The amazing human brain

I'd like everyone to look at the following picture. See if you can pick out the 5 different shapes of objects (all objects are in black).


Now, having done that, look at the following picture. See if you can match the objects from the picture below to the types of objects found in the previous image. That was pretty easy wasn't it? It is, unless you're trying to write a computer program to do it. This is essentially the program which has plagued my existence for the last 3 weeks. And I'm not done, and it's thanksgiving break. If I could only find my bugs...

Rivalry Week

Well, it's that time of year again, when Sabrina becomes simply unbearable as she talks up how her Utes will beat my Cougs. Again. She gleefully reminds me of how BYU hasn't been victorious over the U in Provo for years. Well my dear, this is the year.

In all honesty, I think this will be, yet again, a great football game. Utah has been, at best, dominating in their last seven games, at worst, they've won. BYU has been solid at best during their last seven games, at worst, they've won. To me, there a 3 main things to watch this game.

1 - Whose quarterback is healthier, and if they're not 100%, which quarterback can be more effective in the short game?
My Take: if both QBs are limited in efficiency beyond 15 yards, edge to BYU as their offense naturally calls for dump passes across the middle to TE and RBs. If BYU lets Brian Johnson run like they did TCU's Andy Dalton, it could be a long night for the BYU defense.

2 - Turnovers. BYU has survived all year even while turning the ball over. They even managed to almost win while turning the ball over lots at UCLA and Tulsa. Utah has done decently well in this area, but needed New Mexico to cough it up for their win to be comfortable.
My Take: if Utah turns it over more than BYU, edge to BYU, if not, this is a draw.

3 - Points. BYU is averaging 30.5 points in conference play (1st in conference), while Utah is averaging 23.9 (which does include the shutout by UNLV, 4th in conference). BYU has given up
15.3 ppg (2nd in conference) and Utah is giving up 12.4 ppg (1st in conference).
My Take: I know I probably shouldn't, but I GUARANTEE which ever team scores more points will win this one.

Is this the year that BYU finally breaks the Utah curse? Could it be that the magic of Lavell Edwards Stadium will finally extend to this game as well? Or will Utah yet again walk out of the TDS stadium with a W? I'm not sure either, but from now until Saturday it won't stop us from pounding our chests and proclaiming that our team is the better.

Go Cougs!

Music Musings

Well, I am more than likely behind the times and you probably all know about these already, but, maybe I can enlighten someone here.

First off, have you heard of pandora.com? If not, please go check it right now. It is pretty much the coolest music service. My friend just told me about this the other day and I am in love with it. It's a great way to hear your favorite music free and find out about other bands / songs you would like.

Secondly, a week ago or so, Oprah did a show about favorite YouTube videos. She featured a man named Paul Potts who ended up winning last year's Britain's Got Talent show (which is somewhat like American Idol and is actually judged by none other than Simon Cowell). The following YouTube video was his first round performance. It gives me chills every time I watch it. Yes, I've watched it a few times :) I absolutely love it!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=exyJ2CSfrHo

K, well I don't feel like figuring out how to embed a YouTube video into my blog right now, so you'll have to go to the link, but it's worth it. Trust me!

Two Recommendations

First, every once in a while, do a workout that makes your muscles feel like jello. It makes you feel like it might really make a difference, and driving home with jello arms is a funny experience. At least I thought so.

Second, don't grate your thumb, or any other digit for that matter. It makes for a painful and messy dinner preparation.

9-month pics

I have never put up three posts in one day. In fact, I think this is something like the 5th post this week. Go me! Anyway, Monday night, we took Adie out to take her 9-month pictures. I can't believe she is that old! We also took a few with her in her Halloween costume and a couple of family shots as well. We got a lot of cute ones, so I tried to narrow it down as best I could. There are a lot though, so just keep scrolling :)

Adie's First Halloween

Well, I am kind of a Halloween Humbug. I don't really like to dress up a lot. I actually don't like spending money on a costume so that's the main issue and I don't really get into it too much. I don't mind jack-o-lanterns or candy though. It is also really fun to see other people's costumes, so I am glad some people get into it :) That being said, I still tried to be festive yesterday. I carved a pumpkin and made roasted pumpkin seeds. Yum! I also made some cookie bars topped with chocolate and orange frosting, so they looked pretty Halloween-y and we watched It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, which is a Halloween classic. We dressed Adie up as a cow. I am willing to spend some money on my children's costumes because it's fun for them and makes for cute pictures, but we were lucky to have my step-sister around. She donated Adie's costume to us, so we didn't have to pay a dime. Am I a tight-wad? Yes, yes I am! It worked out though because Adie was so cute.


Here is a quick pic of Adie, but you will probably have already seen the other ones of her in her costume that we took along with her 9-month pictures. So cute though. I put in the pink bow to make sure she was designated as a girl cow :)


I couldn't think of a good face to carve and I am not artist, so here is my attempt at a bat. Why not? It's a simple Halloween shape.



I know you can barely see this, but it's Adie seeing a jack-o-lantern for the first time.

St George Pictures

Ok, I have lots of pictures to share, so here's the first batch. As promised, here are some pictures from our St. George trip last weekend. Good times!





Adie has been trying hard the last little while to get her head between her arms without letting go of her hands. She's impeded by those short arms and large head. I love baby proportions, so funny.









Another thing she has been doing is sticking her favorite toy, her key ring, in her mouth and then hitting it with her hand. Every time she does it it reminds me of the dog in Pirates of the Caribbean that holds the prison keys. Adie made sure to show off her all her newest tricks for Clark and Shannon.









Beautiful Snow Canyon. Brett took these while riding in the car, so this picture may be a little blurry, but you still get the idea. When we move from Utah, I will really miss being so close to such incredible scenery. I love the red rock!











The Blockburgers, Phippens and Millars together again. Adie and Sarah are just a few days apart (they were due the same day), so it's fun to see how each has grown.