Talking Through My Sax

Moving Backwards

2009-10-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe this but I actually uninstalled Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.2 and I am reinstalling version 9.0 because with the newest update (9.2), Mandy is unable to open a chapter from her online textbook. Just last week she used the older version and it worked just fine but now, after the update, it appears to be incompatible. Thanks a lot Adobe!

Blogging from the iPhone

2009-10-21T23:51:00.001-07:00

So this is exciting. Now I can blog from my iPhone ('cause we all know how good I am about blogging on a regular basis). Maybe I'll do better with it always at my fingertips. Keep your fingers crossed . . . if you even care.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2009-10-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

One Thumb Down - Gas station attendant who continued to fill up my tank without asking me and therefore costing me more money. When the gas stops flowing and you hear it shut off that means it's done pumping! They have installed a mechanism to stop the flow of gas on purpose otherwise the tank becomes flooded. Next time, why don't you just ask me if I'd like it topped off before assuming so and stealing yet more of my money.

Two Thumbs Down - Lady in front of me who clearly can't read a traffic sign three feet away from you. When the sign shows a Left Turn Arrow being crossed out that means NO LEFT TURNS you moron! Why then, did you sit there with your left blinker on waiting for everyone else to let you in?! Despite the fact that you were holding up traffic AND there was too much traffic in the direction you wanted to turn, it wasn't a legal turn! Next time why don't you pay attention to your surroundings and just turn right!

2009-06-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Okay so can anybody tell me what happened to the month of May? I can't believe it is already June. In just two short days my big sister is getting married, in 9 days I graduate from SOU, and in 26 days I turn 24. Busy, busy month we have here. I have a feeling it's going to go by even faster than May.

Farewell College, Hello Life

2009-05-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

So I realized that it is that time of year already. Yeah you got it right, it's time to register for the Fall 2009 term. I came to this realization because Mandy is currently looking up classes. Alas, I need not worry about this since I am graduating in less than a month. YIKES!! I find myself feeling somewhat like a fish out of water: I have become quite accustomed to registering for yet another term of classes that will send me farther into that black hole which is called debt, while also settling for yet another summer job but no, not this year. Now I find myself submitting my resume for jobs that will (crossing fingers. . . toes if possible) hopefully become my source of livelihood from here on out. Again I say YIKES!!

I must say however, that I will not soon miss exams. No, those I can do without. So to all of my fellow graduates out there, who have absolutely no clue how their new and very expensive piece of paper will help them, here's to happy hunting. May finding a job be far less elusive than the passing grade you needed in Biology class just so you could take Behavioral Neuroscience only to find that Biology was a waste of time and money. . . as you knew it would be in the first place.

Zach: 1 Movie Theaters: 0

2009-05-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

I love going to the cheap movie theaters! Mandy and I are going to see Monsters vs. Aliens this afternoon for the matinee price of $2.50 per ticket and yes you did the math correctly, that's only $5.00 for two people! I also love cheating the system. Two boxes of candy, two candy bars, and two sodas for $5.99. This makes for a great movie experience for less than $11. If I'm not mistaken two regular priced tickets alone cost $14.50. I'd say I'm the winner today.

What to watch?

2009-05-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

So Mandy and I want to watch a movie but I have so many that it gets hard to choose. Mandy suggested that since I have all of my movies in a spreadsheet that I use a random number generator. So off to www.random.org to find out what to watch (keep in mind however that we have veto power).

#139 The Princess Bride (VETO by Me)
#147 Rocky IV (VETO by Mandy)
#58 Finding Neverland (VETO by both of us)
#175 Spiderman 3 (APPROVED)

Well, I'm off to watch Spiderman 3.

Just Engaged

2009-05-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

So we were at Costco today eating their hot dogs and Mandy set her drink down next to mine while were putting condiments on our dogs. The following conversation took place:

Me: Which one is mine?

Mandy: You'd know if you were paying attention!

Me: I was doing fine until you came along.

Stranger: They must be married.

Mom: No but they're engaged.

Stranger: Oh yeah, that (my earlier comment) usually comes later in the marriage.

Go away smoke!

2009-05-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

I really, really, really don't like smokers right now! I was laying here with the window open getting some fresh air in my room (plus it just rained and there's that "it just rained" smell outside which I love) but now somebody who feels the urge to kill them self one puff at a time is ruining the air that I like to breath because their cigarette smoke is wafting down my direction, as it always seems to do! It never seems to blow the other direction or just stay on their porch, no no, it seeks out my open window thereby forcing my to close it. I want my freshly rained on air!!

WARNING: The geek in me is showing

2009-05-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

So last weekend I went to Portland for the WPA's annual convention and who should be speaking but the one and only Philip Zimbardo! (At this point I am just going to pretend that everyone knows who this is so I don't have to spend another paragraph explaining, but here is a quick wiki link just in case http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillip_Zimbardo.) At any rate, I went to hear him speak and being a pscyh geek, (if you were one you totally would have done the same thing) I rushed the stage when he was done and got a picture taken with him. Pretty much made the weekend worth it!

WPA

2009-04-23T02:33:00.000-07:00

So I'm off of to Portland today for the 89th Annual WPA (Western Psychological Association) Convention. This is pretty exciting because I'll be presenting a poster on the research that I've been working on with my professor for the past year.

New Rules

2009-04-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

So thanks to the guys on "The Big Bang Theory" I now have a new favorite game: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock. The rules are actually quite simple . . .

Scissors cuts Paper
Paper covers Rock
Rock crushes Lizard
Lizard poisons Spock
Spock smashes Scissors
Scissors decapitates Lizard
Lizard eats Paper
Paper disproves Spock
Spock vaporizes Rock
And as it always has, Rock crushes Scissors

Got it?! No? Well then watch this . . .

Blog + Stocker = Blocker

2009-04-09T00:51:00.000-07:00

So it's been far too long since I've posted anything to this poor forgotten blog of mine but due to recent activity on my blog I felt the need to explain. I wrote a post in September of 2006 about a weird phenomenon surrounding "Icky Warm Seats" in classrooms. The oddity that I am going to explain here is not in the random topic but rather the obsession with that post by an anonymous blogger some 2 and a half years later (but they were kind enough to give them self a crude or vulgar name). So I guess you could say that I have a "Blog Stocker" or a "Blocker". In hopes of stopping this person's perverted need to spam my blog I have deleted that post. So here's to a renewed interest in blogging, one which I hope is "Blocker" free.

Why Whiteboard Why?

2008-10-16T11:46:00.001-07:00

After reading Mandy's latest Blog, and replying with my own OCD moments, I was reminded of one which I felt was worth posting on my own Blog instead of just leaving as a comment.

I thought of another thing that really bugs me and if I had any control over it, I would. While sitting in my Intro. to Criminal Law class yesterday my professor was using the white board. As she went to erase what she had written, she left behind dry-erase marker; this I've noticed is very common among professors.

AHHHH! This drives me NUTS! Is it so hard to just erase everything from the board?! Do you HAVE to torment me so by leaving remnants of the last thing you wrote?! I want to just get out of my seat, walk down to the front of the class, tear the dirty rag out of her hands, and erase it myself. While I'm quite certain this would not go over too well with my professor, though I might get a laugh from my classmates, I WOULD feel much better. Then I'd surely have to make a very hasty retreat from the class because it would just be awkward sitting through the rest of the lecture.

Lookin' Up

2008-10-13T00:20:00.001-07:00

Well things MUST be looking up for me here in the month of October. Last night I got pulled over by a cop. He thought I might be drunk because my eyes appeared glazed over which I assured him they definitely were not. This is not the reason for which he pulled me over though. Apperantly if he had to red-line his Dodge Charger to catch up to me which I guess isn't a good thing . . . okay so I was speeding a little bit more than 10 over, at least that is my guesstimate but I'm not really sure. MY BAD! When all was said and done, a warning is what I would slowly and sheepishly drive away with. Oh and now my licence plate light is out. GREAT!!

Presidential Debate '08

2008-10-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

So as far as I can tell, mind you we're only 40 minutes into it so far, all this debate is is a bunch of mud slinging and finger pointing. It's like watching a bunch of 5 year-old kids!! What this appears to be is presidential campaign adds but instead of the creepy deep voice, it's the candidates' voices. This is getting old fast!

2008-10-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Retards . . . everybody knows one.

Band-geek For Life

2008-09-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

Band-geeks . . . there are more of us out there than you might realize. I just finished watching an episode of Grey's Anatomy where the character of Dr. Derek Shepard, Neurosurgeon, reveals that he used to be a scant 100 pound kid who played the sax in the marching band. This gets me to wondering if I have that much potential since I too played the sax in marching band? Alas, it is only a television show.

Nevertheless, we are many and we are proud and we live among you as ordinary people but we ARE and FOREVER will be . . . BAND-GEEKS!! So band-geeks around the world, let us stand up and unite, and show the world that we have made it . . . or just continue cowering in the corner like the forgotten losers that we were . . . that also works.

2008-09-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Question: How does one deal with the aftermath of having their wisdom teeth pulled?

Answer: Vicoden and Seasons 3, 4, and 5 of Scrubs. Okay so I'm not quite to the 5th season yet but it won't take me too much longer.

Somehting painful is afoot . . .

2008-09-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

So I think today I finally reached the tipping point where being slightly annoyed and bored to being severely frustrated and going crazy!! Sorry. Let me fill you in with some back story . . .

So Saturday afternoon was the annual Sunday School picnic. Let me clarify now that I was not scheduled to attend this oh so exciting event as I had already promised my time and services to a friend in need of help moving. I got done with the move early and decided that I would make an appearance anyways.

When I got to the church I quickly became consumed in a game of basketball with Matt Preston and C.J. Marincus. You see, the problem with playing basketball at our church (and I told C.J. and Matt this before we started) is that the basketball hoop is located right next to a curb and it's really easy to land and roll ankles on this curb. Well, about thirty minutes later who do you think landed on the curb and sprained their ankle? That's right! Me!!

I am now the lucky recipient of a splint that goes up to about my knee and a pair of crutches. Below are a few pictures of the my foot. In the first you can see that my right foot is completely swollen and I now have one cankle. The second picture is pretty self-explanatory: knarley bruise!! And finally we have my splint which I must admit makes my injury look far worse than it really is. Maybe I'll play that up. ;)

2008-08-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

Okay so if the date of my last Blog doesn't give away how long it's been since I last blogged, when I pulled up my page I had to stare at it for a few before I knew where to go to log in.

So anyways, I was tagged on this "meme" thing and while I don't really know what it means, nor am I going to tag six more people (that would just be mean to ask someone to keep a chain going) I have decided to post six useless facts about muah . . . we'll see if I can come up with that many.

1) I am addicted to music. There I said it! *CRINGE* Hey, admitting it is the first step to recovery, or so I hear. Anyway, I have upwards of 500 albums (CDs) and many more singles that I have purchased through the wonders of iTunes. I guess you could say "I Heart Music" which would still be an understatement but I can't help myself. I guess that brings me back to the beginning, I am addicted to music.

2) My car is Ghetto Fabulous!! I am the proud owner of a 1990 Toyota Corolla, four door sedan. The window cranks for the front two windows are broken off (leaving an exposed knob for each) and have been so for quite some time. Every time I by a new crank for to roll down said windows, it breaks, thus leaving back at square one with no knobs. I have managed to bypass this little hiccup by using a vise grip, which has become a permanent feature of my car. As I mentioned above, I love me some music and boy do I ever have a thumpin' sound system: iPod + portable speakers = okay so I guess that doesn't amount to much of anything. I could go on and on about my gem of a car but I thought I would just cover the finer details.

So I was able to come up with two worthless facts about myself. I guess that will have to suffice for now so tough cookies if you were sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for more 'cause there isn't. So go do something more productive already!! Have a nice day.

2008-05-28T00:21:00.000-07:00

WOW!! I totally know how she feels.

Kobe Bryant Jumps Over Astin Martin!!

2008-04-14T23:53:00.001-07:00

2008-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

So last term was a miricle. I'm not really sure how to explain it. I was taking 18 credits and that is the most that I've ever taken before. With about three weeks left in the term I had resigned to the fact that getting B's and C's wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, after all C's are considered average and B's are above average so what's the harm in that.

One week after the term ended I anxiously awaited as the page loaded on the screen to see what my final grades would be. My best guess was that I would have three A's, one B and one C. To my shock and disbelief I had straight A's!! Even if I had aced my criminology final (this class being the thorn in my side for the term) the best I should have walked away with was a B, certainly not an A.

Needless to say I was and still am stoked that I miraculously pulled off strait A's in only my second term at SOU. Even though I statistically there is no way I should have ended up with those grades I'm not going to be the first student to actually argue that I should have received a lower grade. I suppose if I did argue that point I would be very deserving of those types of grades because I would have to be a complete idiot to do so!!

Grand Central Station Freeze

2008-04-04T10:56:00.001-07:00

This is one of the coolest things I've seen in a long time. Enjoy!

Javaslinger: December 22, 2004 - March 18, 2008

2008-03-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Born of an opinionated and at many times, over caffeinated, young man known to some as the "Blogfather", Javaslinger died yesterday at the infantile age of three. After spending seven long months in a coma, Javaslinger showed a brief sign of life on March 10, 2007 but never came out of his deep sleep completely.

Javaslinger will be forever remembered for chronicling the lives of two young roommates. Though related, some might say they were a modern day Felix and Oscar as they truly did appear to be an odd couple.

Javaslinger is survived by the architect of his creation, Bryan Hinkle. When asked to comment his loss, Hinkle just mumbled something about needing more Starbucks; there is no doubt in my mind that Hinkle will mourn this loss for some time to come. Javaslinger is also survived by countless friends. Through a Photographer's Eye, Gringa en Guadalajara, Talking Through My Sax, and If the Shoe Fits were just a few of the many faithful who looked forward to what he had to say.

While Bryan Hinkle is grateful for all of the many friends and supporters of Javaslinger he has decided to have private service where Javaslinger will be removed from the Blogger community.

2007-12-15T00:11:00.000-08:00

2007-11-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

"A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members."
-Mahatma Ghandi

I'd say that we have a long way to go before we achieve greatness.

A Politically Correct Christmas Carole

2007-11-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

So since Christmas is right around the corner I've started listening to Christmas music. YAY! Anyways, it got me to thinking about how our country has become so annoyingly politically correct. I wonder what Christmas songs might be like in a completely PC country . . .

White Christmas

I'm dreaming of a Caucasian holiday just like the ones I used to know
Where the tree tops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a Caucasian holiday with every holdiay card I right
May your days be merry and bright and may all your holidays be Caucasion

Hmmm . . . not quite the same affect as the original.

Research Baby!

2007-11-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

Okay so way, super, exciting news!! Well, it is for me at least. One of my professors has invited me to do research with him for research credit. He's writing a book and he said that he thought that I do really well in class and that he likes my energy. I'm so stoked. I never thought that I would ever get to do something like this.

Added bonus: looks great on resume and application for graduate school!

2007-10-16T00:17:00.000-07:00

So I just blew about an hour an a half playing with Google Earth. It's really quite fascinating. You should try it some time. Just go to www.earth.google.com and download Google Earth, you'll be amazed at how little you accomplish, and how much time you spend doing it!

5 Taverns, 4 Pawn Shops and a Strip Club

2007-10-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

It is such a beautiful day! Okay so its probably about 60 degrees and foggy but I love it! I've been waiting for this weather for quite some time now and I know that the fog can be dangerous but it just makes everything around us look so cool (e.g., the trees and mountains).

Anyways, its been about a month 0r so since I last posted and I didn't want to leave everyone hanging as to what I've been up to ('cause I've been bombarded with e-mails inquiring about this . . . not).

So I'm finally out at SOU which I absolutely love! Finally I feel like I'm at a real college. Not that RCC isn't but there is something about getting run down by cars walking between classes in the middle of town near 5 taverns, 4 pawn shops and a strip club that doesn't exactly scream out college campus.

I'm taking 13 credits this term and learning that upper division classes really are tougher and that I still hate reading but now I hate it even more! Fun classes though: Social Psychology, Learning and Memory, Abnormal Psychology, and The Psychology Major (that's right, it's called "The Psychology Major"). Notice a small trend here? Actually I'm quite excited because I've been waiting soo long to be able to take all the classes that I want to take instead of just required classes. Granted, some of these are required for my major but they aren't boring basic level classes.

Well, I think I've written enough to keep me covered for at least another month (just kidding I'll try and post more frequently). I should probably get off and do some studying since I have two exams next week.

2007-09-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

I think that I must be some kind of freak or something. I mean I'm the only person I know of that wants school to start a good month and a half before the summer is over, I love to go shopping for new school supplies, and to top it off, I just added all of my Christmas music to my iPod . . . I am a strange, strange man.

BRITT 2007

2007-09-01T23:31:00.001-07:00

So originally I was planning on going to one concert this year but I ended up going to two in three days! Mandy and I got to go see Chris Botti last year at Britt and had so much fun that we decided to go this year and make Britt an annual event.

On Thursday Chris Botti was back at Britt and Bryan had an extra ticket so that was a real treat. Botti is an exceptional jazz trumpet player and he happens to hail from Corvallis, Oregon. Unfortunately our concert was called off a little early because of the thunder storm that was brewing, though I'm not so sure half the people realized it because they were so tossed. Nothing like the smell of alcohol and B/O to liven up a concert under the stars.

This is Chris Botti and me after the concert. I felt kinda retarded at first but that didn't last too long because it's not every day that you get a photo with a famous musician . . . plus if he becomes a legend like Davis and Armstrong (which I'm sure he will) then I will have a photo with him . . . go me!

The second concert was none other than the CMA Award nominee Josh Turner. Now this guy can sing and I'm pretty sure that if he would have come into the crowd he would have been mauled by every women in the place. Wish he would have stuck around for a meet and great but I'm sure he has somewhere else more important to be than Jacksonville, Oregon.

2007-08-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

2007-07-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Okay so it's been a while since I last blogged so let me get all of you up to speed on what I've been doing . . .

Finished my last term at RCC with straight A's
Graduated from RCC with an Associate of Arts Transfer Degree
Started work for the Medford School District cleaning off all of the school roofs (40 hours a week with temperatures usually in the high 90's to low 100's).
Turned 22
Took a week off to go to Camp Meeting
Went to midnight release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, got two hours of sleep, then worked for 8 hours the next day.
Got a new toy . . . 30 GB Video iPod!!
Saw Transformers.

Yeah that's about it.

Starving Little Children

2007-06-01T03:01:00.001-07:00

Okay so it's 3:00 in the morning and I can't really sleep right now and one of those annoying infomercials just came on saying, "for only pennies a day you can feed this child and put shoes on her feet." So does anybody else find it just a little disturbing that they go over to which ever impoverished country it is, and instead of helping the children, they pull out their fancy shmancy cameras and FILM THEM WALKING BARE FOOT AND STARVING!! Is that not just the slightest bit cruel! And then they have the nerve to ask ME for money. Please!

How Many Laptops Can You Fit on a Patio Table?

2007-05-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

So before today I didn't have wireless connection and I was piggy-backing off of some lady upstairs. I shouldn't complain because I wasn't paying for it but lately it has been WORTHLESS! So today Mandy brought over a wireless router to hook up and now I can be on the internet anywhere in the house! Even the bathroom! Yesssss!!

The Verdict

2007-05-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

So after an exhausting first day of jury duty, day two was actually non-existent as they didn't require my presence which frankly, was more than okay with me. Although part of me wouldn't have minded showing up so I had a valid reason to ditch class. However today was a different story.

I was to arrive at the Justice Building at 9:00 this morning so I got there at 8:45, no way I'd make Tuesday's mistake. Yeah so this time I found a parking spot right away, things are looking up a little. Security, oh I'm ready for you! I had everything ready to put in the little bucket as I walked in, things continue to look up until . . .

So somehow my limbs didn't want to listen to m brain this morning 'cause I set my coffee on the table with all of the little plastic buckets as I was emptying my pockets when my right arm decided to take a swing at my coffee! And it connected sending my "morning medicine" all over the ground in front of me and a few others who were waiting to get through security.

Okay so after "clean up on isle one" I headed on up to the jury assembly room. From there the bailiff escorted us into the court room. Once assigned where we were to sit the defense attorney gave to dumbest spiel ever! I think she asked us the same question five times but in different forms!!

Alas we get to decide who shall serve and who shall leave. "Please don't pick me, please don't pick me, please don't pick me." So each attorney gets six preemptive challenges which is just some big fancy word for saying "get out!" Now either they didn't like those who were seated in the jurors box or they wanted one of us in the benches behind the box but they sure knew how boot people off the jury. And finally it came down to me . . . I would be the next in line to fill a seat on the jury . . . and the verdict is I got to enjoy the rest of my day NOT sitting in a cramped little box with eleven other losers! Yessssss!

So those of us who were left made haste and got in that elevator as fast as we could before the court realized they just might need a few more of us. I am now free for the next two years!!

Jury Duty: Day 1

2007-05-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

So today was day one of my three days of jury duty. According to the summons I had to be at the Justice Building at 8:00am. Yeah that barely happened. I set my alarm to go off at 7:00 this morning and guess what . . . it did. But I on the other hand thought it wise to just lay in bed for five more minutes, then I would get up and begin my presumed long day. Everyone knows that a)this is plain stupid and b)no one ever gets up after just "five more minutes." So forty-five minutes later I shot out of bed and proceeded to put on whatever clothes were within arms reach (this is wear a messing room comes in very handy)and drove at break neck speeds to get downtown.

As if running late for jury duty wasn't bad enough I encountered yet another dilemma . . . the ever illusive parking spot. Finding a parking space downtown is no easy feat to begin with. Then there's the fact that it's eight in the morning which means everyone that works downtown is still showing up and nearly all the parking spots have already been taken. Finally, I guess I'm not the only prospective juror which means that there are about 80 other people taking up spots that would not normally be filled.

Okay so I found a spot. But wait! There's more! "Please remove everything from your pockets." CRAP! I just want to get up to the 2nd floor so I'm not even more late! Once upstairs it became a "'xcuse me, pardon me . . . ooh! Is that seat taken?" Yeah I was probably one the last to walk in.

After about an hour long orientation/presentation they finally listed off those who had to stay. My very hectic morning finally come to a screeching halt as I exited the Justice Building, having not been called, and headed home to find something to occupy the time that would normally be spent enjoying a very peaceful sleep.

If only the story ended here. Unfortunately I have to call back tonight to find out whether or not I must go in tomorrow morning.

2007-05-05T23:52:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have two words for this coming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday . . .

JURY DUTY! BUMMER!

Okay so maybe three words.

Chiquita Banana Theme Song . . . as performed by Evan Burchfield

2007-05-02T22:53:00.001-07:00

mmm . . . Chipotle

2007-04-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

So tonight after Mandy left the Niantic Youth Center, we wanted something to eat since neither of us had eaten yet. Rarely do we ever actually know what we want to eat so we usually drive around for a while until we see something.

Well this time I suggested that we should get Chipotle but as anyone who lives here knows, we don't have one. BUMMER! So Mandy said that we would just have to go down to Sacramento. I said that was a perfect idea . . . we'd be back in time for class tomorrow. But then we realized that Chipotle probably wouldn't be open by the time we got there. So we decided that we would just call Stacy and have her pick some up for us and we could just re-heat it when we got down there.

Yeah, that would be cool.

So why is "The Cosby Show" called "The Cosby Show"? I know that it is Bill Cosby's show but on the show their last name isn't Cosby, it's Huxtable.

Three Lettrs . . . PB & J

2007-04-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

It's definitely been a while since I blogged last so I thought that I would throw something down real quick just so that I'm all caught up.

Since this is one craaaazzy term and my brain is exhausted, and for lack of anything deep to write about, here's what I've got.

As I was making my lunch this afternoon (a most wonderfully delicious PB & J) the thought occurred, does peanut butter go on both sides of the bread or just one?

How do you make your PB & J?

5 Reasons Why Seat Belts are Worthless on Airplanes.

2007-03-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

As Mandy and I sat eating our McDonald's yesterday the thought arose, how is it that when we hop into one of the church's economy sized van's for a trip, we must wear our seat belt but yet, you get on a school bus or public transit and no seat belt is required, nor do they provide one for you if you wanted to "buckle of for safety". This led to another thought, why must we buckle up on an airplane?

When taking off, the sheer force is more than enough to keep you in your seat.

It's not like we're going to crash into another plane in mid-air.

If we do crash, a seat belt is the last thing you're gonna need to hope to walk away from it.

It's not actually possible to fall out of your seat, there's hardly any room to sit down in the first place.

It won't keep you from hitting the seat in front of you either 'cause the seat in front of you is actually in your lap.

This isn't to say that I would have ever wanted a seat belt on the school bus. Let's face it, if you do that then you might as well hand every student a helmet and chinstrap as well.

I can breathe. . .

2007-03-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

for a few more days at least. I am anxiously awaiting the end of a very long and (at many times) frustrating term. I know the end is in sight but I still have one more mountain to climb. . . okay maybe a couple. I just gave a presentation of my so called "term paper". Yeah it doesn't really look like one at the moment and it is has to be 10 pages by next Wednesday. I have an HTML test and project due next Tuesday and Thursday. Oh and somewhere in there is a Chemistry final. So yeah, maybe I don't have a few days to breathe. :(

On the upside though is that on my drive to class this morning I caught the oh so beautiful aroma of freshly cut grass which can mean only one thing. . . spring is just around the corner!!

It's been one year...

2007-03-10T22:39:00.000-08:00

since I first picked Mandy up for our very first date!! On that Friday night one year ago I took her to see "Failure To Launch". I was soooo nervous! You gotta understand, I'd never done something like that before. . . I was never the guy who asked out a girl. But it would appear that it worked in my favor that night because we are still very much together.

Now one year later, we celebrated by going to Hot Pots! this afternoon and started painting a coffee mug for one another. After we worked on those for about three hours, we went back to my place and I made her dinner. On the menu was a roast, garlic mashed potatoes, carrots and broccoli, and blueberry muffins.

After dinner we watched a movie and it was only fitting that we watch the same movie we watched just one year ago, "Failure To Launch". We now sit her at her place playing "Sorry" and I must say I am getting my butt kicked.

SNOW, SNOW, AND MORE SNOW!

2007-02-21T23:11:00.000-08:00

We should maybe think about a WARNING label.

2007-02-18T18:45:00.000-08:00

So the other night Cindi came over to Mandy's and brought some popsicles with her. While I was eating mine I was reminded of A Christmas Story when the kid sticks his tongue on the light poll. (Insert popscicle for light pole and my lips for tongue and you have Zach stuck to popscicle.) I found myself sitting on the couch with both my lips stuck around the Popsicle (and not just kind of stuck, but to the point that if I pulled on the frozen treat, it would begin to remove the skin!) I tried getting Mandy's attention but all that came out were a bunch of groans, as my mouth was sufficiently frozen shut by the popscicle. I have found that it is not as easy as one might think to get unstuck. Yeah, it kinda hurts actually!

Note: In my time of distress and personal anguish, Mandy found it in her heart to make light of my situation and have a laugh. Though I must say, it was quite amusing.

Dear Mandy,

2007-02-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

I hope that this day is really special for you! I love you so much!

So the following is actually from the card that I got you but I thought it was so fitting. I mean, this is the one time that I don't think I could say it any better than the card.

"No one else understands me so perfectly, no one knows me like you do. I can be myself around you -- and I love that!"

Thanks for being so AMAZING!!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

SMILES

2007-02-04T00:10:00.000-08:00

So I was sifting through my pictures and came across this picture of Stacy and Dakota from Thanksgiving. It put a smile on my face. Enjoy!

Ummm... yeah.

2007-01-28T22:18:00.000-08:00

So a couple nights ago Mandy and I went to taking random pictures and well, they were less than flattering (most of them at least). After uploading them onto Bebo, I was talking to Stacy and she absolutely died of laughter. She noticed that my hair was getting rather long and was wondering just how long it was... this is what I came up with.

Not that many of you care...

2007-01-19T00:12:00.000-08:00

but GO DUCKS!! Okay so maybe our football team was less than steller(talking about how we took a 6-0 start and flushed it down the toilet!!) But now we turn from the field to the court. Mac Court to be specific.

The Oregon Ducks basketball team is off to its best start in 80 years - since McArthur Court was first built - with a very impressive 17-1 record after last nights very tough win over the Stanford Cardinals (66-59).

What may possibly be more impressive is that in an eight day period, the Ducks defeated then #1 UCLA(@ home) and #8 Arizona(on the road). Each game was decided by only two points and Senior Aaron Brooks delivered both game winning shots.

The Ducks started the season unranked but have quickly catapulted themselves into a very nice position and went into last nights game ranked 10th in the nation... we can only get better from here!

My Favorite Smells

2007-01-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

Okay so many of you will find this to be a really odd post but for some reason I was thinking about what my favorite smells were (my thought process is odd like that).

1) The smell of rain during a thunderstorm
2) The smell of the pages in an old book
3) The smell of a roast on a Sunday afternoon
4) The smell of coffee brewing in the morning
5) The smell of clean clothes... okay so maybe just
the dryer sheets

See if you can come up with any of your own favorite fragrances.

Oh back to school, back to school...

2007-01-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

So Christmas break is officially over for me now and it's time to hit the books once more. But I must say I am actually looking forward to this. Although it was quite nice to have an entire month off from school, I have gotten into this mode where I know that I'm almost done with RCC so now I just want to finish as soon as possible. This is not to mention the fact that I think my class load will be easier this term, each of which is completely different from the rest... Chemistry, Writing, HTML, and Drawing.

Well, off I go. Must continue getting ready.

... yah I've got nothing.

2006-12-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Since a topic of any worth currently alludes me , I will simply say that I am finding internet coffee shops to be quite enjoyable. Not only can I get a very delicious cup of espresso, but I can surf the net for free while keeping my incredibly boring blog up to date. Hurray for that!

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree... why are you laying on the ground?

2006-12-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

Okay so maybe I'm a little late in starting my Christmas countdown but lets start from here.

My mom and I are up in Independence, Oregon visiting my Aunt Barb and Uncle James. We got here yesterday. In the past we have proven that time spent with them is quite special and very unforgettable. They currently own four pit bulls so that alone adds to the adventure.

Now, just this morning, as I was sitting in the living room getting ready to head out, the near ten foot Christmas tree fell to the ground flinging ornaments all over. This in turn allowed for all of the water to spill from the base, and my mom and aunt are currently removing and relocating presents (and drying many of the wet ones).

Stay tuned because you never know what might happen.

YUM! YUM!

2006-11-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

I love cheese... yup, that's pretty much it for now... but I'll keep you posted.

Zach out.

9-11-2006

2006-09-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 11, 2006

As I sit here today desperately trying to find the right words to say, and just how to say them I am constantly coming back to one thought... that is that I pray that we all would stop and remember those who lost their lives five years ago. Especially those who gave their life so that others may be saved; all the members of the NYPD and FDNY who chose to risk their life for somebody they didn't know. I can't help but think that I myself, am inadequate... what have I done.... what have any of us done?

My wish today, five years later, is that somehow we could all find the courage inside of us to give of ourselves for that someone we don't know. Not to say that we need to go find a burning building to run into, but that we be selfless and give to someone else who is in need instead of thinking about ourselves. After all, isn't that supposed to be part of who we are as Americans? Certainly we proved that on 9/11 but I pray that it's not just in dire times that we come together, but that it is on a daily basis.

So as you go about your daily routine today, remember, and try to ask yourself what you've done lately? It's never too late.

Another Close Call In Heated Rivalry

2006-09-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well the Ducks are now 2-0 after a nail biting 31-24 finish against the Fresno State Bulldogs. After a fumble on their first posession and an overall rocky start, the Ducks got their feet back under them and started pounding away at the Bulldogs... both on offense and defense. (I've never seen the Ducks hit quite as hard in the past... hope it continues throughout the season.) Using their spread offense (recievers spanning from sideline to sideline) and very patient running, the Ducks clung to a small lead for most of the game and only trailed once, 3-0 in the first quarter. The touchdown that won the game, and ultimately the play of the game, was a fake field goal when Brady Leaf took the snap and ran to his left, then pitched the ball back to Martinez who ran it in for the touchdown to put the Ducks up 31-24 and that's where it would stay.

In a side note head coach Mike Bellotti became the most winningest coach in Ducks history with win #92. Congratulations coach!!

Okay, okay so this is more of a right up on the game than anything but it's worth righting about... GO DUCKS!!

It's Time For Some Football

2006-09-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

Alright everybody... it is officially football season and I am stoked!! GO 49ERS!!! After a disappointing 2005 season (4-12) I look to the Niners to have a MUCH better season. With new talant and younger players gaining experience I do believe that they will make it to at least .500 this year. This would be much appreciated as a devoted fan and a drastic imporvement from the previous season. While a .500 team isn't playoff caliber it would serve as hope for all the many fans that the 49ers are indeed on the rise once again.

As you can see the season opener is in Arizona against the Cardinals. Though the cardinals do have a very explosive passing game I am anxious to see how our secondary has improved from last season. Should be a very exciting game.

Stay tuned for more on the 49ers and the 2006 season.

Here's one for ya.

2006-09-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

As I was sitting in church Wednesday night waiting for the service to start Matt and I wondered... at what point are you officially late for church? Is it when the preachers first walk out or is it when the first special starts? You tell me.

Greeting From Romania!!

2006-08-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

Hello all and greetings from the great country of Romania. For the last two and a half weeks myself, Josh Hopkins, Trina Paulson, and Katrina Olson have been staying in Timisoara, Romania and visiting some of our churches, as well as attending the Romanian Youth Camp. We have had the pleasure of having Ben Marincus and Wayne Butler as our leaders, so to speak, although Wayne had to leave us early as he was needed back home in Woodlake, CA for their Youth Camp.

This trip has been quite an experience. It has opened my eyes soo much. I never knew just how great I have it in America. The following are just a few examples...

1) Running Water - This has been quite an ordeal while visiting. Some days the water is WAY too hot to take a shower. Some days there isn't hot water to take a shower. On one occasion, the water was yellow and even brown. And still sometimes, more than once, no water at all. (And I'm only talking about showering in it... let's not bring up the fact that if you drink it... well, you may staying in the bathroom for the rest of your trip.)

2) Paved Roads - Well, let's just say that I won't mind road construction at all when I get home. Although most roads are paved, you wouldn't think it 'cause you feel like a human pinball, no bettter yet, a human bobble head!!

3) Food Variety - Not to say that the food over here is bad 'cause it's not... it's GRUBBIN!! But I could definately go for something other than potatos. Give me a nice JUICY steak!! Mmmmm... that sounds so good right now. And coffee... havn't had any "GOOD" coffee since I left the states. Bring on Starbucks and a Double Short Caramel Breve!! Mmmm mmm mmm!!!

Well, those are just a few examples of what I'm thankful fore. All kiding aside though, these people know how to worship the Lord. I'm telling you what, it has been amazing!! And boy can they ever pray!! The prayer services at Youth Camp were, well... I can't really explain them. And Ben even said that they weren't even as good as they have been in the past. I can say with out a doubt that even though there is a language barier, the spirit of the Lord is universal. You could feel it in every single meeting.

Well, now that I have taken forever, and written probably the longest blog in the history of my blog, I will let you go. I leave tomorrow night for Budapest, Hungary (about a three hour drive), then fly to Frankfurt, Germany (about and hour flight), a lay oaver there for about three hours, YUCK, then on to Portland, Oregon (I'm gonna ballpark that flight at around eleven hours). Can't wait to see you all!!

Going once... twice... SOLD!!

2006-06-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

So last night wasn't your typical Wednesday night church service. Instead of singing, testimonies and a sermon, Bro. Nathan took the mic. and auctioned off various delectable desserts for our Southern Oregon Youth Camp... quite entertaining.

Ironically, Bro. Bob and Sis. Cheryl ended up "taking the cake" so to speak as they ended up buying several of the items.

Gotta Point There

2006-05-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

So I just saw a bumper sticker that I thought was very fitting... "Can't Feed 'Em, Don't Bread 'Em".

Just thought I would share that with everyone.

2006-05-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

So for all those who know anything at all about music...

While at choir practice this evening and I thought to myself... why do they call them "accidentals" when they put them in there on purpose?! It truly is STUPID and doesn't make any sense at all to me.

Just curious.

2006-05-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

*YAWWWWWN*

Porsche Carrera

2006-05-05T01:48:00.000-07:00

So I saw three Porsche Carrera's within an hour Thursday afternoon!! Not that anyone cares but I just thought I would share that with you... I was stoked 'cause I love Porsches... they are pretty much the best car ever!!

I don't know? Is this normal?

2006-04-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

So this morning I'm at work and the morning shift is usually quite busy which is nice for the two people working because tips are better. This lady comes in, and in one hand she has a free drink card, and in the other she has a one dollar bill... I'm thinking, "Sweet! Dollar tip on a free drink, works for me!". But no, she looks into the tip jar (which is quite full by this point) and takes change as she places her dollar in it.

This brings up my question... is this right? Is the common place? Who goes into an establishment and gets change back on their tip!?

I love my Cons.!!!

2006-04-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

So I have recently aquired yet another pair of Converse. YAY!! This now makes three, red, green and blue (as you can see from the picture). I don't know why it has taken me so long to "discover" Converse but now that I have, I will continue buying. They ROCK!!

Sauerkraut... YUCK!!

2006-03-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

Okay so I officially HATE sauerkraut!!

I got to work this morning and the sandwhiches had arrived. While puting them away I noticed just how fat and delicious the rueben looked. I noted though that I didn't like them because of the sauerkraut... not 'cause it didn't taste good, but simply because I looked nasty!! And it does! So my manager told me to go ahead and heat up one of the old ones from the other day... okay fine.

Well... heated it up, took a bite and... spitting it all in the trash!! Guess what... I still HATE sauerkraut!!

Spring Break!!!

2006-03-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

So it's now Spring Break, mom just left for Sacramento, you know what that means... absolutely nothing!! YAY!! Can't wait.

Since I work more than anything else, and have no life, I think that I will just continue on through the break having no life and doing squat.

Hope everyone else has a better Spring Break than me.

What if?

2006-02-28T08:23:00.000-08:00

So I was eating lunch at a Wendy's the other afternoon and I started thinking... what would our country be like if there wasn't a single fast food joint (McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, etc.)? And this means that they had never been thought of. Just how much would that change the way we live?

2006-02-26T22:41:00.000-08:00

Okay... now I know this picture isn't that big but I think you get the idea here. Now call me crazy, but wouldn't you have to be a little messed up in the head... I mean not thinking clearly at all, to be holding a POSSUM!!?? And not just holding it, but this guys walks all over town with it. In fact, prior to this picture being taken, he was walking it in the park across the street. So yeah, just a little curious?

90 Minutes Of WHAT!, HUH!, and BALLL!!

2006-02-11T23:03:00.000-08:00

So, where to start? Well, tonight Matt and I had the glorious opportunity to go to a "concert" (If you want to call it that. It was more like a ski lodge with a coffe shop combo package. With an atmosphere of a camp fire except for nobody you knew, nor would want to get to know... plus you COULDN'T HEAR ANYTHING BECAUSE THE MUSIC WAS SO LOUD!!)

So like I was saying, we went this "concert" headlining Paul Wright preceded by a bunch of LOUD obnoxious openers. Yeah, we thought they loud, nope!! Paul Wright was quite a bit louder! Not to say so much that he himself was loud but his bassist was loud. Couldn't hear anything over that. (The guy at the mixing board wasn't too sure what to do. I mean, he waas probably thinking to himself, "uhh... I can't mix, I don't know where to start... uhh... MAX THEM ALL!!") So yah, definately LOUD!! Ooh!! Guess what, now I can be part of the "deaf community"... but is it with a capitol "D" or a lower cas "d"... like I even care. (In other news, if Deaf Community was a real band, they would probably sound a whole lot better than Paul Wright Live!) Oh yah, also, I'm MUTE now, no, no, not from singing... YELLING!!

So now we find ourselves standing in a room full of strangers, in the dark, listening to badly played music, and I payed $8 for this? But as Matt put it, "It's like an $8 massage!" Seeing as how the bass was so loud, it was shaking my insides! So we did, what what everyone else WANTED to do, we left... and went to Shari's.

Now this is a whole other story... so if you arn't completely lost and or bored, you can leave a comment asking me about it. I will be more than glad to share it with you!

Deaf or Blind

2006-02-06T23:26:00.000-08:00

So this topic arose on Sunday during the pre-game entertainment when Stevie Wonder was singing. Would you rather be blind, or deaf?

Personally, I would rather be blind. One of my reasons for this is because I absolutely LOVE music. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t listen to music.

So now I ask you... deaf, or blind?

So... this is exciting.

2006-02-01T22:53:00.000-08:00

According to an article in todays newspaper, it is legal to carry a sword in the state of Oregon. Here is the article, it's not very long.

February 1, 2006

Since You Asked:
It’s legal to carry sword(s)

Why is it legal for a person to own and carry a gun with special permits but not a sword? Swords are far less lethal. If someone attacks me I should have the ability to choose what kind of weapon I should be able to protect myself with, shouldn’t I? Are people just more afraid of swords than guns?
— Jesse C., Eagle Point

State lawmakers either agree swords are less lethal or they didn’t think to bother with a weapon so archaic.

Oregonians actually can carry as many swords as they want, according to Jackson County District Attorney Mark Huddleston, who has found no legal reference to the contrary. However, carrying a sword with the intent to use it against another person is a crime, he said.

And while we’re clearing up one misconception, you may as well know that Oregonians can carry guns without special permits as long as the firearm is openly displayed. Carrying a concealed gun without the proper permits is a crime, as is carrying a concealed knife, switchblade or ice pick, Huddleston said. Swords are not referenced among concealed weapons, either.

"... They gotta be hard to conceal," Huddleston said.

And, of course, one must consider swords’ superiority over guns because they never run out of ammunition, the district attorney joked.

How exciting is this!? I guess now I can bust out my sword collection again! Yessssssssss!

And who takes an ice pick with them when they leave the house?! Honestly!!

I am not happy...

2006-02-01T00:44:00.000-08:00

So our stereo at work, well, to be blunt, it just SUCKS!! I just happen to put in a brand new CD I purchased on Monday. Well, the stereo has decided not to cooperate when it come to ejecting the cds. It happens to be a 5 disc changer and when I push open, it opens about an inch or so, then closes. This does not make me happy as I see this as the stereo mocking me. Not cool. Needless to say I have gone a few rounds with said stereo, but I have lost each time. Now my brand new cd is stuck in the tray somewhere, and most likely scratched like crazy. Also, not cool.

Next round, I take a hammer to it just to show it who is superior. It won't be pretty.

Answer Me This

2006-01-26T22:04:00.000-08:00

How is it that as a barista, I am required, (and do quite well I might add) to remember detailed drink orders such as, tall-soy-split shot-latte-extra hot-no foam... ok you get the idea. Well, why is that I can remember all that, but after finishing every single drink I can't seem to remember if they want whiped cream or not! How is that possible?! (And Bryan, I know you know what I'm talking about)

I'm Back, I'm Back, I'm Back!!! Guess what... I'm Back!!!

2006-01-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

You might want to sit down for this one if you havn't already. In fact, you might need some oxygen. That's right... I'm NOT DEAD!!! I'm still here. Surprise!!! I'm back and boy do I have some good stuff!

I will first start by apologizing to all of my biggest fans. (Which is zero because only about six people read this thing... and I'm posotive that each one of you have deleted my link from your blog... probably around Thanksgiving.)

So if any of you even care, I will be posting some very interesting stories. Until then, uhh... well I'm not actually sure.

K bye.

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

As we are all sitting down to eat an AMAZING turkey dinner, or are soon to do so, I will not waste a lot of my time or yours. I will simply wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Let us all take this moment to reflect, and think about what we are most thankful for and also realize that there are those that are less fortunate than us, and as unfortunate as that is we must not take anything forgranted. Cherish the small things in life, because it is when we are without the small things, that we are trully gratful for them.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Enough is enough!

2005-11-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

Come on people! I mean, seriously. Stop ordering cold drinks (specifically blended ones)! No more milkshakes, or smoothies, or granitas; just because the sun is showing its face does NOT make it warm outside... it's hardly reaching 60 if that. That does not warrant a blended drink! Plus, I don't want to make them!

Didn't everyone get the memo?! IT'S WINTER!!!

Procrastination Prevails

2005-11-15T19:40:00.000-08:00

I find myself once again, sitting at my computer starting a paper that is due less in less than 24hrs. It never fails. I said that I was going to do it over the weekend since I didn't have to work... but no.

So now I sit at my computer, ROCKSTAR in hand... actually it's empty, time to open a new one... and attempt to pull a halfway decent paper out of my... ear.

I THNK I'M GOING DEAF!!!

2005-11-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

Well, you heard right. LOL! I crack myself up. So yes, I think I am going deaf. Seeing as how the holidays are upon us, or will be shortly, we are starting to make "holiday drinks" @ work. Well this includes Eggnog Lattes. Uh oh... I think that's throw up in my mouth... oh, there it is again. Come on people!! How nasty is that. I mean Eggnog is nasty to begin with. If you are a fan of it, ok fine, I guess I can agree to disagree with you on that one. But adding a shot of espresso to that, ewwwww!

So I have to make this drink which requires the eggnog to be steamed. CAN YOU SAY LOUD!! I MEAN IT SOUNDS LIKE A JET TAKING OFF IN YOUR RIGHT EAR. IT'S DEAFENING!!

I'm just glad not too many people have bad taste, so I don't have to make too many.

Study Break

2005-11-07T00:36:00.000-08:00

So I'm posting this @ 12:30ish in the morning becasue I am taking a much needed break from studying, although it could rightfully be called "cramming", for a history exam that I am not prepared for.

I now find myself though, in the same place that I always am the night before a test, frantically ripping thorugh pages and pages of notes, paying no mind to the text book, after all, what instructer actually pulls questions from the material in the text? That would be crazy!

So now I set out to labour over what I hope are well written notes, and try to recall many class lectures; this is another feble attempt to study for a test I just hope to get a C on.

I wish I had a ROCKSTAR right about now.

I don't know about everyone else...

2005-11-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

but I think it is time to start listening to Christmas music!! Yay!! About a week ago I started pulling out the few Christmas albums I have and dusting off the covers. Then it was onto the computer with them (more specifically iTunes, then my iPod). Oh how I do love the music of Christams.

You don't think it's too early do you?

Uhh... I'm uber sorry?

2005-10-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

Hey all. I'm totally sorry for taking like a year and a day to write my next post but I got kinda busy and very lazy. So I ended up getting my paycheck in full and never got charged an overdraft fee from the bank because they said when they are the ones pulling the funds, they can't overdraw. Yessssssssssss! Well, now you are all caught up. Laters.

Soooo, I'm not too happy with Merv right now.

2005-09-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

So as most of you know, and if not then I will tell you now. I have worked for Mervyn's for a little over a year and about two weeks ago I "quit", although I don't like to think of it as quiting but rather "moving on to bigger and better things". So, the only thing left to do would be to pick up my final paycheck. No big deal right? Pretty self explanetory. I am done with them. WRONG!!!! Stupid me. It's never that easy.

So when it happens to be an employee's last paycheck, instead of handing out the paycheck, they keep the paycheck and do a payed-out, thus giving the correct amount in cash to the former employee and sending him on his/her way. (keep in mind what is bold, it will play a roll in the story that follows)

So I go in on payday to collect my last paycheck. The person handing out the paychecks hands me mine. First mistake. So stupid me, I figure that everything is cool and I go ahead and cash it. (they gave it to me so maybe i didn't need a payed-out)

So later that day Lori, who is in charge of payroll calls me and tells me there was a mistake with the amount I recieved on my check. So yah, they underpayed me. Second mistake. At first I was upset but then I thought, "Hey, I'm getting more money. It's all gravy"

To Be Continued...

Alas I am Back...

2005-09-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

and better than ever. Well I'm sure that all of my wonderful fans have been wondering just where I have been (because I have so many letters demanding my whereabouts). LOL! But seriously a lot has happened in the last month... most of which I won't go into detail about and some of which will make for great topics in the days to come. So for now you can just sit back, take a load off and enjoy me, Zachary, talking through my sax.

I Have Come to Grips

2005-08-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

So I have come to accept exhaustion. Now this is not to say that it is easy to deal with, no no, at times,well actually it is always difficult to bare. But I have come to the point where exhaustion is just accepted.

I new that working two jobs woulnd't be easy but I figured that since I wasn't getting enough hours with good ole Merv then I would find a nother job. And it did start out as me looking for a new job but quickly turned into a second job which now leaves me with umm... no life! "And there was much rejoince... ... yeah." Anyways, to make things a little more interesting, unreliable Merv has now decided to give me a whole lot of fun with 20 some hours a week to add to the 27 at Mellelo's. Oh joy! So I guess the long and short of it is that 40+ hour weeks are to say the least, exhausting.

Paychecks ROCK though!!

Umm...You Might Want To Pacce Yourself.

2005-07-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

I wonder how much your body can take. That is, how much coffee will the body allow before it says, "HOLD THE PHONE! STOP EVERYTHING!"

Example: There is this crazy guy Dennis who comes in to the shop ever day for his short (12 oz. for those who don't know how short short really is) house coffee. Now that seems fine but he come back at least two or three times in the few hours that I am there. So that means in just four hours he has consumed like, 36 to 48 oz. of coffee. Doesn't that seem a bit much. OH! And if that isn't enough, when he gets his card full of punches, he goes all out with a grande (20 oz.). This is some serious coffee addiction or something.

Anyways, just curious how much the body can handle?

Shoe Laces Don't Taste That Great.

2005-07-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

Yeah that's right, my shoe laces. The other day I went to see Batman Begins with two of my close friends. Now, leading up to this event I was certain that I wouldn't like the movie. I mean, how could this possibly beat out the original Batman? Doubtfull!

I told my friend that I wasn't going to pay to see a movie that doesn't interest me. He opted to pay for me so I said why not. Well...twentie minutes into the movie, incert foot in mouth...halfway through, contiue until you've reached calf...end of movie, up to the knee!!

Well, needless to say, the movie was great and easily beat out the original Batman. A must see even if you're not into comic book movies.

Life v. Money

2005-07-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

So how is it that a guy convicted of fraud gets 25 years in prison when a convicted murderer could be out in as little as 10 years? Call me crazy but isn't there something a little wacky about that situation? I mean let us weigh out the offences.

In the one hand you have someone who essentially stole a bunch of money. (Mr. Ebbers)

In the other hand you have someone who has taken a human life.

Now you must ask yourself, which is more valuable? Hmm... That's a BRAIN BUSTER!! But apparently our society has deemed money to be more valuable than a life and thus money fraud a more serious offense these days.

Boy am I thrilled to live in a materialistic society.

Just Scratch... ... and Sniff

2005-07-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

So here is another "stupid" question. At least a close friend of mine told me it was. What are friends for right?

So here goes, I was walking through Target the other night and I ran across the car air fresheners, more specifically Can O' Scent. On the top of the can was a scratch and sniff sticker. So here is the question, how do scratch and sniff stickers work?

Now at the time my friend told me that he thought that it was a very "blonde" question but I think that is perfectly valid and that it gets you thinking.

Uhh...what ever floats your boat I guess.

2005-07-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

So I totally think that there should be a law prohibiting a person to go out in public in certain wardrobes. Now the reason I bring this up is because I saw the most heinous thing the other day while at work.

Scene: I'm standing behind the counter of Mellelo's with a co-worker when we see a man exit his truck. He was walking across the street to the bank, and that is when we discovered his choice of apparel. First off, he was wearing no shirt so his hairy chest and gut were exposed, walking proudly I might add. Second he was wearing these bright red warm up jogging pants which wouldn't have been funny at all except that they were capris!!! Total shocker. Then he also had matching red flip flops; I am led to believe that he actually took some thought and consideration into what he would actually leave his house in. And now the kicker, the icing on the cake...wait for it...yes that is right, a MULLET!! Oh yeah!! Joe Dirt style.

Well I guess if you don't find that absolutely hilarious, then you should have been there. Needless to say, some things should just be outlawed and that is most definitely one of them.

Thanks To The Armed Forces

2005-07-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

Today let us stop our foolish and selfish bickering about who's right or wrong; let's stop fighting as democrats and republicans and start uniting for the good of our nation, and start fighting for our future as Americans.

Today is July 4th and is the best time, if you havn't already, to remember not only our independence and freedom, but also remember all of those who were brave enough to give their lives, so that we can lay our head down at night with out having to feer what the next day may have in store for us. And not just those who have layed down their lives but those who continue to fight for our freedom day in and day out. Today is the day that we should be anything but selfish; we should be thankfull and proud to say that we live the best country there is.

Day Off

2005-07-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that when ever you have a, "day off" you tend to do just as much, if not more than you would in a normal work day. It's perplexing because when you think about it, we take a "day off" so that we don't have to do anything that requires more energy than picking up the remote controll and pressing the ON button. But now it seems like more and more my "day off" has become filled with miscellaneous events, that when you add them up equal one extremely overbooked day.

Take today for example. I took the day off from both of my jobs; instead of relaxing I attended my good friend's wedding. ( I graduated high school with her. And doesn't seem like too long ago which makes her getting married already uber wierd. But that 's neither here nor there.) So anyways, I ended up spending four hours at this wedding instead of relaxing outside in the sun...working on my much needed tan. I mean, don't get me wrong, the wedding was great but I just find it amusing how we take our much needed time for rest and fill it with more odd jobs and appointments than we know what to do with.

I Wonder?

2005-07-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

So, do color blind people dream in color or black and white? Or maybe sepia? I sure would like to know.

Stupid Question Of The Day...Waiting For Your Stupid Response!

2005-07-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

So...what is the difference between coconut and vanilla?

WHAT UP?!

2005-07-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Cheerio! 99% of the people that will be reading this blog (all of maybe 5 people) already know who I am and what kind of personality I have so I don't really need to explain who I am...but for those of you who just happened to stumble in here by sheer accident, this is me...

My name is Zachary and I have lived in Central Point, Oregon my entire life. That is actually about to change in a week. Mom and myself are moving into a smaller apartment in Medford. Totally STOKED about that!! Let's see, I LOVE music. I mean, that is what I am all about. And well, I am now working two jobs and exhaustion has set in. I work for Mervyn's and (my most resent job) Mellelo's Coffee Roasters. I am way stoked about that.

Well, enough about me for now. I think that since I am getting antsy, it is time for me to sign off. (Honestly, I think I am developing adult ADD) Soooo, yeah...PEACE!!