Note to self:

Your co-workers are probably not impressed by your ability to rap all the lyrics to the 2Pac songs on your ipod. Save the out-loud rapping for your commute when you are safely secure in your car and the ears of those you work with aren't exposed.

SO PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN

Today was a truly historic day for Americans. Our 44th President took the oath of office and as I watched with my co-workers, at times I was overcome with chills and other times with tears. I can honestly say today that I have never been prouder to be an American.

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

"We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

"As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all."

Not a lot is new in the 'hood

So, I realized that I haven't been blogging as much as I used to. I guess that's because I haven't done too many exciting things lately. Below are some pictures from my Christmas vacation in Fillmore. Good times were had by all. Pictures include: Jesse with his fire station - Halle with her Play-Doh - Dylan, Karsten, and Jaxon - the grandkids watching the great-grandkids sled at North Park - and my Wii bowling form. That's right, I don't just stand around and use my hands. You gotta get your form right in order to tie for last with your brother!

That's right, I got game.

How I spent the Sugar Bowl

vs.

While watching the University of Utah spank the Alabama Crimson Tide, I made a sad and shocking discovery about having satellite television where the snow falls (not really shocking, it's just a first for us since signing up for DirecTV). Just as Brian Johnson's pass was intercepted in the 3rd Quarter, our satellite decided to become a gathering spot for snow. Those of you that have satellite will understand the dilemma I am now faced with. I must don my shoes (flip flops due to the hurried nature of this mission) and step out into the inch of snow on my back porch with my handy broom to reach to the roof and sweep the snow off of our satellite dish - while not missing a single second of this important game. You may think this is an easy task, but try looking at the satellite dish while snowflakes fall in your eyes and make sure you move your head quickly enough that the snow you are trying to rid from your life doesn't fall directly in your face - I'm here to tell you that it wasn't pretty or pleasant for anyone involved. All the while I am cursing DirecTV for taking KJZZ away from me yesterday - completely unrelated to the task at hand, but I was cursing DirecTV for the dish gathering snow, so I threw in my other complaints about the company as well. Luckily, this only had to happen 3 times during the game and the other two times were during commercial breaks.

Congratulations to the University of Utah on an UNDEFEATED season - the ONLY school in the nation that can make that claim. It was a great game to watch and hopefully it will gain some recognition for the state of Utah as well as the Mountain West Conference. Woot Woot!