SOC.

The acronym above stands for "stream of consciousness" which is really just a pre-planned excuse for lack luster random writing.

-Disneyland water. Isn't it weird? Where does it come from? Why does it have a distinct smell? If you bottled it and sold it would it sell? For that matter, which vintage would do the best? "Matterhorn Waterfall", "Pirates of Caribbean Musket Broth", or "Small World Soup". This topic is personally relevant as I am 99% sure that I swallowed some on Splash Mountain the other day.

-Bicycles. On Saturday I rode my fancy 17 lb. Kuota Carbon Frame road bike 90 miles out to Malibu and back. It hurt. Later that evening my wife convinced me to ride the 49 lb. strand cruiser bike out to Santa Monica on a date? (30 miles total). I learned several things from this experience. #1PCH highway is beautiful and terrifying #2 Heidi is very motivated by Lamb Kabobs and doughnuts #3 Ten hours on a bike does weird things to you, including bizarre tan lines. #4 Venice Beach is frightening at night. #5 it was fun to feel like a stupid teenager again.

-Softball Observations. The season has begun in earnest and I have picked up a few insights for the social world of organized competitive slow pitch. First, I call it the "jeans rule". If a hitter steps up to the plate with denim anywhere on his person all out fielders must take an automatic 5 steps in. (jean shorts are an automatic 10). Second, if the team is cheering their hitter on with phrases like, "Make him pitch to you Bob!" and "Great eye out there!" all out fielders should take a few steps in. Third, much to my dismay, I was forced to pitch the other night because of a no show. I hated it for the following... the fat old guy usually pitches and the dreaded come backer. When asked, "ummm what happened to your face?" there is no glory in replying, "yeah uh... a softball game."

-Lance Burton. A recently discovered "Lance Burton: Magic Set" has unlocked my inner performer. I am applying to magician schools now and have already begun designing my Vegas I-15 billboard. Abra Kadabra!

Snyder Spring Athletics.

The current Snyder Spring Athletic program consists of:

1. Luke riding his bike sans training wheels (& me "spotter" running along side him).

2. Abdominal exercises via allergy sneezes.

3. Miles running and climbing wherever and whenever he can.

4. Heidi's multitude of running adventures (she would be cycling too if her punk hubby would fix her beloved cervelo).

5. Many a family walk with double stroller into downtown Provo.

6. Travis' long bike rides (The leg and arm farmer tans are already in full effect).

7. FHE at the Provo High track. Luke is working up to his first mile run.

8. Evening mid life crisis Yoga sessions for Travis & Heidi... Namaste.

9. Pre-season baseball exercises for Travis' softball and Luke's T-ball (I am trying to make him hit left handed... am I a bad father?)

10. Systemized sleep deprivation obstacle courses to help prep for another season of racing.

Finis.

Rear View Mirror

Heidi spent the day down in Delta, Utah (population 3,209 brave souls) running her other-other side business. As a welcome consequence, I got to spend the day with my sons. Lately when I am fortunate enough to have major solo time with them I get this goofy "I am hanging out with the guys" feeling. This is unexpected considering I am their father. I helped make them right? They have recently developed an effortless cool interaction that I marvel at. I feel fortunate when they let me mix around in it. I keep waiting for them to notice that I, unlike them, am not 2-3 feet tall with floppy golden hair and big blue eyes.

While chauffeuring them around on our adventures I confess to being a habitual rear view mirror watcher. This is dangerous and ironic as I could injure them by crashing from trying catch a glimpse of their in car movements. I have found that due to their hyper activity, catching long observations of them in free roaming environments is difficult, so the 5 point car seat harness is a legal way to restrain and observe them. After many long & short car trips I have categorized the following as their typical behaviors:

Tickle Wrestle: Due to the fine example of their father, both Luke and Miles have learned to wrestle and tickle with pinpoint accuracy. Luke can project his little tickle fingers into my neck so quickly and effectively it is surprising. Sometimes these two go at it in the car. Luke can get Miles going pretty good. You can tell by the Miles’ signature growl, belly laugh, and eventual giggle tears.

Car Dancing: Somehow both of my sons have developed an extreme affinity for music... especially pop music. They will both absolutely rock it to any and every bass pounding beat. Miles (more limited due to the more aggressive car seat) does continuous kicks while karate chopping. Luke has a dizzying array of moves that I will not attempt to quantify. Let's just say the brotha has soul. At least one rap/techno cd mix remains in disc changer 24/7 to incite needed Snyder boy funk.

Glassy Eye Gaze: As a kid sitting in the middle seat of our family Honda or Isuzu trooper I would often gaze out the window at the blurring landscape rolling by. If good music was on the radio or tape deck I would pretend that my window scene went to the song to make up some custom music video. I am not sure if this is what Luke and Miles are doing but often I will look to the back seat to find them both glassy eyed and gazing out their windows. "What in the world can a four or one year old be pondering about?" I do get an insight into Luke’s mind every once in a while he will ask me a question out of nowhere after some long pause.

“Dad, is there good and naughty witches? Cause some are funny and some are scary.”

“I really love Milesy he’s a good guy.”

“When we went on the bunny ride (splash mountain) was the water slide on a track?”

“When you build our new house I want a green one.”

Contortion Sleep: Lets just say it is a good thing little boy bones are basically rubber at this point in development. When it is eerily quiet I will look in that back seat to find them asleep and often in the cruelest head positions. In the throws of forced sleep, Luke looks like a rag doll riding a bull. Most often his head is hanging forward swaying side to side, my solution is the gas pedal and my truck’s V8. I can get that head back against the seat quickly and smoothly. It is usually then re-enforced by a shirt or blanket lying nearby and soft breaking. On the way home tonight, Luke fell asleep leaning against Miles’ car seat. In my rear view mirror I caught a glimpse of that little Miles reaching out and awkwardly patting Luke’s cheek three or four times. It is one of those totally fulfilled "Dad" moments.

Thinking of my own time as a kid in the back seat I remember that the boundary between me and the front seat seemed to be some unseen force field between adult and childhood. They had all the control, responsibility, and perspective while we were patiently along for the ride. The one exception to this was when my mom or dad would occasionally break the divide and reach their arm back and give my leg a subtle squeeze. It was like, "yeah we're busy driving and reaching back is awkward but I haven't forgotten about you." It was a clear moment in their busy lives where I felt my parent's full priority, me.

Lucky for me, Heidi, and the boys, we’ve got lots of driving ahead and pretty long arms.

Weak Sauce.

This is purely an effort to remove myself from the bottom of your blog lists (that is if I am still honored to be included). Baby steps Travis... baby steps.

blog post ideas and motivation welcome

A day in the life with...

*Heidi*
am comment "Travis, I have been thinking about your health and energy levels and stuff. Ummm.... based on some research I did I think you could be pre-diabetic."

pm comment "Hey I just finished making a homemade strawberry shortcake. It's in the fridge for ya!"

*Luke*
Luke: "Dada what's wrong?"

Me: "Ugh, I've got a headache bud."

Luke: While patting my forehead "Hmmmmm. Maybe you should watch a cycling show. You love the cycling shows." (I had been watching the Giro de Italia bike race on TV and never once thought Luke was aware of it).

Me: "Really? You think that will make me better?"

Luke: While flexing biceps "Yeah, you can be strong like Lance Armstrong!"
(I have never once spoken to Luke about Mr. Lance either.)

*Miles*
While slapping my face "Uh Oh, Uh Oh!"

While pointing to the kitchen "Ba! Ba! Ba!" (bottle).

While pulling Luke's hair "Growl".

editor's note: the existence of this blog post during
a race production week is a minor miracle.

The Rundown

Ugh. A lot has been going on lately. Here is the official rundown...

1. Finishing our basement into a 2 bedroom apt. Good times. Did most of the work and managed to not cut anything off.

2. Selling our house and moving. (the buyers wanted the basement done) Lots of work, lots of stress, lots of caffeine.

3. Looking for a new home base for my crazy cool family.

4. Starting a new business... fun and a lot of work. Everyone should "run the redrock" this September. Learn more at www.redrockrelay.com

the redrock relay mobile!

5. Having surgery and getting the toes on my left foot removed. (not true just seeing if you are still with me).

6. Prepping for a summer of triathlons. Our first race is May 30th www.racetri.com

7. Turning 31 years old. Not sure how I feel about this one. It is Heidi's favorite number so I am expecting a good year.

8. Rolling with my rough and tumble boyz. They are hilarious and kill me every day. Miles is a scrappy little bear cub and Luke is a great kid. The other day I was tucking Luke in with our standard super hero story and I started copying everything he said. He started laughing and getting so bugged with me. I thought to myself, "It is an honor to be the first person in his mortal life to do this to him." I am waiting for his newly learned skills to come back to haunt me in a few months.

9. Ready for a fun summer. Softball season is about to start and my recent cycle of roids is timed perfectly. Those Payson hicks don't stand a chance!

10. Yes, last but not least Carolina won.

The Boyz grow up

The creative posting well has been a bit dry lately.
I thought I'd get it going with some recent photos & stories.

"Brother Bath"

The last few weeks, we have instituted the nightly brother bath. It is a hilarious splash fest. They have so much fun together... watching them cracks me up every single night. To be honest I had a hard time at first when Miles was born. I was so used to giving 100% to Luke that it felt kind of like a betrayal to have another little guy to love. The weirdness didn't last long and now that the boys are interacting more I am so happy they have each other. Heidi did a good job keeping "man parts" out of this particular photo session. I do however plan on seeing them in some awkward wedding slide moment 20 years from now.

"The Stander"

This is the current scene when Miles wakes up from his snuggly slumber. He is so happy with himself. The bouncer and exer-saucer have been replaced with stair gates and cupboard locks and door knobs. The bangs and bruises have begun. Bring it on mobile Miles!

"Luke + Ally"

This is a shot of Luke delivering the valentine to his precious Ally. These two are about the cutest thing in the world. She moved into the ward and was having a hard time getting through primary and Luke stepped in as her man. He is so protective and attentive to her that her Mom is actually worried that Ally won't know how to cope without the little stud. Watching him with her at church is almost worth the trip out here. Notice his cheeseball grin while looking at her.

"Sunset"

Not a lot to write about this photo. Just the a view from our backyard and the end to a crisp winter day. We are beginning to feel the beginnings of Spring and I am excited. It has been a good winter for us but I am happy for the transition to spring. The excitement of it almost makes the winter worth it. Life is good.

Study: Facial Hair & Personality

Over the recent holiday I took time out of the normal routine to conduct a scientific study (Yes, I am very noble). My hypothesis was thus, Facial hair style has the ability to alter and shape personality. I chose myself as the experimental subject and these were my findings.

BEARD

Definitely my facial hair of choice. I found myself more sage introspective and wise. Also more carefree. The beard isn't groomed or styled it just is what it is. In the Utah winter it served as some additional warmth.

SIDEBURNS & GOATEE

This one was tough for me. I was only able to keep it like this for a few hours. I felt like I was trying too hard. I also felt like I should be playing for the Red Sox and have some chaw in my mouth. Youklis eat your heart out.

FU man chu (non-asian style)

This one was definitely interesting. I developed a major attitude. Kind of like... "look at my mustache... do you think I care what people think?" It was also interesting how others treated me. When looking at the stache, their eyes said I'm a little scared & intrigued. My sweet mother-in-law could actually barely look at me. I rate this one as the funniest and most impact.

THE PURE "STACHE"

What can I say? the Magnum PI vibe was in force and I inadvertently called Heidi Higgy Baby several times. Luke also loved all facial hair phases and now creates his own using assorted goods around the house. Anything that is somewhat sticky... tape, stickers, and food.

So here are my findings...
Having trouble focusing at school or work? grow a beard
Want to look like a poser? burns and goatee
Need a little more confidence and pep in your step? fu man chu will fix you
Feeling the winter blahs? grow a tropical magnum "stache"

this last photo is for Kathryn... who wanted conclusive proof the FU stache was gone.

California No No's

As some of you may be aware, I spent a good deal of time in Southern California during 2008. Our most recent trip was two weeks and total on the year I spent 3 months in the golden state. Now I am well aware and agree that California has many positive aspects relative to other locations and Hollywood along with the mass media do a good enough job promoting them without my help. So this top ten post is about the things I DO NOT enjoy about precious SOCAL. ( I realize that about half of my readers currently or at one time lived in California. Please take your sensitive, easily offended hats off now and read on:)

10. "Best Doughnuts" of Manhattan Beach. Your French Cruellers have been the source of more eating remorse and self loathing than I care to recall. (truth: I would eat a box right now if I had one. Oh sweet french pastries made by kind immigrant americans).

9. Locals complaining about winter weather a balmy 68 degrees or the devilish Santa Ana winds. Seasons do have an upside... it's called a reality check.

8. The amount of beach walking dog lovers displaying obscene degrees of PDA. I even saw some toy poodles being wheeled around like babies in a $700 stroller. I'm like, "Dude I get it. You are too career focused & selfish to create a lasting relationship with a human being. So you bought those things and dress them up to fill the void. Good luck with that."

7. The prop 8 circus.

6. Having to figure out how to drive while talking on the cell phone while not looking like I am talking on the cell phone (For those non-Californians who are unaware, it is illegal). Although I did get an adrenaline rush every time I did it. On one exchange my caller asked "ummm. why are you breathing so heavy?" and I'm like "hey...inhale/exhale... I am watching... inhale/exhale... out for the FUZZ!"

5. My sweet wife asking me weekly, "Soooo when are we going to go to Disneyland? I was thinking Tuesday day, Thursday night, and all of Friday." We had 2008 year round passes and I have determined it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Sorry Mickey.

4. The pure house envy desperation injected into young SoCal couples is so real, you can taste it. I remember realizing one day while living there that even if someone gave me a nice house, I would not even be able to pay the property tax and insurance. Hang in there you guys. 1100 sq ft 2 bedroom apartments are kind of cool when you think about it?

3. Stingrays. Let's just say my right big toe had a vicious run in. Words cannot describe the pain. Jellyfish ain't got nothing on those guys.

2. The lack of fountain drinks at gas stations. I am sorry but Utah had got this one in the bag. I walk into a local Maverick and have a 28 wall bank of every kind of soda, juice, sports drink, and energy drink under the sun along with complimentary flavor squirters (I am choosing to ignore the demographic implications of this business success in Utah). The best LA had to offer was a choice of six incorrect syrup to soda water ratio coke products at the 711.

1. Female Asian drivers. I know I am treading in dangerous generalized stereotype waters here. BUT I swear I get jacked twice a day by some random car. As I drive up to perform the standard inspection of the offender I think to myself,
"Please don't be a an asian lady...
literally anyone else...
please don't be an asian lady...
don't feed my ignorant stereotype...
Plea....

Ugh it's an Asian lady."

sidenote: forgive me. this personal stereotype began during a traumatic Cheesecake Factory outing where I was boxed out and verbally assaulted by a woman while waiting in line. She got in my face like Jet Li on Jackie Chan. Be patient with me as I work through it.

A Tangible Hammer

Unlike your average consumer, my mom rarely ever just bought "something". Even purely functional items had to have character and in a sense, life. With freedom and financing, her home came alive and evolved into a folklore mecca of hutches, sideboards, wardrobes, hoosiers, book cases, benches, and quilts. As a teenager I would desperately try to entice friends to my house, the RC Willey antithesis, as the location for movie night. The typical response went something like, "I don't want to watch a movie on "the wood!"". Our lone upholstery had been a puffy blue couch that little Jackson had worn out into oblivion. It was replaced with a 19th century wooden church pew that no matter how hard I tried could only remain as comfortable as... well... a church pew.

Throughout the years she would breathe new life into homemade crafts or storied antiques that she had discovered. Like most creative geniuses her decorative spark would fully manifest itself at odd hours. Usually late at night or early in the morning. All the menial tasks of the day kept her from her art. But when free, it would be very typical, while I was trying to fall asleep, to hear her tinkering around, kitchen drawers opening, plastic crinkling, and even a hammer hammering. And like the unique creations she was installing, her tool of choice was not the reliable aluminum Estwing in my Dad's tool box, it was a wobbly wooden antique hammer. With reckless abandon and no regard for 2 x 4's or drywall, that woman would hammer away and hang all manner of objects throughout the house. Preparation and excessive measuring was against the rules. There had to be a certain wildness about it.

With her gone, all of her belongings exist as tangible reminders of their intangible owner. If they could speak, I am sure we would mourn together because, like me, they have realized that she couldn't have loved them more or given them more meaning. I have been doing some late night creating of my own recently. A few weeks ago I purchased a poster from the Ray LaMontagne concert. I also bought some framing and matting supplies at Roberts Crafts (yes, I actually went into a craft store) and tonight I finally got it all put together. For the finish, I needed a good hammer to nail the hooks to the frame and then hang on the wall. This one happened to be resting in my tool box waiting for some late night action.

It was wobbly and worked just fine.

.

Friday Eve lives...

Anyone reading this is invited:)

(*if this statement confuses you read a few posts further down to learn about friday eve.)

RIP election 2008

I am bidding farewell to the elections of 2008. I am ready to move on with my life and once again forget about political activism:)

I invite all readers to write in their memoriums...

Thoughtful prop 8 article.

Well done Orson.
Just click the title above or here is full link...

http://mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/orson_scott_card/?id=4740

"Friday Eve"

I just invented a weekly holiday called "Friday Eve". I figure life is short with the end of the world around the corner (economy, bird flu, and that "terrorist" Obama in the White House). We better get while the gettin is good.

The rules are simple...
1. Standing invite for weekly Thursday evening fun. (a simple RSVP if coming).
2. Good food provided by us your gracious hosts. (you can bring some too if you like).
3. Games, Good TV (Earl, Office, etc), and movies if we experience reruns.
4. Any food, game, or media requests are welcome (Heidi wants to play red rover in the back yard but I am worried about injury and litigation.)
5. If no one comes... me heidi, luke, and miles will have have fun without you. so there.

Holy crud... I just realized tomorrow is Friday Eve! Hurray!!!

Proposition 8

Get out and rock the vote.

My 100% hope is that what I say here is thoughtful and objective.

I support California's Prop 8. I could probably write all day about the ins and outs of this complex issue but the short and sweet version is thus. While I am not in favor of a theocracy and government legislating morality, it is impossible to completely remove a moral value system from the core of government. Every government assumes some level of "the good" and its policies advocate and protect it. As America has progressed the definition of "the good" has changed in good ways (slavery abolished, civil rights, women's rights etc.) and not so good ways. While this current issue of gay marriage echoes past equal rights movements it is NOT the same as the efforts made for women and African Americans.

Today I read several no on prop 8 articles arguing that the pro prop 8 groups are using misleading fear tactics (kids taught in school, religious litigation, etc.) to generate interest. My friends it goes both ways and the no on prop 8 push comparing their current situation to the African American civil rights efforts is playing dirty. The "now its our turn" logic goes... if gay rights are the continuation of these past civil rights causes then conversely anyone now against them is a also continuation of bigotry. For obvious reasons that doesn't sit well with me while also clouding the issues.

What is so wrong about these arguments is the fact that if gay rights activists are correct in their desire for equal treatment under the law then gay marriage should be taught and expressed as equally in school as conventional marriage. Why not? Gay couples who are discriminated against in anyway, from adoption, to wedding photography, should sue those groups and win. It would be like civil rights activists from the 60's saying, "Hey you know what? We want equal treatment but don't worry, businesses can still discriminate against us, schools leave us out of the books, and really all in all not much is going change."

A few more weeks and we'll see what happens
Learn more here...
http://www.protectmarriage.com/



ps-This was my first attempt writing about a HOT political issue and after re-reading this, it might be my last. It is tough not sounding like a jack ass. Simple pleasures like OP shorts, cycling, and luke and miles from here on out:)

New picture

The winner is...

Star Wars (Luke really wanted it) related stuff and John's speedo pics were close runners up. But Magnum PI is too cool and with winter around the corner it will help me feel a bit more sunny.

New Photo

For those of you who may or may not have noticed, my blog photo ID below.

When I found this picture I thought it was the coolest thing ever. A ripped 80 year old in "man thigh" shorts pole vaulting.  What a stud.  However, I am feeling a change coming on.  So this post is a contest for my new photo ID.  Entries will be considered throughout the week and a final decision will be made next Monday.

 

just a photo.

We seem to get more perspective on how much we love them while they are sleeping... but with Luke it is especially so.  It really is the only time he is not moving.

ps-lance is coming back. thoughts?

"So... what's up with the blog?"

Travis- "I am on a blog-cation".

Inquisitive Friend- "Ummmmm. that's stupid."

Travis- "Stupid? check out my profile. Blog member since 2005. I was blogging before the blogging bomb went off. Staying with this thing requires a dosed effort."

Friend- "Dosed effort? that doesn't make any sense."

Travis- "To paraphrase the immortal Ice Cube, " Life (and blogging) is not a track meet, it's a marathon."

Friend- "I see. So what about all the current hyper-bloggers?"

Travis- "The blog youngsters are only blog binging which can only lead to one place.... Blog Bulimia."

Burn, Burn, Burn Yes It's Gonna Burn

List of views I like to see out of my home's windows...

1. landscape panoramas
2. mountain peaks
3. blue skies
4. fluffy clouds

and

5. 50 foot flames

Yes our house is right in the thick of all this, it is currently in "evacuation notice".










Let this be a lesson to each of you. If you lapse in your posting, the blog gods will burn your house down.