I'm baaaaack!!!!

well, i am back. a lot has happened since my last post. we re-built our basement and kitchen (another flood, this time from our faucet in the kitchen, hose split but we were still getting water out of the faucet) we went to San Diego and saw my two youngest play with dolphins off the coast of coronado, (VERY COOL), got a son ready for a mission, took a son to the mtc, cried a lot, started working out at a gym, first with now-departed son and now with loving wife, went to orlando to a toilet paper convention, again, very cool, and now i just got back from working out. arms are jelly, my back is still tweaked but getting better and now i just have to settle into life again. things are going great. life is good, not much to write currently as i will catch people up throughout my posts but it's good to be back!

Jelly

My arms are jelly right now. It's all I can to do type this. My arms are propped up on the desk and supported by the arms of my chair. I am beat and it is only 6:20 in the morning. My youngest son and I went and worked out this morning. I think we are going to join a gym here locally. We went to try it out. I can use it for 3 days for free, if I survive, we will join. We did a chest and bicep work-out today. I can't straighten my arms or lift them above my head right now so shaving will be an adventure for me this morning. I hope I don't cut myself too bad... Life is good. Things are progessing. I feel so blessed. I can't write more because my left arm just fell off... I wonder if as jellified as my arms are, if they actually taste like jelly.....

Shocked!

Aren't you shocked that I am writing 2 days in a row??!!?!?!?! I know I am. Not really, I walked this morning. I had to mail a letter so what better way to mail it than walking to the Post Office at 5 in the a.m.? I know that is what I would do.... Anyway, nice walk. I think I prefer walking to riding the bike simply because I can get out, smell the fresh air (it rained last night, YUMMY!), watch the sun start to play hide and seek with the day, see the moon and stars, just see the sights of C'ville in general, (we all know what a booming metropolis this is...) and just get out and be a part of the morning. Work went well yesterday. I think we are going to get some more accounts, one with the church and another one with a phone customer service center. They, the CSC, have about 1200 employees so they should use a lot of TP and paper towels. I love the fact that even in a down economy, people still need to go to the bathroom! Wonderful business to do right now. My youngest daughter seems to be doing a bit better. She has been battling a bout of vertigo/nausea for the past week and a half and my wife thinks it might be her glasses from a long time ago (she has contacts and just uses those glasses when she takes her "eyes" out) and she seems to be doing better. She is such a sweetie. My oldest married daugther and her family finally made it back to the east coast. What a trip for them. 4 kids under 7 and another one on the way and to drive from here to there in 3 days... ugh. I am glad they made it safe. Life is good. I hope I can remain true and faithful so that in the last day, when I am judged, I am not shocked...

Phenomenae

I experienced and interesting phenomena (the above is plural for those wondering...) this morning: I rode my bike for 1/2 the time I normally walk but I "travelled" about 2.5 times the distance. Perplexing, isn't it? Well, not really, I averaged about 18.6 mph on the bike. If I could walk that, I'd be even more amazing than I already am... hahahaha It was weird riding again. I woke up on time, rolled over, covered up to get a bit warmer and then next thing I knew it was 5:28 so I was stuck riding the bike. I have committeed to doing SOMETHING each and every day. I am also going to start on my iso-exerciser. It is a decent and strenuous work-out for something so non-heterosexual looking. Anyway, I have to take care of myself better for me and for my wife. She is way too good to me... Had a great week-end. My oldest single daughter was home for the long weekend, we had a big breakfast on the 24th at the house with almost all the kids and ALL of the grandkids. I wish we could have had a photo of the gathering or at least one of them when we were together. It's good to be back to "normal" here in the house (at least as normal as our family ever gets...) Life is going well, work is going well, things are peaceful. Life is good and that's the best phenomenae!

Power

We lost our power (electricity) on Sunday afternoon about 6. It was warm and inconvenient but it made me appreciate what I take so much for granted: all the conveniences we have. What conveniences you may ask? Allow me to enumerate:
Light
Air Conditioning
Cars
Ice
Crushed Ice
Water from the Fridge
Water from the tap
Toilets (one of my personal favorites, I am so glad I was born now)
Cool Food
Preserved Food
Packaged Food
Apples in December
Oranges anytime
Bananas
Computers
Garage door openers
News -immediately (whether it's true or not)
The Restored Truth
Phones
Music - the recorded variets
Cell Phones
Music in the Car
Warm Showers
Cold Showers
Carpet
Windows
Electric Razors
3-Bladed Razors
5-Bladed Razors
Toilets (did I mention those yet)
Taller toilets (for us taller people)
Toilet Paper (without which I wouldn't have a job)
Movies (Inception is a great movie)
TV (except for those lame reality shows; ALL of them)
Alarm Clocks
Ice Cream
Vegetables - Canned and Fresh at ANY time of the season we want them
Milk - the really cold kind that gives you brain freeze after you have eaten your cereal
Cereal - especially Cap'n Crunch with Crunchberries, not the new one but the old one with just the red berries
Rice (the yellow kind my wife makes)
The Gospel Restored
Couches
Beds without the bedbugs and lice from years ago
Dog Food
Running Water - Indoor
Lawn Mowers
Gasoline
These are just a few of the things that I take for granted. Feel free to add to the list. Don't forget to be grateful for power both the electrical spiritual kind. There is nothing more important than spiritual power.

Quite a while

I just realized it has been quite a while since I last posted (or, for that matter, walked in the morning which is when I post, AFTER I walk) but anyway I am back. A LOT has happened since I last posted: My youngest son got his mission call to Chihuahua, Mexico, my wife's youngest brother came out to our place and we got to take him to Vegas (great time), my oldest daughter is out here with my 4 grandkids from back east (very energetic, I wish I had even half of the energy they do) I got 30k ft2 of wood floor under my belt which brings me to about 150,000 square feet of wood floor (I almost feel I know what I am doing) the Rotary 5k Freedom Race was successful (we raised more money than ever in our history and we had more come to help in the morning than ever) I have become Rotary President for the next 12 months, we had our first board meeting at our house, ouf dog accidentally ate some rat poison (we have rats out in our rocks and we are trying to get rid of them, they are disgusting), I have been given some strict marching orders regarding some of my sales guys (we talk today and tomorrow), it felt good to go to church yesterday and partake of the sacrament and feel cleansed again, I will finish the BOM this week for number 7 this year, I am getting ready for a trade show this week and other than that, not much has been going on in our/my life. It is full, it is busy and there is no other way I would have it. Life is too short and too enjoyable. I just hope I don't wait to post or walk for that matter for quite a while again...

Waiting

We are wating for a lot of things. I am waiting to lose weight. Why is it that it never comes off as fast as you want? It seems to go on fast, why doesn't it come off fast? One of the mysteries of life, I guess. My youngest son is waiting for his mission call. He is waiting patiently (apparently) and is trying to be stoic. I can see beneath the veneer and he is so excited (as are we) to find out where the Lord has called him. My oldest son is waiting to quit driving and be home more with his family but how can he look when he is on the road so much? Frustrating. My oldest daughter is coming out here soon. We and they are waiting none too patiently for that to occur. It will be so good to see them again and more than anything, hug and hold them. Family is important. My youngest daughter is waiting to be able to relax after finishing school. We and she has been on the go constantly since she got out. My oldest single daughter is waiting to get a car. She has been waiting patiently and she is so good about being responsible. I admire that about her and am trying to be more like she is in that aspect. My other single daughter is waiting, kind of for new opportunities. My wife is waiting to get her walks done. She asks me to wake her up, which I do, but she is not a morning person at all. Our Father is waiting to bless us as we obey. He is waiting for us to turn to Him to be healed and comforted. He loves us and never tires of waiting.

Bed

I love going on vacation, I really do. In fact it is why I work so that I can take the family on vacation and get a little or a lot of relaxation and rest and fun. There is, however, nothing quite like sleeping on and in my own bed after said romps throughout the western hemisphere. (I have limited my statement to the "western hemisphere" because that, so far, is the only area in which we have traveled but I hope to rectify that someday.) It is good to be back. I got to bed on time, got up a little early but that's okay and just waited for my alarm to go off. It's nice to be there between awake and asleep and let my mind to into free association without thinking anything in particular and just let my mind roam (it gets lost occasionally and that is scary) wherever it wants to go. Had a good walk, got back to my old place, where we once had an office, but it was slow going on the way back but not really because it was about the same time frame that I had done before leaving on vacation. I don't know, the return trip felt slower than the trip there but the time was the same. Weird. Work was a catch-up day. I had to address 139 e-mails. I hate being away but I love being away. My oldest daughter and her family are coming out in a couple of weeks. I am so excited to see them and hug and kiss them. Exciting. My youngest daughter is away at girls' camp. She got home Sunday and took off yesterday. I miss her. Took my oldest single daughter back to school after work yesterday. I hope I am done mega-driving for a couple of days but I doubt it because of the way my job is right now. Anyway, it's good to be home, it's good to be walking again and it is wonderful to be able to sleep and rest in my own bed!

Back

Well, I am back. By back I don't mean back in shape or any such thing but I/we are back from our vacation/cruise. It was great. Had a wonderful time. I was amazed at how hard the people on the ship work. Unbelievable. Food was amazing, service was spectacular, they went out of their way to make sure we were having a good time. We did a lot and we did nothing. I played ball on Monday and it took me until Wednesday into Thursday to recover. My wife and I walked one morning around the jogging/walking track that is set up around the smokestacks. That was enjoyable. We visited 3 cities; Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Went to the beach in all 3 places. There were jelly fish in PV and CSL. Wonderful time with the family. The rooms were big enough and the towels went around me (easier the first day than the last) and the shower was big enough. All in all it was a superb trip and something we will do again, i.e., cruise. I tried to go on a walk this morning. I only made it to Albertson's and back. Had no rhythm (not that I do anyway...) and there is quite a difference in altitude compared to last week. We made it back from Long Beach in under 10 hours yesterday with about an hour thrown in there in St. George for gas and food and a pit stop. It's great to sleep on my bed again and with my wife. We had separate rooms on the cruise; she with the girls and I with the boy. It was great but it's also good to be home to to start back to work and things again. It is nice to be back!

Smile

When you think of me, smile
When you see the sun rise, smile
When you see the sun set, smile
When you smell a rose, smile
When you see a baby, smile
When you think of our family, smile
When you hear a creek, smile
When you hear the birds, smile
When you hear the crickets, smile
When you think of me sitting here, sweating after a walk, smile
When I complain that I am getting old, smile
When I hear my knees pop, smile
When we have work now a days, smile
When we think of what our Big Brother did for us, smile
When we can talk to Father whenever we want, smile
When you think of ice cream, smile
When you think of Cap'n Crunch, smile
When you smile, smile
There is nothing greater or simpler nor more uplifting than a smile!

Sleep

Sleep is essential to good health. That is my thought for the day! I came up with that tidbit this morning after not being able to get to sleep last night and still walking. Feel somewhat groggy and torpid (look it up) and it doesn't feel good BUT I did get my walk in. I saw my youngest son this morning with one of his friends, he stops the car, comes running up and gave me a hug. Nice. I like hugs from my kids. I didn't write last Friday because I was still recovering from Thursday. I got home from my all nighter at 4:45am Friday morning and went to bed. Woke up at 7:30 though. Bummer. Anyway get some sleep. I just pray we don't sleep this life away, that we are anxiously engaged because there could come a time where there is only eternal sleep...

Peace

I felt peace this morning as I was walking. I heard the brook, the birds, saw the sun peeking over the mountains, between a couple of them actually, playing peek-a-boo with the world, music was good, the Cars, thoughts peaceful, good pace, I played mailman and it was nice. Went to the temple yesterday and I guess the peace that I felt there continues today. I love going to the temple. Hans Engler was the name. I also saw a wood floor that we did last year for Sandy. Still looks great after a winter of basketball, and still with Boys & Girls Club, Head Start, ect. The floor looks great. I also had a meeting for the UVU F&G expo in July. Went well. Things are going well. There is some turmoil going on in our lives right now but there is such an over-arching peace that it just feels good and like it will all work out for us. It is humbling to know that God knows who I am, that He cares about me and that my problems are important to Him because I am His son. Nice. I have to pull an all-nighter. I have a demo at 2:00 in Sandy, one at 6:30 in Ogden and my last one at 10:30 in Heber. I just hope I can make it home. There is much to do but there is peace. Sweet is truly the peace that the gospel brings. With all that is going on in the world, there is an oasis in the gospel and that, to our lives and in our lives, is peace.

Family

This past weekend was all about family. Remembering those who have left us a legacy and being with those who are still around and close. Went to Idaho on Friday. Had a nice trip. It was rainy but pretty. Visited with Idaho family on Saturday. Went to my dad's grave. Sobering, more so this time than previous. I hope he is proud of me and happy with the way I am treating his wife, my mom. I know I should do better at times but it was good. Had an indoor picnic where I once spent summers moving pipe. It was good to see everyone again. We got home, made good time coming back and picked up our puppy. She was happy to see us. Went to church on Sunday. The graduating seniors spoke in church. They did a great job. My youngest son had his interview with his bishop for his mission. Exciting for him. My daughter from Provo came on Sunday as well to spend yesterday and part of Sunday with us as well. My other daughter came over as well Sunday night so we had all the singles together. Nice. House full of laughter and teasing and fun. I have missed those sounds of late. Big house, too quiet at times. My son living at home is on a raccoon hunt. We have one that comes to steal our dog food. Stayed up Sunday waiting for it, never cames. He was hilarious; dressed in camo and face painted on the hunt. He is so funny. Yesterday had a everyone here who was in town. Full house. 11 for dinner. Wonderful! Had our traditional Memorial/Summer-Kick-Off mear: RIBS! They were really good. We also made jucy lucy's and brauts. Much food, much triptophan, much nodding and much yummy! My wife and I also weeded in the yard to make it look less heinous. Looks much better. My single son mowed the lawn. I am so grateful for that. I also cleaned my grill. Looks new. As I sit and ponder family, I cry thinking that we won't all be together. I have to do all I can, set the proper example, be loving and encouraging so that we can all be together not only here but hereafter as a family.

Faster yet the same

I felt like I was walking a lot quicker today. I had a bounce in my step, the wind in my face going and at my back coming, birds were chirping, the sun was coming up and turning the sky a beautiful orange, pink, red, yellow type color (you had to see it to believe it, without a doubt (as if there ever was one) there is a God and He puts just absolutely beautiful things here for us to enjoy IF we take the time to enjoy them), good music (doobie brothers and I ran out of music before the end of my walk (I guess they made shorter ablums back in the day)) (wow, 2 double parentheticals in my
run-on sentence!! (yay for me!)) (make that 3) and a pleasant stride. I run out of music, don't look at my iPhone. and just keep walking and I get home and it is exactly the same time as other days. Weird how time stretches or contracts based on your mental image of things that day. It's sort of like going somewhere on vacation, it seems to take forever, and then coming home is seems so much faster/shorter than when you were going. Anyway, things are going well at work, at home. My youngest boy finally had his anesthesia wear off and he told me his mouth was sore. Poor little lamb. My youngest had a little to major disappointment yesterday. I wish I could take away all the hurt but I understand that is how we grow as well. Had a quiet evening at home. We were going to go to the temple but a couple of things came up and we are going tonight. I love the temple. I love the feeling that accompanies me to and from there and that resides with me throughout the week. I guess we could spend all our time there but we have to earn a living and provide and be doing good among men. We could run a lot faster yet be in the same place in the end. I, at times, prefer to take my time and enjoy that which is around me. If I go faster, I miss things. So in some cases, not all, faster is not the same.

Much Better

Today's walk went much better. I was faster and I went farther than I ever have. I made it to my old offices. Kind of a mixed blessing there. Good to be able to walk that far and sad to remember all that happened there. It was good and it was extremely taxing and trying, the business I mean. I learned a lot and I don't want to repeat the same mistakes. What is the purpose of going through mistakes if we don't learn from them. Work went well yesterday. I was out in Tooele with my guy. Met with a person from the hospital out there, had lunch and talked. Not sure what we can do there. We also met with several people from the school district and it went very well. I think we are going to be able to do some damage out there. Went home teaching. I love doing that. It's nice to visit the members and feel of their spirit and love for the Lord. What a great blessing it is to serve and to be worthy to serve. I feel so blessed and not worthy of all that has been given to me. I listened to 22 chapters in the Book of Mormon yesterday; 2nd Nephi where Nephi quotes from Isaiah. Love that part. There is one part there that always touches me where it is repeated several times, "for all this His anger is not turned away, but His Hand is stretched out still". How many chances does our Father give us? He is always there for us. When we make mistakes, He has provided a Savior for us, our Elder Brother, and we can make our way back. Granted, it's not much fun and it is a hard road and it would be better to not make mistakes but we all do and the atonement is what allows us to return and to make this life, more than it ever could be, much better!

Slow

I felt slow and lethargic this morning. It had been 4 days since my last walk. I got up to go yesterday and it was SNOWING!!!!! It's the end of May and we are still getting snow. You gotta love global warming or climate change is the new euphemism. It's all crap. Read some studies that said the world has actually cooled since the mid 90's but that is not the agenda of the environmental radicals so nothing is said about that. I do believe we have to be wise and careful stewards over our world but we do live in an age of progress and advances. I would hate to go back to outhouses and horses. Can you imagine the pollution that horses would give off? Anyway, I know you all think I am already a bit slow but I felt even slower this morning. My back was tight and tweaked and it took quite a while for it to loosen up during the walk this morning. I mowed the lawn yesterday after a snowstorm in the morning. Incredible. My youngest daughter had a piano recital yesterday. She was awesome! She works so hard for what she gets. She has had to work harder to progress and get good grades than all of her other siblings. She appreciates things she does and accomplishes. I love and appreciate all my kids. I am so blessed to be a part of their lives. I especially appreciate my wife who puts up with so much. You all know she does and so do you sweetie! Her calling and election is made sure because of me. At least I am good for something... School is winding down finally for my baby. The older kids have been done for a while so it will be nice when she can relax as well. My youngest son gets his wisdom teeth extracted today. That sounds like so much fun... He is planning on watching movies and playing WII all day today. I don't think he will be doing much of anything but sleeping and nodding off. Life continues to be good. I learned some new things about wood floors yesterday. It will help. I am grateful for all I have and what surrounds me. This morning was so beautiful, with the birds singing and the creek bubbling even if I am/was a bit slow...

Clumsy

I felt really clumsy this morning. I like it better in Spanish: Torpe. Sounds more like what I feel and felt on my walk. I walked the same amount of distance; Maverik and I are becoming almost too familiar with each other... I just couldn't get into a rhythm. Rhythm is an interesting word, isn't it? It is hard to type but it looks cool, like it doesn't have any vowels or something. Just noticed that, sorry for the tangent. Anyway, there was no rhythm or anything and it felt like my walk took forever but it really didn't. Curious how the mind works and perceives, isn't it? Like how some "minutes" take forever and some "minutes" fly by. It's all perception and what we are doing at the time. I know getting to a vacation spot always takes a lot longer, it seems, to get there than coming back. Anyway, work went really well yesterday. Had a great meeting with someone who distributes for Maverik and we got a lot of information that will help us put a bid together. That wasn't clumsy. The guy talked for about 3 hours about things. It was really good. Had a Rotary function, GSE from Argentina. Nice. Had to leave early to get to a reception and saw our oldest single daughter there. Got a hug, nice! Life is going well. My youngest son got 3 shots yesterday. Wasn't happy but it's all in preparation for his mission. Gets his wisdom teeth out on Tuesday. That will be interesting. I guess the more we do something the smoother it gets. Like the gospel. The more we are obedient, the easier it gets for us. If we stray, it's hard to come back but it is possible. That is why our Older Brother came, to help us. It is so hard to take that first step back. It can just feel really clumsy.

Consequences

Didn't go walking this morning due to consequences from yesterday. Back up, I love Mexican food and I love salsa. I went to an restaurant with a "salsa bar" with all sorts of exotic salsas and it was WONDERFUL! Of course, I personally LOVE salsa and the heat and flavor but my BODY doesn't care so much for it and rebelled this morning after things ran their course. I just ain't as young as I used to be. I can handle, generally, fresh japalenos and serranos and even stronger peppers without adverse consequences. What my body declares adamantly off limits is anything spicy that has been pickled in vinegar. No bueno! Very no bueno! Anyway I was paying the price this morning for my foray into exotic salsas. Doing a bit better now. Had a great day yesterday up in Heber. Things are going well and are looking good for the company for whom I work. Our base is expanding. Went to go do visits last night. Had a great and spiritual experience with a brother who is in the hospital. Very touching. Also was able to give my baby a blessing last night prior to her try-outs for a choir today. My youngest son had his mission physical! Exciting. It's interesting how we can rationalize life with our choices, like I did yesterday. It won't be too bad, was my thought. Well, it was. Not horrible but disruptive to my routine. I can't imagine what my reaction would be when before my Savior at my judgement and I try to justify some of my choices with the idea that it wasn't going to be too bad. Anything that takes me away from here I want to ultimately be, which is with my family in God's presence, is a poor choice. Love choices, love making choices (as long as I make good ones) but where I ultimately fail to rationalize and can't, is with the consequences.

Later

I slept in this morning until 5:33! I was so mad. I got to bed about 11:30 so I can see a direct correlation in the time I go to bed and the time I get up. Interesting. It doesn't work that way necessarily on the week end, I go to bed later and can sleep until like 6:45 which is kind of nice but I really had to hustle this morning. Good walk and the perspective is a lot different when there is light around and not just shadows and the hint of dawn. I went to my youngest daughter's concert last night. She did awesome. All in all it was a nice evening and the music was really nice except for one song that was absolutely murdered. It was a popular song when I was growing up or just after my mission, I can't remember. My mind, as you know, ain't what it used to be. Of course I didn't have that much to start... Anyway it was a nice evening. It rained yesterday. In fact, it was 30 degrees cooler in the afternoon than it was the day previous. If you don't like the weather here, just wait 5 minutes... Anyway, it is later than normal for me right now. I have to hurry and shower, take my baby to school and then I have a breakfast meeting and then off to Provo. Should be a full day. I should also finish the Book of Mormon again this week. It is weird, I have like a hunger or thirst for it right now. It has helped so much. It is such a comfort to me. I understand, in a small, feeble way, what they said of old that they lost their appetite and all desire for sleep when the Book of Mormon came to them. I enjoy it so much. Life is good. The church is true. We have a prophet guiding us today. What a comfort that is to know now and not to have to find it out later...

Consistent

I have found the secret to life and success: be consistent. That is it. Well, as long as you are consistent in good things and being obedient to the commandments. Consistency is the key to everything. If I only walked once a week or so, I would not expect to progress but if I do it consistently, I am improving and it feels good. The mornings are beautiful. The birds chirp and sing, there is a creek by which I pass and the water sounds so inviting, the sky lightens and dark things become grey and then are lit by the rising sun. Beautiful. I got another power point done at work for a future sales meeting. Work is progressing well. We are a bit low for the month but I think we will have a better 2nd half of the month than we had the 1st part of the month. It was 83 degrees yesterday, almost felt like late spring but it will only be mid 60's today, we have a rain storm coming in. My son who is preparing for a mission had a dental exam yesterday and he has laterally impacted wisdom teeth and will have them removed next Tuesday. Fun for him! Things are progressing for him. It is exciting. Life is going well, there are challenges, as always, but that just allows me to rely more on my Father and depend on my Savior. See, as we progress in life, there will be challenges and we will be judged on how we handle them and endure to the end. It's all a matter of being consistent!

Maverik

I made it to Maverik today. Longest walk yet. Felt good and I have a decent sweat going right now. I have to take my youngest to school in a few minutes for choir rehearsal. She has a performance tomorrow and she has to be to school my 6:30am. I will stay dressed the way I am and sweating until I get back from taking her there. She is good and she is already up and has had breakfast. She is amazing. Of course all of her older siblings were like this their first year of high school. I just hope she stays that way until the end but one never knows... Church was good yesterday. Felt the spirit and renewed my covenants. It was wonderful. Had dinner, carne asada and other delectables yesterday. Yummy. Went to Provo over the week end with my youngest for a multi-cultural program at BYU. I hope it helps her appreciate her other half. I worry about my kids not knowing enough about their Ecuadorian side because they are here, they have lived here, were born and raised here. I hope they can appreciate all that their mother has, her rich heritage, history and culture that she has to offer. I need to make a more conscientious effort to promote that as well. It's not enough to speak Spanish, you need to immerse yourself in the culture as well. I hope that they can. Well, it's time to take my daughter to school. I get to drive by the Maverik on the way there!

Shows

I have a couple of trade shows this week, i.e., today and tomorrow. I have one in Salt Lake and another one early tomorrow, like 7am start, up in Logan. Should be a good couple of days. I also went yesterday and got started on a pop-up booth display for the company for whom I work. We have had just a vinyl banner and this will help us have a better presence with our competitors. Make us look more like we can compete with them, which we can, but sometimes, as you know, appearance is everything and we have to put forth the appearance of the others. I measured my morning walk and I found out that I am walking around 3 miles everyday in about 45-48 minutes, depending on how I am feeling. It feels really good. Today was the first day in a while that it wasn't cloudy outside and it was a beautiful walk, albeit a bit chilly. Clouds keep the temperature in. Did visits yesterday. Great time. I love doing that. Makes me feel involved. Found out a brother in our group had a toe amputated yesterday. He has a problem with his feet, got that toe infected, got better, got infected again and had options, the most draconian of which was the permanent solution. I think I might have tried the others but I don't know. I will visit him today. Life is going well. Work is going well. I finally got caught up at the office and on email, reading, answering and filing. Took about 3 hours to do that. I hope I never get behind in church. I always want to be at the front, doing what is right. And when you do what is right, are living the commandments, seeking to serve and help, it shows.

Sweet

I had a great walk this morning. It was sweet. I had a good rhythm and I listened to one of my favorite bands of all time: ZZ Top. Fun walk and I was half-singing with the songs. Good walk, good morning, pretty with the sun coming up and out between the clouds and looking at the dark and white clouds. Pretty morning. Work went well yesterday. Look like one of my guys up on Ogden is going to pick up another high school. Sweet. That should help him quite a bit with his numbers being a bit down over last year and, selfishly, it will help my son with money as he prepares for his mission. Sweet! The weather is a lot cooler when I walk in the morning as opposed to riding the bike inside where it was warmer and I would sweat much more readily inside but I am starting to sweat more outside as well so that must mean a couple of things: I am walking a bit faster and it is getting a LOT warmer outside. We get to go on visits tonight and I always look forward to that, it is sweet to visit the members of our group and feel of their spirit. I enjoy my calling. I have had the opportunity to help a couple of people in our church group that are without work with their resumes and how to go about the job search through networking. It was been a blessing and sweet for me. The gospel in and of itself is one of service and helping. That is what our Saviour did for us: Helped and served us through His example and the atonement. I want to have a better relationship with my Lord. It is right now, and it will be even more so later on as I am obedient, sweet.

Why?

Why do things have to happen? Why does my grandson fall off the monkeybars and break a wrist? Why does my family love me? Why does God love me? Why is the world so beautiful? Why was I born now, into the gospel? Why was I born of such goodly parents? Why are there set-backs in life? Why do we have challenges? Why, when things are apparently going well, are there roadbumps? Why is there such goodness in the world? Why do we not listen and obey when we know it is best for us? Why, when I look into my wife's eyes, do I feel such a depth of love and patience? Why do I like ice cream so much? Why does it take forever for weight to come off? Why does it seem that I can smell food, any food, not just the good food, and put on weight? Why am I so blessed? Why did my dad die when I was a baby? Why did my sister die so young? Why can't I bo more, be better and get things done? Why do I like going to Disneyland, the happiest place on earth, so much? Why do I like SeaWorld so much? Why do I love to scuba dive? Why don't we have gills and can breathe underwater? Why is my yard getting steeper each year when I mow it? Why do you drive on a parkway and park on a driveway? Why do kids have to grow up? Why don't they like the "cool" clothes we try and get for them now when they loved the clothes we got them when they were younger? Why do I like walking so much in the morning now? Why can I feel like I really talk to God sometimes when I pray and other times I can't get things past the ceiling? Why does God love me so much? Why?, because the answer to all these questions is because it is the wonderful plan for which we fought and worked and wanted, that's why!

Post Office, Baby!

I made it to the Post Office this morning! In the rain! Felt good. Wasn't sure if I was sweating or it was the rain, sitting here, it is definitely sweat. Not that you needed to read that but it feels good. I had a great walk. Listened to one of my wife's favorite groups: Abba. I know but it is kind of bouncy and cheery in a non-heterosexual way... If you know what I mean. Quit laughing! I know you are. Mother's Day was interesting. I botched things up, as always, and it wasn't the way it should have been. Had all the single kids there for church. It was great. Nice to be together as almost a whole family. I can it if we had our whole family together; we would take up 2 full rows with all the kids, wives and grandkids. It's cool to see how the generations keep growing. I have a son that drives truck. Tough life. I admire him for doing that to provide for his family but he is missing so much. I hope he can figure out how to get home and watch his little girls grow up. I remember I had a job where I was traveling every week. I did that a couple of times, once for ServiceMaster (no longer in business, at least the part I was doing) and then a company after the company shut down. At least SM covered my expenses and the other one didn't. Tough life. I wouldn't want to do that again. Traveling gets old, fast. I missed my kids and more than anything, I missed my sweet wife, her smile, her hugs and her goodness. Well, I had better get going. I think we need to stretch ourselves in the church, in our lives, spiritually. We need to constantly be reaching for new heights and seeking new guidance and inspiration, sort of like reaching the Post Office, baby!

Arghh!

Arghh!!!!! I have a routine in the morning. You all know what it is. I thought I had finished my routine this morning when I started my walk and I got about 1/4 mile into things and I needed to extend my routine. I was so peeved! There is some good news, however. I was able to come up the hill on the north side of the church and not be winded at the end upon arriving at the house. Neato. Anyway I have sales meeting this morning and I must scoot. I just hope when I am called before the judgement seat, I have done all that I can do and know that I should do so I am not again, like this morning, left saying ARRGGHHHHH!!!!!!!

22

I got married 22 years ago. It seems like 22 days but as I look back, I can't believe how much has happened in those 22 years. I am happier and more in love with each day. I smile when I think of my sweetie. She fills me with such joy and contentment. Hard to believe she has put up with me this long. I don't know how she has done it. Her place in the heavens is secure. Life is going well. Work is going well. There are a couple of things that concern me but they will work out for our good. We went and delivered plants to the single sisters last night. I think we did some good. It was fun to visit them. Some were home, some we just left on their doorstep. It was good. I love being involved in my calling. It feels good to do that. I kind of feel like the people did in the Book of Mormon when things were going well. All they would write is like, "and the thirty and third year passed away in peace and there were no contentions in the land" and that is how I feel. Sure there are challenges and frustrations but they are so insignificant in the eternal scheme of things that there truly is peace in my life. I am not sure if I provide that same peace to those I love, I know I can be "challenging" at times but all in all, life is wonderful and today I love the number 22!

Reached

I reached the goal I had set out for myself yesterday: I had walked to the former Albertson's and back in 40 minutes. Doesn't sound like much but it's about 2.6 miles so my pace isn't too bad. Today I made it to Founder's Park. Feels good. I can't run because of my knees but I can walk briskly and that is what I am doing. It is also just as good for you to walk quickly and less deliterious on your joints, in case you were wondering. I am trying to justify not jogging but I feel good in what I am doing and I still work up quite a sweat and the last part of my walk, coming up our hill is enough to get my heart pounding pretty good. I have realized one thing: I am not smooth. I see people running and walking and they make it look so effortless and smooth and I am just kind of herky jerky and I think that works me out a little more. I don't know but that's my story and I am sticking to it. My son up at college is sick or was sick yesterday. Asked me about blessings and how many people to give one. It was a great discussion. He is a good kid. All of my kids are good. Although they aren't really kids anymore. I can't believe how fast time has gone and how fast it is going right now. I look around and it's May already. Where does the time go? I feel like Jacob again that my life is passing me by as if in a dream. It just doesn't seem possible that things are moving so quickly. I just feel so blessed to be a part of my children's and my wife's life. They make me so much better and the build on the foundation that my mom, and in part, my dad have give me. I am truly blessed. I just ho[pe and pray that I can be the example that my family and neighbors need so that together we can attain the goal for which we are reaching.

Conference

We had a regional/stake conference this week-end. It was wonderful to sit at the feet of apostles and other leaders and listen to their counsel for us. Our Stake Leaders also gave us sage and poignant advice on Saturday. What a wonderful time it is to be alive and to have the gospel restored on the earth in its fulness and to be partakers of this wonderful gift and promise. I feel to exclaim as did Jacob: How great the goodness of our God! He is wonderful. He is forgiving. He sent His Son so He could forgive us if we ask and truly repent. He has given us all. He has shared His Power with us through the Priesthood. He has provided us this beautiful world and all that in it is. He has provided us His Spirit, His Testator, the Holy Ghost to prompt and guide us. We have access to the Holy Ghost as a "constant companion" as we are true and faithful. He has provided us commandments and guides to help us return to Him. He wants us to come home. He has provided eternal families and ordinances so that we can be a forever family. He allows us to choose peace and eternal life or captivity and death. He provides us hope and salvation. We choose whom to we serve. There is nothing more important to me than the gospel and my relationship with my God. Because if I am good with him, I am good with my dear, sweet wife and my children. There is no other God but our God. He is mighty to save, He is mighty to love, He is my joy and my light, He is my God! I appreciate how reflective I am after conference.

Brisk

It was a brisk walk this morning. By brisk I mean chilly. The weather on Tuesday was about 78 degrees, Wednesday 38 and it snowed yesterday and a bit on Wednesday. I didn't walk yesterday or ride. It was raining and I got behind getting ready for Rotary and I had to conduct yesterday morning. Tight morning. I woke up about 3:15 this morning, tossed and turned until 4:00, rolled over and tried to sleep and then finally got up abt 4:55 and walked. Good walk, farther each day until I get to my goal of getting to Albertson's, nee, Fresh Market and back. I should be there next week. Work is going well. Went up to Logan Regional Hospital yesterday. Had a good demo with my machine guy. Should get some stuff in there. Had a good meeteing with my boss. Things are going well at work. I just have to keep showing value. Life in general is good. I am sooooo proud of my oldest daughter! She has finished up with school, getting her bachelor's with 4 kids, one on the way, keeping a great house and staying busy in church and serving. What an example. Thanks, princess! WAY TO GO!!!!! Most of my other children are on the same path of school. Keep it up, guys! You are doing awesome as well. Life is all about enduring and enjoying the successes we have. We should also try to "enjoy" the challenges as well because they make us stronger and more reliant on the Lord. Life moves inexorably forward, at times glacial, at times brisk.

Offers

I got an offer yesterday to upgrade our cabin on our cruise coming up. It sounded wonderful. In fact, they had something for me on an inside cabin but (isn't there always a but, well, we have one but that is with two "T's") we would have been separated or we could have paid a lot more money to upgrade to a balcony cabin for the other half of us and paid a lot more money. Tempting? Not really. We don't want to be separated and I think we are in a pretty good place. There are only passenges above us and no one below us. We are the first and/or last stop on the elevators so we will always get on and no one will be coming to our floor just to mess around. Again, I called and asked but it wasn't what was good for us. Work went well yesterday until lunch. Hilarious thing happened: My sales guy and I were eating, having a quarterly review and just chatting. I had ordered some food and a pickle came with my lunch. I was trying to be polite, not stab the pickle, bit off a piece and then put it back but I was cutting it with my fork. Anyway, I had a pile of ketchup for my onion rings (who doesn't love onion rings and order them if you have the option?) and as I went to cut my pickle with just my fork, no knife, my hand slipped on the fork, landed in the ketchup and I splattered it all over my shirt and a bit on my sale guy. I mean it was ALL over my shirt. All I did was laugh and get mad at myself. Yes, the rule as always is, dad is an.....! We still made a couple of other visits to people I knew and they proceeded to bust my chops. I like the relationship I have with our customers. Anyway, I cut the day about an hour short. I wasn't going to go and meet new customers like that. I have to represent our company in the best light possible. Getting back to the offer and separation; I think that we ahve to go through things in life and it is important that we not get separated. I would hate to think that my family and I would be separated for eternity. That scares me to death. I know that I have to do everything I can to make sure I get there and I need to encourage my family to do likewise. I know that it is easy to get sidetracked in life because the adversary makes error so attractive with his offers..

Farther

I keep going farther every morning. I have a goal in mind and I would like to get there. I am walking farther and longer (which I guess equates: IF I go Farther, I SHOULD be going longer... (Yes, I am a genius)) and the mornings are pleasant. I got started a little later today but I can afford it because I don't have to go to the office. I am meeting my sales person at the local IHOP. No, we won't be going in (I can't stand the one here. Poor service and crappy food (who knew someone could actually screw up breakfast, the easiest meal to make)) (like those double, not single mind you, but DOUBLE parentheticals) and my youngest daughter has late start so I can go a little slower in my preparation but not my walk, if that makes sense... Anyway, I mowed the lawn yesterday, well, almost the lawn, I still have the back and side to do but I did the big part on less than a tank of gas! Wooohooo! I couldn't even finish the big hill and levels last week on a tank so I must be getting better... It's good to work and provide for my family. I enjoy that. I love taking care of them and providing a safe haven for them where they can come and feel safe. That is important in today's world. We have to make a safe place for our family and friends because the world will continue to polarize and we who know the truth have an obligation to provide both an example and a have. We have to push our righteousness and preparation even farther.

Optional

Have you ever noticed that some things are optional? Like when you are young, sleep can be optional. I remember working for my aunt and uncle on their farm one summer, I would have to get up at 5:00 or so to start moving sprinkler pipe, no matter what time I got in the night before and there would be times when I would get in very late and still be up on time to do my job. Of course, there was always nap time after lunch which was a blessing. Why have I stopped taking naps? Is it because it is not socially acceptable to take a break for 10-15 minutes at work, close the door and recuperate? I don't know but there have been studies that napping is beneficial for productivity and such. Interesting tangent but I do miss naps especially when not getting enough sleep. Some people in today's society have considered manners as optional. They are not. I guess there are not that many things that are optional. In fact, I don't consider anything optional any more. Because if you choose to do something, there is always a consequence on the other side; be it a good or bad one. We are given the option of choosing what we do, just not the outcome or consequence. Life itself is optional and what we do in it. By optional I mean we are agents unto ourselves to choose either life or death, to live with our Parents and Big Brother or to choose captivity and death. The more incorrect choices we make, the more we are bound down by he who desires our destruction and to be miserable as he is. Obedience is our choice but results are not optional.

Consistent

I wasn't consistent yesterday, for whatever reason I slept in until almost 6 and couldn't go and ride or walk. It felt good, I needed the sleep since I stayed up too late the previous night; unitl midnight. I was watching a show on Food Network, "Chopped". Fun show but I can't stay up that late and get up the next morning. I fell asleep watching TV last night and just went to bed about 10:30 or so but I woke up at 3:45 and tossed and turned until just before 5. Had a great walk today. In fact, I am kind of dripping, not a faucet but more like a leaky one, but I am dripping nonetheless. Work went well yesterday. Was out with a sales guy that should be doing better and I think we made some progress in his area. The previous day I was out in Duchesne. Drove about 350 miles. Lots of windshield time. Also went to the temple. Did initiatories. It was one of the most powerful experiences I have had in a while. Tremendous. We got the kids' passports back yesterday so we are all ready for our trip this summer. Looking forward to it. I enjoyed my walk this morning. It was colder than the other day, misting outside, but it smelled so good after the rain yesterday and last night. So fresh and clean. The birds were also making their presence known. I would hear them even over my music at times. Everything seems glad to be alive and enjoying life. I love life and all of it's challenges and thrills. I just need to do things I know I should and be more consistent...

Walking

I went walking this morning. Didn't jog, just a brisk walk for about 1.5 miles (I hope). Not sure how much good I did but my body feels different this morning after the walk. Wasn't that hard until the end on coming home where I had the little hills back to to church and the up to the house. Got me breathing and my heart pumping there a bit. The reason I did this is because I think my bike isn't doing as much good for me as it was a while back. My body is used to that particular cardio exercise so I have to switch it up a bit. We'll see. I know that I will be back on the bike tomorrow and the next couple of days because of rain/snow coming. It was 78 yesterday and will be the same today or thereabouts but it will rain/snow tomorrow. Utah weather! My baby girl felt sick yesterday and didn't go to school. She did some things yesterday and was feeling a lot better by the evening and she should be back at school today. Poor baby. Work went well, got a couple of power points done for some upcoming sales meeting. It's nice to get ahead. I put together about 65 slides for anywhere from 2 to 3 sales meetings. I am good through the end of June at least, I think. I finished Helaman yesterday and will start on 3rd Nephi today. I love this part of the Book of Mormon because it is so prescient of today. Describes it to a "T". It is scary yet comforting to see what was and is happening in the world. I have come to realize a few things: there are people who start off running in their spiritual life and they can tire quickly if they are not in "shape" and there are others who are constant, just one step at a time and they get where they want, perhaps not a quickly as some who are in a bit better shape but they get there a lot quicker than those who fade away and never get there. I think I will keep walking.

Takin' it easy

I was takin' it easy this morning on my ride. I figured at my advanced age, I should slow down a bit and see what I could do. I just did a 20 minute ride on the "Quick Start" program. Still got in 6.2 miles and I adjusted up where I needed to be. I guess age is just a mind game so I can return to my regular programs tomorrow. Nice to know I still got it even though I am an entire year older... Church was really good yesterday. All 3 talks were good, even the High Councilor, and he gave his talk with quotes without notes. He was very good as was the returned missionary from Brazil and the young woman from the ward. Very nice day yesterday. I was busy this weekend and I am still feeling the effects of a frenzied, active weekend. I mowed the lawn Friday night until I ran out of gas, literally and figuratively. My lawn is so huge, I can't cut it with a single tank of gas so I ran until out of gas. Finished up Saturday after trimming, pulling out and weeding. It was a family affair, although my family is much smaller right now, only 3 of us working in the yard, so we didn't get as much done as we have in the past. My youngest son did fertilize for me, however, and that was a big help. Not sure if I could have walked the yard again. All of my children but 1, my mother (greatful she is still here) and my long-suffering wife were here Saturday night to cut some cake. It was a nice time, peaceful and fun. I also found out I am to be a grandfather again! Number 7. I can't believe how our family is growing. Also found out some good news yesterday regarding a new church policy. Exciting. Life is going well. As I sit and contemplate my life, where we are right now as a family and I as an individual, I know that none of us will get where we want to eventually be by relaxing and takin it easy...

Conscious Decision

I missed yesterday based on a conscious decision. Did I wake up late? No. Did I feel sick? No. Was I lazy? Yes! I got up on time, I had actually slept the entire night, not waking up 2 and 3 times like I normally do (if you consider me normal, that is) and looked at the phone (which is where I keep my "clock" at night) and thought to myself, "I slept the whole night!, I think I am just going to lay here an be lazy." so I did. It was a conscious decision. I got up and rode this morning, stretching myself a bit. Speed level 16 with a top speed of 25.7! which was pushing it but it felt good. I was at a training on carpet all day yesterday and will be today and I will be tested on my knowledge today so I can become carpet certified. Nice to have so I can advise people on their carpets. We had some wonderful visits last night with our entire group leadership there and had a very touching one on Tuesday night with a brother prior to his going in for prostate surgery. He was given a blessing and then he gave his wife a blessing. A very spiritual evening. Life is progressing. Kids are in school and finishing up with classes. My oldest daughter is finishing up her schooling and will walk in June, and my other two 3 daughters are finishing up strong. My youngest son is doing well. My oldest continues to travel and be away from home too much. His family needs him but he has to provide for them as well. It's tough. I hope that I stay strong and endure to the end. The longer I live, the more important that is to me. This life matters only in so much that we live right, make correct decision, repent quickly when we don't, say our prayers and are good to others. Our achieving the Celestial Kingom all boils down to a conscious decision!

Back to Basics

I got back to basics this morning on my ride. I did "Ride in the Park" on level 16, 1 level less than I was doing a week and a half ago. It felt good to finish and sit here contemplating in my "drip". My youngest son is home for today because he has some work for my job. I like that he is able to do that and that my guys trust him enough to call him. He is a good worker, hard worker, fast worker and a conscientious worker. I am proud of him. Not to say that I am not proud of all my kids, I am, but I am referring to my youngest son right now. All of my kids are doing well in work or their responsibilities. It's nice to know that they are reliable and people can depend on them to do what they say they are going to do. Work went well yesterday. I was up at a high school stripping floors, well helping them do that, for their spring break. It was good to get back to basics there as well. I can tell you machines sure make the job easier than when I was doing it years ago. Progress is good, if it is for the right thing in the right way. Life is going well. Things are progressing and I think that as long as we keep obeying, praying and staying humble and fulfilling our callings, there will be a calm about us as the storms of the times rage around us. You know what it is: just getting back to basics.

Expected

Today was what I had expected last week when I got back on the bike. I had no energy, no breath, no endurance and a lot of sweat and gunk rolling off of me. I only made a little over 5 miles today. I am exhausted and know that tomorrow will be better. A lay off kills you and fast. I can't believe how fast I have degenerated. I rode plateau at 14 today. I just couldn't catch my breath. I would pause and pedal and get caught up and go again but as I tried that the second time, it clock zeroed out and I just said fine, I am done so I was and am. I don't even want to consider push-up or sit-ups later today... Anyway, things are getting back to normal. I missed a great day to be in the yard on Saturday by going to meetings with Rotary and then shopping. Have I mentioned I hate shopping? ANyway, it was for a great cause so at least that part wasn't too bad. Guys reading, here is a hint: Take a book and read and it is not as bad as just sitting there... Church was great yesterday. Some dear friends had returned from Japan on a mission and talked to us about their experiences. It was wonderful. I really like church. It is always at least what is expected if not better. I guess that is the way it is in life, if we go in with a positive attitude, do what we are supposed to do, we will always get at least what, if not more, than we expected.

Routine

There are things that become routine: exercising, work, church (unfortunately), prayer (see previous), life in general. I still haven't figures out how to prevent daily things from becoming routine. That that a routine is a bad thing, it make a repeated thing easier to do, but we tend to not appreciate something that is done routinely. I had Rotary yesterday and instead of going to where we normally do, we went to our local food pantry to sort food from a food drive that took place a week or so ago. It got us out of the routine and made me appreciate the people with whom I associate and the opportunity to serve in a small way. I hope that as some things have become routine for me that I don't take them for granted,which I tend to do. I strive to take and appreicate each day and moment but it becomes harder. I pray that my religion and especially my family never become a routine thing in my life, but I know that happens. Please remind me or slap me upside my head if I allow precious things to become routine!

Back in the Saddle Again

I am back in the saddle again, meaning I am back on the bike and fully back to work. The ride this morning was interesting. I rode with no problems but I didn't get the burn I was expecting. Weird. I got my 8.2 miles in but I didn't breathe as hard as I think I should have after a 6 day lay off. I didn't ride last Friday and then at our hotel I wasn't going to pay $30.00 to ride a silly bike so today was the first day in almost a week. Maybe my body enjoyed the time off, it doesn't look like it, Vegas was VERY unkind to me (or maybe I was unkind to myself with all I ate but it's easier to blame Vegas) and I can truly attest that not all that happens in Vegas stays there. I brought home a reminder for a few days... It felt good to be in my own bed again. I miss my bed when I am gone. It is good to be but MUCH better to come home. I get to conduct in Rotary this morning. Practice I guess... I have my meeting with Mike today then BOMA then Vince Fagan. It is another full day. Tomorrow is sales meeting and then up to Logan with Utah State. Looking forward to that. Life is good. I like it busy. It's good to be back in the saddle again!

Home Again!

Spent a few days away, recovering and recuperating. It was nice. Had a killer offer from the Wynn Hotels in Vegas that I had mentioned earlier. Glad we went. Different type of people there. Better dressed, not the lounge lizards that tend to inhabit certain places there. Bad thing was the cigarette smoke. If smoking is so great, why do they exhale? Always wondered that. Anyway, it's good to be home. I worked today. Taking care of things and getting caught up. It was nice. I am looking foward to my own bed. Food was outrageous. It was good. I don't want to look at the scales but I am really looking forward to my bike run in the morning. Need to get back into the swing of things. Fun, quick trip. One that was needed to re-juice and re-energize. Got a big push next week for our carpet certification and I have sales meeting on Friday. Things are busy but good. The view was unbelievable from the 57th floor. We had an eastern view with floor to ceiling windows. Amazing but sun came in early, ask my youngest daughter. She was cranky when we opened the drapes. Saw a show, "Le Reve". It is amazing what the human body can do. I am still in awe. Didn't ride any ride, i.e., rollercoasters but the girls had a good time. It was worth it. Have to plan to go again when we get another killer deal. It is great to be home again!

Safe

There were a lot of accidents on the road yesterday because of the huge snowstorm that hit us and we were all safe at the end of the day. I am grateful for the protection we received. We live in a unique state in that 2 days ago it was 67 and yesterday we have about 6 inches of snow. If you don't like the weather we are having, wait 5 minutes! My nephew got off yesterday safe and sound. His family is doing well, mom and dad a bit sad but know that he is where he is supposed to be. I had a good day with one of my reps. We got to see some people, get some new contacts and just move forward. It was a good day. I found out a company, actually multiple locations, doesn't want to work with one of my reps but still wants to work with Bell. He has been asked to leave accounts before. At least we are safe as a company there but I don't know about this person. I was exhausted after driving around yesterday. It was white-knuckle driving and I was glad to get home. All is well here. I just hope and pray that we, all of my family and I, do what we need to do and hopefully want to do to endure to the end and return back to our Father safe.

Leaving

I have a nephew leaving on a mission today! I am taking my wife out to be with the family so she can go down with them to say good-bye. What a wonderful yet poignant time for them. I remember when my oldest left, wonderful and now that my youngest boy is preparing to go, I am so excited for him. It will be tough to lose his presence for a couple of years but there is nothing better that he could be doing at this stage of his life to make him a better person, father, son, student, friend and servant. It is an incredible and blessed time in the lives of those who choose to serve. I made my ride this morning on a full 17 for ride in the part rather than bump it half way through the mini hills. I can feel it a bit and I know I went farther and burned more calories and I feel good. Work is progressing. It looks like we might be making some progress with some larger accounts/customers in the valley. Fabulous! My 2nd assistant and I went on visits last night (my secretary and 1st assistant had other commitments on a Tuesday rather than our normal Wednesday visits) and had a wonderful time with a couple of our brethren. I really enjoy my calling. I hope I am able to touch lives and affect people by being a worthy representative of my Elder Brother. I love Him. I want to serve Him always and I can do that best by leaving my carnal self behind. Life and progress is about leaving.

Blowing

The wind is and has been blowing all night. Out basement (where we have our bedroom) is not the most airtight place in the house and I have been up, off and on, for most of the night listening to the wind howling and blowing. It whistles down here when it blows real hard and that was what kept awakening me all night. I woke up at least 5 times. Needless to say, I am not the most rested of individuals right now but I did get my ride in and it was a good one. I helped a daughter with a resume last night. She is looking for something that pays more. I can't say as I blame her for wanting more money but there is a LOT to be said for having really good insurance and being close to where one lives. She can walk to work if she wants. Gas and parking and time also play a huge role where one works. My work is going well. I think we have completed, and then some, our attendance for the IICRC certification that we are having in a couple of weeks. I just finish one big project and we have another one. What was I thinking?!?!?!?! Regardless, I got the place reserved in Ogden and it will be successful. Not because I am doing it but because we have a great presenter and the people coming are top notch. Life is good and things are blowing the right direction.

push

It's amazing what happens when we push ourselves, or, rather, in particular, what happens when I push myself. I bumped my riding level 1 this morning on my "Ride in the Park" from 16 to 17 as I entered the "climbing" stage (I used that term loosely because it's not really a climb but a sustained small up and down but the hardest portion of the ride, it is, afterall, called "Ride in the Park") and my heart rate got up to 158 and I was able to add an extra 2 tenths of a mile that that ride. Doesn't sound like much but it is at the end of a ride. Anyway, I am dripping and it feels good and I feel accomplished for my ride this morning. I started off at 10 just to let you know and I am at least at Level 14 on all the other rides except for "Pike's Peak" which I haven't done yet because I would be/am too noisy in the morning and I don't want to disturb my wife. On another note, I had Stake Priesthood last night and the Stake President spoke of a training they attended with President Packer and Elders Nelson and Ballard. Bishops and Stake Presidents were there. Elder Nelson asked all the Bishops to stand and he then asked them how many of them were dealing with the problem of pornography in their ward. If anyone wasn't, to please sit down. NONE sat down. He then asked how many had 2 or less, again, no one sat down. 3 or less, a few, very few sat down. He got up to 7 and approximately 60% of the bishops were still standing! I am amazed and saddened by that. I guess the computer, internet and our phones bring whatever we allow into our homes and lives. Our children have such challenges as we never did. I had magazines (they were put away and hard to access) but we, today, have it at our fingertips and can access it at any time we desire. The adversary is loose and rejoicing in his success. It is imperative that we have the computer in open areas, visible to everyone, we set limits on our and our children's phones and that we be ever vigilant. If we don't continue to push the evil one away we will be the ones that are pushed over the edge until it is everlastingly too late. Please be strong and push!

Much better

Things are much better this morning. Yesterday I reached my goal for the month of March on push-ups and I did that last month on sit-ups. Both were done early and this morning I did my bike ride, as I sit here dripping (feels so good) on Rolling and just plowed through it. Since I missed my ride yesterday, I am going to ride tomorrow, Saturday, and do Pike's Peak and see how I do. I have been increasing the resistance on most of my other rides and I think it is time I did it on Rolling as well. I shall have to see on Pike's Peak, however. Work is going well. Things are progressing and now I have to prepare for our next big event which is the IICRC Carpet Certification. Should be good. Things are moving forward. We are already seeing some success from Wednesday's event. A school district called for pricing on some machines. Family is good. Things are quiet here at home just because no one is here. I like the quiet, I really like how neat and clean the house stays but I miss the buzz and the noise and the love and the energy that children and grandchildren provide in a home. I finished the BOM yesterday for the 3rd time this year and started on it again. I have to get going this morning because I have sales meeting in an hour and a half and I still have to shower, get there and set up but today, things are much better!

NOthing

I didn't do anything or nothing this morning. I think I am still recovering from yesterday. I woke up initially at 4:19, knew I had more time to sleep and I did until 5:44 and I have Rotary this morning. Too late to do anything. I also have sales meeting tomorrow so I have to get up early to do my ride. I didn't do push ups or sit ups yesterday, I was exhausted. We had our Open House yesterday and it went really well. The people with whom I work did a great job and the place looked great and we have over 100 people there yesterday. Fabulous. I grilled for about 3 hours straight, interacted with our customers and had a great time. It was very successful. I came home and grilled last night as well as my daughter from Provo came with some friends for Ecuadorian food. Good times! I feel lazy this morning. That's what I get for doing nothing.

Wasted

This morning was a wasted ride. I was doing the recovery test and the pulse monitors was all screwed up. Kept fluctuating and reading incorrectly. I ran it twice and it was messed up both times, tried another run but my heart just wasn't into it. I rode like 18 minutes all told and I am not even close to dripping. I have our Open House at work today. I am not nervous per se but I am anxious and hopeful that it turns out well. As of yesterday we had 72 confirmed!, which is way more than we had for our Open House a year ago. I hope we have enough food and stuff. I will see I guess. The people in the office have done a fabulous job of helping get ready. It's so great to work with competent people. I don't really have much else to say other than I hope tomorrow isn't wasted...

Nerves

We have a big Open House/Equipment Rodeo on Wednesday and I have a bit of nerves. I remembe we did one last year and it went all right but I had done Open Houses before. This is my first go around with an Equipment Rodeo. I think it is the same thing but we don't have a keynote speaker nor hard defined classes on things so I have a bit of nerves. Things are coming together fine but I don't know what I don't know about this and I guess I will find out after 2pm on Wednesday. I did go with my patient wife last night to Costco to get most of the stuff but I still have to make a run to Dick's for hamburgers, pop, water, plates, napkins, tablecloths, name tags, etc. I have succh great support from my co-workers at the office that there is no way I can mess it up. It is comforting to know that. My youngest daughter scored an A- in math!!!!! I am so proud of her. That is one subject in which she has struggled and to see her progress and, in some instances, teach herself the concepts, I am just so proud of her. Way to go, princess! My other girs (all of them) are in school and doing well. Keep up the great example for everyone else princessi (that's the plural for princess, kind of like octopus, in case you were wondering...) and keep making progress to take care of yourselves. You are educating the future as you are educated. That was a profound thought for so early in the morning, don't you think? Anyway, I slept in until 5:40 today, that is why I am a bit late. Good ride and a wonderful looking day. I wonder how does one kill a raccoon? We have one that keeps eating our dog food and it is getting, really bad, on my nerves!

Routine

I am back in my routine and it feels so good. I missed my workout on Friday (I don't ride on Saturday or Sunday) but that one day made me feel sluggish and lethargic. It was for a good cause; Rotary President Training and networking (I made some really good contacts and it looks like we might be getting into Head Start) and it was good but my stomach was upset (I found out I wasn't alone in that malady) and we have just been so busy that there hasn't been time. We left on Friday at about 6:30 and made it on time for the opening session. It was good. We had nephew's farewell yesterday and a ward party Saturday night for him, we picked up our daughter from Provo on Saturday, went to Tooele on Saturday night, went to Tooele yesterday for the Sacrement meeting and then back to Provo and we had to arrange to get "el rojo" jumped so my youngest son could go back to Logan. Busy weekend and a fitting end to a hectic week. This week I have to go shopping tonight and tomorrow night for prizes and food for our equipment rodeo at work on Wednesday. I hope we have a good turnout. Life is good and busy. It was good having kids home again for the week end and my youngest son for all of last week on Spring Break. He was able to work and get some money, he was happy. Life is good and it is comforting to get back into my routine.

Interesting

I had an interesting ride this morning. I put the program on "Cardio" and the heart rate monitor was all over the place. I tried to endure to the end but I had to switch programs. It was an interesting ride. Life in general is interesting. I complain about things but all in all life is very good. Work is good, my calling is good, my wife, kids and grandkids are great, my health is improving, (up to 22 now and climbing) and things are good. Things are interesting but so good. We need spice in our lives and we need to also enjoy the periods of peace and tranquility. All phases are interesting.

A little later

I slept in a little later today. I didn't wake up until 4:56! That was good, I rolled over, thought for a while and then got up at around 5:33. Nice but I feel a bit behind right now. My wife had a friend and his family over last night from her mission. It was good to see him again and to meet his family. Nice, sweet people. Good hearts and good people. I wasn't able to stay very long, however, because I went to do Home Teaching and I didn't get home until about 6:00 and I had to leave at 6:30. I felt bad. I was down south yesterday. Put about 300 miles in driving yesterday. Went to Heber, Juab, Payson and then around Provo and then home. Made for a long day but a productive one nonetheless. I think we are making progress in some places there. Life and things are going well. Family is good and work is going well and I thoroughly enjoy my calling in church. It feels like we are heading in the right direction. I just have to keep striving to do what is right, be slow to anger/upset (a realy tough one for me but I am working on it) praying, reading and obeying the commandments and not putting things off for a little later.

Bushed

I am bushed. It seems that the 2nd or 3rd day of the time change always hits me the hardest. It him me hard yesterday, I woke up at 3:30 and didn't really get back to sleep because I didn't want my obnoxious alarm to wake my wife so I tossed and turned until about 5:10 and then got up. I woke up at 4:38 today, rolled over and got up at 5:13. Not too bad but I am still bushed and I could feel it in my ride this morning. I thought I was going to bonk but I didn't. I even kept it at my level and rasied it a bit but I couldn't really catch my breath and it was a hard ride. I was listening to a webinar yesterday at work, late in the afternoon, (it was REALLY boring) and I guess I dozed off at my desk and my boss walks in while is was listening/dozing. He busted my chops and I explained what had happened in the morning and he just laughed. Embarassing. Work went well, I translated for a company that uses us yesterday, about 3 hours worth. I forget how tiring it is to do that and to be on my feet and thinking and being entertaining. It was good to do that again. My youngest daughter is already down here (it's 6:09). She has a morning-side. I appreciate how faithful she is and the example that she sets. Well, I have to take her and I have to quit dripping. Hard ride and I am already bushed!

Over

We had ward conference yesterday and all last week. It is finally over. Not that it was a bad thing but there is always extra pressure when the stake is there. We did the things that we always do but one wonders if it is the right thing or how are we doing or whatever. Anyway we had a great meeting yesterday and I felt spiritually renewed and our bishop gave us all a blessing. It was wonderful. There are challenges in our ward, there are people without work, with health problems but all in all, things are going well. I am so embarassed. I called my oldest daughter to bust he chops that she hadn't called in a while and she stated that she thought that we would call for our oldest granddaughter's birthday on the 4th! Yes, I am a crappy grandfather. I have now put birthdays in my phone (aka my brain) and now, hopefully, I won't have to endure that embarassment again. Of course, the rule as always is, dad is an.... We also changed time; we "sprang forward" already. This change is always hard on me. I have been up and worried about getting up on time since ab out 3 the new time. I slept off an on, checking my brain (phone) for the time, not wanting the alarm to go off and disturb my wife so I am already tired. It will take a while to adjust but I did get my ride in and it was a good one. I am almost done dripping. Not that I went less time but I had to re-start the computer a couple of times so I had to sit around waiting for it to boot so I got to cool off a bit. My youngest son has work today at my work, installing soap dispensers and perhaps towel and tissue as well later this week. He is so excited for his mission, it is contagious. I remember that time in my life. It was a great time but I sure do enjoy the time I am in right now. I am glad that my younger days are behind me but I don't want this time to quite be over.

Earlier Start

Every sales meeting day I have an earlier start. I have to move my routine up by at least 15-20 minutes, hence my earlier post if you are checking out the time. You could be saying, "Wow, he got up early today and is posting a lot earlier than normal. I wonder if he rode his bike?" Yes, I did and got my full time and distance in hence the drip marks on the keyboard and desk. I would show you but I don't have the time to take the pictures and then uploand and post them. Take my word for it, I am "moist", well more than "moist", I am drenched. My youngest son came home last night from school for spring break. He made Milky Way brownies. I didn't have any because it was too late. Great self will on my part, no? At least I thought so. My youngest daughter gets 4 teeth pulled today for her braces. She is nervous but I am glad that it is going to get done today so she has the week end to recover. She had a birthday party tonight, we'll see if she is able to go. She could be more than a little loopy with her pain meds. I guess we will soon see. I am not looking forward to the time change this week end. It always takes me a couple of weeks to adjust and with my early starts in the morning, it could be rough. I will have to force myself to bed an hour earlier. I hope I will be sufficiently tired to get to sleep so I can get up. Fell asleep watching TV last night and got to bed. My wife kept telling me to go to bed and I kept telling her I was fine. Wives are so smart, mine especially. I need to listen more and that way it won't seem to bad to get an earlier start.

Life

I love life with all of its' challenges and frustrations and triumphs and joys and happinesses and sorrows and ups and downs. Life is so grand. Life is worth living and working through and just being in it day by day and the here and now. I don't know why I am writing this but I am just so grateful for life and all it brings. Work was great yesterday. I was with my newest salesman and he is progressing with a school district west of our main offices. We were basically told yesterday that if we keep coming out, we will get business because they buy from people that show up. I guess that is my point, 90% of life is just showing up. If you do, good things are bound to happen to you. If we do what we commit to do and what we way we will do, things will work out. I am not saying that there won't be challenges, there will be but it will all work out in the end. After all, isn't that why we are here, to make things ultimately work out in the end? Doesn't really matter through what trials we pass here on earth as long as we remain true and faithful, things will work out for us in the end with our Father and that is what we want. We do have to make wise and correct choices and when (not if but when) we make incorrect choices, we must rectify that through the atonement of our Elder Brother and that makes things work out for us but we can't "procrastinate the day of our repentance until it is everlastingly too late" as both Alma and Amulek admonish us. The Lord is telling us to get it together, to make it right and to enjoy the ride that is life.

Sweet

I went to the temple yesterday, Sweet!

I felt the Spirit yesterday, Sweet!

I feel the Spirit now as I write about and contemplate my day yesterday, Sweet!

I went through the temple for someone yesterday from Nigeria, Way Sweet!

Work is going well, Sweet!

I heard from a man rep that my new guy is doing well, knows when to listen on calls, a relief and Sweet!

I am dripping again as I write this, Sweet!

I did my "fat burn" routine (and we all know I need that) without bonking this time, Sweet!

Kdis are all doing well, Sweet!

Grandkids are doing well, Sweet!

We are going on visits tonight, Sweet!

I am sitting here, enjoying the peace, quiet and solitude, knowing my family is here and, if not here, they are good and safe, Sweet!

Sweet is the peace the Gospel brings and that, of everything, is the most Sweet!

Temptation

I got a temptation yesterday: A 3 night stay at a REALLY nice hotel (Wynn Properties) in Vegas and 2 free tickets to their show which is similar to Cirque de Soliel. I asked my wife and youngest daughter if they wanted to go over Spring Break (hers) and she, my youngest daughter, said that we were already spending enough money on our cruise and to save my money for that and to spoil them there! She is so much more mature, in a lot of ways, than I but I still want to go. Killer deal, upgraded room and I haven't been away from here for a while. Like I said, tempting. Work went well yesterday. My daugther asked a boy to MORP (prom backwards, casual, not fancy) on Sunday and she got her answer yesterday: Yes! It was a really clever way to say yes. She is excited and I am "happy" for her. Happy that she got a positive answer but really upset that she is dating. All of my girls knew that they weren't to date until they were 35 or they got married, which ever came first. NONE of them have done that. Oh well, I guess that's the way it is, kids never listen to their parents... My wife had as good of an experience as one can with a dentist yesterday. She said he was gentle, spoke Spanish (yay, much easier for her), and explained things weren't as bad as other dentists had led her to believe. I think we found a winner. Well, it's time to finish drip drying and get ready for work. I did 15 and 55 yesterday! I am getting better. My goal of 25 by the end of the month seems reachable to me now, that is if I avoid a lot of junk and crappy food, stay consistent and avoid temptation!

Lasagna

I made lasagna, wanna get some on ya? Yes, you would. It wasn't half bad. Not one of my best, it was medium but it was still tasty! Not much is going on. Had most of the kids home this week end. The married ones are far away (bummer) but 3/4ths of the singles were here and we would have taken up an entire row almost if the older ones had wandered in on time for Sacrament meeting. Anyway, it was good to sit in church together. I taught the lesson in HP Group yesterday. I think it went all right. It felt good and there was some good participation. I enjoy that if I am able to facilitate a discussion and direct it for good. We had that yesterday. I am still dripping... Good work out this morning. My sweet wife has a dentist appointment this morning. I feel bad that I won't be there with her but I had a prior commitment in Ogden before she made the appointment. I know how much fun a visit to the dentist can be... Life is progressing, inexorably. I feel so much joy and peace even with all the turbulence around in the world. I know that is what our Savior promised when He promised peace, "not as the world giveth, but as I give" and that is peaceful. Dinner, in fact, was peaceful yesterday with the lasagna.

Average

I am average. I just realized that this morning when my bike told me I was. I ran a fitness test and I was told I was average. Not bad considering that when I started back in January I was poor or worse (I can't really remember what the bike told me but I know it was at least "poor") so I have improved to average. How comforting that is... Oh well, at least I am confirming what others have told me all my life... hahahahaha Life is good and I am improving on the bike. I can feel it. After my "bonk" the other day, I have felt stronger (a bit) and I have improved my push-ups by 1 every day so far. I hope to continue that trend tonight when I do them. Work was good yesterday. We had a couple of issues and things are never dull and always changing. That's why I like what I am doing. It is never the same, I don't have to be stuck in an office all day (although I was yesterday but I almost got my powerpoint done for next Friday's sales meeting) and I get out and meet different people, or visit the sames ones over again. It is good and I think, no, I know, that I am bringing value to my company. Sure, there are things that I would change but I am grateful for what I have. My wife is doing well. I get to pick up my daughter from down south today. It has been a couple of months since she has been home. That will be nice. I am still dripping and it feels good to be average!

Better

I did much better this morning. In fact, I did much better last night, although "much" is a relative term. I did an extra push up yesterday so I have improved 10% since the start of the week. I just felt drained all day yesterday. I got home from work and my wife asked my how tired I was because I guess I looked like a felt (which is a change because I always look like crap but I always feel really good and happy) so I imagine that I looked pretty run down. Anyway, work went well. There are a lot of things percolating very well right now. Looks like we might be able to penetrate more school districts and that is really good. We went and did visits last night. They went really well. We gave a brother in our group a blessing last night as he faces prostate cancer and prepares for surgery in April. We will hold a special fast for him prior to his surgery. I just feel that we need, as a group. to be more concerned about our brother. That has really been weighing on me. I don't know how we are going to do that but with the challenging times coming, we need to be our brother's keeper. We need to know each other more than superficially as we do at church. It is an interesting dilemma. I look forward to being an instrument. I just want to do my Father's will, be a good dad, be a good son, be a good home teacher and just, generally, be better.

BONK!

I totally bonked this morning on my ride. That hasn't happened since I started riding my bike. Ususally I get a pleasant feeling/buzz from my rides but this morning I totally and I mean totally bonked! I went to go on the "Cardio" workout with my heartrate between 133-143, a normal range for me when I am working out at my top end (which I have been doing for a while now) but I got the bike and my rate up there and I could only make 19 minutes. I then tried a "mets" program for 9 minutes and I only made it 3 minutes. I feel frustrated right now. I guess I need to bonk to get better but this was ridiculous, I couldn't even get in my 25 minutes. Oh well. I am doing my sit ups and push ups (those killed yesterday as I was burning through tight muscles from Monday and push ups also use stomach muscles (different than sit up ones) and I struggled last night with sit ups) and my arms feel jell-oee this morning as well. Rough start to the day. Anyway, work is going well. Things are happening and in the works and we should start turning the corner again. We had another rough February. I don't know why the last couple of February's have been so down but they have. Anyway, I am dripping still from my workout so that must mean something, right?... It sucks to bonk!

2nd Wind

I got my 2nd wind this morning riding my bike. I was getting tired, I pushed through and then it kicked in: my 2nd wind. I love it when I get that. It's like in life, when we are faced with challenges and setbacks, if we persevere, stay faithful, continue to read out scriptures, attend our meetings, pay an honest and generous tithe and fast offering, pray, we get our 2nd wind from our Saviour and we continue forward, knowing that we will be blessed and that, through Him, we will triumph over the adversary, our challenges and be called forth to join Him and Our Father in Their Kingdom. Life is full of corrollaries (sp?) and similies and I enjoy understanding them more each day. I am also pathetic. I have been adding to my exercise repertoire monthly. January I started on the bike and I continue, February I started on sit ups with a goal of 50 which I accomplished and am continuing and this month, March, I have started push ups and I attempted them for the first time last night and I could only do 10! :( I am SOOOO pathetic. My goal is to get to 25 by the end of the month. I can't believe how out of it I am but I am pressing forward with this and hope to get a 1st wind on my push ups and then acquire a 2nd wind...

Rhythm

Rhythm is a weird word to write. Have you ever noticed this? There are 2 "r's" and you don't really pronouce either one except to make the "m" a little separated from the "t". I guess it would look weird if we got rid of the second "h". That, however, is not the reason for my post today. I just looked at the word and got caught off on a tangent. A big surprise, I know, right? Anyway, I am back into the rhythm of the week with my bike ride and yes, I am kind of dripping, which feel good. Had a good ride and a great week-end. Church was good. We had our HP group leadership meeting and then we had our committee chairmen over and got some goals set for the coming quarter and we are moving forward. I went home teaching with one of my assistants whose companion had moved away. It was good. Saturday we had my youngest daughter's swim banquet. It was wonderful. She earned her letter. I am proud of her. I just hope that she decides to continue with swimming. Not that fact that it is swimming (which is a great exercise) but the fact of the discipline and sense of belonging and pulling together that it provides. I think it helps prepare one for college better if the discipline learned is applied once there. My youngest son has started to get things outlined for his mission and to get his papers started. He is a good kid, as are all of my children. I feel so blessed to be a parent to my kids and more than anything, to be part of my wife's life. She makes me better and, being latina, has helped my with my rhythm!

smooth

Things are going smooth everywhere. Work is going well, my calling is going smoothly in spite of me (I have great assistants and secretary) my exercise is going well, my sweet wife and wonderful children seem to be well and still putting up with me. I feel good. I ran the fat burn on the bike this morning with a target heart rate of 138 and only got in 7.6 miles. I must not have enough fat to get burning longer (sincerely doubt that looking down as I am right now) or my heart rate is doing better and it takes longer to get up to where it, my heart rate, needs to be. I feel so good after riding. I have not even really had the desire to not ride since I started. Well, okay, when I first started it was harder to get on the bike but now it is part of my morning routine and I enjoy a good sweat to start the day. I have sales meeting this morning so I have to make this short and get showered but I still have to cool off. I'm not dripping profusely but there is some leakage if you know what I mean. I should finish the Book of Mormon again this weekend. Twice already this year. I enjoy the time in the car so much more now that I am listening to it and being productive. Granted it's not the same as reading it but as I listen to it, and situations come up, I recall what I have heard and it helps me with answers. Not THAT is smooth!

Recovered

I have recovered sufficiently from my all-nighter Monday into Tuesday. In fact, I had a hard time getting to sleep last night because I wasn't really tired. Of course, after I got home from work yesterday, I went on the nod for about 10 minutes and that took the edge away from my tiredness. Anyway, it was a good day yesterday. Work went well, I helped my newest sales guy close a deal yesterday! He also delivered a burnisher to a school, showing them the time savings and more importantly the labor savings. Question is as always when we become more effecient and mechanized in some things, "What are you going to do with the extra time you have?", and that always gets the people thinking. We had a couple of good visits last night as a group leadership and we were all able to go. My 2nd assistant that has had health issues was well enough to go with us. It was a great evening. I love those with whom I serve. We also had home teachers last night. I like them as well. The junior companion is quite a BYU (ugh) fan and I like to tease him about that being the "U" Man that I am. Good times! Had a good ride this morning. Ride in the Park, level 16, 8.1 miles. I am going to have to get in a quick ride tomorrow because I have sales meeting up in Roy and I need to get up there early to set up. My wife found her passport for which she had been desperately looking for over a month. She has looked and looked and prayed and yesterday, she was like Nephi, being led beforehand without knowing what she was doing, and she found it in a place that I had already looked: in my computer case. The rule, as always is: Dad is an..... Anyway I and the passport are recovered!

Skipped

I skipped yesterday for a very good reason: I was working until 4:30am. I just can't pull all-nighters like I once could I got to bed about 4:30-4:45 and then I woke up at 7:30 to take my only child at home to school (late start, we didn't have to be there until 8:15) so I was able to shower before taking her, I had meetings at work at 9:30 and at 11:30 and I made it home by about 1:30pm yesterday, took a 2.5 hour nap and was back on schedule and here I am once again. Just a warning to anyone reading this: DO NOT GET OLD (although it is better than the alternative, if you know what I mean). My spirit is indeed willing to do things I once did but the flesh, especially mine, is all too weak. Anyway things are going well at work. Things are going well at home. Things are going well with the family. Things are going well all around, not to mean that "all is well in Zion" we still have to do the things that are making things well, i,e., reading scriptures, saying prayers, obeying the commandments, not being lax in our commitment to our Savior and if we do that, things will remain "well" for us and when challenges come our way, which they will, we are/will be, sufficiently grounded in our testimonies to recognize the challenges for what they are: opportunities for growth and to learn. Stay strong. Interesting thing happened to me yesterday, I felt guilty for not riding the bike in the morning and doing my sit-ups Monday night. Good news on the sit-up front: I got to my goal last night of 50! Yay me! I got 25 minutes this morning on the bike, level 14 on Plateau. New record in mileage for me also in 25 minutes: 8.4 miles. I am glistening not dripping even as I write this now. I am recovering quicker. It is good but I do not wan to say that I have skipped my exercises again.

Getting Better

I am getting in better shape. How can I tell? I ran a program today that I haven't been able to run start to finish and was able to do it fairly easily. Sure I got a little winded but it seemed easier to push through this time. No stopping mid-cycle to just pedal on no level. I ran the Rolling Program on level 13 for 25.00 minutes and got in 8.2 miles. Feel good to be getting better. I had a wonderful week end. My nephew received his mission call to Buenos Aires Norte Argentina. He leaves in just 5 weeks on March 31! I can't believe how fast that is. Another young man in our ward (church group like a parish) is going to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (that is kind of an oxymoron being that Democratic and Congo are in the same title/name) and he doesn't leave until June 16. My youngest son was there and he got excited for his cousin and he is excited to submit his paperwork for his mission. My nephew actually received the call on Wednesday but waited until Saturday so his family could be there with him. I don't know if I could have/would have done that or not. Well, I know I didn't. I was up at Ricks College when I got my call, I opened it with my friends when I got it and then I called my mom. She started to cry. I can only remember her crying 2 other times. She is not one prone to public displays of emotion but I know that touched her. She is a bit more emotive now but I always remember her being strong and stoic. She is a wonderful lady. My recovery time is lessening as well. I cool off quicker. In fact, after about 10 minutes here, I am about done sweating/dripping when it would take me about 1/2 an hour before. See, I am getting better (at least as far as my physical fitness) and I am constantly striving to have my spiritual side also to be getting better.