I have grown up with a story that I have been so proud of and ultimately has made me a long time BYU Cougar fan.

The story goes that my dad was listening to the 1980 Holiday Bowl on the radio. BYU was playing SMU and the Y was getting thumped. I was 9 months old and things were not going well for me. I like to think that I was upset with the game but my parents will tell you that I was just fussy and possibly colicky. My dad took me over next to the radio and laid down and then laid me on his stomach. We laid there listening to the game while he tried to calm me down. Late in the 4th quarter BYU started making a comeback, and in the end a Hail Mary from Jim McMahon to Clay Brown won the "Miracle Bowl".

Growing up I have always thought that this is where the love for BYU started. It is the reason that I looked up to guys like Peter Tuipulotu and Chad Lewis. It was what drove me to walk the entire stadium picking up LaVell Edwards collector cups after a game. It is the start of my love, and mostly craziness, about BYU Football. This moment, listening to one of the greatest games in BYU history with my dad.

On Saturday December 18th 2010 I kept that story alive. BYU was not losing, in fact they were winning by so much that I was able to sit down for a change. At half time Becky put David to sleep and then told me that she needed to go to the store and that she was going to take Audrey with her. Just a few minutes after Becky left David started to cry. I picked him up and held him and he settled right down. I put back down and he started to cry again. I immediately thought of this story that has brought me so much pride over the years. I picked him back up and he settled down and went to sleep as I we watched the game together...father and son.

The score wasn't the same, the game wasn't the same but the outcome between a father and son remains intact in this TRUE BLUE BYU story.

My Son is Better Then Your Son

December 4th at 9:22pm David LeGrand Vipperman made his entrance into this crazy world. It was quite the experience for me and I know it was really crazy for Becky. I am so glad to have David here in our home, finally!

7 Years, Oh The Memories

7 years full of memories

• Scaring Becky when I came home early from a trip to Twin Falls with flowers.
• Our first trip to Las Vegas where I got a ticket for "miss use of high beams" and we spent $380 for a room at the Venetian.
• Buying our 1978 Winnebago and taking a trip to California that just wouldn't end.
• When we found out that we couldn't get pregnant and we drove out to a farm and picked up Martha and Chester (our cats), we couldn't just leave one so we picked them both up.
• Teaching Peter to eat and use the litter box and then having him die on us. We drove all over trying to find a place to bury him until we found the perfect spot.
• Driving down to meet Audrey for the first time.
• Sitting in the bathroom trying to figure out if the pregnancy test was really telling us that we were pregnant.

There are so many memories and I know that there are many more to come. I am so happy that we are together and for the life that we have made. Even through the bad times we have a great time. Becky you are my best friend and the love of my life.

I love you

Happy Anniversary

I'm More Thankful Than You

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am excited for this holiday and so thankful for everything in my life.

I'm thankful for my parents and all they do for us. They are wonderful examples to my daughter (and shortly a son) and I am so thankful for who they are and to be their son.

I'm thankful for my siblings and what they bring to my life. Lyric is a great friend and confidant, Ariane is a caring compassionate sister, and Marc is someone that I can always count on. I am grateful to have them close and in my life.

I super thankful for my family and all they do for me. Audrey is amazing and I don't know how we got along without her. She is loving and sweet, and she is always there to warm my heart.

I am thankful for David, I know that he is not here yet but as it gets closer the more excited I get to see him. After years of not being able to get pregnant, what a blessing it is to be having a baby and a boy at that.

I uber thankful to my wonderful wife. Becky is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Without her I wouldn't have Audrey, David on the way and I wouldn't be the person that I am today. I am so thankful for her example in our home. She is a wonderful mother and wife and I love her so much.

Boise State = Classless and Small Time Program

I do realize that I am a HUGE BYU fan and therefore I am a little bias. I also realize that I have other post on hating BSU football. I guess if you are not looking for this type of post then you may want to move on.

This last Friday I was invited to go to the BSU football game against Fresno State. I love college football so I agreed to go. I have been to other BSU games in my life and for just football it is always a good time. As always the game was a lot of fun but the atmosphere was horrible. I have grown up going to BYU games and I love the atmosphere there. I think that BYU is a classy school with mostly classy fans. A couple of weeks ago at the SDSU v. BYU game I was reprimanded by the lady sitting next to me for yelling at a SDSU player. Although I don't think that I was out of line I do think that this lady, who had two young boys, was in the right. I was not so lucky at the Boise State game. I want to lay it on the line as to why I think that Boise State is classless and why I think that they are a small time program.

#1. The Stadium - I sat there the entire game thinking that the stadium is so small. I have been going to LaVell Edwards stadium since before it was named that so this may be a reason that I think that Boise's stadium is so small. It only holds 50% of what LES holds and LES is not the biggest stadium out there. I also think that the blue field is a joke. Regardless that BSU fans think that it isn't a gimmick, it is. It is ridiculous and REAL football powers don't need gimmicks. While I am on it the stadium needs a revamped video board and sound system. They were horrendous, and the backing up beeping when BSU stuffed Fresno behind the line was annoying.

#2. The Band - While I have a friend that played in the band I will have to knock it. The rule is that the band cannot play songs during a play on the field. Apparently by taking their band out of the stands and on to the concourse nullifies the rule. After half time the band sat on the concourse and played during action on the field. A few years ago a few coaches came out and said that BSU was playing music during plays and thought that they were just whining because they lost. After being there on Friday night I am wondering if this is what they were talking about.

#3. The Fans - All teams have fans that are questionable. I have seen it at BYU and I am sure that all fan bases can agree that there are fans of your team that are on the edge. I was really unhappy with the actions of these fans. When I first got to my seat I sat down and the guy next to me told me that I needed to scoot over. There wasn't any room to scoot over and I said that. He then told me that "This wasn't San Francisco". Now I know that I live in a very conservative state but pulling out a gay reference didn't sit well with me. Next the marching bad took the field and a video played about sportsmanship. It said that the BSU marching band was going to play the Fresno State fight song to show sportsmanship. As they started playing the entire stadium, and I mean entire stadium, started to BOO. The guy next to me started yelling "why do we have to do this every time? This is a joke". I was appalled since I know that some of the storied programs in college football do this very same thing. Next as Fresno State took the field that BOOING started again. I asked a fan about BOOING the opposing team and he said "it was kind of their thing" as in it was what BSU fans did. Also I don't think that anyone around me could go 4 words without using the "F" word. I know that I am Mormon and because I don't use that language I have a problem with it, but really it wasn't just about me. There were kids 3-8 years old sitting all around me. I found this offensive and thought that it was ridiculous.

I feel like I really went in with a open mind. I was just going to watch a football game and instead ran into a bunch of rednecks and gun toting tea partyist. In my opinion BSU has a long way to go before they become a "Big Time" program and that is not saying anything bad about their football team, their football team is amazing.

A friend at work overheard me talking about books that I was reading a couple weeks ago. The next day she showed up with a couple books that she thought I would like. Recently I have started checking books out on the Internet that people have recommended to me. I mentioned awhile ago that I had read one of the worst books that I have ever read and unfortunately a friend had recommended it to me. So I was a little leery when Leila brought this book to me, but she assured me that it was a good read and that she thought that I would like it.

Well Leila you were right. This book was a great book and I really enjoyed reading it. The writing was amazing, it captured me from the beginning and kept me hooked through the last line. The story was unique and I loved the characters. The thought process was kind of all over the place but I really enjoyed it.

The story is not unlike anything that you have ever read, a simple plot that is older then the dust. Boy meets girl, girl likes another boy, that boy doesn't like her and she can't find it in her heart to love the first boy. Arturo is a young writer who has moved to L.A. from Colorado. He has written a short story and is working on a novel. He meets a girl in a cafe, Camilla, who at first likes him but after time can't stand him. Camilla falls in love with Sammy who is sick and dying in the Santa Ana desert. Arturo hates Sammy but Camilla gets him to help Sammy write a book as his dying wish. Sammy can't stand Camilla and the only reason that she is around is because of Arturo. The story goes around and around until Camilla is driven crazy and ends up in mental institution.

I would like to say that Camilla represents Arturo's inner self and that he can't get over his short comings. I would like to tell you that Sammy is the struggle between life, love and death. I think that this story is too simple for that, I think that the story is just the story of Arturo Bandini...a great writer. I would recommend this book to anyone, I really liked it.

Every Friday I go to lunch with a friend. Over the past couple of years we have found that we have a lot more in common then some of my other friends. Most of the other guys I hang out with are single and have no kids, but Tony has a wife and daughter. We talk about everything from religion to politics to life to family and once in awhile football. It has turned out to be a great friendship as we have both struggled over the past year with jobs and money. It has been nice to be able to discuss sales and financial problems with someone who works in the same field as myself.

Today was no different. Tony called and asked if I wanted to go up to Table Rock to have lunch. I told him that I wouldn't mind heading up there since I had never been before. We made the drive up to the top of the hill but as we came around a corner we noticed that the gate was closed. We looked at the sign and noticed that it said that the road was open May-October, so we had just missed it. Tony asked if I wanted to hike to the top and eat our lunch or if we should drive the truck to the top of a smaller hill and eat there. Not wanting to sound like a wuss I voted that we hike to the top. I wasn't prepared for this hike since I was in my Birkenstocks, and I had to exert extra energy to keep my shoes on. About half way up I was thinking that this was a dumb idea and that we should have stayed in the truck and eaten our lunches there.

As we made it to the top though the view as amazing. We caught our breath and then headed over to the edge to eat our lunch. The conversation was nothing new. Jobs, life and a little football but from the top of Table Rock it seemed like it didn't matter. As we walked back down to the truck it felt like we were walking back into reality and all of a sudden we had jobs again and worries but for a moment those things didn't exist.

I am grateful for the friends in my life and for the opportunity that I have to live in such a beautiful city. I wouldn't have thought of going up to Table Rock and I sure as heck wouldn't have thought about hiking up there but I am so glad that we did.

A Clockwork Orange

I just got done reading A Clockwork Orange and I have to tell you that it is not what I had expected. You see I have seen the movie a few times (pre-mission if you will) and so I thought I knew what this book was about.

In short the movie is about a hoodlum that terrorizes the streets at night with a gang that he is the leader of. One night he gets caught and is thrown in the state penitentiary. He is there for a couple years before he is picked to try a new type of rehabilitation. The rehab is horrible but seems to work. He is set free and sent back to his family. The problem is he is not choosing for himself rather to be bad or good. He eventually tries to kill himself and in so doing the rehab is broken and he is back to being himself.

As a teenager I thought that this movie was amazing, ultimately thinking that you couldn't rehabilitate someone because it took away their ability to choose for themselves.

I did get the English version which had chapter 7. Now as a grownup I really got chapter 7 and everything that comes out of it. The basic story is still the same but in chapter 7, which was not released in the US, the story takes an interesting turn. Alex (the main character) decides to turn away from a life of crime to grow up and become a husband and a father.

The more I think about this book the more I love it. Sitting here blogging about this makes me think about my own life. How when I was a teenager A Clockwork Orange (the movie) held a "teenage anthem" for me. It didn't wrap things up and it said that the bad things you did in life were someone else's fault. Now after reading the book and having that last piece, I see that I wasn't ready for that at the time. I am older and hopefully wiser then I once was. I see the error in my ways and see that growing up is not a bad thing, just something different and in most ways better for me.

If you get the chance to read this book, do it. It is a great read. It is tough because Anthony Burgess makes up his own language which is hard to get use to. The book is a good one but maybe it means more to me because it patterns my life so closely.

Quotes

"When a man cannot choose, he ceases to be a man."

"Does God want goodness or the choice of goodness? Is a man who chooses to be bad perhaps in some way better than a man who has the good imposed upon him?"

"Choice. The boy has no real choice, has he? Self-interest, the fear of physical pain drove him to that grotesque act of self-abasement. Its insincerity was clearly to be seen. He ceases to be a wrongdoer. He ceases also to be a creature capable of moral choice."

My Baseball Team is Better Than Your Baseball Team

I know that they lost last night but I won't stop believing. This video is great and I am totally stoked for the game on Saturday. Go Freak, Fear the Beard and Playoff Thong BABY!

My Mom is Way Better Than Your Mom

This past weekend we were able to travel to Twin Falls to be at church with my parents as my mom was put in as the Relief Society President. It was a great experience to be there with her while she was set apart. Over that last couple of years I have noticed a change in my parents. A change that you all have probably noticed as well. A change that I hope that my children will notice and follow in their lives.

As dad was put in the bishopric a few years ago I started to notice this change. I felt this change again as my mom called and told me that she was the new Relief Society President. Both my mom and dad have become the Lords leaders, instruments in the Lords hands. I have never known my parents to rush back from a trip to be to church on Sunday, but last year we ran down to a BYU game. We made it to SLC late and then headed down to LaVell Edwards Stadium to be there for ESPN GAME DAY. Afterwards we drove back to SLC to get some sleep before the game. We all got about an hour of sleep before driving back down to BYU to be to the BYU vs TCU game. After which we turned back around headed for home so that my dad could take care of his Sunday responsibilities. What a great example that was to me. I have since tried to emulate that same example by taking care of my Sunday and Wednesday night activities.

After receiving the call that my mom was going to be the Relief Society President I thought for a moment about how mom would fit into her new calling. She has been prepared for this calling for sometime. She has what it takes to make a great RS president. I have caught her reading her scriptures in the morning, I have seen her preparing for a Sunday school class and I have seen her be an excellent example for the Lord.

A couple or years ago I marveled at my father and how he was prepared to take on the responsibility of being in the bishopric. Last Sunday I stood in awe of my mother and her preparedness and humble attitude toward this calling. What a great example she will be to my daughter as a leader of our heavenly father. What a great example she will be to our family in this time of uncertainty. Thank you mom for being that example, thank you for being the strong daughter of God that you are.

My Weekend Was Better Then Your Weekend

Lyric and Scott called me this past week and asked me if I would like to go to the BYU game with them. I jumped at the chance to and what was even better the seats were Scott's grandpas seats so we were able to sit right behind the opposing team on the west side of the stands. It was amazing! I was able to ride down with my dads young mens group who were also going to the game. I stayed with Lyric and Scott at their place in Salt Lake. We had a great time catching up and gossiping. The next day we headed down to Provo to check out the homecoming festivities. I had never been to Legacy Hall before which turned out to be the most amazing place in the entire world. We saw the National Championship Trophy and the Heisman Trophy among a lot of other great memorabilia. As we headed up the stairs to the second level Scott motioned to me that Coach Anae was walking by. We got to the top of the stairs and Scott eeked out "Good luck to day Coach". I was surprised since I was totally speechless. We hung out on that floor for a good 30 minutes before Coach Anae walked out again. This time I was determined to get a picture with him. I asked him if Scott and I could get a picture and he said yes. We were totally stoked at the opportunity. After that we made our way to the third floor. On the third floor we found a case with memorabilia from the 1958 BYU baseball team. This team had made it to the college world series but because it was played on Sunday they forfeited their spot. The cool thing about this is that I work with a guy who was on this team. Stan Jackson played second base for the the 1956-58 Cougars. In the picture he is on the bottom row second one from the right. Marc and Ashely showed up after that and we went and had lunch with them and then headed to the stadium. Sitting in LaVell Edwards Stadium is almost a spiritual experience for me. The smell of the grass, the sight of the mountains in the background, the sound of the crowd makes this place just come alive for me. I love it there and I always love making it down for a game. BYU ended up winning that game and Scott and I were so happy. It was so loud and we both yelled till we didn't have voices anymore.

I am so thankful to have family that thinks of me when things like this come up. Lyric and Scott were awesome to think of me, Dad was awesome to get me a ride down there, Marc called to make sure that I already had a ride and Ariane drove dad and I around making sure that we made it to the church on time so we could leave with them. Lastly my wife was so awesome to let me go and to stay with her family for two nights so that I didn't have to worry about them driving down without me. Thanks for all you do for me, I really appreciate it.

National Championship Trophy

Heisman Trophy

Scott, Coach Anae, and Myself

Trophy case about the 1958 BYU Baseball Team

The story about the 1958 baseball team

1958 BYU baseball team

Stan is the second one from the right on the bottom row

Hour before kickoff already in our seats

View from a sky box which Kevin let us use
View from our seats in the 4th qtr

View from our seats in the 4th qtr

I LOVE OCTOBER!

October is my favorite month. The leaves are changing, it's getting cooler, and sports are abounding. October means college football, baseball playoffs, NFL and hockey. This year is even better as my Giants have a chance of making it to the post season. They are looking great and might be peaking at the right time. As for the 49ers that is a different story. 0-3 start to a promising year, hopefully they can right the ship. BYU on the other hand is not doing as well as I had hoped. I thought that this would be an 8-4 team with losses to UW, FSU, TCU and Utah. As of right now the Y is sitting with 3 losses to UW, FSU and Air Force. They can still hit the 8-4 mark but they are going to have to get better. As for the Penguins, it is still too early to tell what will happen in an 82 game schedule. A lot of the same faces are back and of course there is Sidney Crosby. I am looking forward to a great for the Pens.

I am for the Rally to Restore Sanity. I think that we have become to polarized as a country and some people are off their rockers! Seriously people! I am getting tired of everyone out there overreacting and stating lies as facts. Join Jon Stewart in the Rally to Restore Sanity on October 30, 2010 to restore sanity to America.

Derek is Eric!

I just finished Clapton's autobiography and I loved it. It was amazing and such a great read. I think that the best part was placing him with a bunch of other musicians of the time. Clapton lead a pretty interesting life and being able to read it from his perspective was a great way to find out about it.

While reading the book I would check music out from the library of the bands that I was reading about. This book really came to life for me as I was listening to the music that he was telling me about.

I want to thank TeJay for letting me read his book because without his persistence I am not sure that I would have. Also I want to thank my family (Becky and my mom specifically) for having to listen to me rant about Clapton and how amazing he is.

August Has Been Rough...

I have been attached to my phone and specifically twitter trying to find out what has been going on with BYU going independent. We are getting down to the wire and I am not sure what they are planning on doing.

My opinion on this issue is that BYU should go indy and leave the MWC behind. After reading all of the backlash from other conference newspapers I am a little disillusioned by these schools. Maybe I have missed something here but with BYU pulling in 85% of the MWC revenue but only receiving 12% of that, I would think that every school in the conference would see that BYU deserves a bigger piece of the pie or get out while they can.

Another thing that is bothering me is the idea that the MWC won't make any concessions to keep BYU in the conference. After looking at the numbers it is staggering that 704,000 homes out of the 840,000 that get The Mtn network are from Utah. The MWC might want to do something about keeping BYU instead of losing them. But hey what do I know, I am just a blue goggled fan.

My Videos are Better Than Your Videos

I am so ready for BYU Football to start. Here is a few highlight videos. The last one is my favorite. Turn off my music and revel in BYU Greatness.

BYU Football 2010 TV Commercial from BYU Athletics on Vimeo.

BYU Football from Andy Brimhall on Vimeo.

The New BYU Football T-Shirt Commercial from Andy Brimhall on Vimeo.

My Shirt is Better Than Your Shirt

My shirt came in the mail this week and I have been wearing it proudly. I did have to hear one comment from my uncle about it but so far it hasn't been too bad here in Bronco township. I am so stoked for the college football season to start.

Also isn't this shirt so amazing? I think that this shirt is the best one so far in the $5.00 t-shirt series. I did really like last years shirt but this shirt does something for me. I like the play on "We are Marshall" and I love that it says FOOTBALL across the front. For $5.00 this shirt is a steal.

Team Jake...Heaps That is.

Like most of you I have been watching this QB battle with anticipation. I am excited for college football to start and this battle has been one of the reasons why. I know that this year is a rebuilding year and that BYU is replacing a lot of players but I think that at QB-U there is no story bigger then who is going to be the starting quarterback to start the season.

So I want to go on record as saying that Jake Heaps is my pick on starting this year. I think that Jake is the future of BYU football. Jake has a great arm and good size, and from what I hear, great football smarts. I do understand that he is young and hasn't taken a D-1 snap but I think that BYU needs to get him in there and going. By mid season I believe that he would be hitting his stride and we wouldn't be looking back.

The other QB in question is Riley Nelson. Riley is a good QB also but after watching him last year I have one concern; Riley thinks run first and pass second. I seems that when Riley drops back to pass that he doesn't give the play enough time to develop and so within seconds he is off to the races. I don't have a problem with a scrambling QB but BYU is not Quarterback-U because they have had some great scramblers. No they have great passers and I think that a QB who is looking down field is going to find his "Clay Brown" for the touchdown.

Amazing Book

I finished a book prior to this book that I would rather not discuss. It was a tough read and I feel that I am worse off for reading it. Not very often does that happen with me, but that one was a tough one and I pushed through it so I could finish all along with Kiss It Good-Bye on the horizon.

Last night I finished Kiss It Good-Bye and I have to say that it was the most amazing book. I don't know if it is because I had just read a horrible book or not. Nevertheless it was a great book and a fun read.

Kiss It Good-Bye is a book by John Moody who grew up in Pittsburgh watching the Pirates play baseball. John is not LDS but he came to love Vern Law who was pitching in Pittsburgh at that time. As a young boy he saw Vernon Law as one of the most unique and upstanding players who played for the Pirates. For one Vern was a "Mormon" and their weren't many on the east coast. Two Vernon was a great pitcher, someone to look up to who respected the game.

The book is taken partly from Johns memory but mostly from Vern Laws journals. The time line starts with Vern growing up in Meridian Idaho and goes through the 7th game of the 1960's World Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees. The book is full of great stories from the mouth of the man who lived it.

The thing that makes the book so much fun is the fact that I got to meet Vern Law at a BYU Management Society meeting a few months ago where I bought this book and book for my father. Vernon is the epitome of class and a true hero. As I walked away from that meeting, after listening to him speak for two hours (it was only suppose to go one hour), a guy I went with turned to me and said "They don't make ballplayers like that anymore". I would have to agree with that especially after reading this book. I encourage anyone to read this book. There are great LDS stories, there are great baseball stories and overall it is just a great uplifting book. Something I needed after my last book.

I'm Ready For...

BYU FOOTBALL

GO COUGS!

My Wife's Birthday is Better Than Your Wife's Birthday

27 Things I love about Becky

1. She's Gorgeous - When I first met Becky I thought that she was the most gorgeous girl that I had ever met. She continues to blow me away with how hot she is.

2. Her Hair - Becky's hair is amazing and I have loved it since the first time I saw her. It doesn't matter how long it is, I just think that her hair is gorgeous.

3. Great Mother - Becky is a great mom. I love to see here interact with Audrey and she is always so good with her. She is an amazing mom and Audrey and I are lucky to have her.

4. Wonderful Wife - Becky has to put up with so much from me. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful wife who doesn't mind watching sports every waking minute, going to a million family reunions a year, and just putting up with my normal nuttiness.

5. Loving - Becky has always been a loving person. She is so sweet and loving with Audrey and I.

6. Organized - You don't understand how organized she is until you come to our house and see that she has lists all over the house. Last night we were shopping and she had to have a new pad of paper that attaches to the fridge because "It was driving me CRAZY" to not have something that she can keep a list on. I have never been that organized so this has been a great thing for me and our household.

7. Thoughtful - Becky is very thoughtful and is always thinking of others feelings. She is constantly asking if what she just said might offend someone that she is talking to.

8. Supportive - Becky is super supportive. From being to all my softball to going to all my family functions she is to everything that I want to be to.

9. Understanding - After seven years of marriage, six moves and nine jobs Becky is still here and understanding of our situation. She has never gotten upset with me for the rough patches we have been through and she has always been there to help us through them.

10. Amazing - Becky never ceases to amaze me. She is so creative with everything. She is always getting ideas and making old ones new again. She is the most amazing person that I know.

11. Political - I really believe that our relationship was based on politics. We would get into some pretty heated discussions since she was a democrat and I was a republican. One night we were sitting in the Crane Creek parking lot discussing politics and the discussion got heated. After about forty five minutes Becky got upset and decided to walk home. It took a lot to get her back in the car. She loves her politics and I love to discuss them with her.

12. Smart - While I was on my mission I told a companion that I had dated some pretty stupid girls. I told him that I was going to marry a smart girl when I got home. I succeed in doing that when I married Becky. She is really smart and I often find myself inadequate when discussing smart topics with her.

13. Caring - Becky is so caring, she often takes Audrey on her lap and comforts her after Audrey has had a fall or is crying for some reason. I have watched her give money to the homeless when we don't have any ourselves. She is a caring person and I love that about her.

14. Fun to be with - Becky has always been so much fun to be around. We have a great time even when we are not doing anything. I love to hang out with her and because she can make any time fun.

15. Funny - What do you call a fly with no wings? A walk. This is Becky's favorite joke and when we would get upset with each other and no one was talking she would always bust this out. Whether making fun of me or making fun of herself, Becky is funny.

16. Great Cook - When we first got married Becky told me that all she need to cook was a toaster and a microwave. This didn't bother me at all because I love toast. She since has become a great cook and has even taken her ability past her mothers (her mother is an amazing cook) in some instances. We are lucky to have such a good cook.

17. Hard Working - I watched Becky work and go to school while we were dating. She was going to school full time and had a full time job. Often she would close at 11:30 pm and have to back at school the next morning. Once a month she had to do inventory where she would be at Barnes and Noble until 3 or 4 in the morning. She keeps our house super clean, clean to the point that some people don't feel comfortable. It is unfortunate because Becky doesn't clean the house to make people feel that way, she cleans it because she can't stop working.

18. High Maintenance - I talked with Becky's dad before we got married and one of the things that he told me was that Becky had expensive taste. She does have a expensive taste but she can always find a bargain on what she wants to buy. I know that this is not always a good quality in people but I think that this helps us reaching for our goals. Without this we would be living in some dump somewhere with no goals or aspirations.

19. Uncoordinated - Becky is not that coordinated. She has punched me multiple times in the face with her "freakishly long arms". I find it funny that she doesn't have total control over her appendages and I wouldn't change it.

20. Independent - This is one of the reasons that we dated for so long. Had Becky given in to my attempts to go steady then I might have gotten bored. Becky kept me on my toes with dating other guys and telling me that she didn't want to get married until she was 35. All though it was rough at times I know that I would never have to worry about Becky if anything ever happened to me. She can take care of herself, I have no doubt of that.

21. Great Writer - Have you ever read her blog? She is amazing.

22. Spiritual - Becky keeps me on the straight and narrow. She makes me want to be a better person. When I feel like I don't want to go to church she is always there to pick me up. When I am doing something that I shouldn't she is always there to put me in line.

23. Small Town - Although we live in the city Becky is a small town girl. She loves that we are both from Wendell. She acts different then people who are not from a small town. I think that everything here is a product of that small town. Becky is simple, fun, and doesn't ask for a lot.

24. HUGE Vocabulary - Becky is always using bigger words then I do. Often she will look at me after to see if I know what she is talking about. I have gotten better in understanding what she is talking about, but I do check the dictionary on a regular basis.

25. Great Dancer - She dances with me in the kitchen.

26. Has read everything - I swear she has read every book out there. She is always reading and I am so glad because it keeps me reading as well.

27. My Best Friend - Becky is my best friend. I don't ever need a "guys night out" or a night away from my wife. I would be just as content to hang out on the couch with her. We get along so well and can talk about anything. I often look at other marriages and don't understand how they are not best friends. Becky is my best friend and I love that we can do anything anywhere together.

Happy Birthday Becky!

My Dad is Better Then Your Dad!

I missed the Fathers Day post because we were out of town. I have known what I have wanted to say for awhile and today have the time to do it. Dad you are the best dad around. I appreciate what you do for me and my family. I am grateful for the example that you set for not only me and my siblings but also our children. You are a great father with so many admirable qualities. I use you on a daily basis to measure my sales ability as you are a great salesman. Although I never wanted to be a salesman I am honored to share this profession with you. I am grateful for your spirituality and that our kids will grow up knowing their grandfather as a spiritual giant. I am grateful for the time that you make for all of us. Running trips between Boise and Las Vegas gets tiring yet you are always willing and able. I appreciate your sense of humor and know that if it was not for that I would not be the personable kid that I am today. I am grateful for your example of being a great father and husband. You have given me a high bar to aspire to and I appreciate that. You are many things in my book but the one that I value the most is your friendship. I told my teachers this last week, as I gave my lesson on Fathers Day, that I have always been able to talk to you about anything. I don't just feel that you are my dad but also a friend. Thank you for always being there for me, and now for my family. You are a wonderful parent, an excellent friend, and a spiritual rock. I LOVE YOU! Happy Fathers Day!

This past week has been a rough one for me with the diet. Last week I started getting a really bad sore throat. I thought that I was getting sick so I didn't worry about it. On Friday night I went to sleep but I couldn't breathe very well because it felt like my throat was swollen. It didn't get any better over the weekend so I called a doctor on Monday and went in. The doctor checked me out and told me that I was having an allergic reaction to the HCG. She said that only 5% have this problem that it is really rare. Since then I have been off the HCG. Today is the first time that I haven't had pain in my throat. The swelling went down not long after I stopped taking the HCG. I am bummed about it but with how bad my throat was hurting I am glad that the HCG was the problem and not something more serious.

Day 8

So yesterday was a pretty good day for the diet. It was a pretty bad day for me business wise. For lunch I went with an apple because I knew that Becky and I would be going out. For dinner I had a wrap and then cheated a little and had a very small sundae. I felt pretty good but when I got home I had the remaining four strawberries. I don't think that I cheated that much and it felt good to order something rather then have to cook the veggies and meat that I have at home.

Weight: 216.2

Day 7

It has been a week since I started this adventure and I am losing weight. I mentioned yesterday that I was sick but throughout the day I started to feel better. I did stick with the water only part all day yesterday until dinner. For dinner I had an 8 oz steak and a small salad. This morning when I weighed myself I was at 217. I think that I am back on track and I will just have to be sure to eat some other veggies and fruits to make sure that I am getting the right vitamins.

Weight: 217

Day 6

Yesterday was a horrible day for me. I started out with a half a cup of dry Cheerios and for lunch had chicken with radishes. Around noon I started feeling pretty bad. I have been sick ever since. I am not sure that it is the diet but I have been wondering if I am not getting the right vitamins since I am on this diet. I am going to continue for the time being and just see how things go. Last night, because I was sick, I did cheat and have some "real" food to see if I would feel better. After eating I did feel better and I am feeling better this morning. I am back to it and to make up for last night I am taking the pills and just drinking water today. For dinner I can then have an 8 oz steak and a small salad.

Weight: 219.2 lbs

Day 5

Yesterday I got up and weighed in and I was down to 221. I was mildly excited about this. I didn't really think that I would lose 20 lbs right off the bat but I guess I did think that it would come off quicker with the food I am eating.

I have had some people ask (mom) where I come up with my meals. I received a list of foods that I can eat and I have tried to pair things that I would like to eat. Steak and tomatoes, chicken and cucumbers, steak and cucumbers, chicken and radishes. These are just a few of the foods that I can eat, there is a whole list of them and most of them are pretty good. I can have 5 oz of protein; steak, chicken, lean beef, shrimp, fish and crab. 1 cup of vegetables which include; tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, beet greens, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, celery and asparagus. 1 slice of 40 calorie bread, if you can't find that then you have to cut a regular piece in half. And then one fruit; apple, orange, half a grapefruit or a handful of strawberries. I have loved the fruit and although I missing chocolate I am not in need of chocolate. I seem to get all my sweet cravings taken care of with fruit. The meals have been good and I have enjoyed coming up with different combinations.

Yesterday I had a half a cup of Cheerios dry. For lunch I had 5 oz of steak and cucumbers with salt and pepper followed by an apple. All day I drank 2 liters of water. For dinner I a hamburger without the bun and a tomato. Dinner yesterday was probably my favorite and it tasted so good. After dinner I had a handful of strawberries which I cut into small pieces so it would feel like I was eating a lot.

I had a rough night last night sleeping. I don't think that it had anything to do with the diet but I am not sure. I was restless and just kept tossing and turning. I feel sick this morning but more congested then anything. Also when I weighed in this morning I was down to 218.6. I was a little excited about this since I broke the 220 mark. I did have a rough day yesterday, telling Becky that I was craving a big piece of cake. Luckily I didn't have any and my weight shows it.

Weight: 218.6 lbs

Day 4

When I woke up this morning and checked my weight I was down to 223.4. It made me think that this might be working. I took that drops this morning and skipped breakfast. For lunch I had 5 oz of steak and a cup of asparagus. I then had an apple and then took a nap since I haven't been sleeping well. After the nap I took the drops again (15 drops 3 times a day) and then made chicken with cucumbers and 4 strawberries for dessert. I have had my 2 liters of water today and I am feeling pretty good. I am noticing that I am not having indigestion like I have had which is nice. I am guessing that it is due to the diet and not the HCG. The only time that I am noticing the diet right now is when Becky or Audrey are snacking and I have to make a choice not to. Other then that I am not feeling hungry and I am enjoying the food that I am eating.

Weight: 223.4

Day 3

Today has been pretty good. I got up this morning and didn't have breakfast but still took that HCG drops. For lunch I had 5oz of chicken wrapped up in lettuce and a half a slice of bread. I drank water with it and have had 2 liters today which is the amount that you are suppose to have daily. For dinner I had 5oz of steak with one tomato and after that had four strawberries. I haven't felt hungry all day and no headache which some people said that they experienced. I am suppose to weigh-in in the morning so I will try to update tomorrow what my weight is. So far things are going good. It wasn't as bad as I thought and I haven't been "snacky" at all today. I really enjoyed both meals today and I am looking forward to see what I will come up with tomorrow.

Day 2

I woke up yesterday feeling pretty good. Yesterday was the last binge day so I started the morning out with a huge bowl of cocoa puffs. For lunch Becky, Audrey and I went to Taco Bell. Afterwards we had our doctors appointment and found out that the baby is healthy for this far along. Afterwards we stopped by McDonald's and got a couple four piece chicken nuggets. For dinner we went to Red Robin and I got the Bleu Ribbon Burger with a bunch of fries. Marc, Ashley and I went to a concert last night and when I got home I had a huge brownie with some milk. I weighed myself yesterday morning like I am suppose to and I was at 225.2 lbs. I am a little nervous to start the 500 calorie days but it has to be done so I am in for the challenge.

Day 1

The first two days of this diet are actually the best days. They are binge days so you eat as much as you can. All day I have been eating. I had breakfast this morning with scrambled eggs, toast and hot chocolate. At about 10am I had another hot chocolate and a pastry. For lunch I ate at West Side Drive Inn and I had a Monte Cristo sandwich with tater tots and a sprite. I had a Kit Kat for a snack around 4pm and then for dinner I had pizza. I ended the night with a HUGE chocolate brownie with carmel and nuts on top and a glass of milk. Twenty minutes before each meal I took the HCG drops. It doesn't taste horrible like I thought it would and it didn't have any effect that I could tell on the outside. The day was a pretty good one and I can tell that I have been more aware of my body, trying to see if there were any side effects that I could feel. There wasn't and so I am going to go for day 2 tomorrow. Another day of feeding my face getting ready for day 3 when I start only eating 500 calories a day. For the record I am up 1.4 pounds to 226.8lbs. Hopefully this works otherwise I am going to be heavier then when I started.

Also this is my 100th post. How exciting is that?

The HCG Challenge

Last week I had a guy from church ask me if I had ever heard of HCG. I had heard about it, a guy from a past ward was taking the shots and Boise.biz was in business with HCG in Utah. I didn't know much about it though and figured that this guy from my ward was trying to get me involved in a multi level marketing scheme selling the product. I told him that I wasn't interested in getting involved and tried to move on. This guy from my ward insisted that this was different then the HCG program that Boise.biz was doing. He then asked me what I weighed and I sheepishly told him 235. You see I am not one that has been ashamed of my weight. At one time I was a healthy 160 and I had a lot of fun, but I had reserved myself to thinking that I was older now and that I could let myself go. Over the past 6 months though it seems that a lot of people have taken interest in my weight. I had one of my boys give me a bad time about it almost every Sunday. A few weeks ago I about keeled over on a prep hike for our 50 miler in August. And now this guy was asking about my weight in the Walmart parking lot at 11pm. 235 has snuck up on me and I am not that happy about the way I look but at the same time I wasn't doing anything to stop it either. I always tell everyone that I am married so who do I need to impress. Well the guy started in that I could lose 30 lbs easy and that I should do it. I told him that, from what I understood, I would only get to eat 500 calories a day and that anybody could lose weight only eating 500 calories. He told me that there was more too it then that and that he wanted me to be a testimonial for him. I left that night wondering if I should be offended or not. I went home and told Becky that I was a little offended because where was it this guys business? We discussed it and the more we did the more Becky got mad about it. We talked about it all night and then the next day. She wanted to tell this guy at church that he needed to take a flying leap. At church neither of us said anything, Becky was busy with primary but I just got to thinking that maybe this might be a good idea if I could stick with it. I talked to him at church and told him that I would do it. He was really excited for me but, to be honest, I was a little nervous. I have since done a bunch of research on the product. I do believe that it is safe and I think that it may work if I can stick with it. I am still not sure how this is going to go but I am willing to try it and see how it works. So here is the first post of many on my journey through this process. Becky thinks that I am brave for putting a picture of myself shirtless but I think that it is just part of the whole thing. In order to do this right I need some accountability and what better way then to post this on the internet? I am going to post every day for the next 23-40 days (depending on my weight goal), some will be how I am feeling and some will just be my weight and measurements. Hopefully this is a good experience. WISH ME LUCK!

Weight: 225.4

Waist: 39"

Stomach: 49"

Chest: 46"

Quad: 26"

Bicep: 14"

My Mom is Better Than Your Mom!

What can I say about my mom that you don't already know? This picture was taken because it was picture day at the middle school where my mom worked. I was there hanging out because unlike other kids I liked to hang out with my mom during her breaks at school. I don't remember how this picture came about but I remember being excited to be in it. My mom and I have always had a really good relationship and I think it is because we are a lot alike. It is easy to talk to her and we see eye to eye on a lot of things. My mom has done so much for me and now does so much for my family. She is a hard working teacher that, although will tell you she hates teaching, loves what she does. The only thing that she ever asks of me is to see me and my family. For the record I would like to see her more as well. She is a loving mother and to that I am grateful. We are friends, she is mom and I love her. But you already knew that.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUDREY!

AUDREY IS THREE!

I finished reading George Orwell's 1984 last week and wanted to let it soak in before I blogged about it. It was an interesting book and I enjoyed reading it. For those of you who haven't read it, this is where we get the term Big Brother. The society in which the main character (Winston) lives is ran by a figure called Big Brother. There are signs with his face on it all over town that read Big Brother is Watching YOU. The government is watching the people at all times and in all places. Winston is having problems doing what they tell him to do and feel that he is not really free. The book is crazy and I really enjoyed reading it. I would encourage anyone who hasn't read it take the opportunity.

BEST SIMPSON'S OPENING EVER!

My videos are better than your videos.

I saw this video and really got a kick out of it. I thought some of you might enjoy it as well.

PIXELS by PATRICK JEAN. - une vidéo Art et Création @ Yahoo! Video

In like a Lion out like a...

March has been a crazy month so far with some nice days, some wet days and right now it is snowing in downtown Boise. You never can tell how the weather is going to be in Idaho but it always keeps you on your toes.

This past weekend we got to spend time with mom and dad, Ariane and Derek, and Marc and Ashley in Twin Falls. It was a fun time reconnecting everyone.

This upcoming weekend is General Conference. Becky calls is "Pajama Sunday" and we always love just hanging out in our pajamas watching conference on TV.

This week I lose the boy in my quorum that has given me trouble since I have started in the young mens program. I am disappointed that I didn't make a bigger impact on him.

Three weeks ago my Varsity Co-Captain told me that he was going to make the boys wear their scout uniforms every week. Since that time he has. He has also started commanding more respect from his peers and they are starting to look up to him

Yesterday I pulled into our parking spot and watched as Audrey ran to the window and started clapping. She stopped clapping and looked confused as I backed out to straighten the car out. When I finished she said "That's better"

We have all been sick this past week. It has been nice to see how we all depend on each other to get things done when we are not feeling well. Becky cooking, Me watching Audrey, and Audrey providing comic relief.

Easy Star All-Stars

Awhile back the Easy Star All-Stars had a contest to put together the best video for their cover of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. This video is the winner and I love it. The party is such a sweet party and one that I would love to be at. I think that the creator really captured the reggae atmosphere. The effects are amazing and the dub version of this song is great. Make sure that you pause my music to watch this video because you are going to want to hear this song.

My Movies are Better than your Movies.

Last night Becky and I sat down to watch Across the Universe which she had gotten me for my birthday. We have seen this movie before but I love it and the last time that we watched it I didn't have a blog so I thought that I should tell my readers (the few of you) what I thought of this flick. It is pretty much the most amazing movie ever. All the music is Beatles music which I love and the story is awesome. The music has all been done by the actors so don't go into this movie thinking that you are going to hear the Beatles because you are not going to. The story is awesome and the whole movie is just so good. You should check it out if you get a chance, and maybe watch it in two parts. It is pretty long but well worth it.

311 Showdown

We had a great time at the 311 concert. The show was great and we had pretty decent seats, if you can call standing a seat. 311 put on a great show and I think that it is always awesome to see a band in concert. Becky told me to get 4 tickets because she was going to give a couple to some friends of hers. That was surprise since here friends were Rob and Ashley who came up to surprise me for my birthday. It was awesome and we all had a good time, well almost. Becky didn't get to hear "Amber" which she was so upset about. I blame it on her though since it was her idea to get the babysitter to stay until 11pm so we had to leave early. Other then that I think she had a great time seeing a band that she knew perform. Now we can't wait until August to see Dave Matthews Band in concert at Taco Bell arena here in Boise. We received our tickets the other day and they are burning a hole in my pocket.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...TO ME!

Last night I was surprised by my family with a party where they roasted me. It was great fun and I was able to see a lot of people that I haven't seen in awhile. My wife did a wonderful job and I am so grateful to a wife that puts so much thought and effort into things like this. My family showed up and I appreciate the effort that they made to be here. Ariane was missing but she left a great post on her blog about me that was totally awesome, thanks. This weekend has been a blast from Robert and Ashley showing up on Friday and going to the 311 concert with us, to today spent hanging out, going to the park with Becky and Audrey, and watching Bull Durham on TV (it is rated R so that is the only way I can see it) which is one of my favorite baseball movies. The birthday extravaganza weekend is quickly coming to an end but it has been one of the best birthdays ever! Thanks to everyone involved, even those who sent stories to be read at the roast, it was so fun. Most importantly, thank you Becky for the best birthday. You are amazing and I don't know how you always seem to top yourself. I love you so much and I am so grateful that you are my wife.

THANK YOU!

Friday March 5th Becky and I will be heading to the Knitting Factory to see 311 in concert. I am so stoked about this. This is a band that I grew up listening to and I am excited to see them in concert. The cool thing about this is that I got the tickets for free from the BOISE WEEKLY. The WEEKLY does some trade with the Knitting Factory so they have tickets to this venue. It isn't the biggest place to watch a show but because it is smaller you are up close and personal with the band. I am stoked about this concert and I will let you all know how it went afterwards.

mY mUsIc

Becky informed me the other day that she doesn't listen to the music on my page. She said that she opens so many windows with different blogs that it gets to be too much so she tends to just turn the sound on the computer off. I was a little bummed about that because I go to so much work to mesh my music with my post. I am not sure that anyone even notices, now that Becky has told me that she doesn't, but it makes me feel good. I love music and picking out the music to go with each post is part of blogging for me. I take a lot of pride in picking just the right song, from well known Dave Matthews Band to the most obscure band just to make it fit. Now you may not notice right off the bat but every song has a tie to the post itself. My most favorite is the post about moving to Weiser. I picked "Say it Ain't so" by WEEZER which was a double entendre for me not wanting to go to Weiser and the band was WEEZER (I know that is not the exact meaning of double entendre) (Lyric won't even know what that means, look it up on google). Putting the perfect pairing together is so much fun for me. So whether you listen to the music or not does not make any difference to me because it is what keeps me blogging. Half the time it is a song that gets me to put a post together in the first place. I have tons of songs just running through my head with blogs waiting to come out. I can't wait to see what comes next.

THE WEEKLY ROCKS!

In case you were wondering...my job is going great. The BOISE WEEKLY is the right fit for me and I am having a blast. What a great job.

AMAZING!

Apparently Becky and I must be hipsters because we seem to really like everything that appeals to the hipsters. This movie is one of them and we both loved it. It didn't do so well in the theaters and because of that redbox won't carry it. So I had to pull out my Hollywood Video card and go rent this movie. It was so awesome and we have decided that we need to own this one, which is saying something since we do not collect movies at all. We have really enjoyed all the movies recently that seem kind of indie and they always seem to have great soundtracks. This one has an amazing soundtrack and if you are wondering about it...you are listening to it. Well at least this song by The Smiths is and bunch more. Check out 500 Days of Summer, trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Slaughterhouse-Five or The Children's Crusade

Last weekend I made a goal to finish this book before we headed to our Super Bowl party. I wasn't far away from finishing and I thought I would just sit down and knock it out. I think that it makes a week that I finished it and for those of you who knew me in high school, that is a pretty crazy feat. I never read in high school and looking back now it really was because I wasn't a good reader. My mom tells me all the time that she explains to parents of her students that hate to read that her son was the same way and then he went on a mission and came home and hasn't stopped reading. That is mostly true, Becky says that it was because of her that I read all the time. When I was living in Twin with Marc, Becky was working at Barnes and Noble and she would get "strips" (books that they would strip the cover off and send back to the publisher and they would throw the books out) and bring them over to read before she tossed them out. She brought a book over that I don't even know the title because it didn't have a cover. I really got into that book and couldn't put it down. It was a really good book but I did want to impress Becky at the time as well. Becky takes credit for that and I am fine with that. I do think that both of them are right though. I really learned to read better while I was on my mission. I was able to concentrate and focus on a book. By Becky bring that book over it got me started on reading after my mission and that has been a great thing too. I hate when I don't have something to read now and that is why I have read Fahrenheit 451 three times.

A friend of mine turned me on to Kurt Vonnegut and said that I should read this one first. He said that they were all pretty crazy but that since I was reading a lot of political type books that I should start here and move on with some of the others. Although you wouldn't know it while reading this book, it is an anti-war book. The book is about Billy Pilgrim and his time in World War II and the bombing of Dresden, Germany February 13th 1945. Kurt Vonnegut does so well writing about this because he was a prisoner of war in Dresden at the time of the bombing. Billy seems to flash through time from his youth to his old age. He claims that he was abducted by aliens and taken to their planet, Tralfamadore, where he is put on display in a bio-dome similar to a zoo. You learn about Billy and his life jumping around through different time periods and dimensions but the one constant is Billy's time in Dresden and the horrible atrocities that took place there. Near the end of the book Billy is in the hospital after a plane crash and he meets a Harvard history professor, Rumfoord, who is writing a book about WWII bombings and sky battles. He can't stand Billy and thinks that he would be better off dead. One night this professor is talking about Dresden and how he needed to write about it from the Air Forces stand point to help people understand. Billy spoke up and told Rumfoord that he was there. It took some time to convince Rumfoord that Billy was there but he finally came around. The bombing of Dresden was a horrible act on the allies part. It killed more people then Hiroshima, and Dresden didn't have any war related armaments.

A couple of things that I have been contemplating over the last week has been a couple of excerpts from the book that I will conclude with. I do think that this book may be a little crazy for some but it is a great book. I did love it and the more I think about it the better it gets. I don't know what I am on to next but a friend of mine (Chris Percy) said that he had a hard time with The Fountainhead and I have thought I may want to start it. My parents might be happy since it is the Republican bible and I know that they would rather me read more conservative books rather than the liberal anti-war books that I have been reading.

Excerpt from Slaughterhouse-Five

"You were just babies in the war--like the ones upstairs!"

I nodded that this was true. We had been foolish virgins in the war, right at the end of childhood.

"But you're not going to write it that way, are you"

"I-I don't know," I said

"Well, I know," she said. "You'll pretend you were men instead of babies, and you'll be played in the movies by Frank Sinatra and John Wayne of some of those other glamorous, war-loving, dirty old men. And war will look just wonderful, so we'll have a lot more of them. And they'll be fought by babies like the babies upstairs."

So then I understood. It was war that made her so angry. She didn't want her babies or anybody else's babies killed in wars. And she thought wars were partly encouraged by books and movies.

"...I tell you what," I said, "I'll call it 'The Children's Crusade.'"

Discussion between Rumfoord and Billy while they are in the hospital.

"It had to be done," Rumfoord told Billy, speaking of the destruction of Dresden.

"I know," said Billy.

"That's war."

"I know. I'm not complaining."

"It must have been hell on the ground."

"It was," said Billy Pilgrim.

"Pity the men who had to do it."

"I do."

"you must have had mixed feelings, there on the ground."

"It was all right," said Billy. "Everything is all right, and everybody has to do exactly what he does. I learned that on Tralfamadore."

This is the Summer of VIP!

I am so stoked right now. For the past few months we have been treading water. As you read my blog you have seen indecision at it's best. Becky and I have tried and tried to go where we felt like we needed to be but everything felt uncertain. We started with Boise.biz and that didn't feel right but nothing else was there. Later we were offered a job with the Weiser Signal American, which we took to get away from Boise.biz, until we found that the owner had lied about the money situation. The day we found out that there was a problem in Weiser, Boise.biz called and offered a salary if I came back. That meant not moving to Weiser and staying close to a Target (ask Becky about that). This whole time we were praying and trying to follow the direction that we thought was right. Three weeks ago my boss from Boise.biz called and told me that they had to take my salary away and that they were selling the company. I would be 100% commission with no benefits. We were bummed and didn't know where to go from there. We decided to fast that Sunday. On Monday morning a client of mine from the Statesman called and said that he had heard that I wasn't working at the Statesman and wanted to offer me a job. On Tuesday, out of the blue, a chick called and told me that she had heard about me from a friend and wanted to talk to me about a job opportunity with the Boise Weekly. As we went through the interview process for the upteenth time we started to feel that our journey was ending. You see for the past few weeks Becky and I had both been telling each other that there was something on the horizon, we could feel it. I am not sure that this is the end for us but things are looking up. Monday morning I will drive into downtown Boise to start my new job at the Boise Weekly, selling advertising for an entertainment newspaper. I think that this is a great fit for me and I am so happy to have the opportunity. I am grateful for fasting and the blessings in my life. This IS the summer of VIP!

Fahrenheit 451 Remember

I just finished reading Fahrenheit 451 for the third time and every time I read it I always find something new. This time was was no exception. As I neared the end this time I came upon an analogy that caught me and I have been pondering it for the past week.

Let me set the tone for you. Montag, the lead character, has just escaped town after years of being a fireman. Not a fireman as you know them though, a fireman who burns books because books make you think and you don't have fun if you think. There is a war starting and Montag is trying to gain knowledge and it is illegal to own books and he was caught with books. He escapes town and finds many people who have done the same. The following day the war starts and huge bombs destroy the city. As the men are looking at the city this dialogue takes place.

Granger looked into the fire. "Phoenix"

"What?"

"There was a silly bird called a phoenix back before Christ, every few hundred years he built a pyre and burnt himself up. He must have been the first cousin to Man. But every time he burnt himself up he sprang out of the ashes, he got himself born all over again. And it looks like we're doing the same thing, over and over, but we've got one thing the phoenix never had. We know the silly thing we just did. We know all the silly things we've done for a thousand years and as long as we know that and always have it around where we can see it, someday we'll stop making the funeral pyres and jumping in the middle of them. We pick up a few more people that remember every generation."

What a great quote, I have been stuck on it for the past week. The main thing that I have been thinking about is the difference between us and the phoenix. After the fire we know what we have done and we can make changes. I can see in my own life how this works and how awesome it is. As we go through the refiners fire we are shaped but what shapes us is the experience and then remembering the choices we made. The next time that we come in contact with this same choice we can look back and remember what we went through and choose more wisely. How great is it that we can remember and because of that we can grow to make right choices?

This is such a great book and if you haven't read it you should. There is a lot more to it then what I have described but it really gets you thinking. I don't know if there is anything I could get out of reading it a fourth time but I am sure that I will end up reading it again later on down the road. As for now I am on to my next book Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

Everything's Coming Up Milhouse

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Growing up it seemed like my family was always fixing cars. I am not talking about just changing the oil, although we did do that as well. I mean whenever something went wrong my dad would have Marc and I out in the garage fixing whatever it was. From my pickup to the tempo we were always working on some car. I grew to hate working on cars, I hated that I wasn't very good at it and Marc and my dad were. I hated that it didn't make sense to me. I can't do things with my hands like Marc or my dad can and that was frustrating. I dreaded the days that were spent working on cars even though it was always with my dad and my brother.

Over the last few years we have had the money to take our car to a mechanic when it needed to be worked on and I have never been so happy. I have always said that I wasn't going to work on cars and since Becky and I have been married that has work for the most part. For the past week though our brakes have been grinding every time I touched them. It was getting bad and you could see the groves on the rotor getting worse. I called a few places to get them changed and the lowest price I could find was $235.00. We do not have that kind of money right now so I had to think of something else. I called around to some auto parts stores and finally found brake pads for $24.00. I told Becky that I thought that I could change them myself since I had changed brakes with my dad numerous times. We went down and bought the brakes and I would change them the next day. When I got up it was raining but I needed to get them done so I improvised and drove over to the church and under the pavilion where I changed the brakes in under 2 hours. I know that 2 hours is a long time but for me it is really good. I once left my pickup on blocks for two weeks because I couldn't get the old brakes off. When I came home Becky was so excited that I had changed them for so cheap she just kept saying how great it was that I had this kind of knowledge so I could save us some money when we needed it. As she was thanking me I just kept thinking about all the cars that I have fixed with my dad. I would not have any of that knowledge without him. It has come in handy a few times but never to save us money. A small fix here or there that has helped out, but this came when we really needed it. So thank you dad for making me hand you tools or hold the flashlight while you were working on your cars. The lessons that I have learned from working on cars are invaluable. Every time that I end up under a car I think about all the time we spent together.

THANKS DAD!

Rough Teachers Quorum

It was a rough day at church today. I have had some problems with a couple of my boys coming to mutual on Wednesdays. After a couple of months I made them co-captains over the varsity program and asked them to be there every week. Since that time they have come every week without fail, that was until the past two weeks.

I called one of the boys and asked him why he didn't show up and he told me that he didn't feel like it. When I got to the root of the problem I found out that he had a problem with the twins in our quorum and told me that he wasn't going to come if they were going to be there. The bad part about this is that those two don't come due to sports that conflict with Wednesday night activities. I talked to this boy about it throughout the week and he told me that he would be there the following Wednesday and not to worry about him.

Today that young man seemed really mad all through church. I thought that maybe he was mad at me for calling him out about mutual so I just proceeded with my other duties. When we made it to Teachers Quorum I went over some announcements and then the father of the twins (he is my assistant) called the boys out for not being prepared with the sacrament today. He talked about how it was a sin of omission and that included not coming to mutual. This boy who had been so upset all day BLEW UP at him and started calling out him and his boys for not doing their aaronic priesthood duties. Now to bring you up to speed, these twin boys are the first and second counselors in the Teachers Quorum presidency.

The first boy was livid to the point that I had to take him out of class and calm him down. This boy is such a great kid and could be a great leader but he lets his emotions get to him. Unfortunately for him, I see a lot of me in him. He is a great kid but he "isn't going to take any crap from anyone" so he tends to get a little upset.

On the other hand I totally understand where he is coming from. He thinks that we shouldn't be giving a pass to the two boys who are in the presidency and should be doing their duties. I had to apologize to this boy for not holding the twins to the same standard. Afterward we met with my assistant and had a discussion that didn't go so well so I sent the boy to talk with the bishop and I met with my assistant to let him know how I felt about his boys not being to mutual and taking care of their aaronic priesthood duties.

Things turned out well in the end and I learned that our bishop is amazing. He took this young man and told him how much he loved him and that he needed him to exercise patience and faith and the Lord would bless him. I can't convey to you the feeling that was in this bishops office but it was a great experience and I am so happy to be in the young men's program with these great young men. It also gives me the opportunity to work closely with the bishop and that is an awesome experience.