smoothly.
It was an All Things Peter Party which means that I had stations featuring all the things I love.
That meant a Punch Pete table with my favorite drink Fruit Punch Gatorade, and my face on the focus pads. There was a bit of a groundswell for people to have the chance punch me in the face. This allowed for people to take out their ruthless aggression and for me to keep the moneymaker in its normal pristine condition.
There was a station focusing on civic mindedness. I asked everyone to bring a can of food, and gave them an opportunity to take a pass along card and people even had the opportunity to register to vote. I felt like that was a pretty great way to honor my commitment to the community.
The surprise hit of the party may have been the football pass. My roommates especially liked testing their passing prowess. Patricia and I found mini footballs at the dollar store and Mary was kind enough to draw a cougar for people to throw through. We took some shots from all over the room. Despite my quarterbacking skills I don't think I ever connected.
The highlight of the Three Pete station which was a tribute to my love of the Lakers was my roommate and consigliere Dan Nelson hitting a shot on the Nerf hoop from across the room. Again I don't think I even came close.
Chances are that I am the only person you know who wears jerseys on a regular basis. I wanted everyone else to have a chance to feel what it is like to live my pro style life. I brought like 14 jerseys (that isn't even all of them) for people to wear and get their picture taken in.
I also wanted my guests to have a chance to win a prize and meet the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader. I searched all over town to find the Darth Vader stand up. I bought the display out of the window of a party store in Falls Church. I was so happy to find him.
The party was a blast complete with a DJ set by Dj Quick Spin Juan Felix Hernandez, a raffle for prizes, and a few costume changes that seem to be the thing on every episode of my Super Sweet Sixteen. (Yes, I do fully realize that this is a bit narcissistic but c'mon you only turn 30 once).
One of the highlights was finding out that JJ and Jennifer are expecting. JJ I loved my snap shirt, but if you name the young lad Peter*, that would be the absolute best birthday present ever.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the evening.
It was an awesome evening and a great way to enter into my 30's. Of course I wanted my sisters there, but they have assured me that they are coming for a visit in the spring.
There is absolutely no way I could have done this without my party planning committee. They we so awesome. Thank you so much.
 |
| Peter and his party planning committee. Heather took this picture so she isn't shown. |
Let me answer two of your questions. No, I am not wearing a shirt. Yes, I am wearing a championship belt.
As for 31? I'm not sure, I'll have to ask my wife.**
*This goes also for Ryan and Lauren, Shane and Katherine, Jim and Marissa, Thomas and Lisa, Dan and Lindsey, Matt and Abby or any of my other married friends who are expecting.
**I have this thing where if anyone asks me about my future plans I always say, I have to ask my wife because I just assume that I'll be married. You know, the power of positive thinking.
Monday, December 06, 2010
What Do You Mean By That?
First and foremost I wish all of you a vigilant Pearl Harbor Day Eve. Even 11 years later I remember the day we first commemorated it.
It seems like lately I haven't had too many blog posts about anything other than some event I attended or some activity I participated in. Seeing as I have a number of those still left to blog about, you'll have no shortage of that content in the future. I did however have a little bit of inspiration about a phenomenon I have witnessed and been apart of recently. That phenomenon is what I call "Speaking Cryptically".
Most of the people I associate with don't like lying, but often times they may not want to answer a personal question that is directly posited. This leads to the people around me speaking cryptically. Say for example I am at church and I ask one of my girlfriends "What did you do last night?" In my opinion a seemingly innocuous question. Now she might just say buzz off, or mind your own beeswax both of which would be perfectly suitable answers. Instead I often get a response like, "I was out with a friend."Whenever I hear this answer my next question is always "What's his name?" For some reason when people are on a pseudo-date or whatever it was people get cryptic. If she had been out with her gal pal she would have said "Oh, I went to World Market with Ashley" or "Katie and I went to the 9:30 Club." If it's the opposite gender the response is often "Out with a friend". So cryptic.
It seems like lately I haven't had too many blog posts about anything other than some event I attended or some activity I participated in. Seeing as I have a number of those still left to blog about, you'll have no shortage of that content in the future. I did however have a little bit of inspiration about a phenomenon I have witnessed and been apart of recently. That phenomenon is what I call "Speaking Cryptically".
 |
| This has nothing to do with the post but a picture is always appreciated. |
There is something you need to know about me, I come from an extended family of bossy oldest sisters (Chrissi, Aunt Sharon, Haydan, Savannah, Danielle, all of whom I love, all of whom love to boss) and a long line of nosey men. My dad, my grandpa my brother in law Don, and myself, were/are nosey. We just love to know what is going on in people's lives. I'm not convinced it's genetic, but I can barely help the fact that I love gossip. Despite the fact that I love gossip I am generally good at keeping secrets.
There are a few other cryptic or purposely vague statements that I find myself using. These statements include.
- I was out
- I had something to take care of
- It was late or early
- I was running an errand
- They're dealing with some stuff
- We'll just see what happens.
- (quiet chuckle no actual response)
Then there is the question that is often times difficult for people to answer. "Are you dating?" That can be tricky, and I have found that many of my peers are leery to commit to a definite yes or no answer. I have heard any number of responses that I enjoy immensely. "We go on dates." "That is an interesting question." "We are taking things slow." "You'd have to ask him/her that." I suppose that this response either comes from a lack of confidence in the relationship or an unwillingness to completely take oneself off the market. Either way it entertains me to no end.
Usually I would invite/commit/demand that people change the way they go about doings things. But I sort of enjoy speaking cryptically, it adds a level of intrigue to conversations that they might not otherwise have. Plus if you are giving me a non answer I just become more determined to find out the information through some other means.
If you can think of any other cryptic responses you get please share them in the comments.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Staying Out of the Red On Black Friday
I turned thirty and promptly took a week off from blogging. My party was awesome, I had a good week at work and one of the best Thanksgiving's I can remember. One of the traditions that I personally observe is monitoring all of the advertisements from the newspaper to determine if there are any deals that I can't pass up. It turns out there were a lot of things I had no trouble passing up. If I didn't already own two TV's I might have been inclined to buy one. But instead I decided to enhance my DVD collection, while at the same time maintaining a respectable balance in my bank account.
Sure I have seen all of these before, but I feel like they are all very rewatchable. I think they will prove to be stalwart additions to my library. I didn't spend more than $5.99 on any of these and I think Casino Royale was $1.99. The best part of all, I didn't have to wake up at 3:00 AM to do it. I drove up, parked close, browsed gingerly, and went on my way. After a lovely lunch of leftovers, and a nap it is now an evening at home with the Cougars on FCS.
Friday, November 19, 2010
30 for 30 +Birthday Haiku
I can not remember the exact moment where I really started to freak out about my 30th birthday, but it seemed like sometime during the summer it really started to sink in, and as I thought about 30 years old one of my favorite sayings came to mind... This is happening.
So maybe I have been accused lately about being self obsessed, and the fact that I am having a party where I rented space with an "All Things Peter" theme tends to agree with that accusation. But at least once a year I can say yes, it is all about me. And birthdays that end in a zero are occasions to really celebrate.
So what are my goals, hopes, and dreams for my 30th year?
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| I'd like to have another mohawk |
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| I'd like the Angels to get back to the playoffs |
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| I'd like this young lady to love math, and this gentleman to plan a trip to Hawaii |
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| I'd like to make the Kessel run in less than 12 Parsecs |
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| I'd like to stop and smell the roses |
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| I'd like to spend more time at the beach with my shirt off |
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| I'd like to be over 12,000 ft. |
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| I'd like this expression to happen more often |
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| I'd like to hob nob with more celebrities |
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| I'd like them all to come for a visit. |
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| I'd like to remember that beaded necklaces and long hair might not have been the best choice |
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| I'd like catching the garter to kick in. |
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| I'd like that even though it's 11 years later we remain La Serna High School's most spirited |
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| I'd like to spend time in the park without a shirt (and maybe put on some lbs) |
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| I'd like to use the deck for color coordinated BBQs |
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| I'd like to renew my annual pass |
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| I'd like to keep the same Face Book profile picture |
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| I'd like to have more photo shoots with my cousins |
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| Did I mention I'd like to spend more time at the beach without a shirt? |
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I'd like to smile with Will
  I'd like them to be healthy and happy  I'd like to remember to keep it casual...Star Wars  I'd like her to know I miss her everyday  I'd like him to pay for my dinner... could I could I  I'd like people to know, this is harder than it looks  I'd like to rally the troops when I am home for Christmas  Jag skulle vilja åka till Sverige gärna  I'd like to continue to be the luckiest, happiest, lithest, greatest uncle, most conservative, sports loving latter day saint there is. Thanks for being my friend, reading my blog, and for celebrating me on my 30th Birthday! Birthday Haiku Now I Am Thirty I Still Look Young For My Age Happy Birthday Pete |
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