25 Tag

This was a tag on facebook. I was supposed to write 25 interesting things about myself. It's long, but worth the read. Sorry for the formatting, I'm not savvy enough to fix it.

1 – I am an avid reader. Last year I read over 35 books and just this past week, I finished my fifth book of January, aptly titled, “The Reader.” It has been my passion since I was a child. I would much rather spend my money on books at Barnes and Noble rather than necessary food, and I would rather read than sleep. Strange, but I like to think it makes me more intelligent. (I’ve heard it does. Haha)

2 – I use a Mac. I bought my first MacBook when I got home over eighteen months ago and it was the best purchase I ever made. The transition from a PC is not a difficult one and it took maybe one day to adjust. I have never had my laptop freeze, shut off, become virus infected or any other error. I am addicted to anything Apple and my dream job is to work for Apple Inc. as a product designer.

3 – I make monthly resolutions. Sounds weird, but I would much rather make feasible monthly goals than a whole bunch of ridiculous annual goals that I always seem to forget and never complete. I would recommend it to anyone hesitant of making long-term resolutions.

4 – I am addicted to CNN. Ever since the beginning of 2008 when the election race began, I have been glued to my television every morning, afternoon and night. Their approach to news is very objective and always fascinating, whether it is politics, weather, entertainment, crime or world issues. Campbell Brown, Wolf Blitzer, John Young, Anderson Cooper, and Larry King have become friends of mine and I secretly want to be a part of the CNN family.

5 – I do the Sudoku puzzle and New York Times crossword every morning in the newspaper. After reading the morning paper during my first class, I dive into the puzzles, multi-tasking as I listen and take notes. It is a minor hobby that helps me feel successful each morning.

6 – I want an east coast lifestyle. Complete with the posh apartment, rich girlfriend and Ivy League education.

7 - I have been infected with e.coli. Yep, e.coli. The bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and that comes from uncooked meat was living inside my body for about three weeks in 2005. Plainly put, it was the worst health experience of my life, and my body hasn’t been the same since.

8 – I change my sheets weekly. Obsessive? Probably. Do I care? No. There is nothing more amazing then going to bed in clean sheets that smell like Tide. Blame that one on my mom, the queen of clean.

9 – I love adding new phrases to my vocabulary. Widget – Muncher – Muffin – Blood – Hands Down – Really – Remember – I’m Sure – Puss Play – Crapplebees – Bupas – Ahhhwee – have all become part of my vocabulary over the years.

10 – I hate Andy Roddick. I love watching tennis, but Andy is so consistent at playing poorly that he makes a mockery of the sport. His strength is in his serve and yes, he has perfected it. However, he needs to put more attention on his ground strokes and volleys, instead of serving the world’s fastest tennis ball. I am no pro, but it is obvious where he is lacking.

11 – I wash my jeans every five to six months to keep the color, quality and look.

12 – I don’t take naps. Weekdays, Sundays, any day. Never have and probably never will until I have children who keep me up during the night.

13 – I have many pet peeves. Slurping cereal/soup, chewing with your mouth open, grammatical errors in text messages, shallow girls, writing your when it should be you’re, talking in class, when people call each other bro and dog, dirty dishes left in the sink, bad drivers, etc.

14 – I am independent! If there is one thing in this life I am grateful for, it is my independence. Not the religious or patriotic type, but my personal freedom of control, support and influence from others (except my parents). Working, paying my own bills, living away from home and going to school give me complete happiness. I am grateful for what I possess and for everything I have learned, because it is the fruit of hard work.

15 - I laugh at the commentators on SportsCenter. Partly because of their humor, party because of their ridiculous comments and party because of their egos.

16 – I think Family Guy is crude, ridiculous and very entertaining. I shouldn’t watch it, but I do occasionally and end up laughing for hours afterward as I think back at the jokes.

17 – I hate mornings. Always have and always will. My mind and body are awake, but I don’t like socializing with anyone before 10 AM. Everyone knows better than to try and talk, text or call before that time. Instead, do it at night when I am usually awake until past midnight.

18 – I used to call my elementary school girlfriend Kelly Kapowski. Likewise, she called me Zach. We would write love notes and sign them with our names, living vicariously through our favorite after school program. She is now married to her own Zach, but to this day I will occasionally call her Kelly. Thanks Saved By the Bell. You taught me that superficial high school relationships are real.

19 – I have been hit in the head with a golf ball. When I was 14 I went golfing with my friend Zach and we joined with two older men to make a foursome. On the last hole, I was walked approximately 40 yards ahead of the man and stood by a tree out of the way. Yet, he sliced the ball and I couldn’t get out of the way in time. He hit me right above the temple and knocked me out.

20 – The best gift I ever received was my missionary scrapbook. Complete with pictures, explanations, announcements, programs, notes, letters, and souvenirs all in chronological order and bound together. It was lying on my bed the day I got home. It took my mother months and I am eternally grateful for her. She is amazing!

21 – The majority of my best friends have been my friends my whole life. We have all gone to the same elementary, middle and high school. We’ve all gone our separate ways, but stay in very touch often.

22 – A seagull has stolen a hamburger out of my hands. Yep, it happened! When I was 2, I was happily enjoying my sandwich as I sat in my dolphin stroller at Sea World in San Diego. Out of the blue, a rabid bird swooped the hamburger out of my hands. If I could have I would have killed it, even if PETA ahad been there.

23 – I grew up in the same house, neighborhood and ward until I left on a mission. It was a very close knit, loving environment and I always think that if heaven has neighborhoods and wards, I hope to live on that same street with those same friends and neighbors.

24 – I enjoy learning, especially at BYU. School has never been a burden, but a privilege in my life and I am grateful that I have the opportunity to further my education at BYU. It truly is a remarkable experience that I recommend to anyone.

25 – I love my family. Immediate and Extended. They mean everything to me and I am grateful for their love, support, friendship and humor.