The Life Of JK

Reflections

2009-06-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

I am on vacation.

I have 12 days behind me and 4 days to go before it is back to work for me. I think it has been one of the best vacations I can remember. Not necessarily because of the things I have done - but because of the things I have experienced.

I have experienced wonder and amazement, renewed friendship and family ties, humility and awe before God, a sense of belonging, youthfulness and childlike happiness, the joy of fatherhood, newlywed-like passion with my wife of almost 12 years, and calmness and serenity toward life and where it is taking me.

Yes - this has been a great vacation and I am sure that the next few days will not disappoint.

The Central Coast of California
Last week we started a drive from San Clemente (just north of the San Diego County border) to San Francisco. We made pit stops in Santa Babara, Solveng, Santa Maria, Hearst Castle, saw Elephant Seals bathing on the beach, went to Santa Clara, visited pier 39 and China town. We even crossed the Golden Gate bridge and saw some of the countries most expensive homes on Belvedere Island, Sausalito and Tiburon. But none of these was more impressive than the hand of God.

You see - the Central Coast of California, unbeknown to me until this last week, is still largely untouched and still very rugged and untamed.

As we left our stop at Hearst Castle the kids in the back fell asleep and Katherin dozed off for a nap. I was left to myself for much of the drive along the windy cliff side road on the Pacific ocean - on Californias central coast.

I was left to my thoughts. It seemed to me to last a few hours from when we left Hearst Castle until we arrived in Monterey.

What lies between the two is an undescribeable beauty of nature. Along this route there moments where there were so many pine trees along the coast - you could have thought you were high in the mountains. At other points the landscape was so flat and filled with cattle that you might have guessed you were among the great plains of the midwest. (trust me - i have been there too). At other points along the drive we were on cliffs so high you dared not look over.

The one thing all of these landscapes had in common was the Pacific Ocean just feet away. With its enourmous kelp beds and jagged rocks (some so big you could build mansions on them) the water has never looked so intimidating, majestic, or full of life.

One cannot deny that world was created by some supreme being. I call him God. He is a a master artisian and geologist. He is an awesome God.

All Things Big
As I mentioned earlier - we visited Hearst Castle. In its own right - this place is amazing. More than that - it gives man hope that he can dream and keep dreaming never being satisfied with what he has already done and where he has already been. But to keep striving for better and higher. And in the example of William Hearst, not at the expense of others - but with the purpose of bringing others along.

One of those persons he brought along was my son Isaac. During the tour of the Castle and the Castle grounds Isaac was in total and complete focus on the tour guide and everything he was showing us.

I have never ( and I repeat NEVER) seen Isaac so focused. Not on baseball, not on coniving a secret plan to get something of personal benefit, not on food or sports. Only here.

When you think about it - it makes sense.

You see - Isaac, like the Castle, is gi-normous. Not in physical size. But in heart, imagination, and in what he demands of himself.

At the end of the tour he made a pact with his brother Matthew to build something just like it. Later that week - he had the same fascination with the Golden Gate Bridge.

Isaac is big. Not because of some sort of Napolean complex that he keeps deep inside. But because of his capacity to become.

Isaac is all things big.

Friends
99% of this vacation has been with immediately family. Some with extended family. And just a little bit of time with some friends.

Once we got to San Francisco - we were invited by my good friend and work associate Tracy Cook to stay the night with her family, have a BBQ together and just hang out.

So thats what we did. Her and her husband Scott are very warm hosts and a blast to hang out with. Very genuine people and very kind.

The short visit we had with them reminded me that friends don't need to do a lot together. Friends are like family. As long as you are together - the where doesn't really matter.

Thanks T-Dawg!

The magic of Disneyland
Fatherhood is great. Nothing beats looking down at your kids seeing the complete amazement in their eyes as Tinkerbell soars overhead during the Disneyland Firework show. Or the joy they get when they accomplish something hard. Nothing is as great as riding a speeding roller-coaster with your oldest son and knowing that you are both beaming with smiles from ear to ear. Watching your 7 and 5 year olds embrace each other in hugs and and even bigger hugs as they find out they get to ride together on the Pirates of the Caribbean. That is cool.

I have discovered that the magic kingdom has its effects beyond that of young children or newly-in-love couples. It transcends deeply into the hearts of parents who watch it happen all over again and again and again - in their kids.

Disneyland is awesome.

In summary.
God is the ultimate creator. The greatest things we can create are strong families and strong friendships. But if we decide to go further than that, Walt Disney and William Hearst are good examples of what we are capable of.

Inside all of us - even little guys like Isaac - is something great and inspiring. If you need a reminder of that - I recommend Disneyland with a 5-year old.

Nobody Said That Would Happen

2009-05-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

A while back ago I saw a guy eat a live gold fish.

It never donned on me that the fish had been swimming in clean water and had probably been sanitized.

So this weekend when I had the opportunity to eat a guppy (the other cheap fish you buy next to the gold fish) - I took it.

Nobody pressured me into it. I just wanted to prove it was no big deal.

And it wasn't a big deal - UNTIL 3 HOURS Later - when I was glued to the porcelain throne. That was a long hour and not one I want to repeat.

Then a few hours after that - I returned to almighty flusher face down puking.

Moral of the story - Say yes to sushi, no to guppies.

I Have Got To Meet This Guy

2009-02-19T08:19:00.001-08:00

There is a person I want to meet - He is a Dentist. But thatis not why I want to meet him.

You see our lives have been crossing paths for nearly 15 years now and I have never met him, don't know what he looks like but I am fascinated by the fact that hotels confuse us, airline miles used to swap our points, and he shows up every single time I Google my name.

Thats right. Every time I Google my name he shows up - why? Because it's his name too.

There is another James Keddington out there and I want to meet him.

The first time I came across this mystery James was when I recieved his mail. I had just signed up for Delta Sky Miles and lo and behold - in the mail I get his point statement. The outside of the envelope was my information, the inside of the envelope was his information.

That is where I learned that there was a James Keddington living in Salt Lake City.

I have since cancelled my Sky Miles and actually refuse to re-sign up because I dont want that to happen again. Although, I have always wondered if I accidentally cancelled his at the same time.

Some time a long the way I learned that he moved to Bountiful, Utah. (oddly enough is where I was born)

My last path crossing was just the other day. I had called a hotel to get my rewards points status. (yes - i love reward points, and evidently he does too). After I had verified all the usual stuff - the interesting question came. It was this, " I have James Keddington, where do you live?" I answered correctly followed by, and does the other one live in Bountiful Utah."?

She was stunned that I knew the answer. I was not surprised.

So as I have Googled my name - and he has popped up - I have also learned that he is a practicing Dentist in Bountiful. Where my grandparents live.

I have decided that on my next visit this year, I will be making a dental appointment.

I had a nightmare last night

2009-02-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

I had the worst dream last night. In my dream I was in some building and had to go poop really bad, and I couldn't find a bathroom.

Finally - when I found one after looking all over the place - the stall was nasty. And someone had pee'd all over the place. So I went looking for another bathroom.

When I found the 2nd bathroom - the toilet seat was so high I would have to climb up to sit on it, and there was no toilet paper. So I went looking for another bathroom.

When I found a 3rd Bathroom, it had no doors to the stall and opened up to a giant park with a ton of people playing and having fun. So I went looking for another bathroom.

Instead of finding a 4th bathroom. I woke up.

I really hated that dream.

War Sucks

2009-01-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

This war in Gaza is breaking my heart. The boy 2nd from right must be the big brother.

Street Performers Are The Best

2009-01-10T02:58:00.000-08:00

Ok - we have all been to places like Chicago, L.A., New York, San Francisco and all the tourist destinations where street performers thrive. For the most part - street performers are really talented.

But on occasion...some really suck.

So here is my day on Thursday. I am in L.A. on an appointment with someone I met on my way back from Honolulu last November. Instead of heading home in the heat of traffic (I had anticipated this - so Kat and the kids drove up with me) we decided to head over to Santa Monica Pier.

For those who aren't familiar Santa Monica Pier is really cool. It has roller coasters, an arcade and lots of other stuff. The pier and it's really close other amusement area, 3rd Street Promenade, are home to dozens of street performers and vendors.

You have the typical robot people, henta tattoo artists, sax players, and the never-ending "10 Year-old Michael Jackson" impersonator with his mooching mother and father close-by. (yes- I am convinced these kids are forced performers)

Well - we were at the pier and it being Winter - huge crowds were absent, and thus the good street performers as well.

In fact - there was only one performer.

The crappiest puppeteer in the world. Yes - he doesn't dance - his puppet dances. Or so he would want you to think the puppet dances.

In reality - the puppet goes up and down, and then up and down again. No, the feet don't move, the head doesn't move, and the arm and hands don't move either. The mans hand that holds the strings go up and down bending the puppet at the knee's until they hit the ground, and then he brings it up till the legs are fully extended, then back down again.

Of course, all this is to the beat of 80's R&B rap like MC Hammer, Bobby Brown, and LL COOL J. It wouldn't be otherwise.

So as we approach this guy picks up the beat and really gets into it and I just watch to see what he can do with the puppet and nothing new happens. As I realize that this guy is the crappiest puppeteer on the face of the planet I notice the small crowd around him.

Its not a crowd, its his own kids holding out money like they arent his kids and they are tipping him. As we walk by the strategic clapping and laughing (obviousely fake laughing) pick up into high volume.

As we walk past, it all stopped, and all three kids turn to look at us, like, "did it work, did we lure them in to give us money", followed by the "Crap, it didn't work...I hate my dad for dragging me out in the cold" look.

I actually feel bad for the kids (and his wife who showed up later...who also looked as pissed as the kids to be there in the cold watching her husband. It seemed as if she is totally aware of the fact that he is the crappiest puppeteer and performer on the block).

Enjoy the picture.

The man of many talents is in the background with his wife dead center, kids to the right.

The ever so popular name on a grain of rice vendor.

A few yards down the innovative and highly competitive name and picture on a grain of rice vendor

I'm Forrest, Forrest Gump. My friends call me Forrest Gump.

There are more pictures of the family on roller coasters, at the Kings Hockey Game, and having fun together on Katherins and mine Facebook pages. Check them out there.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I just want to scream...but it will hurt

2008-12-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

I had my tonsils taken out and it isn't much fun.

I have been on the down low about it because of the holidays and such. But I am finally going to write about it. All I know is that it had better be worth it.

I was told that by the time all the healing is over I will look like Brad Pitt, be as strong as Spiderman, have the fashion sense of a queer, and sensitivity of an unrealistic male figure on a chick flick.

If that doesn't happen - someones gonna die. Cuz looking back - that is whats it worth.

Alright - now that I got that silent scream out of the way and feel no less better than I did 30 seconds ago, it really isnt fair to say this sucks. After all, I just finished my 4th of recovery. Yes - this happened the day after Christmas and yes - I at more on Christmas MORNING than i have since the surgery.

I the last four days I have had 2-costco protien shakes, 2- Wendy's Frosties, a grip load of water and ice chips, about 10 jello cups (now beginning to be a bit nasty) 5-frozen cups, 4-popsicles (maybe 5) and cup of cold ramen noodles.

They warned me that my taste buds might change and if they did, they would come back. Well - they changed. Everything tastes bitter - even the chocolate shakes and frosties.

So, you might be asking why I had this done... well it wasn't for the fun of it. I just snore too much and its part of the problem. They were also blocking part of my airpath that helped me breath at night - so I had sleep apnea too. I guess my tonsils were 3-times what the normal size is.

Those loyal followers of my blog might now be asking...isnt that why you had surgery last summer. The answer is yes - this is round two and hopefully the last. I cant think of anything else that I dont need that hasnt been taken, except well...that isn't happening yet.

Other than that - the last few days have been awesome!

It's Official

2008-11-20T21:15:00.001-08:00

Katherin is officially, certifiably --- HOT!!

Embarrassing moments, Katherin, Weight Loss, Kids, and all the other stuff

2008-11-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

I feel like it has been a while since I have had a real posting here. I mean, lets not forget my final word on Prop. 8 - but that has nothing to do with whats going on in my life...and that is what this blog is about - the life of JK.

OK - I had an extremely embarrassing moment today from something that happened yesterday. I am driving to church with Hallie (we were on our way to my Nieces baby blessing) and out of nowhere I just decide to start singing to her. Admit it. You sing all the time in the car. Difference probably is that I was going solo with no background help whatsoever.

Anyhow - in the midst of my singing I hear this noise coming from my earbuds connected to my iPhone. I look at the phone and I see the name " Marianne Phillips" and a time of 29 seconds. Marianne is my boss and evidently the noise I hear is hear laughing hysterically.

I just hung up. At the time I didnt know she was laughing - I found out today thats what I heard as she proudly told our entire office in our team meeting this morning.

For those who want to know - I dont know the name of the song. I just know the words and at this point I am definitely not in the singing mood.

Katherins Health. For those who haven't heard, Katherin had and appendectomy about 2 1/2 weeks ago. A lot of people have asked about her and how it all went down - I really havent had a chance to respond so here it goes.

On Oct. 22 I am working late and while on the last train possible I get a call from Katherin saying she is on her way to the Emergency Room. After 24 hours was up she realized is wasnt the 24 hour flu.

I got to the hospital about 7 and around 2 am she was discharged with the diagnosis being a burst cyst on one of her ovaries. Painful and more common than you might think. We are told to home, sleep, the pain will be gone shortly and see the OB.

The next morning at 9:30 we get a call from the hospital saying they were wrong and to come back - she had appendicitis.

By noon she was in surgery.

According to the Dr. all went well. (Liar)

By the time nightfall came I had 4 hours of sleep in a 48 period of time and decided to go home. That became code for nurses to ignore Katherin.

That night Katherin went completely ignored for 7 hours in which she endured no pain medicine and she described it as a 7 hour delivery of a baby.

After serious complaining - we recieved good care the following day and half. She stayed one more night and went home on the evening of the third day.

After about a week the incision area became hard - but not to be concerned.

On Oct. 30 she went to the Dr. to have it looked at and they declared it part of the healing process.

On Oct. 31 infection starting oozing from the incision area and we went back to the ER (different hospital this time)

Evidently she had a pretty serious infection.

They had to cut her open - and yes I watched. I could never be a doctor. Completely disgusting. After opening her up and squeezing the infection out, they loaded the open wound area with gauze.

Two days later they removed it and replaced it with rubber tubing to let the infection leak out more - but allow the wound to heal.

Two days later the tubing come out on its own.

Now Katherin is finally doing fine.

So that is the skinny - hopefully end of story.

Where I am at with Weight Loss. With all of Kats medical issues over the last three weeks - I had little time to focus on myself. I was doing double duty as Mom, Dad and busy time at work. Needless to say I have only been alble to workout 3 times in teh last three weeks. However - I have been able to watch what I eat.

So for accountability records - I am down to 210. That is a couple of pounds loss since my last posting on becoming a loser.

I hope to a bigger loser in upcoming weeks despite the holidays.

A missionary farewell and a baby blessing. This weekend was awesome crazy. All my family was in town for my neices baby blessing. Even my cousins Tiffany and Tessa made it down with my Aunt Tina. It was great.

This weekend was also Katherins brothers mission farewell. He reports this Wednesday and is going to serve in Eugene Oregon.

Fishing with my brothers. For the first time I can remember - me and my two brothers spent a day together. It was awesome. We went Sea Fishing. Some call it Deep Sea Fishing - but it wasnt. It was like a mile south of the harbour and a half mile of shore. So it was just ocean fishing.

The only keeper was Richards sheepshead. He caught a few others. I forget what they were, and same with Pat. I caught three small fish. A seabass, a rockfish, and a mackrell. Not the holy kind, just a regular ole terrestrial mackerel.

The best part was hanging out with my brothers. I hope we do it again soon.

Work is INSANE. End of story.

Going to Hawaii. Despite work being totally insane - its taking me to Honolulu this week. So thats why I am not complaining. Kat gets to come. We will have two days of work and two days of pleasure. I will post pics later. We leave Wednesday and get back on Sunday morning around 5 am. Poor kids - they get to go to Grandmas.

I like Adobe Photoshop. Check out the pic I did of the kids with it.

Facebook is a gentle reminder that I am out of touch. I dont feel old. I definitely dont act old. I dont even think I look old. But some say I sound older on the phone. But lately as I have been on Facebook I have been reminded that there there is an up and coming generation behind me. Terms like tagged and poke have different meanings. I am instantly connected to people of my past who were never my friends, never intended on being friends - but for some reason Facebook has made them my friend. I am ok with that though. But can someone please help me figure out what it means to poke somebody. I mean, how rude.

In conclusion - I have spent the entire train ride home on this posting and almost my entire battery life.

Its been a good hour.

A Final Word On Proposition 8

2008-11-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

My posting on proposition 8 has generated a lot of attention from both sides of the argument. Some have been very respectful and debated the issues. Some have been raucus and put words in my mouth and have been liars, while our latest and most humble poster, "Heart Throb Scott" is just purely emotional. I think his hearts been broken.

We have heard a lot on proposition 8 from opponents to the victorious amendment. Some have been on this blog, some in the news, and some from friends.

While my next comment definitely does not apply to the majority of opponents it definitely applies to those making the most noise. The opponents and so-called defenders of the law, protector of rights, and the role models of tolerance have found themselves arrested for trampling police cars, disturbing the peace, assaulting the elderly, and the felony level destruction of personal property. This does not include the lowest of character assaults and threats on individuals of the Mormon faith in decietful advertising and riotous outbreaks at our temples and on city streets.

To be fair in comparison - the proponents of this proposition did have one altercation where a grown man attacked a 17-year old female. Just as horrendous.

But by comparison - this is the only like example.

And so - I make this comment only to let the opposition to Prop 8 know that so long as the behavior of the noise makers continues - their actions destroy any credibility that they are walkers of the talk, and validate that they are two tongued selfish thinking, zealots who are more concerned with themselves than any other group.

And so now I will respond to the comments and statements that fire me up the most:

Supporters of Prop 8 are accused of being hateful, discriminatory, and intolerant.

Hateful: No - not in the least bit. Our rallies have been respectful and peaceful. We have not gone to peoples places of worship and tried to drive fear into the hearts of those who oppose us. Fear is documented tactic by opponents of this proposition. Fear is also the main tactic of street gangs and terrorists. We are not hateful. Our values are different. That is all.

Discriminatory. Yes. This is discriminatory. But not in a bad way. We (our state and country) discriminate every day. I choose water over soda pop. I am not allowed in the carpool lane because I bought my hybrid too late. I dont get food stamps because I make too much, even though I cant afford to pay all my bills. I choose not to fool around with other women because I value being part of my wifes and childrens life more. I am not allowed in certain night clubs unless I bring a girl with me. I voted yes on 8 because I am discriminatory in what I want taught in public schools and I want my preacher to be discriminatory based on his values on who get does and does not marry in the church. So I had to be discriminatory in my choice on proposition 8. Every choice is discriminatory. Every single one. We all discriminate based on our personal values. My discriminating vote had nothing to do hate, gender, or sexual preferences. It had everything to do with what I want taught in schools, the freedoms I want my preacher to have in exercising our religion, the century old traditions I want preserved. There is nothing wrong with that.

Intolerant - No, quite the opposit. We live a higher law. Its called un-condition love without condoning. You see - this world says if you dont agree with me you are intolerant and unaccepting. I live something higher. I say you are free to choose and live they way you want regardless of how much I disagree with you. I will love you regardless - but at the same time I wont condone what I disagree with. We all have friends who have been addicted to drugs. We love them dearly. But we dont do drugs, we dont encourage their addiction, and we dont make it easier for them to continue in the addiction. In essence - we completely disagree with their lifestyle of drug use, we teach our children to never use drugs. But we still love the person.

While drugs is physically harmful - one might say there is no comparison. I would say it is a perfect comparison. Most of Christianity and other world religions considers homosexuality a sin, unnatural and against Gods command and contrary his design for his ultimate creations, man and woman. Thus homosexuality is as spiritually dangerous to us and drugs are physically dangerous.

They both separate us from God.

Do you really want to tell that she can't get married to the one she loves because she is lesbian?
No - I dont . But I will. Because more than that - I dont want would happen in our school system and to our preachers.

Again my rights and priviliges would be taken away if this were to happen. Dont say it wouldnt - it already has for those in Massachussetts.

I would however support a national civil union registry. Let the state stop administering marriages in the courts and let it be optional and no longer a legal status - but purely a religious ordinance.

That way preacher can marry who they want based on belief, schools teach that legal unions between two person get certain tax benefits, health benefits etc...and morality discussions are completely taken out of the government. If i want a tax break, me and my current wife would need to file for a civil union. This would give greater equal legal responsibility to parents of children in the case of civil union annulments and gay couples could enjoy the same legal benefits that currently are offered to only married people.

Everyone would win that way. My religious freedoms are preserved. My parental rights in what values I teach my children are still mine to choose. And homosexual couples enjoy the same legal benefits nationally and statewide.

Opponents of Prop 8 ask why my religion is more important than theirs: Here is why. Let me use an analogy.

It is completely legal to throw a punch at somebody. It becomes illegal once that punch has landed on the persons face or body.

Likewise - we are free to live our religion to the point at which it stops another from living theirs. That being said - when preachers are sued and lose in court because they chose not to marry a gay couple - that preacher lost his freedom of religion 0r a punch was landed on his face.

Now - if your religion says you can get married. Get married by your religion. Not someone elses.

But as the courts have chosen already - any person is authorized to marry, must marry anyone who can legally be married are they are violating discrimination laws.

The current discrimination laws in relation to marriage -take away a preachers rights to live his religion.

That is what is wrong with the current system. So it not that my religion is better - its that currently your religion / beliefs stops me from practicing mine because of discrimination laws.

That needs to change. Until that changes I oppose same-sex marriage.

In conclusion...contrary to what all opposition says about this being about hate and intolerance etc...it has nothing to do with that.

It has everything to do with keeping peoples religious beliefs in tacts, with allowing parents to choose what values are and are not taught to their children.

I am thrilled that a majority of this state sees it like I do - deeply dissappointed it was so close.

Day of Accountability

2008-10-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

OK - I did not hit my goal last week of 3 cardio workouts - but I did get 2 in, and 2 strength training workouts in.

This week is off to a good start. I work up at 5:20 and did a half-mile swim plus some strength exercises before I headed into work.

I weighed in at 211. That is a 3lb loss - which doesnt get me real excited because they say we fluctuate 5 lbs in any given day.

I want to be loser...

2008-10-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

... a big fat loser.

Thats just my problem - to much fat, not enough energy.

So I am going public to my small but dedicated blogging friends and becoming publicly accountable for losing weight and getting healthy.

Right now I weigh in at 214 pounds. My goals is to get down to 180 pounds. That means I need to lose 34 pounds.

My plans are to:

Get a good 30 minutes of cardio 3x a week. This includes running, swimming at the YMCA, and other cool stuff like biking and the cool and extremly difficult versa climber.
Get strength exercise 2x a week. Lets face it. Spiderman has a hot body and I want mine to look like his. By then I will have the courage to walk around in tights like I have always dreamed of doing.
Eat good food, and not overdo it on the portions.

Each week I plan to check in with all of you and give an accounting.

I will report on:

Cardio
Strength
Lost Weight

I honestly cant believe I am doing this - going public and committing like this. Oh well - here goes the plunge.

Its Been A While

2008-10-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Hello All! Give me a big shout everyone. Its a busy month and I am sorry for not blogging earlier.

September has been a crazy month and I am just now feeling comfortable again. So much has happened in the last month.

I think the kids started school. Well, I know they started school, I just think it has been in the last 4 weeks. Its a new school, a charter school. I am not sure yet what I think of it. The kids had a really nice school last year, but since we have moved out of the district, they are not able to go there. Its quite a bummer.

Lets see what else is going on. Nothing. Ohh - thanks to the most recent poll Kat and I have decided what we are going to do about more kids.

Matthew got into his first fight recently. Totally justified. We had talked about it for a while before it happened. You see, this kid at church had been a real jerk to matt a lot and in a lot of ways. So I told matt to punch him.

Well finally, Matt got so frustrated that he finally did.

When he was telling me about it he said, "I grabbed him by the shirt and punched him in the face twice, you know, cuz once is never enough".

I guess punching people is like eating Pringles. Once you pop you just cant stop.

blogging On The Go

2008-08-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

This is the first team I have blogged from mobile phone. You see, my work through out an incentive to get an iPhone and I qualified. So I got one this last week and absolutely love it! Tonight I thought I would try and blog from it, and truth be told - it's easier than ithought it would be. I am not sure if I am able to upload pics yet, but we will see.

Nope - just tried. Guess I will have to post pics the old fashioned way.

Jack M. Bangerter - I Will Always Love Him

2008-08-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

I can still hear him sing, "Aska 'bout Nebraska, Aska 'bout Nebraska, Aska 'bout my mission home, the country that I love".

Those are the first lines to the Nebraska Omaha Mission song written by the late Jack Bangerter, President of the mission from 1995 - 1998.

President Bangerter passed away just a few weeks ago on July 31. I learned of his passing just a few days ago and I wanted it all the settle in before I wrote about it on my blog.

Depsite the location differences, President Bangerter and I kept in touch many times of the last 11 and half years since I have been home. He lived in Salt Lake near my grandparents, and I live in California. I had the chance to visit with him 5-6 times over the past decade.

His energy, zeal, gusto never withered. The first time I took my wife to meet him he gave us the ultimate tour. He had speakers hidden all through out his property. Mostly in little outhouse like sheds. He was so excited to show us all of his improvements. At the end of the tour - he played throughout the entire the estate, the Mission song. It was great. We sat down and played the harmonica together. It was great.

I remember once being in town during a time General Conference. I attended the General Priesthood session at a nearby regional conference center - and saw President Bangerter there. He had been home just a few months from his mission. I remember watching him. He was dressed to the nines in his suit. He was obedient and carried with him the greatest tools he had ever worked with. The scriptures.

With other visits we just chatted about the good old times and I gave him updates on my mission friends like Dave Lee, Robert Graham, Andrea Hill and Debbie Dye.

I shared with him the miracles that happened to my family as we moved to Glenwood Iowa.

My last visit about a year ago was extra special. I showed up at the same time his home teacher was there. We enjoyed a lesson together with his Bride. We chatted about the good ole times some more. We sat in quiet. As the room grew quiet the spirit was poured upon us, and I asked for him a blessing. I dont remember all that was said, but I do remember how his hands felt on my head.

President Bangerter became more than a President and friend to me. He became a father figure. I looked to his life to pattern mine.

He was successful in every right. Business owner, state senator, Bishop, and Mission President. All who knew him, looked up to him.

I feel myself rambling on because I have no words that can express how I feel.

In summary. He was a mans man, a man of God, and loved by all. His integrity was infinitely whole and void of any conflict within himself. He did was right before God. But like all men, he had his flaws, but they were so insignificant, that most of us never saw them. I know I never did.

He loved his wife greater than most men love anything. His love for her shaped the way many former missionaries love and protect their wives now.

His legacy is that of being a Pure Servant of God. There is no greater legacy.

May God bless his family with their loss and may Heaven rejoice for its gain.

I am voting Yes on Proposition 8

2008-08-19T17:11:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone! Thought I would drop a note and say to all my Calfifornia friends - Vote Yes on Proposition 8. Here are two t-shirts I think we should all wear -

Thought I'd Drop A Note Before I hit the hay

2008-08-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

OK - so I life is good - i have nothing particularly interesting to write about. I have been doing more blogging in my other one lately. It has a bit more importance to it. (voteyeson8.blogspot.com)

But for posterity sake and I thought I would just write a bit.

Hallie turns 5 tommorrow. What that means is she starts kindergarten this year and Kat and I start to discuss whether or not we want any more kids.

So the pros are:
- Kids rock and are fun
- Maybe I get another princess and another ballplayer (if we have more it will be 2)
- thats about it.

The cons are:
- Poopy diapers
- Poopy diapers
- Poopy diapers

I think I will start a poll - In fact I am going to do a poll - what do you think - should Katherin and I have more kids? take the poll and let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!!!

Sending Flowers

2008-08-05T17:00:00.001-07:00

Vacation Time Coming To An End

2008-07-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ohhhh - I have just had an incredible two weeks of vacationing right where I live (which just so happens to be the same spot where half the world chooses to vacation at least 1 time in their life as well...whoa is me).

Here's what I did - pictures to follow:

Worked. yes, I got wrangled into working my first day off. So I am taking an extra day next Monday.

Katherin and I went to Catalina Island and celebrated our 10th Wedding anniversay. It was so much fun. Catalina is where we spent our Honeymoon, and we decided it would be fun to go back again. We took the boat across from Dana Point in the afternoon.

After we checked in to our hotel, we took a bike ride to the Wrigley Conservatory. Didn't actually go in because, well, I am honestly not into plants and neither is Katherin. We just wanted a good bike ride. We took our own bikes up this time. It is so much better than renting the bikes. Saves a ton of money, and you can ride in the early morning and evenings when the rental places are not open.

The next day we took a trip to the other side of the island did a kayak tour where there are actually waves and you can surf on them. We also saw a group (pod, family, school, den, pack, herd) of dolphins. They werent too far away. As we tried to approach them we quickly realized that they swim a whole lot faster than we kayaked. Pointless effort - but fun.

We also spent a great deal of time snorkeling at lovers cove and the divers beach. Both are great spots. Unfortunately, lovers cove has a lot of people and not really good for lovers wanting to be lovers.

We ended the three day trip relaxing on the beach and shopping.

Went to L.A. Temple and then a Dodger Game. On the first Saturday we decided to go to LA and go to the temple and then see a Dodger game. It was great. The LA temple is an awesome one to take kids to. They have an awesome visitors center, huge grounds and the kids dont easily get bored. Kat and I took turns doing initiatory work.

When we were done there, we headed off to the hills where the Dodgers play. That night they were playing Washington. It was a fun game. The Dodgers had a shut out and a couple of homers.

Unfortunately I ate one to many Dodger Dogs and my body decided to boycott normality the next day.

Went to Boy Scout Camp for two days. Not going to write to much here. Mainly I am glad I didnt see a bear. The camp we went to is notorious for its bears. One year not to long ago a kid decided to sleep with food right beside his head. As the bear clawed away at the food, he took the kids scalp with him. He got airlifted out of camp. Thats probably the worst that has ever happened there. But why challenge that recored right?

I pretty much went this year to help out the Scout master. It was his first year and my third. So with the little I know about scout camps, I was actually able to help someone this year get their feet wet.

Knotts Berry Farm. So fun. I am a thrillseeker and I am totally stoked that Matthew is too. Because Katherin isnt. My favorite rides are Silver Bullet, Accelerator, Revolution, Boomerang, Perilous Plunge, Supreme Scream, Ghost Rider and of course the all time favorite - Montezuma's Revenge.

The day was awesome until we got back to our car only to discover someone had broken in stolen Kats iPod, purse and all that goes with a purse . You know - ID, check book, debit card and our Frequent eater card to Golden spoon...we were one away from a free medium yogurt - I am so angry!

Discovery Science Museum with Matt and Hallie. This is a cool place. Lots to do. Its a hands on science place where there are a ton of activities for the kids. We went in wind tunnels, earthquake simulators (like I needed that), 4D Dinosaur movie, making movies, Bob the builder exhibit, Grossology exhibit. Definitely will go back again.

To cap off the vacation...I go into surgery tomorrow morning to fix my sleep apnea. Look for the report on that next week.

Family at Dodger Game

Hallie in front of L.A. Temple

Kat looking really hot on boat to Catalina

Isaac at L.A. Temple

No, Matt is not a gang member - but I am still trying to figure out how he learned to spell LA with his hands like that.

Me and Kat singing the Obla Di Obla da life goes on song in Catalina.

More catalina pictures coming soon!

Hallie is our hoola hoop champion...thanks to the Wii Fit!

Matt and my niece Emily on ride at Knotts

I now have two blogs...check out my other one

2008-07-31T19:26:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

I think this is really important and I think others feel the same as I do. Marriage should only be between a man and a woman. A judge in California feels differently and this November California residents have a chance to change the California Constitution and forever declare the definition of marriage.

Because of this I have started a blog supporting this amendment change. Please go to http://www.voteyeston8.blogspot.com to participate in the discussion.

I just ate what....

2008-06-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

So I am blog cruzing around all my friends blogs tonight (thats what I do most saturday nights - just kidding)

Anyway, Isaac comes running into the computer room (we are at Kats parents house. Isaac hands me an animal cracker and says here dad, eat it. Not unusual for the kids to give me left overs when they are full, so I eat it, and Isaac starts laughing and then loudly proclaims, "You ATE CAT FOOD!" and continued to laugh.

It wasnt that bad. I think I like kitty crackers.

Long Time No Blog - Catching Up

2008-06-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

OK - So I gave up blogging for nearly 3 and half months. Thats a long time. I will try and do justice to catch everyone up - which is probably nobody except my wonderful sister-in law Holly. She's the only one who noticed and said something about.

Since I last blogged this is what has happened in my life:

I baptized my first born, Matthew, on March 1st. This was an awesome day. I think both Matt and I were looking forward to this equally. It was one of the sweetest moments of my life. I am so grateful that I had that opportunity. Real funny story about this. I have been in Young Mens for so long, and in consequence taken the youth to the temple for many baptisms there. Needless to say I know that baptism prayer quite well, so when I went to baptize Matthew I had to back track the prayer when I "baptized him for and behalf of... oops" Check out the pics below.

Here is Matthew and Me. I fiddled around on photoshop to make it look cool. what do you think?

Katherin, Me and Matthew before his baptism

Matthew with his Grandma and Grandpa Keddington

Matthew with Grandma Johanson and Grandpa CJ

We were homeless for 3 weeks. This is a wacky story. We decided to move out of our current apartment in search of another place that did affordable month to month rent. We found a great place in the ward and had everything lined up. We turned in our 30 day notice and all was going well. When the new place learned that we only planned to stay for a few months because we were looking to buy, the backed out. That made us homeless. Luckily we found another place real quick, we just had to wait a couple of weeks for it to open up. Not in the ward, but in a great place none the less. We ended up at Kats parents living in the living room. Not my favorite place to be every night, but it was better than other places we could have ended up.

While homeless we were youth conference parents. Before we were homeless we had committed to hosting a group of youth from our stake in our home for youth conference. Uh oh :(. Well, the Stake President OK'd it from Kats parents house as long as her brothers moved out for the weekend (we were hosting girls). So we kicked them out. Didnt really give them a chance. We bribed kats parents to leave by using some of my Hilton points to put them up in hotel on the beach. That was easier than kicking the boys out. Just one side note - girls eat as much as boys, no matter what anyone says.

Some of our Youth Conference Daughters drawing on posterboard. I forget what the activity was.

A couple of guys playing water balloon volleyball. The red head is Dallin Fry.

Me and my bling and afro. YOu cant see the afro in the dark, but believe me, its there. Next to is the far greater and most cool Bingham. I cant pronounce his las name let a lone spell it. But it goes something like Tau' la' ouvafalavalava wan'ana' hu' ku ' lou 'gee

We became un-homeless. Good day. Very good day.

Little League ended. Hooray. It was great. But I was tired. I really should not have taken it on, but I did. I am grateful I did becuase I was so busy that if I didnt, I probably only would have made it to a few games etc. It forced me to be a good dad. Sometimes we need to volunteer so we are forced to be in our kids lives. Thats wierd, volunteer so were forced to do something. Ok - works for me.

I embarked upon my Greatness Summit Tour which took Katherin and I to San Diego, Phoenix, San Franicisco, Burbank, and Seattle in just a few weeks period of time. ( In the case of the first three, happened in three days). This was great. We had some fabulous events in these cities. I loved everyone, even though they were all the same. I learned so much even though I busy moment. I probably learned because I was at all. I doubt if I had just gone to one I would have learned so much. In summary, I work for an awesome company that is the best at leadership development and has the latest on info and making great people, great leaders, and great organizations. Even better than that - I got over 100,000 hotel points. Thus the Wii I got this week.

My favorite hotel would have to be the Seattle Westin or the Hilton in Phoenix. My favorite cities were San Francisco and Seattle. In San Fran we stayed an extra day and did tons. Look for hte pics below. In Seattle we did a bunch too. Visited Pikes market and went to an Angels Mariners game. Lots of fun.

Me and Kat with Alcatraz behind us.

Kat was my San Francisco Treat.

Ding da ding ding ding ding ding - That right there is big trouble in little china

Matthew got a killer black eye playing outfield in our wards adult softball game. See pic below. If you look close you will see a bunch of red lines going horizontal down his cheek. Those are the seem marks from the softball that popped his blood vessels. Good man mark. His final thoughts to me on the incident was, " I'm not afraid of getting hurt, getting hurt doesnt kill ya." AMEN!

Can you see the red lines on the right side, those are the stitch marks

Totally unrelated to any post - took Matt and Isaac Flying.

The pilot is Spencer Phillips. He's getting ready to go on a mission and is a certified instructor as well as a commercial pilot. thats the plane we flew.

Co-pilot matthew

The altitude really got to Isaac and all his pics made him looked stoned. So I thought this was cute. The little pilot who can barely see outsidet the aircraft.

We got a Nintendo Wii. OK , we have had it for a day and its awesome. I cant say anymore. Its just way cool and will be a great bonding thing for our family :)

It's Birthday Time!

2008-02-29T08:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated Matthew and Isaacs Birthday by taking them snowboarding for their first time.

Snow Summit has free snowboarding promotion when it's your birtday, and since the boys share one - it made it real easy and fun.

I am a horrible father and totally forgot my camera - but my cell phone takes pictures and video. While I didnt take any pictures - I did get some video of each of the boys taking a run.

You will have to forgive me - it was so bright that I couldnt see the screen, so I was hoping that I was getting them. It turned out good mostly, except that I cut off the top of Isaacs head a bit.

Enjoy!

Hey- Give Me A Call!

2008-02-24T20:28:00.000-08:00

Okee Dokee -

Google has a new really cool thing a ma doo. You can click a button on my blog - the one to the left that says, "call me" - and then it calls your phone and connects us.

Its pretty cool because sometimes you end up looking for people - finding their blog - and you want to call them - and this way we can do it, and not expose our numbers on the internet.

Thought you might like it for your blog -and to call me if you got something you wanna say and not post.

I testify of Christ

2008-02-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

I think that most of my friends have a good understanding of my beliefs. But I awoke this morning unusually early with an impression to testify of Christ in this blog.

I know that Jesus Christ lives.

In the Garden of Gethsemene he suffered above any of us - bled from every pore - was sustained by Angels - and paid the price for my sins, for your sins, and for the sins of every person that would ever live. He was willing to do so, even if just one person accepted that great act of mercy.

I know he did this. I have experienced the power of the atonement in my life. I have felt the burden of sin lifted from my shoulders. I have caused suffering to others through my actions - and witnessed the hand of God restoring what I could not.

I have personally experienced a change of heart and can not explain why my heart had changed, what event led to it, only that it has changed and that my relationships with others have been made whole.

I have seen miracles in my behalf and in behalf of others as a result of turning lifes trials over to Christ. I know that through his suffering - not only paid the price for sin - but inclusively took upon himself our burdens as well.

I have been redeemed by Christ and no matter what works I do on this Earth, not matter how much good, no matter the fruits of my labors - I know that there is nothing I can do that would adequately make me debt free to my Savior. There is nothing.

But I strive to do good continually. Not as a some sort of ticket into heaven, but as a result of sorrow. I know what sorrow feels like. I also know what being Christs disciple is like - being his tool in bringing another sould to him. I prefer that over sin and the burdens it brings.

I still sin and Christ still forgives me. It's amazing. Christ will continue to forgive all who come unto him.

The conditions of repentence are simple: faith in Christ and a broken heart.

What that means to me is this:

We recognize the wrongs we have done and that there are things we cannot fix on our own, that there are things that only Christ can.
We have godlike sorrow. We are more afraid of the our separation from Christ that what our peers, family, etc will think of our admission of sin. That we are willing to do what we can to restore our wrongs depsite what others think so that Christ can fully restore what we can't.
We invite Christ to step into our life and take over...and then really let him take over.

I testify with no doubt that the things I have spoken are true. There is nothing more true in this life and that any person who comes unto Christ will find a peaceful sweetness among the chaos.

We will see the chaos of life around us. We will see darkness. We will know sadness because of the poor decisions of others -but we will not be part of it.

I testify that life with Jesus Christ as your partner is the best life. No other kind of life can compare.

This I write in Jesus holy name - Amen.

Little League Is Upon Us

2008-02-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

OK - its that time of year again. I can't help myself. Its suicide on my schedule - but I loving coaching my two sons. Thankfully this year they are on the same team.

We are the Twins.

Its the Rookie league - which is equivalent to coach pitch, but its machine pitch. It's a lot of fun. It is a development league with a wide range of talent pool and parent expectations. The first half of the seaso we hit off of the tee - like in tee-ball, and the 2nd half of the season we break out the pitching machine.

Its great fun!

Matthew - who is turning 8 this month - is so into the mechanics. He thinks about every little thing. Meanwhile - Isaac - turning 6 this month - just gets it. Both are great at it, it is just amazing how different they approach the sport - even though they are brothers and do everything together.

Our team is pretty stacked - we have five 8-year olds, four 7-year olds, and three 6-year olds. What that means is that most kids can catch the ball half the time. That helps. Less time chasing - more time playing.

Here's to a new season of baseball twice a week and (not including my softball games and going to Angel Stadium) and LOVING IT!!!!!!

Having The Sex Talk Before The Santa Talk - Huh?

2008-02-09T00:11:00.000-08:00

So...Matthew (7 almost 8) comes home and has some good one on one time with Katherin. During their conversation Matthew brings up that fact that one of his friends (who like him is in the 2nd grade - and obviousely is lying) is bragging about having sex with a girl and then saying another one of his friends had sex with his mom.

Katherin just lets him talk and talk and then nearing the end of the conversation she engages him about what he knows about sex. Not a lot - and he wants to know more.

So she left it up to me - thats right. There are many more qualified people to have this talk with Matthew than I am - but I am the dad.

My response to her was, you want me to have the sex talk before the Santa talk?

The next day we had the talk. It was hilarious. Yous see - our thought process was this: OK - things have changed. We've heard about it, but didn't think it was this fast. It is better to learn it from us than on the playground. That way we can start off talking about the sacred nature of our bodies and the power of creation etc...and my favorite - paint a really ugly picture of STDs and drive fear into them so deeply they will want to be celibate their entire life.

You really shouldnt have the sex talk with a 2nd grader and here's why:

Once they find out what it is it really grosses them out and they just want to leave before you finish.
What they learned on the playground at this age - really isnt all that bad. Do more listening. They are so young their creative minds about sex really just involves making out on the couch. Like I said - do more listening.

Their were two really funny moments in this conversation. The first was when Matthew said, "I used to want 12 kids when I got old, now I dont want any."

The other was a conversation that went like:

Matthew: "Oh gross - so you and mom have had sex 3 times, that's disgusting"

Me: "Yes, it is gross - but that's the sacrifice I made to bring into our family. It's tough, but its worth it"

I can't wait for the Santa Talk - it will be much easier - especially since I'm making Katherin do it.

Part 2 of my favorite Super Bowl Ad

2008-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Super Bowl Ad Part 1

2008-02-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Fun Shaq ad from Super Bowl

2008-02-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

Greatness Summit, Got On TV, and Snowboarding

2008-01-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

OK - I had tons of fun this last week.

Albuquerque Greatness Summit
I was in ABQ this week at FranklinCovey's Greatness Summit. It was a long three days - but so much fun. Katherin was able to join me again - which made it even more fun. I think that our Greatness Summit team did its best ever. It is so great to work with a team where everyone knows there job, executes with excellence, and helps everyone around them.

However - the hotel was a nightmare. I dont think I will ever use the Embassy Suites in ABQ ever again for an event like this. Our staff really had to babysit the catering crew and make sure that everything was being done right - otherwise, it would not have gone well.

For more info on this see my other blog that is for summits only. (http://summittour.blogspot.com/)

Post Summit Fun
I was supposed to go Snowboarding at Sandi Peaks in ABQ the day after the summit, but the Tram that was going to take me to the resort was shut down, so I didnt go. I was pretty bummed...but...

I found luck in that I got a once in a lifetime opportunity to volunteer at the x-treme H0me M@ke Over job site for a family in Albuquerque. It was so cool. Those from work who got to go were Myself, Laura, Katherin, Tina, and Nikki.

Pretty much, what we did was prep the homes, yes more than 1, for tear down. We had to move out all the clothes, furniture, food etc and get it ready. It is very interesting, the houses had to be clean befoer tear down. I am not sure why - but we had to make sure that the carpets, floors and all counter tops looked clean. The other intersting thing was I didnt realize all that went into tearing down a house. We had the water company over, the gas company, the electrical company, a HazMat company (for asbestos removal and stuff like that) No wonder it takes them until day 2 or 3 to tear down the house. Alot of work goes into the prep work alone.

The highlight of the day was when Kat, me, and Nikki got to do a quick shot on the show with Tye. It was one of the scenes where he is filmed filming himself and we are in the background cheering him on. Pretty cool stuff.

Young Mens Snowboarding Trip
Yesterday wetook our entire young mens organization on a snowboarding trip to Mtn. High. It was a lot of fun. I think for the most part, they will all get their snow sports merit badge.

The youth that went: Andrew, Logan, Raul, Ian, Chad, Zach, Santiago, Spencer, Matt W., Garrett, Dallin, and Brycen.

The adults who went were: Mark Hardy, John Heaton, Dave Turner, Gregg Frye, Kevin Munns, and myself.

To start off the day, Spencer and Andrewe were the only young men that knew how to board - but by the end of the day only a couple were struggling still. For the most part - they all did great and all can't wait to go again.

Garret and Andrew On The Ski Lift

Spencer Coming Down After Landing and a 180 jump atop a quarter pipe against what we called the tree stump

Matt almost successfully grinding the entire pipe

Kevin, Garrett, and John on the ski lift

Foothill Strikers Take It!

2008-01-10T16:16:00.001-08:00

The Wednesday night softball team I play on won again another championship. I believe this is 3 our of 4. Since we mercied all games in the championship tournament, and 5 of the 11 wins in the normal season, they bumped us up. So we are now a D-League team.

Christmas Fun

2008-01-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas was pretty cool this year. Santa delivered bikes and toys and dolls and doll things. There were bionicles and super heros for the boys, coloring and princess stuff. I got nerf warfare stuff and kat got jewelry and money so she can go shopping for things I wouldnt know to buy her.

Overall it was tons of fun with family and friends.

Hallie opening her first present...sorry - I forgot to turn it. The rest should be ok though. She got a stroller for her baby doll!

Here is a picture of my sassy girl with playing that stroller.

Matthew and Isaac Opening Nerf Guns from Grandma and Grandpa Keddington

OK - So We Had Nerf Gun Theme To This Year - Its Fun -Even Grandpa CJ got his own sniper rifle that converts to a sawed off shotgun

Me and My Baby Brother Richard Cuddling A Few Days Before Christmas.

If you ever find guacamole...Katherin usually isnt far behind. Luckily for us, we all got some too.

The Mitchell Report - Sad Day for Baseball

2007-12-14T10:15:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to quickly post how dissappointing it was to see the likes of Roger Clemens, Andy Pettite, Jason Giambi, and Sheffield show up on the Mitchell report as being users of illegal performance enhancing drugs. Wally Joyner showed up as well, even as one who admitted using the drugs.

86 ballplayers - mostly unknowns - were listed.

The bright side - guys like A-Rod, Vladdy, and Holliday, Lackey and Francisco Cordero were nowhere to be found.

My conclusion - this years league leaders were't doping - talent and skills still counts for something and can't be outdown by the performance enhancement stuff.

Public Apology

2007-12-12T09:40:00.001-08:00

I want to apologize to you my friends. Back in October I made a comment in my post titled "Day Didn't Start Off So Good", that I wish I had never made. (click here to see post)

It was a comment about people involved in the Boy Scouts.

Those comments were made without much thinking on my part. Thanks to a friend who pointed this out to me, I see how hurtful my comments may have been.

I am sorry for that.

Also -I would like to make note that I think what the Boy Scouts does for Young Men is incredible. I love the results the organization produces in these young people. I also think that any young man who follows the principles of the organization will become a great man and community leader.

I also believe that the principles of the BSA that develop such wonderful young men are not symbiotic with the culture of Boy Scouts. I believe that if the values remain the same, the commitments to mission, vision, goals, and oaths are kept in tact - that the results will be the same in any environment.

But until I form my own organization, keep it around for over 100 years, get the same lasting results BSA has gotten - I will continue be a part the BSA. I like what Scouting does for me more than I dislike those things that aren't of interest to me.

So l go along with the program, and very often - I find myself thoroughly enjoying where I am at.

The Bourne Replacement

2007-12-11T16:35:00.001-08:00

Important Issue For Me...please watch

2007-12-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

If you have kids - you must know the latest catastrophe to hit the playgrounds. That is why I am promoting this video on my blog.

I knew there was something scary about her...

2007-11-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

Which are your favorite cartoons?

2007-11-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite family activities lately is going to youtube and watching the old school cartoons from when I was a kid. It is so much fun! The kids love it and it feels like being a kid again.

I recommend it to everyone.

I can't decide which cartoon was my favorite, so I have posted below all the intro's to those I watched all the time as a kid and decided to share them with you.

Which are your favorites?

VOLTRON

2007-11-18T19:29:00.001-08:00

Fat Albert

2007-11-18T19:27:00.001-08:00

Plastic Man ( I watched this everyday)

2007-11-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

He Man

2007-11-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

Silver Hawks

2007-11-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

Thundercats

2007-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

Transformers

2007-11-18T19:18:00.000-08:00

MASK

2007-11-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

ahhhhh!!!! I've Been Toilet Papered...

2007-11-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

OK - so I started it. I couldn't help it. Liz Jergensen (our Wards YW President) announced that there was going to be a YW sleepover at her house for what I dont know. What I did know was that a bunch of YW sleeping at one persons house meant they wanted to get toilet papered - badly.

So I arranged with the Priests to come over to my house - only we werent doing a sleepover. We were just having fun til the time came to give Jeremy and Liz an early winter.

We arrived at about 10:30 or 11 - and everyone was still awake. We could hear them having fun etc...but the front room windows had a clear shot to the kitchen - so we had to keep our guard in case someone turned around.

Well - I think we were there for at least 30 minutes. We got nearly 70 rolls of t.p. laid out in the front yard before someone noticed.

Of course we naturally fled like our lives were in jeopardy. (part of the fun). We drove around a couple of times - honked from a distance - let them know we were there - then went home.

But it wasnt over.

I got a call at 2:35 am from Patrick saying revenge had been taken on him. He was pretty pissed. (he really needed to calm down, I mean, we did deserve it). He just wanted to know why him and not anyone else. So I looked out my window and guess what - I had been nailed to.

But it's not the same getting toilet papered WHEN YOU LIVE IN AN APARTMENT. I mean really. I was on the phone with Patrick for 8-minutes and picked everything up one-handed. There was really no pain in the retribution they gave me - but it was fun.

I just want to know how they knew it was us???

If there is anything I have learned from this experience it's that I found the ONE BENEFIT of living in an apartment.

Touching Story Written By Billy Evans

2007-11-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

A touching true story: Please help little Billy Evans.

My name is Billy Evans. I am a very sick little boy.

My mother is typing this for me, because I can't. She is crying. The reason she is so sad is because I'm so sick. I was born without a body.

It doesn't hurt, except when I try to breathe. The doctors gave me an artificial body. It is a burlap bag filled with leaves. The doctors said that was the best they could do on account of us having no money or insurance. I would like to have a body transplant, but we need more money.

Mommy doesn't work because she said nobody hires crying people. I said, "Don't cry, Mommy," and she hugged my burlap bag. Mommy always gives me hugs, even though she's allergic to burlap and it makes her sneeze and chafes her real bad.

I hope you will help me. You can help me if you forward this email to everyone you know. Forward it to people you don't know, too. Dr. Johansen said that for every person you forward this email to, Bill Gates will team up with AOL and send a nickel to NASA. With that funding, NASA will collect prayers from school children all over America and have the astronauts take them up into space so that the angels can hear them better. Then they will come back to earth and go to the Pope, and he will take up a collection in church and send all the money to the doctors. The doctors could help me get better then.

Maybe one day I will be able to play baseball. Right now I can only be third base.

Every time you forward this letter, the astronauts can take more prayers to the angels and my dream will be closer to coming true.

Please help me. Mommy is so sad, and I want a body. I don't want my leaves to rot before I turn ten. If you don't forward this email, that's okay.
Mommy says you're a mean and heartless nasty person who doesn't care about a poor little boy with only a head. She says that if you don't stew in the raw pit of your own guilt-ridden stomach, she hopes you die a long slow horrible death and then burn forever in hell.

What kind of cruel person are you that you can't take five minutes to forward this to all your friends so that they can feel guilt and shame about ignoring a poor, bodiless nine-year-old boy?

Please help me. I try to be happy, but it's hard.

I wish I had a kitty.

I wish I could hold a kitty.

I wish I could hold a kitty that wouldn't chew on me and try to bury its poo in the leaves of my burlap body. I wish that very much.

Thank You,

Billy "Smiley" Evans

Funny Train Incident

2007-11-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

OK - so I think most of you know that I ride the train daily. There are always interesting things happening - but this is the first time I saw this.

This morning I am doing my weekly planning - then from a few rows behind me I hear two men "discussing" something rather loudly.

It turns out that these two rather large men are arguing where the dividing line between the two of them is. One of them pointed out the invisible line that separates the seats.

His finishing line was, "I am just not comfortable with your leg brushing up against mine the whole train ride, when are you getting off".

That pretty much ended the conversation.

Softball Tournament From Last Weekend

2007-10-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from my first softball tournament.

It was in Riverside. We did OK - it was a double elimination. The first two games we won, we beat them both with the mercy rule. (We were ahead by so much, the game ended early). Then we lost our third game. (Also third game in a row - that is tiring). After our first break, we played our fourth game and lost that, and that meant the end of the tournament for us.

We went home with 3rd place. Normally that sound good - real good - but there were only five teams. So it was OK. Hey - we got a t-shirt and 4 games for $25 bucks a person - not a bad day.

Me getting ready to lay the smack down on a ball

Here I am about to hit the long ball 3 Run Homer

Here is a pic of Todd Moran nabbing a ball in Left Center

This Todd crushing his home run ball. I think mine went farther though :)

This is a good pic of the team (congratulating Todd)

Wayne Munyer with the yellow hat - Todd up front with the white shirt, Devin to the right of Todd in the blue shirt, then me in red, and all the way to the right is Don.

Other members of the team that day were Bryce and Tyler Munyer, Byron, Yolario, David Gunnel, and Jeremiah Jones.

Don't Try To Steal A Missionaries Bike

2007-10-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

OK - you have got to see this video. It is hillarious

Day Didnt Start Off So Good

2007-10-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

I want to make an apology regarding this post. I made a comment below about Scouting that was offensive to some, and quite honestly - now that I see it from thier perspective, I would have never made the comment and regret it. I have highlighted it in red below for you to see if you wish.

James
Dec. 12, 2007

OK - so lately I have been riding by bike to the train station, from the train to work, and back. Well, this morning I had to catch an early train because of meeting at work, so I was riding in the dark. Not ideal - but oh well right??

So I flying down this really long hill and as it starts to flatten out, and take a bend, I see three cars stopped in the bike line. This is a busy road and I am not feeling like hitting the brakes hard. Luckily no cars coming and I can swerve out of the bike lane and into the road.

As I slow down to see what the fuss was about (presuming a car accident) it is evident that a cyclist has been fatally hit.

Whoa - no police yet, no ambulance, no fire engine (though i hear them coming). This had only happened minutes before I arrived. Immediately grateful I was running late.

I still don't know what caused it. It was dark outside, cars run real fast on that road, and if a cyclist (not motor - but a ten speed) is going fast enough around that bend, he or she could easily get wobbles and a take a bad fall. Either way - timing was all wrong this morning that fellow. Kind of stuck with me all day.

Contemplating not telling Katherin, but she'd read me that something was bothering me, and it's best just to tell than keep her wondering.

Next Topic
Work was good and all today - that is until my iPod crashed. I have owned this for over two years now and I have never had a problem with it. When I plugged it in, iTunes told me the iPod had been corrupted. Now I can't open it and get it to power on and run for me.

I was blessed with a bonus profit-sharing check yesterday - maybe my faithful iPod won't wake up and I will have to go buy the new iPod Nano that has video. As much as I don't want to spend the money - I cant say that wouldn't mind either.

Next Topic
So my iPod dies and now I am running late from work to the train - but I didnt know that. I thought I was doing just fine. That is until whileI was waiting for the elevator the train pulls up.

I had to pick up my bike, run up three flights of stairs, and make it over and down in 45 seconds or I was dead man, well I pulled it off, but I now I feel like a dead man, but I'm not dead, just feel that way.

Next topic
To make things better - I get to go to Boy Scout training tonight. I can't wait. I love hanging out for hours with grown men in uniform. Luckily I get to go with Todd. We'll show up in shorts and t-shirts, that way no one will talk to us. (Professional scouters don't talk to other Scouters who don't wear uniforms. It's a good bonus for acting like a normal person).

In all reality - I probably wouldnt mind Scout training if I didn't work for a training company. Training is my life day in and day out. I probably get 2 days month of professional development, and it is all world class. The last thing I want to do is sit in training at night with people I have nothing in common with. Oh well. It is what it is.

Next Topic
The day should end well. Todd and I are going to hit the cages hard tonight before Scout Training. There is nothing like smashing a ball over and over again It is good therapy for someone extra-heavy on the testosterone. It calms me down and makes me bearable.

Anyway - this is all I think I will end my post here.

Where I Stand

2007-10-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

I just finished writing a post about my upcoming year. I thought I would also write a post about me, about where I stand on certain things - you know - religion, politics, and other important things like do we really need to brush our teeth 2x a day?

Religion - Latter-Day Saint (aka: Mormon). I am pretty devout. I go to church each Sunday. I am the equivelant of a youth pastor - being that I am in charge of the spritual development of all the young men, in additon to their weekly fun activities.

I absolutely love it. I work with the greatest people, and the young men are incredible. Each one of them. I know they all carry the potental to do great things. It is awesome to see them grow and mature.

Politics - I have no freaking clue, but I am a registered republican. Mostly because my parents were always republican and I don't smoke pot. So what else would I be??

I have no idea who I am going to vote for. I am waiting for the first republican to stand up and say the following: "Hey - you've been lied, screwed, asked to support a lousy war for a lousy reason - we have been disasterous in international relations - our debt is blown way out of proportion, and you will never see social security. Here are the ways I would suggest we can do to restore trust back into the white house and the senate - what do you think?"

Other things -

I brush my teeth every morning. Katherin brushes her teeth every morning and every night. Katherin gets cavaties. I don't. End of argument.

Train People - I love riding the train. I get a chance to relax, unwide from work, avoid traffic, and be totally exposed to the wierdest people and situations. Like the blind guy. This blind guy was selling hats. These hats were ugly. But you felt bad telling him no. I mean who wants to spend $10 on a neon colored mesh hat that has writing in a different language. I think if he knew what he was really selling he would be totally embarrassed.

Well no one wants to buy the hat, and nobody wants to say no - so when he walks by everyone gets real quiet. (As if there is no one on the train) We try avoid his cane hitting our feet. He cant see us, but if he can hear us - he throws out the pitch. Its like on Jurassic Park when they avoid the T-Rex by not moving. Its ridiculous. But it happens.

Then there is the bastard who wont let me sleep. I know I snore - but I dont give a rip. If I am sleeping on the train - its because I am really tired. So when this guy sits next me and I am sleeping, he just kicks me in the shins. Last time he tried to sit next to me, I just kept my legs strectched out, glared, and he walked on by.

Oh there are so many train stories. Hopefully I will BLOG them as they happen in the future.

But for now - my current train ride is almost come to an end, and I must go.

Exciting Year Ahead For Me

2007-10-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

OK - the last two weeks of my life have been spent planning out the next 52. For work and for our Young Mens organization at church. At work we have been planning out some pretty big events called Greatness Summits. They are one-day awesome learning days about how to achieve leadership greatness. For Mutual we are planning out all of our campouts.

For Our Greatness Summits I will be traveling to:

San Diego (2x)
LA
Seattle
Phoenix
San Francisco
Hawaii
Albuquerque

I will get to spend weekends in Albuquerque, San Francisco, and Hawaii after the events.

For camping I will be:

Climbing Mt. Baldy
Climbing San Gorgonio
Going Snowboarding
Doing a beach campout
Camping at Painted Canyons
Rapelling in Joshua Tree
A big high adventure activity in August - either white water rafting, big hike in the High Sierras, or hiking the grand canyon into Havasupai Indian reservation and spending a week at that oasis.

So this year I will be all over the western US and I am looking forward to it. It should make this BLOG interesting. I will be sure to write a post about each adventure that I embark on.

My first one will be next week as I make my first Greatness Summit trip to San Diego.

My First Post - Oct. 15, 2007

2007-10-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

OK, I am going to try out this whole blog thing. I spent some time reading TJs blog and was motivated to start my own. I can't guarantee that I will be as entertaining as TJ - but hey - who is?

Train ride is almost over - so I am going to sign off totally satisfied that I got at least this far.

James