Here's what I think…

My little sister learned to ride a bike the day of my 8^th birthday party. I recall watching her cruise on a bike a little too big for her up and down the street and how excited she was. It’s an odd childhood memory simply because I don’t have many of them. I don’t remember the names of all my teachers, where I was on some historical day,  or when I first learned the truth about ALF. I don’t think I’m blocking anything out; I’m probably just too mentally lazy to store all the memories. It’s also odd because it should really be her memory, not mine. In fact, the only reason I have managed to keep it top of mind all these years is likely because I can’t remember much else that happened that day. And, somewhere deep inside I’m pissed that she enjoyed my birthday more than I did.

Eight is a confusing age for a kid growing up with Mormon parents. It is the age where you get baptized. You’re not really sure why, you just know that if you don’t there won’t be enough years left in your life for the threat of being grounded to mean anything. You go along with it because you’re convinced it’s the right thing to do. That’s how you make decisions at that age. What’s right versus what’s wrong versus how much can I get away with. Religion is a topic for another day… another really long day. Let me just say this though… the birthday presents suck when they’re also baptism presents. No kid truly wants a Bible for their 8^th birthday.

Fortunately, I got more than my own scriptures that day. I also got this (enter sarcasm font) fantastic book called ‘All About Me’. This is like a journal for beginners with predetermined topic pages and such. You get to fill in your favorite color and school subject. You write about your family and friends. Then, as a 10 year old you get to go back and read it and want to kick your own ass for being such a dork. Now that you’re a much cooler skater (poser) you can’t believe how lame you were just two short years ago.

Fast forward nearly 25 years. I’m embarking on a new project where I tell my friends and family what’s going on in my life. I share my thoughts and feelings and preserve them for my sons to read some day. I’m a 32 year old working in marketing (poser), going back to school (where my favorite subject is no longer math), and trying to make the best of things. I’m less concerned with what I’ll think about myself when I read this two years down the line because I’m much more self aware now than I was then. I already know I’m not the coolest, richest, funniest, or smartest kid on the block. I know my kids will think I’m a nerd for the rest of my life and I’m certain my wife is the one confirming their assumptions. The best part though, is that I don’t care. I’m happy with where I am, who I’m with, and what I’m doing.

So who am I? Where am I in this game called life? Who am I with and what are we doing? These are questions I’ll attempt to answer in my blog posts. If you read enough of them you might start to gain some insight. If you don’t, well, you’re going to miss out. After all, this section is All About Me.

If you can’t get enough of me and you want more insight into all of my Nick-ness, follow me on Twitter and Facebook using the icons on the right. I’ll do my best to update often. It’s great for long lost friends or family members feeling left out!

Eventually My People will be the place to come for photos, updates, and tidbits about the whole family as I see fit. Right now, I think a quick introduction is in order…

Once upon a time I met a wonderful young woman named Jenni. My dad had a dream and told me I would marry her. Turns out he was right. No matter how many stupid things I did, she still decided I was worth the risk. Good thing for me. She gets better looking every day, runs our household, and even brings home a few dollars a week. It’s a dream come true. I bet you wish your dad had a metal plate in his head like mine!

In 2001 the Arizona Diamondbacks won the World Series, terrorists attacked our country, I was actually a valedictorian, and Jace Tyler graced us with his presence. Jace is an amazing young man. He is smart, logical, caring, handsome, and LOVES sports. He also excels at negotiation and tells it like it is. He won’t pretend he likes you if he doesn’t, but he’ll go out of his way to show you he cares if he does. I know I’m a biased parent, but Jace gives you the idea that he can and will be great at something. Hopefully he’ll find that purpose some day and prove me right.

Maximus Owen was born only a few short months ago in November of 2009. He knows when I’m in the room now and smiles when he hears my voice. It’ll take some time for us to get a fix on his personality, but he is already uniquely qualified to teach the true meaning of love.

Julius is the orange cat who rules our home. He yells when he’s hungry and he sleeps when he’s not. Occasionally he does this great trick where he puts his head in the dog’s mouth.

Mocha Joe is the chocolate lab who ruins our home. He has destroyed every toy he’s ever played with except for Julius. He likes to talk back when he’s in trouble. He likes to run. He likes to play keep away… from us… with anything we might want.

The unnamed red fish resides in a bowl in Jace’s room. I won the bowl in a white elephant gift exchange. A white elephant wouldn’t fit in the bowl so we settled on a red fish. To be perfectly honest we’re all just happy the red fish is still living after three months.