Upcoming IAMA Concert

Here's some shameless promoting.  Recently I was asked to participate in a band by a singer/songwriter I know.  His name is Steve Walker and he plays folk-ish music.  He was seeking some more help because he was asked to come play for the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association event coming up in December.

I was asked by him to provide some percussion initially.  After he found a dedicated percussionist my role changed to vocals, guitar, and light percussion.  That's right, I'm a back-up singer!

This is definitely a new experience for me, but one that I am really excited for.  If you'd like to come check us out, here are the details.

December 7th, 2012 @ 7:30p

South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
6876 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah


Admission:
IAMA Members - Adults and kids 12 and older: $5.00.
Non-IAMA members: $10.00. Join IAMA and receive your discount on the spot!
Kids under 12 are free.
(Except May's concert = $10 for IAMA members, $15 for non-IAMA members)

Turning 25 - Birthday Memories

I don't really like telling people it's my birthday.  Partially I feel like people treat me differently when they know - I don't want one day of special treatment.  That's just weird.  So today actually was the first time I achieved very little birthday exposure.  Not many people knew except those I shared with - that is what I like.  No ceremony, no pomp and circumstance, just me and my day.  So as I was sitting here I thought it might be a good idea to catalog some of my favorite memories of today.  In no particular order:

• Getting a text from my little sister saying I was her favorite older brother.  I had just spent some quality time with her this last weekend, so she'd better say that.  I then told her she was my favorite little sister.  Her reply, "That would be special, but I'm your only little sister."  This I cannot deny.  lol  :-)
• Getting a call from my oldest sister who at first didn't sing Happy Birthday because it felt weird over the phone, but then decided to sing it anyway.  haha  That was endearing.
• Of course reading all of the Facebook birthday wishes and coming up with personal responses to each one.  It's a thing I do.  I don't try to understand it, so you shouldn't have to either.
• Having my Mom take me out to dinner at 9:45pm after I get home from a long day of being busy.  Went to Betos - Beef Burritos and Horchata.  Yum!
• Receiving a voice-mail from two of my best little-friends, Elizabeth (5 yr) and Rose (2 yr)  Hickman, who sang me Happy Birthday.  The cutest voice-mail I have ever received!
• Having my friend and carpool buddy Josh offer to treat me to a pizza or ice cream party for my birthday.  He also didn't tell people it was my birthday, which I was grateful for.
• Rehearsing some songs with my singer/songwriter friend Steve Walker, who's invited me to sing backup and play a little guitar.

Overall, it was a really great birthday.  I would live that day again.  

A Theatrical Miscommunication

A few months ago, after I was selected to play Ichabod Crane in "Legends of Sleepy Hollow", I was feeling happy that I got the part and wanted to share with my family.  I thought I'd start with my mother, of course.  When I saw her next, we had the following brief conversation.

Me: Hey Mom, guess what?

Mom: What?

Me:  I am a Thespian!

... pause ...

Mom: Is that something like a Lesbian?

... face palm ...

I had some explaining to do...

Email to My Surveying Students - 2

Howdy ya'll,

Well I'll be jiggered, I reckon that I posted yer grades online just now.  Take a look there, over yonder internet browser, and let me know if I be missin any of yer grades.  And if I am missin somethin don't be callin me a yeller-belly-spotted-lizard, or be cursin my ma and pa.  Stead, just send me an email pigeon my so I can get that there issue fixed right quick.  Well hopefully I'll be seeing yer pretty faces at the test review rodeo (4p, 256 CB); be comin prepared to aks me anything you gots on yer mind, regarding surveyin that is.  I'll be seein ye.

Till the cows come in from pasture,
--
Frans "Long-hair" Lambrechtsen
'The Fastest Total Station in the West'

New Technology - I Want It Syndrome

Today you're going to learn something about me. Oh boy, here we go again.  This is my place to mind barf, deal with it.

I love learning about, playing with, and using new technology.  It doesn't matter what it is, whether it's a new online tool, new personal device, gaming system, etc.  I could learn about things all day.  If I could I would spend all my monies on things just to learn about how they work, to see where technological innovations are taking us.  Do you feel the same?

I hope so, because then I'm not alone in my the carnal desires I feel to buy new things.  Luckily for my bank account I have a strong will to resist such urges, but nevertheless they are there.  But such desires left unsatisfied ultimately cause distress, so how do I deal with them?

I wait a few years, and then buy used goods.  I'm a big fan of second-hand goods; that's how I have all of last generations video game systems.  Aren't you risking your money on a POS?  Yes I am, but at my current life-stage (graduate student) it's a risk worth taking; plus sites like eBay have ways to compensate you if it is a POS, so I'm not too concerned.  I don't always buy used goods either, occasionally I do buy new items (especially on discount if I can).  This also helps to satisfy that constant desire to have the newest item.  But here's the trick...

I also don't buy a lot of 'new' (to me) items all at once.  I take time to examine, fall in love with, and understand every essence of my most recent purchase.  Uhh... too much information...  Think what you will, but I am not ashamed of my relationship with technology (future blog post?); after all a lot of my weekends I have several dates with technology (Netflix, Hulu, Gaming, etc.).

On a related note, I have found extreme satisfaction from the things I own when I know every detail about them; the tricks, shortcuts, tools, features, etc.  Reading the manual and online wiki's is also helpful to find new uses.  There's no feeling like being able to use a product to its fullest capacity; not only do I feel like my money was worth it, but I have a deeper appreciation for my device.

Why bring this up now?  Well I am near the end of my rope; I am in some serious need for a new technology love.  What's going to be your new love?  I think the new iTouch 5 will fill that hole, after I lost my 4G iTouch to drowning this summer (curse you horizontal washing machines and your lock mechanism, curse you...).  So if you're feeling those carnal technology urges to buy the newest thing, you're not alone.  But also remember the tricks I use - it will help your bank account and help you feel satisfied, at least for a while.  "Back to the Future" and hovering skate boards here we come (you know I'm getting me one of those)!  Cheers!

Politics: Different Gifts

I don't know about you, but during heated times of politics (i.e. presidential race) I tend to step back and take an independent position.  

"Don't you care about who runs this country?"
"I do care, but I believe there's more than one right person for the job."

Part of the reason I take my independent stance is I get sick of all the 'mud slinging', the crap that haunts our televised commercial breaks with propaganda.  The real reason though is something a little deeper (yeah I'm full of deep thoughts).

I have friends and know people who really get into politics, but that's not everybody.  The stats about the number of people who actually participate in voting is, to me, quite shocking.  I've heard in past elections that it's considered a miracle if 70% of the people vote (and that's just in my area - it's probably lower in other places).  So why doesn't everybody vote?  Is it because they don't care, about their country or the laws that govern it?

I would like to think it's NOT for that reason.  If you will allow me to get deep for a minute I'll explain.

In general, I believe that everyone has different gifts.  Some people are musicians and singers, while others should not be heard singing.  There are people who are outgoing and charismatic, while others can barely get out of their house.  Other people are talented sports players, while others hurt themselves when they see a pair of running shoes.

Everyone is given a different set of gifts, and I would like to suggest that caring about politics and being able to look past the filth is a gift.  I admit that I do not have this gift, and I'd like to think I'm not alone in this.  However, don't misunderstand me.  I am a very patriotic person - I would fight to preserve the freedoms we enjoy if it came to it.  So before we go around accusing others of not caring about their country, let us think twice and consider this:

Maybe they have other gifts of patriotism.

May whatever divine power you believe in watch over this beautiful nation.  May our leaders remember what they stand for and who they represent.

The DTR

The DTR.  In case you're not familiar with this term, it stands for Defining the Relationship.  Don't worry, I'm not going to tell you about one - that would make me gag. *blaugghhh*  What I am going to do however is talk about it in general because it's what's on my mind, so bare with me through my intellectual vomit.  (Eww gross, he totally just said vomit - uhh yeah, I did.  Deal with it.)

For anyone who's in or been in a relationship, you've had a DTR at one point or another.

'What?  No I haven't.'
'Uhh, yes. Yes you have.'

How is this possible?  Well technically anytime you've talked about your relationship with another person, that could be considered a DTR.  Wait wait wait a minute, a DTR?  That sounds so serious!  Well it can be, but look at the name, Defining the Relationship.

See what I mean?  Defining can mean almost anything.  From how you feel about kids, to breaking up, becoming boyfriend/girlfriend, getting engaged... seriously the possibilities are endless here.  Oh, not enough?  Okay well there's also deciding to get a pet, deciding whether to move-in together, when it's appropriate to hold hands or kiss, what kind of detergent you buy, the unknown sharing of a toothbrush, whether you buy crunchy or creamy peanut butter... see where I'm going with this?

So what happens after you have a DTR?  Well generally you either grow closer together, further apart, or you resolve to accept your differences and buy both creamy and crunchy peanut butter, which then takes up more shelf space, but it doesn't matter because you care about each other.  Yes that 'C' word that actually means you have feelings for another person.

'Well I knew girls had feelings but guys?'
'Oh trust me they do.  You think that Pride and Prejudice got in the DVD player all by itself?  I don't think so sista!'

So what's the point of me writing this?  Well I... have no idea.  I just had some jumbled up mess in my head that I needed to barf out onto a page.  But hey, if you didn't know about a DTR before, now you do!  Look at that, you learned something today!  Gold Star!  Cha-Ching!  Now put it in your pocket... and walk away.  :-)  Have a great day everybody!

Entry to TomTom's Paradise Mapping

This is what I submitted as my entry to TomTom's Paradise Mapping contest.  Every once in a while I get a creative vibe, and it just happened to be this day.  Check it out!
-----------------------------------------
In response to the question: Why should we pick you and your group to go explore paradise?  Why are you the perfect individuals for this task?  Describe the qualities and qualifications you and you group possess that make you the ideal candidates.
-----------------------------------------
My response:

Are you kidding me? We're not just perfect we are the best! We're excellence in a bottle. We got mapping skills coming out of our wazoo, wherever that is. If TomTom is looking for people to explore a tropical paradise, why not pick people who've never been to one? We'll explore everywhere! My group and I are explorers of the unknown, daring soldiers of the cartographic and physical world. North would still be my middle name if it I hadn't changed it to South. I've even thought about wearing a compass around my neck, but reconsidered it after all the chafing. 

In all seriousness, who better to lead an expedition to cartography success than a detail oriented engineer and his closest family and friends. These people are in some serious need of some R and R, and as for me, well I get 'oriented north' when I think about spending days letting my inner geek add to the collective knowledge of the map that is our world. Whew, I can feel those latitudes and longitudes calling my name. So when you're thinking of who to send, think of my group and I; we will blow your compass mind!

Email to My Surveying Students - 1

Hello my fellow surveyors,

This is a momentous day in the history of surveying at Brigham Young University.  We have suffered greatly during our time; from dealing with construction, and professors taking our classrooms.  But no longer my fellow surveyors!  No longer shall we, section 2, be oppressed by another professor taking our classroom and using it to teach his students.  No longer will we feel that awkward, "Umm I need the room at 3 and you're not done until 4... hmm..."  No longer will we be kicked out to walk aimlessly until we find an empty classroom.  For I have good news my fellow surveyors.  We have found another classroom.  We have found a safe-haven from the other professors of this world.  We have found a place where we can learn about surveying principles without persecution.  This new place, this refuge from the storm, is called 393 CB.  That's right surveyors, we are free from the oppression.  So come join me surveyors, rise up and join your fellows at 3pm in our new world, and let us learn about all things surveying!  We will not be shut out, nor shut down!  We will always survey!  Viva la Surveying!

--

Frans Lambrechtsen

AKA - Dictator, President, Rebel Leader

_______________________________________

Would you want me as your TA?  =)

Close Encounters of the Motorcycle Kind - 2

Dear person who lost a plastic bag out of your car window on the freeway,

I was on my motorcycle and saw your plastic bag flowing in the wind.  It was flowing near the ground, and as I got closer to it I epic-ly caught it with my foot.  I'll tell you what, I looked amazing with fashion's newest ankle accessory!  Ow ow!!!  But even though it looked great on me, perhaps you could have thrown it away before it flew out your window and made the freeway your trash receptacle.  Thanks for keeping our future freeways clean!

Sincerely a environmentally concerned motorcyclist,
--
Frans

Close Encounters of the Motorcycle Kind - 1

Dear person who left a huge piece of metal lying in the middle of a lane on the freeway,

I was on my motorcycle and saw that piece of metal a little too late, luckily I'm smarter than you think.  I decided to hit it straight on - I think I may have gotten air - thanks for making me look good!  Next time, however, please strap down your stray pieces of metal so you don't inadvertently kill or injure someone.   Thank you and safe travels!

Sincerely a motorcyclist who wants to die on his own terms,
--
Frans

Not the actual piece of metal, but a good illustration.

Relationships: Friend or Foe

In LDS society (or Mormon culture) there is a high emphasis on marriage; we believe that in order to receive the highest degree of glory in Heaven we must marry and have children of our own - following the example of God (meaning we believe in a Heavenly Mother as well). So what I'm tying to say without sounding stupid is I think a lot about girls, dating, relationships, and marriage (hopefully all in that order).

Now as far as the world is concerned I haven't had too many girlfriends (4 to be exact). Reason being is I would rather have few meaningful relationships than having many meaningless ones. But from these experiences I have noticed a trend; one that applies to me, and maybe others. I have noticed that when relationships end that they result in one of two scenarios - friend or foe. Regrettably for me it's usually foe; I think it's primarily about forgiveness but that's another topic.

So because of this (friend or foe situation) I think I have developed a fear of relationships. I don't fear the hugging or kissing (come on, that's one of the best parts right?) and I don't fear the idea of having someone you can always talk to. What I fear is what happens when it doesn't work out. I do my best to live in a peaceful state, so naturally I don't like having ill feelings about someone or from someone. So when it comes to liking a new girl then I have a REALLY hard time making a move and taking a risk because I usually really enjoy being their friend and I don't want to jeopardize that in any way; I don't want to destroy my friendships all because I'm looking to find a companion I can spend the rest of my life with.

What I haven't mentioned is that I have become friends again with one of these past girlfriends.  It took many many years of not communicating to get to that point. But I guess the message to take way from this is that it is possible to become friends again.  It may take some time, time that will be full of silence from a once filled portion of the heart, but all wounds heal, and someday that void may be ready to be filled once again. So take courage with you and overcome your fear - forgiveness is possible.