About Me

I've been married to Janssen for almost three years (that's when life really begins, right?), two of which have been spent living in Austin, TX, where we now reside. I am just beginning a graduate program at the University of Texas to obtain a master's in professional accounting, and Janssen is working on her graduate degree in library science.

My favorite things to do include writing, watching good movies,

1. Juggling is one of my favorite talents, and I'm always surprised if people aren't very impressed.

2. Same goes for catching things such as popcorn or Jelly Bellies in my mouth from seriously high launches into the air.

3. The abrupt, loud ring of phones curdles my blood, though I'm good at keeping my cool.

4. When I'm happy I sing, whistle, and hug my wife. She loves it.

5. Music influences my mood tremendously.

6. For me, playing sports is better than watching sports.

7. I like most people immediately.

8. I like most people even more once I get to know them.

9. I believe parenthood will be the most fulfilling and challenging adventure Janssen and I will ever have. I'm excited.

10. I love dogs.

11. But I doubt we'll ever have a dog (unless the kids somehow convince us differently) since they leave too much hair everywhere.

12. I love good food. More than I love dogs (which are not a very good food, btw, because you just feel too guilty to enjoy them).

13. I lived in South Korea for two years. There, I tried dog soup, after which I thoroughly brushed and flossed my teeth to rid myself of the guilt.

14. Though I majored in Comparative Literature and have read many of the great works of literature, my favorite genres remain science fiction and fantasy, with "Ender's Game" as my all-time favorite (if there is such a thing as an all-time favorite book).

15. I always wanted younger sisters.

16. I got two younger sisters when I got married. Their names are Merrick and Landen, and they're awesome!

17. I'm a sucker for pineapple-orange juice. I could drink it all day long.

18. The word "ration" is anathema to me when it comes to pineapple-orange juice, Jr. Mints, and chicken enchilada casserole.

19. When I had a motorcycle, I hated the feeling that I looked like I was trying to be cool.

20. The quickest way to make me lose my respect for you is to be condescending to other people. That, and by being a slow, incompetent driver.

21. I'm a very complicated individual, as you can see.

22. "Forbidden donut" is my favorite line from any "Simpsons" episode. I repeat it often, even when there is no donut in sight.

23. My favorite memory from elementary school is winning a school-wide Jelly Belly Jar guessing contest. I guessed there were 2,217 in the jar. There were 2,228. That's when I knew I wanted to be an accountant.

24. The scariest and most disturbing nightmare I had as a child was when a violent robber broke into my family's house and I had to kill him with a screwdriver in one hand and a hammer in the other. I hate it when that happens!

25. The scariest and most disturbing nightmare I've had as an adult was when I lost all my teeth and hair. It was just so wrong.

26. I fall asleep all the time while reading. I never, ever fall asleep while watching movies.

27. I have an odd affection for people who call BYU, "The BYU."

28. I consider myself very good at directions, maps, and getting around in general. One of my secrets is I'm not afraid to ask.

29. I'm selectively observant. For example, when Janssen and I walk into a party, I notice the food right away (and can be found at anytime within a 20 ft. radius of it). But ask me what the decorations were at the party, and I'll be stumped for sure.

30. The most fun I've ever had learning one subject over a long period of time was studying the Korean language on my mission. Nomu nomu jaimi issutdan marya! Mae'il, achim, iljik ironaso gongbu hetda. Do jaimi idnun got obtgetda!

31. I'm not very good at showing excitement. I never have been. I do my best, but even when I'm really excited for something, all I can do is be excited inside. If only people could see the party inside of me.