Wednesday, February 04, 2009

My 25 Random Things

Its a popular thing to do right now...I think because it results in people sharing interesting things that typically don't come up in everyday conversation. So here is my 25 random things...

1) I eat more salsa than anyone I know

2) I once had a pet turtle that smelled really bad

3) I once had several chameleons (actually green anole...I never knew the correct name and just called them chameleons) in my bedroom that often would escape from their terrarium and climb into bed with me…luckily I never rolled over on one.


4) I once had a pet snake that I named slithers and would often take for walks. After awhile he slithered away only to suddenly reappear a week or so later when I accidentally ran him over with my bike.

5) I have ridden pigs before…if anyone is going to attempt this I suggest getting on their back just before they are fed and to watch out for any low overhangs between you and their trough.

6) I enjoy growing plants and even had my own garden for a few years that produced some pretty good cucumbers.

7) My first paying job was scrapping steel (if I omit being paid by my grandma to pick rocks out of our fields)

8) My first non-paying job would probably be hoeing fields, which I started when I was about 6 years old. Our entire family would get up really early in the morning and head out in the fields until about noon…break…evening return to the fields. I started off taking 2 rows with a hoe that was sawed in half but eventually I work my way up to taking 8 to 10 rows at a time.

9) I have one of the largest collections of AC/DC cds…seriously its way larger than anyone really needs.

10) I know way too much about Days of our Lives thanks to my sisters and their love of the democratic process…voting everyday isn’t fair when it’s two against one everyday.

11) I have a large bump on my skull that has been there forever

12) For over a year I had a very obvious and large scar on my cheek that looked like lips from a kiss…I got it by popping a wheelie on my bike, jumping off the back while holding onto the handles, and the front tiring hitting my face

13) I keep track with graphs and spreadsheets all my bills and paychecks I’ve ever received…only recently have I started to destroy old bills

14) I can drink a full beer faster than anyone I’ve ever met…I was highly recruited during my undergrad years for flip cup.

15) There are several movies and tv series that I watch over and over: Gladiator, Good Will Hunting, Braveheart, Band of Brothers, Arrested Development, 30 Rock, The Office

16) Though lacking much in the area of musical ability I enjoy playing the guitar…I don’t get to play as much as I use to but still enjoy strumming at it before going to bed some nights.

17) I’m addicted to PS2 EASports Madden Football…I’ve played well over a decade in franchise mode and have proudly won the Superbowl every year (I think).

18) I was class representative my sophomore year of high school, which was a surprised because after being there only a year and half I didn’t even think people knew who I was. One of my classmates congratulated me after it was announced and I ask for what…I didn’t even bother listening to the names.

19) I have not had cable for the past 5.5 years.

20) I don’t drink much milk…but I love chocolate milk.

21) I always have a large bottle of vitamin C on hand just in case I feel a cold coming on.

22) During my senior year of undergrad I lived with 2 puppies, they both loved me and would run to my room frequently and get so excited that they would pee all over. Once the one puppy (who actually would just visit on the weekends) came in the door, ran upstairs and into my room, peed on my textbook, and ran away.

23) My junior year of college my roommate slept walked into my bedroom thinking it was the bathroom and peed on the side of my bed…I was extremely upset and from then on I always locked my door.

24) The first night I ever had to spend alone was devil’s night with a very bad storm. My parents and sisters were in Saginaw for the day and a really bad storm came in preventing them from getting home that night…I was a bit scared but made it thru. Most of the evening I watched tv with every light in the entire house on.

25) I use to play dart ball with my dad as part of a Lutheran church league…dart ball is the combination of darts and baseball.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Ann Arbor Folk Festival

This past Friday Dem and I went to the Ann Arbor Folk Festival. We got tickets because we really wanted to see Jeff Tweedy (lead singer for Wilco). We like Wilco but always wanted to see is solo performance with just an acoustic guitar and as luck would have it he was performing in our backyard. His performance was even better than we had hoped for...we had amazing seats and he even played two songs without a microphone. However, the other bands we saw were really good as well. I tried to take some pictures and video but it was so dark that it just didn't work out. So instead I decided to just post videos from my two favorite bands that performed.

Carolina Chocolate Drops
Great band...probably the most entertaining group we saw. They basically play old time songs to current day hip hop all with banjos, fiddle, jug, clapping/stomping, etc. Its really cool.



Jeff Tweedy
He certainly did not disappoint with his performance. Great selection of songs that were performed flawlessly.




Bonus:
Today I got a haircut that was probably a month overdue...here is a picture from 10 days ago.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Words of Wisdom by Dennis

I'm sorry I have been neglecting my blog of late. There was a period of time where I had tons of things going on and no motivation to write, but now it has shifted more to that I have nothing to write about. I'm just trying to get back into working in our research group (I've been on my own for quite awhile), writing publications, planning a wedding, getting in shape and hanging out with Dem. That is as good of an update as I could give for my life at the moment. So I'll post something Dem sent me today that makes me laugh...not sure if non-30 Rock fans will appreciate it, but those that watch the show will enjoy it and maybe others will as well.




"Let me tell you about 20 year olds, my friend, half of them are 16."
-Dennis Duffy

Monday, January 19, 2009

The Courage of Detroit

A great article about Detroit was written in Sports Illustrated by Mitch Albom. The article, the courage of Detroit, chronicles the success, failure and spirit of Detroit and Michigan. If you are looking for something to read take a look.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Its Official

After 22.5 years of education I am finally finished (at least with formal schooling)...as of 1:00PM on January 16, 2009 I have officially become a doctor of philosophy.