reddshack http://reddshack.com Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:58:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 aloha from Provo http://reddshack.com/2010/06/aloha-from-provo/ http://reddshack.com/2010/06/aloha-from-provo/#comments Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:23:40 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=748 It’s fascinating that we got rain and snow all the way through the end of May this year, just like last year. As a result there were plenty of rainbows. I think it looks cool when they appear over the Y on the mountain.

Y mountain rainbow Y mountain rainbow Y mountain rainbow ]]> http://reddshack.com/2010/06/aloha-from-provo/feed/ 1 the college graduate http://reddshack.com/2010/05/the-college-graduate/ http://reddshack.com/2010/05/the-college-graduate/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 15:26:56 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=709 I finally graduated! I received my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an emphasis in Database Administration from UVU. What does that mean? That I know ‘stuff’ about computers. With my degree and knowledge of computer stuff I hope to find a job/career soon. What am I looking for? Something involving web development. I’ll update you on my job hunting success when it happens.

My graduation day was quite extraordinary. I had a Final that was scheduled in the testing center for Thursday and Friday. I couldn’t make it in on Thursday so I had to take it on Friday. But wait, weren’t my Graduation ceremonies also on Friday? Yes they were. I ended up taking the test Friday morning and as a result missed the Commencement. As soon as I finished my Final I rushed over to the McKay Events Center, threw on my cap and gown and got in line literally five minutes before we marched out onto the floor. Due to the time restraints I was forced to miss my much needed bathroom break. Convocation was two and a half hours long. I’ve never felt so antsy in my life.

Following graduation I did the traditional picture taking in front of my alma mater. We then went to Tucanos for a gradation feast to remember. I love their meats and mashed potatoes dearly. Luis and Natalia put together an awesome graduation party that night, “Are You Smarter Than A UVU Graduate?” Thanks Natalia for the best graduation party ever. It was really fun and I know everyone enjoyed proving their intellect.

Brent Luis diploma schoolmates graduation with mom grandparents family diploma diploma diploma tucanos graduation party graduation party Jilleun and Kelvin flying bottle

Now that it’s all over I can finally relax and breathe. I’ve been able to reflect back on my college experience and how much I’ve enjoyed it. I think it’s interesting that here we all are in Provo, going to school, working, serving in church callings, learning to live with roommates, worrying about cleaning checks, participating in extracurricular activities and doing everything else that is required of us. We’re doing ALL of this meanwhile we throw dating into the mix?! And not just that we try to date but that we continue to date, one failed attempt after another. I think it’s amazing that people do find their perfect match during this time in their lives. Where do you find the balance and what priorities have to change in order to make it happen? Apparently I never figured that one out. What have I figured out though? That everything happens when and how it’s supposed to. All it takes is patience and time and you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

]]> http://reddshack.com/2010/05/the-college-graduate/feed/ 4 how to celebrate your birthday http://reddshack.com/2010/05/how-to-celebrate-your-birthday/ http://reddshack.com/2010/05/how-to-celebrate-your-birthday/#comments Tue, 18 May 2010 15:26:01 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=675 When you’re a kid you look forward to your birthday all year long. When that day comes it is the greatest day of the year. I remember making invitations, passing them out to my friends, having my mom plan every aspect of the day including decorations and party favors, getting tons of presents and feeling like the most important person in the world. In some ways it was better than Christmas.

Despite not being a kid anymore, I was still able to have an awesome birthday last month thanks to all of my incredible friends. The night before I had a co-birthday celebration with Kaley in my ward who also shares the April 15 Tax Day birthday with me. We got together with everyone and had treats and played Two Ball. The game was arranged into a tournament and we had prizes for the winners. On my birthday I went out for sushi with all of my friends and then came back to my place for some cake and ice-cream. Due to the fact that I don’t like cake in any way, shape or form, I had my usual key lime pie to celebrate this special day.

Luis made a video montage of me of the last 4 years of my life in Provo that we also watched:

[http://www.vimeo.com/11059973]

two ball preparations playing two ball two ball Bobby, 3rd place James, 4th place Happy Sumo sushi candles on the pie i did it cake cutting cake and ice-cream i love presents Bobby gave me Otter Pops Kelvin and Jilleun! alt text

You realize when you get older that it’s the people in your life who make you the most happy. Memories last far longer than any gift ever will. Thanks everyone for making this one of the best birthdays ever!

]]> http://reddshack.com/2010/05/how-to-celebrate-your-birthday/feed/ 3 LIGHTS and Owl City http://reddshack.com/2010/04/lights-and-owl-city/ http://reddshack.com/2010/04/lights-and-owl-city/#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:26:02 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=628 Almost six months later and LIGHTS has returned to Utah, but this time with Owl City headlining the tour. The night started off with us waiting in line outside while it rained/snowed in the below freezing weather. I thought my hands were going to fall off as the rain showered upon our lifeless, shaking bodies. Apparently buying tickets online and having a physical ticket in your hand is not proof enough that you did indeed pay for your ticket. Everyone who did not buy their tickets online casually walked in as if they owned the place. Meanwhile the rest of us were waiting outside ready to suffer from hypothermia as they looked up our information one person at a time. I’ve never had this problem at other venues, but I guess The Great Saltair wanted to prove my expectations wrong.

Once we got inside we quickly warmed up and dried off. We got all situated just in time for LIGHTS. Words cannot describe how great this show was. It’s amazing to see what a big stage and killer lighting can do to turn a good performance into an amazing one. I was definitely impressed with her. I thought her last show was great but this one was even greater.

LIGHTS – The Last Thing On Your Mind

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGX3TH70Rs8]

Last time I saw Owl City was when they toured with Relient K last summer. It consisted of two guys standing behind MacBook Pros nodding their heads up and down while the drummer tried to follow a minus track. I didn’t care for them or their music at that point. It took me buying their CD to actually hear that it was something worth listening to. This concert proved to me one thing, that they are awesome live. The new arrangements for their songs were perfect. I especially liked the violin and cello that were added. I really didn’t think they would be able to pull off a big show like this, but they most certainly did.

Owl City – Meteor Shower

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUGlodw3H30]

As you can see, I was finally able to record my own video at this show. The sound goes in and out because I kept putting my fingers over the microphone. I’ll remember next time to position them more appropriately for your optimal listening pleasure.

LIGHTS at Saltair LIGHTS at Saltair LIGHTS at Saltair LIGHTS at Saltair LIGHTS at Saltair LIGHTS at Saltair Owl City at Saltair Owl City at Saltair Owl City at Saltair Owl City at Saltair Owl City at Saltair Owl City at Saltair ]]> http://reddshack.com/2010/04/lights-and-owl-city/feed/ 6 Velour’s Acoustic Showcase http://reddshack.com/2010/03/velours-acoustic-showcase/ http://reddshack.com/2010/03/velours-acoustic-showcase/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:26:52 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=578 I’ve been getting a lot of requests to put up the video from the other night at Velour‘s Monthly Acoustic Showcase with Sydney Rees. For anyone who missed the show, let me just say that you definitely missed out! I love playing with Sydney. She has a really good thing going for her and I always feel so lucky to be a part of her performances. The most rewarding thing is that I enjoy listening to the music just as much as I do playing it; you’ll notice by the way I move on stage. A big thank you to all of our friends who came and stayed the whole time. And thank you, Sherm, for playing percussion with us. Here are two of the six songs we played and some pictures.

Save Tonight (cover)

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFF9l3b6oEk]

Home / You Belong With Me / Animal

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opt9NEbKXkQ]

Brent and Sydney Dallan and Sydney Bryan, Brent and Sydney Brent and Sydney Dallan, Bryan, Brent and Sydney Brent, Sydney and Bryan

“Sing, with all your might!!”

]]> http://reddshack.com/2010/03/velours-acoustic-showcase/feed/ 3 Beverly is bleh http://reddshack.com/2010/03/beverly-is-bleh/ http://reddshack.com/2010/03/beverly-is-bleh/#comments Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:26:34 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=545 During my first trip to Las Vegas we touristed to Everything Coca-Cola on the strip. One of the attractions we were anxious to try was the taste test of different soft drinks from around the world. I was the first to discover the sleeping giant known as the Beverly from Italy. I had no prior knowledge of this rancid, vomit-inducing “beverage” that almost irreversibly damaged my kidneys and liver. The video shows my second attempt at cheating death. Has anyone else ever experienced this nightmare?

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foyIB-AE9pY]

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Coca-Cola taste test Spencer and Sheri gag OOOHH Brent and Luis ]]> http://reddshack.com/2010/03/beverly-is-bleh/feed/ 1 almost the graduate http://reddshack.com/2010/03/almost-the-graduate/ http://reddshack.com/2010/03/almost-the-graduate/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:26:38 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=536 Words cannot describe the feeling I had buying my UVU cap and gown the other day. I’ve been waiting for this day forever. Graduating means so much more to me than just finishing a bachelor’s degree, but it is who I’ve been and what I’ve been doing for the last eight years.  The usual response I get to that is, “Eight years?! You could have been a doctor by now!” That’s exactly how I feel too, thanks for reminding me. Obviously, if I could do it all over again I would do things much differently, but that’s what life is about—learning—and my college career has taught me far more than just what I’ve learned in the classroom.

I’ve learned a lot about myself and what’s important to me. I’ve learned who I am. I’ve learned that family and friends will always be my top priority. I’ve learned that there is good in everyone. I’ve learned that you need to take a chance. I’ve learned that without passion life feels very empty and unfulfilling. Whatever you do in life, do it for a reason and with conviction. Put your heart into it and don’t have any regrets. Learn from life.

Wearing this cap and gown isn’t just about accepting a piece of paper that says I’ve completed the requirements to be ‘educated’, it’s also about thanking everyone who has been a part of my life. Thank you for giving me a chance and helping me develop into the person I’ve become.

]]> http://reddshack.com/2010/03/almost-the-graduate/feed/ 8 LIGHTS http://reddshack.com/2010/02/lights/ http://reddshack.com/2010/02/lights/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:26:49 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=434 Here are some pictures from the LIGHTS show I went to on Halloween. I love the mood of small venues, especially Kilby Court; it’s very intimate (but not like that).

LIGHTSaber Russel the Keytar LIGHTS LIGHTS LIGHTS' rack LIGHTS

I enjoyed meeting LIGHTS after the show, she’s the nicest person. We got our picture with her and she signed my CD. The video below is from that night, but unfortunately not filmed by me.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Nj5VcvePTQ]

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwDlaN7yW90]

]]> http://reddshack.com/2010/02/lights/feed/ 2 red DS hack http://reddshack.com/2010/02/red-ds-hack/ http://reddshack.com/2010/02/red-ds-hack/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:26:37 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=417 After looking through my site logs from a few months ago, I noticed that someone was directed here after searching for ‘red ds hack’. I would like to publicly apologize to anyone reading this who searched the internet hoping to find out how to modify their Red Nintendo DS into making it a Wi-Fi access point or attaching a flux capacitor in hopes of achieving time travel. I do not have the information you need. Perhaps if I got one for my birthday I would figure out a way to use it as a Wii controller and share that with everyone, but until then I cannot help you.

Being the great friend that I am and knowing how much Luis wanted a DS, I had to tell him about what he could do if he got a red one.

To clarify this more clearly, I have designed a shirt to help people understand what reddshack is not.

]]> http://reddshack.com/2010/02/red-ds-hack/feed/ 2 Sabretooth http://reddshack.com/2010/02/sabretooth/ http://reddshack.com/2010/02/sabretooth/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:26:40 +0000 Brent http://reddshack.com/?p=432 After watching X-Men Origins: Wolverine the other night, I was reminded of my Halloween costume from this past year when I dressed up as Sabretooth. The only opportunity I had to showcase my masterpiece was at my ward party, which was a couple of days before Halloween. Immediately upon my arrival at the party I was greeted with, “Brent, why didn’t you dress up?” I guess to some people this is how I look/shave/dress every day. Seriously?

I think I did rather well with putting it all together. I spent a couple of hours painting the acrylic nails to look really gross. My scruff could have been longer/thicker but I only had a week to let it grow by the time I decided on being Sabretooth. I managed to find the perfect jackets after a visit to Savers and Macy’s.

Also present at the party was Wolverine. Apparently his claws didn’t arrive in the mail on time and there wasn’t much he could do about having a beard to further the detail of his costume (BYU Dress and Grooming Standards). Yes, we ended up having an epic battle and I totally won.

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