Retro Photo of the Week

Last week at Powder Mtn...Gosh, those were the days.

Shhhhh, the powder's sleeping...

The Class

I watched this movie last night, and it scared the crap out of me.

I Think I Swallowed a Bug

On my way back to the car after the color throwing...I should've taken a picture of my unabomber technique...it worked brilliantly for keeping my face and hair relatively clean...We went for sushi right after so I wanted to try to stay halfway presentable.

I've been to the Krishna temple down in Spanish Fork several times, but I didn't know what I was in for when I went down there yesterday for the Festival of Colors. I've never seen anything like it. There were thousands of people gathered at the temple for the festival. The highlight of the whole gathering is the "throwing of colors" which took place around 6:00 yesterday right after they lit this big bonfire in the middle of the crowd. Everyone buys these little bags of colorful chalky powdery stuff and then throws the stuff at each other at the designated time. There was such a gigantic crowd there yesterday that the air was just lousy with this chalky powdery stuff for a long while after everyone stopped throwing the colors (And yeah, I just used "lousy" in that sentence). It was so much fun. I'm definitely going again next year and am just wondering how in the world I lived in the Proves for 4 years without taking part in this thing before now.

Retro Photo of the Week

Me, Melinda, and Melanie...I can't remember what year we did this...I think maybe 2005 or 2006 during one of Melinda's visits...Melinda made us do it.

Retro Photo of the Week

The Merrill kids in 1985...We look like pissed off homeless children...And take a look at Melinda with her glasses in the background--She looks EXACTLY like a young Melanie in this picture! Awesome.

SnowKiting

I went up to Powder Mountain on Saturday with my brother-in-law Luke and his brother. We had a lot of fun skiing and boarding. We also took advantage of some free snow kiting lessons that were available during the SuperFly competition that was going on up above Hidden Lake lodge. Here's some footage of Luke practicing his figure 8s. Snowkiting is still such a new sport that we kept on getting mixed signals from the various instructors that were out to help with the lessons. It was funny, one dude would come along and tell us to practice one way and then another instructor would come along and tell us to do it differently. It was surprising how much power was generated by these kites once they were launched...even the smaller trainer kites that we were practicing with. It was great to be out there and watch a little bit of the competition, plus it was nice and windy on Saturday, perfect for the kites.

"What a Great Time to be Alive!!"

I was able to go up to New York and see Maria for part of Spring Break. I was up there for my birthday, so Maria helped me to celebrate my 29th NYC style. The trip was really a lot of fun. I miss hanging out with Maria. My favorite parts of the trip include but are not limited to the following: Walking in Central Park on Saturday in beautiful 70 degree weather, Watching Mary-Louise Parker in Hedda Gabler (a play by Henrik Ibsen), Eating at Cafe Habana. Here are a few pictures of my little sister in New York and the triple bday celebration we had when I got back home...Matt and Phil have their birthdays within a week of mine. Ruth prepared a tasty taco/fajita dinner and Leesh made us all a delicious chocolate birthday cake.

Maria in Central Park

Maria on the train after seeing Guys and Dolls

I turned 29, Matt turned 32, and Dad turned 59. Whoa.

Isaac and Luke

Miss Maya Ruth before the party...

And after the party...

Melanie and Aleesha

Baby Rocky...This boy's the size of an 18-monther but he's barely 9 months old. Mister Smiles.

Mom

And last but not least, here's a note my perfect Grandma Fern sent me for my bday...click to enlarge it...

In the words of Grandma, who is never wrong--it really is a great time to be alive!

Pete Yorn Covers "Your Own Worst Enemy"

Retro Photo of the Week

Here I am with Luke in front, Isaac and his toothy grin, and wispy-haired Maya...January 2008

The Fishes

Ahh March, the month of the Pisces. My family has more than a few birthdays in March, so I think it's safe to say that we Merrills are a sensitive, giving, and loyal crew. I don't know about you, but I've always enjoyed learning little things here and there about my astrological sign or reading the occasional horoscope in the newspaper. I think I enjoy reading the stuff about the Pisces sign, because it always seems to be pretty spot-on when it comes to my personality and tendencies. I always end up thinking, "Oh man, that is SO me." Yeah, yeah, it's all a bunch of hooey, but it's still fun to read. I found the following summary a little while ago and got a kick out of it...By the way, you're a Pisces if your birthday falls between February 19th and March 20th...And go here if you want to learn more about your zodiac sign…scroll down to the bottom of the page for your specific info.


PISCES FUN FACTS

"Understanding" is a most appropriate keyword for this gentle, affectionate sign. Easygoing and generally accepting of others around them, Pisceans are often found in the company of a variety of different personalities. Their willingness to give of themselves emotionally lends to an aura of quiet empathy. A Pisces is comforting to be around. Although not likely to be the leader, this sign's presence is strong and vibrant in any cause into which they put their hearts.

Friends and Family

Gentle Pisceans make some of the best friends there are. In fact, they often put the needs of their friends ahead of their own. Loyal, dedicated, supportive, and compassionate, Pisceans will take on any problem. Big or small, when a challenge arises for family or friends, they will be there in every capacity possible to make things better. Deeply intuitive, Pisceans can often sense when something is askew long before anything is said.

Pisceans are expressive by nature and don't hesitate to let those around them know how they feel. It's not surprising for a Pisces to write a song for someone or to buy a gift that is heartfelt and meaningful. They prefer others to be as open with them as they are. Communication with loved ones is considered most important.

Career and Money

Intuitive and often dreamy, Pisces natives are most comfortable in positions that bring their creative natures into humanitarian causes. Some good careers for this sign are lawyer, architect, veterinarian, musician, social worker, and game designer. The key phrase for this sign is "I believe." It's important for the Pisces to feel strongly about personal endeavors.

Inspired by the need to make a difference in the lives of those they touch, Pisceans are most charitable and will often go way above and beyond the call of duty. Sensitive, deeply compassionate, hardworking, dedicated, and reliable, this is one sign that really knows how to get to the heart of the matter. They can be excellent problem-solvers.

For the most part, Pisceans don't give money too much thought. They are more concerned with their dreams and goals than with money. Yet because this is oftentimes a component to reaching their aspirations, Pisces natives will ensure they have the money they need. They can be of two minds in this area. On one hand, the Pisces will spend, spend, spend with little thought, and on the other hand, they can become quite miserly. Yet in the end, there'll always seem to be enough to do what they want in life.

Love

Deep within the Piscean beats the heart of the diehard romantic. Loving, tender, and exceptionally giving, this sign cherishes intimacy deeply. They are passionate lovers that need to feel a real connection with their mates. Quick flings and superficial interludes do not do well with the Piscean whatsoever. In relationships, they are fiercely loyal and doting. They love to give gifts and to make the other person feel like a million bucks. Nothing is too good for the Piscean's love interest!

PISCES TIDBITS

Health
Each sign has a part of the anatomy attached to it, making this the area of the body that is most sensitive to stimulation. The anatomical area for Pisces is the feet.

Ruling Planet
The ruling planet for Pisces is Neptune. Considered the planet of intuition, Neptune rules dreams, illusion, music, spirituality, mystery, second sight, intangibles, and the love of poetry.

House
Pisces is the natural sign of the Twelfth House. This house focuses on limitations, hidden strength, frustrations, and the subconscious mind.

Opposite Sign
The opposite sign for Pisces is Virgo.

Compatibility
Pisces is most compatible with Cancer and Scorpio.

Color
The color of choice for Pisces is sea-green.

Gemstone
Pisces's star stone is the Moonstone.

Lucky Numbers
Pisces's lucky numbers are 1, 3, 4, and 9.

The Perfect Gift
Beautiful inspiring colors that make a home more beautiful, a day spent sailing, a romantic starlit dinner, a song or poem from a loved one

Likes
Spiritual themes, time alone, visual media, time to sleep, romance, music, swimming

Dislikes
Absorbing toxic people and situations, cruelty of any kind

Famous Pisceans
Drew Barrymore, Benicio Del Toro, Tommy Lee, Bruce Willis

Best travel destination
Scandinavia, Portugal, Jerusalem, Warsaw, Seville

Strength
Intuitive, compassionate, artistic, gentle, wise, musical

Weakness
Can be a victim or martyr, fearful, overly trusting, sad, desire to escape reality

Charismatic marks
Soft, sometimes frail to medium build, face easily shows emotion.

Best environment
On or near water, especially the sea. The movie theater.