Something Inspirational

I recently heard a quote from an old friend of mine that I really enjoyed.  I thought it would be worth sharing so I threw this little image together.

Top 10 Things to Do with a Tennis Ball

Photo Credit: Horia Varlan

This may seem like an odd thing to talk about ... and I guess it is. My rationale is that, since we are moving soon, I need to find a purpose for everything that we are loading into the U-Haul - or there's no reason to keep it.  

Note: we have 3 tennis balls from our wedding that we have yet to use.

Thus, without further ado, I give you ...

The Top 10 Things to Do with a Tennis Ball

1. Throw it in the Dryer 
• It keeps clothes from getting tied up so that they dry properly.
2. Play Fetch with the Dog
• Hopefully, your dog doesn't have O.C.D. or it may never stop retrieving it.
3. Hang it from a String in the Garage
• Once it bumps against your windshield, you'll know that you've pulled in far enough.
4. Play Catch with a Friend
5. Sneak One into a Dodge Ball Game 
• Those rubber balls don't even compare.
6. Help the Young and the Elderly
• Believe it or not, there are companies, such as Tennis Ball Cutter, that put them on the bottom of chairs at schools to reduce noise and keep the floors cleaner.  Not to mention, the elderly, who use them with their walkers quite regularly.
7. Low-Cost Entertainment
• Cut a small hole, fill the ball with peanut butter and watch your dog go crazy trying to get it out.
8. Miniature Flotation Device
• It could save your life ... could be used in a swimming pool, lake or bath tub.
9. Baby Toy
• Hopefully this doesn't rule me out as a future father, but a baby could suck on/play with one of these, right?
10. Hit it Back at the Ball Boy
• So that he can make an amazing catch (see video).

Oh ... and I guess you could Play Tennis.

What do you think?  How else would you use a tennis ball?  Please, leave your comments below.

Disneyland Trip 2012

"The Happiest Place on Earth" never ceases to impress.  At the end of June, Alexis and I hopped in the suburban with the Long family and drove to none other than Disneyland.

Our first stop was to Uncle Jim and Aunt Leigh's house for about a day to hang out, catch up and kill some time (since the house that we rented wouldn't be available until the next day).

 

 The kids had a lot of fun playing the Wii.

Then it was off to the rental home which came complete with a pool, pool table, ping-pong table, bundles of bedrooms, a Wii and enough beds for Everyone ... except Alexis and I, that is.  

We didn't mind though since by the time we laid down on our air mattress, we were usually so exhausted that we could just as easily have slept on the floor.  

Lionel and April showed up with their kids that afternoon.  It was fun to surprise the kids because they didn't know that they were going to Disneyland or that we were going to be there!  It was a lot of fun to have everyone there.

Bright and early the next day, we were off to Disneyland itself.  It is surprising how short the lines are when you show up at 8am.

We spent some of our time with the Hamiltons (though they spent most of their time on the kiddie rides), much of it with the Longs and a few hours one day doing our own thing.  

We had to wait in line twice to get on the Materhorn because it broke down the first time.  It was fun but not my favorite ride in the world - too bumpy and it jerks you around.  Don't get me wrong, I love roller coasters but this one is from an older generation and not quite as smooth.

We spent most of our time riding the "big kid" rides such as Space Mountain (3-4 times), California Screamin' (4-5 times), and the Tower of Terror (5-6 times) over and over again.

Another reason that I love my wife - she loves roller coasters just as much as I do!

Since we had a 3-day pass, we were able to see both of the evening shows: Fantasmic and World of Color. They were pretty sweet!  I'd definitely recommend it to anyone that makes a trip to Disneyland.

Reliving "Star Tours" again was pretty awesome - since that was my favorite ride when I came as a 6 year old.

At one point, Lexie accidentally dropped her mom's sunglasses (that she was borrowing) in the public toilet! Yuck!  If it weren't Disneyland, I'd be a bit disgusted.

We found out that there is a 'secret' passageway through the castle that explores the story of Sleeping Beauty.  It was pretty cool.

Splash Mountain was fun - especially when it broke down while we were still on it!  They turned on all the lights, helped us out of the boats and escorted us downstairs.

They took us to the Disney back lot, which is, surprisingly, not that magical.  It's just got some trailers, parking area and dumpsters.  They did give us a free "Fast Pass" for the inconvenience though.

The parade was pretty fun - although the ground was flaming hot to sit on for any length of time.

In short, Disneyland was awesome - just like always.  I may gripe about the price but you do get your money's worth.

FYI: Keep your eye open for discounts offered through AAA and other companies with which you may be affiliated - they can provide pretty good deals.

3 Tips to Succeeding from Day One

You know what I like about tips?  They're free and, hopefully, worth more than you paid for them!  Here we go:

Chart Out Your Semester

Generally speaking, professors spend the first day of class going over the syllabus and talking about what textbooks you need.   The exception to this rule is Eddie Davila - awesome Supply Chain professor - who intentionally dives into course material on the first day to reward those who attend the first class (or to punish those who don't, however you want to look at it).

Use the first few days to review the course schedule and write down all of the assignments (at least the major ones) and their due dates into either your planner or smartphone.  If you are really bright, you'll give yourself automated reminders that sound at least 1 week in advance; that way, you'll never end up doing things at the last minute.

I can tell you, from experience, that this has been an invaluable tool in helping me stay on track - especially once the semester gets rolling and it feels like you have something due every other day!

Sit in the Front Row

Why?  Here a few reasons:

1. Helps Develop Rewarding Professor/Student Relationships - Professors notice/get to know the students in the first row (unlike those who sit in the middle or back of a class of 300).  If they know you and vice-versa, it is easier to ask for help and/or future recommendation letters.
2. Motivates Consistent Attendance - When you don't show up, the professor often notices and comments.
3. Encourages Punctuality - It is a long walk to the front of a classroom if you are 15 minutes late.
4. Helps You Focus - Most of the kids in your classes will have laptops and at least 3/4 of those will be on Facebook, YouTube, ESPN or some other website.  Sitting in the front will help you to focus on the material, rather than on the YouTube video the guy in front of you is watching.
5. Less Time Studying Later - If you sit in the front row, you'll likely pay attention and take good notes.  Do you know what that means?  You'll spend that much less time studying outside of class because you already learned it in class.

Start Studying at Least 1 Week Before the Test

Question: What is more effective?

• Studying for 20 minutes every day for a week or...
• Studying for  3 Hours right before the exam?

If you have taken MAT 210, you might have noticed that 3 hours is more total time than 20 minutes each day for a week (140 minutes or 2.33 hours).  Nevertheless, I can promise you that 20 minutes effectively spent reviewing for an exam each day for a week will help you to internalize/understand the material better than if you were to try 'cramming' 6 weeks worth of material into your head in 3 hours.

Studying in short bursts:

1. Encourages productivity (because you only have 20 minutes).
2. Prevents drowsiness (so long as you don't study in bed).
3. Is easier to talk yourself into doing!  It is much easier for me to tell myself that I will study for 20 minutes and then go eat some ice-cream than it is to condemn myself to 3 hours of cramming followed by a 1 hour mid-term!

If you will spend the first week charting out your semester, consistently sit in the front row and start studying at least 1 week before each test, I promise you that, at least by comparison, your grades will soar and you'll feel a lot less stressed!

I'd love to hear any "Tips for Success: that you may have.  Please, comment below!

Cell Phone Jerk

Please don't be a cell phone jerk.  


Cell phones allow us to be constantly available but it is important to know when to 'hang up' the phone.  It seems that most people recognize the importance of "netiquette" in the digital realm--such as using respectful language, NOT WRITING WITH CAPS LOCK ON and not writing anything that you would not be willing to say to someone face to face--but I've noticed that many are failing to understand the importance of cell phone etiquette with respect to those around you.


The following video will explain more thoroughly:   

Cell Phone Etiquette 

What can we learn from this video: 

1. Bluetooth is fine, just make sure that those around you don't think that you are talking to them.
2. Business meetings, bathrooms (awkward), and restaurants are not appropriate places to carry on cell phone conversations.
3. Do not text, check your email, or play Angry Birds while driving--beating level 25 is not worth killing someone or crashing your car.
4. Learn to unplug (every once in a while)
5. Those who drive while talking have the reflexes of a senior citizen (no offense Grandma).
6. Lastly, try not to let your phone take priority over / annoy the person right next to you!
7. In fact, the National Safety Council reported that phone conversations cause drivers to become "more emotionally engaged" and "less attentive to safety signals" ("Unsafe Driving in,").  Furthermore, according to Nationwide, "distractions from cell phones" reduce reaction time to that of a person driving with a "blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent" (Nationwide).  In short, be smart and don't goof around with your phone while driving.

Remember, children mimic their parents--so be careful!

Note: this was an assignment for class--thanks for reading!

References: 
Nationwide. (n.d.). Driving while distracted: Statistics to know. Retrieved from http://www.nationwide.com/newsroom/dwd-facts-figures.jsp
Unsafe driving in the cell phone era. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cellphonesafety.org/vehicular/era.htm

So You Think You Know Chocolate?

Here is a fun little game for anyone who's interested.  The following are four popular chocolate treats (all of them name brand chocolates).  Can you name them all?  Be Specific!

Are you ready for the answers?
...
...
...
Are you sure?
...
...
...
Okay, from left to right they are:

1. Snickers
2. Hershey's Dark Chocolate (we had to turn it over to hide the logo)
3. Andes Mints
4. Milky Way Dark Chocolate!

How many did you get right?  

If you liked this, try out this other candy quiz at: Sporcle.com

How to Become a Millionaire with Only $10,000

So I am taking FIN 300 (Intro to Finance for all non-finance majors) right now.  The other day, my professor told us that there are three ways to get rich:

1. Marry Money
2. Inherit Money
3. Invest Money slowly over time

So how does that work for me: 

1. Marry Money--Since I'm already married and have merged bank accounts with my wife, I've pretty much maxed out this option.  
2. Inherit Money--Being the youngest child, my claim on the "birthright" is pretty non-existent.
3. Invest Money slowly over time--This seems to be my best shot at becoming a millionaire so I found a website that will show me how to do it.

To see how it's done, click the link and then enter the information below: How to Make a Million with Only $10,000

Enter the Following: 

• Ending Value: 1000000
• Beginning Value: 10000
• Number of Periods: 40 
• *A period is generally considered to be a year

Thus, with a principal investment of $10,000 at age 25, with compounding interest, I should be a millionaire by 65!

Anyone see a hole in my plan?  Help me out you finance majors.

Dog for Dinner

Alexis and I, being the poor college students that we are, frequently go to the various malls in our area (primarily Arizona Mills but occasionally we visit Chandler Fashion and Fiesta, as well).

"Poor people going to malls?" you say.  Certainly!  Although we hardly ever buy anything except the occasional DQ Blizzard (now that we're part of the Blizzard Fan Club--very exclusive--it makes us feel quite elitist).  We mainly just go to get out of the house and walk around.  While we're there, we always make a point of stopping in the pet shop to look at the puppies 'on display.'

Occasionally, we get to see the employees feeding the dogs their dinner (not feeding the dogs for dinner, of course)--which is quite entertaining, to say the least.  This is a cute little Husky (I believe) that seems quite suspicious of his dinner--the little red thing that keeps frightening him.

Now, I have a question for all of you.  Alexis and I really liked the "Puggle" (blend of Pug and Beagle) but weren't such big fans of its price tag (about $1000--although there was an option to Finance the dog!).  Do you think this is a cute dog?

  What kind of dog do you have / or wish you had?  What's the most you've ever paid (or heard someone pay) for a dog?  Feel free to comment below.

What are Blogs for Anyway?

That is a good question and, partly because it is an assignment for my technology class--and partly because I know you want to know--I am going to tell you.


How Could A Blog Help You

1. Find a good place to eat in Tempe (could be anywhere, depending on where you live)
• http://www.azfoodreview.com/category/tempe-az/
2. Learn about how to invest in the stock market
• http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/12/16/how-much-does-the-stock-market-actually-return/
• This is actually a great website for a lot of financial advice--not just the stock market.
3. Learn more about social media tools
• http://socialmediaclub.org/blogs/social-media-journal
4. Learn more about new video games
• http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2012/01/16/new-video-game-releases-week-3-2012.htm 
5. Find / Read movie reviews
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/marshall-fine-movie-review
6. Find out where your favorite band/musician (say, Elton John and Billy Joel) was playing
• http://www.rockconcertsnow.com/elton-john-and-billy-joel-2009-tour/

All of those were found through a simple Google Search with "Blogs" as the search parameter (you just click "blogs" on the side after you input your search).  

Blogs to Check Out (to see some variety)

• Boy Genius Report: 
• Reviews technology ranging from social media to mobile phones to gaming (and some random stuff like celebrities).
• Gadling:
• An interesting travel blog that discusses topics ranging from airlines to use to budgeting tips to locations to visit.  It is a pretty comprehensive site in terms of travel.
• Failblog:
• As far as I can tell, this website just finds people 'failing' at different things (or just making fools of themselves) and then people vote on them.
• Rotten Tomatoes: 
• A useful site with movie reviews, user ratings, trailers, etc.  I didn't realize that it merged with Flixster some time ago.  I guess imdb.com is the only other big competitor these days.
• Grantland:
• It seems like this website occasionally covers other things but generally focuses on sports news, highlights, etc.
• Gawker:
• I'll be perfectly honest, I think that gawker is an enormous waste of time and, for that reason, I am not even going to link to it.  Basically, it is a website completely devoted to gossip, sleazy news, etc.

And a Few FAQs: 

1. What is the difference between a blog and a micro-blog?
• With some variation, a blog is an online journal produced by a single individual on a specific theme--like "The Hobbit", Crafts, Social Commentary or sometimes as broad as someone's life (like the blog you are reading!).  The posts are generally somewhere between 300-500 words, in my experience and often include pictures and sometimes even video clips.  The blogs listed above could be considered "blogs" and not "micro-blogs".
• A micro-blog, on the other hand, is a condensed version of a blog--as the name would suggest--with much shorter posts (sometimes no more than a link or a one-liner).  Wikipedia describes it as more of a "broadcast medium" for things like status updates and sales promotions (in the case of businesses).  Twitter is a good example of a micro-blog.
2. Is Wordpress a blog or a micro-blog?
• Wordpress is both a platform for blogging and a hosting service (like Blogger) that allows you to create your own blog.  Although I have seen a few mentions of micro-blog plug-ins for Wordpress, it is primarily a normal blog.
3. What is an "Enterprise Micro-blog"?

• It is a service offered to organizations that allows them to share information quickly through RSS Feeds, threaded replies, and photo and file sharing.  This kind of service helps to enhance collaboration throughout the organization.  One of the most highly respected Enterprise micro-blogging services out there is Yammer.

Well, out of all the blog sites that I visited, I would probably say that GetRichSlowly.org was my favorite because it had some great practical advice on reducing expenses, investing and developing an effective long-term get-rich strategy!

I'd love to hear what you have to say about blogs.  What do you use them for?  Have you found any really good ones that help you to find what you're looking for?  


Please, comment below. 

Rockets and Christmas Gifts

Lexie and I just finished our Family Christmas Tour the other day.  It was a lot of fun but exhausting, nonetheless.  Friday night after I got off work at UPS, we drove up to Jason and Kim's place in Litchfield Park to hang out with them and Ryan and Kathrin.  We stayed the night and by the next morning, Jared and his family (including the adorable newborn Anna Jean Bates) and Amy and Cory arrived.

Caleb proving what a good big brother he will be.

We spent the morning hanging out and eating--two of the greatest reasons to get together as a family, in my opinion.  We also happen to have a "Rocketeer" in our family named Cory McDowell who brought his rocket collection to shoot off.

The boys were pretty into watching the rockets go off.  They even had a lot of fun chasing them down once they landed/crashed!

His rockets were pretty sweet--the biggest one was my favorite because it had a slower take-off (kind of like a space shuttle).

Then we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa (Mom and Dad) Bates' house for a great Christmas Eve Dinner!  We really had to discipline ourselves not to overeat because there was so much good food there--not to mention the desserts!

The next morning, we went to church and then had our own little Christmas celebration.

Gotta Love Amazon.com (cheap used movies!)

Then we went over to the Longs to open our gifts there (more movies!) and see what everyone had gotten.  After that (my fingers are getting tired just writing all of this), we went to Grandma and Grandpa Longs to see them and exchange gifts.  Then we went back to the Longs (Lexie's parents) and hung out for the rest of the night.  

The next day, we hung out at Jason and Kim's again, drove around their new Polaris Ranger and went to the  mall.

By the end of the weekend, we had definitely enjoyed ourselves but were ready to be home!