Another Weekend in Vegas

I just realized I haven't written about my last weekend in Vegas. It was a fun and exciting weekend and I had some good, very tough fights. I fought some beastly women (if you think I'm a beast, I'm nothing compared to one of the ladies), unfortunately my camera was broken so I'll have to get pictures from a teammate. I ended up taking 3rd in my division and standing on the podium to get my medal felt awesome. Competing is definitely motivation to train harder and get better. I've been working out about 2 hours a night, 5 days a week and now that I'm working on my weight training and diet I've been dropping weight pretty consistently. It's a good feeling for sure. My coach texted me today telling me she wants me to compete in a few weeks in a tournament in Long Beach. I don't know if it will happen since my brother is fighting the same weekend but we might actually be going to the same place. Still trying to figure it out, but if it happens I'll post about it so you can actually see me in action. Having people there might actually help me fight harder too. I'm hoping to post a video of one of my fights, stay tuned.

The Americana

I tapped out multiple people with this move tonight. Dang it feels good to be a gangsta. Now, let's hope I can pull off some submissions this weekend.

Evidence I'm a Nerd

When I was in elementary school I would request additional homework. When the teacher said to do only the odds or only the evens, I still did all of the problems. After the school year was over and the teachers had done some summer cleaning, I would dumpster dive at the school. I would hunt for worksheets, assignments, anything to keep me busy with school for the six weeks of summer (we were on a year around schedule). I know I’m a nerd. I was just reminded of this today when a professor brought in these textbooks she was getting rid of. I looked through them and then I did it…I took two of them. She said it was okay, but I felt like a nerd. At least now I have some reading on Adolescent Psychology and Development and a book about Human Intimacy and Family Relationships. The overachieving habit has helped get me a master’s degree; I’m hoping my new reading helps me get a job and a husband.

I'm a winner

I check this give away blog almost everyday. They're based out of Utah, but that doesn't stop me from entering for the drawings :) I finally came out victorious and won a great scrapbooking package. There isn't a whole lot for guys, sorry. But here's an idea for you guys out there: craigslist that junk! Or use it to woo ladies (if you're in need of a lady).

Triangle Chokes

I was talking to a friend this weekend who was interested in my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) training but had no idea what it was. I posted a picture of an arm bar submission yesterday and while reading through my blog list today I found this picture. The guy on the bottom is attempting a submission via triangle choke. Basically you use your legs and their arm to cut off air and blood flow. Awesome, I know. I just learned this submission about a week ago and have already used it a few times. It could become my favorite move.

Good laughs & good fights.

Ross Pearson pulls off an arm bar submission. Yep, I know how to do this too.

This is Ross Pearson, the newest member of the UFC. I've been rooting for him as he fought his way through this last season of "The Ultimate Fighter" and was glad to see him pull out the win over Andre Winner.

I've been missing my family a whole lot and realized I haven't been home since March, so I decided to visit over the weekend. I headed out to Long Beach and dropped in on the McWatters family for a bit. It was nice to see them and their hilarious kids, I'm glad they live much closer now. The drive from Long Beach to LA was horrible but I made it to Fillmore in time for dinner and satisfied my craving for Margaret's Cocina. Saturday we had a BBQ and what was supposed to be a "graduation party" turned out to an awkward interaction with friends and family. It wasn't bad, just, well, awkward. It did remind me of how much I love my brothers though, they crack me up. Later that night Robbie, JD, Brianna (Rob's fiance), and I watched the TUF finale and some really good fights. I was excited to see more jiu jitsu mixed in with the boxing, making for more technical fighting. I slept in on Sunday, paid a visit to my dad and then went to Comedy Sportz. It felt a little weird being there without my other friends in the audience, like I was a creepy groupie or something. Luckily Andrew befriended me and I didn't feel like a dork during the break all alone. Here's a funny conversation we had after the show, it went something like this:

Trent: You guys decide where we're going. I'm gonna change [He leaves].
Me: Do you have anywhere in particular you want to go?
Andrew: Somewhere I don't have to pay for parking [he talks about parking a bit more]. I had Wahoos today for the first time. Ever been there?
Me: No, I hear they have good tacos.
Andrew: I had a burrito. I wasn't impressed.
Me: I have Mexican food in my trunk, we can just eat there.
Andrew: [looks at me and smiles] Wait, are you serious? Or is that some type of stereotype because you're Mexican?
Me: No, I really have Mexican food in my trunk.
Andrew: Oh, because I thought you were messing around with me. Why do you have Mexican food in your trunk?

We ended up at The Waffle and I had a $7 root beer float. Not impressed...again. I got into San Diego at about 1 am and fell right to sleep. I'm not too tired today but my boss comes back from vacation tomorrow and I know by the end of the week I'll be exhausted.

Friday Morning Conversation

I've been doing skills testing all week on candidates for the Coordinator position. Some have been late, completely odd, and unprofessional, but some have been nice and capable. Today’s candidate, while trying to sound encouraging and chipper, completely rubbed me the wrong way. Here’s how our conversation went:

Her: So, how many people did you call for this job?
Me: A group. I have to admit I was a little surprised by the number of people still looking for a job since applying in March.
Her: Yeah, but the market is starting to pick up. This last month has finally started moving for me.
Me: That’s great to hear. I was starting to get a bit worried since I’m leaving here in August.
Her: Oh, would I be filling your position?
Me: Yeah. I was a student employee but they hired me on as a temp for the summer.
Her: That’s great. Will you go back to being a state student in the fall?
Me: No, I just graduated. I’m looking for jobs now too so it’s nice to hear you’re getting interviews.
Her: Well, congratulations. I’m sure you’ll have a much easier time. People like to hire new graduates because they come out eager and fresh. They like helping people start their careers.
Me: Yeah, well, I was a graduate student here. I just finished my masters so I’m pretty sure I know what I want to do and what they should give me to do it.
Her: Oh. You aren’t new then [fake smile].
Me: Well, here are your tests. You have an hour and a half.
Me [in my head]: Thanks for thinking I look young. By the way, you’re a total brat.