Dollar Coins

In Israel, the smallest paper money is the 20 shekel bill.

My preference would have been easier to carry 10 and 5 and maybe even 1 shekel bills in my wallet, but that wasn't an option because Israel only offers those denominations in coin form.

However, by the end of my 10 days there, I'd adapted to using coins for everything up to 20 shekels and life as we know it hadn't ended.For years, it has bothered me that we still mint and distribute pennies in the US, since nobody cares about them or wants them, and they actually cost more to produce than they're worth.[http://www.snopes.com/business/money/pennycost.asp]

The Snopes article does point out that each penny is transacted many more times, which greatly reduces the penny's per-use cost. I still maintain that nobody wants them and that rounding to the nickel would be almost-universally accepted, but that's just my opinion.

Anyway, when my friend Justin shared this NPR article about dollar coins that are being minted year after year and then never put into circulation, I was a bit, shall we say, perturbed. [http://t.co/MhX3oTT]

That is billions (with a B!) in tax-payer money that, if not put into circulation, is essentially being flushed down the toilet by Congress and the Federal Reserve. Either phase out the dollar bill and force us to use these coins (which we will certainly adapt to if there's no other choice) or stop minting them!

Ridiculous.

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Happy Birthday to My Brother the Liar

Oops, my bad. He's not a liar; he's going to be a lawyer.

I get confused.

But I bet that title got your attention, eh?

Happy birthday, little brother!

We've come a long way since playing t-ball in matching Hawaiian print shorts (made my mom, of course) and going to cub scout meetings together.

You graduated college.

You married an amazing woman.

You're well on your way to becoming a lawyer.

And I know you have so many more great accomplishments to come.

In short, I love you and I'm so proud of the man you have become, Peter!

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Happenings in the Holy Land

Note: There are far too many sights and experiences from my Discovery Expeditions tour of Israel to put in one blogpost. But I'll share a few highlights just to give you a taste.

Delayed Arrival

Air Canada screwed the pooch on this one. They overbooked the flight to Israel by ten (yes, I said ten!) people, and I got bumped. Frustration ensued. Stayed the night in Toronto. Was re-routed through Frankfurt, Germany. Finally arrived in Israel a day and a half later than I should have. Grrr.

With some of my bumped friends

Garden of Gethsemane

Such a peaceful place. After a quick tour and a short devotional, we had time to go off on our own and ponder on the events which occurred here. Very humbling and profound to sit so close to where the Savior suffered and atoned for our sins. Not as "garden-y" as I'd expected, but still beautiful and calming to visit.

The Western Wall

So much devotion. This spot was also a cultural gathering place for the Jewish people, which was interesting to observe. We made sure to face the wall while approaching and withdrawing, and yes, I did place a prayer in the stones. Different areas are set up for the women and men, and Jim Gee (our amazing guide) told us a lot about the history of the place and the wall excavations going on far below ground.
The Temple Mount

After some negotiation and tense moments with the modesty police, our shorts and shirts were accepted and we made it in. The Dome of the Rock is an exquisite building [from the outside at least--only Muslims can go inside]. Also a cultural gathering location, but for the Muslim people.

With Jasmine and Angela

We also walked around the southern end of the Temple Mount, which is where Jesus would have entered and exited on several occasions. When the temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans, huge stones fell from the walls. Here Chelsea and I stand by some of those stones:
We weren't done touring the Old City yet. A group of us set out on a walk around the ramparts, passing several of the wall's 7 gates before we came down. I was surprised to see a sign for Goliath's Tower. According to tradition, that's where David buried the giant's head.Lazarus' Tomb

It's one of the most famous of Jesus' miracles. Seeing the actual tomb was awesome. Very cozy down there, but I could just imagine the scene and how powerful it would be to see Lazarus come forth. Hopefully it isn't sacrilegious, but I thought a zombie pic would be humorous...
Golgotha and the Garden Tomb

Along with the Garden of Gethsemane, these locations are probably of the highest religious importance we visited. I had no idea they were so close to each other, but it makes sense as there wasn't much time between the Savior's death and his needing to be interred before the Sabbath. Again, after a tour and devotional (this time a testimony meeting of sorts), we had time to be alone in the Garden, and I really appreciated that.

With Angela at the tomb's entrance

Masada

This hilltop fortress was incredible. It's out in the middle of nowhere, overlooking the Dead Sea. Lower sections of the original fortress walls still remain (below the black line in the pic below), including some of the paint/drawings. Remarkable how well they've held up over the centuries.

Beit She'an

Ancient architecture didn't fare well against earthquakes. We saw the ruins at Beit She'an and I was astonished at the destruction. Archaeologists have been able to re-construct much of the city and are uncovering more ruins.
On the way to Nazareth, we stopped for a little taste of home. Yes, McDonalds. Pretty much the only differences were the additions of McShawarma and McFalafel to the menu, and the non-working ice cream machine.
Nazareth Village

In this re-creation of Nazareth in Biblical times, we were shown how several of Jesus' parables would have been applicable in the people's lives: wheat & tares, olive-pressing, watchtowers during harvest, etc. The wine press in this pic is likely the one that Jesus would have used, as it's close to where the small village of Nazareth was in Jesus' time, and wine presses were often communal.
Sea of Galilee

Ever been on a super-old-fashioned boat? I have. We went for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and had a devotional and lesson. While our water was calm and the weather beautiful, I loved imagining the Savior and His disciples out there in wind and waves, as He commanded the elements to settle. Or of Jesus walking on water and bidding Peter to join him.

Ladies soaking up Galilean rays on the boat's bow

With Aladdin and Mike, enjoying bow seats

Jordan River

The site of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. Since it has historical significance, many churches still travel here to perform their baptisms. Also, there are muskrats the size of small dogs. Yikes.
Tiberias

Our hotel was in Tiberias, and we had a lot of fun there in the evenings, including swimming in Sea of Galilee, even when the swim zone was closed and the hotel worker kept giving us "just 5 more minutes" for about half an hour.
We also enjoyed the downtown and especially the boardwalk area, where we watched a water and light show on two nights. Plus, Angela talked the carousel operator into giving us a free ride. She sure is persuasive!

Our last morning in Tiberias, a small group of us woke up early to see the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee. The sunrise was gorgeous, and singing a few hymns added to the experience.

The early morning crew

Caesarea Maritime

Our last day in Israel, and we made it count. We saw Herod the Great's summer palace, built right on the Mediterranean coast. The theater was humongous, aqueducts were used to bring water from far away mountains, and a velodrome existed for chariot races.

Enjoying the Mediterranean breezes

Look at the jellyfish Chelsea found on the beach!

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One Boy, One Girl

None of us would be here if not for our parents. That's just a biological fact.

Today I want to celebrate mine, as it's their wedding anniversary.

(I will omit the year, to make my mom happy LOL)

My parents are really cute.

Just look at them back in the day.

So cute.

They may have changed some over the years, they're still just as cute in my eyes,

and they've grown so much wiser and deeper in their respect and admiration.

I sure do love these two crazy kids.

Happy anniversary, mom and dad!

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Let Me Tell You a Secret...

... about a father's love,

A secret that my daddy said was just between us,

He said daddies don't just love their children every now and then,

It's a love without end, amen.

-George Strait

(video here)

Today is Father's Day.

I don't say it near enough,

and certainly not in a public space,

but I love my dad.

I'm so grateful for all he's done for our family

and for me individually.

For supporting us throughout our lives.

Going to games and theater and music performances.

Teaching us to work with our hands.

Knowing the answers to so many questions

(he's a whiz at Trivial Pursuit and pretty much everything).

Showing us how important a sense of humor can be.

Standing strong through hardships and trials

(chainsaw to the face and cancer come to mind).

Dutifully working and providing for us,

when I know he'd rather be hiking and taking photos.

Maybe it wasn't always easy,

in fact it probably wasn't.

But you've shown me so many great qualities in a man.

Thank you for that, Dad.

Happy Father's Day

and I love you so much!

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7 Tips for a 7-Year-Old

Today my nephew, the G-man, turns 7 years old. Happy birthday, little buddy!

Here's my favorite recent photo (thanks to your folks for sharing), and it's just how I imagine you every day:

Okay, enough monkeying around.

Since you're now 7 years-old, here are 7 tips of your uncle's hard-earned wisdom.

1. Every time you see them, give Grammy and Bopbop the biggest bear hug you can. We Smyths have a knack for giving a good hug, and they'll appreciate it more than anyone.
2. Tell your parents you love them. You won't know just how much you mean it until you're much older, but you just can't ever say it enough at any age.
3. Treat your sisters like princesses, because that's exactly what they are. For now, you'll have to trust me on this one. It took your dad and his brothers far too long to recognize that truth about our sister.
4. Say your prayers. The Big Guy listens and cares what you're going through and how you feel about things.
5. Go outside, play, and get dirty as often as you can. You'll miss it someday if you end up working in an office. Also, start golfing now. Or at least by the time you're 12. Again, trust me on this.
6. Don't expect to figure girls out 100%. They're not math problems that can be solved. Like a puzzle or a mystery book, the joy is found in figuring out small things one at a time and in seeing the beauty of their complexity.
7. When you're on a cruise, and there's ice cream available 24-7, go-crazy-go-nuts. What? You say you already did that? Well played, young sir. Then you're well on your way to being a savvy 8 year-old.

Love you oodles and oodles, G-man!

-Unkie Aaron

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Home, aka The House that Built Me

"It’s a four letter word,
A place you go to heal your hurt,
It’s an alter, it’s a shelter,
One place you’re always welcome."

Home.

I watched "Country Strong" a few weeks ago, and the final song by Gwyneth Paltrow really hit me.

I've been thinking a lot lately about where I came from and how I've changed over the years.

Some things I'm proud of. Others not so much. But all my experiences make me who I am today.

I grew up in Utah, where it's a little more relaxed than here in DC. With time I've adapted, but there are some things that just won't change, like opening doors for people, carrying a handkerchief, and giving appreciative waves when I'm driving and someone lets me in. Nor would I want to change those things.

My parents taught me those things, and just about every time I pull my handkerchief out, I think of mom and dad and I'm grateful for their efforts to raise us the best they could, as well as for their continual love for my siblings and me.

Alright, this is getting pretty sappy, so I'll stop.
In short, I'm grateful for the family and the house that built me.

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No More Movie Talking/Texting

Do you ever get annoyed by people talking and/or texting during a movie?

I know I do, and I know many people who share my feelings on the matter.

Today I read this article on how a small chain of theaters handle such interrupters.

[See their policy and recent enforcement by clicking here]

Can all movie theaters please put into effect a policy like that of the Alamo Drafthouse?

Really, 99.5% of the population are already compliant, but maybe this would get the message through to that 0.5% of jerkyfaces out there.

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"Live a Little, Love a Lot"

Besides spouting forth words of wisdom like this blog's title, Kenny Chesney is a country music performer. On Saturday at FedEx Field, he brought several other talented acts and they all put on a tremendously entertaining show.We also had lots of fun in the parking lot before the show. Tailgate toss is always a favorite; I'm a very streaky player. Sometimes I'm on, sometimes I can't even hit the board.Apparently I was off this game, based Christine and I aren't happy with our performance. Hopefully I had more good games than bad ones, but it's still fun either way.As Trace Adkins says, "Ladies love country boys," but it's possible boys love country girls even more. When the girls are this cute and fun, can you blame me?Always fun to run into random friends at a concert. Good seeing you, Holly!Thanks for coordinating such a fun day, Jamie! We'll have to look into the next one and do it again!

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Metallica Monday: I Disappear

During college, I used to do Metallica Mondays, because a Utah radio station (X96) had one hour every Monday night when they only played Metallica songs. Since we could all use more metal in our Mondays, I'm bringing it back, in blog form.*

Today I've chosen a newer song.

"I Disappear" was featured in the movie "Mission Impossible II", and I love that the video has the band doing stunt scenes. Planes and car chases and explosions fit perfectly.

I chose this song because I feel like I've dropped off the face of the earth with some friends lately. Summer goals have kept me busy, but I'm gonna try to not be so absent going forward.

Til next time, rock on!

*This probably won't be a weekly thing, but Metallica Mondays will pop up every so often when I'm in the mood.

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Domino's Bday

Happy birthday, big brother, aka Domino!

I've always looked up to my big brother, both literally and figuratively.

Don't believe me?

You say you want proof?

Here's a poem I wrote about him back in 1997.

Hope that's enough, because it's all you're getting.

The Water-skier

He steps first with his right, then with his left,

both into the blue and black wetsuit.

Without a word, he picks up his ski and slips

it into the dark water of early morning Powell.

He rises up, flashes his lady-killing smile, jumps,

and yells, “Play that funky music…”

He hits the calm water before finishing the line,

so we do it for him, yelling, “White boy!”

His hat still dry upon his head, he spins it backward,

drifts from the boat, and prepares to ski.

The rope tight and his face determined, he takes

a deep breath and calls, “Hit it!”, no going back.

The boat lunges forward, pulling the rider up and out

and ahead, instinct now rules his movements.

Wasting no energy, he is instantly outside the wake,

cutting and crossing with perfect accuracy.

Back and forth he goes, time seems to stand still,

no hint of the usual smile on his face.

Minutes, hours, seem to pass, the houseboat appears

in the distance, he knows soon the ride must end.

Two more cuts, he moves to the left side of the wake,

closer, closer, reflexes scream, he crosses.

The tension too much, he lets go and glides gracefully

to the rear of the houseboat, his hat is still dry.

His smile returns to his face as he waves to us and

he takes off his ski, time again returns to normal.

He knows how good he is, but doesn’t flaunt it,

the best water-skier I know, my brother, Adam.

Thanks for being such a great brother,

as well as an example of how to be both grown up and totally immature at the same time.

Oh, and thanks for teaching me sweet dance moves, like the ones in this pic with your wifey.

Happy birthday! Love you, brother!

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Graffiti Marriage Proposal

Sorry to get your hopes up with that subject, Mom, but this isn't my proposal.

Just a good one from the interwebs.

I don't know Jeff or Caitlin, but you have to admit, this is a very clever and cute way to propose.

Had I known, I'd have taken my parents, brother, and sis-in-law to New York's East Village (Avenue A & 2nd St, to be precise) last weekend to see the mural.

So go check it out, New York friends! And pick me up a sandwich from Katz' Deli while you're in the neighborhood.

HT: Natalie Hill [her twitter] [her blog]

While we're at it, here's another one. Guess I'm just feeling sappy right now.
The video pretty much speaks for itself, but here are some keywords to start tugging at your heart-strings: baseball game, military, surprise homecoming.

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MySpace Still Exists?

Yesterday I got an email with a friend request on MySpace.

My first two thoughts:

1) MySpace is still around?

2) Hasn't my account expired by now?

Apparently, MySpace has hung around, trying to combat Facebook and remain relevant in the social networking sphere. They even re-tooled themselves to be more musician- and band-friendly. Also, they changed their name to My______, which makes no sense at all.

Props to MySpace on perseverance. Give my regards to laserdiscs when you finally give in to your inevitable demise.

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