V.I.P

Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

I am so lucky to have a wife that is:

Such a wonderful mother

Great wife

Beautiful

Loving

Willing to put up with me

Caring

Gorgeous

Spiritual

Strong

Courageous

Motivated

Happy

Able to push me to be better

HOT!

Happy Valentines Day!

(It will only get better from here.)

Phi Alpha Theta

2012-02-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I decided to join Phi Alpha Theta which is the National History Honor Society. I was asked to join others but thought that this was the right fit for me. When I joined the advisor asked if I wanted to present my paper on Slavery in Utah at the Pacific Northwest Regional Conference in April. I told her that I thought it would be exciting but that I wasn't ready but maybe next year. Today I had a fellow student ask me if I was going to present my research at the conference and I told her that I didn't think that it was refined enough to do so. I then ran into the advisor again and she said that she had talked to a professor who had seen my paper and that he suggested that she invite me again. I was still unsure about my progress and research and told her that I would have to think about it. Then this afternoon I met with one of my professors about my paper and the first thing he asked me was if I was going to present my research at the Phi Alpha Theta Pacific Northwest Regional Conference. I told him that multiple people have been asking but that I was nervous. He assured me that the topic was excellent and that my research had already yielded unusual results. After talking it over with him I decided to go ahead with presenting at the conference. I had to have an abstract in by tomorrow (which I have posted on my other blog) and I am leaving tomorrow to do more research in Salt Lake. I am really busy with school, the apartments, the museum and the my family but I feel so productive. Lets hope I can get this paper finished by March!

UPDATE
My abstract was accepted, I am headed to the Pacific Nortwest Regional Conference to present my research on slavery in Utah. If you want a more focused idea of what I am doing click on the link above and read my abstract and, below that, proposal.

Break Through!

2012-02-03T07:30:00.004-08:00

Last night I got caught up in doing research for my thesis and before I knew it I stayed up until 12:30am. This past weekend we had made a trip to Salt Lake to do research in the LDS Library. We went down on Friday and got a room at the Hilton so I would be close enough to Temple Square to walk so that Becky had a car. Friday afternoon I walked over to the library to start my research. One of the patrons informed me that one of the pieces I had picked out was not available to me because it had not been processed so I was not allowed to look through it. I was bummed about it because it was a box full of Brigham Young Memorial Association material that could yield reasons for adding colored servants on the plaque. This patron informed me that I could submit a request to go through that box, so I did while I was waiting for the other materials to come down.

I was able to look through microfilm for a couple hours but the first two films did not yield any evidence that would be helpful. Finally at 4:45pm I came across a newspaper clipping that talked about the Pioneer Jubilee in 1897 and the Brigham Young Memorial Association. Unfortunately I had to return my materials because the library closes at 5pm and they ask that you return everything by 4:45pm. I thought that it would be fine because I could return to the library on Saturday and continue my research.

Saturday morning came and the library didn't open until 10am and then the missionaries had a meeting so I was not able to get into the library that morning. However I was able to check out some other historical monuments that are relevant to my thesis.

We met Lyric and Scott for lunch and Scott suggested that we go to a new book store that is located near their house at Trolley Square. We headed over there and found that they had a rare book collection. As we were going through it I found a book that was published in 1891 that talked about the migration of the saints to the Great Basin. I was so excited to see that in its pages the three African Americans were listed as pioneers and not colored servants.

As I was doing my research last night I came across a book that was listed as "others have also bought" at the bottom of the page. I started checking out other books and found one that was published in 1909. This book referenced the Pioneer Jubilee and talked about a book that contained all the pioneer signatures of those that were still alive in 1897. This book was titled The Book of the Pioneers. I did a search for the book and found it in the Law Library at the University of Utah. The University of Utah had it available online so I was able to flip through pages of signatures and stories of the pioneers.

Book of the Pioneers

I flipped through over 400 pages looking at signatures trying to find Green Flake because he was the only African American, out of the three, that was still alive at the time. I was so excited to come across page 242 and see his name scribbled on the page. At the bottom of the page is a story that he relates about crossing the plains with Brigham Young as well as seeing buffalo for the first time.

A portion of page 242 of The Book of the Pioneers

This book was to honor the pioneers and their achievement of reaching Zion. It amazes me that in this book is a page devoted to Green Flake and his accomplishment. To me this would mean that rather than looking at the plaque on the Brigham Young Monument as continued racism, this should be looked at as a progressive way to honor the three African American pioneers that traveled with Brigham Young to the west.

What, Honor Society?

2012-02-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today I received this letter from Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education. This is the third honor society that I have been asked to join. I realize that you have been asked to join honor societies, but I have not. This is a first for me and I am really excited. I have always been a goof off and have never been recognized for my academic achievements. It feels really good to be in this position and that is why I feel the need to brag.

Senior Thesis

2012-01-20T07:48:00.000-08:00

This semester I am working on my senior thesis. I have mentioned it in a couple of blog posts and thought that I would let me loyal readers know exactly what I have decided to research.

In a U.S. History class last semester we were discussing slavery being predominately in the South. A color coded map was shown that revealed slavery in Salt Lake City. I was shocked to see that slavery had made its way to Utah when the Territories were suppose to be "free" territories. I asked the professor after class what he thought about the map showing slavery in the Utah and said that he thought the map was incorrect in that aspect. I went along my way satisfied with thought that it was in error but something kept grating on me. I decided to look into the issue and found that Brigham Young had brought three slaves with him from Winter Quarters, Nebraska. I couldn't believe what I was reading and as I read further I found that the names of the three slaves (Green Flake, Hark Lay, and Oscar Crosby) were actually on the Brigham Young Monument.

On a trip to see Lyric in Salt Lake City I decided to go and see for myself. In the photo below, on the bottom right hand corner you can see that it says "Colored Servants" and below that are the names of the three slaves. After doing some research I am not shocked that LDS church members had slaves but rather that someone decided to make a divide among the white pioneers and "colored Servants". Therein lies the basis for my thesis. I want to find out the reason that there is a disparity between the races when this monument was erected in 1897 which is well after the Civil War. I have done some research and found that there are many primary sources in the LDS Church library and I am excited to get started. I think that this semester will be a tough one but this experience should be fun and rewarding.

In case you would like to read my senior thesis proposal I have included it here. I did receive an A on the paper even though there are some corrections that need to be made.

photo from www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=35317

A Little Embarrassed/Christmas Break Reading

2012-01-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

I have looked at my blog for over a month now trying to figure out how to post my grades without being embarrassed. At the end of the summer semester I posted my grades with pride and admiration. I took six credits and received a 4.0 GPA for my hard work which even made it to Becky's blog. The fall semester came and I worked equally as hard to gain the necessary grades I would need to continue on with a graduate program. The embarrassing part is that I fell short this semester. Becky tells me that It will be fine and that I can still be proud of my accomplishments however my grades have kept me from posting on my blog. In order to get over the hump I am going to post them and move on to something else so that I do not have to dwell on them any longer.

U. S. History and Culture - A

Historian's Craft - A

Modern U.S. History 1929-Present - B+

Comparative Politics - B+

The Presidency - A

Voting and Public Opinion - A

Semester GPA - 3.77

Cume GPA - 3.83

Christmas Break Reading

Over the Christmas break I was able to read a couple of books. The first book was one that I own but was having trouble finding time to read it. The other was a Christmas gift from Becky and she knows me too well.

Yes...this is another Kurt Vonnegut book. I bought this book from a little shop in Hyde Park before we left Boise. It has been the one book that I have held in my hand the longest for fear that once I read it my last tie to the city that I love would be gone forever. It has sat on my night stand since we moved to Pocatello reminding me of the quaint book shop in Hyde Park, Java (a coffee shop where we bought hot chocolate every chance we got), the bustle of the city, the warmth of a small town, the feel of home. Once "Cat's Cradle" was over everything regarding Boise would come to end and Pocatello would be at the forefront. It hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be, however there has been some pain and a urning for the city that gave me so much.

"Cat's Cradle" is not a book for everyone. Like all of Vonnegut's books there are recurring anti-war themes and liberal undertones. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next Kurt Vonnegut selection that Becky gave me for Christmas entitled "Armageddon in Retrospect".

The second book I read over the break was the new book by Chris Matthews entitled "Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero". A few years ago I read my first biography and really enjoyed it. Since that time I have read a couple of others and have found that I love biographies of political figures. This book took me back to that first biography in more ways then one because it was the biography of Bobby Kennedy titled "RFK". These books span almost the same time period with a lot of overlap since Bobby worked with Jack on his campaign. This is a great book that discusses John Kennedy's experience in World War II, his campaign tactics, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the legacy that "JFK" left on the executive office. A great read for anyone looking for a biography to start 2012.

I was so excited Christmas morning when I received this book. I had been talking about this one and the new Bill Clinton book. This selection proves that my wife knows me too well. She knows that I am fascinated by the Kennedys and that I love political history almost more then any other genre. Thank you Becky for this book and the many others that I was given Christmas morning.

Happy Anniversary

2011-11-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

November twenty eighth (today) is our anniversary. It is always a rough time of year for us financially. Sales always seem to dip in October and November so we have less money. It is right before Christmas and we always have our Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving so our money is spent before our anniversary. We always head to our parents for Thanksgiving which takes money right before our anniversary. All of these reasons combined mean that we don't celebrate our anniversary like every other person on the planet. I hear from my siblings how they celebrate and think that I should find a way to do something like they do. I hear from Becky how her sister celebrates and think that Becky would probably like something similar to what Beth does. Unfortunately it is not the way we do things. We have never been able to pull off the big surprises or the big trips around our anniversary. We did not have a honeymoon, we haven't celebrated our anniversary with a trip or even a great dinner. When we try to plan something romantic it always catches fire and blows up in our faces. For example a couple of years ago we decided to get a babysitter and go out to a nice dinner and a movie. Something went wrong that day and we began arguing. We ended up calling each others bluff and one thing lead to the babysitter being called and told that we would not need her. When the issue was resolved later we felt stupid. We ended up calling a Chinese buffet and having them deliver. We sat at our table and had sweet and sour chicken while we discussed the fact that we had destroyed our anniversary every year since we had gotten married.

This year is no different. Once again we have no money, we have no babysitter, and we have a son that will not allow his mother out of his sight. We are poor college students just trying to make it through another December on financial aid and student loans. So I have decided to try a cheap way to make this year at least memorable for us. This year will be our eighth anniversary and I intend to give my eight favorite memories from the last eight years. It may end up being from the last ten years though because as many of you know Becky and I dated for two and half years before getting married and sometimes those memories mesh with memories of things that happened after we were married.

In no particular order.

#8 - Our Wedding Night. This is not what you might think. As a young couple we were excited to get back to our apartment and proceed with the things that a newly married couple would do. Becky's parents grabbed us on the way out of North's Chuck Wagon, the restaurant that we were at, and asked if it was alright if they brought Becky's aunts and uncles over to see our apartment since they were from Delta and would not have the chance to see it again. We agreed and ten people got up and followed us to our six hundred square foot apartment. We showed them around and talked for a little while before they all headed out. As they were leaving we had some friends show up to congratulate us. After showing them out we headed back to our bedroom and before we could get anything started we fell asleep. We were woken up by a knock on the door, which ended up being my brother Marc and his wife. They thought that they had caught us in the act and gave us a bad time about it, but we really had fallen asleep because we were so tired.

#7 - Our First Camping Trip. One day I decided that we should drive north of Boise for the weekend and do some camping. We went to a sporting goods store and bought a tent and a few supplies and headed out. We had taken our computer and the movie "What Women Want" with Mel Gibson. As we drove we talked about how much fun it was going to be, as well as a book about the Black Dahlia murder that Becky had seen at Barnes and Noble. We drove north past Banks to a little campground just off the road that was next to the river. I set up camp and we started a fire. After a little while we decided to lay down for the night and watch the movie that we had brought. Becky kept hearing noises as the movie played and kept getting scared because of the book about the Black Dahlia murder. We shut the movie off and tried to get some sleep. Becky kept rolling around, and finally at about three in the morning she told me that she could not sleep because she thought someone was going to come and kill us. We sat up and talked and eventually moved to our car. Around five in the morning we drove to Banks and bought doughnuts and chocolate milk. We drove back to the campground, packed up our stuff, and headed for home. We have not been camping on our own in a tent since.

#6 - Our Trip to the Oregon Coast. Becky and I had decided to skip the Willard Reunion due to some family issues that we were having. We had just recently moved to Boise and had found out that we were not able to have children. I told Becky that we should use the money that we would have spent to go to the reunion to go to the coast. So on Friday morning we packed up and headed to Oregon. Becky had never been to Oregon so this was a new experience for her. She had decided to buy the new (at the time) Justin Timberlake album to make our "Oregon Trip CD". I tried to explain to her that you can not make a trip CD, a trip CD will find you. It did find us and Dave Matthews' solo album became our trip CD. We drove through Oregon to Portland, and as we came upon an exist we noticed the Portland Temple, and with a last second decision we stopped and went through a session. We were not prepared so we had to change into our church clothes in the parking lot. I am sorry to the couple who was parked next to us who got a show as we tried to put our clothes on. After the session we headed for the coast where we did not have a concrete plan. We knew that we would head for Beverly Beach and see if they had a spot open to set up our tent. When we got there the attendant informed us that they had a yurt cancellation and asked us if we wanted it. We said yes and drove over to the cutest little yurt with a fire pit outside. We were close enough to the beach that we could hear the waves. We spent the next couple of days exploring Newport Oregon and all it had to offer. We found our favorite restaurant, Georgie's, saw a whale at Otter Rock, and explored the aquarium. The two of us had a blast just spending time together without a plan or anyone else.

#5 - Insurance Reunion in Dallas. The insurance company that I worked for had a reunion in Dallas every year that they would send the top agents to. Our first year my dad was able to pull some strings and get us down there. The second year I earned a spot and Becky and I headed down to Dallas for our second trip. We decided that we would catch a late flight out of Dallas on the last day so we could spend some time sightseeing. We dropped my brother Marc off at the airport that morning and drove down to the book depository to see a piece of American history. While we were there we received a call from Marc informing us that he had missed his flight and that he would like to be picked up since the next flight wasn't until six that evening (the flight right before ours). We picked him up and spent the day playing around Dallas. Later we arrived at the airport and checked in. Marc was able to catch the flight at six o'clock and we were on the nine o'clock flight. We arrived in Salt Lake around 11pm but it was snowing and we had to circle the airport waiting for a clear spot to land. When we got our luggage we headed out to our car to find that one of the tires was flat. We spent time flagging down someone that could help us and then headed to pick up Marc, who was staying with a friend. We headed home on icy roads at one in the morning. We stopped three times between Salt Lake and Snowville because I was falling asleep. We pulled off at Snowville and slept for a couple of hours and then got back on the road. We ended up pulling into Twin Falls at a quarter to six. We haven't made that drive like that since.

#4 - Viva Las Vegas. One year we decided to be spontaneous and drive to Las Vegas because Becky had never been there. I had Friday off so we decided to leave Thursday afternoon. Becky was going to pack while I took the car down for an oil change. While getting the oil checked the technician told me that my tires were worn to the threads on all four tires. I asked him if I could make it to Vegas and he told me he didn't think I could make it across town. I bought four new tires, which cost me over six hundred dollars and took three hours to put on. When I got home Becky said that she thought we shouldn't go because it was so late, but I pushed on and told her it would be fine. We left town after six pm bound for Las Vegas. We gassed up in Ely Nevada and as we pulled out of town a police officer pulled me over for accidentally using my high beam as he rounded the corner. He gave me a seventy dollar ticket for "misuse of my high beam." We pulled into Vegas around one in the morning and proceeded to find a hotel with a vacancy. The first three hotels we checked were booked solid, and on the fourth we found out that it was spring break and every hotel in town was booked. We drove off the strip to a little motel that was really gross. The guy behind the bullet proof glass charged us eighty dollars and when we got to our room we found that the sheets had not been changed and the shower was like a cave. It was really disgusting and we slept in our clothes. The next day we decided to try and find another hotel early. We went all over town and found that only four hotels had rooms available, but because it was spring break there were no discounts. We paid three hundred and fifty dollars for one night in the Venetian Hotel. We were just glad to have a room with a clean bed. We drove to the Las Vegas Temple and spent time outside because it was closed due to general conference. We woke up Saturday with the idea that we would find a cheaper place to stay but by ten o'clock that night we hadn't found anything so we headed for Salt Lake thinking we would find something along the way. We finally found a motel in Hurricane Utah which we paid eighty five dollars for. It was the last room in town and we barely beat another car there. The Las Vegas trip was one of the most expensive trips we have ever taken.
#3 - Family Trip to Oregon. Not long after adopting Audrey we decided to take a trip to the Oregon Coast again. Because we had taken some poorly planned trips in the past, we decided to really plan this trip. We rented a condo on the beach and booked flights and a rental car. We had so much fun with Audrey's first flight and first time at the beach. We ate at Georgie's again, played on the beach, and visited the aquarium. This trip was our first trip as a family and we had such a blast. Audrey doesn't remember it but she talks about her first trip on an airplane all the time. I love looking at pictures from this trip because it was one of the best times of my life with my little girl and my best friend.

#2 - Adopting Audrey. Becky and I had spent a lot of time talking about infertility. At one point I broke her heart when I told her that I was fed up and done with infertility treatments. I was tired of scheduled love making, and I was okay with not having children if it was going to be that hard. She reluctantly agreed and I packed her up and moved her to Boise to get away from our friends and family that were getting pregnant. While in Boise we found ourselves as a couple, and we grew together in a way that we never would in Twin Falls around our families. It was a great time for us as a couple, but something was still missing. Becky would cry at night and I would pretend to be asleep because nothing I said brought her comfort. One day Becky's mom told her that she thought we should have a family fast to see if we could get pregnant. We consented with the idea that if it did not work we would stop trying to have children all together. A couple of weeks after the fast we received an email from my brother Marc that explained that Tarl (Audrey's birth father) was getting a divorce and he had a six week old baby that he was looking to put up for adoption. We immediately brushed it off because we did not feel strongly about adopting, and if we did we did not want to adopt from family. Tarl's mom, Marji, called us a couple of days later and talked to us about the idea and we said that we were not sure about it. As we began to think about the possibility of adopting, we thought that we had just fasted for a baby and maybe this was our chance. We called Marji back and she sent us pictures. We fell in love immediately and we drove down to meet Tarl and Megan (Audrey's birth mother) and see their little girl. The process was hard as we had to jump through hoops and get tested, but when it was finalized six months later we had a baby daughter that looked like Becky and acted so much like me that you would swear she was not adopted. This was the start of our family and one of the best experiences I have ever had. Becky and I grew together in a way that was not possible before. Audrey has brought so much joy to our lives that I can not imagine what life would be like without her.

#1 - Having the Boy. After years of not being able to conceive, we had put it out of our minds. Becky would talk about it once in awhile, or it would be brought up in family discussions but it was not something that we were even thinking about. So you can imagine how surprised I was the night that Becky asked if we could go buy a pregnancy test. We had done this hundreds of times before always with the hope that it would be positive, but with disappointment every time. I agreed to getting one because it would ease Becky's mind even though it would crush her for a few days. When we returned home from getting the test we put Audrey to bed and Becky headed to the bathroom. A few minutes later I heard her say, "Justin, can you come back here?" I walked back to the bathroom prepared to comfort my broken wife. As I walked in she looked at me confused and said, "What does this mean?" I looked at the test and saw that it was positive. We spent the next thirty minutes reading the directions to make sure it was correct. Seven months later we were sitting in the hospital holding David, Becky overcome with joy and me bawling like a little girl. The experience of child birth was not one that I liked but the outcome has made our family more complete. David has brought joy to all of our lives in such a short amount of time. We are now the parents of a boy, which if you don't know, is different from being the parent of a little girl. Audrey has become a big sister, and as we always knew, she was made to be. David is the piece of our family that has been missing. We all welcomed him, and despite Audrey asking if we can leave him at the hospital, we all love and cherish him.

Eight years have flown by and I am sure it is because I have spent it with my best friend. We have been through deep dark trials and the highest of highs together, we have spent nights laughing and crying together, we have been mad at each other and supported each other. I have no idea what is to come or what the future holds but I do know that I don't want to spend it with anyone else. We may not have any money or anyone to watch the kids but I couldn't imagine spending my anniversary with three other people on this planet.

I love you David

I love you Audrey

I love you Becky, my best friend.

Happy Eighth Anniversary!

Double Major...WHAT?

2011-11-22T22:26:00.000-08:00

So a week ago I sat down with the History Chair at Idaho State to discuss my senior thesis and a couple of class decisions that I needed to make. In the process of talking with him it was made known that I would like to teach history in college and not just high school. Dr. Marsh informed me that by being a secondary education major with an emphasis in history and a minor in political science would not allow me to go to graduate school in history. I explained to him that I did know that, but that I was hoping to find a school that would look at the classes I took here and see that I put in a lot of work in history and see what I would need to do to get in to a masters history program. He told me that it would be hard to do that because other schools would see my B.A. in education and not in history. He then told me that Idaho State was one of the few schools that require their secondary ed majors in history to take all the same classes that a history major must take. Dr. Marsh explained to me that my best bet was to double major.

I have ran into a few of these so called "double majors". Whenever you ask them what they are majoring in, they always say, "I have a double major in blah blah and blah blah." You always feel like an idiot because you only have one major and a double major must be double the work.

Well because I have an associates degree from the College of Southern Idaho, I am a little farther along. This means that I don't have to take a language course here at Idaho State. To double major all I have to do are the classes that I am already taking. It is a little more work because as a secondary education major I am required to have a minor. I still have to take my political science classes but I only have one more to take and my minor will be fulfilled.

So just like that I am now a double major in secondary education with an emphasis on history and a minor in political science and a history major. That's right, I do sound pompous and I kind of like it.

One last note, there are two schools close that have graduate programs in my field that have information on my thesis. Both schools drive me crazy because of my affiliation (which is only has a fan) with BYU. The first is Utah State, great program but I hate their fan base. The other is the University of Utah, can't stand that they are the University of Pac 12 and they are BYU's rival. Mostly likely I will be trying my hardest to get into the University of Utah because it will be the easiest to work on my thesis from there. Let's hope I can stay True Blue at the U!

School Has Begun

2011-08-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

School started on Monday and it seemed a little daunting when I picked up this load of books. Going back to school and starting as a junior seemed like a good idea until I realized that I am taking upper division courses and the professors expect me to be able to read. It isn't a bad thing, most of these books are interesting to me so I am excited to get started. I am a little nervous because I am taking 18 credits all in history and political science.

I start Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays off with United States History and Culture, it is the only class that is a lower division class and one that wouldn't transfer from the College of Southern Idaho. Next is The Presidency, a poli sci class that helps understand the rights and responsibilities of the presidency. From there I go to Comparative Politics, another poli sci class that discusses the different forms of government and politics from around the world. I was a little early to the class on Monday and the professor and I got into a discussion about how to spell Gadhaffi correctly. Unfortunately the only correct spelling is the Arabic spelling. The last class is the Historians Craft, which will help me to understand how to find and use primary and secondary sources in my research as a historian.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I start the day off with Public Opinion and Political Behavior. This class is another poli sci class that goes behind public opinion and shows how it effects voting, drives government, and ultimately gets government officials elected. The last class on Tuesdays and Thursdays is Modern United States History. This class starts around 1932 (although it will really start at 1929) and goes to the present. A main focus in this class will be pop culture and the effects it has on society.

Although nervous, I am excited to be back. I have had a couple good days and it feels good to be working toward the future again. I am sure that Becky is also happy to get me out of the house she can go back to running things the way that she likes. If I don't post anything for awhile please know it is because I am READING and not because I fell off the face of the earth.

2011-07-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for football this year. I know that I say that every year but this year I mean it. The team is looking amazing from what I hear. Media Day was awesome and I am so stoked that ESPN has partnered with BYU and that 10 games will be on ESPN and the one game that isn't right now will be on BYUTV. That game doesn't even matter because it is against my current school ISU. I could get student tickets and go if I wanted to. The biggest thing that I am excited for though is the opportunity to go to more games this year. After discussing the move to Pocatello one of the things that was brought up was that we would be closer to Utah and therefore closer to my Cougars. I am going to try and make it to a couple of games this year instead of the one and if they go well I will see if I can do more. I can't wait!

Heaps coming into his own, great linebackers, promising receivers, going independent, ESPN, and the possibility to make it to every home game. This is going to be a great year.

New Mexico bowl Highlights 2010 from James B Ellison on Vimeo.

1st Semester Done

2011-07-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

The first semester back at school as been a tough one. I spent countless hours studying and preparing for class. I took two test that took me 5 hours a piece to finish. 4 papers that had to be 10 pages or more. Observation hours at a middle school, school board meeting, and band concert. I interviewed multiple people that I then had to write 5 page papers for. I did service at the Idaho Food Bank here in Pocatello for service hours related to one classes observations. I had to do 23 hours of observations in the school and around the community. 2 class presentations and some group work. At the middle of the semester I was afraid that I had made a mistake in going back to school. It felt like things were rushing over my head and that I was not able to catch up. As the semester came to an end I realized that I had made it through and that it wasn't as bad as I had thought. I am excited for the upcoming semester and although 1 class has 6 books that I have to buy I am excited to read them. This endeavor has been tough on my family but in the end I know that the Lord will take care of us. This is what we are suppose to be doing and we all feel good about it even though we complain some times.

Now for what you really wanted to know.

EDUC 2201 - 97%

EDUC 2204 - 100%

College is Kicking my Trash!

2011-06-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

This first semester is kicking my trash. I am super slammed with reading multiple chapters a night, working on 3-5 page papers, and trying to get all of my observation hours in. It has been a little rough but that is the reason that I took the summer semester. In order to get done on time I am going to have to take 18 credits a semester and I knew that by doing the faster paced summer semester I would be prepared come the fall semester. I know that this is all going to be worth it in the end but right now I would just like to breathe.

My Kids Mother is Better than Your Kids Mother

2011-05-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to my wonderful wife.

She is an amazing mother, homemaker and companion. I am so grateful that she is willing to put up with my crazy antics all the while making our home a wonderful place to be. What would Audrey, David and I do without her?

We LOVE you!

Happy Mothers Day Becky!

Audrey's Birthday is Better Than Your Birthday

2011-05-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday

To:

My little helper

My favorite daughter

My video game partner

My head banging sweetheart

My cohort in crime (when it comes to mom)

My little girl

My MIRACLE

I love you Audrey, have an amazing birthday!

What Can I Say?

2011-04-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

We have been in Pocatello now for a month and so far things are going good. We are so busy with the apartments and getting things running here that we don't have time for anything else. Since we have been here we have had an entire floor with sewer problems, a main water line break and a water drain from the roof start leaking. These are only the major things, minor things happen everyday. It is a little hectic but we are hoping that things slow down before school starts in a couple of weeks so that Becky can do the management and I can do school. Bishop Clegg told me that Becky would have to sacrifice to put me through school and I see that she is already doing so. I appreciate that she is willing to take control and run these apartments so that i can do this.

I'M OUT!

2011-04-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

After a week of packing and getting ready to leave the BOISE WEEKLY it is finally here. I am bummed to leave this job but I am excited to get on to the next chapter for my little family. I called home on Wednesday and Becky told me that all week I had sound relaxed and happy. Well that is because I am. I am happy to be going this direction and moving on. Most importantly we are doing what the Lord wants us to do. What a great time. I will be out for a few days but I will catch you all on the other side of the state when we get there.

Pocatello or Bust!

BIG NEWS Revealed!

2011-03-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

In a previous post I mentioned that we had huge changes taking place and that I wasn't at liberty to tell everyone yet. Well the time has come to let the cat out of the bag. About six months ago I went with my dad and his young men to the BYU vs San Diego State football game. Lyric and Scott were kind enough to let me sit with them on the 40 yard line 2 rows from the field. It was an amazing time and BYU won. While I was there I really felt the spirit. I decided that it was just that I was on the campus of my favorite college.

On the following Tuesday I had to go to a fireside with my young men. When I got there I found out that it was a CES fireside and that the young men and their parents needed to be there and that I could go home. My young mens president encouraged me to stay. I was pretty upset because Becky was pregnant and I really thought that I could be home helping her. During the presentation though I began to feel the spirit whisper to me that I needed to go back to school. I was bawling by the end of the fireside. I drove home and sat in the car for a minute thinking about how I was going to tell Becky about this.

I came in the house and helped put Audrey to bed. Becky could tell that something was wrong and kept asking me what the deal was. I kept putting her off because I wanted to have Audrey in bed and Becky's full attention. Finally everything was in place and I told her the experience that I had had that night. I said that I was suppose to go back to school. Becky told me that she didn't think so and we began to discuss, and cry, off and on the rest of the night. We came to the conclusion that I would see if it would even be feasible for us to go back to school.

Over the next few weeks I found that we qualified for financial aid and other grants that would pay for college 100%. The more that Becky and I talked about it the more we felt that this is what we should be doing. It just seemed like the Lord had something in store for us.

December 4th David was born and so it wasn't a shock when the Bishop caught me in the hall at church and told me that he needed to talk to me. I expected him to congratulate us on the birth and talk to me about blessing him. Instead he shut the door behind me and then said "I have felt impressed to tell you that you need to go to school and you need to become a teacher". I was in awe and must have looked like a deer in the headlights. We had not discussed going back to school with anyone. We hadn't even told our parents yet. I told the bishop that it was in the works and that I needed him to interview me for my application to BYU. A few weeks later he did just that and gave me a glowing review. The stake president did the same thing and we were on our way.

There were a few schools that we looked at but some didn't seem feasible due to the cost. One that was down on the list was Idaho State University. It was closer to our families and the price was right but we didn't really want to move to Pocatello. They were the first ones to accept me. I kept my hopes up for BYU but the day came when BYU denied my application. I was bummed about it but knew that the Lord was looking out for us.

We started making preparations to go to ISU and move to Pocatello. We made a trip down to check out housing and the campus. While we were there we met with my advisor in the education department. This all felt really good and we knew that the school part was what we were suppose to be doing.

As it has gotten closer we have tried to figure out how to pay for housing and food. We kept thinking that we needed to find something but we felt that the Lord would provide a way. This past weekend we made the trip again and have become managers of an apartment complex. This gives us free rent plus $700 a month.

We know that the Lord needs us in Pocatello and that I am suppose to go back to school and get my education. We cannot deny the power of the Savior in our lives. We cannot deny the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. We have been guided to Pocatello, and although scary and hectic, we know that the Lord needs us there at this time and we are grateful for His hand in our lives.

Is This FOR REAL?

2011-03-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

In the 90's I was a young boy looking at BYU players with awe. I would wait outside the locker room for autographs of Ty Detmer, Eric Drage, Chad Lewis or anyone that had anything to do with the team. I was so excited about the chance to get to see these guys in action and then again in their street clothes. 20 years later I seem to be doing the same thing. As I looked at the SI cover for the hundredth time today I got to thinking about the men in my life who have brought me to this point in my BYU fan hood and wondered if they feel or felt the same way that I do today...Is This Real? For years I would go to games with my parents. We would sit in the north end zone and watch the games through binoculars. My dad would listen to Paul James on his Walkman during the game to get the play by play. Before that though my parents went with my Uncle Rob and Aunt Millie. They would take off to the games with all of their BYU gear and when they came home they would turn on the replay of the game and watch it. It was here that I fell in love with Uncle Rob's mashed potatoes and watching BYU games with the men that I thought knew everything about football. So now I ask, was this what it was like for you? Did you think that BYU football couldn't get any better when Steve Young, Robbie Bosco or Ty Detmer were playing? Did you believe that BYU had hit it's pinnacle? As I look at the cover of SI one last time before I go and buy it I truly stand in amazement over what BYU has done for me and I ask myself, Is This For Real?

O.I.C.

2011-03-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

It dawned on me the other day that I had only reviewed one other Kurt Vonnegut book and my readers probably didn't understand why I was so amazed by the author. Well I did read another one that I forgot to put up here due to my fascination with Jimmer. I did read Breakfast of Champions in between Ask the Dust by John Fante and Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut.

Breakfast of Champions was a great book and I really liked it but I wouldn't encourage everyone to read it. It was just enough outside the realm of main stream that I am positive that not everyone would like it like I did. The story is about a writer, Kilgore Trout, who shows up in a lot of Vonnegut's books and Dewayne Hoover who owns a car lot in Midland City just off the freeway. Trout is coming to this small town to accept a writing award at a convention that he has been invited to. Dewayne is deranged and believes that everything Kilgore writes is the literal truth. Kilgore is also a little off but in the end you find him relatively sane.

I thought that this book was really good. A friend let me borrow it and I read it in a few nights. I really like the way that Vonnegut writes and his interesting take on mundane things of the world.

Quotes:

Charm was a scheme for making strangers like and trust a person immediately, no matter what the charmer had in mind.
I can have oodles of charm when I want to.
Ideas or the lack of them can cause disease.
Teachers of children in the United States of America wrote this date on blackboards again and again, and asked the children to memorize it with pride and joy: 1492. The teachers told the children that this was when their continent was discovered by human beings. Actually, millions of human beings were already living full and imaginative lives on the continent in 1492. That was simply the year in which sea pirates began to cheat and rob and kill them.
Why are so many Americans treated by their government as though their lives were as disposable as paper facial tissue? Because that was the way authors customarily treated bit-part players in their made-up tales.
We are healthy only to the extent that our ideas are humane.
Our awareness is all that is alive and maybe sacred in any of us. Everything else about us is dead machinery.

Vonnegut is Amazing

2011-02-24T08:19:00.001-08:00

It has been awhile since I posted a blog about what I have been reading. To be honest a few things that I have read I am embarrassed to let people know about. Alas I am on to a more moving book. I just finished Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut and to give you a sense of how good I thought it was, I finished it in three days. I couldn't put it down. I know that I have said that other Kurt Vonnegut books were amazing as well and I am probably just on the Vonnegut bandwagon but this book was amazing and I would encourage anyone to read it.

Mother Night is about an American, Howard Campbell, who grew up in pre-World War II Germany. He is a writer and a play write who doesn't care about the war that is about to take place. Campbell is propositioned by a US intelligence officer who wants him to work for the US against the Nazi's. In order to make it work though he would have to become a Nazi and work for the regime. This officer tells him that no one would know that he was a spy and that the United States would hate him. Campbell makes the decision and becomes a radio personality that spews Nazi propaganda. When the war is over he makes his way back to the United States and later is captured by Israeli's and is charge with war crimes against humanity.

Kurt Vonnegut does such a great job in his writing of getting the reader sucked in. Every book that I have read by him keeps me engaged. This book was so good that I can't wait to read my next Vonnegut book.

Quotes:

We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.

There are plenty of good reasons for fighting," I said, "but no good reason ever to hate without reservation, to imagine that God Almighty Himself hates with you, too. Where's evil? It's that large part of every man that wants to hate without limit, that wants to hate with God on its side.

Say what you will about the sweet miracle of unquestioning faith, I consider a capacity for it terrifying and absolutely vile.

Generally speaking, espionage offers each spy an opportunity to go crazy in a way he finds irresistible.

Teach Me How To Jimmer!

2011-02-15T17:17:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

Becky and I are not the most romantic people on this planet. We don't hold hands in public, we have never been accused of PDA and rarely do you see us in a long embrace or kiss. Now add two kids to the mix and we don't even share the same cart at Fred Meyer. Regardless it is Valentine's Day and although we don't make a huge deal out of it I know that Becky loves me. A small touch during dinner, a look while we are shopping or a phone call just to tell me that David had pooped for the billionth time that day. It's hard not to know that we love each other. Becky is my best friend, I have loved her since I watched her walk into Papa Kelsey's. She is the most gorgeous woman, loving wife and caring mother that I know.

I LOVE YOU BECKY

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

"Big Changes" is my Middle Name

2011-02-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

Some big changes are coming our way again. I cannot speak about them at this time but I am so excited that I couldn't help but post this. As I was thinking about it though I got to thinking that this is the third "Big Change" that we have encountered in the past couple of years. I know that the Lord has something BIG in store for us. Sometimes I feel that we are winding our way down a slowly moving river. We can't see beyond the next bend but we know that the river continues to flow because we we can feel the movement. As soon as we come around the next bend we see the water picking up speed and heading right for a waterfall. We try to paddle against the current but there is no such luck, we are headed for the waterfall. We give in and the ride gets faster and more turbulent. We do everything to prepare ourselves for going over the edge and then we are there and everything happens so fast. We are tossed all over and even lose a few things but when we collect ourselves we are back in the boat on a gently flowing river. As we look back at the waterfall it doesn't look as scary as it did from the front side when we couldn't see the drop. We are coming up on that waterfall now and we are nervous. We know that the Lord will take care of us as he always does and for that I am truly grateful.

...one of these things just doesn't belong.

2011-02-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Brett Keisel who plays football for the Steelers has a beard that is growing out of control. You might ask yourself why I even care? Well Keisel played football at BYU and this manly beard is just one more reason to love him. In the past I have added pictures of myself with a beard but this one is amazing. Maybe someday I can be as cool and manly as Brett Keisel. Take the time to go and Beard yourself here.

JIMMER-TIME!

2011-01-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I last posted. I do have a new son which keeps me pretty busy once I get home. But to show you what I have been doing at work lately, watch this video. I have watched this once a day since it happened.

GO COUGS!

2010-12-20T12:47:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-06T16:01:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-29T08:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-11-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-11-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-09-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-08-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-08-09T15:02:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-07-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

BYU FOOTBALL

GO COUGS!

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

2010-07-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-03T21:18:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

AUDREY IS THREE!

2010-05-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-05-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

BEST SIMPSON'S OPENING EVER!

My videos are better than your videos.

2010-04-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-03-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-03-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-03-07T22:04:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-03-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-18T22:20:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-05T23:27:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-31T19:22:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-29T13:50:00.000-08:00

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

2010-01-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

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.

Just so there is no confusion.

2010-01-20T16:46:00.001-08:00

I think that this whole thing is a joke. NBC gave Conan the Tonight Show and they should stick with him. I am not a fan of Jay Leno and most of my generation isn't.

Happy New Year! Belated Obviously

2010-01-10T22:38:00.000-08:00

Well Happy New Year! I haven't been sure what to write about recently but I think that my blog has become very sad and boring. It seems that since I lost my job all of my post have been not so happy. Becky and I have been trying to look at the bright side of life, so we keep saying "It's 2010 and 2010 is going to better then 2009". So where do we go from here? I am not sure but I am going to try to blog more and be more up beat then before. We'll see how this goes but here is to making 2010 better then 2009!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

Have a Merry Christmas

Number 7

2009-11-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

This morning I got up for a conference call and left Becky and Audrey sleeping while I did so. I took the call and then tried to get some scheduling done before they woke up. Becky had a sleepless night with Audrey and I wanted them to be able to get the rest in which they needed. At 9am I heard Audrey talking in her bed so I quietly went up stairs and rescued her and brought her back down to watch Max and Ruby. I gave her a sippy cup with some juice and threw a blanket over her and she snuggled under it ready to watch "Mimi". I thought that I needed to make her some breakfast so I started to prepare some oatmeal since it was a little chilly.

As I waited for the water to boil I started reading a paper that Becky had taken out of a magazine and posted on the fridge. The title is 10 Thoughts on Whole Living and it gives you some things to think about. When Becky put this up the other day I joked with her that it seemed odd that she was putting it up. We went through a couple of them that she liked, but to be honest I didn't read the 10 thoughts. I found my self reading them this cold quiet morning.

1. Allow yourself the chance to really savor the moment.

2. Optimism isn't just a shift in perspective. It's an act of bravery.

3. Only you can decide the path worth taking.

4. Don't wait for your mood to change; take action despite it.

5. Approach gift shopping as an opportunity to honor the people you really love.

6. Rather than search for a single miracle food, strive for a varied and delicious diet.

7. You can't grow without pushing your limits.

8. Stop worrying about getting sick; focus on your health instead.

9. Don't believe what you hear. Life is good.

10. No one knows what the future will bring. Put your energy into now.

When I reached number 7 I stopped and reread it. I started thinking about the last few months and where we are right now physically and spiritually. You can't grow without pushing your limits. Over the last few months we have gone through some tough experiences and Becky and I have discussed many different times why we are here and where we will be in the future. We figure out where we are going to be in a couple of weeks and start moving that way only to find out that there is something else we need to do or a different direction is in store. We are constantly striving to get out of this hole that we have dug for ourselves but the more we climb the farther away the end seems.

One constant thread running through these discussions are how blessed we are. We are not in the house that we wanted to be and although we have cut every bill we still have bills piling up. With this said we still feel so blessed and we can feel the hand of the lord in our lives. We don't have everything that we once had but we have so many things to be thankful for. The church, our families, each other just to name a few.

7 seems to have become our mantra over the past few months after losing a job, leaving our gorgeous house and moving somewhere we didn't ever want to be. You can't grow without pushing your limits has to be the single most important piece of advice we have gotten over the last few months. How can we know who we are and what we are capable of if we don't push ourselves to the limits and endure to the end.

We are going to get out of this hole and when we do we are going to look back and see the progress that we have made. That progress is going to be leaps and bounds, not only temporally but spiritually. We have been given this opportunity to grow and we will succeed in doing so.

The water started boiling and I finished the oatmeal right before Becky came down. We were able to have breakfast and watch Max and Ruby together. We all climbed under the blanket and sat snuggling on the couch not even thinking about any problems we might have. What a wonderful morning.

Gameday in Provo

2009-10-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I made the trip to Provo to see BYU take on TCU in what I thought was going to be a great match up. In the end the game wasn't as good as I had hoped and BYU lost. Never the less the journey was exciting and I had a great time in Provo. My parents, Marc and I drove down Friday night to stay with Lyric and Scott. When we got there I received a call from a mission companion who had been camping out in the west parking lot of LES since Thursday. He said that we were going to have to be down there at 3am if we wanted to get into ESPN College Gameday. We decided that it would be in our best interest to drive to Provo from Murray that night and spend the night in the parking lot of Lavell Edwards Stadium so we could get in the gate the next morning. We prepared and made the trek to Provo for the night. We got there at midnight and found my mission companion and his tent. He said that they would start lining people up at about 4am to get wrist bands on so we could get in. We thought that the best idea was to go back and try to get some sleep in the van before that time. Marc and Scott slept in the captains chairs, I slept in the middle seat, and dad slept on an air mattress in the back of the van where we had taken out the back seat for more access. We didn't get much sleep that night with myself only getting an hour. At 3:30am we woke up and made our way back to the tent city and waited until 6am when they handed out wrist bands and put us in lines to get into Gameday. It was a blast and we were on TV a lot that morning. I think that the four of us were having a great time but for Scott and I this was a dream come true. We drove back to Murray to get some rest but instead Marc and Dad slept while Scott and I watched the broadcast of ESPN College Gameday. Because of this I only got an hour of sleep and Scott didn't sleep. We woke at 2:30pm and got ready to head back to Provo. The traffic was bad so ended up not getting parked until 4:30pm. We walked to the stadium and hung out for a little bit and decided that it would be better to go in and watch the team warm up. The game wasn't great but we all had a good time discussing the game with each other. It brought back great memories of when we use to have season tickets and when mom and dad came home with Aunt Millie and Uncle Rob, and Dad and Uncle Rob would watch the rebroadcast of the game and discuss it. I had so much fun and I have to thank Marc for making it possible. I wouldn't have been able to go if it hadn't been for Marc. So thanks Marc for making it possible and thanks mom and dad for letting me tag along. It was a once in a lifetime deal for me and I am so grateful that you all made it possible.

Thanks!

I'm Chill Like Dat.

2009-10-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

Tonight we ended up at Wendy's on Eagle Road for dinner. We sat there having our $4.00 meal and just talking about where we are at and where we want to be. After a little while a friend from our old ward showed up. We talked to her and her family for a few minutes about what had happened and how we are now in Nampa instead of Weiser. She was sad that we had to move out of the ward but was glad that we ended up somewhere that we thought we should be. As we left I got to thinking that I am not in the place that I want my family to be right now, but I am not upset that we are in this place either. We have to do what we have to do and the lord has something for us. I realized that I am just "chill" where we are at. I am OK with everything and we can just be cool here for awhile.

An Excerpt From My Journal

2009-09-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a tough summer and I have not felt like blogging due to all the problems. The other night I thought that this day in my journal might be best shared with the readers of my blog.

9/2/09

May 13th 2009 I lost my job at The Idaho Statesman. Since that time Becky and I have felt like we were in a car without any brakes. It took a month to find a job, then that job wasn't paying me. I took a job in Wieser Idaho and then found out it wasn't what they had told me it would be. The first job offered more money so we are back working for www.boise.biz but we have had to make sacrifices to do so. We moved to Nampa, which I hate, we are back in an apartment. The air conditioning isn't working, the phone line in the apartment hasn't been installed so no internet or land line. We have a swamp in the front yard. NO MONEY! Car needs new tires, oil change, 100,000 mile service and since yesterday a new headlight. Our registration is due and to top it off our property manager is on vacation. The thing that makes me not want to rip my hair out... I know the lord needs us here. With all this happening I still have a beautiful wife and wonderful daughter who seem to make things better. No matter how bad things get I still have a home cooked meal and Audrey running around screaming "I WUV you"! Things couldn't get much better then this, I am truly blessed and I know the lord is looking after me and my family.

Things have gotten a little better since then as well. This Sunday I will be sustained as the 1st counselor in the young men's presidency. I am really excited about this calling yet a little nervous with the responsibility. I do know that the lord is aware of me personally and I am so grateful for His love and direction in my life.

A Tornado

2009-08-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

Over the last three months the Vipperman house hold has been very hectic. I lost my job, found a job, that job wasn't making us any money, found a new job, traveled an hour and a half one way to said job, decided that we were going to move to the location of that job. The first job came back and offered more money and we wouldn't have to move, we had already given our 30 day notice in the house we were in and it had rented. We kind of freaked out and now things have just fallen into place. We feel very blessed to be in this position and we know that the lord has something in store for us.

2009-07-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

It looks like that we may be moving to Weiser. We don't know if this is a good thing yet or not. We have put a lot of thought and prayer into this decision and it just keeps getting closer. The Weiser Signal American is the local newspaper in Weiser and they are looking for an Advertising Sales Executive to sell ads for their paper. A couple of weeks ago Becky, Audrey and I drove up to Weiser to check things out and get introduced to the publisher. We had a nice time and met some really cool people. While we were talking to the publisher it was discovered that my Aunt and Uncle were the Grand Marshall's of the Fiddle Festival this year and that the publisher was really good friends with my cousin Cindy. It doesn't seem to matter where I go, someone always knows my family. Also while we were there the publisher asked how my writing skills were, I told her I didn't think they were very good. She said that they needed a sports writer and that I would have to take over those duties as well. I am not sure about the writing but I guess I will figure it out. The problem here is that we are unsure if we are supposed to be in Weiser. Only time will tell and I am sure that we will find out sooner rather than later.

Hockey Fight

2009-06-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hockey fights are a strategic part of the game. The first hockey game that Becky and I went to a fight broke out and we were hooked. Since that time we have found out that fighting can change the momentum of the game. The way it works is that every team has an enforcer. The enforcer is the guy that they send out to start fights because they can't have their star players getting put in the penalty box. An enforcer will go out and try to get the other teams star into a fight so that he will have to sit in the penalty box. Usually what happens though is that the two enforcers end up fighting and they both have to go to the box to think about what they have done.

Now fighting isn't really fighting unless they drop the gloves. In hockey you can throw punches with your gloves on and it is considered roughing and it is a 2 minute minor penalty that a ref may not call. The minute that the gloves come off it is fighting and it is a 5 minute major penalty.
There is a lot of crazy things in hockey that we have found out and we are always learning. Fighting is a major part and it gets the crowd in the game and pumped up. I love to listen to the announcers because they treat it like a boxing match, the talk about the height and weight of the players and announce right and left punches. With that said this clip is just fighting, no reason then the players were just mad at each other.

Fleury's Final Save

2009-06-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the video of Marc Andre Fleury's Save from game seven that clinched the win for the penguins. He makes a great diving save right at the end to close out the game. I was nervous that he wasn't going to get over in time but he did a great job.

The Penguins Win!

2009-06-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

I have been so excited watching the NHL playoffs this year. A bunch of the series went to 7 games and there was just some great hockey being played. When Becky and I started getting into hockey we watched a few NHL games and I really started to like the Pittsburgh Penguins. I have watched them the last few years. I am so stoked that they won the Stanley Cup this year and did it in an amazing game 7 at the Joe in Detroit. Detroit had gone 11-0 at home during the playoffs and I was nervous that the Pens would not be up to the task. Fleury was amazing and made every stop that he had to including a small break away from Hossa that he stopped. Malkin and Crosby did well but they had guys on them all the time so you knew that in order to win someone would have to step up. That guy was Maxime Talbot, he rocked two goals in game seven to lift Pittsburgh over Detroit. I wanted to post a video of the last two saves from Fleury but I can't find one. So I hope that you get a chance to see them, Fleury made an incredible diving save to end the game and I am still in awe over it.

My beard is better than your beard.

2009-05-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

What do you think of the new hairier me?
It's Hockey Playoff time - and that means it's time to grow a playoff beard. Yep, it's the first annual Beard-a-thon so I'm "Growing One For The Team," and raising money for charities across the country.

To see what you look like with a big, furry, play-off beard, visit Build-a-Beard.
To join the cause, or grow one of your own for the team,visit Beard-a-thon.
Let's get hairy!

Go Penguins!

2009-05-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

Becky doesn't allow pictures of herself so I had to go all the way back to November to find a picture of her to use in my post today.

Today is Mothers Day and I am so grateful to have Becky has the mother of Audrey. She is such a great mother to both of us (if you know me you know that Becky has to do a little mothering of me as well). I am grateful that I was able to marry my best friend and that we are still best friends. She is a wonderful mother and wife and Audrey and I are lucky to have her. From making tie-dye cakes to waking up 6 times a night with a sick baby, she does it all and we appreciate all that she does for us. We love you Beck.

To my mother, I am grateful for what you have taught me and raised me. I am a better person for having you has my mother. Case in point is the way that I treat my wife and daughter. Without you I would not know how to be a good husband and father. I appreciate all that you do for me and my family and we are so glad that we get to see you when we do. I love spending time with you and enjoy the times that we talk on the phone. You are awesome mom and thanks for being my Mother. I love you.

Mosaic

2009-05-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

Rules-
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search (http://www.flickr.com/).
b. Using ONLY the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Mosaic Maker. Change rows to 3 and columns to 3 (http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php).
d. Save the image and post it on this note.
e. If you're tagged, pass it on.

The Questions-
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite color?
3. What is your favorite food?
4. Favorite drink?
5. Dream vacation?
6. Favorite hobby?
7. What you want to be when you grow up?
8. What do you love most in life?
9. One word to describe you?

Rob and Ashley.

2009-05-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

A week ago Robert and Ashley were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Becky and I were there to witness this great moment in there lives. To some this is just an ordinary wedding and you are happy for them in the normal way. As for Becky and I this ran a bit deeper and we found ourselves asking each other in the temple if it was just us.

Rob and I have always been good friends and great cousins. We love hanging out and because of that, we spend a lot of weekends together in Idaho and Utah. Rob went with Becky and I on our first date and spent some time with us before he left on his mission. Becky and I couldn't wait two more weeks for Rob before we got married so he was not able to be to our wedding but he did show up in Boise a few weeks later and hung out for a few days. Rob and I are close and if you spend any time at all with the both us you can probably tell that it is too close.

Because of this close relationship we have spent multiple nights and weekends together discussing whatever is going on, Becky included. Becky has also become close to Robert and as we were going through our infertility problems Rob was going through his problems with finding a wife. We spent countless nights discussing our problems and comparing the two. We felt that we were in the same boat and Becky and I felt that Rob was one of the few people who really understood what we were going through. Likewise he thought that we understood what he was going through as well. This helped to make us that much closer.

A couple years ago we planned a trip to the Oregon Coast together and drove out to spend 4 days in a Yurt in Newport Oregon. We spent a lot of time discussing where we were emotionally with our respected trials. It was hard for all of us but we were helping each other cope. On the ride home Becky and I received the call that we would be getting Audrey. Rob was so excited for us but I think that he felt that we had kind of abandoned him with his trial.

A few months later Becky and I were in Utah and we went on Rob and Ashley's first real date. As with other dates Rob and I looked like we were on our own date, but Ashley stuck with it. She is lucky that she was not the one we took to Los Hermanos in Provo. I am sure that girl never wants to see us again. As Rob and Ashley got closer we wondered if Rob was going to finally get what he was hoping for.

Rob called me in January and told me that he was bringing Ashley to Boise to propose to her and he wanted us to be there. We were so happy for them and agreed to do whatever we need to. We had a great time while they were here and were so honored to be asked to be apart of this special moment. Rob seemed so happy and Ashley was shocked that it was happening.

Now only a few months later they are married and we couldn't be happier for them. Rob deserves this and Ashley has a great guy. What a great thing for the both of them. Becky and I returned home last Saturday and while we drove we discussed our feelings. Rob means so much to us, so it is just so awesome that he has been able to find such happiness after going so long without finding someone. Rob and Ashley we want you to know that you are always welcome at our house. We love you guys and think that you are great for each other. We can't wait to hang out as married couples and discuss just how close our paths run. We will continue the trips with just our families so that our kids can be just as close as Rob and I are (Ashley and Becky might not like that idea). Thanks for all you do for us and thanks for including us in this special time in your lives. You both are awesome.

New Baseball Promotion

2009-04-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Two summers ago The Idaho Statesman did a big contest where the winners would get to fly to Seattle and watch a Mariners game from the suite of one of McClatchy's other papers. Landon, Matt and I won the contest along with some others. We had a blast up there and have been talking about trying to get the Statesman to do it again, yesterday our dreams became reality. Well at least for Matt and I. This promotion is only for the new business reps so Landon will not be able to go. Matt and I, along with the other two new business reps have to hit a certain number to go and I really think that we have a shot. It is over a 90 day period and starts May 1st, so by July 31st we will know if we have done it or not. I am super excited and can't wait to get started. Sporting events to motivate everyone but they do motivate me so I am going to get out there and hit it hard so I can be in Seattle in August.

2009-04-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

I'm Celebrating Today!

My Hockey Team is NOT as Good as Your Hockey Team!

2009-04-18T16:47:00.001-07:00

So the Steelheads were swept by the Victoria Salmon Kings with a 2-1 OT loss last night. Becky and I were crowded around the computer listening to the action all night. We were hopeful going into the third period 1-0 Steelheads but Victoria tied it mid-way through the third and sent it to over time and with eight minutes left the Steelheads goalie, Climie, made a great save but couldn't handle the wrap around rebound. It was devastating and we have been talking about it all day. It really comes down to one stat, 1 for 18 on the power play. The Steelheads just couldn't convert on the man advantage and in the end that is what killed them and their playoff chances. Becky and I are so bummed that the ECHL hockey season is over and I am sure that Audrey is to because all she has been saying the last week or so is "Gockey". We are disappointed but since we are true fans we will stick behind the Steeheads and be there for opening day in October. GO STEELIES!

Easy Star's Lonely Hearts Club Band

2009-04-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

The Easy Star All-Stars have done it again! I first heard about these guys when they put out Dub Side of the Moon which was a Pink Floyd Reggae Dub cover CD. It was amazing and since that time I have been buying anything that they put out. This CD is a cover of the Beatles, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and I love it. I can't get enough of it. You should totally buy it if you are a reggae fan and it is a must have if you are an Easy Star All-Star fan. These guys rock and I can't wait until they come even close to Idaho because I will be going to that show I guarantee.

2009 Grateful Dead Tour

2009-04-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Grateful Dead are going on tour this summer and I am totally stoked. I am trying to get Becky to let us go. They are playing in Mountain View California on May 10th and 14th and I am trying to talk Becky into going to her Aunt Rebecca's in San Francisco for a couple days and going to the show. I do realize that Jerry isn't there, for those of you who keep telling me that it isn't the same but I didn't have the opportunity to go while he was alive. For me the experience of seeing the Grateful Dead in concert would be amazing in its own right without Jerry. I am not sure that I could handle it with him.
Tour Info
4/12
NC
GreensboroGreensboro Coliseum
Ticketmaster

4/14
DC
WashingtonVerizon Center
Ticketmaster

4/15
VA
CharlottesvilleJohn Paul Jones Arena
Music Today

4/17
NY
AlbanyTimes Union Center
Tickets.com

4/18
MA
WorcesterDCU Center
Ticketmaster

4/19
MA
WorcesterDCU Center
Ticketmaster

4/21
NY
BuffaloHSBC Arena
Tickets.com

4/22
PA
Wilkes-BarreWachovia Arena @ Casey Plaza
Ticketmaster

4/24
NY
UniondaleNassau Coliseum
Ticketmaster

4/25
NY
New YorkMadison Square Garden
Ticketmaster

4/26
CT
HartfordXL Center
Ticketmaster

4/28
NJ
E. RutherfordIZOD Center
Ticketmaster

4/29
NJ
E. RutherfordIZOD Center
Ticketmaster

5/1
PA
PhiladelphiaWachovia Spectrum
New Era Tickets

5/2
PA
PhiladelphiaWachovia Spectrum
New Era Tickets

5/4
IL
ChicagoAll State Arena
Ticketmaster

5/5
IL
ChicagoAll State Arena
Ticketmaster

5/7
CO
DenverPepsi Center
Ticketmaster

5/9
LA
Los AngelesThe Forum
Ticketmaster

5/10
CA
Mountain ViewShoreline Amphitheatre
LiveNation

5/14
CA
Mountain ViewShoreline Amphitheatre
LiveNation

5/16
WA
QuincyThe Gorge
LiveNation

July
MI
RothburyRothbury Festival
Click Here

My job is better than your job!

2009-04-09T22:39:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are wondering how my new job is going, I thought that I could just take a minute and tell you. It is awesome! I have had some transition with my old territory and the new rep but I think that things are going smoothly there. The new job consists of hitting the streets around 9am and knocking doors until 4pm. Now to some of you this may sound a little daunting but to me it is great to get out and meet new people and find out what the paper can do for them. This is the end of week two in this new position and I am really having a lot of fun with it. My buddy Matt and I are both new business reps and we have gone on a few "four legged" calls and I would have to say that they have been our most productive calls that we have made. So far everyone has been receptive to the idea and we haven't been kicked out of a business yet. I do believe that sales is my true calling and in this type of environment (new business) I do really well. So far in last two weeks I have signed three new businesses up to advertise with the Statesman and have gone on 75 new business calls. This new job is rockin and I am having a blast. Now if someone could only save this post for me so a year from now when I hate it I can re-read it.

Hockey Playoffs are here!

2009-04-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend the ECHL playoffs start and I am so stoked for them. Right now the Idaho Steelheads are the second seed and seem to be streaking at the right time. I am not going to say that it feels like the 06-07 season but I can feel something. The Steelheads start the playoffs with home ice playing the Victoria Salmon Kings. This is going to be a great series and I am really excited to get it started.

Last weekend we went to a game on Friday night against the Phoenix Road Runners and there happened to be a fight which is not unusual with these two teams.

The fight got finished and the refs put the two players in the penalty boxes. A fan threw some beer on the player from Phoenix which didn't make him to happy and he tried to come over the glass. We have never seen this before but it was pretty cool. They kicked the player out of the game and escorted the fan out of the stadium.

Pictures courtesy of http://www.steveconnerphotography.com/