A Toast To Bloggers Everywhere-

My friend at work the other day told me that she was guilty of "Blog-Stalking". I had to laugh because I had never heard the term...but it got me thinking.

I have to admit that this whole blogging thing is starting to grow on me. I never realized how many people out there have a story to tell, and that, for the most part, they tell it really well. There are some people who should probably NOT be allowed to blog, (see "Mike" a regular on YouTube who asked for input from the World Wide Web on if he should buy beer for his son or not). However, for the most part, there are a lot of fascinating people out there.

As you may have noticed, there are quite a few blog links off to the side of my blog. I invite you to check them all out. They are all fantastically entertaining and fun to read. Some of them actually have useful information. All of them are from someone whom I care about. A brief run down of each one is as follows:

Bridg-izzle - This is my youngest sister. She is one of the most intelligent and witty people that I know. Sometimes her insights on life blow me away. And I have yet to meet a single person who can deliver an eye-roll with her talent.

Kaila the Factotum - This is my sister-in-law. By far one of the most useful blogs I have found, but also very entertaining. I encourage you to check the comments on her entries as that is where most of the entertainment is found as conversation strings go off on many wild tangents.

The Wright Stuff - This is my cousin and her family. They are some of the most wonderful people that I have the pleasure of knowing. The stories of their kids are hilarious and touching.

Austin...Oh and his parents - My cousin's wife writes this blog. I love the pictures of their son Austin. Cute kid. They have a lot of good stories, and if you ever need some photos to make you smile...their son laughing will do it.

Seriously Susan - This is my brother-in-law's sister, (sister-in-law?). She is very talented in her writing and always makes me laugh. She recently got married, (Congratulations), to a CSI investigator. But apparently he doesn't deliver witty closing lines before commercial breaks ala Horatio Caine. But the one time I met him, he seems like a really great guy. Susan is happy…that is all that matters.

Nott Everything is as it seems – My cousin Mark has posted this one. I just recently found it, so I have not read everything, but what I have read is fun. I have learned two things: One) Mark has a strange obsession with IKEA, and Two) He really likes Apple Computers…but can you blame him?

Life Of Adam – Adam is another cousin who I recently found blogging. His latest adventure is that of living out of his car. If you are looking to kill time and for a laugh, check out Adam’s Hobo Life.

The Takahashi Blog – One of my dearest friends keeps this blog relatively up-to-date. She does have a strange fascination with Harry Potter, but until she gets that lightening tattoo on her forehead, I am not too concerned. Well written and fun to read.

Holly’s Druthers – This is a new approach to blogging. On a semi-regular basis, Holly will post questions such as, “Would you rather run out of gas in the middle of rush hour or in the middle of the night (without a cell phone in either case)?” The sad thing is that all the questions she posts are from true-life experiences of her and her friends. (See if you can pick the one that I inspired)

The Carlton Crew – One of my oldest (as in long time…I am older than her), friends and her husband, and the tales of their brand new life together. They just had a baby girl and it is clear that she is the greatest thing in their lives.

So if you have some free time, I invite you to check these blogs out. All of these people are wonderful examples of good people. I have the utmost respect for each of them, and I love them very much.

For more blog-stalking, I also recommend these blogs:

www.thenewawesome.blogspot.com
www.thehomelessguy.wordpress.com

Apparently, pants are optional-

I have great roommates. I really do. There are four of them, each unique in their own way. Because we live on Buffalo Ave., we call ourselves the Buffalo Boyz. When there is a party, the invitation usually says, "At the Buffalo Boyz". We are pretty well known...even to the police department.

We all get along very well, inspite of each of us being very different. I am the only one who is a Mormon. My roommates respect that completely and we have had many opportunities to discuss religion and the Book of Mormon. They know that I go to church each Sunday, and whenever there is a party going on, they always make sure that there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks for me. (Also...it should be noted that since I have moved in, there hasn't been a single citation issued to anyone in our house for parties. I've been told that this is unusual.)

However, they also have their quirks. As with all guys, myself included, we aren't always the cleanest of people. We all do a decent job of cleaning up after ourselves and respecting the needs of others. However, we do have a maid that comes in on a regular basis to make sure that the place is presentable.

I write all this because one thing has been on my mind, and despite my best efforts, I can't get the image out of my head. The other day, I was walking downstairs to the kitchen, and one of my roommates struts his way down the hall with nary a pant, nor knickers to cover the bottom half of his body. He isn't a skinny fellow. Nor does he lack in hair.

Apparently, at the Buffalo Boyz, pants are optional.

This should be entertaining...
I just caught myself staring into the bottom of my water bottle and seriously contemplating how the word omphaloskepsis came to be. While we are at it...what about words like campanologist, (which has nothing to do with camping), tintinnabulation, (which actually is related to campanologist), and why does corybantic always seem to precede descriptions of mosh pits and grunge band concerts?

I realize that it has been a while since I updated this. In fact, it has been so long, that Max Powers, whom I last wrote about, is now roving the streets of Payson with his tricycle gang, dragging Barbie dolls and telling people that "this is how I ride".

Ok, so maybe it hasn't been that long. However, I feel it is about time that I award my diligent fans, ok, fan...I like to call her Mom, with an update on my life.

Over the last three months, I have been to Vegas, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah at least twice, the Bay area of California, Phoenix, there was another hazy moment or two in Vegas again, and Long Beach. I have swam with dolphins, went on a chili dog eating spree, (maybe that should be more of a present tense phrase since I am still chasing the dog from restaurant to restaurant in my relentless pursuit to find the ultimate Chili Dog, so far PCH is winning), I slept one night in the backseat of my car, changed clothes in my driveway at 5:30 AM, held 2 different girls on two different days for over an hour each while they cried about different lost loved ones in their lives within 3 days of each other, and I shocked 15 teenagers in my Seminary class when they learned that I was hip enough to be familiar with...AND HAVE... a MySpace page.

Not counting Sundays or time outside of California, my last day off was near the beginning of April. I did laundry that day. Tomorrow I have the day off and the only thing I have planned is sleep. And watching TiVO. And finding just one more chili dog. Maybe 2.

So there you have it...the summation of three months of work, travel, seminary, overdosing on energy drinks, and an unexplainable fascination with chili dogs. I think I am going to go to lunch. Maybe I will have Mexican.

Max Powers Update-
I have had many of you asking to know how my new nephew Max is doing. First of all, thank you very much for your concerns and prayers. I have no doubt that they are being answered. Max is doing awesome.
As I previously noted, he was born at 3 pounds and 3 ounces. The latest update is that he is now 4 pounds 1 ounce. (I just realized that I ate the same weight in burritos over the last two days...Go Del Taco!)

On a personal note...for those who might not have heard...I can no longer stay up late during the week. I have been asked to teach Seminary every morning at 6 AM to the Sophomores in our stake. For those of my friends who are not Mormon, Seminary is a weekday class that high school students take to study the scriptures and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have to say that on the one hand I am very excited about this new opportunity, and on the other hand, I am scared spit-less.

Funny...I always thought you had to be married to teach Seminary. I asked the Stake President twice if he knew that I was single. He said that it was ok, they just won't be calling me as a bishop any time soon. I didn't think that was very funny.

Finally...in honor of the Simpsons and Max:

When I woke up Monday morning last week, I had no idea the emotional roller coaster that I was about to be subjected to. Running the full gambit of fear of loss and sadness beyond words to utter joy and excitement, the last week has held for me more contrary emotional stances in juxtaposition to each other than I had ever thought possible in so short a time.
My mother called me to tell me that my older sister had been rushed to the emergency room for what we later found was preeclampsia. She was expecting her first child, and I know that she and her husband had been excited about this new addition to their family for a very long time.
The first thoughts that barreled their way into the forefront of my thoughts was an episode of "House MD" in which they discussed preeclampsia and its dangers to both mother and infant. Knowing that if it had been even a minor plot point of a major television show, it had to be something serious, I committed myself to finding out the truth about this condition. I soon learned through www.preeclampsia.org the truth about this condition and that it was a very serious issue...not something to be trifled with nonchalantly. It was at this point that I was hit with the burdening realization that I could lose my sister. A more sobering thought, I can't imagine.
The second report from Utah was that she was in the hospital and that within the week, my nephew would be born. Knowing this, I felt I should stay down here in the OC and just wait for further details.
Not long after that, I got another call saying that the specialist had determined that the baby was going to be extracted now. My sister's blood pressure was critically high and they needed to C-Section the baby as soon as possible.
It was at this point that I spoke with my boss and within the hour was on the road to Utah. Leaving California in my wake, I pushed my car to its limits as I swept across the desert, through Nevada and up the Beehive state to be with my family.
I pulled into Utah county at Midnight, and picking up my youngest sister, we went straight to the hospital. Both my brother-in-law and my older sister were awake, and it was then that I learned that both mother and child were ok. There was still a long road to recovery and growth, but they were both headed in the right direction. A few minutes later, as I stood in the NICU wing of the hospital, and held my hand against the rising and falling chest of my 3 pound 3 ounce nephew, unconditional love wiped away all the fear and sorrow that during my 10 hour drive had set up residency in my mind. I saw before me the miracle of life, and my heart went out to the little guy as I watched him fighting to take on this new world into which he had been pulled.
Later that morning, as I climbed into bed at my parents' house, I contemplated the fact that just a short day earlier I had awoke in Orange County with nothing on my mind but the work day ahead of me.
The next few days were filled with family support, well-wishes of friends and associates, and one more road trip to the Idaho border and back. It was three days of memory building and relationship strengthening that will never be taken from me. It was a difficult drive back to my "home" in California, but I knew the time had come. Both mother and child were doing very well, and a positive prognosis had been given.
I just want to take this moment with you right now to let you know that I know our Heavenly Father was watching over my sister and nephew. He was with all of us as we faced this challenge. I thank Him every day for His blessing of me and my family...and that I still have my sister and a new nephew.
Just remember one thing...when you wake up tomorrow morning...you can not imagine what that day may hold for you.

I Live My Life As Taught By the Lyrics of Ace of Base

It's true...I haven't updated this in awhile. Part of that is due to the fact that I really haven't done much traveling for the company. However...travel I have done.

I realized today how much my day to day life is predicated upon the things I learned from Ace of Base. I saw the sign...and it turned my life around...I saw the sign. If it wasn't for that sign, I could have easily driven right past my exit and ended up somewhere in San Diego. Now I realize that San Diego isn't the worst spot that I could ever get stranded, (consider the Ft. Lauderdale airport for 3 days), however, it is not where my work is. If I didn't show up to work, I wouldn't get paid, (nor would I get so much product), and if I didn't get paid, I couldn't enjoy my O.C.-riffic lifestyle that I am coming to enjoy. So seeing that sign, it turned my life around, I saw the sign.

Speaking of turning around...Don't. Don't turn around, because you will see my heart breaking, don't turn around, you will start seeing me cry...but you won't finish seeing me cry because I will turn and run...run like a politician in November. Ok, you can turn around, but watch out for that sign.

So to bring both of my readers up to speed in my life, first, the Holidays were fantastic. I spent one evening in the Las Vegas airport the Friday before Christmas. Let me tell you! Sleeping on that smelly carpet that crawled with vermin of all sorts of gambling type was SO worth the $40 I saved to get that early flight in the morning. I did realize one thing...I am not as young as I used to be when I used to hang out in airports. The joints were a bit more achy. (Is that a real word? I declare it so.)

Christmas itself was one of the best that I can remember. I was able to spend it with many of my family members, and two of my all-time favorite nieces. The trip to Utah was enjoyable and I saw a spectacular feat of bladder control as my sister, (whose life I ruined at the 2002 Olympics), went 13 hours straight without having to use a restroom. Kudos to her.

New Years was a wonderful time that I got to spend with my girlfriend and her family. We were also able to enjoy that down-home, small town tradition of the Ward Breakfast on New Years day. To think that this tradition has been going on for over 25 years. Amazing.

And now it is the year of 007. I have started introducing myself everywhere I go as Dog...Liffdog. My one and only goal for this year is to watch every single James Bond Movie before 2008.

In closing...I wish you the greatest year that you could possibly imagine. Where ever you are, and in whatever stage of life you are in...make the most of it. Life is about living. And never forget those immortal words from Ace of Base: No one's going to drag you up, into the light, where you belong...but where DO you belong?

Spinning Fruit and Missing Wheels…does it get any better?

Ok, so yesterday I had a whirlwind of a trip to the Oakland/Bay Area. I think our actual meeting was in Concord…but it all went by in such a blur that I am not sure.

However…as is typical in Zach-Traveling-Fashion, things were memorable for sure. First of all, I wish to apologize to the entire Male Population. When we landed in Oakland and were trying to find our rental car, I actually stopped and asked for directions. I know…I know…”How could I?” As soon as I asked, I could hear a collective groan of disappointment as every male within a 50 mile radius of the Bay Area expressed their disgust at my actions. To you…I apologize.

So we had our Coral Camp Training in a Holiday Inn. I don’t know exactly what it was about the people there…but something was…how do I say this? Different. They were nice people to be sure. However, in the main conference room lobby, they had what can only be described as a shrine, centered around a fruit theme. Built into the wall were 4 glass cases. Each of them contained a large ceramic fruit, (apple, pear, orange, pear). The lighting in the area was dimmed all around these 4 oracles of fruit, but inside each of the cases was a spotlight, glowing down on each respective produce icon. To add to the ambience of sacredness of the tree droppings, each piece was slowly rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. Despite being there for over 6 hours, I was never able to get a satisfactory explanation as to "why?".

However, that was not to be the highlight of this trip…oh no…the highlight award was taken by Senile Old Guy With Calm Demeanor. Why, you ask, may a pleasant-faced geriatric take this oh-so-coveted award for this particular trip? It was because he was driving down the road, not a care in the world, with nary a front tire, (nor rim mind you), on the front passenger side of his Toyota Tercel. I kid you not…he drove for many a mile, following right behind Lyndsey and I as though nothing were amiss. I remember at one point, stopped at a stop light with him barreling down from behind, (sparks and pieces of his vehicle were flying off into the abyss of the California roadside), I saw in the rearview mirror his face looking straight at us…but with a glossed over look of non-registration that he was about to rear-end our poor rental car. The look in his eye just said that he was out for another ride around town. I remember discussing with Lyndsey, what could possibly be going through his head at a time like this to be so calm? We shall never know I suppose. He continued driving towards the airport as we pulled off for the rental car return. His sparks leaving a trail that not a spectator will forget.

As a final culinary note, while we were awaiting our flight out of there, I happened upon the cafeteria/food court for the Oakland Airport. I couldn’t pass up the chance to try one of their chili cheese dogs. If ever you are faced with a similar dilemma in this particular airport…I recommend you pass. The dog itself was of mediocre quality; however, the crux of the situation happened to be the burnt chili and awful fries. Seek ye out better food and you shall enjoy.

Here's to you Mime Guy!

The sad fact of the matter is that Mimery is a dying art. No longer do we see these painted on, jolly souls entertaining us on the street corners for a few quid each day. No more will you see as he (or she) struggles against an invisible restraint of cube-shaped glass. Children today are growing up in a world that knows not of these white faced street performers. So this blog goes out to you...Mime Guy! (or gal!)

It is amazing what you can find in a simple, ordinary day to write about, especially involving food. First of all, after spending a wonderful morning with Adrienne, I went to Orem with my parents to visit various family members. As things were winding up, my dear friend Blue called up and we went to lunch at our usual spot, the Techotinalian Market. If you are a fan of all things south of the border, and I mean the bland reality of true Mexican-influenced dishes, and not that overly-hyped sauced up jumbalaya that is served at every other "Mexican" restaurant, then you simply must visit this tidy piece of Mexico in Orem. Near the back of the store, encircled about by the carnacita and panderia, you will find a small kiosk-like stand with high benches around it. This is a small cafe where they don't speak English, but the make some wonderful tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Be careful what you order, because "Cabeza" is brain. Anyway, Blue got a quesadilla and I went with the old stand by of beef taco. They have changed the beverage of choice from Pepsi to Coke, but other than that, the food was wonderful. The plain corn tortilla was as simple as always, and the homemade salsas were, (besides muy caliente), fresh and fabulous. I didn't quite finish my second taco because I was getting full, not to mention the artery I found in the last bite. Finding and recognizing various body parts in your food tends to squelch any remaining appetite.

Later that evening, I was spending some great time with Monica and Erik. Erik had recently found Egg Nog flavored Jones Soda. They had bought me a bottle to enjoy. It was actually really good...for anyone that likes egg nog, which I do. Monica made it clear that this was something Erik and I would have to enjoy together, as she was not going to partake of the Jones Soda Goodness. After that they took me to the Iceberg drive in. We didn't "drive in" but rather sat on well cushioned "Sinclair" barstools inside. (Later we moved to a more traditional, albeit taller, table with seat-backed chairs). While Monica and Erik enjoyed meals of the burger variety and classic milkshakes, I enjoyed a simple grilled cheese and fries. Erik ordered a side of Onion rings that were later dubbed Onion Manacles as they fit over our hands and well onto our wrists. They were impressive. As was typical Iceberg fashion, the meal was not able to go the entire evening without hiccup. The hard working citizens of Icebergia forgot the shakes, so those came, pretty much as an after-dinner snack.

I closed the day with Adrienne. It was a great time as she schooled me in the game of "War". On the way home I stopped at Wal-mart to gather the ingredients for something Erik thought of: Chocolate Flavored Egg Nog.

And with that...and a nod of appreciation to all things Mime, good night!

Homeward Bound

So because of my road trip last week, the company was gracious enough to give me a couple days off. These are days that are much appreciated. I decided to do a road trip of my own. Unbeknownst to some people, I headed North, leaving the OC for the UC. (Utah County for those who aren't in the loop...duh).

Most people who know me to even the slightest degree, know that I have somewhat of a unique drive to try foods that can only be labeled as "new", "different" or "scary". In this category of "scary", it is common knowledge that I have consumed a wide variety of staples, from Twinkies of various flavors to "Self-Heating" Lasagna. One of my guilty pleasures in this category would be the Gas Station Hot Dog. I am sure you are all familiar with this particular road snack: fine tubes of "meat" that have been on a never-ending roll across those stainless steel, heated rollers since the first Bush was in office. The buns are typically found below the meat heating device by a wide assortment of storage means. Some places will keep their buns wrapped in the plastic bag and store it in a metal box that claims "Fresh and Hot". Others will adorn them in fancy wrappings of foil and color, thus ensuring the "freshness" value. Personally I prefer to wrap my buns in foil, as those which are kept in the plastic bag tend to develop a thick condensing effect, and the moisture turns various parts of each bun into a soggy remain of its former self. And it doesn't chafe.

But I digress! Or do I? Perhaps this all leads up to a little road side truck stop off of exit 75 between Las Vegas and Mequite. Here you will find one Sinclair station with half the building festooned with all things gas station and cheap souvenier, and the other half bedecked from floor to ceiling with every imaginable firework ever created. Aisles and aisles of carefully wrapped gun powder, all available right next to a very impressive liquor selection.

Tucked back behind the fireworks and booze, you will find the famous "hot dog roller". This particular joint had three varieties of hot dogs: Regular, Large, and Spicy Hot. I'll give you three guesses to figure out which one I went with.

While you are guessing, I will go on to describe the Spicy Hot Hot Dog that I chose. For condiments I put a small amount of Mayo, (much less than Del Taco pastes into their soft tacos), ketchup, and Chalula Hot Sauce, (for that extra KICK). Oh, and these particular buns were of the foil wrapped variety.

I think the Spicy Hot (which was no more spicy than a dash of black pepper on a baked potato), was a poor choice for several reasons. Taste was not one of them...it was actually pretty decent for road side cuisine. However, the texture left one wanting. (Wanting something else). Imagine a balloon, stuff with hard packed ice cream, and take away the cold. Tough to get through that first layer, but the inner-workings of that barrel of bologna were a soft-chewy center. The after effects, (pronounced "fla-tchew-lay-shun"), could have been lived without.

I really hope no one just ate while reading this.

Anyway, my surprise visit to the north had its effect...maybe a bit too well. People were definately surprised. But it is good to be back in the Promised Land, and I look forward to a couple of relaxing days here in the UC.

Oh...in memorium for the death of one jack rabbit just outside of Cedar, I should probably post his demise. I was cruising on the freeway at a steady, computer-maintained clip, when this rabbit came bounding out into the middle of the road. There was no time to react. At 75 miles per hour, my fine German engineered Passat turned Peter Cotton-tail into Road Pizza. May he rest in peace. Or, may she rest in peace. I just hope there is some rest involved...and it is peaceful.

Local Fruits and Nuts
Day 7...the drive home.
All I can say is "Thank Goodness for Daylight Savings Time". Ok, I can say a little more than that. I was very grateful for the opportunity to get an extra hour of slumber in today. I needed it. It didn't help that the rooms all around mine had a wedding today and they were all out in the hall yelling for each other to be ready and to get going. Whoever it was that was getting married, I truly wish them the best and hope they have a wonderful life together...far away from me.
Lyndsey and I loaded up the Gutless Wonder and took off for Orange County. We had just under 400 miles to go, and all the excitement of a wet paper bag to motivate us. But it was a good trip. I have to give Kudos to Lyndsey for putting up with me for a week. She was a real trooper and actually laughed at my stories. It was a lot of fun to get to know her more.
We made two pit stops for bathroom breaks, but other than that, it was a straight shot from the Bay area to Orange County. We talked about how beautiful the landscape would have been without all the smog. I have to say that California has some pretty diverse terrain.
One of the more entertaining moments of the day came as we were driving through part of the HUGE agricultural belt of the Sunshine State, when we saw a very large billboard that said, "Local Fruits and Nuts". Had this billboard been posted in any other state, it could have been taken the wrong way. Fortunately for us, I was able to still take it the wrong way, and fully agree that there are a bunch of weird people around that sell things like dates, apricots, nectarines, cashews, pistachios, etc.
All in all, we logged over 1200 miles in 7 days. We met a lot of very entertaining people. Ate a lot of good food, and I would have to say, built up some memories, (and very calloused behinds, thus pushing us to the ever difficult status of Callipygian), and had a wonderful time.
So until my next trip...remember to never poke a lion in the eye.

3-D: It’s like it is coming at me!
Day 6- We woke up this fine Saturday morning and decided to try our way into the Bay area. We had been told that the traffic was horrific going into and coming out of San Francisco. However, we were able to get to the Bay Bridge in just under 40 minutes. We crossed over in to Trolley town and drove around (inadvertently because I accidentally got off the freeway) downtown. I love the hills there. It was awesome to see the buildings and Bay and Alcatraz. If any of you have not seen the new commercial for Bravada Television by Sony with the Bouncy Balls in San Francisco, then I HIGHLY recommend that you download it and check it out. VERY cool.
After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and then turning around to head back, we got to talking about engineering feats of man. We wondered what it would be like to be in on the conversation where the engineer, after drawing out his plans for one of those huge freeways that crisscross over each other, or one of the suspension bridges, looks up at everyone and says, “Trust me…it’ll hold.”
After that, we went to lunch at the Macaroni Grill. I really need to try something new there. But I just love the grilled chicken and artichokes in the Scaloppini. We then decided to watch the new release of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in 3-D. IT was AWESOME!!! Some 3-D movies aren’t that good. But this one was very cool.
We then concluded the night with the best Fast Start Camp I have ever seen. We had over 50 people there, and every single one was excited and on fire to make a difference.
Tomorrow…we drive home!

Day 5
Welcome to Livermore. Sadly, today’s report is not going to be very exciting at all. We woke up this morning and the most significant thing, besides my television not working, was a major hankering for some hot chocolate. So Lyndsey and I went back to the Country Waffle for breakfast and I ordered my hot chocolate. It was great. Pretty much the majority of the day from that point on was Lyndsey and I driving north to Livermore. We did have the opportunity to see a lot of almond, olive, and pistachio fields. I have to say, California has a lot of agricultural benefits that it offers to the rest of the world.
We got to our hotel and pretty much sat around for an hour or so until we had to get ready for our meeting. We went down to the room, and Mike had already set up all his equipment and had it all ready. All we had to do was introduce him. This was by far one of the greatest opportunity meetings I have ever witnessed. Great meeting. After that, I got some Chili’s Take Out and enjoyed the wonders of Basic Cable while graduates from the AAA Child Safety Course partied the evening away with watered down liquor and random people walking through the lobby. Long Live the AAA.

To Tree or Not To Tree…that is the question.

Day 4. I forgot to put down one of the coolest parts of what happened yesterday. For those of us who are TN-ites, you will be familiar with a guy named Louis who won a brand new BMW last March. Well he was at our meeting last night, and after the meeting, he let Lyndsey drive it. We went for a good long ride. It was VERY cool.
Today’s adventure didn’t really have any of the cuisine capers that we have experienced thus far. Waking up with a hankering for real breakfast food, we sought throughout the entire village of Visalia for a good breakfast nook. We found it at a place called Country Waffles. The food was pretty decent; however, they struggled with the concept of Over Medium eggs.
After breakfast we took a drive up the canyon to go to Sequoia National Park. However, at the door of the gateway to some of the largest trees in the world, we were told that with the construction going on, it would take several hours to see anything worthwhile. So we decided not to tree. We headed back into town and went to the movie “The Departed”.
I am in agreement with my brother-in-law that this is a great movie, but the original was better. For those who may be unaware of obscure Japanese movies, “The Departed” is actually a remake of a Japanese film. The story lines are very similar with only a few small changes. If ever you have the chance to watch the original, by all means, do it.
Our meeting tonight was excellent. The group of IPCs we are working with here in Visalia had a fire in their eyes that I have not seen in a very long time. I am excited to see what happens here in this the middle of nowhere.

Day 3
Well Split My Peas!

For today’s adventure, I have to give Kudos out to Adrienne and her advice to check out two small towns on the coast, Solvang the Danish Capital of America and Buellton, home of Split Pea Anderson’s.
Our first sojourn of cuisine was in the small town of Solvang. If EVER you are just north of Los Angeles and you are driving the 101 up the coast, (a beautiful drive by the way), you simply must take the time to go see this little part of Europe in America. The entire downtown has been structured and built to mimic towns found across Holland and other European countries. I searched high and low for some Viking helmets with horns and everything, but sadly I had to settle for an apple Danish.
After getting dessert, we went for the main course at Split Pea Andersons. This was a very entertaining little eating establishment, whose main moniker is a cartoon sketch (done, we later learned, by a real, true life Disney Trained Cartoonist), of two chefs, Hap-Pea and Pea-Wee. Hap-Pea is a robust and jolly man holding a very large mallet poised to strike. Pea-Wee is a much smaller chum who is timidly grasping a large chisel over the top of a very miniscule pea. Lyndsey and I went for broke and got the “Traveler’s Meal”. This is all-you-can-eat Split Pea soup, with a shake. We got chocolate. The pea soup was excellent, but got even better when I added their special seasoning. (One of the main ingredients was Red Pepper, how could it go wrong? Oh yeah and lactose.) Two thick and hearty thumbs up.
The rest of the day was pretty much a long sit-down. We were on the road for a good five hours today. However, we found a place, just over the horizon, that I really hope none of you ever have to cross. If desolation hath a place in this world, it would be the valley beyond the 101. A drier landscape I have never seen. It was so destitute that “creepy” could be used to describe the atmosphere.
Parting thoughts: not much humor, but good soup.

Yo Mamma Eats Sushi!

Day two of the Road Trip. Lyndsey decided to make the most of those wee hours of the morning between sunup and noon to go check out the Outlet mall in the area. Apparently it is quite the urban sprawl. She came back most pleased. I, on the other hand, made full use of the “Do Not Disturb” tag and hung it on the door for several hours this morning while I read and watched random game shows. Thank goodness for cable! We had some free time today, so we went to a new movie called “The Prestige”. For those of you who wish to see it, skip to the next paragraph…plot spoiler coming up: It sucks. Ok, maybe that is a bit harsh, and for those of you who know my ambiguous taste on all things media, pretty much hailing anything from The Plain White T’s to Neil Diamond as the greatest thing since The Oneders, you will be happy to know that I actually drew an opinion on this two hour drivel of cinemographic waste. The celluloid that was used to create this plotless tale of revenge, (whose only redeeming factor was the random, but lame, ILLUSIONS), should be put to a far more useful purpose, such as covering for a toilet paper roll for future investments. It was a sad story of two men who fight a constant battle of revenge, only succeeding in the death of not one…but several.
This evening we had one of the greatest Fast Start Camps I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of. One IPC in particular, we shall call her Lisa, (Simpsons are on right now), is very excited about the product and the health benefits that she will be able to share with her friends and family.
The climax of this Tuesday in October came from our final meal of the day which was sushi at this fine new establishment called, (and I am not making this up) “Yomamma Sushi”. The food was spectacular as far as sushi goes. It was no Happy Sumo, but then again…that isn’t exactly the benchmark of superior sushi. However, they had one particular roll that was titled, “The Spiderman”. I ordered that just because it was named after a super hero. Overall, I would give this delve into oceanic and Asian cuisine a hearty one raw thumb up. Peace out and check back tomorrow for my review of what is purported to be the greatest Split Pea Soup in the world.

Holy Crap that was a good burger!

So I decided that with all the traveling that I am going to be doing for my company, I am going to keep a blog of all the wiles and adventures that I get to enjoy on the company dime. This first entry comes as Lyndsey and I initiate what could be the first of many Road Trips through the Pacific Region. Our ultimate goal for today is Camarillo, California.
Today I experienced something that can only be described as “Hamburger Nirvana”. Throughout several years of exchanging information about random things found on the Internet, things such as an eBay auction for GOB’s Segway and t-shirts deemed unworthy for infants, (but still made in their sizes), my Brother-in-law Erik sent me what can only be described as the Holy Grail of Beef Cuisine: The Counter. www.thecounterburger.com
This quaint little shop on the corner has invoked a whole new revolution in what was once deemed, the common burger. With a myriad of not only toppings, but also types and sizes of burgers and buns, you can create literally thousands of combinations. Wanting to experience the full gambit of what is possible with this cornucopia of options, I chose the following toppings: Horseradish Cheddar, Italian Bleu Cheese, Black Olives, Tomatoes, Fried Onion Strings, Hard Boiled Eggs, Dried Cranberries, Peppercorn Sauce, all on a 2/3rd pound beef patty that was cooked to perfection. Ambrosia is a word used to describe food from Heaven. This was Ambrosia on a Bun. If you are ever in the Santa Monica area, try this place out. I give it two meaty thumbs up.
After leaving Santa Monica, we headed on up to the quaint little villa of Camarillo. This is a tiny little town that is nestled in a valley just north of LA. Beautiful community. However, there was one thing that sent my mind racing. There is a section of town that has a sign that says, “Drive Carefully, Children and Horses at play”. Upon reading this, my mind immediately raced through every feasible scenario in which a child and a horse may interact. It was quite disturbing.
In the end though, in our trusty Mitsubishi SUV which I have dubbed “The Gutless Wonder”, we arrived at our hotel and had our first of three opportunity meetings. It went very well. But again…the burger…that was what it was all about.