Misconstrued Thoughts : Yesterday's Misconstrued Thoughts Today

Ever wonder where you come from? How many of us are closely related? Well today lets learn everyones last names... ie. The 4 last names of your grandparents.

For Example: I would put

Myers:Easterly:Cox:McCoy

Thats right, we are part of the "real McCoy's". No joke, going back to the classic hatfield mccoy feud back in West Virginia Back in the day.

Anyway, I got looking into this when in Utah, for there the Mormons prize family history (So they can baptize you when you die). I sat down, and found out you can research everything at home.

For example:

The family search page lets you know about your family, but its not free when you start looking deeper.

So far I have found: This Myers History

Dwight Easterly Myers Greeneville TN (1947) married Mona Cox 3 kids
Basil Dwight Myers Greeneville TN (1925) married Beaulah Easterly 2 kids
Basil Alexander Myers Greeneville TN (1888) married Ellah Reed 4 kids
Alexander Myers Greeneville TN (1848) married Rachel Easterly 12 kids
William Nathanial Myers Greeneville TN (1818) married Hiley Carter 2 kids
Hanry Henry Myers Greeneville TN (1777) married Elizabeth Trobough 13 kids (most of family raised in Pennsylvania, Hanry was youngest child)
Jacob Myers Westphalia, Ger (1729) married Margrat Ann Heger 12 kids
It seems he came to the USA in 1759. He owned a grist/paper mill and fought in the american revolution.
Johannes Myers Westphalia, Ger 2kids

So there ya have it 8 generations of Myers, from Germany to the USA...

Add your family surnames...

Posted by itzjerm at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (19)

So yes, its a well known fact, I cant spell... in googles ever continued rule of the world, they now have the google tool bar 3! which now includes spell check!

So go download it, and make your internet experience that much better!

Posted by itzjerm at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Well last night we watch The Birds. A classic film. But I now question that classic location in the sphere of history. My history with the birds goes back to my childhood. I was in 1st or 2nd Grade, at home with the chicken pox... laying on the couch (Yes the same couches which now grace my house... those that many of you so whole heartily hate)... there I lay in pain, and my Older Sister starts watching the Birds. Now that I've seen it again, I realize the perils that ensued for me. But I couldn't escape. (the bad part). Even though I hid my head under my pillow, it was a traumatic experience.

And now that I've seen it again. I must say one thing... not much substance to the movie. Constantly we asked. "Why are the people leaving the house again?"

And the ending... well I'm OK with open ended movies, but this one wasn't even ready to be open ended. Now I realize it is the people who liked this movie and called it a classic that probably enjoyed going to see The Village, one of the dumbest movies I've seen at the Drive In.

Posted by itzjerm at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)

"Butt Noise!"

-Mackenzie (Kevin and Amber's 2 year old) Proudly announcing after she passed gas. Apparently a new expression invented by her in the last couple of weeks.

Add your quotes

Posted by itzjerm at 08:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

So now I have been pegged "Jeremy" the guy who recomends you see Napoleon Dynamite. As I drove up to the meeting, someone calls out the window. People in Morristown were talking about you ... a movie you recomend. Then I head over to a friends house who declares "That was no where as good as Dumb and Dumber like you said".

Well I performed the final test. To see if there are any genes in my family related to mine. They did all watch the movie. My dad declared only two scenes funny the cow scene and the time machine scene. And my mom wanted to know what was wrong with me (Well me and Mike... we were both laughing hysterically... well except for the dance scene where mom and everyone else laughed). There were chuckles though. So I can still be in the family.

Oh and while in Utah... (the home of Napoleon)... Found out that the parents to Lafawnduh are Witnesses. They got $50 to sit there for the film. And now they are famous!

Posted by itzjerm at 08:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

I have declared this national Let a kid do what they want week. You remember those moments growing up when you wanted to do something, but you didn't get to. And actually now that you look back at the fact... there is no reason you shouldn't have.

Good example ... above. Remember wanting to paint someone up or being painted up? Remember wanting to dress up like a pirate and go into town? Remember wanting to fill the bathtub with jello and get your boats out? Remember wanting to invent things with the spices in the kitchen? Remember wanting to blow up your action figures?

Well help a kid do one of their dreams this week...

This ends this public service announcement.

Posted by itzjerm at 09:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

So the rocket fired... I just worked a 17 hour day.

And well I need a weekend.... to recoupe...

I'm flying home from Utah... and driving to Tennessee.

What?

Posted by itzjerm at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

Well I'm up at 3AM today to go fire a rocket. No creative writing.

I'm depending on all of you...

Add your creative writing

Posted by itzjerm at 08:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

"I need a tie, just a cheap tie, because I dont need a tie".

-My comment to a confused salesman

"Oh, I'm Glad You Didn't Get blown UP, I saw someone up there got blown up and We thought of you."

-People in the congregation after hearing the news of an explosion where I'm working.

We're not a cult like those Jehovah's Witnesses

-Mormon talking to us at Thiokol.

You know Jeremy's a Jehovah's Witnesses

-Fellow workmate in response to the above comment

Posted by itzjerm at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Charlie Chaplin, in my opinion, is one of the most talented and funny actors of all time. When you hear the name, you probably immediately have an image of his "Little Tramp" character in your head--small black mustache, derby hat, jacket that is obviously too small, baggy pants, huge shoes, and a cane. He was born in London and both of his parents were entertainers. He started out as a vaudeville entertainer and eventually moved to Hollywood to start his acting career. It was there that he invented and perfected his "Little Tramp" character. He also founded United Artists (sound familiar?) with several other people. Some of his most famous films include "Modern Times," "Gold Rush," "The Kid," (which starred a very young Jackie Koogan a.k.a. Uncle Fester from "The Addams Family" series) "City Lights," and "The Great Dictator," a satire on Nazisim and fascism in general, and Adolph Hitler in particular. In it, Charlie Chaplin plays "Adenoid Hynkel" (Chaplin's hilarious and exaggerated version of Adolph Hitler). This is a classic (and one of my faves), with the famous "dance with the globe" scene where Hynkel dances with a big inflated globe and fantasizes about conquering the world. Chaplin was a cinematic genius and made a total of 81 films (most of which he wrote, directed, produced, scored the music for and performed in) during his more than 50 years in the movie business. He was very much a ladies man, being married 4 times. (believe it or not, but he was actually a pretty nice looking man) In the 1940's and early 1950's, some people criticized his personal life as being immoral and accused him of supporting Communism. In the 50's, Chaplin traveled to Europe and while he was there, the U.S. government announced that he couldn't reenter the U.S. unless hearings were held on his personal life and political views. (Although Charlie Chaplin lived in the U.S. for around 40 years, he never became a U.S. citizen.) Chaplin decided not to return, and he and his family settled in Switzerland. He returned to the U.S. in 1972 for the Academy Awards to receive his Lifetime Achievement Award. He died 5 years later at the age of 89.

Posted by itzjerm at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Every Bumper Sticker out here states it. The greatest snow on earth. But is it? Well I guess I wouldn't really know. I have had about 3-4 inches of fresh powder on top of ice every time. But in relation to skiing in the east its amazing. And a bit scary. (Well for an amature like myself). But one thing got me on the slopes.. and that was the word FREE. Thats right, if you fly into Utah, and ski the day you land. Its free! So now I have had the chance to ski the home of the Winter Olympics. The Canyons and Deer Park.

I recomend the Canyons, some great 2-3 mile runs built for speed. (And also I somehow I ended up in a terraine park... where I did land a jump.) But in Deer Park, I ended up in my first bowl, by accident. Going through trees, down a 55 degree angle, and off 7 foot falls... not good for a persons first ski day in 2 years. (But the 2 foot of powder keeps it from being painful).

So I survived, and now have concluded... I'm a skier not a snowboarder.

Posted by itzjerm at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

You know there have been several names that have gone together always here as we've met new people on these Fridays... And Matt and Wyatt are one of these. True I've only known them for a month, and I've been mistaken for them on the phone (Because all Americans Sound the Same to Canadians... Or so I've been told).

Matt and Wyatt live in Washington, and if you ever get to meet them, well you'll never forget the experience. A couple of the nicest guys you've ever met. And if you say... hey jump in the river its like 35 degrees... they are quiet eager to do it. (As you see above... well actually thats the hot springs 160 degrees next to the frigid river... but they did take it the cool chill.

Actually I think they are into pain and abuse... willing to take pumelings to the body. Neither complain about wounds they may have to endure.

Of course there were those moments we did think alike. Wyatt had just gone in the store to get some microwave popcorn (which he popped in the store). One bag remained. He looked at me... with the words "You think it will pop under the car hood?" The scary thing, I was thinking the same thing. So for the next 150 miles, we attempted to pop a bag of popcorn on the manifold. The only results, a nice popcorn smell coming through the vents (until the next day when we had forgoten about it and burnt the popcorn). Next time, we'll get the aluminum pan type popcorn... I still believe it will work.

The kings of skank beer... and deserving of there own tv show... these two will certainly make you laugh.

Leave your stories.

Posted by itzjerm at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)

If It Was Then It Wouldn't Be Now

Oh if I was 10 again
I'd Build a Fort and Learn to Swim

I'd laugh and jump and skip about
Know that I should never pout

Oh if I was 8 again
I'd catch some fish and always grin

I'd laugh and jump and run around
And show everyone the rocks I'd found

Oh if I was 6 again
I'd skip and wrestle my closest kin

I'd laugh and play dusk to dawn
Fall and get grass stain from the lawn

But woe is me I'm forty three
And all those things I wish to be

But look you see I always am
6 and 8 and even 10

For I have three little tykes
So of each age I enjoy the hypes

Add your creative writing

Posted by itzjerm at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

"Aye Aye Captain"

-Kid Saluting me In Boise Idaho, as I wore a pirate hat and eye patch (don't forget the sword).

"You're the only person I've ever seen eat faster than me. Not just faster than me, you put me to shame".

-Guy from Work

"Oh haha"

-Matt (Washington) (Multiple times, after multiple questions)

"It was awesome that jumped start my year"

-Wyatt (Washington) Talking about his meal (I think?)

Posted by itzjerm at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

So those who know me, know well I love my Doritos. Its always existed, an offer of candy or doritos as a child was a no brainer. Peanutbutter and Dorito Sandwhiches were my favorite. (To bad I'm allergic to Peanut Butter now).

Actually this love of Doritos goes beyond myself. Sometimes I'll call my sister to find out she's just ate a bag... And of course Darc as a Child knew the code word "Dirt" ... meaning to ask our parents for Doritos (I was always afraid to ask for stuff).

So this love of Doritos has led to a life of trying and being excited by new flavors of Doritos... LIke?...

Nacho Cheese... The Original The Best

Cool Ranch... I can remember when they came out, I was excited... Mom got them, and well... I was disapointed. Every time Mom would buy them... well I would be upset.

Taco... Was an ok flavor, didnt make it and for a while held the Taco Bell Logo. I dont think they exist anymore.

Guacamole... New flavor highly recomended

Salsa Verde... It was a good flavor.. didnt last long

Spicy BBQ... I love BBQ so I liked this flavor while it was around

Cheetos... This flavor of Doritos was horrible... bad cheese on doritoes gag

Pizza Supreme... this had the Pizza Hut logo... but lacked good flavor...

4 Cheese... Its like a combination of Cheetos and Doritos not that great

Pepper Jack... A new flavor... its pretty good, look for it. Peppery... Montery Jack... mmm

Jalapeno... They didnt last long and were just so so.

Toasted Corn ... How do you add Corn Flavor to a Corn Chip?

Italian... Found these in Canda on this trip... they were pretty good.

Salsa... A nice Flavor, one of the better flavors available.

White Nacho Cheese... Tried these this week... not good to salty, made me feel bad too..

Baja Picante... Good alot like Salsa but sweeter

There is word of other flavors of Doritos around the world, Poppy Seed Cheese in Middle East; Ham in Australia... etc etc. Coming Soon Brown Gravy Doritos in Canada; Pork BBQ in the south?

Netherlands?

So there you have it the flavors I've seen and tried... know more ... add em to teh list... the ultimate doritos list, brought to you by Misconstrued.

Posted by itzjerm at 09:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

So I am happy to report that despite near white out conditions, I arrived safely at my Hotel tonight. So as I visit, or work in parts of the World, I am always intrigued to find what is unique locally...

So I have learned of Utah/Idaho in the last week...

1) The Salt Lake City Area has the greatest consuption of Jello in the US. Why? Its common use at Mormon gatherings.... Wrestling?

2) Boise is probably the Basque capitol of the US. Basque is a group of people certain part of Spain (gypsie like... who hated the Spanish Government... and do not like to be called Spaniards), and Boise became home to a great number of them (See here) We tried out some Basque food.

3) We enjoyed some hotsprings... with snow on the ground, out in the wilderness... 170 Degrees of steaming enjoyment... A checkmark in the book of life...

4) Wearing a pirate costume in Boise Idaho, will result in many odd looks. Good times with my Canadian and Washington Friends (Especially the eye patch)... (BTW... Do not drive with Eye Patches... it makes it very hard to judge distances...)

Person - "Why are you dressed like a Pirate?"

Me - "I poked my eye out today accidentally, and my friends said It would be less embarasing if I dressed like a pirate"

Person - "Ah ok. Well I like it"

Me - "Good, Its really kept me from being embarrased about poking out my eye"

5) The largest Free Standing Sand Dune is in Idaho. I am proud to say I've climbed the tallest something now...

And there you have it... I shall return home sometime hopefully but for now it is all in question. And the 9 inches of snow they are calling for will not help.

Posted by itzjerm at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Good times, good times indeed. Last weekends jaunt up to Nashville found these two Gibson's ready to show there... there... well desire to end up on Misconstruedthoughts?

I've known these two for a year or two, and are both fun individuals... but there week point... well if you challenge them to do something. It's probably going to happen.

Hannah, may not be expected to be this type at first, but give her a little prompting, and in no time, well she's up to the task. The task of last week? It was unknown, to be randomly drawn from a deck of cards from an odd game... when we decided eating a box of packing peanuts my kill her, her second draw led to the drinking of a fresh cracked raw egg. (Although She didnt eat the shell). Her reward 5 dollars, she failed to specify where she wanted this five dollars from.

Zack on the other hand willingly set forth to drink a gallon of milk... a gallon of milk in 30 minutes. He had confidence, was vocal and funny about it... (Hey thats Zack in a nutshell). Anyways, after much coaxing... prompting pushing... and cheering... well... Zack lost it after 2/3 a gallon of milk was gone.

Enjoy the pics below that tell the story it tells the story...

the crowd was excited... cheering Zack on...

Chug the Jug... Zack putting his all into it...

The end results (viewer discretion is advised)

Posted by itzjerm at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

I'm not Perfect
Your not Perfect

Neither is perfect the man down the road

Bob's not Perfect
Joe's Not Perfect

Neither is perfect the lady who sold me this rose.

Sam's not perfect
Sally's Not perfect

Neither pefect is the couple next door

Arnei's not perfeet
Corey's not perfect

Neither is this poem

Posted by itzjerm at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)

"Ah the staples... You can never have enough milk"

-Clerk as I picked up the milk for Zacks attempt to drink a gallon in 30 minutes

"You mean you guys are going to pay me? This is going to be so easy! I'm just going to drink milk and make money. This could be my career, I drink milk."

-Zack 1/4 a gallon into his attempt to drink a gallon in 30 minutes.

Posted by itzjerm at 11:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

When I mention I’m Ethiopian, people rarely see beyond the “starving children with flies on their face” stereotype. Most people would actually be surprised at how developed the main cities really are. And for the record, it also doesn’t mean I’m a eunuch. It’s pretty hard to do an expert piece on a country I barely remember. The only time I was ever in Ethiopia was when I was just over a year in age visiting my relatives (I was born and raised in Lusaka, Zambia). But Ethiopia was and still is considered one of the most unique cultures in the world. It’s known as one of the only African countries to never be colonized by Europeans.

People speak two main languages, (Tigrinya and Amharic) and hundreds of tribal dialects. (sorry, but no click languages) All these languages were derived from a language called Geez (Ge-ezz) which predates latin and likely was one of the languages Jehovah confused the people with during the construction of the tower of Babel. Geez is written in a way so that each character represents a syllable which means there are over 250 characters in the Tigrinyan and Amharic alphabet.

My family was from the town of Asmara in the province of Eritrea (E-ri-tray-ah). After many decades of war between Eritrea and the rest of Ethiopia, Eritrea finally became its own country in 1991. So now I am considered to be an Eritrean rather than an Ethiopian (no more eunuch jokes). The Eritrean capital Asmara (http://www.asmera.nl/asmara.htm) used to be called “Arbaete Asmara” which is a tribute to how it was founded 700 years ago. It literally means “four united”. Four rival tribes were at war in that region for so long that the women were fed up and went on strike and stopped cooking. The men in the tribe eventually got hungry and decided to listen to their wives’ pleas for peace among each other and the four tribes united to become “Arbaete Asmara”. Today, Asmara is known as the “Miami of Africa” because it’s filled with modernist architecture. When Italy’s army was situated in Eritrea during the 1930’s, Mussolini and the Italian government wanted to develop the city of Asmara in a very short amount of time. So Asmara became a practice ground for risqué modernist architects from Europe to design buildings that conservative European governments would never allow in their own cities.

Being a country influenced mainly by the Coptic Orthodox Church, many of our brothers and sisters in Eritrea (not Ethiopia) find themselves under ban. Many of our brothers have served jail sentences or were executed for their stance against military service. The Memorial last year was raided and many friends of ours were imprisoned for months. My dad would tell me that for assemblies or memorials, the witnesses would dress a brother and sister as a bride and groom so that if one of the lookouts spotted a military guard coming toward the building, they’d turn on the music and start dancing to mimic a wedding. After my parents were arrested for a few months, my dad’s company moved my family to Zambia.

Posted by itzjerm at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)