tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40379656370715311152024-02-19T11:17:50.137-08:00The Matt Peterson Blog...or whateverThis is a laid-back, come-and-go style blog full of fantasy, intrigue, and blurry background photos. Hopefully we can become Interweb friends! (but you know, whatever)Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-40988066765409741742013-09-02T20:54:00.000-07:002013-09-05T10:31:11.882-07:00Recipe for a Perfect Father Son Night<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0.25em 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px;">
<em style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px; text-align: -webkit-center;">Hello friends. I wrote this post for my wife's blog 5 years ago. 5 YEARS! Where has the time gone? In honor of the start of college football season, here is this exclusive encore. :)</em></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6G0yAhnxLo1mAgJD1WL92erTlJ0j0mBktb1uX2LqlIQlyB5D1tW3pfYYLtVsvF1ePS7HZtUfy3k7AxqF8OQkKUuRHgRPuzrvGYlLxPqgPVB5EaCJjK8LT63nD7hvsHsG5fLYPVwH453e/s1600-h/daddy+son+web.JPG" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261491293220860402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6G0yAhnxLo1mAgJD1WL92erTlJ0j0mBktb1uX2LqlIQlyB5D1tW3pfYYLtVsvF1ePS7HZtUfy3k7AxqF8OQkKUuRHgRPuzrvGYlLxPqgPVB5EaCJjK8LT63nD7hvsHsG5fLYPVwH453e/s400/daddy+son+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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<em>In the spirit of the blog world, I decided to post a recipe. </em><br /><em>Below is a recipe I found for a perfect night out with your son:</em></div>
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<em><strong>Ingredients:</strong></em></div>
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<strong style="line-height: 1.6em;">1 extremely excited 4 year old boy</strong><span style="line-height: 1.6em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">(can be substituted with any boy up to age 95+)</span></div>
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<strong>2 tickets to an ASU football game</strong> (it helps if you have friends who have season tickets but can't go to the game - thanks Travis!)<br /><strong></strong></div>
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<strong>1 afternoon nap</strong> <strong>for everyone </strong>(don't skip this step, trust me)<br /><strong></strong></div>
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<strong>1 heaping spoonful of Sun Devil Pride </strong>(this may be hard to find when your team is 2-5, but you gotta have it!)<br /><br /><strong><em>Directions:</em></strong></div>
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1. Get dressed in gold shirts (try to wait until 2-3 hours before it's time to leave, but this may be impossible with an excited 4 year old).<br /><br />2. Convince any other children that you love them just the same and that they will be doing something just as fun next weekend. (Use Mom for diplomatic relations help - do not meet without preconditions).</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261595677809260530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtBzf2f7CZgOz71drIPWTspq-rqWhMpSp3dV9V-PdX2_kWRSyfmWQ6XVnkB8hW8bDc30txXY7EbomiZavRWBvDgDK-zEi5Amoa_xWcUCLdJT407f4y5AvkzY8kYpS7SAqULM7ooeWHcje/s320/Leaving+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />3. Eat before the game at Panda Express or similar restaurant. (If you make over $450,000 a year you may skip this step and eat at the stadium).<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261595676746196802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRuy6RQg54pKl3ZMCq7qx1eb_z14joty8QJPDU2goIZ0QBv_HlViLNe8U1qk0v-RtQI3j6__z4NdSUrpkYAdlJWEmVowh-YUYzDraHWcmWVUy0YhCFuVdgRMa2Tx6aDtc1ezbBygUgbIS/s320/eating+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.6em;">4. While driving, try to dodge questions like "are we almost there?"</span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261595681844920098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eoEnVOmqpuYyOqH1j_hCyzo6p2EVyuv5cu91fdf_MrXmDI1cxJK1QCgsEs0NsR51jjHI6Vpc3S81N3Iw62fnNJMGcLuBauFKvNK1TCMRWmRq6PP-Nx0gx2X4AJrtr1ltKORhbprcNiO4/s320/there+yet+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />***One way to do this is to distract them with a song of their choice. (in this case, it was "Won't Go Home Without You" by Maroon Five).<br />
<br />Once they are singing along, you have succeeded in buying some more time.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261595682330736642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGHFqCQ2fo-tiIcCj3UIYlps8cHpTqPBb7x33ThAnBE_BxNi7vzyKcyilrsHucKDWdgGFEzropuYC2Jy3xNqSPMltO44o2odJHqAuy-mj_tjROOoeivDFFmU01LR4EFtPhsyIpH7mkfnZ/s320/singing+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />5. Try to remain calm during traffic congestion near the stadium. (This applies to father and son alike. Any muttering, murmuring, or outright complaining must be suitable for children's ears. Fathers should also keep it clean).<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261595954443974114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSCeUxFmYLB5AtElUo1X8sXL8KQsKPoFR6ayDPz4W_JdoJVtGYBdit96fgzdODbyat2gGCWgy_2RakfAktTHUHnwgd4E7-KHVLCYVog8U0UX4CMkgdbAYrXZ5yMkV4aZEclEvHY55dJIr/s320/traffic+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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6. Make sure you have your tickets or you will have to repeat steps 4 and 5...and increase the likelihood of words "not suitable for children's ears."</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261595957211802178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijXeOyNBvYjZMJVegpgH2L7N7OYPTHjZAMlSWPOtVcdiGdoVqVDhH4jRKMNo0txYzc1KbVMezkl4dWNzObDwb0wmstNNsY2hzquPdbE88lRQVLzq3dBFLBfdHINNZQhK6cnk_U2A0cm4G/s320/ticket+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></div>
<br />7. Free posters make the best souvenirs, get as many of them as you can.<br />
<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261596236172984530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQmJsVVC1f85OWngtUXxDD8QXW76BfRYbnpFUGa058TRfhfO06yg2eBR0cEyY1y1TLchEU9dseM8MHRRH4MsHKTfeEsXDDW7K-aKEg3J4ed1uQeSwPSyS2ZxC4HUorNoJqUk5C2V4tHB-/s320/go+devils+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />8. Spend entire 1st quarter telling your child that you "don't know where Sparky is, we'll find him later," and "the line for treats is super long right now, let's wait." Pray that this response is good enough to last until halftime.<br />
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9. Cheer loudly to get the most out of the whole experience. Teach child to yell "boooo" at the opposing team. Smile when he yells "boo, boo" like a scary ghost at them instead.</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261596428117394130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS27Rrum0dkiMnbKer_8rczo2N41IzUipKWrzkyNxoXaOaBjHcYXeJNSa7rbEtmIGvMEgmHYUdrnry5b92oGe85geskh_bMIWc5dNZu2DCuAcsxav5OA5EjgaMrPbAUXGruFcce78t0We/s320/cheering+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />10. Remind your son how to do the ASU pitchfork with your fingers. Explain that the sign he <i>had</i> been making is actually quite offensive. When he presses for details about why it is offensive, say "I think I can see Sparky!"</div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261604553551503218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6yUX4HGyKl_2Ks4Fhb2fdPq2NyFRFE6VtCyYFOnA2mV6Ugonl6-vIw6ERKQh7wju1Jd_87a8LqIwGlOiJHEvt7Jv2wivI8fd2OaKCDjXQsqo0336nJ4Rsw7ddipzA2XFsK_3U8T3GvX9/s320/pitchfork+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 230px;" /></div>
<br />11. Always put your arms in the air for a touchdown.<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261595955796549458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA_iuuYhX8ApxBJAYdhdFMjIyby6qhx2fVSiLU4Ag8RZ6w5eYzWkCJlXVmOl02Fpqtr_Qrwaq8qa9w0rKp5J4-J92Ff41gEhLcDqme1WD8cDk40tSRoQfDVVgnR1Y0ZfpR1LN4FTO8B1w/s320/touchdown+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
12. Don't forget to call Mom (even if you think he is talking to her but it ends up being a 1 minute 30 second conversation with voicemail because he "couldn't hear very good").<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261596423769678050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TQLGJnG2syhcR57WQ3ieHDwqCF6-KvnpAYBXRx4KuVwhBdRxnYy8JX2L612Er_V3IJyOZbBQEfZCfCLkgVPObxWXnWOrKkst11XBjgYPIfox2BRyywhribzj0r4y_ynBOBGh0HKOk9uD/s320/call+home+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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13. If you visit the sidelines, let your son peek through the cracks in the fence...<br /><br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261595942767592562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgwomg8r3QkejN3yriO1o88-4JHMzSc1bNL1ykDtSyG-3cNizNrQhtwDThm4rqQEB2hZ_7NLe1TcdCNioQEVs4R8KlTjG66pmnx-PqWkWb0bn_6jN7W7r8-awqDWsINgVCVND6YuyuSUL/s320/watching+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />14. Try not to laugh when you see what he was watching.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261596245680207618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Sbzbgl25-oDfQOBNNXGzfk-3pyhyphenhyphenxZBiPbgbdhccDePlT4jYuuHlNc_0qVsoPXB4gG7NsuVYZvWnHzcDUmvCYHtJAeg0nGw5cCIwdW9fQRNV2fzxKiH1gRXPaR-9gXv4a4v4v5Yc1doQ/s320/cheerleaders+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
15. Hurry your son farther down the sidelines to take a picture that won't make your wife upset.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261596232242026930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfyJ5Cc0HdgyblGnFIH7fhy_SHGNFbllRIiPyNnrpavYPP7FdN_HEpdW1S2yWl69ryzIp_vxd8utoNqUgwZ95hdjoC_iWxf2dsEDzKtancoochwzvtp8ChyM3EfuotwsZKUeaB-ZwiuuL/s320/players+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />16. Explain to your son that you didn't really mean what you said earlier about the quarterback, seeing that he is now within striking distance of you.<br /><br />17. Finally give in and get a treat.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261595949520846226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXFt4IGg7Epq28ZtmSlJg0MaOH0xKk2GKtVATidghccOZlW7hTm6fCQMqr3pIs-J952XmpvXgLua4XAOgXJGPJS_ktmGHaZmR4m5viedO6J93s_I0jM1HxksUJIvK16Xx5NeODbfUTtIp/s320/treat+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />***Editorial side note - although it costs the same as the GDP of some small countries, the Minute Maid frozen lemonade, strawberry flavor, is worth every penny. Grab two spoons and fight the brain freeze to get your fair share.<br /><br />18. Go find Sparky...at all costs.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261596222143472674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOsDBgbVMwIiEEzmC4zW8a2Hu6c0p712TXVM07Vsf_uK8qxgXq3Zinje9V4lBssNP_Nnm_Ebs6eV6ZvfdDNanul0sQ00ArtQtgloZbVLmAccUDFoiYf1qydlMBQ4XdXbIGRkO1HzbP06t/s320/sparky+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />19. Hold your son up with one arm, lean away to take a picture with the other, and watch him experience the memory of a childhood.<br /><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261596229118568178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhqJS9O_87ZmJLF1q18QNC4gTtzFfsaEwyHbfQ7EKi8tc5oDSdcgfv2y3lDiOCzE61llKqxxGcwnppiOYIbzmaXmOEmo5MZB1tDW30ER7VnX9KcZs6cjcQiY6t8TdmyGEKYyq-LOiZgBc/s320/sparky+hite+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />20. Thank Sparky with a high five and proceed to find ice for your strained shoulder.<br /><br />21. Head home and try to go to sleep.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261694406400857026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wqtS_BYw_Pw2cbnhEJO1Z1Dz2ptamB_Zzzx51WUs3w7uwkSXDkBxeILHu6QUXPgVhI05QTxDaTN7zJOESh-wuUnXb6nBCQDArdsHeUXVVWukN3bTdPFlK3Mp7Q7IgfapKjX-2lHt6DDG/s320/sleep+web.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br /><br />This recipe will be a family favorite just like Sunday roast beef dinner or Monday morning cold cereal. Your son will probably remember this night for the rest of his life. You, on the other hand, will <em>certainly </em>remember it forever.</div>
Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-16649556953070147212013-06-19T14:46:00.001-07:002013-06-19T15:18:24.848-07:00A Review of a Children's Cookbook...<div class="MsoNormal">
I know, you're probably thinking to yourself why I would be reviewing a children's cookbook. There's a good reason...let me explain.</div>
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First, let me say that one of the advantages of being a famous author is that
you get to rub shoulders with other great authors. I’ll let you know if that
statement is true if/when I become a famous author. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But in the meantime, let me tell you about an extraordinary author I <i>did</i> meet at a conference I attended last month. Her name is Christina Dymock, author of a brand spanking new cookbook for kids called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Young-Chefs-Cooking-Skills-Recipes/dp/1462111955/ref=la_B00698YJ68_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371667372&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Young Chefs: Cooking Skills and Recipes forKids.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Young-Chefs-Cooking-Skills-Recipes/dp/1462111955/ref=la_B00698YJ68_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371667372&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU83LTPALPiHTHTnOc1QkhWPMeMRW0kVuCpE8MX0L6RhyuVU6pUWzUpnN8FuqlZ-lO4txCiiIeiHKkKkybrz4m8tG-oaDcSZT-Aa_1o_sbp4Ksf5XYPSEngim1zugjT4IySY0GmUtEEqPp/s1600/51+OsP2tBjL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
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She found out that I had
an 11-year-old who loves to cook and graciously sent me a copy to review. Elly and I had a good long look at it and
decided it was definitely worth telling the world about. Seriously, what an amazing book! I mean, good food <i>and</i> kid-friendly writing?! I love it.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is a comprehensive list of why you should buy this book
for your kids.<span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Amazing recipes. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I would venture to say that this
cookbook, unlike so many others, is about 95% full of things kids will actually
like and be able to create. There are no fancy ingredients that you’ll never
find in the store and no uppity dishes that they only “eat” at overpriced restaurants.
And there are plenty of them to keep you and your kids busy. There are so many fun, delicious
recipes in here it would be hard to do them all this summer—so buy your copy
today and get started.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Unique
recipes. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A lot of these dishes are old classics but with fun and tasty
twists. For example, broiling the bun <i>and</i> the hot dog together for Game Day Hot
Dogs. None of the recipes are really earth-shattering, but will be just the
right amount of novelty and simplicity for young chefs.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Vivid photos.</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> I hate it when you can't see what the dish is supposed to look like. These mouth-watering images will get you excited and motivated to get started and when you're done, give you an idea if something went horribly wrong somewhere along the way.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Only 2
references to onions.</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> I can’t even write the word “onions” without grossing
out. *shivers* </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Everyone knows (or should know) that
onions are the world’s plague, but the good news is that I only counted 2 times
where a recipe calls for onions. That’s few enough that I’ll just consider
those typos and ignore them. Well done!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Clear
instructions and handy tips.</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> I love how Christina sprinkled these tips and
tricks throughout the book. It made it really easy for me…err…<i>my kids</i> to know
why we do certain things when cooking.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2 words: Breakfast
Buns.</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Wowsers! Cream cheese, crescent roll dough, white chocolate chips,
craisins. Enough said.</span></span></li>
</ul>
So head on over to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Young-Chefs-Cooking-Skills-Recipes/dp/1462111955/ref=la_B00698YJ68_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371667372&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and get a copy for your house.
Maybe you can even sit back and let the kids plan meals for the next several
weeks. This one is a winner!
<br />
<br />
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Happy reading/eating/sending me cookies. Carry on.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-62185873167773823732013-02-26T13:25:00.003-08:002013-02-27T09:04:53.187-08:00What would you do with $.27?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffzrsrWH1vp73UazB8rhgIfl_vKvhg3J23zuFEq0IIL_FppVYc20OmIV03gXKHxxeq_mWHivJA82VsQwqoICS1KoS0TCl4ijex4sBTzft-rCnCaFZQJ_OvaRmvH_hC11L0rcjJNlcj1Zj/s1600/loose+change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffzrsrWH1vp73UazB8rhgIfl_vKvhg3J23zuFEq0IIL_FppVYc20OmIV03gXKHxxeq_mWHivJA82VsQwqoICS1KoS0TCl4ijex4sBTzft-rCnCaFZQJ_OvaRmvH_hC11L0rcjJNlcj1Zj/s320/loose+change.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last week Amazon had my book, <i>The Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero,</i> on sale for a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Epic-Tales-Misfit-Hero/dp/1599559994/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345051527&sr=1-1&keywords=epic+tales+of+a+misfit+hero" target="_blank">great deal</a>…<b>3% off</b>! I was so excited with the
prospect of my beloved fans saving $.27 that I decided to give away a copy of
the book (the full retail version).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I asked everyone to leave a comment on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/misfithero" target="_blank">The Facebook</a> telling me
what they would do with an extra 27 cents. The answers were amazing, to say the
least. I decided to list the honorable mentions here, since they technically
should be mentioned to be an honorable mention. And while this may not be
honorable, here it goes:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">Honorable Mentions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>“I'd convert it to
British Pounds Sterling, and look forward to spending that 18p in England this
summer.” – Sara R.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxqvxmqMxpq49UTAGq8zWhKT_UzILDo34OBZdS-DlHPdx1SJICtvNtXW5tATMrCzInNC7nUHbCuMiPreULrMzkyPgMXi9nH2oHXCDQZH2nF_pqA8HW68OvyMWdD6u4a70naJQxlJO1A3Y/s1600/london.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxqvxmqMxpq49UTAGq8zWhKT_UzILDo34OBZdS-DlHPdx1SJICtvNtXW5tATMrCzInNC7nUHbCuMiPreULrMzkyPgMXi9nH2oHXCDQZH2nF_pqA8HW68OvyMWdD6u4a70naJQxlJO1A3Y/s320/london.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sara, this is a great response. I love the creativity, the
forward thinking, and the great knowledge of foreign currency exchange rates. I
think that since the museums in London are free, 18p would be a nice addition
to the little collection cubes in the front. But alas, this response made me so
upset that I wasn’t going to England this summer that I put it in the honorable…er…<i>honourable</i> mention category. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>“According to
www.arizonagasprices.com - the price of 1 gallon of regular gas is around $3.
$.27 will get me about 0.09 gallons of gas. My truck gets about 15 miles per
gallon. That means I can drive about 1.35 miles - just enough to pick up the
Teachers in our Teachers Quorum for our campout this weekend.” – Jordan H.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow. Great job Jordan. You were astute to site your source,
albeit errant information. If gas is supposed to be around $3.00, I’ve been
getting ripped off for a good 7 months. But I love that you thought about your
Teachers Quorum and the upcoming campout. I’m glad that the $.27 would allow
you to pick them up, and no doubt that is money well spent. But I’m concerned
that you’ll reconsider things when you’re actually on the campout and nobody is
sleeping at 3am. For that, you get an honorable mention. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“I saw some leftover
Valentine's day candy at Bashas yesterday for 14 cents. If I looked real hard
for an extra penny I could get two.” – Camille R.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QmovUASasbleqIjlxOaPhsnangCRS7O3HHY1qECHGZnznlnRnsDvHunYnpEZm3mwiZcLnyitm7C7qd02znra5ZiGlE6Sb5mAvNB55EYln9_PtkNFBLuuy7r9ld4GT8nOIuXAgFRhgUrI/s1600/Candy-hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QmovUASasbleqIjlxOaPhsnangCRS7O3HHY1qECHGZnznlnRnsDvHunYnpEZm3mwiZcLnyitm7C7qd02znra5ZiGlE6Sb5mAvNB55EYln9_PtkNFBLuuy7r9ld4GT8nOIuXAgFRhgUrI/s320/Candy-hearts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is a great example of not thinking like a victim. Need
an extra penny? “Look real hard.” That’s the kind of hard work and ingenuity I
like to see! And heaven knows I’m all for Valentine’s candy. The only thing
keeping Camille from the finals is that the candy was “leftover.” Had it been
February 13<sup>th</sup>, things might have looked differently.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“I would donate it to
charity. That means that along with Mr. Bill Gates, we will have donated
$48,000,000,000.27 to charity since 2007.” – Francis J.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Very classy, Francis. This is a great way to give back to
the children. I am a big fan of what two people can do if they each put in all
that they can—that’s the true definition of teamwork. You would have been much
higher in the rankings if Windows 8 hadn’t just come out…I can’t find the
stupid Start button anywhere on my laptop. Ask Mr. Bill Gates if he knows where
it went, and then we’ll reanalyze the standings.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“Buy an egg, incubate
and hatch, raise the chick to give my family more eggs...it could happen.” –
Brandon R.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brandon is on the right track here…it’s all about return on
investment. This is a great way to be self sustaining well into the future. The
only drawback? I kinda threw up in my mouth thinking that an egg from the store
could actually hatch. [shivers]</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“With coupons and
advertised sales, I would buy a week's worth of groceries for my family of 10
again! Love couponing!!” – Shawnee J.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKShO8Hw8P_9UALeQX9Al816PZWyb9lHcK5OMctwLqsB4cleDGaYSa03FX8fGhmNfQlLAuwk3b4uEwwg7KeoCLkzxUFxG_I3x2tGiTNXrD4fawYTIheFTJA93o-DQkaM61RrZPF2Xmwghn/s1600/math.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKShO8Hw8P_9UALeQX9Al816PZWyb9lHcK5OMctwLqsB4cleDGaYSa03FX8fGhmNfQlLAuwk3b4uEwwg7KeoCLkzxUFxG_I3x2tGiTNXrD4fawYTIheFTJA93o-DQkaM61RrZPF2Xmwghn/s320/math.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Pretty amazing use of coupons, Shawnee! The only problem is
that I don’t understand all of the math that goes into couponing. You might as
well have said you would be dividing the hypotenuse of the burn trajectory by
the cosine of the turn radius (times pi) to regulate a sustainable atmospheric
reentry for Apollo 13. It’s all gibberish to me. </div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>“Buy an extra ranch
sauce from McDonalds for my kids chicken nuggets.” – Tiffany A.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love this, Tiffany. There’s nothing like Ranch to satisfy
tired, grumpy kids. Not that your kids are grumpy—I was talking about mine. But
as a matter of principle, I have to leave this comment in the honorable mention
category. <i>Nobody</i> should have to pay
for extra sauce. Freakin’ McDonalds.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>“I'd take it and have
a rat gnaw that thing off.” – Thomas J. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes. Wait, what? This is one of the most bizarre things I’ve
heard since we read <i>Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead</i> in college. And since I got a "B" in that class, so should you. <em><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></em></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">The Winners</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“Throw it into the
kids mission fund. Every little bit counts!” – Tera M.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDbsOZFYYlNDit1TjR3fTYDZzU_RPbtThK-ZsCp8zcRJMRUP8U7qRjG8b7HS6jtnw4lnYwEN6owkJ8mQ9khMmukTmhC8mNTBzWZsp6MYsA40Hhgeinj3Naq_rpGmblPoxtivzIY9r09iF/s1600/missionaries_sunam_april11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDbsOZFYYlNDit1TjR3fTYDZzU_RPbtThK-ZsCp8zcRJMRUP8U7qRjG8b7HS6jtnw4lnYwEN6owkJ8mQ9khMmukTmhC8mNTBzWZsp6MYsA40Hhgeinj3Naq_rpGmblPoxtivzIY9r09iF/s320/missionaries_sunam_april11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is great, Tera! With the recent announcement of <a href="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/missions-created-accommodate-influx-new-missionaries" target="_blank">58 new missions</a> and the circulation of this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4zZH0v8DcY" target="_blank">awesome video</a>, I’ve been a little teary-eyed about missionary
work. So you caught me at a vulnerable time. Congrats!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“I would give 13 1/2
people my $0.02 on why they should buy your book for their kids!” – Bryan K.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a couple of reasons why Bryan wins here. First, he’s
helping the cause of talking about the book (hint, hint for the rest of you). Also,
he’s not excluding anyone. Even ½ people deserve to read a good book now and
then. Well done Bryan!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the winners go the spoils! Tera and Bryan, <a href="mailto:matt@peakwritingsolutions.com" target="_blank">send me your address </a>and I will send you a crisp new copy of The Epic Tales of a Misfit
Hero. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8evYk63yUs3FtcaYm9tR96DYHv-AAOKu30mB3tS1atfEyCPnpYh1J63I1ErZpxGax_Oe5IybCLwSQonZmcA1zPZY8kRCHYAhuUMz4yp9ZqPRbMqr7esjuZg4tmkXWq8Hzo1qPEfQrxSk/s1600/Epic+Tales+Misfit+Hero+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8evYk63yUs3FtcaYm9tR96DYHv-AAOKu30mB3tS1atfEyCPnpYh1J63I1ErZpxGax_Oe5IybCLwSQonZmcA1zPZY8kRCHYAhuUMz4yp9ZqPRbMqr7esjuZg4tmkXWq8Hzo1qPEfQrxSk/s1600/Epic+Tales+Misfit+Hero+cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And to the rest of you, thanks so much for participating. I had a blast! Let’s go live it up. We’ve just discovered that we really
only need $.27 – and there should be no shortage of ideas now.</div>
Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-45878387805735056982012-12-17T12:22:00.000-08:002012-12-17T12:29:06.239-08:00Peace on Earth?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My soul has been rocked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t think a news story (including 9/11) has hit me as
powerfully as the tragedies in Connecticut last Friday. Too much evil. Too much
innocence. It’s hard for me to fully comprehend what happened that day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think perspective is what makes this unbearable. If I step
back and look at it with the wide-angle lens, it’s a terrible thing, to be
sure, but it’s possible to move on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But if I look at it from the eyes of those parents searching
but not finding their kids in the crowd, or those first-responders who walked
into the eerily quiet kindergarten classroom, or those teachers and staff
members who heard the shots and saw the fear in their students (and themselves),
it’s more than I can take. <i>Way</i> more.
And tears flow freely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a 6-year-old Kindergartner, too. Rilla. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d3Rd54jGHg4vQn6z5AlsN4ItsVbHJEo6NVS18lombp8YWPvYSAfk-3ImmsRJL0e0UTwID6LL42R0P-t4858SV7KNuX-AJy9OtZexTLFB7zI1kRFG53Oen-AMxxFAAVS28Ux8QZLwlsn9/s1600/Rilla+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d3Rd54jGHg4vQn6z5AlsN4ItsVbHJEo6NVS18lombp8YWPvYSAfk-3ImmsRJL0e0UTwID6LL42R0P-t4858SV7KNuX-AJy9OtZexTLFB7zI1kRFG53Oen-AMxxFAAVS28Ux8QZLwlsn9/s320/Rilla+1.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is my bright burst of sunshine after a long day at work;
she’s always first to give me a hug and a bigger-than-life smile. She loves to sing and knows the words to songs better than I do.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her little glasses are always filthy. Her upper lip usually
has a line of milk, chocolate, jelly (she doesn’t like peanut butter on her
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches), or Kool-Aid. She doesn’t put away her
shoes. Ever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But her soul is always clean. She is full of love and
forgiveness. She is pure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She wants to be a princess. All she wants for Christmas is
an “Ariel dress.” She has a Princess Kate picture book that I got her from
London…it’s her prized possession. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is observant and smart, even if she doesn’t always reach
the most accurate conclusions. Last night she told me matter-of-factly that “all
the white horses are girls.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love my Rilla-Roo. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And thankfully, she is safe. I will see her tonight as we
have our weekly family home evening. But there are 20 families who can’t say
that, and others still who have lost a parent, a sibling, or a spouse in this
horrific tragedy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each of them has lost a precious member of the family, and
that hole can never be filled again in this life. So what now? How do any of us
move on from the images and feelings seared into our consciousness? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I don’t know. But how about this for starters:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hug our children a little more often. We take that walk
to the park, knowing full well that getting the 2 year old off the slide to
come home will be an epic battle. We stick together. We keep praying. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps the world has never been darker, more filled with
hate than it is right now. You can say we are in the midst of a cold, dark
winter. But somewhere, there is a manger holding the Hope of the World. He has
come, and we must seek Him out in these tragic hours.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Together. </b></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s the only way we’ll be able to do this. Whatever your
faith, whatever your beliefs, we must rise up as one and find a light in this
dark world. I cringe to think of the heated debates that will likely follow
this tragedy. They’ve already begun. Let’s not do that. Fight for change? Yes. Vilify
each other as a political strategy? No. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s watch out for each other. Care for each other. Listen
to each other. Protect each other. Serve each other. That’s the only way right
will prevail.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My wife Melody remembered a verse of a favorite Christmas
carol in the midst of the breaking news and breaking hearts on Friday. It fits
perfectly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And in despair I bowed my head<br />
There is no peace on earth, I said<br />
For hate is strong and mocks the song<br />
Of peace on earth good will to men.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:<br />
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;<br />
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail<br />
With peace on earth, good will to men</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m ringing my bell, can you hear it? Probably not. But if
we all ring them together, well…that's a song that can change the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can think of 20 little angels that are singing along right
now in heaven. Rilla is singing, too. And so are your innocent children. Listen and you will hear them. Instead of drowning out their voices, let them be heard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May we all find peace on earth this Christmas – somehow. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-45199632358955955292012-10-08T17:07:00.001-07:002012-10-08T17:26:22.922-07:00Launch Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CXmqwiBZv31B2MP1jHGx-HVki52aA8G6YEjNPiNoPUUDFTm1zayvFLqL5nLrg1EaXEf36V8tFINjFlQJ9aC7_pYt8RRxReTXAKc9WJ9jfuwVdEb0lk4miQ3PzLphOw-5gpREahhSTcrq/s1600/choosing-party-decorations1--balloons.s600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CXmqwiBZv31B2MP1jHGx-HVki52aA8G6YEjNPiNoPUUDFTm1zayvFLqL5nLrg1EaXEf36V8tFINjFlQJ9aC7_pYt8RRxReTXAKc9WJ9jfuwVdEb0lk4miQ3PzLphOw-5gpREahhSTcrq/s320/choosing-party-decorations1--balloons.s600x600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's finally time for a launch party! You're invited to Seagull Book in Mesa (on the corner of Mesa Drive and 4th Ave) on Thursday, October 25 from 5-8 PM. We'll have lots of cool giveaways, book signings, some food, and lots of fun. Stay tuned for more details, I can't wait to see you there!<br />
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Check out my invitation video if you haven't seen it yet:<br />
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<br />Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-38334632296260859302012-06-24T10:49:00.000-07:002012-08-15T11:32:18.273-07:00What I packed for London...<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">So I'm in a
747 on my way to the UK right now. The trip is <i>technically</i> for work, but let's be honest -- we all
know there will be a lot of nonsense like castle visiting, Shakespeare
watching, and Big Ben finding (it's tall enough to see even when you're lost, right?).
We'll even get to see if I can drive on the left side of the road (stay tuned
for results). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I know,
it's really not fair, and I should be ashamed of myself. But, assuming all goes well on the flight, I <i>will</i> be
visiting my brothers and sisters in the UK (the ones we used to call Redcoats), and I'd like your
support. Even if it comes as veiled jealousy and hatred.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The worst
part really is that I can't bring my sweet wife Melody. She's wanted to go to England
since she was a little girl, but it didn't work out this time. She's due in
August, so rather than risk having a baby with dual citizenship and an ongoing
internal strife about the correct way to spell favorite/favourite, she stayed
home. But we will come back someday, that is for sure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I'll try to
post more details about the trip during the week. But for this initial post, I
wanted to show you what I ended up packing for the trip. It took some thought, but I think I finally nailed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Norton's
Anthology</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Believe it or
not, this was one of my favorite textbooks in college. I figured if I flash this
puppy around town, I can get instant street cred. "Yeah, I know Wordsworth and Marlowe. Now how about a few extra chips with the fish?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b><i>My</i> Book</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Look, you never
know when I might meet an Oxford Professor or Cambridge Press rep looking for the
next great British novel. I want to be ready with samples when/if the time comes.
(By the way, that's just a "fake" copy of the book, no need to freak out
just yet. August will come soon enough, friends).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Running Shoes</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Two words: <i>Olympic
Marathon</i>. The Olympics are coming in just a month to...guess where? London. You
think one of the top three American runners can't get a hangnail on their big toe
or pull a hamstring or get e-coli? I will be there to fill in on a moment's notice,
wearing my red, white, and blue. I wouldn't be able to finish with the other guys,
but you can bet I would still jog around the stadium with a flag draped around my shoulders -- even if it was at 11:00 PM. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Okay, quick interruption here. The flight attendant just
came by and asked if we had any "rubbish." Ahh, I love it. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I'm just not
going to take any chances with the bland food I keep hearing about. I'm going to
keep this bad boy in a holster, and the joke will be on <i>you</i>, British chefs. As one
of our chefs says -- BAM! (I <i>think</i> he's American, anyway).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Excitement</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Yep, the biggest
thing I packed was a suitcase full of excitement. This is a dream come true for
me. I can't wait to meet the lovely people, see the historic sites, do a little brilliant work for some fantastic clients, and simply soak it all in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This is my first
visit, but it won't be the last. I'm thinking of this as laying the groundwork to
come back and <i>really</i> enjoy it with Melody by my side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Until then, I hope what I
packed will get me through the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Cheerio then!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-52998473963091090152012-06-12T12:10:00.002-07:002012-06-12T17:44:41.513-07:00Luis Freakin' Bermudez<br />
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<i><b>This is a story about triumph. About overcoming trials. But
in junior high, those things don’t matter much. </b></i></div>
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So there I was, on the chopping block for the 7<sup>th</sup>
grade basketball team. It was down to me and Luis Bermudez for the final spot,
and I didn’t sleep a wink that night.<br />
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In the morning, the crisp computer
printout on the gym door betrayed me. They must have misspelled my name. It had
the same number of letters as my name, but it looked eerily different. Luis Bermudez.
I didn’t make the team. Ugh. </div>
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Cut. Thrown aside. Cast out. I could already picture the rest
of the team (the ones whose names were spelled correctly) running around the
courtyard in their new warm-ups. Girls following, swooning. </div>
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And then there's me, left without a team and I probably forgot to
finish my math assignment, too. I heard it all from well-intentioned family
members and friends: “Michael Jordan was cut from his high school team.” “Basketball
is lame, anyway.” “Well, Luis <i>is</i> a
pretty good player…”</div>
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I didn’t want to hear it. I wanted to bury my head under the
pillow and listen to Richard Marx all afternoon. I know, that could have been disastrous.
<i>But keep reading</i>.</div>
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Instead, I decided to find another potential venue for
disappointment. Wrestling. I threw on my sweats and walked into the dance room,
but it didn’t smell like ballerinas. It was a wall of B.O. A <i>thick</i> wall. But I
kept pushing through and officially joined the team (no tryouts, all were
welcome). </div>
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I learned how to do a single leg takedown, a half-nelson,
and an Olympic headlock. And how to wear stretchy pants/shorts. And you know
what? I had a great time. I learned a ton. I even took 2<sup>nd</sup> place in the
end-of-year tournament. Take that, basketball guys.</div>
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I wrestled through my sophomore year of high school and
managed to get out before I ever got cauliflower ear. It was a great experience,
and I feel like it was the right path for me. But there’s no way I would have
known that in 7<sup>th</sup> grade…unless Luis Bermudez made the basketbal team and I didn't.</div>
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In a way, all of us have our own Luis Bermudez’s. For some, shyness
may be their Luis Bermudez. For others, a lack of education. For me, Luis
Bermudez happened to be a tall kid who was a better rebounder. (And just to be clear, Luis is a good guy. No hard feelings). </div>
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But everything happens for a reason. More recently, I got “cut”
from 3 construction jobs before I figured out that I should be writing for a
living. Even though being rejected from the construction industry hurt, I
finally learned that it wasn’t where I belong. I belong where I am now, and I
love it.</div>
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<b>So what are you going to do when you face challenges or rejection?
</b>Take it from me, there’s something waiting for you that is much better than mulling
around listening to soft rock from the 80’s. Go out there and find it. </div>
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Oh yeah, and hold
on to the nights.</div>
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<br /></div>Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-52753344576109492522012-06-04T22:18:00.003-07:002012-06-04T22:27:05.824-07:00Going Somewhere...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-y8gzSlXq2wvvLJfQJRvbbJYj-MC4LNDyqCKA9okQ0s1lLhl71gE-Qp72o8UrPs1G1sk5QK79U3MFyNLPvN0CWYldUIk0Vsp2TokYV917tiFpPvK7oaF845YJa8FP6avsH4Qz-a0XlWg/s1600/Oceanic_Airlines_wallpaper_by_audoman2607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-y8gzSlXq2wvvLJfQJRvbbJYj-MC4LNDyqCKA9okQ0s1lLhl71gE-Qp72o8UrPs1G1sk5QK79U3MFyNLPvN0CWYldUIk0Vsp2TokYV917tiFpPvK7oaF845YJa8FP6avsH4Qz-a0XlWg/s320/Oceanic_Airlines_wallpaper_by_audoman2607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love flying. Airports. Parking shuttles. Overpriced breakfast. All of it. I love flying.</div>
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Maybe it's because I was raised on an Air Force base, but few other things get me as excited as flying. But really, flying isn't something that should be so much fun. Other than a free cup of soda, there really aren't a ton of redeeming qualities of flying. Here's a list of reasons why flying shouldn't be one of my favorite things.</div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Security</b>. No matter how many times you fly, there's no stress-free way to get through security (unless you're one of those hipsters who travels with just an iPad). For the rest of us, our minds are racing a million miles an hour. Laptop in this container. Shoes in this one. I think I have a hole in my sock. Toothpaste in a small plastic bag. Belt in another container. If I bend over there will be issues. Does deodorant count as a liquid? Do my feet have to be exactly on those little footprints? Stress. </li>
<li><b>Long waits</b>. Ugh. These aren't fun at all. There are only so many hours one can sit in a vinyl chair before madness sets in. And if the wait is on the actual plane, we all go mad together. </li>
<li><b>Cramped Quarters. </b>I'd rather crouch behind the plate during a baseball game for 5 hours than sit in the middle seat on a coast to coast flight. Knees locked. Shoulders sore from clinching together. Neck cramp from trying to read the article about Princess Kate in the People magazine belonging to the woman in the aisle seat.</li>
<li><b>In-Flight "Entertainment."</b> Remember that movie <i>The Truth About Cats and Dogs</i>? Exactly. I wouldn't remember it either, except it was showing on an international flight I was on once. Maybe they could take some of the extra bag fees they gouge us with and purchase an "A" list movie from Amazon. </li>
</ul>
So why is flying one of my favorite things? It's the fact that I'm <i><b>going</b></i> somewhere. Boston. Salt Lake City. San Diego. Home. I'm going somewhere, and I just happen to get to ride in a big metal cylinder 30,000 feet above the ground. There's excitement and anticipation and hope. <i>That's</i> what I love about flying.<br />
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And life isn't really any different. There are a lot of unpleasant things about life. Sickness. Disappointment. Heartache. The MVD. But when it comes down to it, life can still be enjoyable if we're <b><i>going</i></b> somewhere. Where are we going? It doesn't matter. A Little League game. Summer vacation. A dream career. A happy marriage. Heaven.<br />
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The point is, we are all going somewhere. There should be excitement and anticipation and hope. And when we remember that, we can deal with the other stuff. There may be delays, layovers, or even cancelled flights. But we'll get there. We will.<br />
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So where are you going? I hope you enjoy the flight. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNZy2Oq2pt0ckWoBtOeaXILc9rVHN8SlI-fljB2ftkNnXEUsDkgk8PncXS4UbLlCKdbaQPcR1suPL0QtqBTRGecTzRfdkOVSQF3hlfBKnPRHgM6taPfEhQQUi67DLHaqcQJtZPtheVeeL/s1600/Departure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNZy2Oq2pt0ckWoBtOeaXILc9rVHN8SlI-fljB2ftkNnXEUsDkgk8PncXS4UbLlCKdbaQPcR1suPL0QtqBTRGecTzRfdkOVSQF3hlfBKnPRHgM6taPfEhQQUi67DLHaqcQJtZPtheVeeL/s320/Departure.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-54010103436362702452012-06-01T18:54:00.001-07:002012-06-04T22:31:48.671-07:00Cutting the Cable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNUCWHWfECrpiexiDMI_5SnVEqRpB5ji_-RDKg87xwj31soIt3PLy2FFWI-Z9ZgRqBnKuGvNh8rSSSeUdRyrZWL8ENJ35pcm8ujO7BM3l8F4bM1Zoutp4Jv814EBBKiyfoJu-71ql81pA/s1600/coax+cable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNUCWHWfECrpiexiDMI_5SnVEqRpB5ji_-RDKg87xwj31soIt3PLy2FFWI-Z9ZgRqBnKuGvNh8rSSSeUdRyrZWL8ENJ35pcm8ujO7BM3l8F4bM1Zoutp4Jv814EBBKiyfoJu-71ql81pA/s320/coax+cable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">I had the
chance to spend the past couple of days at a resort/water park in
Phoenix with the family, all courtesy of a team outing for work. So much
fun!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">When we got back to the hotel at night, we all took
turns rinsing the chlorine out of our hair, getting dressed, and screaming
frantically when our two-year-old tried to open the $15.00 bag of Chips Ahoy
from the mini bar. And one-by-one, we filtered into the front room to watch TV.</span><br />
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You see, we got rid of cable/Direct TV a couple years ago. It was more of a
"let's save some money" move than a "we hate TV" move. So
anyway, we've been on a solid regimen of Netflix, Hulu, and Redbox for awhile.
And for us, it works great. But every once in awhile I think I miss it.
When the D-Backs play, when the Sun Devils play, and when there's a Hallmark Christmas movie.<br />
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But on Thursday night, with "free" cable and a host of channels, this is
what we watched: </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">5 minutes of a
show about selling someone else's junk (it doesn't matter which one, they
are all the same)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">3 minutes of
some radical environmentalists about to freeze as they are stranded near
some iceberg<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.25pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">7 minutes (one
half inning) of a college softball game between two schools my kids would
never go to<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white;">And then Melody suggested going to bed. At</span> <i><span style="background-color: white;">10:00 PM</span></i><span style="background-color: white;">. On</span> <b><i><span style="background-color: white;">vacation</span></i></b><span style="background-color: white;">.
And nobody really fought it. Going to sleep, as boring as that is, was the
better alternative.<br />
<br />
Cable had officially lost its luster for our family. Now, I'm not saying I
wouldn't like to watch the Food Network every once in awhile or actually see
what the D-Backs look like instead of listening to them on the radio, but I'm
really convinced that I don't need or want cable. If there's a good show, I can
wait and watch it on demand.<br />
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Writing this blog post made me remember when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. We had
cable, and we even had the Disney Channel. While I was waiting to leave for
school, I watched "You and Me, Kid" every day. You remember that
classic, right? Here's what Wikipedia says about it: "Each show
lasted approximately 30 minutes and was dedicated to building interactive
skills between parents and their toddler children." Check it out:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fb5GxTFPPDs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Yeah, I know. When I was 8 years old I
watched a show about parents and toddlers talking and dancing together. FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES! I could
have been out in the front yard, on the playground in our neighborhood, or
better yet, in the kitchen with my Mom "building interactive skills."
But because we had cable, I was sucked into that darn show.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Hopefully the "on-demand" era will be
better for us all -- no more sitting around watching whatever is thrown at us.
Now's our chance to seek out what we want, and not settle for anything else. As
for me, I'm going to seek out more actual interactive skills with my kids,
instead of watching shows about interaction. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Maybe we can start by selling some of our junk, or getting stranded on a lake in the White Mountains, or playing a game of softball in the park. That sounds great to me. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrgi1WqE4cdHp-2RvCZ6eDVPZgFAkPUoPtyo9IKIzhzdl0lvpexyeZ8PQieL-bMglo_MgbTAbs80ZDZaqyaELvVDzGf_HoHmw3z9DcWDA636FYg8-FjjKug9mrBgi_VpiSPHelqW-qsFb/s1600/IMGP4774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrgi1WqE4cdHp-2RvCZ6eDVPZgFAkPUoPtyo9IKIzhzdl0lvpexyeZ8PQieL-bMglo_MgbTAbs80ZDZaqyaELvVDzGf_HoHmw3z9DcWDA636FYg8-FjjKug9mrBgi_VpiSPHelqW-qsFb/s320/IMGP4774.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-67425594135153783002012-05-30T10:10:00.001-07:002012-05-30T11:06:52.075-07:00Products I Enjoy #1 - ShampooSo I always thought it would be fun to write about some of the great products I use on a daily basis. Think of these posts as my little contribution to the consumers of the world -- I feel I owe it to them since I don't really do the whole coupon/special deal/diaper giveaway thing. I will just write about things I love that haven't failed to meet my expectations (don't hold your breath, Kia Minivans...)<br />
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If you know me, you may be expecting a lot of entries about food. Touché. But this first item I'd like to feature isn't food. It's shampoo. But not just any shampoo...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyqQ6ddic6CiJmT_ebiwazNMhxH8k7gWW80lFbCSOIsVGm3U2zcuHd8VKaeHMeCylVpZI09m51Ff68Fc0jDSlbzJOeLhd5oqh6qbxc6qDELQAGlSnu-YnlB6LaV3vK40geGfdQs1qFdIo/s1600/tea_tree_shampoo110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyqQ6ddic6CiJmT_ebiwazNMhxH8k7gWW80lFbCSOIsVGm3U2zcuHd8VKaeHMeCylVpZI09m51Ff68Fc0jDSlbzJOeLhd5oqh6qbxc6qDELQAGlSnu-YnlB6LaV3vK40geGfdQs1qFdIo/s320/tea_tree_shampoo110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you look closely, you'll see that this is "special" shampoo. The product marketers over at Paul Mitchell probably worked long and hard at coming up with a name for this thing, and ended up going with the filler text the designer slapped in that space. Been there, done that.<br />
<br />
At any rate, this shampoo really is "special." According to the lady that cut my hair back in November, this is the only kind of shampoo I should be using. "And you only need to use a little tiny bit each time, so it will last forever."<br />
<br />
Yeah, whatever, I've been turning down upsell hair products at the "beauty shop" (as my mom called it) since I was 13. And yes, going to the "beauty shop" (i.e. Great Clips) at 13 is pretty much the lowest of low. You get to see your acne lit up in the mirror while you stare at yourself for a good 20 minutes. Nice.<br />
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Anyway, I fell for the sales pitch and decided to go for the Tea Tree Special. She was right! It has lasted 7 months so far, my hair feels great after a shower, and it does a nice little number on the dry scalp. But best of all? When I take a shower it feels like I'm bathing my head in melted York Peppermint Patties. Mmmm.<br />
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Maybe all these posts will be about food, after all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzzRrBqvY4Fa77Ozf6EUbBh5wT-sNsWESquJWFbw6gYiyxSTH8GIVDdfiX37ij_ZVfMXT0bHVLHmTWeFqukxPMLJT6DKcMLYLECI4NXDkYAblM_8g8BwvEz20CFsaZxP2LEAVbYXmwtG-/s1600/peppermint+patty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzzRrBqvY4Fa77Ozf6EUbBh5wT-sNsWESquJWFbw6gYiyxSTH8GIVDdfiX37ij_ZVfMXT0bHVLHmTWeFqukxPMLJT6DKcMLYLECI4NXDkYAblM_8g8BwvEz20CFsaZxP2LEAVbYXmwtG-/s320/peppermint+patty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037965637071531115.post-35584523694495353292012-05-29T15:23:00.001-07:002012-05-29T15:44:10.313-07:00H-E-L-L-O<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
After a nearly 3 year hiatus, I am back in the blog world. Blog-o-sphere. Whatever.<br />
<br />
I have to say, I missed it. Not that I was ever a great blogger. I'm averaging about a half a post a year for the time I've been alive. But then again, I couldn't really blog back in the 80's, unless there was something the Speak & Spell could do that I'm not aware of.<br />
<br />
At any rate, I have some exciting things coming up in the next few months. Well, August, really. The new book (The Epic Tales of a Misfit Hero) launches that month, and the new baby (number 5) launches...er..."joins our family" in August, too.<br />
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I wanted to start blogging to both build awareness of said upcoming book and have an excuse when said baby is crying uncontrollably. "I have to finish this blog post and send it in to [insert fake publishing company name] and hope they syndicate it, otherwise I would love to change that diaper."<br />
<br />
That said, this blog won't just be about the book or babies. In fact, it won't really be about the book at all. For stuff about the book, the best place to get that is in the book. I encourage you to get it and read it. For stuff about babies, well, I don't know where to get that...maybe just every other blog on the Internet.<br />
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This blog is a hodgepodge of Matt Peterson rantings. A veritable smorgasbord of [insert disparaging and/or zany noun here]. Ranting is what I could have done <i>for a living</i> if I had chosen journalism instead of English Lit as a major. But alas, I will be doing this only for fun.<br />
<br />
So feel free to comment, share on Facebook, Tweet your little heart out, and whatever else blog people do. I'm already having fun, and hope you are too.<br />
<br />Matt Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18419521043409143369noreply@blogger.com1