Elder Hayes has left the building.....

Today Ethan and his family are leaving to take him the the Mission Training Center(MTC). I went over to say goodbye last night and Scott told me that he was being set apart this morning by Pres. Jones at our house. So I called my boss and asked him if I could come in late to work this morning and he said that would be OK. It was really a neat experience to help set Ethan apart as a full-time missionary. Pres. Jones delivered a beautiful blessing on him and the Spirit of the Lord was very strong at that moment. After hearing the blessing, I know without a doubt that Ethan will be a great Missionary.

We are all going to miss you Ethan, you have such a good spirit and personality about you, but we know you are on the Lord's errand and will be watched over with His Love and Care while you are doing His Work. Just remember, it's not about you, it's about the people you will be serving.

I'm very proud of you Ethan, you are a great example not only to me but to the whole family. Good Luck, have fun and God be with you till we meet again.

Lym

Hope everybody has a Happy New Year!!!

We Got Snow!!!

This is what we got on Monday night. We got just under 5 inches.


This was Tuesday morning, we got about another 3 inches.
So much for mild winters!!!

Final Project in Computer Illustration

For our final project in VT2500, we had to make a vector-based self portrait. Let me explain what vectors are. In Photoshop, the majority of the time you are working with pixels. You can see them if you enlarge an image to much on your screen, they look like little squares and the edges start to look jagged. Some people call it pixelation.

In Illustrator the majority of the time you work with vectors. Unlike pixels, vectors don't lose their integrity when you enlarge them, they look just as good on a postage stamp or a billboard.

Here is the Wikipedia page that explains vector graphics a little better than I can.

The above image is a JPEG, so it's pixel-based and the quality degrades if you go to big

We had a little wind last night....

And this is what happened. I heard a loud bang that woke me up about 1am this morning and wondered what it could have been. Well, now I know what it was.





The wind just peeled back the roof and flipped it over the top of the shed.

Illustrator-Assignment 2

For this assignment we had to design a stamp. We could do pretty much whatever we wanted within appropriate limits. I decided to do mine on NASCAR. I went out on the web and found a logo for it that I liked. So here it is, let me know what you think.

Assignment 4 Photoshop

For assignment 4 we had to make a collage. I used Ferrari because I like them. Let me know what you think. Later.

Illustrator Assignment 1 - Logo Design

For VT2500 (Computer Illustration) we had to design a logo for a children's clothing line based on the old Dick and Jane books. We had to create 3 logos, one over-arching universal logo, one for boys, and one for girls. After much research, I decided to use kids wooden toy blocks as the basis for all my logos. Here they are, the top one is the universal logo, and the other 2 are self-explanatory. Hope you like them. Later.

Photoshop Assignment 3

For this assignment I had to put myself into an old photo and make it look like I was originally in the photo. So this is mine, what do you think?

Photoshop Assignment 2-Layers and Filters

These images are for my 2nd Photoshop (PS) assignment. We had to find a color image, keep one color intact (one that stood out) and add filters. One filter had to be black and white, 2 images had to have filters on the background, and the last one had to have the back and foreground filtered. These are just JPEGs, if you have PS, and want to look at the layered images, let me know and I'll email them to you. The images were altered using Photoshop CS3 Extended.

This is the original, unaltered image.


This is the black and white.


The background in this image has a filter called "waterpaper".


This image has a filter called "patchwork".


This image has 2 filters on it and for the life of me I can't remember what they are, but they look cool!!!

Photoshop Assignments

I thought I would try something different this semester and post all of my finished assignments, so that everybody could see what I'm doing in school. These are from Assignment 1. We had to find 3 images and change the color of something in the image and make it look natural. So let me know what you think. FYI, I use Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended to edit my photos.

Elder Hayes...Your Mission Awaits

Ethan got his mission call yesterday.
He has been called to serve in the Marshall Islands Majuro Mission. I know what you're saying, where in the world is that? Well let me tell you, it's a along ways away. Here is the easiest way to find it, get out you World Atlas and find Australia, got it? Now go to the east coast of Australia, now go north and find Fiji, now go even further north and you should be at the Marshall Islands. How lucky can the kid be, not only to serve a mission, but a tropical island paradise mission! Here is the Wikipedia page for the Marshall Islands

Congratulations Ethan, I know you are going to be an awesome missionary. I love you very much and are glad you are part of my family.
Lyman

Time Flies when You're Having Fun!!

I looked at my blog today and realized it had been over a month since I wrote anything!! Wow!! I say again, WOW!! It has been such a busy month, I guess I just lost track of what I was doing.
Let me start around the time of my last entry and see if I can get you all caught up on what's been going on in my life.
The week after I got back from the deer hunt(I didn't get one by the way, all that hiking for nothing!) school started and that kept me pretty busy. I'm taking 2 classes this semester and they keep me busy. It's not bad though, they are the classes I've been waiting 3 years to take so I'm really into them. I might have told you already what they are, but I'll refresh your memories. The first class is VT2500-Computer Illustration, basically Adobe Illustrator and the second one is VT2600-Creative Imaging, basically Adobe Photoshop. By the way, VT stands for Visual Technologies. I did change my major from IT (Information Technologies) to VT, because I took a computer programming class and found out something very interesting, I totally suck at programming!! I know, I was shocked too!! Then I took 2 entry level VT classes and fell in love with them and as they say, that's all she wrote!! School is progressing nicely and I've settled into this semester pretty good. I've got 2 good teachers which helps a lot!

Now for my Church callings, yes I said callings. I got another one!! Let's say about Sept 5th ( I can't remember the exact date) I got a call from Bro. Brickey, who is the High Councilman over the St. George Regional Singles, and he extended a Reigional calling to me to be the St. George Singles Website Webmaster. I was a little taken back at first. Let me explain how it went. First he calls me up and asks me who my Bishop is because he has to ask him if it's OK to ask me if I want the calling, so I give him the info and he says he call me back in a little while, So now I'm thinking what possible calling they could be asking me to fill. It took him like 2 hours to call me back and that whole time I'm making myself crazy thinking about all the possible scenarios. It was a relief to finally have him call me back and when he explained the calling I was excited and said "Hell Yes!", (not really, I just said yes). So for the last few weeks I've been doing that calling and I love it. I get to work with some really fantastic people and we all have a great time together.
Also In September, the St. George Regional Singles had their annual conference and it was really fun. We did a Humanitarian project where we got all the supplies and assembled school kits for orphans, we assembled over 4700 kits!! That was awesome!! This is the site if you want to see what I been doing.  LDS Singles St George

Good job Cody!!!

Just an update on my Deer hunt so far. Today was a good day. Not only did I not have to go to work (that's always nice!), but I got to go deer hunting!! Getting up at 5:30am isn't so bad when you get to go hunting, especially when you are at Kent's Lake.
I only saw one doe and one buck. The buck just happened to be the one that my nephew Cody got. Not only is this his first deer hunt, but it was an archery hunt, and he did it all with borrowed equipment! What a little punk! No, I'm really happy for him, he wanted it pretty bad and he got lucky enough to be in the right place and at the right time. All I got was a stupid sunburn!Tommy got a new hairdo!

My Wait is Finally Over!!!!!

The day I have waited for is finally here!!!
I'll keep you posted.

Captain Jeremy Fresques

I got this in an email and had to get it out the everybody. It bothers me that some people only think of themselves.

This is worth the read for you patriotic folks out there!


Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were.

Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall. When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.

The complaint:
"Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special? Any response would be appreciated."

The response:
Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets" (Letters, Thursday): On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship flyby of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques.
Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day. At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.
Based on the letter writer's recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured.
A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?" The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Lt. Col. Scott Pleus CO
63rd Fighter Squadron
Luke AFB
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

All I have to say to the guy who wrote in complaining is this, The same road that brought you to Phoenix will take you right back out, preferably to some place far away!
We all have to make some sort of sacrifice for our FREEDOM.

Some people really need to stop and think for a minute before they open their mouths and speak. I mean come on people, these men and women are sacrificing their time and in some cases their lives so that we can live in the greatest country in the World.

To all those people who always have something negative to say when something offends them or they don't agree with somebody else's opinion (kinda like me right now), Keep it to yourself. Those men and women in the Armed Forces are fighting so that you have the right to say what ever you want, but that doesn't mean you have to say it. Sure there are things that upset me sometimes to, but hopefully I can take it stride. Maybe the line at the DMV is long and taking forever or maybe they person working at the fast food drive-thru gave me the wrong order, but I get to go home every night to my hot showers, comfort food and soft bed, they don't. So next time you feel like complaining because the fighter jets are too loud and it's interrupting your Jerry Springer show, stop and think for 1 minute how good we have it and keep your mouth closed. Remember this "A closed mouth gathers no feet".

I just want to say thanks to Lt. Col. Scott Pleus for his response to the complaint and most important, his service to this great country that we live in. It's men and women like him that make this country so great. Thanks Lt. Col. Pleus, you got my vote.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Capt. Jeremy Fresques, a hero in my eyes. This man gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and me. Not only was he away from his family for who knows how long, but then only to return to them in a flag covered casket.

Capt. Jeremy Fresques, thank you for your service and sacrifice, I'll say a prayer for you and yours this night. Godspeed to you and God bless your family.

2 weeks left to the Deer hunt

I can hardly wait! I've been looking forward to this for a while now. It's been getting to the point at work were I have to get up and walk away from stuff or I'll explode!! I'm going up to Beaver, the Tushar Mountains to be exact, Kents Lake to be even more exact. I have 2 tags, one for Archery Buck Deer and one for Archery Elk. The elk tag allows me to take either a spike bull or a cow, so with the deer tag I have a 3 chances to get something. Not to mention just having the opportunity to get out into the great outdoors for a few days!

The Crazy Chicken is here!!

Today the new El Pollo Loco opened in Washington, right across the street from In-N-Out Burger. I know, I was just as excited as you are mad! It's been a long time since I've had there food, and to be right next to In-N-Out, it's almost like they're reading my mind!

Biology Final Grade

I can't figure out what I did. I checked my grades today and I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I was given an A!? Not an A-...an A! One of the guys at work said I should call my teacher and see what I did to get it. I mean I thought I was at about 83% for the class up until the Final. I did hand in 4 assignments the day of the final exam, but so did everybody else, the only thing I can figure is that I aced the final, got 100% on all the assignments, the prof. graded on participation and on a curve, the stars aligned at the exact moment the test hit his desk, he was having a good hair day (he's bald)! After my Monday starting of the way it did (crappy, I had to get up), that kind of helped it out a bit. Huh, maybe biology isn't such a bad class after all. Who knew. Until next time.

Biology Is Over!!!!!

I did it!! I made it through Biology. I'll post my final grade as soon as I get it. It only took me 30 minutes to finish the 100 questions. My professor looked at me like I was crazy!

I'm almost done with Biology

As of today I only have 2 weeks of Summer semester left. I'll I got to say is Halle-freaking-lajuh. I don't know if I will ever look at plants and animals the same way again, I cant decide if that's good or bad. I'm doing better than I thought I would, so far I'm at 89% for the class. I got 78% on my 2nd exam and 92% on the 3rd exam, so I'm feeling pretty good about it for now. I have one more exam this week and then the final exam next week and I'll be done with this class. I'll be taking two computer classes in the Fall, so keep checking in to read about my continuing saga at Dixie State College.

New Stake

This last weekend, both Leeds Wards were put into a new Stake. We are now part of the Washington Utah East Stake. I was released from my Stake calling as Stake Singles Representative. Brant Jones (from Leeds, he lives just down the street) was put in as our new Stake President. What they did was take the Washington Utah Buena Vista (my old Stake), Washington Fields Stake, and the Washington Utah Stake and made the new Stake out of these 3 Stakes. We now have both Leeds Wards, all 3 Coral Canyon Wards, Washington Fields 6th & 10th Ward, and both Branches from Purgatory Correctional Facility. It was neat to see how they did it. We had our Stake Conference on the 22nd with all 3 Stakes meeting the Burns Arena at Dixie College. They handed out maps of the new boundaries and what Wards are in each Stake now. It's kind of exciting to see the Church growing in our area. Here are the maps and the Wards and Branches in each one. Washington Utah East Stake, Washington Utah Stake, Washington Utah Buena Vista Stake, St. George Washington FieldsStake

Happy Father's Day!!!

I just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. Thanks for all you do for your families and friends, you're all awesome!!

Dale Jr.'s drought is over!!!!!

Dale Earnhardt Jr. finally breaks his 76 race win less streak with a victory at Michigan.The full story is here at NASCAR.com. Way to go Dale! I think was just the win he needed to open the floodgates. Now he has the taste of victory again, I believe he will start to win a lot more races again. When I heard he had signed with Hendricks Racing, I was a little bit skeptical, but this has been an awesome season so far.

Remembering D-Day

Today is D-Day. It's not marked on my calender, it should be. I personally think D-Day was the most significant battle during World War II. Here is a link to more info about D-Day. Here are just a few statistics that will tell you how big this day was 64 years ago:

The total number of troops landed on D-Day was around 130,000-156,000.

In the days following D-Day (June 6, 1944):

The total troops, vehicles and supplies landed over the period of the invasion were:

By the end of 11 June (D + 5), 326,547 troops, 54,186 vehicles and 104,428 tons of supplies.
By June 30th (D+24) over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies.
By July 4th one million men had been landed.

Allied Casualties and Wounded:
United States: 29,000 dead, 106,000 wounded and missing.
Canada: 5,000 dead; 13,000 wounded and missing.
United Kingdom: 11,000 dead, 54,000 wounded and missing.
France: 12,200 civilian and Resistance dead and missing.
Total: 46,000 dead, 173,000 wounded and missing.

To me thats the ultimate sacrifice. Lets all take the time to say a prayer for these brave men and women and their families and thank our Heavenly Father that people such as them existed back then and exist today to preserve our precious freedom. Take the time to thank a veteran.
The picture of the flag was the first flag on Utah Beach on D-Day

Why Do I Have To Take Biology?

I was sitting in class today, thinking to myself, why do I need Biology if I want a Computer Science degree? I mean I can kinda see their point. They want the students to have a well rounded education, but come on people, when in the rest of my life do I need to know about mitochondria and cellular respiration? I wonder if biologists are just waiting, no hoping, that maybe one day , totally out of the blue, some complete stranger will strike up a conversation with them and will ask them how their mitochondria feel. I can see it now.

Complete Stranger: How are you doing today?

Biologist: I'm doing fine, how are you?

CS: I doing OK, but my mitochondria feels a little off today.

B: Really!? Have you had a cellular respiration test done yet?

CS: No, I was thinking about going in to the Dr. and having one done.

B: I would, also have them check your intermediate membrane spacing too.

CS: That's a good idea, I just hope my insurance covers it,
I was feeling a little squishy today, Thanks.

Someday Mr. Biologist, someday.

PS: I got an 84% on my first exam, could be better, but I'll take it!!

To Our Men and Women in Uniform

I just want to shout out to our brave men and women in our Armed Forces, Thank You for your service and sacrifice. Without them, America would be like any other country in the world. They are the reason we are the greatest country in the world.

Back in School Today

While all my nephews are ending their school year this week, I get to start my Summer Semester today. I'm only taking one class, Biology 1010. I figure that will keep me busy for the next 8 weeks. Summer classes are only 8 weeks instead of 16, so you're doing twice the work! I have enjoyed going back to school, it's funny because I hated it while I was young! Go figure.

Happy Mothers Day!!

I just want to wish all of my favorite Moms out there a Happy Mothers Day. I love you all!!

Iron Man Rocks!!!!

The family went and saw Iron Man tonite and all I got to say is...WOW. Robert Downey Jr. made up for all his screw-ups with this movie. Grand Slam, outta the park! He totally nailed the role. Not only was he hilarious, he played the role of Tony Stark perfectly. And then there is Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, my nephew said it best, Pepper was HOT!! If you like comic books that are made into good movies, then you will love Iron Man.

Thanks Everybody!!

Sleeping in on my Birthday:
Awesome

Productivity on my Birthday:
Zero

Number of junk food calories consumed:
Way, way to many (no, seriously)

Presents Received:
One

Having the friends and family I have:
Priceless

Thanks everybody for a great Birthday!!!

The Big 4.0

Well it eventually had to happen. I hate the people who say that 40 is the new 30. What a load of crap! 40 is 40, I don't care what kind of math you do. I think those people just can't accept the fact that they are getting older, they are trying to stay 30 as long as they can. Come on people, get a grip, you're 40...get over it. I rode my motorcycle to work this morning for the first time this year. I forgot how long it takes me to get to work when I ride it, so I was 15 minutes late, oh well live and learn. But it does make you realize how much of a hurry the rest of the world is in. That's one of the reasons I like to ride the motorcycle, I can take my time and "enjoy the ride" so to speak. I wonder if by the time I hit 50, if 50 will be the new 40? Who cares. It only matters what I do while I'm getting there that matters to me. By the way, you're all invited to my 11th Annual 29th Birthday. I ain't turning 40 without a fight!

The Secret Menu does exist!!!

I've always heard there was a "Secret Menu", but I always thought it was a myth. Not anymore!! Check it out, the "Secret Menu".

All is right with the world

Well you all knew it just a matter of time before it had to happen. I generously handed over my hard earned money today and in return she gave me a little slice of heaven on a bun. Yes, you guessed it. Today I took one for the team and had a fabulous In-N-Out burger. Damn the cholesterol, full speed ahead!! I don't have to remind you how good they are, so instead I'm going to gloat. Let me just say this, it was worth the wait. I forgot how fast they get you your food. When we arrived the line was about 35-40 people deep, but I was prepared to wait. Lo and behold, 15 minutes later, I was standing outside the proud owner of a Double-Double with cheese. I dang near cried. I'll spare you all the details, we'll just say it had a very short time to say its good-byes I devoured it! Needless to say, I know what it feels like to be a wood chipper, but in my case a burger chipper. I'll write again once I get down off of Cloud 9.

IT'S OOPPEENN!!!!!

My world was thrown into a chaotic tailspin this very evening. Driving to my local Wally World, I notice a large gathering of people in front of our newly opened In-n-Out Burger. Be still my beating heart, it's....it's....it's open. For a second I was in nirvana, it's finally happened, it's come to fruition, it's open!! Then I realized that it was open a day early, what the hell is up with that!! I felt like I'd been sucker-punched in the lunch!! Months of waiting and all of a sudden it's open!? My rage quickly turned to forgiveness once I caught a quick whiff of the fragrant odor of burger grease wafting thru the air, how could I be mad at them, they were open. Needless to say, I know what I'm having for lunch tomorrow.

In-N-Out...that's what it's all about!!

I called the national HQ for In-N-Out burgers this weekend and found out some fantastic news!!
The opening of the Washington, Utah In-N-Out burger will be April 22, 2008. So what that means is that after this date all correspondence will have to be sent to the In-N-Out burger in Washington cuz' I'm moving in baby!!! I CAN'T WAIT!! Sorry for the shouting, but I'm a little excited. I'll take one for the team and be sure to have one for each of you. Don't hate because you can't have one, love me because I can. Love, Peace and In-N-Out burger grease!!

I'm taking the plunge....no really, I am.

Everybody is sending me these links to their blogs and I figure, if they can do it , I know that just maybe I can fool them into thinking that I can do it to. So I figure what the heck. I mean all that can happen is public humiliation and embarrassment, and I'm OK with that. I've done worse in front of better people and all you are miles away so I can't hear the laughter. Spring 2008 at DSC is wrapping up and I had a great semester...and I'm two classes closer to finishing. Happy-freaking-day!! I learned a lot this semester and just hope I can retain it through the summer so I don't look stupid come fall semester. I mean I just want to get my degree, graduate, build a comfortable nestegg and then get a job at Walmart being a greeter. A guy can dream can't he.