A Smashing Success

So, I’m back in Provo after a two week vacation home. Life is really boring because I am only working 15 hours a week and studying for the LSAT. But, other than that life is good. Owen and I have this goal to visit a lot of the restaurants in Utah. We thought we would start it off with a smash, a smash burger that is. I have to admit, I was kind of skeptical about how the quality of the burger was going to be, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a nice sized burger and very delicious. The fries are covered in olive oil, rosemary, garlic and other “herbs”. Owen had the classic SmashBurger.



I had the Beehive SmashBurger which had onion straws, BACON and barbeque sauce on it. So delicious. It was really good, only it needed more barbeque sauce.



So that is one restaurant off of our list. Our goal is about one a week! Stay tuned!

Made With Love

When I was on my mission in Hungary, the people there were predominantly Catholic. They took the Easter holiday very seriously. On Good Friday, Catholics aren’t supposed to eat meat. So, on Good Friday my companion, Elder Howe, and I went to McDonalds (twice) and had burgers to celebrate what we called Proud to Be a Mormon Day because we could eat meat (ironically enough though McDonalds was packed both times with people eating a lot of meat). So, I have carried that tradition on since I have gotten back from my mission. I always make it a point to eat a hamburger on Good Friday. Last year I went to Wendys, this year I decided to take it up a notch.



Owen, the restaurant aficionado in our Apartment, talked about how good Sammy’s was in Downtown Provo. We have wanted to go there for a while and after Owen got off work we girded up our loins and went there. It was a really neat place. Just a cool burger joint on a side street. They are known for their pie shakes. I had a Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake one and it was amazing.



I had the Masterpiece Burger and it was super good. Bacon, cheese, grilled onions and barbeque sauce with sweet potato fries on the side. So delicious! Anyway, it was a good time. Perfect way to celebrate Good Friday.



(P.S.---It became an even better Friday when I found out Jimmer Fredette has the same major as me. Props to the American Studies major!)

Joe Strikes Again

Well, I thought that Obama was keeping Joe Biden on a tight leash with all of the gaffes that he is prone to make, but in the past couple of weeks they have let him loose. This is one of the best ones ever, right up there with the Stand Up Chuck moment. The Irish Prime Minister was visiting and Joe pronounced a blessing on his late mother, who was actually still alive. God bless your soul Joe!



Then at the "historic" signing of Obamacare Joe apparently forgot that he was at the microphone when he dropped the F-Bomb to the President of the United States. "This is an #@*!ing big deal." Man first he threatens him with his Beretta, now he is cursing at him. Anyway, I think he actually meant to say that Obama care is actually a "#@*!ing" raw deal. It puts us on a slippery slope towards universal health care, which sucks by the way. The best thing is that before the major changes take place three years from now, we'll still be paying taxes until then to fund. Do you actually think that Congress is going to hold onto that money until then?

Purim

So today was Purim, the Jewish holiday honoring Ester, and Owen and I decided that we should celebrate. Nothing says a Jewish holiday like gravy and biscuits. We made this potato soup last week with our friend Amy. We had some left over and Owen thought that it would make a good gravy. I had biscuits and we went to town. It was so amazingly good. I was pleasantly surprised. Best of all, it was kosher!

What Would Jimmer Do?

This week has been absolutely crazy. I had two papers due, a ton of reading, a film log due and thank heavens I only had one midterm instead of two (thank you Dr. Hudson who allowed the group one writing group members to take their test next week. That was an answer to a silent prayer), plus work as well. By the time I got to Thursday I was ready for a break/celebration. Coincidently, Jimmer Fredette’s birthday fell on the same day. Needless to say I made a cake to honor that amazing basketball player.



“WWJD,” contrary to popular belief actually stands for What would Jimmer do? So, I had some friends over and we even sang to him, even though he wasn’t here. I’m sure he was here in spirit though. Then we spent the rest of the time visiting with friends. It was a jolly old time! But I think we all could benefit by asking ourselves this question, especially when we are in a tough spot. What would Jimmer Do? He would take the ball and score. We need to do the same when life throws us the basket. Let’s follow Jimmer’s example and when life hands us the basketball, let’s take it to the basket!

Valentine's Day

So this Valentine’s Day weekend was actually a pretty sociable one for me. Friday night I went with a bunch of friends to see “Valentine’s Day.” It was really good. I was surprised at how funny it actually was. It had a really good plot too. I highly recommend it. Then on Saturday I went the BYU Basketball gave with Savannah. It was kind of boring because we ended up beating Air Force by like forty points (I hope they do better once they get on the battlefield!). Anyway, the highlight was probably when they did the BYU Idol where they have two people sing a song in front of everyone. The first guy was really good. The second guy prefaced his attempt with “I’m Sorry.” He was pretty bad. He didn’t even know the words. But to make up for he unzipped his jacket which revealed an “I hate the U” t-shirt which was awesome. Oh, and I’m found this really cool shirt which I am so tempted to buy.


Then in the evening, we went to our stake dance. It was a lot of fun. Good times with good friends and doughnuts. I’ve got a busy couple of weeks ahead. Hopefully I can get ahead on President’s Day.

In-N-Out

So the new semester has started and things are going. My classes are good and I officially start my internship on Monday so that should be a lot of fun. It was nice to make it to the weekend so I could take a deep breath and figure out what I need to get done. Friday evening we went over to the Honey Shack in the new “red light” district of Provo and played games with Savannah and Melissa. We had a lot of fun, which included calling a Chuck E. Cheese in Hawaii. We now know what the E stands for though. Becky came home smelling like Outback which was a nice treat. K-Money also stopped by and told us about the crazy people that come into the Provo Marriott.

Saturday found me doing a lot of reading and laundry. I did get to use my new drying rack that I got for my birthday. It is really nice and durable. Thanks a lot parents!


Then right before diner time Owen suggested that we go out and get something to eat. I was so grateful he made that suggestion. I still really don’t have anything to eat because when I went food shopping I thought that I had a lot more things than I really did have. So, we decided to go to “In-N-Out.” For those of you not from the west, In-N-Out is a burger place that has its origins in California. For years, all that I’ve heard about from Californians is how good In-N-Out is. Ever since it opened in Provo, it has been extremely crowded. I even wore flip flops in honor of the occasion.


Us waiting in line. It actually didn’t take that long. I guess that is why they call it In-N-Out. They really did move people in and out.


A double-double. It was really good. The fries are made from fresh potatoes at the restaurant. You can actually see the guy slicing them in the back.


Steven devouring his hamburger.


Owen enjoying his double-double.


Me enjoying a shake.


It was a good cultural experience. Now I know what all the Californians are raving about. Give it a try if you get a chance. I also got to see the Cougars in action at the Marriott this week. They beat UNLV at home and UTEP on the road. They are now ranked 25/23 in the nation. Props to them. Oh, Jimmer is sick. In what was first strep throat, then the flu, has now become mononucleosis. I hope he gets better soon. We’re praying for you Jimmer!