JOEL

Rocco

2009-12-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

I have some exciting news! We got a puppy last night. He is an Italian Greyhound. We named him Rocco. He is super needy right now but does the funnest things. He loves to be held and likes to be tucked in his blankets like a little kid. We have only had him for a day and hes getting more and more adventurous by the hour. Like me he hates the cold so we make good friends. There are some picture attached of when he was a more puppy and some last night. He insisted that both lucas and I was touching him or he'd start whimpering last night at bed time. I'm sure there will be many more updates.

new painting "three times square"

2009-12-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

This painting I created reminds me of Time Square in NYC. Among all the gray there is this crazy burst of color in the middle of the city. There is a three in the color.

Grassfire

2009-07-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here is my newest artwork. It was fun making and one of my favorites to date. I made a little video of it too. The music is a little upbeat, but that's the idea.

pooh advice

2009-06-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

"You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."--Winnie the Pooh

Even to this day. When I know better. I still think that someone is just going to knock on my door and solve all my problems or the problem of the day. Weather they are stopping by to give me millions of dollars, offer me the best job ever, or the intelligence and wisdom of a man that has lived a full life. What I have learned and know is that people succeed and people accomplish by action. They work and desire. Nothing great has happen to anyone who sits on the couch all day long.

This also works with people. I know I assume peoples' thoughts and perceptions all the time. I miss out on lots of opportunities because of that. I must take action, I must go to them!

You Body Balance is Back

2009-05-20T13:12:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure if I already did a post on this but I didn't see it. I have restarted my old blog up again. There is new info mixed in with some old so check it out :)

http://yourbodybalance.blogspot.com/

Rush Hour

2009-05-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

I think I have one of the best drives to work- it being that I live in a large city. There is a forest in the middle of Portland and the highway I drive to get to work every day goes right in the middle of it. Because rush hour sometimes makes you go 15 mph I often get to focus on the current season and the beauty of the Earth. We have been having LOTS of rain the last few days and it has cause things to get green every quick as new life is reborn from the death of winter. Today I got to watch the sun literally melt the clouds away. I also get to go through a tunnel and across the tallest bridge in Portland. I decided to take pictures with my phone of the scenery. I am not sure they give justice or if it was plain out safe. enjoy what i enjoy :)

Windows

2009-04-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

I know this is sorta boring but after months of calls and quotes we finally got the rest of the windows in the house replaced. All but three windows where done when we moved in. I hope that it keeps the house warmer. I've been bustin' by butt in the back yard and hope that it pays off to be much more beautiful this summer. Anything worthwhile takes some work or at least I keep telling myself. It takes me back to the Saturdays working in the yard at home. Now i just need to have some kids to help me do the work :) I'm glad for the Strong work ethic I was raised with. I know it seems surprising since I probably complained the most, but I am better off today because of it.

FAV QUOTES

2009-04-17T10:16:00.001-07:00

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” -Confucius

Birthdays oh birthday

2009-04-16T21:29:00.001-07:00

So I'm turning 27 soon. I'm sure I'll have some post about it after it happens as I seem to have some sort of mid life crisis every year. Then i get over it. The true reason for the post is I was hoping everyone could email me the birthday of all there wife's and husband's and children. Please send them to my work Email: reynoldsjo@usa.redcross.org I actually can schedule it on my outlook calender. It was my goal to be more active about this and I missed Luke's birthday and was totally bumbed. Thanks!

IKEA easter

2009-04-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

WE sorta had this awkward area after the kitchen that extended to the other bathroom. It was like a dinning area but was really long. So we decided to split it into a reading room. We already had the bookcase from earlier. We went to Ikea to get some chairs and ended up with a kitchen table too ( it was way on sale... boo-ya!). So we spent the whole weekend building the table and its six chairs. The two ponga chairs with the little table. That little table was probably the most expenisve thing. We moved the bookcase out of the office and into the this room. We also got the cool sheep rug so you had a soft place for your feet. I was against the foot rest so there is only one and Lucas had to buy it with his own money. :) Ialso got a really big vase that is about three feet tall but didn't take a picture of it. Its in the other TV front room. The area ended up looking pretty good and has a great view of the pool area. (really pretty and calming at night with the pool lights on)

pure beauty

2009-04-10T12:53:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting a year for these to come up. I bought them after season last year becasue they where on sell. I will have a row of eight and I think they are just awesome. Plus I noticed I could use a some pictures. Below are some pictures of our land scaping work.

FAV QUOTES

2009-04-03T08:46:00.001-07:00

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
--St. Augustine

Strep vs Joel round 32

2009-04-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

This was yesterday

This is today

I seem very susceptible to this bug. They want to take my tonsils but i refuse. I seem to have it bad this time. Not sure how i got it but i know one of my co-workers had it the week before. I thought I would take some pictures to gross everyone out except Valerie.

purple trees

2009-03-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

designer babys in sheep clothing

2009-03-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

I found this article interesting. This is not the first time a baby was engineered ( I just love when they use that word talking about life) for a sibling with an illness. I'm not even sure how I feel about it but it feels wrong. Mostly because of the value of the the new baby is set under a value of the sick child. I just see a mess of phyicological issues waiting to happen. Or maybe the new child will grow up having a deep understanding of giving. Either way it makes me nervous and I'm pretty open to the idea of engineered babys.

http://www.cphpost.dk/news/scitech/92-technology/45075-nations-first-donor-baby-conceived.html

GOOD LUCK VALERIE

2009-03-05T20:40:00.001-08:00

Hope all goes well tomorrow as you bring a new baby into you beautiful family :)

Articles of Faith

2009-02-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest its been a while since i've read these. With my new job I have to stick to the basics and understand the law of the procedure. I decided to look up the basics. To live up to the articles of faith alone is a lifetime achievement. There are two I connect with. I love article 11. This is an easy one to say but much more of a struggle to live. I think there's a way of looking at people with unconditional love. Sometimes we get caught up in the structure of a religion that we need to strip off the fluff and experience the essence. In the end when someone believes differently then you are you truly okay with saying they are okay?

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

I can say this is a stamp of what I try to reach every day. I recently wrote Bridget an email and I talked about how I felt my values where ripped from me and I had to choose what I believed. It was that process where you no long do things because you are told or for what people think you should do but because you choose to be that way. I choose these:

13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Reminder

2009-02-24T14:54:00.001-08:00

Avoid nutrient-lacking white foods (breads, flour, sugar) and go for all those colorful fruits and vegetables and dark whole-grain breads and cereals with their host of hidden nutrients.

FAV QUOTES

2009-02-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."
--Booker T. Washington

I read this today and I really connected. You really can't measure how successful a person is due to titles or awards because it's really over coming obstacles that make you successful.

Flotsam

2009-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

Hey this is a pretty cool children book that one of my coworkers showed me. The entire story is pictures and it forces conversation in imagination. You should check it out of the Library.

Flotsam (Caldecott Medal Book) by David Wiesner

Self-Prophesy Yourself

2009-02-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is a concept I learned in sociology and have found it to be very true. Basically it means a prediction that directly or indirectly causes it self to become true. Socialist usually described it in a way of self defeat (like people hearing stereotypes and then living up to them), BUT it can be used in a positive way. It is a lot like mind of matter. I honestly believe that if you look at yourself in a desired way you will become that. You have to believe it. Anyone can be anything.

believing in Taylor Swift

2009-02-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

There is this new chick in country music and her name is Taylor Swift. I'm not usually down with the flavor of the moment musician but this person has raw talent and even though I don't own a single song of hers I am impressed at what talented a person she is. She is a great writer and she is only 19. I often get hypnotized by these type of young prodigy type of people. I think because part one they are extremely talented in one area and part two they set a possibility that anything can be achievable even when facing something as challenging as age- something you have no control over at all. Continue to believe in yourself and who knows where it will lead you.

FAV QUOTES

2009-02-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

I got this Dr Seuss book when I started this Leadership program at work called Oh, the places you'll go! I probably read it once a quarter. It's cool to look at where I am in the book and whats going on in my life. I'm usually always in the same spot. That waiting spot. If you have it I suggest you read it today. If you don't have it let me know and I'll buy you the book. This simple poetic story always lays things out when you feel like you are going and running in the same spot. So to the point- this is my favorite passage out of it:

"You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
so be sure you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexerous and deft.
and never mix up your right foot with your left."

Brain food

2009-01-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

I came across this article on the livescience website and I liked it so much I thought I would post my favorite parts:

The brain, which accounts for 2 percent of our body weight, sucks down roughly 20 percent of our daily calories.
High glucose levels slowly but surely damage cells everywhere in the body, including those in the brain.
The brain may react to excess food as if it were a pathogen. The resulting immune response, which occurs irrespective of weight gain, may cause cognitive deficits such as those associated with Alzheimer's.
High blood sugar, coupled with a cognitive task, is associated with elevated cortisol — a hormone known to impair memory in high doses. In other words, don't get out the flash cards after that second (or third) piece of cake.
The brain needs Goldilocks portions of energy: not too much, not too little.
The brain works best with about 25 grams of glucose circulating in the blood stream — about the amount found in a banana
Become a Grazer- eat small amounts all day.
food affects everyone's brain a little differently
With the Goldilocks approach, there is no need to diet to distraction. "Every single fad diet is total rubbish," Green said.

New Job- New Era

2009-01-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

FYI- I did end up getting the promotion at work. I'm nervous and excited. My title will be Quality Assurance Associate. I will basically be making sure that the blood products we have are of the highest quality. It has been difficult for me to make the decision because I have grown close to the people I work with and the lab is a comfort zone for me. I did however see my self in a sag-net job situation (almost everyone in the lab has worked there for over 25 years) and felt that i need to make a lateral move so I could move upwards in the future. I also wanted to try something outside of the lab. I will have an office and will finally be working a 9-5ish day. It kind of makes be feel grown up. Lessons I learned was that if you ask it opens possibilities. I ended up with a better job and higher pay just by asking if it could be. That doesn't mean it was easy and I did have to make a case but it was worth it. I'll be starting off on the 19th of this month and then will be in California for a week for some advance training. I think that this job will open many doors in many types of companies and i am excited for that. Its all new and yes I am scared that I wont be able to preform to the high expectations that senior management has set, but at the same time its a rush that keeps me alive and each day living.

Our first Christmas Presents

2008-12-26T20:14:00.000-08:00

I thought since these where the first Christmas presents that we would make a video of us opening them. These are awesome signs. I might have to use this idea for other people.

FAV QUOTES

2008-12-23T10:02:00.001-08:00

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."
--Anne Bradstreet

snow day or artic blast

2008-12-16T18:59:00.000-08:00

I'm adding this on because after I posted this I looked at the previous post of the snow day and I thought it was really funny if you compare the two. What I thought was snow looks like nothing when comparing the older pictures. HaHa. Perception is so interesting and important to remember when dealing with everything.
This looking down the street to the left

This is looking down the other way

This is looking at the house. I think I've lost 3 plants so far. maybe more

You can see next to the pool how deep the snow is.

So that a nice snow day last Sunday has lasted over a week. Usually our snow days are a quick trip. The snow is pretty and calming with kids building snowmen and freaking out there is no school. well its started that way. When portlanders wake up the next morning it usually has rained and melted the snow or the warm air has cleared the idea from the earth and our minds. however this time when we woke up the snow was not gone but had frozen solid. The next day the snow is still there, and the next day, and is still here and getting worse. Who said there is no climate change going on. I am stuck at home using my vacation time. Oh yeah my car broke down last Tuesday. It just stopped working so we have been stuck with one car. I know you people out there in Utah are like please give me a break, but the this city isn't prepared for this type of weather. Also there are layers of snow ice snow ice from the freezing rain. It's fun to walk on because its like a shell but death on wheels for cars. I'll put some pics up. Crazy. I've never wanted it to rain so bad. There is this weird thing that I notice about the seasons. When ever a season reaches it extream point I can't wait for the next one to start. When its summer and really hot you just want to see fall. When its winter and its bitter cold and you're locked down by the situtation you just want to see spring. It reminds me of life and its these extreams that make you really thankful when they are not there.

FAV QUOTES

2008-12-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
-- Thomas Edison,American inventor

Ginger bread house

2008-12-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

The stockings. ah so cute.

The tree. Without the truck we have had to settle.

During the snow day we finally built the gingerbread house. it was fun. memories.

SNOW DAY!!!

2008-12-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

We woke up to our annual snow day. We get maybe one or two a year so it was pretty cool. The tropical plants always look great in snow. It is a big deal here. The news channels go nuts. I'm sure you've heard me say that before. The big deal is that it usually ends up with some freezing rain. You don't mess with freezing rain. When the road is ice you just slide and slide even in four wheel drive. Chains are your best bet, at any luck, but even if you have those there will be someone on the road who doesn't. and yes they will hit you. Here is a video from last year. It makes me laugh. To answer Valerie's questions on thanksgiving. It was just Lucas, a friend, and me. They where both sick so we whipped up a quick 2.5 hour meal. I got called in to go work in the morning. It was pretty impressive meal. We had ham, prime roast, mashed potatoes, candy yams and sweet potatoes, stuffing, collard greens, cheese ball, rolls, and what you saw was those little hot dog/sausage things cooking in BBQ sauce-not cranberry sauce. They are super yummy and are a great easy snack.

Here is our attempt to decorate for Christmas.

Here is the light switch that Lucas cut his finger on. That probably makes more sense on the how.

blasted Nov.

2008-12-13T21:30:00.000-08:00

What a ruff month Nov was- well at least for Lucas. There has been lots of opportunity for growth. First it was the bitter-sweet election for me focusing on the churches and peoples positions on prop 8 in California. It was a difficult time afterwords having understandings on both sides and I can say I grew in courage and understanding. It was an area that I wanted to improve in and I got my chance. The issue is in the past and I feel I have handled it. It also helped solidify fine lines that I have been struggling with for years. While I was struggling with that Lucas was hit up against a defamation issue. It help confirmed the need for equality for all. To judge a person upon their character and not on identifiers. It is why stereotypes and assumptions should never be used in making decisions, gossip, or judgments. What seems simple and harmless can be exemplified to a point where people are hurt or worse. "All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This is the second time in my life have words hit me hard like this. Lucas will be okay and his company is working with him to help prosecute the accuser. So while this is all going on Lucas got strep pretty bad. This was around thanksgiving. I was on call for the week so I was stressed. Then a random parking light just snapped in half and landed on his truck. It shattered the windshield and hit the top of the passenger door. Its still getting fixed; hopefully it will be done this week. Then this week on Tue night lucas hit the edge of the light switch in the kitchen and cut his finger. We spent late into the night in the ER so he could get stitched up. BUT we are in the healing phase. All the wounds are scaring over and there are lessons learned. We are stronger then one month ago and more greatful then ever. This year we had an extraordinary warm fall. This caused the leaves on the trees to stick around a little longer. When leaves stick around they get those vibrant colors I remember growing up in a desert. On my way to work everyday I get to go through a forest. During this whole time of struggle I saw this striking beauty. Every time i drove through the bends of the freeway I noticed the leaves and their beauty with large evergreen trees in the back among a blue sky reminded me of how greatful I was just to see this. My problems melted. (to bad lucas drives the other way. haha)

perception vers reality

2008-12-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

I was in a leadership development class and this saying really stuck with me. There are many ways to say this idea but I like this one.

perception vers reality
perception is reality
you create your perception

Blog-fast

2008-11-10T19:26:00.000-08:00

I am following my sisters lead and taking a break from the blog world. I was actually planning on this anyways. I'm part of a leadership program at work and we have started our projects and I have become very busy with those. More then that I have recently been battling a war I never thought I would fight. It seems odd that when I finally felt the acceptance of myself and of others- a conflict between two worlds who do not seem to understand each other starts. A conflict that effects the few people who lived in both worlds. We are the ones who are hurt. But with every battle there are scars. Scars tell a story. Stories remind us of how we felt. I know I'm changing. Becoming more. Understanding more. I know this is vague and I'm not sure how long the war will last. Could be weeks- could be years. I need to take a break. stop, listen, and learn. Love Joel

Mexico - Puerto Morelos

2008-10-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

On the Balcony at the room in puerto morelos

eating diner on the beach

Picture of the moon. I wasn't fast enough to get it while half was covered by the ocean. this picture doesn't to justice for the size.

Driving on the road system. Actually they have pretty nice roads. As you can see its pretty green there. The jungle grows up to the road, but the do an awesome job at keeping the plants cut and the road clear. The weird thing is that the speed fluctuates a lot for no apparent reason. um...speed traps

I decided to do this by location instead of day. We went to Mexico to celebrate 5 years of being in a relationship. Its weird to think of how quick time can be and when I look back at the last five years its amazing how much has happen. This was all possible because last year during thanksgiving we had the chance to be bumped from our flight and in return received a free flight. So when you have a chance- do it! We arrived in Mexico around 5 pm and because they advise not to drive at night we decided to stay in a small fishing town just 15 miles south in Puerto Morelos. We got to the town pretty quick but once we got there we couldn't find the Hotel. yea-In this huge town of 8 blocks. (of course i didn't get bring any directions to any of the places we where staying) We called and no one spoke English at the hotel. We knew it was on the beach so we just drove down all these little alleys until finally we found it. It was on the beach and the room was pretty big and quite cheep. Another reason we went there was because they have one of the best spot for snorkeling along the reef. We didn't get to go there cause the ocean was to ruff. The people were nice and the food was pretty good. The best part was the moon. We were eating dinner outside at a restaurant and it was pretty dark. Then raised a large moon out in the ocean. It was orange and you could see it moving. The moon moves very quickly there. Its so beautiful and you could see the landscape of the moon without a telescope. We didn't do much else there. We were tired of the long travel and just relaxed and looked and listened to ocean in the moonlight. One funny thing is that Lucas ate half a bar similar to a granola bar and left the rest in the wrapper on the counter. In the morning there was this long long long line of sugar ants that where taking little parts of it. We had breakfast and headed south to Tulum. My favorite story of the trip happen on the way there. We are driving south and this is the longest part of the driving about 40 miles. (btw everyone there has new cars. I was surprised. I think we had the oldest car on the road) So we are going about 100k/h which is around 60 m per hour. And we see a truck that looks like a dump truck full of just junk. As we are passing it we notice two animals on top of the junk. It was two little monkeys fighting each other on top of this big truck going about 50 miles an hour down the road. It was so funny and i wish the camera wouldn't have been in the trunk of the car. We made sure to keep the camera handy for the rest of the trip.

Pictures of Mexico

2008-10-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

This is taking much longer than I thought to get info on my trip up. I thought I would post some of my favorite pictures taken on the trip.

This is on the ferry ride to an island off of Cancun that we spent the last day on.

This is me at the shark tank at the local mall

This was the Tulum Beach.

pretty fish

This was the beach next to Tulum right before the second of three storms that we got caught in.

This Picture is also before the storm right outside of the Cabana. Its awesome picture for your desktop background.

This was our search for the Tulum ruins. It was actually pouring rain and the wind was really strong up there

This is the Largest ruin in Tulum.

This last picture is of the ruins in Tulum and my favorite. It's not full of color but its sums up the essence of Mexico (and the space is great in the picture).

Home at last!

2008-10-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

After being in Mexico for the last week I am home. I actually got home on Tuesday after spending one quick night in LA (less than 12 hrs). Mexico was awesome and I hope to do a day- by-day now that I'm getting readjusted to normal life. I can stop saying hola and gracias or counting in Spanish. It's probably annoying to people at work. Over all being outside of the United States always reminds me how much I love my country. Regardless of the differences and the negative spin you sometimes get- being an American is and has a responsibility and a security. That said being in Mexico reminds me of the simple things. The basics is what we treasure, understand, and seek the most. I seem to get lost in "material objects" or accomplishment- sometimes just the routine of life. Stepping back in one of the most gorgeous places on Earth helps reline focus. Not that anything was profound but you start to notice the simple basics.

Mexico Bound

2008-10-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

It has been a while but I've been busy getting ready to spend my first total relaxing vacation. Work's taken care of and the trip is planned. Since I have been a little boy it was my dream to see middle Americas pyramids. I going to do that tomorrow. Wish me luck! Hope you all have a GREAT day!

FAV QUOTES

2008-09-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."

--Marie Curie, Nobel Prize-winning physicist and chemist

My Blog had a blog baby

2008-09-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in the last video post that I was going to start more post on nutrition and exercise. Instead of more post I made a new blog! It's called: Balance your Body. I've only copied the previous odes for now. Check it out-spread the word!

http://yourbodybalance.blogspot.com/

HEY YA DANETTE

2008-09-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

MIKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Mika is a singer from Britain. He is awesome and his album Life in Cartoon Motion was my favorite in 2007. I know it a little late but.... its never to late for Mika. He didn't get huge attention in the USA but his music is up beat and you cant help but smile and feel good when you listen to it. PEACE!

Labor Day and me

2008-09-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

For labor day Lucas and I with some friends decided to hike the hike at multnomah falls. The water was really low being the end of the summer. But the hike was worth it. The view was awesome at the top and you don't realize how tall the fall is until you are there. It is a very steep hike (even though I saw lots of kids and someone in a wheel chair) and I was sore the next day. We spend the rest of the weekend building a bookcase and cleaning the garage and office. I'll have picture to update on it. HAVE A GREAT DAY! (If you click on the pictures they get much larger)

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama

2008-08-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

When I first saw Michelle Obama she looked like a sweet lady but also she kind of annoyed me. Mostly cause I just put stereotypes on her(why do I still do this?). That all changed when I heard her speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=790hG6qBPx0 at the DNC the other day. Well I started it the other day and just finished it. I was wrong. I was extremely impressed by her. I was surprised how easy it was to connect to her (maybe it was that her speech focused around her father having MS and overcoming obstacles through the American dream) and how smart-not to mention beautiful. So I

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Obama her and she is pretty amazing. Take a look into her. I think she will rock as a First lady and be a great advisor and support to Barack.

I do have to mention that I watched Hillary's speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeFMZ7fpGHY at the DNC in between the to segs of Michelle's and the second half was a little dulled by Hillarys. The speech Hillary gave was a power house. This woman is seriously awesome. Its not just that she can articulate well its that I can actually feel the passion behind her words.

Flowers finally

2008-08-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

.

I've always loved plants and planting. Now that I finally own a house I started to design my yard- slowly. I keep though planting everything late and so they have been blooming late. But some have started and I'm super excited for the rest. Here are some pictures of how pretty the gladiolas are:

They look good in my front room too :)

This is my fuchsia My second Mexican palm is finally starting to open up too.

OLYMPICS - what a dor tor

2008-08-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

I’m not a huge sports guy. I’m into fitness and living a healthy lifestyle but you won’t often find me on the couch for Monday night football or crazed up for March madness (unless of coarse I’m in a bet). You will though see me yelling at the TV and spending hours cheering for the full length of a marathon during the Olympics. It’s the one time I am the sports guy and I don’t think I am alone in this phenomenon. I’m not sure what it is exactly about them. Maybe it’s that they only happen once ever four years; maybe it’s that it’s the best of the best; maybe it’s because it’s the one thing that unites humanity-maybe it’s all of it. Either way I love being a part of it.

This year swimming has dominated the Olympics with record after record being broken. It is awesome to see Phelps out there- like some Armstrong- showing that the human race, every now and then, makes a super being. But the person I enjoyed watching the most was Dara Torres. She’s 41 years old and she is amazing. Competing against people almost half her age has raised the bar and at the same time made the bar reachable.

Like Torres and many other athletes at the games there have been outstanding performances by people who are considered older for the competitions. It’s never to late start and you are never too old to become great. Of coarse these Olympians have been working there whole lives but it doesn’t mean that you as a person can’t start something today or refocus that thing you’ve always wanted to be great at. That’s why I love the Olympics they refresh, energize, and remind me that I should be always striving to be the best me!

FAV QUOTES

2008-08-18T23:00:00.001-07:00

"I love scars. I love uniqueness, and people who own their uniqueness."
-Angelina Jolie

YELLOWSTONE

2008-08-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

After having an awesome trip to Yellowstone I thought I would post some awesome pictures. They should be large enough files that you can use them as desktop wallpaper: enjoy!

OFF of being ON-Call

2008-08-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

I'm finially off being on-call for this round. I'm on-call for work about every 4-6 weeks for a week long. I got called in on Tue night till 3:30am and had to be up and to work at 7:00am. It sucks! Its the simplest way to say it. I get grouchy and I'm usually stressed for the duriation of the time for the potenitial of having to go in. That said and the vent opened I'm done and happy- nothing feels better then the relief- to be off of being on call.

this means I can catch up on post and events :)

Ode to the Kiwi

2008-08-04T18:53:00.001-07:00

The kiwi is, in my opinion, one of the healthiest and best tasting fruits. It is really hard to beat a perfectly ripen kiwi. YUM! I even have a unique technique at eating them. I cut off the top then suck out the meat why I squeeze the bottom of it. It’s a little barbaric and messy, but its fun.

The kiwi is a small fruit approximately 3 inches long and weighing about four ounces. Its green flesh is almost creamy in consistency with an invigorating taste reminiscent of strawberries, melons and bananas, yet with its own unique sweet flavor.

In the world of phytonutrient research, kiwi has fascinated researchers for its ability to protect DNA in the nucleus of human cells from oxygen-related damage. Researchers are not yet certain which compounds in kiwi give it this protective antioxidant capacity, but they are sure that this healing property is not limited to those nutrients most commonly associated with kiwi, including its vitamin C or beta-carotene content. Since kiwi contains a variety of flavonoids and carotenoids that have demonstrated antioxidant activity, these phytonutrients in kiwi may be responsible for this DNA protection.

Kiwi is an excellent source vitamin C-the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body. It neutralizes free radicals that can cause damage to cells and lead to problems such as inflammation and cancer. In fact, adequate intake of vitamin C has been shown to be helpful in reducing the severity of conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma, and for preventing conditions such as colon cancer, atherosclerosis, and diabetic heart disease. And since vitamin C is necessary for the healthy function of the immune system, it may be useful for preventing recurrent ear infections in people who suffer from them. Kiwi is also a good source of the important fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin E. This combination of both fat- and water-soluble antioxidants makes kiwi able to provide free radical protection on all fronts.

HISTORY

The kiwifruit is a fruit with a very interesting history and whose recent rise in popularity reflects a combination of an appreciation for its taste, nutritional value, unique appearance and, surprisingly, its changing name.
Native to China, kiwifruits were originally known as Yang Tao. They were brought to New Zealand from China by missionaries in the early 20th century with the first commercial plantings occurring several decades later. In 1960, they were renamed Chinese Gooseberries.
In 1961, Chinese Gooseberries made their first appearance at a restaurant in the United States and were subsequently "discovered" by an American produce distributor who felt that the U.S. market would be very receptive to this uniquely exotic fruit. She initiated the import of these fruits into the United States in 1962, but to meet what was felt to be burgeoning demand, changed its name from Chinese Gooseberry to kiwifruit, in honor of the native bird of New Zealand, the kiwi, whose brown fuzzy coat resembled the skin of this unique fruit. Currently, Italy, New Zealand, Chile, France, Japan and the United States are among the leading commercial producers of kiwifruit.

For the most antioxidants, consume fully ripened kiwi!

the dinosours are...

2008-07-31T22:12:00.000-07:00

obviously in the museum and fossils. I have the smartest nephews. I was thinking they would fabricated something but they actually figured out logical answers. amazing!

FAV QUOTES

2008-07-31T20:53:00.001-07:00

So driving to work I saw one of my favorite bumber stickers. I thought I'd make a reoccurring post like my odes to food. I'm not going to say why I'm just going to post them. Here's the first one:

Well behaved women seldom make history!
-Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Okay so I just said I wasn't going to say anything about them but I thought i would Google this quote real fast to see if there was an author linked. There is- Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. What I didn't know was that she self-identifies as an active feminist and Mormon, and has written with great insight about her experiences. She has a won many awards and has recently wrote a book Well behaved Women on some women socitey would call not well behaved women for their time. Interesting....would love to learn from her.

Republican-Democratic or Bust?

2008-07-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

I’ve claimed myself as Independent since I was 18 years old even though I would say I favored the Republican Party because it was all around me. One reason I did so was because I didn’t really understand what the difference was. I didn't see myself here or there and honestly I didn’t really care. After moving out on my own I’ve had the many moments, as we all do, that start to truly define who you are and what you believe and value. Things shifted for me in a big way after I moved away from home. Everything I knew and those all around me seem to be Democratic. Elections have come and go and yet I’ve never sat down to find out am I a GOP or a DNC. This year is different. We have already seen a shift and new grounds developed. Both guys have a likeable charm so I need to see where I stand. One of the smartest ladies I work with and know said to me "my parents where republican, I’m republican, and I’ll always vote republican." I’ve gotten to know this lady pretty well. She trained me for over a year. She’s not a republican. And if she was I’d care less. What I refuse to be is what ever my parents where for the sake that’s what my parents where or what is all around me. After researching the fundamentals of both parties I see myself in both. With Republicans I like their economic ideals yet I dislike their environmental stance- one thing I like with democrats. I like the social liberalism of democrats but I’d rather see it more social progression. I like the Fiscal conservatism of republicans yet the Bush admin will be leaving with a trillion dollar debt and I simply don’t like the democrat’s stance on gun control- not the problem solver. Both parties’ beginnings are very interesting and I like they way they both start; Breaking from the norm for a more progressive nation. I like the word progressive. That’s what we need a new party or no party at all. Its seems like the generations are changing and I feel more people fit in this category of lets get rid of the party and look at the candidates. I guess that makes me still an independent. I think I’ll stay that way and judge each person on what and where they stand and what feels right in my heart. Go team USA!!!!

pre-reunion

2008-07-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

SHARKS

2008-07-24T20:58:00.001-07:00

Sharks are awesome animals!

When you've been perfected over millions of years you become in a class of your own.----oh i should copyrite that tag.

Ode to the Almond

2008-07-24T20:18:00.001-07:00

A high-fat food that's good for your health? That's not an oxymoron, its almonds.

I honestly believe that almonds are the best snack food. They are easy to store, versatile to eat, and taste yummy just plain. Also they are something you can sit down and eat like a bowl of chips, crackers, or candy. (Sometimes I mix mine with M&Ms-but not to much chocolate) I buy them from the bulk containers at the store so they are much cheaper and just keep a bag at work and a bowl out at home.

Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats as are found in olive oil, which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease.
In addition to their cholesterol-lowering effects, almonds' ability to reduce heart disease risk may also be partly due to the antioxidant action of the vitamin E found in the almonds, as well as to the LDL-lowering effect of almonds' monounsaturated fats.

Magnesium is Nature's own calcium channel blocker. When there is enough magnesium around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, which lessens resistance and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Almonds are also a concentrated in protein. A quarter-cup contains 7.62 grams-more protein than is provided by the typical egg, which contains 5.54 grams.

History of the Almond

The almond that we think of as a nut is technically the seed of the fruit of the almond tree, a glorious medium-size tree that bears fragrant pink and white flowers. Like its cousins, the peach, cherry and apricot trees, the almond tree bears fruits with stone-like seeds (or pits) within. The seed of the almond fruit is what we refer to as the almond nut.
Almonds are an ancient food that have been written about in historical texts, including the Bible. Almonds were thought to have originated in regions in western Asia and North Africa. The Romans referred to almonds as the "Greek nut" in reference to the civilization suggested to have first cultivated them.
Almonds are now grown in many of the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea including Spain, Italy, Portugal and Morocco, as well as in California. The cultivation of almonds in California, the only state that produces them, has an interesting history. Almond trees were originally brought to California centuries ago when missions were created by the Spanish, but cultivation of the trees was abandoned when the missions were closed. Almond trees found their way back to California in the 19th century via the eastern United States. In 1840, almond trees were brought over from Europe and were first planted in New England. Because the climate on the Eastern seaboard did not support their cultivation, the trees were brought to California where they thrived and continue to do so.

Luke wheres the dinos?

2008-07-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a response to Luke's video. I love seeing all my nephews and nieces. Awesome shorts btw Luke. You know it reminded me of when we use to pick out our own special material and my mom would make us shorts out of them. :) In the video it says you can NOT ask your parents. I just want to here their idea with out any influences. Have a GREAT day!

"to cry or not to cry over death"

2008-07-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

The comment Bridget made over a post (I remember crying uncontrollably. I barely knew her. It was one of the strangest encounters I've had with death.) made me think. I have cried in my life over people dieing, but as I look back it was all people I didn't know really well. I especially remember crying over the death of one of my primary teachers husband. I'm not sure if was because it was my first encounter or was it more? The few people I have known well I haven't lost but a few drops of "true tears" Is it because I knew them and understood them more? Do I cry more over people who I don't know because I missed the chance in this life to connect with them? Did I connect with them pre-life? Its hard to know for sure. When I worked in the hospitals and would have people die-mostly the young people- why I was struggling to get there test results out I just felt such a sorrow. Like I said I have never had a person very close to me pass away. Is this odd and a characteristic of Joel or do others share this same experience?

Ode to the Banana

2008-07-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Bananas are one of my favorite fruits. So I will be doing odes to all my favorite foods. Read and eat them please :)

Bananas are one of our best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Since the average banana contains a whopping 467 mg of potassium and only 1 mg of sodium, a banana a day may help to prevent high blood pressure.

Bananas have long been recognized for their antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. Bananas work their protective magic in two ways: First, substances in bananas help activate the cells that compose the stomach lining, so they produce a thicker protective mucus barrier against stomach acids. Second, other compounds in bananas called protease inhibitors help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that have been pinpointed as a primary cause of stomach ulcers.

Bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber (called a hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive tract and ease constipation. Bananas also contain resistant starch, but this amount varies depending on their degree of ripeness.

Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound called a prebiotic because it nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce vitamins and digestive enzymes that improve our ability to absorb nutrients, plus compounds that protect us against unfriendly microorganisms. When fructooligosaccharides are fermented by these friendly bacteria, not only do numbers of probiotic bacteria increase, but so does the body's ability to absorb calcium. In addition, gastrointestinal transit time is lessened, decreasing the risk of colon cancer.

HISTORY of the BANANA

Bananas are thought to have originated in Malaysia around 4,000 years ago. From there, they spread throughout the Philippines and India, where in 327 B.C. Alexander the Great's army recorded them being grown.
Bananas were introduced to Africa by Arabian traders and discovered there in 1482 A.D. by Portuguese explorers who took them to the Americas, the place where the majority of bananas are now produced.
Bananas were not brought to the United States for sale in markets until the latter part of the 19th century and were initially only enjoyed by people in the seacoast towns where the banana schooners docked; because of the fruit's fragility, they were unable to be transported far.
Since the development of refrigeration and rapid transport in the 20th century, bananas have become widely available. Today, bananas grow in most tropical and subtropical regions with the main commercial producers including Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador and Brazil.

For the most antioxidants, eat fully ripened fruit!

The DJ, the Black Bird, and the Fly

2008-07-22T20:20:00.001-07:00

Even though I wasn’t going to post anything from the past and just start fresh I recently had a weird day last week. One of my friends from Salt Lake City recently died. He was a best friend to a person that was like an older brother for me when I lived in SLC when I was trying to grasp the world on my own. He was a DJ and he had a great smile. He always would forward me his cds that I could listen to at the gym and ended up sharing with most of my friends. Just as he was getting well known I found out he committed suicide. I don’t know why or the exacts but I was shocked. It seems like sometimes those who seem the happiest are hurting the most inside. Even though I knew him I didn’t burst out into tears. I was however affected by his death. That morning I heard Lucas yell from the bathroom “there’s a dead bird in the pool.” I was still in bed and I didn’t have my contacts in so it just looked like a piece of wood. (I have this thing that I can’t put my contacts in until I shower) After I showered and put my contacts in I went to the pool. Not only was it a dead bird it was a large black bird. Like a crow or raven. Well when I was little I heard somewhere the superstition of the black bird being a soul not being able to cross over. I scooped the bird out which looked and seemed stuffed. I then shocked the pool with chemicals. The rest of the day felt and seemed odd. I thought about death. Then that night I was going to take my contacts out and there in one of the eye cases was a dead fly. In all my years of wearing contacts I never found anything in the case. All these things of black and death. It all just sort of felt blah and so weird. I can say I started to get nervous. I went to bed thinking of why I didn’t cry. I never had anyone really close to me die. Or maybe it was being raised that death is just a doorway to the next life. Or that it was something uncontrollable. I’m just thankful for the people still in my life and the ones that make me smile.

My thoughts, flexing muscle, and naming my blog

2008-07-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

These all kind of correlate. I don't have any Children. I don't even have a pet (unless you count plants). What I do have is thoughts- ideas- questions. This is what my blog will consist of along with the events of my life. As commented about the picture of me flexing my arm "why is Joel flexing his muscles?" This allows me to flex the muscle of opening up and of using my brain muscle. You know when building muscle it is flexing to a point of fatigue that causes us to react. That way next time you are stronger, faster, and better. As it is with anything in life. Me being just me is a muscle that is pretty weak. I'm going to make it as strong as my arm. :)

My first thought has to do with naming my blog. This blog being initiated though family and all my siblings being married with children I struggled on how I should name it. Do I name it Joel and Lucas blog? Or do I name it something random like snaps? I decided with Joel. Because it is about me. As with all the other blogs they are really about one person. Even though they incorporate much of their family it’s still about them. Family becomes a big part of you, especially when it’s your own. But should you keep a small distance from allowing it to becoming all you are? I’m not saying family isn’t the most important thing and to most people it is. I just wonder how often people get lost in their family or in their family traditions and beliefs that they lose themselves. That they inhibit their progression or a more rapid progression. Are the being selfless or less of one self?

Now I think that family (in its many levels) is important or say I say so. But do I show it. I think I don’t and that is one change I’m making. I also think that it’s important to tell your family- no, it’s my time to develop this talent or this aspect and you need to respect that. Now I can’t imagine doing that with a 2 or 3 or a 2 and 3 year old. I am grateful those parents you take time to focus on those you can’t tell no too. I do love my family and all their unconditional love for me. Make sure that you don’t mistake being selfless for loosing you identity.

I know this is a long blog. But in the end I want to say that I understand that not everyone with think the way I do or see things the way I see it. I respect that and I will respect the ideas or thoughts you have.

MY Life MY Blog

2008-07-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

So I'm starting this "blogging" mainly because my family and I are far apart and its hard to stay in constant contact. Since we have the technology- why not use it. I will have to say this is mostly catilized by Valerie and our recent conversation. Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I didn't forget I have been thinking about it for days. Its like you always remember when you cant say it and then forget when you can. Story of my life. So I hope you enjoy :)