Snyd's Remarks

That's a Wrap!

2011-12-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

My goal was to blog a bit more, yeah, I kinda suck at it!

So here is the last half of the year and what took place. Teresa started the Accounting Program at BYU. Needless to say, we weren't hanging out much together at nights. Heavens, she was slammed with homework, group projects, tests, and the never ending pages of textbooks to read! Kind of fun to see it on the other end (I did the EMBA a few years ago). I would chuckle at how on Sunday nights she would start getting all antsy and stressed for the upcoming week of schoolwork. BUT... she rocked it and got phenomenal grades in her classes! I knew she would; she is brilliant.

Madalyn started junior high, which freaks me out a bit- she's my little girlie getting all grown up! Hard to believe. She's 12, in Young Women's, went to Girl's Camp. Just as long as there are no boys in the picture, I think I'm okay.
Abby is driving. Now that seems scary! I will always think of Abby as 10 years old. I'm sure she'd be happy to hear me say that. But she has ditched the glasses for contacts and is looking like a babe!
Chelsea is a Math major at BYU. She and her sister both work at the Print & Mail Department with their dad! It is so fun to see them in the bindery. We have had Chelsea stay with us during the Thanksgiving break and she has been here during Christmas, too. She is a funny girl, but stays out waaaaay too late! Get to bed!!! Why doesn't anyone believe me when I say if you go to bed earlier, get up earlier, that you'll feel better? Blimey, I guess I will always be background noise to some. Oh well.
So Chantel just finished up and is done with college. She will have to do the Graduation thing in Spring. Broadcast Journalism. It has been so fun to watch her do the weather on channel 11. AND, she is pregnant and due in March. Way to go, turning us into grandparents!
Austin is trying to decide what he wants to be when he grows up. He did run with us at Ragnar. I'll say more in a second.

In September I was able to attend a big print show in Chicago with a big group from work. That was my first time in Chicago. I really liked downtown Chicago. Surprisingly clean, as compared to Manhattan. We had perfect weather, too. We were taken out by some vendors and ate at some really nice places. I did have lobster for the first, and last time. I still can't figure out the big deal with lobster. Jeeze, just gimme a steak! Anyway, it was a pretty cool experience. I was roaming around alone one night taking pictures when suddenly I thought to myself, Snyd's, you're all alone at night, if you disappeared, no one would ever know! And, it is Mafia Central. So I called it a night and went up to my room. Fun trip. I was able to bring home some HUGE posters for my girls.

I reached a huge goal for myself this year- I read 7 books! You gotta understand, I don't ever just sit down and read! I would rather draw. One of the problems of not getting through a book is that I usually start reading a non-fiction book and after a while, i just can't take it anymore. So I borrowed the Hunger Games books from my neighbor, Laurie. It was so fun to be involved and rip through a book! I got done with those three and read a few more. WHo knows, I might even try and read 10 books in 2012.

In October we ran the Las Vegas Ragnar Relay Race. Austin ran with us, and so did Matt's sister-in-law, Stephanie. Kinda felt a little bad for her- she's the only girl stuck in a van full of stinky dudes. We spent the night in St. George at Austin's parent's house. I didn't even want to say anything around them for fear of sounding like an idiot (I think I said too much during the wedding). We got up early and headed out to Lake Mead. I ran into Janell from high school She was shocked that I recognized her. Well, she added me as a friend on Facebook a long time ago and I see her updates occasionally. She said Oh my gosh a couple times and walked away. Hmm, oh well. Anyway, Stephanie was runner 1 and I was runner 2. My first run was close to 8 miles. Matt took a cool picture of me with the rocks in the background. We had a fun time with our first go around. We swapped Dan for Jeff, who had flown in from Nashville! I don't think his wife was too happy about that, but, as we have learned, Ragnar Ruins Families!
We hung out at the Lowes Resort again, even in a cabana! My second run was just as it started getting dark. It was a 3.5 miler, but went up and down little hills. Austin had a fast 5 miler for his second run. We finished up that leg at the Gold Strike Casino and slept for just a few hours. The other van got there at around 2, so they called and woke us up at 1:30 am. I went to wake up Austin and wasn't sure it was him- he had his head in the sleeping bag, it was dark and the funky parking lot lights don't do a whole lot to help you make out colors! It was funny that he, Carl and I walked over to the casino and all used the bathrooms at the same time. Warm, friendly, and smelled like cigarettes!
So my las run was at 3 am. 4 miles straight uphill then 3 straight down! It was hectic. As I was running up Carl leans out of the van and shouts It's just around the bend! Yeah, 2 miles around the bend. Holy cow. It was a hectic run. I got passed going uphill by some old dude! Man, made me feel like a slacker. I had to walk once or twice, too. But those 3 miles downhill, I was flying and passed a bunch of people. Carl had to run in the dirt that I had last year, but this year it was dry and there was dust everywhere! Austin did the last leg and was having some major leg pains. It was nice to be done, though. We cruised into Vegas and ate at IHOP.
We ran to the finish and picked up our medals. We got the Saints & Sinners medal because we ran the Wasatch Back race this year, too. But, and I didn't notice until my wife said Why does yours say Pennsylvania? that somehow I didn't get a Las Vegas medal, but a Pennsylvania medal! Classic.

Carl, his son Michael, and I went to California to visit my Aunt June and to see my cousins Debi, Jeanine, and their families. We also went to a 49er game. Debi's daughter is a cheerleader for the Niners, so we got some free passes. Carl had some business in San Francisco, so while he was doing that, Michael and I went to the Castro District, to Safeway, and hit the Nut Bar! I love the maple almonds. Beautiful. We cruised around, walked around Fisherman's Wharf, etc. Lots of fun.
We met up with the family at Cicero's Pizza. I haven't seen my cousins since 1985! It was a lot of fun. We had some delicious pizza, laughed, then went back to my Aunt June's house. I brought a bunch of old photos with me. Jeanine has done a lot of genealogy, but had never seen the pictures of all these old ancestors. We spent a couple hours looking through them all, laughing and having a great time. It was so awesome to reconnect with them after so many years. And I am excited to look through all the genealogy that Jeanine has uncovered. Carl is lucky with his traveling- he gets to visit them often.

We went to Santa Cruz and went on the Giant Dipper. I haven't done that in years! Beautiful weather and big waves. We went to dinner with Matt Kakaio and Lalani Nailau. We ended up at Chevy's and hung out for a couple of hours, telling stories. It was a lot of fun. I told Lalani of my first experience with her was when she ripped me a knew one for making, what I thought, was a harmless comment about why her friend who wasn't at school that day. (How was I supposed to know she had cancer?) Matt & Lalani are quite the couple and it is real cool to see Matt look so happy. We hope they can make it out this way sometime.

Of course we did the Turkey Trot 4 mile run on Thanksgiving morning. The weather was soooo much better than last year, by 35 degrees! Carl and I had signed up and had the shoe chip to record our time. Austin was there to just run. When we started, some older dude fell and it was a big pile up! I felt bad for him. Anyway, the run went real well and I posted my best time of 26:58. I was pretty happy about it.
The bad part of Thanksgiving was the 49ers playing the Ravens at night. Kind of ruined the fun of the day.

Christmas time was a bit weird this year. Teresa was so busy with school, finals, etc, that we didn't get much decorating done. I put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving and got the lights up on the house, but Madalyn and I kept saying, It just doesn't feel like Christmas, which it really never did. You know, I think we forever try to get back to feeling like we did when we were kids; trying to capture the nostalgia feeling. I don't think it really can happen again, so you gotta create the nostalgia for your own kids, the stuff they will remember and tell their children. We went to Carl's for Christmas Eve and had a lot of fun & delicious finger foods. I think only Teresa and I ate the stuffed mushrooms that she made. Man, everyone missed out! They were awesome! Bacon-wrapped Lil' Smokies, too. Serena made some spicy dip (jalepeno's in it!) that was real hot, but so yummy, you couldn't stop eating it! I made Carl a Ragnar calendar that turned out pretty nice.
We were going to wait until after church to open gifts on Christmas morning, but Madalyn would have none of that! She woke everyone up at 7:45. I had already showered, you know, go to bed early, wake up early, the way God meant it to be! (D&C 88:124). We had a real fun time opening gifts and everyone was real happy. Chantel & Austin were down in St. George.
Anyway, the tree is down, and so are all the lights and stuff, and here we are waiting for the New Year.
I just hope that we end up with a new president of the USA. I don't believe in the direction the president has led us in. To me I feel we have lost the feeling that America is a special place. If you don't believe it is, go live out of the country and see what you think. I remember when Reagan got elected, it was like we were proud to be Americans again, after the Carter fiasco.

So, onward and upward and God bless us, everyone!

God Bless America...

2011-07-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

You know, I kept saying, "We're gonna wake up and it will be 95 degrees!" and it happened! The weather has been sooo blasted cold and awful forever, it seemed as though summer would never arrive. Snowbird had people skiing on July 4th!!

So I asked the family if anyone wanted to go see the hot air balloons on Saturday. Everyone was in, but they all wanted to sleep as much as possible, so I didn't insist on being there at 6:30. We all got there around 7 and the balloons had all taken off! We did get to hang out next to the Coke ballon. It was funny watching the Darth Vader balloon come peering over the bushes now and again. Stupid Anikan! How could he have given in to the dark side so easily?! You big wuss! They were cranking up the music pretty loud, and I managed to get a shot of the girls doing the ski dance!

We decided to head over to Macey's for the French Toast breakfast. Jenny and her friend showed up as we were waiting in line. You know, nothing like free food to bring out all the "interesting" people. The French toast was awesome and the syrup is outstanding! I know Jayton Wakefield will debate about the Magleby's syrup. They are both delicious in their own way. Regardless, I want to drink them both! We had fun and laughed a lot. We tried to ignore Jenny's New York Yankees hat, but she is living out in New Jersey and is in New York all the time. Still, the Yankees?! Ugh.

Chelsea, Abby, Madalyn and I decided to check out the Freedom Festival and walk through the carnival. Now there's an event that brings out the dregs! Oye! And of course it was 500 degrees out. We walked around for a bit and noticed it was pretty crappy this year. Mostly just food vendors, and I had just had lunch before we went! My girlies were all beat red by the time we got back into the car. I pulled into 7 Eleven and got them all a Slurpee.

The Stadium of Fire was going on, so Madalyn and I drove down State Street and parked on the side of the road and waited. Brad Paisley was finishing up. Finally the fireworks started. We had a pretty sweet view! When it was done we were able to book it on out of there and were home in about 3 minutes.

Sunday, after church and fasting, we had a delicious dinner. Teresa and Madalyn made cake balls. Holy cow they were good! And after fasting, I lose my senses a bit and eat way too much. Brad and Andrea Frandsen stopped over and had some, too. They hung out and we laughed. We love the Frandsen's.

ANyway, Monday morning Austin and I were running the 10K. We didn't sign up this year- we just wore our Ragnar bibs. I walked outside and it was 77 degrees and super humid! I picked up Austin and we were unable to drive on 900 East, so we were speeding around the back side of the temple, trying to find Kiawanis Park. We finally got there and ran over to the starting line. They moved the 10K starting line east of where it used to be. We seriously had about a minute and they started the race. Austin and I stayed together for the first couple miles. He stopped at the water station and I kept going. I was able to grab a water later on. It was really hot and sweaty out. It is always fun to run along the parade route and have everyone yelling and cheering. I didn't see anyone I knew. This year they had us go up Center Street and all the way around the Mental Hospital! Ugh! More uphill. That turn onto 9th East for the last mile is a killer! It's all uphill. I kept churning and running. There was no sprint in me to get to the end. It was weird; I wasn't mentally in to this run at all. After the Ragnar, I was kind of in a no-intensity mode. Oh well. I had my unofficial time of 45:53. Austin came in a few minutes later. We were both dying from the humidity. Plus, we had a hard time trying to make it through all the people to get a drink. And one tiny cup.

We all went to Carl's for dinner and fireworks. Dinner was awesome. Burgers and dogs, guacamole, corn, fruit, brownies. I was bloated. We played a fun game of Croquet on the back lawn. It came down to me versus Austin & Marissa. They eventually won. Lance Phillips came over with his daughter Kiley. I haven't seen Lance in a long while. He and I did a ton of stuff together back, oh, 30 years ago! We used to go surfing all the time, hang out and do whatever. He was an official brother in our family. The fireworks were crazy this year with the new ariels they were selling! If you were a vet, you probably went into flashback mode. Carl's neighbor put these "seal bombs" into a watermelon! Holy cow! It was everywhere!

Anyway, it was a very fun few days. I have come to the conclusion that I prefer Monday holidays better than Friday holidays. It's great to have a day after Sunday to hang out and it also makes the rest of the work week go pretty quick.

But the best thing of the 3-day weekend is that I beat my son-in-law in the race... again! (I say that with love, because at the rate I'm aging, I only have a year or two left where I can!)

RAGNAR Wasatch Back Run! and run... and run!

2011-06-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

So I ran the Ragnar on June 17-18th. I drove to Carl's house in Lehi, Brad Shafer came by with the rented Chrysler Mini Van. Chuckle and laugh, but it actually worked out waaaaaayyy better than an SUV! We got the shell put on the top, loaded our gear and drove up to Olympus Cove to meet up with the rest of our team. We had to drive out to Eden. We went through the Ogden canyon. Man, the rivers are running real high! Of course we get behind some dude pulling a load of mulch and going 15 MPH.

We finally arrived and were heading over to the orientation area. As we were crossing the street one of the volunteers starts yelling at us because we weren't crossing with our flags. We didn't have them yet, and were actually picking them up, but he said we should be using them... I don't know, chicken and the egg thing!?!?!

We met up with Van 1 from our team, (we were named Hot 'n Runny) and waited for April, their last runner, to arrive. The whole valley of Eden is really beautiful. Anyway, she arrived and slapped the bracelet onto Sean, and he was off and running. April looked pretty hammered, and actually didn't run again; she got sick and later had her husband come pick her up.

So we drove up to the next exchange and waited. Sean came in and handed off to Matt, who had a quick 3 or so miler. Jeff was next and had a 3 miler, too. While we were waiting for him, one of the volunteers said there were only 29 teams left behind us! Our team officially started at 2 pm. It was getting dark and a bit cold! We went up to the next exchange and I got ready to roll.

I wore my reflector vest and Matt's headlamp. You know, putting on someone else's sweaty head lamp is a bit nasty, but eventually we were all pretty sweaty. So jeff slapped the bracelet on me and I was off. I had my RunKeeper app going. It notifies me every 5 minutes and at every mile. I was totally shocked when the voice came across my headphones telling me I was on a 6:41 mile pace! It was dark now, and I couldn't see where the heck I was supposed to be running. The markers are barely blinking and the volunteers are just standing there. I had to yell "Which way?!?!" to which they just point. I ended up on a road that people were driving pretty fast. I just kept hoping that they saw my vest and headlamp. So I ended running four miles at a 6:50 mile pace. I was shocked. I guess the adrenaline kicked in.

You gotta love being all hot and sweaty and even a bit gooey, then climbing into a van! Brad took the next run, which was straight uphill. He burned it up and did real well. Brad had surgery on his abdomen back in April and hasn't been able to eat a lot. In fact he has been losing lots of weight, so he wasn't sure how much he could run. It was getting pretty brisk and windy. Carl took off after Brad and had a long run that ended at Earl's Lodge at Snowbasin ski resort. We had to laugh because at every exchange, they were taking everything down. No difference here. We met up with Van 1 again. That's where we found out April was done. Dan had tagged along with them, not planning on running (he said he was too fat. Yeah right!) So he took over for her. We were able to use the bathrooms at the lodge before they closed it up. And we were able to get some nasty tasting free drinks from a vendor.

Carl came in, handed off, and we went to Morgan High School to get some sleep. We arrived there around 12:30 am. Brad and Matt decided to sleep outside, the rest of us slept in the gym on the wrestling mats. When we got there, there were lots of vehicles all over, and 50-60 people in there sleeping. Jeff and I stopped by the bathroom. He pulls out his toothbrush and toothpaste. He got about 3 strokes done when he dropped his toothbrush onto the floor. He swore and chucked it into the trash! I offered him mine, after I used it, but he declined. I didn't really get too much sleep; I would doze for 15 or so minutes at a time. I got up at 3:30 to use the bathroom. When I came back in, our dudes were the only ones there and were up and packing. The old man that was helping said he was going to come and wake us up because everyone was gone. He said they were waiting on one final female runner!

We got outside to find we were the only vehicle in the lot! All the Ragnar stuff was stacked up and ready to go. We booked it to the next exchange at East Canyon State Park. It was dark and in the mid 30's outside. Sean took the bracelet and was off. He had a short run and handed off to Matt. He had a long 7 miler to Hennefer. When he got done, he had frost on his gloves! Jeff took off for a grueling 10 miler along Echo Reservoir. We drove up to the next exchange (there was no van support for him on his run) at Coalville. Carl, Sean and Brad got the pancake breakfast there at the school. They were charging to use the bathrooms! The Honey Buckets outside get SUPER NASTY, especially when thousands of people have already used them!

Jeff made it in and I took off. I ran about 1/4 mile down a road then onto a dirt path! No van support, but they had some Gatorade stations. You know, it is utterly impossible for me to try and drink while I am moving! I ended up with a big slash up my nose and down my shirt! I had a long 8 mile run that was on an uphill grade. I did pass 10 people, though. Chantel and Austin were working as volunteers at the exchange there in Wanship. It was good to see them. Too bad it smelled like there were dead animals in the bushes! And the aroma of the Honey Buckets. Mmm mmm.

Brad got to run along Rockport Lake for a 5 miler. By the time he was done, he was done running the race. We had told Austin he might have to step in and help. Carl took off on a 7 mile run into Oakley. We got some cool pictures of him by a big red barn. Some runner that passed Carl stopped a couple times and looked like he barfed both times. His van would give him some water and he would take off again! Van 1 was there waiting for us in Oakley. We made the exchange and took off to Deer Valley to Jeff's dad's huge big house!

Jeff told us we could each use one of the 5 showers downstairs. Five showers on one floor?! Holy dooley! I was wasn't planning on showering since I still had my worst run waiting, but I got in and man, it felt real nice! We hung out for a while. Carl and Brad played shuffleboard on a miniature set. There were big flatscreen TVs in every bedroom, along with satellite TV. We got a call that Van 1's runner was starting his last leg, so we packed it up and headed to Heber to make the exchange. Well, we get there only to find out that the runner had just started leg 4! So we hung out with Chantel and Austin, who was ready to run for Brad. As we sat on the blanket with them, Brad says "We left Paradise for this?!" Classic. I passed by the Honey Buckets to see a huge tanker truck and a dude with a big hose sucking up each unit. I looked at a dude standing next to me and said, "You know, whenever you think you have a bad job, you could be sucking poo!"

They finally showed up and Austin took off. In our van someone asked if he's going to need water, to which the reply was, "Aw, he's young and it's only four miles", so we didn't stop and offer. He ran into Charleston, hands off to Matt and promptly says "Don't you believe in water support?!" We all felt bad.

Matt ran up to Midway and handed to Jeff, who had 3 miles of the Ragnar Hill. Brutal! Jeff flew in from Tennessee to run with us, so he's already having altitude issues. I was feeling bad for him. He had one of the funniest statements of the whole adventure later when he said "I think I caused irreparable damage to my heart!" We laughed because Carl's wife, Ivette, made a comment that Ragnar ruins families. We were afraid we were going to have to make a phone call to Jeff's wife that he'd died! As we were driving next to Jeff, Brad looks at me and says, "You know, yours is steeper."

I got ready and took the handoff from Jeff. Austin had said a while ago that there is no shame in walking on the hill. I thought I could make it without walking. I ran for a bit over 1/2 a mile when I thought my heart was going to explode! I had to walk. Ugh. I felt like a failure and wanted to pull my shorts down around my ankles. I couldn't believe how steep the hill was! Brad came out a couple times with water. I did pass a number of people, though. You know it's bad when we went from dirt to a few feet of snow! Brad came out and told me I needed to pass some buff dude who was running without his shirt on who was asking how far back the next runner was. They were going to take a photo of the dudes face as I passed him, but just as I got there, I had to walk. I didn't know that was their plan, or I would have done better. When I did pass him, I made a comment like What were we thinking? to which he made some macho dude man statement. Teresa would be upset, but I rolled my eyes. The hard person to catch was this girl in pink shorts, who was pretty good at hocking loogies! I pushed and kept churning and finally passed her. I had to walk, and for a while we would go back and forth. I finally passed her for good and was extremely happy to be done with the most hellish 4 miles I have ever run!

Sean wanted the long downhill run into Park City, so he traded with Brad, (who had Austin run... you know already). I felt like a sack of goo. We got down to the last exchange and waited. When Sean was coming in, Carl pulls out his Nacho Libre mask! Classic. He only wore it for a minute. Anyway, Carl's run was a long 7 miles that wound around Park City. While he was running the rest of us went up to the Red Banjo Pizza restaurant on Main Street. Pizza never tasted so good! Jeff told us stories about being on the city council and some lawsuits, etc.

We went to the Park City High School and waited for Carl to come in. They had all kinds of tents and stuff set up. Carl came and the 6 of us ran through the finish line. Our time was 30:24. Ugh. We got our medals and shirts, etc. and packed up and headed out!

It was a lot of fun and real hectic, too. It is a great experience to hang out with the dudes in the van for that long, too. Kind of a weird bonding experience, but something that we'll have forever. And you know, I hope we are up for the Las Vegas run again!

Hawaii

2011-05-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

So apparently Chelsea had chosen a trip to Hawaii for a high school graduation gift. What the crap? Back in my day I didn't go on any kind of graduation trip! I don't even think there was a gift of any sorts. But then again, my high school career wasn't what you'd call stellar, so I probably didn't deserve much, and that's pretty much what I got.

Anyway, we also decided to celebrate Chelsea's first year of college being done, her 19th birthday, Teresa's first year of college being done, as well as her being accepted into the Accounting Program. I was obviously the tag-along slacker with nothing but my charm and wit.

We flew out by way of Seattle. Now that is a grungy airport. (They did Cobain proud!). On the flight to Hawaii, there was a baby that SCREAMED, not just cried, but screamed for 5 of the 6 hours! We also flew right into a huge lightning storm. Chelsea was freaking out that the plane was going to get hit and go down.

We landed, got our bags and picked up a rental car and drove to Kailua to a rental property. It was 10:00 pm local time when we finally got there, so I was feeling the 2:00 AM time and couldn't even think coherently! (You know me, if it's past 9:30 pm, I'm trying to get into bed)

And I woke up at 2 am local time, wide awake, laid around and finally got up around 4. Once we were all up, we went down to Kailua Bay and walked around for a bit on the beach. We decided to go to the North Shore. We kept laughing because it was so early! We kept saying to Chelsea, "You're in Hawaii!" She was soooo happy.

It was fun to stop in at the Kahuku Grill for some delicious Teriyaki Chicken, and head up to Sunset beach. Chelsea and I did a bit of snorkeling at Three Tables. She was having a tough time with the fins and didn't believe me that she just needed to turn around and walk backwards! We cruised around a bit checking out the fish and such. The currents are pretty strong right there, so we bailed out, but not before Chelsea was on her bum getting nailed by waves shooting sand everywhere! She looked like she was wearing a loaded Depends! We stopped at Ted's Bakery for some desserts, too.

We had shaved ice at Aoki's, which is right next to Matsu Moto's, and from what we understand, no different. I had the ice cream and the sweet beans in mine. Yummy! And who doesn't want more fiber?!?!

When we went to Waikiki, we parked at the very end and went into the nasty public bathrooms to change. Oye! I had some homeless dude ask me, "Hey, uncle, go buy me a Subway sandwich..." Uh, no thanks. He followed me into the bathroom and I thought for sure I was going to get mugged!

It was pretty surreal being at Waikiki Beach; I've seen it in pictures and movies and tv shows, but to actually be there was weird! We got a photo next to the Duke, and went out with some Boogie Boards. It was great. A few days later we rented surfboards there and Chelsea learned to surf! It was awesome! I've never been on a longboard, so I didn't know how she should be positioned on the board. There was a surf instructor out there teaching a guy named Mark how to surf. So I saw how he had Mark and got Chelsea in the right place. The instructor was a crack up- he kept yelling, "Mark! Paddle like you want it!" and "Stand up!!!" We surfed for a couple hours and had a blast. Too bad we live in Utah, because I believe now that Chelsea has tasted the joy of surfing, she would be doing it all the time!

We went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Cool to see how pineapples grow, but that place is a tourist trap rip-off! And they have this pond thing where you can feed the fish. Ugh, what looks like a couple hundred koi fish going nuts trying to suck up all the food that people were dropping in. Nightmare in the making!

We drove the Pali Highway and went to the lookout place up at the pass. Super windy! But breathtaking views! And what's up with all the chickens and roosters running wild everywhere?

We went to La'ie, drove around BYU Hawaii, then went to the temple and into the Visitor's Center. That was cool. The plan was to go to the Polynesian Culture Center, but it started to rain, real hard, and the wind was blowing hard, too. We parked, went in, and decided to bail. Good thing- it never let up and would have been miserable. But we did get the BEST shave ice of the trip at Angel's. Ice cream in the bottom, then they drizzled sweetened condensed milk all up and down it and whipped cream on the top. Oh baby!

Chelsea and I also did some snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Kind of a rip-off to get in! $7.50 per person. We had fun checking out all the fish and trying not to get stuck in the coral. We stopped one time so I could clean my mask. I look at Chelsea and she is just treading water like crazy. I started laughing and said, "Stand up!" The water was only up to her chest. She cracked up.

So I went to Agnes' Portuguese Bakery one morning to get us their malassadas (Portuguese donuts), along with a Long John and a Chocolate Pocket. Holy cow! Phenomenal! We ate there a couple more times. I haven't eaten donuts in years, but they were so yummy, I couldn't not eat them! Plus, Teresa kept saying, "You're on vacation! It doesn't count!"

I ran a couple times right on the beach. That's a workout to do 5 miles in the sand! The other times I ran I did it on the streets. It was really nice to not be freezing while I ran!

We went to Peal Harbor. It was very interesting. I don't recall learning about how the Japanese took out so many airfields all over the island. The thing that was kind of weird was there were tons of Japanese tourists there. I just kept wondering what they thought about the whole thing. Oh well. When we were taking the boat to the USS Arizona, I commented to Teresa that the water looked pretty mucky. The Naval Officer out on the Memorial said that in the 45 years he's been there, the weather has never been this wet. He said it's usually like standing on a piece of glass there, but we could barely see 5 feet down! Shrug. He explained about how much oil they estimate is still down there and how much comes up a day (3-4 quarts). They figure at this rate it will take a couple hundred years for it to all come up. Crazy.

It was sad to leave. We had a great tome and it was real fun to do so many things with Chelsea. The flight left at 10:00 pm. Holy cow, who designed airplane seats? Obviously they never tried to sleep in them. Brutal. We had a layover in Seattle then went to Portland and hung out with Teresa's folks for a few hours. We stopped at VooDoo Donuts for the other girls. Marilyn made a yummy lunch/dinner for us. Teresa and Chelsea both took showers. I figured I'm greasy and have to get back on the plane. Heck, I'll just save my grease until the next morning.

So, we had a blast and will always be thinking of how we can get back. Chelsea and I will be thinking about trips to the coast and renting some boards!

I'm Bloated!

2011-04-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Wakefield's came up for a visit this last week. It's been great to hang out and be around them again. And I've eaten an enormous amount of food since they've been here! Jayton and I went to the temple on Friday morning (I took a little time off of work). After that we went for a run up in Cedar Hills. I took a couple weeks off of running due to a nagging neck/back/shoulder injury (I think I will forever be susceptible to injuries due to the bike accident). We ran by the golf course, down a huge hill, which meant we had to run back up it!! Ugh. Man, my legs were hurting bad. We decided we would all meet up later.

I took Abby out for lunch at The Italian Place. I love the steak and everything sandwiches. Love them. Not just a liking or partiality, but true love. I want to carry a picture of a sandwich in my wallet type love. We split a bag of salt & vinegar chips and had a cherry Coke. We hung out, went to the Hobby Lobby and had a fun time. Abby rocks.

Well, we did all meet up at Brick Oven for dinner. The Grover's, Frandsen's, Wakefield's, and even the Hanks' came along (you know, my daughter and son-in-law). We had a great time, laughed, were loud and finally left and drove back here to our place. I drove with Brad because my little wife had to stay on campus for a test review. Finals, you know. Anyway, Brad and I started laughing at the restaurant @ 12, that's the name of the place. Chinese take out. So, what, you start throwing up @ 12? That led to other topics and finally to a discussion of how when I was about 12 and came to the realization that Loni Anderson uses the bathroom?!?! And then Brad says "Yeah, Loni's probably had to light a match a time or two." We started laughing so hard we had tears. Classic.

Teresa took her Calculus final on Saturday, and just as I thought, she got a 90! She is awesome. I am so proud of her for doing the math thing. It has been a hectic semester for her and there has been a lot of stress around the home front, but understandably so. She has also been taking an economics class. Good stuff.

Jayton and I ran around the streets here in Orem on Saturday. He always says I am trying to kill him, but my legs were extremely sore and I could barely run.

So we ate out again at Macaroni Grill. That is where the photo is from. One thing that really stinks about the Droid phone is the camera is a big piece of crap and takes terrible photos, especially in low lighting. Anyway, one thing I don't understand about the Macaroni Grill... the are always soooooo SLOW!!! Good grief, there was three other groups of people there, and it took FOREVER to get anything! Heavens. We thought about walking out a few times because we couldn't find our waiter. The food, and especially the bread (and dipping it in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar) is delicious. Teresa and I split a dish. It was real fun to just hang out again and laugh. Teresa and Beth both got the lemon cream cake. Yummy, and I'm not a lemon cake fan- hard to believe, I know.

We did eat Cafe Rio the next night. We all got our food then came over here to eat. It was rowdy and fun. Chelsea is done with school and has moved back home, so her stuff was all over the front room. Teresa, Madalyn and I all shared a chili roast salad. Chelsea helped Beth with hers. I even had some of Oliver's black bean. Yummy. Man, my cholesterol is going to shoot up! Good thing I started running again to try and offset the calories.

Today for work we went to a meeting up in Salt Lake City, at Sizzler. Salad bar, lots of fruit. But I did have a couple skewers of the shrimp. And then there was tonight- we went to Sakura so they could all eat sushi. Teresa ordered the chicken teriyaki and I just got a bowl of fried rice. Well, the Frandsen's and Wakefield's all ate their sushi and we waited and waited for our food. When it came, the rice was super shiny and extremely oily, and Teresa's chicken was waaaaay over cooked and dry and nasty. Our waiter just says, Sorry. So we spoke to the owner. Needless to say, we are never going back there, ever. Osaka is our Japanese food destination.

We went to Farr's for them to all eat ice cream. I just had a few samples. Holy cow, good stuff. I want to bring a Dixie Cup with me and when they ask if I want a sample cup I can pull out my cup and say "Got one!"

So, the Wakefield's are on their way home, and we miss them already. Stupid Wakefield's. Jeeze, why did they have to move? We hope Jayton can buy a business around here. Oh well.

And there you have it. Bloated! You know, I mowed the lawn for the first time last week. I'm not excited about that weekly ritual. It is still quite cool and real wet. I hate this time of year because I am ready for it to be nice and warm, but not in Utah, nooo.
And where the heck did all the dandelions come from? Good heavens!!

And why is gas so expensive? Back a couple years ago we hit the high prices when barrels of oil hit $!40, so why are we paying even more when barrels are only $112? So what does Obama do? He's going to get a committee to check it out. What?! Here, I'll help... LET US GET OUR OWN OIL!

Okay, well, the Giants are generally do pretty good so far. Blew the first few games, but I think they needed to shake off the World Series hangover. LA Dodger fans showed how awesome they are by putting an innocent Giants fan in the hospital with brain damage. Quality LA fans.

Happy Easter!

It Was Work!

2011-03-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

So I was able to go to a conference down in Palm Desert, CA last week for work. We stayed in the J W Marriott resort. Holy Dooley that place is huge and awesome! Four pools and three jacuzzi's, and, yes, I jumped in all of them! I flew down with a co-worker and was freaked out to see what seemed to be countless golf courses surrounded by homes! Lots of pools, too. I was excited to get off the plane and step into the 86 degree warmth. We met up with another co-worker who had taken his whole family on a vacation.

Monday morning around 6:20 I went for a 5 mile run. Perfect 65 degree weather and a beautiful pink sky! The conference was really good, too! The first keynote speaker was an economics professor from New Mexico State University. He was like Doc Brown from Back To The Future! I don't know if I agreed with all his thoughts, but he was fun. Lots of good discussions and speakers. Crappy lunches, though.

After the conference sessions we hung out at the pools and got some needed sun. Yes, a Utah winter makes one very pasty! We were invited by a vendor to a dinner at another golf resort. We got shuttled over and were taken to the bar. You know, living here in Utah and working at BYU I just don't see a whole lot of drinking going on, but at these events with an open bar, people are just throwing them down! Crazy. But, they had phenomenal hors devours! We adjourned to a room for a beautiful steak and fish dinner. I hate fish, so the steak was what I ate. And can someone please tell me why asparagus affects the urinary track with that smell?!?!?! Oye!

Another early morning run on Tuesday. It's been a long while since I have sweat while running in the morning outside! Lovely.
We had another economist speak, but this one was more realistic on what's taking place in the economy. Fun topics and speakers, another subpar lunch, but more pool time! We also had a big conference banquet. Holy cow, people were getting hammered.

The best part of the dinner was this luscious dessert! Chocolatey and rich. Ed ate two of them! Anyway, pretty sweet gig. I had a blast and it was so nice to be in the warm weather.

The cab driver sure took the long way to the Palm Springs airport!

And I must say, I have seen enough old, leathery, wrinkled skin to last a lifetime!

Of course when we landed in Utah, it was cold, rainy and windy. Welcome home. March and April are tough months for me; I am programmed for Spring being nice and temperatures going up. Here you get snow into April. I think it snowed last May. Ugh. Anyway, it really was a work trip. I could handle those more often.

Like Zeppelin Says...It's Been a Long Time

2011-02-25T19:12:00.000-08:00

So I know it's been months and months since I wrote anything. Call it lazy, lack of interest, being spooked about who's stealing my info, heck, pick an excuse, it doesn't matter. Brad Frandsen made a comment about not writing on his anymore with "There's no instant gratification like on Facebook." Well screw that, I'm gonna write about what has been happening since July!

The Wakefield's came in August for a visit. We laughed that they stopped here before going to Beth's folks' house! We loved having them around and of course Jayton and I went running. We always eat out when they are here. Brad, Jayton, and I went shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond and were cracking up at all the items in there. We kept saying "I get that one for a white-elepant gift!" I think the best was the men's bikini shaver. Makes you shudder just thinking about it, eh?

Abby was in the marching band. It's sad that they have to combine with their rival school because Mountain View doesn't have enough band nerds. Oh well. She plays the xylophone so she doesn't have to really march. Classic. And those uniforms! Whoa! But bless her little heart for doing it and she has a blast, so I guess that's all that matters.

Teresa climbed in the saddle at the Texas Roadhouse so we could sing happy birthday to her. She's a babe.

I couldn't believe that the San Francisco Giants were hanging in there throughout September and suddenly had a death match with the Padres. We were stressing out but the playoffs were great! I had the games on at work and was yelling in my office. But they kicked butt, even though no one thought they would.

So, in October the big event was running the Ragnar Relay Race in Las Vegas. Carl talked me into doing it. Our half of the team drove down together, listening to the Giants vs. Phillies as we went. 3 of the dudes stayed at a really nice place and then Carl, Brad, and I stayed in a glorified double-wide. It was one of those situations that you really didn't want to touch the sheets, but did anyways.
We got up, picked up our other dudes and headed out to the Valley of Fire in Nevada. Since this was my first Ragnar, I didn't know what to expect. Lots of people dressed up, and I'm not going to repeat the names of some of the teams, but they were nasty. Brad and I had to take a photo with this lady. I kept wondering "How in the world is she going to run?! Not just the boots, but I figured she would fall over from being top-heavy!" Turns out she was just a helper at the starting line.
I was runner 4. While waiting I saw Jeff Wise, a guy I worked with for years in the foundry world. We ran the same legs. Well, I had a 6 mile run and was surprised at how many hills I had to run up! But I passed 25 people. After our legs of the race, we were at the Lowes Resort. Sweet! We even watched the Rangers beat the Yankees as we hung out in a cabana! If only we had the monkey butlers bringing us food and drinks, it would have been perfect! My second run was at 11-ish at night and was only 3.5 miles. I did it in 22 minutes and passed another 13 people, including a 12 year boy who about pooped himself when I ran passed him.
We slept, or tried to, at a school in some rinky-dink town. They had a generator blaring and they sprinklers had been on so the grass was wet. We had a tarp, so a few of us threw our sleeping bags down and tried to sleep. About 20 minutes later the sprinklers came back on! Big sprinklers! I stood up and tried to get out of the way but was soaked after one pass! I tried sleeping in our vehicle, but was wet and cold and got maybe an hour or two of sleep. Classic.
The other van had people that weren't runners. When their dude came in, I thought he was going to die! His wife thought so, too. My third run was about 7 miles at 8 in the morning. First mile was on a paved road but then the rest was on a dirt road. That was pretty hectic. But we did it and it was great. The funny part is that all we worry about is making sure we don't have to take a dump when we are on our run! Our team was supposed to be Hot & Runny, but the other group didn't like that, so we ended up with Team Firestorm. I am running the Wasatch Back Ragnar in June with the dudes again. Looking forward to it.

Anyway, when the Giants were one inning away from winning the World Series, I was freaking out! Blooming Wilson always makes it so stressful, but I was excited that they won! A couple of my girls were watching and the tension was horrible! I ran outside and screamed! You need to know, for years and years we went to Candlestick Park, freezing our butts off, just hoping that someday they would be good enough to even make the playoffs! There were games when it looked like maybe 2,000 people were scattered throughout the ball park. Ugh, just so happy that it finally happened.

How about that "Blizzard" that never really made it. Pathetic when the weather people are trying to say "it really was a blizzard..." Shut it.

Carl and I ran the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. It was 5 degrees. 5. And the wind was blowing. There weren't as many people as usual... wonder why. I was pretty bundled up and could get loose as I ran. I really hate the start of the race- they leave us all standing there forever, just waiting. Shoot the stinking gun! Running on Center Street past the High School right into the wind, my mouth and part of my face went numb like I had just visited the dentist! My lips swelled a bit! I started wondering, "how fast does frost bite set in?". I tried to run with one hand up covering my face, but that didn't work so well. My hands were hurting and it just all-around sucked! I was 50 seconds slower than the previous year. I wanted to get the hot chocolate they had at the end of the race and pour it on my face and then dump some on my crotch!

We did have a fun Thanksgiving at Carl's house. We kept cutting little slices of the turkey cake to eat, you know, so you don't feel guilty that you're eating so much. And of course we played Sequence. And the women folk cheated as usual. But the best part of the day was the Cowboys lost!!!

The Wakefield's came up again and we had a big party over at Beth's parents place. We had a lot of people there and had a great time. After dinner, we played some minute to win it games. That's a picture of Jayton, Thomas Grover, Sarah Chaffin, and you can't see Ashley Nelson, stacking Little Debi Snack Cakes on their foreheads. They started smashing them to make them stick and all I can think is "AHHH, don't waste them! I'll eat them right off your face!!"
Jeff Wilde gave the best white-elephant gift of all, and I opened it: a model of the women's reproductive organs! Classic. Then Jayton stole it from me!

Christmas was pretty low-key. I love Christmas music and would still be listening to it today, but I fear that someone would beat the tar out of me. Most likely Teresa!

Right before Christmas, the dentist removed the crowns off my front teeth. I've had those baby's since 1984, and they looked it! See, back in 1974 we used to go swimming over at Cupertino High School during the summer. Carl, William, and I went into the locker room where some punky kids had plugged up the drains and had all the showers on. I slipped and landed on my face, chipping my four front teeth. For years I had temporary caps on my teeth, but then as a senior in high school, Dr. Webb, our dentist, ground my teeth down and gave me crowns. So, the photo shows what teeth start looking like after a couple decades of being all cooped up. I was so happy to get my new teeth on Jan 3, 2011!

Teresa got accepted into the Accounting Program at BYU, which is no easy task. I already knew she is brilliant. I guess next fall will be a bit hellish for her. And if mom's not happy, no one's happy. So, we will have to keep lots of chocolate in the house and I will need to learn a few more recipes!

Abby is now 16 and went on a date to a dance! She looked real pretty. I don't know why I am having such a tough time with her growing up, but it has really freaked me out a bit.

So one of my goals is to read 5 books this year. Sounds pretty un-impressive to the everyday man, but I am such a slow reader that it takes forever for me to get through a stinking book! I am reading Broke by Glenn Beck right now. Pretty interesting. Do books on tape count? Hee hee.

How about our awesome president?!?! Good night, he shows no leadership skills. You know, if these idiots wants a socialist society, please move to a different country that has a socialist government. Then again, Wisconsin could be that socialist haven they are looking for. And think of all the government cheese that they could have!

You know, I'm always hungry. Always, just ask my wife, she'll tell you. Tape worm? Possibly.

Well, I can't think anymore. I'm hoping it doesn't take another 7 months to write again.

Fourth and Fifth

2010-07-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

Seeing as how the 4th was on the Sabbath, we did the Freedom Run on the 5th. Yesterday we did go to Carl's for some dessert and fireworks. Ivette made a beautiful frozen coconut dessert, I guess it's a Nicaraguan delight. We did all kinds of fireworks (Carl bought the big pack from Costco), but they all seem to do the same thing! Fun, but a cool night!
So this morning we ran the Freedom Run. It was weird not having Jayton there, but I did visit the bushes in his honor. I met up with Austin at the start, but never saw Carl. A couple dudes were dressed like Vikings (and later we saw some Viking girl), but they lasted about 1/2 a block and we lost them. That first mile uphill is brutal, but the heading down University Parkway is sweet. Austin stayed with me for most of the run on University Ave.but he fell behind after 3 miles. We waved at the Billings' as they screamed and yelled for us. I saw Thomas Grover on the corner of Center Street and 900 East.
Same thing, though, at the end... trying to dodge the strollers and walkers and people kinda roaming aimlessly. I thought, by the clock at the finish line, that I had really blown away last years time, but the clock was off by a whole minute! So, I was actually 8 seconds slower than last year. Oh well.
Austin came in about 1 minute after me, Carl about 14 minutes after that. Teresa and the girls got there just in time to get some photos! Classic. Anyway, it was a fun run. And of course, the post-run barfing pictures. That's Carl's running friend, Brad, but he never did vomit!

Shopping Bonanza!

2010-05-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, my wife is a Coupon Queen. Check this deal out---

15 Boxes of Fiber One for just a few dollars!
I'm in heaven.

I love my wife!

Chantel & Austin Get Married!

2010-05-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Chantel and Austin got married in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. Pretty interesting. Steve Ogden of Ogden Carpets performed the ceremony. Crazy. On Thursday, Austin and I started getting the church ready for the reception. Teresa and Laurie came by and started ironing table clothes.Brenda came over, too. Lots of people filtered in and helped. It was great. Andrea was cracking up as she was tying ribbons on the chairs. So, the candy bar was all set up and looking good, and Brenda had blue teeth from eating a blue raspberry ball! The place looked great.
Beth Wakefield came up with her boys (it was fun to see them again and hear Porter speaking!!!). She was the make-up queen for all the girls. Classic. We really miss having them here and missed Jayton, who was unable to get away from work. Anyway, the Snyder women all looked glamorous. After the ceremony we went out back and took a ton of photos. Jenny, Chantel's bestest girlfriend was there. We love Jenny; she is a crack up. It was pretty fun. We had to wait around for the happy couple to finish, then we met up with everyone down at Mimi's Cafe for lunch. We were all starving, so the dry burger actually tasted well.
The reception was actually really fun. The food consisted of cupcakes and candy! Teresa had lots of people make the cupcakes and they were all delicious!!! Especially the p-nut butter topped ones. Mamma Jamma! It was great to see cousins and relatives. My nephew Taylor sucked down about 100 cupcakes! But, he's a growing boy, so it's all good. We had these old doors as backdrops and Chantel even brought her bike over. It all looked real cool.
When it was time for them to skeedaddle, everyone had bubbles to blow at them as they left. Too bad their car was Seran Wrapped! They finally were able to get inside the car and were off!
We had a lot of folks stay and help clean up. It's amazing how much stuff was left! They didn't really eat any wedding cake, which was delicious, so it has been on our counter for a week. It's like eating a big Suzie Q. Ooh baby. I ate way too much. And Brad's Red Velvet cupcakes. And all the other cupcakes.It's no secret how much I love cake.I can't believe I am going to admit this, but I think I don't want cake for a while.
Anyway, I am putting some of my favorite pictures up. I love the bike pictures.
Can you believe I forgot to put an invitation up at work!? Man, what a moron. My wife asks "How come no one from work came?" Uh, hey, idiot!
So, it's a week later and we still have stuff all around the house. We need a vacation.
Chelsea, you better not be getting married anytime soon!

Cinco and Stuff

2010-05-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

So last Monday evening I saw the Frandsen's out for a walk and gave them a shout to come on over. We sat out front in the fading sunshine and had a good chuckle. Rob Clegg came over and we started discussing what we could do for a Cinco de Mayo party. Well, we ended up having it on Cinco de Ocho. But holy cow, what delicious food! Bradley picked up some marinated meat which he threw on the grill, Rob made a boatload of beef enchilada's, and my wife made the yummiest cupcakes I have ever eaten!
The Jazz game was on, so Wes and Trent were freaking out (we could hear them downstairs). We all ate and ate and then had multiple cupcakes. I hurt bad afterward. But it was so worth it.
We played Whoonu and had a great time learning some interesting tidbits about each other, like Brad HATES crossword puzzles and Andrea hates coconut. Rob likes nail polish (odd, I know, especially when he busts out pictures of his wife's toenails all painted up).
The best part was how we all said, See, we don't need the Wakefields to have fun! But we all knew we were lying. Blimey! When are they coming back?!
Fun evening. Fat evening.
So here we are for Mother's Day. I have been cooking a hunk of meat all day and plan on getting some mashed potatoes and veggies going soon, too. My wife rocks.
My brother is 45! Wow, that's old!
Chantel is getting married this week. Good grief!
Chelsea turned 18, Abby can get her driver's permit, and Madalyn is on a softball team.
Man, I'm Old!

A Wonderful Time To Be Alive!

2010-04-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

We live in the most wonderful time ever in the creation of the Universe. Why, you ask?! Just take a look at this picture- not only is Madalyn on the Earth, but Froot Loops now have FIBER!!! Yes! What a beautiful combination; the yummy, delicious sugarness of Froot Loops combined with the wholesome, digestive friendliness of fiber. Oh, man, God Bless America!
More reasons to rejoice in this time of creation? The Giants blanked the Dodgers 9-0.
We have had some beautiful weather the last couple days. This after a couple snow storms earlier in the week. It is so nice to be able to run outside and not be freezing. I love seeing the trees budding and popcorn on the trees (though I'm not sure if they are apricot trees). I mowed the lawn last week. Why do my cats poop out in the middle of the backyard grass? Stupid cats. Sitting outside during lunch and actually getting some real sunshine on my face. My legs are whiter than the snow on Timp, though. Don't see that changing too soon.
So my brother is stuck over in Heidelberg, Germany due to the erupting volcano. He is tiring of the German food. C'mon, schnitzel and bratwurst with potatoes!? German Chocolate Cake (how do the German's get the coconut for the frosting?)If only HE had the Fiber enriched Froot Loops he would be fine!

April Struggles

2010-04-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

You know, April may be the toughest month of the year for me and here's why:
Growing up in Northern California, by the time April comes around we have already been hanging out at the beach, playing baseball and enjoying the green grass & flowers (well, Lance and I would go surfing year round, but still...). Here in Utah, April still means snow, cold, an occasional teasingly nice days. You just know that the real nice weather is still a ways away. And what usually happens is that one day you wake up and it's 95 degrees!
Take the storm last night, geeze, it was like a blizzard! Howling winds and blowing snow. Blimey! I could go for a nice 80 degree sunny day. I would even be happy to mow the lawn.
But, the redeeming beauty of April is baseball season has begun and the Giants are 2-0! Holy Dooley! I am so happy because it seems that basketball season never ends.
Still loving my job.
Anyone for a Tiger's Blood Snowcone?

New York

2010-02-27T19:02:00.000-08:00

For work I was able to go to a conference in New York with Doug and Reed! We stayed at the Marriott Marquis at Time Square. We left on Sunday around 1 and arrived in Newark, NJ around 9:30. Wow, it's a different type of cold out there. We caught a cab and got to our hotel around 10:30. We hopped over to McDonald's to grab a quick bite. Man, Time Square is pretty amazing. Total sensory overload! Monday morning we went to start our conference, but whoever booked us didn't book us for Monday! So, we went for a big walkabout. Pretty fun. We took the subway to Battery Park then headed out to the Statue of Liberty. That was pretty cool. We didn't go up to the top (I think you have to book it a couple months in advance). But we did walk up inside the base. It is very cool to look all the way up the statue from the inside. We walked around outside, then got on the boat and stopped by Ellis Island.
After getting back on land we walked to Ground Zero, then around the Financial District. I took some pictures of Trinity Church- you know, National Treasure. I was already to start bashing through some walls, but decided that would be bad.
Our conference was very informative. After Tuesday's session, we changed clothes and headed out in the super cold rain to Katz's Deli. We took the subway to that, too. It's where the famous scene from When Harry Met Sally was filmed. I had the pastrami sandwich. Oh baby it was good!! It's just fun walking around the city.
Wednesday afternoon we walked up Broadway, stopped and got a picture of Rupert from the Hello Deli (You know, from David Letterman). That place is a dive! Saw Letterman's studio. We went to the Manhattan Temple and walked around inside. Amazing. And right across the street from the Juliard Music School. We walked through Central Park and then swung by Rockefeller Center. Pretty cool.
Doug and I ate at Bubba Gump's. Delicious! We also ate at Junior's. Holy cow, best French Toast I have ever eaten in my life! Even better than the French Toast in Switzerland. I stopped by the Junior's Bakery every night for a cookie. I had a black & white, just because of the Seinfeld episode. But, it was delicious!
The hotel is HUGE and the elevators are super fast. Fun stuff.
Anyway, it was a great trip and I learned a lot, too.
The Olympics have been fun. I think my favorite event is the Short Track. All of us at my house are always leaning and bobbing and making noise. And those blasted Korean's!!! Man they are good. I shouldn't be so happy when they lose, but I am.

But They're Good for my Heart!

2010-02-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

OK, have you tried the new Chocolate Cheerios? Man, they are delicious!!! As my daughter, Chelsea, says "it's the perfect amount of chocolate... not too sweet, and made with real cocoa!"And you know me, I love to eat, and if anyone gives me crap all I have to say is "But they are good for my heart!" Delicious. You doubt? Pick some up and let me know.
Loving the Olympics, too. Short track is awesome. Not too sure how I felt about the opening ceremony. Kind of boring, and you gotta hate the cauldron malfunction. Oh well.
To my favorite nieces, hope your faces start feeling better and the swelling goes down soon. (double wisdom teeth extraction). Drugs. Use them.
Had a lovely Valentine dinner with my beautiful wife (and cute daughter, Madalyn) at NicolItalia. Yummy calzones. My wife does the 'all meat' whereas I go for the chicken, onion & peppers. Burp it all night long, oh yeah!
Loving my new job... still!

Aebleskivers

2010-02-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

Some of the Young Women were supposed to have come over for breakfast this morning, but for whatever reason it ended up being just Chelsea. Teresa was already planning on making Aebleskivers. Even though Chelsea was the only one from her class there, it worked out great for the rest of us! Man, those things rock! A little strawberry jam with a touch of powdered sugar. Ooooh, mama! We were wondering what the word aebleskiver meant in English. My translation was "delicious, yummy round little puffs". My family disagreed. We wanted to ask T. Grove to be sure, looking forward to a gruff, loud German translation, but he didn't pick up his phone. So, I am sticking with my translation! Anyway, after inhaling about 50 of them, I am very satisfied. Geeze, Young Women, you missed out!!!

WORK- A Sweet Four-Letter Word

2010-01-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

I have a job!!! I can't tell you how absolutely wonderful it is to go to WORK! And it is at BYU of all places; they have a hiring freeze going on. Back on December 9th I decided to apply for a rare job opening at BYU. Two days later I was contacted for an interview for the following Monday. The job is for a marketing consultant at the Print and Mail Production Center in the University Press Building. I interviewed with 5 people and left feeling OK about how it went. I was called on Wednesday for a 2nd interview for Friday. That interview was much more formal and was with one of the VP's. I left that one feeling a bit down, thinking that I should have done better. Not a good way to go into the weekend. Monday morning Ken, my former boss, called me to say that BYU had called him for a reference check. John Gerhauser called to say the same thing. Monday afternoon I was called by Doug, my new boss, to come in Tuesday morning. I got there and he offered the job to me. I got emotional right on the spot! What a HUGE blessing and relief! And I love my new job, the environment, the people are all awesome and I truly couldn't be happier! And my wife likes me again!!!
November was getting real depressing- thinking about not having a job going into the Holidays. The Wakefield's were getting ready to move and I was really struggling. The weird thing is I couldn't get into the Christmas spirit, even though, as my daughter said, "You've been listening to Christmas music since October!" I just couldn't feel it, though. I told Jayton that I would probably get a job as soon as he moved and sure enough, after packing their truck in the 9 degree weather, this all happened. (We still are having Wakefield with drawls) This was one of the weirdest Christmases ever. We did go to Carl's house for Christmas Eve and had a fun time as usual. We came home and Madalyn did a Family Home Evening lesson for us that saved my Christmas! It was a great spiritual experience.
I was reading in the Book of Mormon this morning where Nephi first mentions the "tender mercies of the Lord" and also about keeping the commandments and being led to a land of promise. It was a small reminder to me that the Lord has blessed me with this job.
So, there you have it. It has been a HUGE learning experience for me and my family, and hopefully one we won't have to endure ever again. The stress of unemployment is not fun, but I learned you have to just keep plugging away day after day. It gets way depressing at times and you almost don't want to be excited about interviews because when they fall through or don't work out and your back to square one, well, the emotional roller coaster is not fun. Our hearts go out to our friends who are still looking for work. Maybe our stupid fool President and the bumbling congress should come live with a few unemployed families and see what priority healthcare or cap n' trade really are on the list when you don't have work.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers and to those who have been so generous with their means. It has been an eye-opening experience of the goodness of my neighbors and the Christlike attitudes and love they share.
And as Peter, one of my classmates in the MBA program said, "Make sure you Pass it on".

Glee Quotes

2009-12-16T15:57:00.000-08:00

We have tried to catch most of the episodes of Glee this fall. Weird that it is done and won't start back up till April. Anyway, the character of Sue Sylvester cracks me up with her comments. The Deseret News had a little write up with her and recalled some of her lines (that when we were watching we bust out laughing).

"I want it on my desk warm from the laminator at 5 p.m. And if it is one minute late, I will go to the animal shelter and get you a kitty cat. I will let you fall in love with that kitty cat. And then on some dark, cold night, I will steal away into your home and punch you in the face."

"I'm tired of hearing people complain 'I'm riddled with this disease!' or 'I was in this tsunami!' To them, I say 'Shake it up a bit! Get out of your box! Even if that happens to be where you're living.' I'll often yell at homeless people 'Hey, how's that homelessness working out for you? Give not being homeless a try, huh?'

She is pretty hardcore.

Anyway, on the running front: a couple weeks ago I did some walking lunges, something I haven't done in a long time due to the accident. I only had about 60 pounds on the bar. Well, the next day I was so sore I thought I was going to die! My legs and butt were on fire. I decided to try running to loosen things up a bit. After 3 miles I got a knot between my calf and heel. I took Friday off then Jayton and I went running the following day. After about 3/4 of a mile I felt a "boing" happen! Then pain. Lot's of pain! So, I have taken some time off of running. It's a mental game right now. I did use some of my quarters and hit the Rec Center and used the eliptical. I weighed myself on two separate scales and both said 141. Geeze, I need to eat a steak wrapped in bacon! I am going to give the leg 3-4 weeks before running again.

The Wakefield's moved. What the heck! Of course they pick the coldest weather of the year! I think it was 9. As my wife would say "What's the temperature outside?" "Dumb! With a windchill of LAME!" Anyway, we will miss the Wakefield's. They are great friends and Hobbs, NM are lucky to get them! Hey Hobbs, send them back soon!!!

Thanksgiving and Things

2009-12-03T06:25:00.000-08:00

Well, once again it seems I have waited too long to write about some of life's wonderments. At the beginning of November I was released as bishop. I was blessed to serve for over 6 years and it was a great learning experience. I was honored to serve with so many wonderful people. I will miss certain aspects of it, but am happy to see Bishop Prete now hold the keys!
My brother, Carl, and I ran the Turkey Trot again this year on Thanksgiving morning. Chantel's friend, Austin, who had run the St. George Marathon a month or two ago, was at our house listening to us talk about running the race. My wife was goading him on that a forty-something year old guy would beat him (a 21 year old) in the run. So, to keep whatever manhood he had left, he agreed to run it with us. We got over to the Rec Center at 7:45 am and it was about 24 degrees. Carl, Austin and I stood there in the road with the hundreds of other people, jumping around, waiting and trying to stay warm! Shoot the stinkin' gun and get us going!!! Finally we were off. The picture Chantel took of the start of the race- you can barely see me at the top left of the photo (my white long sleeve shirt and black shorts). Can you find Carl in his orange gear? I guess he was making sure he didn't get shot by any stray hunters.
Austin was in front of me for the first hundred feet and apparently didn't see me move to the right and pass him. Oh well. I had a good run. OK, I was so specific with my girls to make sure they actually get a photo of me finishing the race! Somehow that never seems to happen-- oh, hey, there he goes... and I end up with a back shot. Chantel was out on Center Street as I passed her by and I thought "she's gonna miss me coming in". She was waiting to see Austin come by. He was mad that I had already passed by. So, I truck it on in to the finish line and finished at 27:10 for the 4 mile run. I was really hoping to be under 27, but maybe next year. And of course Chantel didn't get any pictures of me. Lots of Austin coming in, but not of her dad. Oh well, I figured as much. The sad part was some teenage kid behind me. As we were waiting to have the crew take our tags, I notice this kid has the goopy-spit all over his mouth and nose. But upon further review (I'm trying not to look too hard) he has barf all over himself. My daughters and niece's said that as he finished he started barfing. Lovely. Anyway, the last run picture is the three of us after the race.
We went to Carl's for Thanksgiving dinner. My cousin, Gary, and his family came as well. Many of you know I am not a big turkey fan, but Ivette cooked a beautiful bird. Gary and I took turns trying to carve it. Wow, we were pathetic. Gary was mocking that I got to use a real knife where he had a butter knife. Lots of yummy food. We played Sequence and as always we marvel at how the womenfolk all cheat. (we have to say that because we always lose). A rousing game of spoons ensued, too. Austin came over. He is both a Dallas Cowboys fan and a Ute fan. Geeze, if things get serious with him and Chantel, he and I are going to have to have a wee talk. It was fun having my nephew Taylor there, too.
I put the Christmas tree up on Saturday and for Family Night we decorated it. We joke that the tree is our heater because after having the lights on for an hour the living room is about 500 degrees! The cats love to lay under it.
Can't believe the Wakefield's are moving next week! I think we are all in denial about it. I think Jayton has a fear of losing a race to some old guy and is taking off. They say they are coming back in 3 years. Just long enough for me to be slowing down. He doesn't understand that I have found the fountain of youth and it is called Fiber One!!!

It's Fall

2009-10-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

We took our annual trip up the canyon to take a few pictures as the fall colors are in show. Most times we wait just a wee bit too long and miss the red foliage. This year we just had to wait for Chantel to get home from school and get ready. By the time we got in the canyon the air was getting cool and we weren't destined to have a lot of light. We started at our usual off-the-road spot up South Fork Canyon. All the girls got out in the little field so mom could pose them. The funny part was we could hear some animal crawling around in the weeds which led to a lot of girlish screaming! But I stopped after realizing it wasn't a snake. He he he.
We did end up at at the park where I performed a wedding for a couple after being the bishop for only a few weeks. (Performing weddings has still been the weirdest thing- I say a few words, sign my name, and people are legally married!? Oye!)
So, here are a few shots of us trying not to look embarrassed as we pose for some shots. (there were a ton of people all around, staring, and trying to take their own pictures. There was even an engagement photo shoot going on. Pretty popular spot, I guess.)
We talked about going back up a few days later, but a storm came in 2 days after we were there, high winds and snow! So, we are happy with what we got.
Take a look at the shot of our little home- now you know what really is at the end of the rainbow! Does that mean we're leprechauns? And where is that stinkin' pot-o-gold? This explains my insatiable appetite for Lucky Charms.

Seamstress of Love

2009-09-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

You know, my wife rocks. The other day she asked Laurie across the street to look at her fabric bag that she uses to carry her scriptures in. Teresa looked it over, then designed and made her own! Teresa has been cranking out some quilts that she has been sewing on her machine.(If I had a job, she could get them all finished. Man, I suck) Beth Wakefield said to me, "Your wife ought to go into clothing design" to which I reply "She has a degree in it already!" But, living in the fashion mecca of Orem, UT, her opportunities are pretty much zero.
All this to get to one of my favorite pictures of 3 of my 4 girls (sorry Madalyn, but you were still in Heaven thinking, "I have to go with them?! Really? Umm, doesn't Steve Young need some kids?" Hey, you could have been with Michael Jackson, so zip it!) This picture is from 1995 and Teresa had made these Christmas dresses for the girlies. Classic! And the Halloween costumes, too. Abby's 50's diner waitress is one of my all time favorites.
The funny thing is Teresa cranks these things out, yet ask her to hem some pants and you'd think I'm asking her to donate a kidney!

California Trip

2009-09-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

I'm guessing Carl had a lot of built up frequent flier miles along with some vendors that wanted to do some nice things for him. Whatever the scenario, he provide plane tickets, hotel accommodations and SF Giants vs LA Dodgers tickets for me, him and his son, Michael to go on a "reminiscing tour" to the old neighborhood. (Carl can't remember anything and usually lies to his family or blames his bad memories on me)
We flew out on 9/11. Not the most exciting day to fly. But how I love those Biscoff cookies on Delta!!! I was just going to say to Michael "the worst landing I ever had..." when we just smacked hard to the ground! Everyone kind of made a "what the crap?!" noise, but I am always glad the flights are done. (not a big flier)
We got in our awesome Hyundai rental and were off! We went right to Togos for a sandwich. Ah, the good ol' days of Togos. We drove to the San Jose Mission, where Michael will be serving his mission, so he could drop off some photos and paperwork. We got to meet his mission president and such.
Driving to Cupertino was interesting on Hwy 85. We got to the Marriott on Wolfe Rd and dropped off our stuff. We headed over to the high school and walked around, while school is in. I was cracking up at all the people looking out the windows at us! Man, the school looked old. We stopped in to the office and spoke to a lady in there, asking about all our old staff. She knew some, not others, and then told us that my science teacher was having an affair with one of the other teachers and they finally got married. Funny thing is I always thought my science teacher was a lesbian!
Class got out as we were leaving. Man, nothing like hearing all the girls there using the f word. Gosh, isn't it sexy!?
We went over to Hyde Jr. High and walked through there, only to have a teacher lean her head out and say 3 men walking around the school could send it into lockdown. So we left.
We went up to SF and to the Safeway store in the Castro District. They have a nut bar there. We got some maple almonds and some other nuts. Geeze, we about o.d.ed (is that how that is spelled?) on nuts. We also ate at this wonderful Italian place. Yummy calzone. It was funny that the big glass windows were open and we were almost right on the sidewalk with everyone else.
We got over to AT&T Park for the game. That is my first time in the park. Wow! What an upgrade from Candlestick. We walked all around and laughed at the booing and yelling at all the Dodgers fans. You know, 90% of them just look like thugs!
Of course the Giants got hammered, but it was still fun.
Saturday we went to our street and walked around for a while, looking at all the houses and where all our friends used to live. I guess being older, and the trees growing so much, but the street looked so small. Our house looked good and the tree in the front yard is huge!
We went over to where our elementary school used to be and looked in the creek. We told Michael about the hours and hours of time played in it, and how every year we would have poison oak so bad that you wanted to die!
We found our Aunt June's house and knocked on the door. She answered and I just said Hi June. I'm your nephew Paul and this is Carl. She was a bit shocked. We went in and had a fun time catching up. What was real funny was she was on her computer doing Facebook! Classic. She looks a bit like my dad and it was interesting to think how he may have aged a bit like her. Her granddaughter is a 49er cheerleader! (I'm wondering how we introduce ourselves so she can get us tickets!!!)
We swung by and saw Matt Kakaio. I haven't seen him since 1985. He still is the coolest dude I know. We just laughed. And of course he has a big Minnesota Vikings poster up.
We went back up to SF for another baseball game. Awesome seats four rows up from the Giants dugout! But, they sucked even worse and got rocked again!!! I sat next to some Dodgers fans from Bakersfield. It was a husband & wife and their 2 teenage daughters. They were actually pretty cool, well, for Dodgers fans.
Sunday we went to our old church building on Bollinger Rd and walked through it. A Tongan ward meets there now. But it sure brought back some good memories. We went to the building on Stelling Rd, right across from De Anza. There aren't a whole lot of folks left from the 6th Ward, but we saw the Davis' (we stopped by there place the day before), the Danielson's, Thompsons, Dye's, Sister McGhie, Gary Davis, Carl Flock, and some others. It was pretty fun.
We also had to go by the Valco Mall and see where we used to slide down the banister of what used to be Bullock's and where we would play on the grass by what was I. Magnin. Man, that mall was our personal playground. We also went to where Carl and I wiped out on our skateboards. Ah, memories.
After checking out of the hotel we cruised SF one more time then went back to Oakland. We pulled into a spot to get a sandwich and there was a Raiders store right next to it. 2 Raiderettes were out front selling and signing calenders, but Cliff Branch, one of our childhood heros, was inside signing anything you bought! Carl bought a ball and Cliff signed it then took a picture with us. He was cool. And we did manage a picture with the cheerleaders, though we were supposed to buy a calendar. Yeah, whatever.
So, it was a fun trip and we had a great time. Thanks, Carl! Heck, maybe next time we can hit Hawaii! But we'll bring the womenfolk to that one.

Some Happenings

2009-09-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some happenings at the Snyder house. Last week Chantel went with her ward to hike Mt. Timpanogos. It was a grueling 18 mile hike, especially for my wee little 100 lb. daughter, who's only exercise consists of sleeping in till 11:00. Anyway, she left early in the morning and got home around 6:30 in the evening. I laughed as she came in; she was hammered and could barely move! She sat down at the table and we got her something to eat and drink. And some ibuprofen. Looking back, we should have just given her some loratabs! I had to snap some pictures. She really freaked when she took off her shoes and saw her feet and how dirty and disgusting they looked. (Chelsea said the picture makes them look hairy! Like a Hobbit?) I about had to scoop her up with a shovel and dump her onto her bed. For the next few days she could barely walk. Funny stuff.
Chelsea was asked to Homecoming in a most peculiar way. We were walking over to the church when a guy called her phone asking for our home number. Odd, she thought. We then were at the Wakefield's when Teresa called and said we needed to be gone for a while so someone could come over and prepare an invitation for Chelsea. (I am so glad that back in our day you just asked "Would you like to go to the dance with me?") So, the Wakefield's went with us down to Macey's for a soft serve and to hang out for a bit. We even tested our blood pressure at the sit down machine. I love how it fluctuates by 20 points when you take it again. When we got home, Teresa kind of directed her to the bathroom. There in the toilet is her invitation! I said you ought to reply by getting a bunch of Tootsie Rolls, warming them up and molding them together into a big log... that's when my wife shut me down.
School's in, Mom is happier, but I am still out of work. Kind of stinks. I have had a few interviews, but nothing seems to happen!
I love Fall and am excited for it's arrival. But I know coldness is right behind it and I have really enjoyed running outside. Jayton and I moved my treadmill out into the garage yesterday, so come Winter, I will be running out there in the cold! Should be fun.
I was at Costco the other day and came around the corner to see Christmas decorations!!! Holy cow! The weird thing is how a wash of excitement and nostalgia came over me.
Again I ask... too early for Christmas music?!

Blow It Out Your Tail Pipe!

2009-08-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

So for the last week, Jayton and Grover have been super excited to run their miracle engine cleaner, C-Foam, through my Neon (it is supposed to clean out all kinds of carbon build up and other gunk in the system, kind of an enima for the car). "I can't wait to see the smoke that will come out of your car!!!" That's all I have been hearing. Well, once the hood is up, no one has been able to tell which is the right tube for the engine to suck it through.
Last night, Grover finally decided which would work. So, with great excitement, Jayton, Grover and Bradley Mark Anthony Frandsen and I popped the hood and ran it through the Neon. Holy Crap! There was smoke! And since there was no wind it just hung in the air, like a scene from a bad horror movie.
We all jumped in the car to go for a drive to get the rpm's up. My poor Neon has never had so much weight to haul around.
The cops were out, too! On State Street we saw 3 people getting pulled over and another cop driving by. I guess it's the end of the month and quotas need to be filled!

Birthday Suit

2009-08-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

Last week was my birthday. It was also the week we were moving into our new church building. I had moved the bishop's office stuff to the new office and was kind of hanging out there when there was a knock on the door. The Wakefield's and Frandsen's had come by and had brought me a gift; a new suit! (It was on sale at Mr. Mac) They made me put it on and only the pants needed alterations! I was so excited! You see, over the last while I have lost some weight and my suits don't fit like they once did. In fact, I think I look kind of frumpy in a couple of my suits, that's why I was only wearing my blue suit- it is old, but still somewhat fit. Anyway, I was able to get it altered in time for last Sunday, our first meeting in our new church building. The Bishopric spoke and I was the final speaker. When I got up I said that it had been my birthday a couple days ago and some friends had given me this suit, so I want you all to see my new Birthday Suit and I stepped to the side of the podium so everyone could see. Brad had even picked out a couple ties, so I have 2 ties from the Brad Frandsen Collection. The Clegg's even pitched in with a new dress shirt. Man, I must have been looking pretty crappy for a while. But nonetheless, I am grateful for friends who are so thoughtful!
For the Birthday Dinner we all went to NicoliItalia for a delightful calzone. Nick even said Happy Birthday to me, in his high, Bostonian accent, over the loud speaker. That was gold!

The other picture, well, sometimes that's just me.

Staycation

2009-07-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking, "What the crap are the Snyder's doing on vacation when he doesn't even have a job?!" Well, back a couple years ago, when I finished the MBA program, my former employers gave me a gift certificate to use at the Homestead Resort in Midway. We didn't go and didn't go and got an extension on it. Then I got hit by a car and all, so we still didn't use it. And the final extension was up at the end of this month, so we decided since we didn't get to go on a family vacation, we'll take everyone on a "stay"cation, you know, nice and close to home. The funny thing is since it was a 3 day trip, we didn't plan too well- we got there and Teresa asks "Do you have any cash?" "No. Do you?" "No." Huh. I forgot a razor, deodorant, etc. The best was when it was the only MALE on the trip running in to Heber to buy feminine products! "Did you find everything you need?" "Heck if I know!"
It was fun hanging out together and having a relaxing time. The girls enjoyed the swimming pool, tennis, and shopping up in Park City. We went into the crater to see about swimming in it. Ugh, the water is over 90 degrees and it was sweaty and humid in there. Plus the dude working there was a bit jerky, so no thanks.
What we had to laugh at was the restaurant there; man it was expensive! And the dinners just weren't that good. We laughed that Madalyn's "Kids Menu" burger was just as big as ours AND she got fries, fruit and a drink with hers. The breakfast menu was awesome, though. Both mornings Teresa and I had the Banana Granola Pancakes. Yum.
I even did a run on Friday morning. A lady on her bike said, as she rode by, "You are a strong runner!" Yeah, wait till you see me running uphill, then we'll get your opinion! Anyway, it was a fun getaway.
Chelsea, Abby, Madalyn and I saw the latest Harry Potter movie this morning at 8 AM (Abby volunteers at the SCERA, so we all got to go for free). It was a fun movie. I still refuse to read the books.
Oh, the trailer for New Moon was playing. Gosh, you'd think they could get some acting lessons for Belle... "Oh, papercut." Wow! Feel the emotion!!! Shoulda let that vampire drain her, Edward.

4th of July 10K

2009-07-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Well, since last year's race, Jayton has been worried that some old dude was going to beat him in the 10K. In fact, he waited for me to go for a bike ride then had some lady hit me with her car. Joking, of course. We have had a fun year of training for the 4th of July race. Fun maybe is not be the right word. OK, it has been hellish.
The shirts for the race this year were worse than last year's! Obviously the people who design the images for the front of the shirt have never run or they would realize that a thick painted flag is going to do nothing but rip your nipples off!
We arrived at Kiawanis Park for the race at 6:45 AM and saw that there were huge lines at the Port-O-Johns. So we excused ourselves up to the school area. Thank you, Port-O-Bush! Waiting and waiting and, hey, was that the gun?!? We're off! Nothing like feeling like a herd of cattle to get started. I'll tell you, that first mile going up 900 East is a doozy. We stayed together for that and then going by the stadium I let go a little- you know, it is down hill. The run all through the parade route is great, especially when you have your iPod cranked up and can't hear a word people are saying. Well, Jayton caught up to me at the turn around by the State Hospital. Running back up 900 East is hard enough, but throw all the 5K people into the mix and suddenly you have to weave and move and avoid hitting kids and people walking and pushing strollers, etc. By the time we turned off 900 and were in the homestretch, it got real congested with people and a guy in a racing wheelchair almost took me out! Jayton started to sprint and I stayed with him. Again we were trying to avoid as many people as possible. I was feeling pretty good until a big guy walked off the sideline to hi-five a little kid trotting with his parents. I thought he would just go back to the side but then he turns and starts running along side of the boy! I had to do a major sidestep and it threw off my stride a little. But we kept going right to the end. The funny thing is our official time was the same 43:44 though Jayton beat me by a half step. I was really surprised to see our time since last year I was at 46:52.
Teresa managed to get a photo of our backs as we ran past. That's me in the gray shirt and Jaton in the white shirt and baseball hat. Lot's of fun, but glad it's done!
We hit the French toast breakfast at Macey's afterwards. Oooh, love their frothy syrup!
And was it just me or were the fireworks at the Stadium of Fire not quite what they've been in the past? I guess the recession has hit everyone hard. Chantel was there and loved the Jonas Brothers show. Wow, they're dreamy.

But Dear... It's Father's Day

2009-06-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Warner Bros. Looney Tunes are of those 3 bears with the baby bear, Junior, age 7 1/2 who is huge, the extremely timid mother bear and the psycho, hot headed papa bear who freaks out at everything. Very politically incorrect nowadays, but we love the cartoon here. And our favorite is the Father's Day episode. So we had to watch it to celebrate the day.
Anyway, since I am unemployed, still, we wanted to make sure that expenditures for any type of gift were very low. All I need is some cake and love. I did receive a new shirt to run in! And some Boston Baked Beans (as T. Grove would say "Don't like 'em, LOVE ''em!")and some Peanut M&M's! Feel the fatness. Ooh ya. My girls rock.
I guess it has been a good/bad thing of being at home. The bad is that I am driving my wife nuts by being here all the time, the good is that I get to hang out with the girls a bit more. We even went to the SCERA Pool the other day (when we had an actual warm Summer's Day). Too hard on the shoulder to try and swim. You know, just because everyone else is wearing a bikini doesn't mean you should wear one, too. Ugh. And tattoos are still meant for guys in the Navy... from WWII.
Jayton is trying to fatten me up and slow me down for the race next week by continually hitting the Snow Cone place. The best place to get snow cones is that little shack in front of the SCERA pool. Get your snow cone with an "avalanche" (ice cream) in it. We are particular to the Silver Fox and Tiger's Blood. Delicious.
So, if you know of any jobs, give me a call!

Thinking Back

2009-05-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

I went riding my bike up the canyon. Now you need to know, it has been since last August with the bike accident and all that I was on my bike. So, I put it in the trunk of my car and drove it to Will's Pit Stop then rode it up to Vivian Park and back to the car and drove it home. Trying to avoid automobiles and traffic, and rides in ambulances!
While riding I decided to turn off the iPod and just let the mind wander as the shadows of the trees and shrubs flashed around me. My mind went to my childhood and I started thinking of different experiences and fond memories. I guess being unemployed made me think of days when the only responsibilities I had was to make sure I was home for dinner and to wash my hands before we ate! With the smell of the outdoors I also thought of how much time we spent in the creek by our house, and all the bike rides up to Stevens Creek Dam. Before I knew it I was back from my ride and ready to jump back to reality, and looking for work. Ugh.
A picture of Carl, me and David when life easy!

Mutha's Day

2009-05-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

With the distraction of May 11th (going to work for a couple hours, having a meeting, and, oh, I guess you're laid off!) I didn't write about Mothers Day. We cancelled early morning meetings and stayed home only to have everyone up and showering to see one of our friends speak at church- he is off to the MTC. We came home and took some pictures out front. Usually mom isn't the one causing problems... usually. But look how cute the Snyder Girls are! We gave gifts to honor our mom and we made a delicious dinner for her as well. As we all know, when Mom is happy, EVERYONE is happy!

The Situation

2009-05-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

Nuff said, eh!

Prom Time

2009-05-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

Chelsea went to Prom with Matt last Saturday. She looked so beautiful! Of course Teresa had to take a boatload of shots. Thank heavens the Clegg's yard is so nice! Chelsea went to Bon Losee to get her hair and make-up done. Beth Wakefield had had a baby just a few days before and Chelsea didn't want to bother her (though I think she missed not being able to do it). Anyway, I thought I would throw on some pictures. Obviously there is the shot of me telling Matt that I will wring the life-blood right out of his body if anything happens. And my favorite is Teresa fixing the boutonniere and Chelsea's little face! Fun stuff.

Chelsea in Charcoal

2009-05-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Over the last week and a bit I have been working on this picture of Chelsea. I liked the photo of her so I decided to do a little charcoal portrait. What a smile! She is off to Prom tonight! We'll have to see how those pictures turn out.

It Could Be Worse

2009-04-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

I am still coughing and blowing junk. The other day when I pulled up out front Marva asked how I was. I told her I was still coughing and she said "Gene had it for 3 weeks!" Awesome! Only one more week to go!!! Teresa has a bit of it now, too. BUT... it could be worse.
So, I have picked about 50 pounds of dandelions out front and I still have a ways to go. Juice Newton, we went from 10 inches of snow to 5 million dandelions in 24 hours. How does it happen?
Anyway, I thought I would throw this picture on. Hey, at least they are squeezing with love. It could be worse...

Gallons or Pounds

2009-04-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

I am sick. And I haven't been sick for a a couple years. And of course when the weather has been nice. I have so much gunk and goop in my head! How does the human body create so much? I am constantly blowing my nose and coughing up junk. My question- do you measure it in gallons or pounds?

April 16th!

2009-04-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

Kind of makes you want to kick Al Gore right in the giblets!

A Couple Dates

2009-04-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

Over the last week or so we have had a couple dates take place. Chelsea took Matt to MORP. The theme was something like rocking through the decades. So Chelsea and Matt were kind of early 60's-ish. I guess they had a fun time. Good thing Matt was getting over a cold so there was NO NEED TO KISS and spread the germs!
Chantel and Ryan went to a formal dance held at the new Gordon B Hinckley Alumni Building at the BYU. I kind of felt bad for Ryan- the Frandsen's and Wakefield's were here when he showed up to pick up Chantel. He didn't really want to step foot in the living room. Brad's happy demeanor is enough to strike fear into anyone! And I think Jayton had the "I'm looking to kick the crap out of someone... anyone...you!" look. Me, well with my size and stature, people usually are a bit timid. They had a good time. Not too sure about the kissing on their date. Kind of a Don't ask, don't tell, please don't tell, for the love of all that's holy, PLEASE don't tell!!!
Brad, Jayton and I then went to Smith's to drop off some DVD's. A little people watching, too. You know, here in Mormon Land, if you're wearing the g's, you shouldn't be showing the mid-drift and have the low ride pants. It was uncomfortable, but why was her husband all kosher with it too? Oh well.
OK, we did something that I never wanted to do, we got cable! Oye. All those channels and yet there is NOTHING on! At least we didn't have to go buy a new TV for the switch over. Just as long as the kids don't turn into zombies. Good luck!
Easter was nice and relaxing. The Wakefield's had a bunch of us over for some heart-attacks (Jayton's signature sandwich). Lot's of food and friends. I did pretty good not getting bloated.
Starting to get 5 mile runs in and not dying. I need to get it up to 6.2 (and fast) so I can beat Jayton in the 10k.
Work is pretty scary- not too many people buying sculptures and we have no $ to do advertising and marketing. Lot's o' faith.
Check out (not that way) my beautiful wife and her new clothes. Man, I'm happy she's home!

German Yummies

2009-04-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

Henriette is visiting from Germany and was kind enough to bring me some Mozart Kugeln candy. When we were in Europe we stopped by Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg. They have there what they call the real hand rolled Mozart Kugeln. Anyway, I liked both the made at Salzburg and anywhere else. Plus, don't they look cool! I'm torn of wanting to eat them, but not mess up the beauty of the packaging. I will have to eat them sooner or later.... preferably sooner.

My Wife

2009-03-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

Teresa has been in Washington with her parents. She left last Thursday morning with her folks as they drove back, pulling their 5th wheel. They did take 3 days to do it! I'm sure she is eating Tillamook ice cream as I write this. Heck, if I were there I'd be doing the same thing. She is getting a great chance to hang out with her folks and have no responsibilities; her mom and dad are driving her wherever she wants to go and doing whatever she wants, mainly to the supermarket for another carton of Tillamook Chocolate Mudslide ice cream.
Having her gone has been a weird experience. I thought how bad it would stink if she were gone for good. Ugh. You know, there is a scripture that says Is it good that man is alone? No, it is not good that man is alone. And I concur. I always joke that I'd better die before her because I won't be able to take it!
So, it is weird to be dad and mom. Chelsea and Chantel are doing a great job with their sisters in getting them ready and off to school, church, etc. This time around we aren't using paper plates and plastic utensils, mainly because we have either eaten at the Cannon Center with Chantel or people have both given us food or invited us over. Very kind indeed.
Anyways, my wife rocks and I look forward to having her back home.

Inside... My Shoulder!

2009-03-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

I went to see Dr. Mortensen yesterday for my post op visit. He was pretty surprised at how much motion I had and how high I could raise my arm. We looked at these pictures of my surgery and he explained what we were looking at. Uh huh, mmmmm, sure. I don't know what the crap it all is. All I do know is the bottom 2 pictures are of my clavicle before and after he worked on it. He said he removed a lot of junk off the bone, which you can see. So, I am just hoping that it all ends up being fine. The nice deal is that it doesn't hurt where it has for the last 6+ months. Now it just hurts where the instruments were inserted into my shoulder. Good sign, eh?

Old Faces

2009-03-21T18:22:00.001-07:00

I have posted a bunch of pictures of Fremont Older Elementary School on my Facebook page. I thought I would attach a picture from 1972 (first grade!) and label all those that I remember. So here it goes...
Top left- Pat Raymes, ?, Kjersten, Brian Fischer, Sean Warner, Hank Ford. Next row, left- Kristine, Susie Rhiner, Jennifer Ludwig, Jenny Smith, Colleen. Next row left-?, Anne Gray, Dave Lovvorn, Ralph, Jerry, ?. Sitting row left-Eve Nordstrom, Stephanie Miller, ?, Chris Buchanan, Diane Powell and Me. Mrs. Berg, of course. Love the Mary Hartman look. She was actually a great teacher.

This is first grade. I remember having poison oak so bad in class one day that I thought I was going to burst. Calamine Lotion, that pink mixture, never seemed to take care of the itch and it was always so yucky to apply. My folks also went to Hawaii this year. We had Mrs. Marshall stay at our place and babysit us. She was awful. We weren't allowed to watch King Kong vs Godzilla on TV because, as she said, "It's too violent". Oye. And the other atrocity was about an inch of water in the tub for a bath! Oh, the humanity! I remember the folks calling and we were all on the phone saying how much we hated her when all the sudden "Are you enjoying your trip" was blurted out-- she was on the other line and heard everything we said! So, there you have it.

And Yet More...

2009-03-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

My house in Cupertino, CA had a plum tree in the back yard. Every year we would fill up bags of plums (brown paper sacks from the grocery store, no plastic option back then, just paper) and hit the streets selling them for 50 cents a bag or something like that. I hated those plums, actually still do. Anyway, my brother David was up in the plum tree, sitting on a branch and bouncing on it as he was singing the Cheerios commercial, "Gonna have a pow-pow-powerful, good-good feeling from Cheer-Cheer-Cheerioooooooooooosss...." snap! The branch breaks and Dave goes down. With a concussion. Mr. Glass-Head.
Carl and I were walking home from Fremont Older School on the path they made through the acre or so of dirt that was basically a 4 foot wide strip of tar-asphalt that they would make a new layer on every year or so, creating quite a lip. We come upon david laying on the path next to his bike. He apparently had the experience where the front wheel got caught and he went down. We just walked past him, came in the front door and asked my mom, "Why is David's sleeping on the path?"
And we had a punk of the neighborhood named Ronnie Brown. He threw a huge rock at Chris Nordstrom, who ducked, and it tagged David in the head! Blood and gunk. Maybe a helmet would have come in handy to just hang out in for those first 10 years of life.
But as the weather gets nicer I always go back to us playing Hit The Bat out in the street. You know- someone hits the ball and whoever catches it rolls it back to try and hit the bat. When it hits the bat and bounced in the air and the batter caught it before it hit the ground he was still up, but if it hit the ground then the person who rolled would then bat. Rolling the ball was a bit like reading the greens on a golf course- you had to figure for the slope of the street and such. The funny part is we would have a ton of us out in the street and when the ball was hit there would be more mitts being thrown at the ball than trying to catch it! It almost was more rewarding (in a weird way) to make sure someone else didn't catch it! And everyone's mitt had a name- The Noodle, The Crease (Carl could never get a good crease on his mitt), The Slap, The Reach (Nordstroms mitt was unusually long), The Claw, The Utah Mold (my cousin came down for a while to stay and brought his mitt), The Extended Reach, and there were others. Hours of good old wholesome fun. Well, the city let us know for weeks that they would be repaving our streets and on what day we would need to have our cars off the roads. Mrs. Mitchell, for whatever reason, was the only person who didn't move her car. She drove through the fresh asphalt only to have to turn around at the barricade and drive back up the street, leaving troughs and lumps up and down the street! I relate this because many were the cursing of Mrs. Mitchell... once we went back out to play, you'd roll the ball, it being right on course for the bat only to get caught in one of her tire grooves and then horribly missing the target. Bloomin!

Memories, Like the...

2009-03-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

As we were driving home this evening, I mentioned to my kids about a Looney Tune from back in the day of that little school kid who sits staring out the window daydreaming during school. We have a bunch of DVDs of Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes, but that one isn't on them. When I was young, at 3 pm every day we would watch Bugs & Looney Tunes. Man, they were classic. But, due to the Steinway grand piano that took up our living room, we were the only people I know that had their tv in the kitchen! We had this old light gray vinal couch that the longer you sat on it the more you would slide to the floor. Well, unless it was summer, then you'd just stick to it. We would have kids from all over the neighborhood watching Bugs Bunny at our house, in the kitchen! How I miss those days.
That and playing Ding Dong Ditch. Whenever we all gathered outside in the evening it was always an option. We had two neighbors that when it was suggested to do it to them, there would be a pause, then murmuring and usually a different name would be presented. Well, one night the Jensen's name was thrown out to the usual murmurings, but they had a sign next to their doorbell requesting it not being rung because of the sleeping baby. Well, the gauntlet had been thrown down and we decided to do it. You have to know, we had a ton of kids on our street, so everyone had to find a place to hide and keep still. My brother Carl and I were hiding underneath a bush across the street from Jensen's place. I believe my oldest brother David and probably Chris Nordstrom rang the bell and took off. Jensen came out of his house, extremely TOed. He walked around for a while, not seeing anyone. Carl started to get restless, then, like the quail or whatever bird it was on Bambi that couldn't stand waiting anymore and took off (and was shot and killed) Carl takes off running! Jensen takes off after him. Carl ran into someones back yard. Jensen ran after him. Carl jumped the fence into the next yard. Jensen jumps it, too. Carl jumped fences for the next 5 or 6 houses. Jensen managed for a while, but his gut and general out-of-shapeness prevented him from being able to keep up. Carl slid out the LaHerran's back yard and we managed to all meet up again, terrified of such a horrific, yet exhillerating event. Ah, good times.
Until one night during Christmas break. The Jensen's still had their pumpkins out on their porch! We snuck up to their door and snagged them and started kicking them around. The Jensen's had a pool in their backyard. My brother David thought it would be funny to chuck a part of the pumpkin overthe roof and hear it splash in the pool. Well, he launches a big piece of pumkin only to see it split in half- one piece continuing up, the other right through their bedroom window! We scattered like cockroaches when the lights are turned on. Funny thing is that Jensen walked straight to our house. Huh? Who us?
Busted. It was good for us.

Recent Happenings

2009-03-12T05:25:00.000-07:00

This is going to be hard- I am typing with just my left hand; I had arthroscopic surgery yesterday on my right shoulder. My shoulder has never healed from the accident. Dr. Mortensen performed it. He said he had to scrape the clavicle and rotator cuff, surprised at all the inflammation that was still there. I just hope this gets it all feeling better. They did a block, like an epidural, for my shoulder and arm. It was weird not having any feeling or control over my arm! Last night was pretty crappy, but the perkisets are starting to kick in, so if this gets goofy you'll know why.
Jayton has decided this is a great opportunity to launch Operation Fat-Lard to slow my running down because I won't be able to go for a little while. The brownies have already been served and there is going to more junk headed my way soon.
Saturday Teresa was making cupcakes from scratch for the Cosgroves who were having a little do for Courtnie, their daughter who checked into the MTC yesterday. Craig Cosgrove works their as a PT and will probably see her everyday for the next 2 months. That would be weird to come home every day and tell your wife and family how their daughter and sister is doing. Anyway, back to my wife. She got 4 dozen cupcakes made and then started on the butter-cream frosting. She had the mixer on low, added a bunch of powdered sugar and thought she was turning it even lower, but turned it the opposite way, only to have the powdered sugar go flying everywhere. I tried grabbing the camera before she got too much of it cleaned up. My wife rocks.
I got a call from an old friend that we lived next to for a couple of years back in the late 90's. He asked me to create an illustration for his company of Pres. Obama. I read the article that the illustration would be based on and immediately thought to show Obama as a gold miner. Greg agreed and here is the finished project. Not being an Obama fan it was an interesting ordeal. I had to bust out the oil paints so I went out into the garage to paint. It was on Monday, you know, when the storm came rushing in. Jeezers, I was FREEZING!
And who in the heck is in charge of Daylight Savings? They should be fired. Can't we just pick a time and stay with it? Newman!

The Weather

2009-03-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

You know, it seems like we get this every year- some time in Feb or March we have a little glimpse of spring and some nice weather only to have our excitement crushed like bug on the sidewalk. It is supposed to start snowing again tonight.
I say enjoy the warmth while you can, even though with all the wind & dust I can barely see the mountains! It has been nice to run outside without freezing.
Gosh, I feel like it's time for a dipped soft serve cone from Macey's!

Obamanation

2009-02-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

Good Heavens! You know, we heard about all the crap this dude was going to do, but who would have thought it would have happened so stinking fast?! Taxes and taxes, oh and taxes. Ah, you rich people, you need to pay even more taxes. How many jobs do POOR people create? Oh, that's right... NONE! I am ticked about another thing he just did- he is going to affect philanthropists, making donations even harder for them and that will screw us over at work because a number of people buy sculptures to donate. Someone said that the government is making sure that you won't be able to donate, but the government has millions of dollars as grants for the arts, hence making even more people looking to the government for everything, even for gifts and donations. USSA.
And how in the heck can Harry Reed claim to be LDS? The church teaches continually about self reliance and here he is all for making sure that we are to look to the government for all our support. Numb nut. Didn't a famous, god-like (to the democrats) president once say, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"? Our current liberal idiots have probably gone over to the JFK grave and blown out the Eternal Flame.
Here is an illustration I did years ago that seems to be even more appropriate today.
OK, I think I need some cake. MMMMMMM Magleby's cake!

One More

2009-02-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

I finished a drawing of my sister-in-law's mother this morning. I have put this one off for years, sorry Ivette! A while ago I tried painting it and I just couldn't get it looking good. So after drawing my brother John I needed something else to do. When Carl and his family were last over a couple weeks ago Ivette suggested I draw her mom. Well, I did. I don't know why but it has been a hard one to do. I hope Ivette likes it. Now I have to do a painting of Sally, our cat, for my niece.
I am excited to do a portrait of my daughter Chelsea. I have a fun idea for it, so we'll see if it works out.

Pants, How Tough Can It Be?!

2009-02-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Back in the days when we were young, way back, we would go to the Gap, when the Gap pretty much was all about Levi's, and buy 501's and start the tortuous ordeal of "shrink-to-fit". Man, 501's were like wearing armor for the first little while, but then they became your best friend as they fir so perfect, and they would last and last, well, sometimes they would even be past where they should be lasting. I don't know how many pairs I wore until they were nothing but holes and shreds. My mom would yell at me to chuck them and get a new pair. Such was the Jr High into High School days. (I last recall getting 27 inch waists and probably a 26 length. It was always that guessing game because of gauging the shrinkage, and not from the pool- Seinfeld reference).
Fast forward a few decades and what has happened to pants? In the 90's they had 550's- relaxed fit and a tapered leg. I really enjoyed the fit of those pants, but one day some idiot in New York decided that bell-bottoms would look cool again and the next thing you know, pants are all big and flow all over the floor! So, I left my Levi's behind and for the first time in my life bought other brand named jeans. I found that H.I.S. Jeans fit and felt real comfortable! The length was great, too. Even Brittania Jeans fit nice. Heck, I was set. Until stupid Kathy Lee Gifford got in trouble by having some sweat shops in Thailand or somewhere making her gear. Well the whole world got uppitty and the next thing I know, no more pants! (I am obviously against child labor camps to make clothes, etc. but could someone still make some blasted pants?! For the love!)
Now one thing I don't get... why do all the stores think that no one has a shorter inseam than 30? Every pair of pants I try on are about 5 inches too long. Hey, I'm 5' 6". I have asked at stores and have had referred me a number of times to go to the boys section and look at the "husky" sizes.
Jayton even took me out to the mall to his favorite stores to look. And we must have looked pretty gay together. As I mentioned before, no man should hear another man say, "I want to see you in these".
Throw in the weight loss from throughout the year and it's getting desperate.
Well, I was at Target last week and decided to try on the Authentic Levi label jeans. 30 x 30. I was happy that they fit through the waist and butt and all, but they were a wee bit long. I bought them anyways. I have washed them in hot water a couple times and dried them in the dryer. I wore them today for the first time and was pleasantly surprised to have them fit. My wife said they don't look too long, but she is probably just saying that because I have only one pair of jeans that are getting a titch shabby.
All of this to say.... I finally have a pair of jeans that fit! Newman!
And just in time for spring and the shift back to shorts.

Cholesterol Check

2009-01-31T15:51:00.000-08:00

I was picking up some pills for my mother the other day at Costco when I noticed they had a sign up for a free cholesterol checkup today. So, I have been looking forward to it and asked my wife to come with me (she has never had hers tested). After a major sample buffet of all kinds of deliciousness throughout the store, we stopped over for the test. Teresa was up first and they were having a tough time getting her finger to bleed! I sat next to her and had mine poked and drained. Well, my overall number was down another 50 points to 127. But, my good cholesterol number is lower than it should be. I asked what I need to do and was told "exercise", uh do it, "eat more fiber" mmm, I eat 145% of my daily need before I leave the house in the morning and unless I want to lose total control of myself I probably shouldn't eat much more, "fish oil pills" do it. Huh, you're screwed. So, I guess the next thing is niacin. And a bacon wrapped steak, fries, Ding Dongs, AND chocolate cake.
Oh, Teresa's wasn't too bad, but we are not supposed to bring it up ever again after today.

Pass the butter.

What is this Stuff?

2009-01-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

What the heck? I was so excited to see our lawn again on Saturday! I actually found a newspaper once the snow receded (yeah, they deliver it in the middle of the yard, or in the street, or where ever it hits. You know, back in the day we had to have it on the porch AND we had to go collecting and deal with all the jerks that would keep a record of which days you DIDN"T have it on the porch and they would deduct it from your tip. Now they just toss it from a car going 35 mph down the street!) Anyway, the paper was dated Dec. 16. Gosh, I didn't think it was that long ago that it started snowing.
So with all the rain yesterday I was pretty surprised to see a few inches of snow this morning. And it is heavy and wet!
I guess we'll be running on the treadmill tomorrow!

Boots?

2009-01-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

My brother Carl and his family stopped in for a visit. It is always fun when they stop by. I am happy we had cake for them, even though Serena won't eat it. I don't know why Carl has cowboy boots We grew up in Cupertino, CA, not really the country, so when he's wearing boots and Wrangler jeans, well, something just isn't right.
Every time they come by Michelle grabs the down throw blanket and wraps herself up in it. She even tries to steal it when they leave- what's that lump under your hoody? If they want to take the cats, well, that's another story.
Chelsea is out on her Preference date with Brad tonight. Doesn't she look cute!

Just keep your mouth off my daughter.

All Finished

2009-01-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

I just finished up my drawing of John and am very satisfied with how it looks. It's been a great experience to create again! I haven't had that "I can't wait to draw" feeling in quite a while.
I thought I would throw in a picture of my dirty hand. Charcoal does tend to be a bit messy, but I love getting the warm feeling of smearing it & pushing it around. This is also a picture of my charcoal pencils.
So, I will have to start a new one real quick! If you have a portrait you want done, give me a call!

Another Couple Hours

2009-01-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

Ken and I had to go to Magleby's to pick up a sculpture and Doc makes sure that we eat when we are there. So we both had the black bean soup and a sandwich. Holy cow that soup was good! Spicy, too. The sandwiches were fine and all, but it was the chocolate cake that did us in!!! Man, they give you in essence 4 pieces and that stuff is thick and dense and with 3 scoops of ice cream and raspberry sauce. Low fat and cholesterol free, no doubt. We both had a few bites and brought it back home. I was dumb enough to get an extra order to bring home. The container of cake weighed 5 pounds! But, and most importantly, my wife was happy.
I have spent another 2 hours on my drawing. I am working from a photo- John's high school graduation photo from 1988 to be exact. Can you tell by his look how much he enjoyed high school? This is my mother's favorite picture of him ever.
While drawing I listen to music and Alan Parson's Time came on. That is a magical song because it is the song that in 1981 I asked my future wife to dance for the first time. Special and precious, I know.

Last Night's Work

2009-01-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

I spent an another hour last night on my drawing. After seeing it on the computer I see some things I may need to fix.

Drawing

2009-01-13T18:39:00.000-08:00

I haven't done much artwork for the longest time. After Christmas I was thinking that I really miss my favorite medium and what I really enjoyed doing- charcoal and charcoal portraits. So I headed over to Michael's to get some paper. I used to buy the best paper from the BYU Bookstore, but it has been MIA for over a decade, but I was happy with the paper at Michael's. I went through a big stack that had a crease in the same spot throughout the stack. I finally got one that wasn't too bad. So I gingerly take it to the registrar to pay. I thought I was showing the price tag easy enough to the clerk but she grabbed the sheet to scan it. I thought the way I was holding it was a sign that being delicate was the order, but, you know when you assume...
Anyway, I am working on a portrait of my brother John. (anytime I say my brother John I always think of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. You have to be a Genesis fan, a real fan.)
So I thought I would show where I am at so far, about 3 hours into it. I always start with the eyes because if they don't look right then there's no use going on. I am enjoying it even though I don't have a real good place to work. My wife probably wanted to slug me in the gut for hooking up my halogen lamp to the new desk in Chantel's room (hey, it used to be my art room).
I will keep you posted on the progress.

Hillbilly

2009-01-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

OK, here is my Hillbilly mouth. I am not adjusting well to being a hick. Without thinking, I grabbed a Frito chip from Ken and chomped on it only to have it go right up into my pit! Yeah, blood and such. Lots of fun.
And sorry about the beautiful nostril shot!

Some Christmas Shots

2009-01-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

So my lovely wife finally downloaded pictures off the camera. I have some from Christmas. I threw the house shot on from Christmas Morning before anyone was awake, well, except our cats- they had to follow me to see what I was doing.
This is the only shot of me on Christmas. I guess that's what I will look like when I'm dead.

New Year and Such

2009-01-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

So it's 6 degrees outside right now! Holy cow!
Anyway, for Christmas Eve we went to Carl's house. Ivette made lovely yummy pulled pork and we had sandwiches and other foods. It was a blast. It is fun to hang out with the Snyder's. Of course we played Sequence. Man the women cheat when we play! Carl put on some home movies from quite a few years ago. Wow! I love the color of the clothes. We also looked at some old pictures, too. We made it home and got Christmas all ready to go, well, Teresa did; I went to bed at 11:30. I just couldn't take it anymore. I was up early in the morning mainly because 6 am is a huge sleep-in for me. The girls all got up by 8 and we opened gifts. We scaled it back this year, but it was fine. The main thing was hanging out together and thinking about the Savior. I am going through Christmas music with drawl! I love it. Oh well.
It has been pretty wild with all the snow this year! November didn't have anything and you start to wonder if it ever will snow, but holy cow we got a lot.
New Years Eve day I woke with a huge pustule thing sticking out of my gum above a tooth that I have had problems with- I had a root canal done on it a couple years ago. Well, back in October it started hurting. How does a tooth with no nerves hurt?! I go to the dentist, he takes x-rays and then tells me I need to go to the endodontist. He tells me the root is cracked all the way up and that I have infection all around it. Swell. And I need to have it extracted! So, I took some antibiotics and let it be, until last week. I poked the thing on my gum and let it drain, then called the dentist where Chantel had her wisdom teeth taken out. They had me come right over and yanked it out. Man, I feel like a hobo.
The Wakefield's had New Years Eve plans, so we went with them, the Clegg's, and Hatch's out to eat, which I really couldn't do, then we went back to the Wakefield's to play games. The Grover's and Christensen's came over, too. We laughed real hard that night about the jockstrap that I got for a white elephant gift. (I want to hot glue some bobble eyes on it and make a puppet out of it.)
You know, I hate staying up late.
And Dick Clark, bless his heart, just shouldn't be on TV anymore. I had a little vomit come up in my mouth when he was kissing some lady at midnight. Oye.
I managed a 42:03 for 6 miles on the treadmill. If only I could get that outside! Jayton and I ran around the outside track at the baseball fields. It wasn't too bad, but I prefer not to run over the ice and slush.
Abby turned 14. That is really weird, but it is amazing seeing her not looking like a little girl anymore; she is looking older and more younger woman looking.
Jayton took me over to the mall to look for some jeans. We must have looked very gay; two guys talking about pants, and no one should ever hear another man say, "I want to see you in these."
So, I will try and stay updated more often. December is always hectic with all the concerts, parties, and church stuffs.
I will get some pictures up soon, too.
Oh, since last January I am down almost 20 pounds! It's amazing!

One In, 4 Out

2008-12-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

I went to the orthopedist last week to look at my shoulder. He said he wanted to give me a shot of cortisone. The only cortisone I ever had was back 26 years ago when I had poison oak so bad I was a huge puff of itchy rashness. He had a student with him so I was on stage. He marked the spot then poked the needle in, moved till he found the spot he wanted, then sunk it in. Man, I was really hurting for a few days. It's not so bad today. I have to wait 4-6 weeks and if it's not better he wants to scope it and clean it out! Ugh.
Chantel got her 4 wisdom teeth pulled out on Friday. It is so hilarious to see the patients in the back recovery area, wasted and dazed. Chelsea sat back there sobbing, Chantel was just wasted and rubbery. It was classic trying to get her coat on and then walking her to the car! She repeated 50 times that she counted to 15 or 5 or 10. She was funny.
I had to almost carry her to the door. She was freaking out about so many things, but remembers nothing.
I should have videotaped her! I could always use a little blackmail material.

Stuff

2008-12-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

So here is some stuff that has been going on-
Chelsea had a dance concert at the high school. She does ballroom and has a fun time. What we hate having to sit through is all the modern dancing stuff. I swear every one of their numbers they start on the floor, do a lot of rolling around on the floor, smack the floor, and the end of every dance they fall to the floor. And every song that they dance to is some emo song. It is funny how when they are done with each number there is clapping, but at the end of each ballroom dance the crowd roars. Chelsea was cracking us up because she kept having these funny faces during their numbers. She is in California right now with the whole dance group. I guess one of our kids has to make it to Disneyland!
Chantel is finishing up her first real semester of BYU and is realizing how bad Physical Science really sucks! Finals next week and then she comes home for a couple weeks. Should be loads of fun.
I have been struggling to find the Christmas Spirit, even with a month and 1/2 of Christmas music! Abby, Madalyn and I went out this morning in the freezing snowstorm to go do a wee bit of shopping. It was fun and actually added a feeling of the season. I guess with work being so stressful (we are reeeeeealy struggling with the economy) I am freaking out and pretty much just worry about taking care of my family. I need to exercise more faith.
We as the Bishopric had a small get together at the Wakefield's last night to say thanks for all they do. All I know is that Bradley (Marc Anthony) Frandsen is one big hoot. Fun stories, great comments, he loves to bake, heck, I wanted to take him home! It is weird that I have been the Bishop for over 5 years. Anyway, they all rock for all the time and effort they put in to make the ward run as well as it does. And thanks to their WONDERFUL wives for putting up with all the junk and time away.
The hard part has begun- Holiday goodies have started to be dropped off at the house. I have little willpower! Mmmmm, cake & cookies. I guess I will be running even more.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T13:25:00.000-08:00

Well, we started Thanksgiving with a bang, or should I say with a BARF! At 2 AM Madalyn was vomiting, and of course she threw up a couple times in the hallway and then got to the bathroom. Nothing like the upchucking sound in the wee hours of the morning! So, Teresa and I were cleaning barf out of the carpet for a while. Teresa already suffers from Vomit Phobia, so once she was done cleaning she was off to go shower. Anyway, Madalyn made it through the night with no further barfies and hasn't had a problem since.
I got up and ready for my Turkey Trot Run. It was raining, but it held up right before the race began. I'll tell you what, this years shirts are the dumbest ever! I really want to design one and ask for them to please use it! I met up with Carl and his friend Brad, and 3 of my nieces, they were there to take pictures and cheer us on. I forgot to bring my gloves, but it didn't matter. Anyway, we got to the starting line and waited, as always, then finally after 10 minutes were off. I started with a pretty good pace. In fact my first mile was around 6:20-ish. I fell in behind some high school girl and kept pace up until about the last 3/4 mile and then she pulled away. Well crap, I'm 42 and she is 15! I tried to kick it on home and was shocked to see that I was under the 28 minute mark! I finished at 27:56. In my age bracket, 40-44, I was 5th and 69th overall. Carl came in at 35:57, so I missed my goal of beating him by 10 minutes. His girls missed him finishing so he popped back on the course and had them snap a picture. I told him he would make a great Democrat the way he was re-writing history! I am very satisfied and a bit shocked at my time.
We went to Carl's house for Dinner. I picked up my mother en route. She hasn't been out like that for a long time and she did real good. My brother David, his son Hayden, and his two daughters, Miranda and Carly, were down from Idaho. It was a lot of fun to hang out with them. We ate and got bloated, played games and reminisced about our childhoods and such. It was very fun. When we got home I was so stinkin' tired that I don't remember laying down in my bed at 10 PM! I was out like a light. So, it was a great and fun day, and no one barfed at night!

Pre-Thanksgiving Misgivings

2008-11-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple Thanksgiving memories-
Of course we always had the Turkey Bowl football games. One year, probably late '70's, I get the ball in the open field and there is nothing but green and goal post in front of me. I ran as fast as my wee legs will let me. I'm jubilant as I picture scoring a touchdown when I see fingers coming into my vision from above. I feel a sharp scalp pain then see my feet in the air! My brother David chased me down, reached out and grabbed my hair and pulled me back causing a complete horizontal flop to the ground. But I held onto the ball!
Another rousing story from T-Day is when Carl ate so much he thought he was going to die. So, Carl, our friend Lance and I head over to Kaiser Hospital. While waiting Carl suddenly exclaims, "I need to barf!" So he grabs one of those kidney shaped plastic dish things, heads into the stairwell and proceeds to vomit about 3 times the amount that that poor little dish could hold. Lance and I lean through the door to see orange (with lots of black olives) barf everywhere and that little dish filled to rim and Carl saying, "I feel better... let's go." So we walk away leaving all the vomit in the stairway! Man, we suck! And why didn't he just find a bathroom?!?!
My Grandma Snyder, who was born in 1895, couldn't hear a thing and talking with her on the phone was BRUTAL. I recall a Thanksgiving in the early '80's when David answered the phone, said a couple words, then told me the phone was for me. I say Hello, only to hear my Grandma talking. David was beat red from laughing at me having to deal with her. The sad thing is I see myself acting too many times the way my dad did with his mother. I gotta be nicer or I am off to hell. (I've thrown in a couple pictures of Grandma, probably circa 1920 and then 1960) I do love my Grandma and she made the BEST coleslaw EVER! Too bad she took that recipe to the grave.
So with the Turkey Trot (who came up with that name? Sounds like what happens after eating too much then running) it is supposed to be wet and cool. Carl said the other day he would like to run one day in a blizzard. Well, last year was horribly cold and the wind was blowing from the east. Egads it wasn't fun. But I have learned that running with sweats isn't fun, and keeping a big sweatshirt leads to chaffing of the chest.

Sometimes You Gotta Turn It Up

2008-11-21T17:28:00.001-08:00

You know, every now and again you just gotta turn the volume up. I am at "11" (Spinal Tap joke) right now and enjoying it. My wife has left the house to attend a play, so it's all good. When I haven't listened to Zeppelin in a while and then put them on, well, it is rather therapeutic, especially after a nutty week at work. Plus, you just forget how great they were.
It is funny how different songs put you in different times and places. Ramble On and I am in Lance's dad's truck listening to an 8 Track tape of Led Zeppelin II. When the Levee Breaks and it is 6th grade cranking up my dad's Panasonic, giving it all it can take. The neighbors were probably cringing! Too bad. Immigrant Song and I am in the back of Steve Fisher's Toyota with these girls we picked up from Monta Vista High School. The funny memories are when listening to Physical Graffiti- I'm back with Lance, Carl and John at Christmas time driving in Lance's '79 Capri! Kashmir and Ten Years Gone really put me in the Christmas spirit. Yeah, that may sound odd, but true nonetheless.
So, I am trying to get all ready for the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. I am sooooo happy that running doesn't affect my back. It makes my shoulder hurt, but the back doesn't feel it until I am done, then it gets kinda funky feeling. I went to the surgeon a couple days ago. He said healing is in increments of 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. It will be 3 months on the 25th! Wow. He said the pain will take time, but with all the nerves that were cut the numbness is probably permanent. Let's just hope there aren't any continence issues. My shoulder still really hurts and the weather is freaking it out, too. Anyway, Jayton and I have run the 4 mile route the last 2 weeks. I have improved my time form last years race. He says that it is all due to him. And it is. He he keeps a brisk pace and pushes me. So, the goal is to beat my brother Carl by 10 minutes. I don't know if that is possible, but I will try. Don't tell him or we won't be let in for Turkey Dinner at his house!
I did attend the Spinning Class a couple times. You would think it would hurt my back, but it was the pressure on my shoulder that really killed me. And I wanted to wear my helmet in there, just in case.
Whew, how about this economy and the Changity-change-change that is going to take place. Oh, wait, Clinton cabinet, Lyndon B. Johnson and FDR ideals and tactics, hmm, oh well. Obama is too important to fail, so he will be given a bail out.

Use Extreme Caution

2008-11-11T20:11:00.000-08:00

No reason for the title of this entry.
I have been hesitant to write after hearing how people are stealing info from blogs to use for identity theft. I'm sure some how Scoopy will come into play somewhere down the line.
We had a fun Halloween. Madalyn and Emily went trick-or-treating and Bishop Billings and the Wakefields all went along with them. It's always nice when after a couple blocks the girls say, "I'm done." Oh yeah.
We had a fun party at the Cleggs place. Janice Kapp Perry made a special appearance! (It was Andrea Frandsen, but she was convincing). I feel bad singing the karaoke because I don't know any of the new songs, new meaning anything after 1978.
I find that I am dragging a bit; I need to do something like a painting or write a story or something. Oh well.
Hey, 2 Christmas music stations already!
How about those crazy Californians and their protesting and now extreme "tolerance" towards the Mormons! Um, didn't a whole lot of other churches and people vote for Prop 8? Huh, I guess you can be tolerant as long as you agree with me.
Chantel had a blow out in the dumb van today. The side of the tire ruptured. It's always fun to change a flat when the weather is cold.
Hey, I missed the Turkey triathalon over at the Rec Center. Geeze. I really wanted to do it this year. But alas, I still haven't been back on my bike yet. My back is really tight and sore with the cooler wet temps. Lots o' fun. Jayton and I did run the 4 mile Turkey Trot route. I was at 30:01. So, I am going to push it real hard to be under 30 minutes. I went and bought some new shoes today; my Pearl Izumis are getting old and I can feel my shins starting to hurt. So I will give them a wee break and then go hard.
I miss my Tama Swingstar 7 piece drum set. Here is a 1983 shot of me in my room playing. I don't think baldness runs in the family. Leif Garrett maybe, but not baldness.

Updates on Life

2008-10-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

So it has been 9 weeks since I got in my accident. I am still doing the physical therapy thing. The PT is scraping the scar tissue in my knee and up my thigh. Wow, the pain is awesome. My shoulder still hurts and the back is still sore, tight, funky, etc. I had to have that mole removed because all the trauma made it turn black and the surgeon said Let's get that out of here! You know, I went in to visit him with certain expectations of just being looked at and him saying It looks great, have a Tootsie Pop, but I wasn't expecting to go lay down for 40 minutes of needles, cutting, snipping and yes, even cauterizing. (Is that bacon I smell?) It really was pretty crappy. But, the stitches are out now and I started trying to get a bit active. I ran outside in the beautiful fall weather. Man, I HURT! Oye. And I ran again with Jayton today. He's running nervous, you know, it's that 10k in 9 months. I hope the physical activity can loosen up my back. All the bouncing really makes the shoulder sore, but I gotta do something or go nuts.
The other fun thing was we are pretty well moved into the Sunset Heights building for church. It has been alright, but we kind of have the redheaded step-child feeling; those 2 wards have been there for decades and now we are showing up. The good news is our new building is being framed right now. Yeah! Wakefield is going to love when he is the bishop and will just have to walk out his back door. Boy, it will be so easy for him.
Chelsea had a band concert last night. She is also in the Jazz Band. She got to start their first song off (for the Halloween concert) by screaming real loud and shrill. She was good at it. Must get it from her uncle.
Can anyone tell me why they would actually vote for Obama? This is probably the 2 worst options we have ever had for President.
I think I will read the Masque of the Red Death, The Black Cat, and The Tell Tale Heart to the children, you know, for fun. Here's a picture of Edgar Allen Poe that I drew years ago.

Ohio

2008-10-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to go to Ohio from Wednesday morning to Friday afternoon with my boss. There is a wonderful philanthropic couple out there by the name of Gib and Louella Reese who have built many buildings for the Ohio State University campus in Newark, OH and have bought and dedicated a number of bronze sculptures for the campus and throughout the town. We were outside of Columbus and I was impressed by the beauty of Licking County where were. I haven't really ever had the chance to be around gazillionaires, but they were both real cool, in fact everyone that we met and worked with were fun. The community has made a big commitment to giving back to the community and I thought how cool it would be if we could see more of that around our city. Oh well.
I stayed at the Cherry Valley Lodge. Man, it was beautiful and HUGE! My suite was bigger than the upstairs of our house! But, it was cold and my heater took forever to get it warm. I did get a chance to watch both World Series games. You know, once again being in a place that has cable TV proves to me why I don't have it here; I sat and flipped channels for hours. And there still was nothing on worth watching. I did enjoy watching Fox News, but that's probably it. So, don't try selling us a dish, cable, comcast, whatever, because I will never get off my butt!

It' Just Scoopy!

2008-10-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Back in oh, about April when I was shopping with Teresa, we were walking down the ice cream aisle when I saw the ice cream cone boxes. Sugar cones all the way! On the cover of the red box is that happy clown Scoopy! I pick it up and what's this?!?! A promotion for a Scoopy doll! You gotta be kidding me! You need to send in a check, or money order, and two UPC symbols and wait 6-8 weeks for delivery. Good thing the cones were on sale. Teresa wasn't happy, but who doesn't love an ice cream cone or Scoopy?! Upon further review the offer is valid until June of 2007. Crap.
Well, I sent in my check and the UPC symbols not even 2 weeks ago, expecting to get a note back saying the offer has expired, but what came in the mail yesterday! Aw whoopee! It's Scoopy! My wife said they probably have a ton of them left because who would order something so horrible?
So now we have Scoopy on the cabinet in the room. I tell my kids if they hear evil laughing in the night they know exactly where it's coming from. Man, what's better than an evil clown in the house?!

What the...?

2008-10-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

So I was walking out to my car when I noticed something long on the driveway. Hey! It's a snake! It was over 3 feet long and was getting some sun and hanging out. I yelled for Teresa who walked out and freaked! She wanted me to stick in a bucket, but what do I grab it with? I stood on the grass looking like a moron with my leather gloves on, holding a box to trap it. Our cat, Sally, came over, rolled on the driveway for a moment or two, then notices...ooh, what's this? As she tries to sniff it, the snake gets into strike mode, hisses real loud and even shook it's tail like a rattlesnake. It was pretty weird. Teresa called animal control who promptly showed up and told us, "Aw, it's just a Blow snake. They eat mice and rats. You probably want to keep it in the yard, don't you?" Uh, no. I picked up a dead mouse this afternoon that the cat had killed, so we're OK in that area. The officer dude who picked it up with his little tong things (as it hissed at him) said he had just grabbed one that was about 4 times as big. Well, if we get one that big the cats, not the mice, will start disappearing. Wait a minute, maybe I should call him back...

Say Cheeeese

2008-10-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we know which side of the family the girls get this from........their mother. Right?

Teresa's Birthday!

2008-10-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

My lovely wife is another year older, or should I say, she's 35... again. She rocks. I made dinner for us tonight (I'm taking her out tomorrow night). The BBQed burgers were just a wee bit well done, but I kind of like the crusty-ness. Anywho, I hope she enjoyed her gifts. She made her own cake--I did offer, but she said she'd do it herself. Chantel and Skyler were over to play the Train Game (Ticket to Ride).
I quote from Pink Floyd's Time... "Shorter of breathe and one day closer to death". Just to keep it cheery!

I Was There, Too

2008-10-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

I was actually there in the canyon, too, taking pictures and having a fun time. I thought I would put this picture on, obviously because my wife is a major babe!

Dad's Bevy of Beauties!

2008-10-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

We made it up to the canyon to take some pictures of the Girlies, and yes, my little wife is included as a Girlie. Aren't they so beautiful. And fun!

On a sore note, at physical therapy the PT used these hard plastic torture tools, and cocoa butter, to scrape up and down my knee and thigh to break up the scar tissue. OYE! Man that hurt!!! I know, I know, Wuss.

I bought the Pumpkin Spice Kisses. I like pumpkin AND spice, so I'm diggin' them. They taste a little like a piece of pumpkin bread or something like that. Teresa will have nothing to do with them. "Just give me chocolate."

It's (Almost) the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2008-09-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

I love Fall and the weather getting crisp and baseball playoffs and football and Halloween and candy and candy, and, oh, candy. I love the color changes in the mountains, and we will be up there soon for family pictures. You know, every year we seem to get warm about this time of the year and then all the sudden the bottom drops out and it's freezing. Oh well.
The other day I bought Percy Faith's 1966 (the year I was born!) Christmas album from iTunes. It's a classic. On Sunday I was doing some indexing and started listening to it when Chelsea, who was laying on the couch, stands up and exclaims, "Dad, I can't do it! Not yet!" and stormed out of the living room. Oh well.
Mary at work and I were both talking about how we love this season; October (or as we call it Rocktober, you know, to sound like we're cool stoners) is the doorway to the Holiday season. Think about it, during the next 3 months you don't need an excuse to eat fudge, it's just there. The smells, the decorations, the memories, more time with family and friends, etc. I even bake gingersnaps every year with the girls. I love reminiscing about all the holidays back when we were in elementary school. I might go visit my daughter just to get the feeling.
I just think it's classic that within a short period we go from celebrating the Devil to celebrating Jesus. Pretty interesting.

In the Stands

2008-09-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

It seems that I have been in the stands for a while now- watching the softball team play and at the Mountain View High football games (we are obviously pretty hard up for Friday Night activities, but as Putty on Seinfeld says, "You gotta support the team!"). Plus, Chelsea is in the Pep Band, so it gives us a wee excuse.
It hurts to be watching the softball team and not be out there on the field. It is fun to root for the dudes, but I prefer having the Frandsten's yelling for me! Oh well. Jayton and Grover had a pretty good collision in the outfield last night. Jayton even said he felt like me this morning when he was trying to move around (he took a knee to the upper thigh). I just remember when he smashed into me and drove me into the gravel that is the warning track. I was picking gravel out of my skin for a week. Too bad we lost.
It is fun to be around my brother Carl's family. Carl is affectionately known as C-Train. He lumbers down the base path at break-neck speed. That's a joke.
And it is fun to be by the Hatch's at the football games as Teri screams for JC. I would prefer to be watching football in the rain/snow/cold; it brings the football ambiance. Here's a picture of my street that I grew up on in football weather.
I thought about how excited we were to go to football games back at Cupertino High School so many years ago. We started sneaking into games back when we were in elementary school. Back then the band would perform at half time then there would always be fireworks! We would be so excited during the summer to hear the band practicing. We would ride our bike way out to the school to watch. We actually had a HUGE awesome marching band, they were impressive. The funny thing about attending the games were I don't remember any of the high schoolers actually watching the game- we would just roam back and forth in front of the bleachers (between the bleachers and the fence) and that space was always jam packed with kids to the point where you barely moved, but that's what was so fun about going to the games. And the hope that somehow you would end up meeting girls!
I rode Chantel's cruiser bike to the church to pick up some paperwork. Pretty scary, but you have to get back on the horse. My shoulder is starting to feel pretty good. Yesterday at physical therapy they hooked my back up to the electo-things. So I had them going on my shoulder and back, and I fell asleep on the table! I was dreaming away. Classic.
I can't wait to get running again. I only have 10 months to prepare to beat Wakefield in the 10K!!!

Frankenstein, That's Me!

2008-09-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

So I've been in physical therapy for my shoulder and knee. I love the electric stimulator things and watching my muscles twitch up a storm. Ultrasound just leads to gooeyness, but I guess it works. My lower back/upper bum area still is rather sore, especially if I sit for any length of time. And I still have the numb strip, but as one one of the doctors said, "It could be in a worse spot". Yeah, let's just hope I forever have control of my bowels.
The youth in our ward did a 'Bishop's Night' on Wednesday. It was pretty funny. My counselors, daughter and wife told stories about me, they gave me a bell for my bike, a clock and chocolate kisses and we had a cupcake walk. They also gave me a scrapbook with their pictures and testimonies in it. It was pretty cool. Then Erin Grover produced a chocolate cake that is one of the most delightful things I have ever eaten!!! Holy cow, I would love to sit there with a fork and gallon of milk and go to town, but that is probably not in the low-cholesterol diet plan. Crap.
Work is being very patient with me for which I am very grateful. Hopefully I will be able to sit longer and concentrate more.
I visited the surgeon today who said my laceration is healing up nicely. He said there is a bit of fluid in it but should be OK. He told me to get stretching and start getting active, not to over do it, but start doing things. I am happy to hear that.
Teresa says I look like Frankenstein, so I thought I would attach a picture of how things are looking. Teresa is always worried when I show my scar that I will show my crack. Only if you're lucky!

Media Joke

2008-09-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

You know, the media always claims they aren't bias; that they are objective to all candidates, blah, blah. The Charles Gibson interview of Sarah Palin and what happened to McCain on The View are great examples of what the media is all about. Stupid Gibson, he wasn't asking questions, he was interrogating Palin and trying to get her to slip up. She's the VP nominee, for the love of Pete! Where are the media to ask Obama these questions?! Good heavens. The media claims not to be liberal, but a research page found that over 80% (which I think is way too low) vote Democrat. And it is obvious. Glenn Beck has a segment each day regarding the national media headlines for Obama compared to McCain. It's laughable.
I have a couple thoughts: McCain's choice of Palin has excited Republicans because conservatives, which I am, now have a reason to vote FOR McCain, rather than voting AGAINST Obama. Second: How dare the Republicans have a strong, smart, articulate, qualified woman on the ticket?!?! The media all have their undies in a bunch over this.
Obama's choice of Biden is coming around to look bad. Even Biden said that maybe Hillary should have been the VP choice. Wow, there's confidence in the Democratic ticket.

Some Happenings

2008-09-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I would give some updates on life-
I have had to go to the surgeon's office twice to have fluid drained out of my back. It's no fun. In fact today after he pulled the needle out I got all hot and sweaty and started seeing all the spots in my periphery! I also visited the orthopedist who said as of right now I need to get to physical therapy and do that for a while, so I am hoping for improvement there. Sleeping is getting a bit easier.
Chantel is at the BYU (you'll notice if you speak with anyone who is older that it's "THE" BYU) and has had the realization that she is going to spend her whole life reading for her classes. I tried to warn her, but I'm just the dad; what do I know. But, on Monday she was eating at the Cannon Center by herself when a big dude sat next to her and chatted up a storm with her. He plays on the defensive line for the football team (Brock Richardson). So 2 days later she's eating there again all alone when she hears some people talking and hears her name. Turns out it's Brock again and this time he has Fui Vakapuna and Solomone Kafu with him. So she ate with them and marveled that they could snap her like a dried twig! You need to know Chantel had a 100 lb. party when she finally reached the century mark in weight, which was a month ago! Brock is 6'2" and 260 lbs. Pretty classic. Hey, get us some tickets, girlie!
Chelsea is dancing up a storm in ballroom and loves it. She is also doing well in Jazz Band. We are going to trade in her sax for a new one. She is also going to Home Coming so she gets to wear her pretty dress. Should be fun!
Teresa got her hair cut and colored. She looks so cute that I can't stop kissing her. I think she's sick of me. Which is another reason I went back to work this week. It has been pretty crappy and hurts a lot to be there, but I have given Teresa some well needed respite.
Our good buddy Rob Clegg won tickets to the BYU vs UCLA game today by singing the National Anthem on 1280 the Zone! Go Rob! I always knew you had the pipes.
I guess lastly I want to say that I think it is freaky how an event like 9-11 has turned into a Bush-Bashing and how people actually think that our government really did it. C'mon, what are you, psycho?! The government could never pull anything like that off no matter how hard they tried. All kidding aside, people and nations hate the USA and will try always to do what they can to destroy us.
But we have Michael Phelps, so we're fine.

Totally Tubular

2008-09-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the doctor to have my drainage tube and staples removed. I had heard from a couple people that having the tube yanked was going to be pretty painful. It hurt when they cut all the stitches that were around the opening and that were holding it in place, but the tube slipped out without any pain at all. The staples on the other hand were pretty painful. They had become attached to scabs, so just about everyone stunk getting popped out.
My butt is numb still where the slice is and into my bum cleavage (I guess there is no other way to say it). The doctors have told me it may be a long while to get the feeling back, or it may not come back at all! That would stink. Oh well, I am lucky that I can walk and move after this incident, so I'll take a numb-bum any day to the alternative! I hope the shoulder can heal up, too.
Thanks to everyone for their prayers and concern. It means a lot to me.
I will get a new picture of my back on soon.

Birthday Girl

2008-09-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Madalyn had her 9th birthday on September 1st, you know, that cold, wet Labor Day (blast this global warming!). Madalyn rocks. She loves riding her bike & longboard, she likes playing board games, Transformers, playing with her friends, listening to music, playing the piano. She enjoys going on walks with her dad and is happy to hold his hand when they do. She wanted "Army Men" for her birthday, which we couldn't find, probably because they aren't politically correct anymore. Or maybe I need to hit the Dollar Store to look. Madalyn is a lot of fun and is a beautiful 9 year old!

On my front, well, tomorrow I hopefully get my drain taken out of my back as well as having the staples removed, too. How do they do that? Do they have a staple remover like the one you have on your desk? Oooh, that will hurt. My shoulder really hurts and I have another week before going to the Orthopedist to have him look at it. I have this pretty cool bruise, though, that is like a flame coming out of my armpit! I apologize for my disgusting whiteness!

Snyder's Down!

2008-08-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

So last Monday (Aug. 25th) it was fairly hot and I was sick of running in the hot weather. The previous Saturday I had ridden my bike and thought I would go for a ride again. And so I set off. I went to Main Street then down 1200 South to the roundabout through UVU and then along 1200 West by the freeway. I was cruising about 20 mph when I came up to College Road. I saw a white car coming south and was going to turn left onto College Rd. but obviously she didn't see me because she turned right in front of me! I grabbed my brakes and for a brief moment thought I might make it around the back of the car. I locked up and knew I was going to eat it either into the asphalt or the car. I started to endo a wee bit then SLAM! right into the car! It immediately felt like someone had hit me in the lower back with a sledge hammer and my right shoulder was on fire. My right knee started throbbing as well. I got up off the hot pavement and started heading over to the grass. The driver got out of the car and asked, "Are you alright?" to which I said "No! I'm not alright!!!" Then the driver asked if she should call an ambulance to which I said Uh, Yeah! A guy who saw the whole thing grabbed my bike and laid it next to me. I reached over and grabbed my cell phone and called home. My daughter Abby answered and I blurted out "I've been hit! Get Mom!" Teresa got on and I repeated that I was hit. I tried to explain where I was and suddenly there were 2 ambulances and the fire chief right there so I hung up. They just happened to be on their way back from a call, drove by and did a double-take, saw me writhing on the ground and stopped. They asked where I hurt and I told them my lower back, so they rolled me onto my side. I felt the hot flow of blood run down. They started cutting my clothes and got very excited about the gash on my back, saying things like "Whoa! That's pretty amazing. Oh, it keeps on going! Hey, it drops down...you'll want a picture of this!" Then they got quiet and started talking about facia and muscle and spine and that's when I got worried.

Well, I was placed on a board, had my neck in that big brace and had my head and chin taped to the board as well. I was loaded up and off to Utah Valley Medical Center. Teresa came down 800 South and couldn't see anything and left to go to the hospital. She was freaking out a bit, not realizing where she was going. Chelsea was with her and said "Mom, do you want me to drive?". I had the paramedics call Chelsea's cell phone to tell them where we were going. They were at the emergency room already waiting.

When we got there, they took quick x-rays of my shoulder, wrist and knee. They cut off all the rest of my clothes, too. So, when your mother tells you to always wear clean underwear, well, do it! I was taken into another room to have an MRI done real quick to make sure my spine was OK and then I came back in and an ultrasound was performed to make sure my organs were OK, too. Teresa and Chelsea were allowed to finally come in. Ken, Jayton and Rob came in to give me a blessing which was real nice.

The ER nurses then did something that I thought was odd; they handed a jug to my wife and asked her to collect my urine as they lifted me up to place gauze on my wound. First of all, I can't go if I know my wife is outside the door at home, let alone in a busy ER room. Second, when they lifted me up the pain was so intense I got all hot, white and sweaty and about passed out!

I asked Teresa to show me my clothes that they had cut off. The back of my shirt had a big tear in it, but when Teresa turned it around it also had a big chunk of meat stuck to it! Pretty nasty.

Well, I was taken into another room and prepped for surgery. I asked them to please make sure I was unconscious before they inserted the catheder. They obliged. I was in surgery for over an hour and ended up with lots of internal stitches and 25 staples on the outside as well as a tube

sticking out for drainage. I woke up in my room with my family standing by me. Man, that first night was really bad. Teresa stayed until 2 AM with me then went home.

Well, I had family and friends and even co-workers stop by over the next few days. I want to say thanks to all of them- it really means a lot to know people care. My family was well taken care of with food and love. I was able to get out Thursday evening from the hospital. It has been a struggle, especially with my shoulder; it really hurts and is in a sling. I will be involved with physical therapy for months! Teresa took a picture of my back wound.

I ended up with 3 wrist bands- 1 for the ER, 2 for surgery 3 for general hospital admittance.

Moral of the story, don't get hit by a car.

Or, suck it up and run in the heat

Some Happenings

2008-08-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

So here are some happenings that have been happening...

The Olympics are on. Phelps rocks. Stupid French swim team. Some Jamaican dude is really fast yet really cocky. The American Gymnasts are getting ripped off. Guo Jing Jing and Dong Dong are my 2 favorite Chinese athletes.

I had a birthday dinner the other night at Maccaroni Grill. The Wakefields were in their car and we followed them. We being Teresa, Chantel (this was part of her birthday dinner) and myself. When we got into the restaurant there were a bunch of friends waiting- the Grovers, Frands(t)en's, Hatch's, Roberts, and Clegg's. We sat at the end of the table, so I really didn't get to say much to anyone, but it was fun and fattening (they brought Chantel and I a couple big pieces of cake, and you know me, I am a cake-a-holic). I am honored to have such great friends and neighbors.

On Saturday morning the wind was blowing 200 mph. That may be a wee exaggeration, but not by much. I managed a pretty fast 5 mile run, but then did a huge number of walking lunges with 60 lbs. Holy crap, Sunday I was so sore I thought I was going to die. Then on Monday Jayton and I went running in the canyon. I couldn't run! I was taking little strides because I hurt so bad. Ah, there's nothing like a crappy run to make you feel really dissatisfied.

So we had a 9:15 PM softball game last night. I have been playing catcher this go around and am fine with it. I only got out once and that was a line drive right at the 3rd baseman. It is also pretty fun having my brother, Carl, there playing, too. If only he could run! But we 10-runned this team. We are 3-1. Last week we were a little flat and lost a game we probably could have won.

Rob Clegg was released as the 2nd Counselor in our Bishopric on Sunday. This was really hard for me because he has been in this since we were called almost 5 years ago! He is now on the High Council and I can't wait for him to come speak at our ward!

You know, we saw The Dark Knight and I still don't know why everyone is so freaked out by it. I didn't think it was so "dark and creepy". Geeze, have you ever watched 24? Way more violence and such there.

Chuck will be coming back this fall!

Jason Russell let me know it's Robert Plant's birthday. He is 60! The Zeppelin memories go way back. I always crack up thinking of my brother trying to tell my dad (who HATED rock music; he was a classical music and Marty Robbins fan) what a nice easy album Led Zeppelin IV was--Carl was obviously trying to tout Stairway as the "easy". I remember having that album on my dad's stereo just blasting When the Levee Breaks so the whole neighborhood could hear. And I think that was when I was in 5th grade. Good times. One time my dad got really hacked off to see my Joe Walsh You Can't Argue With A Sick Mind on his turntable. He picked it up and chucked it down the hallway. The record actually got stuck between the wall and baseboard as it scraped both side of the album on it's roll down the hall. But, as soon as dad was gone, another record would go on the turntable. Rock on!

Forty-Fetchin'-Two!

2008-08-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm 42 today. And I got to spend my birthday in a truck traveling home from the Sculpture in the Park show in Loveland, CO. It was fun being there since last Wednesday (which was Chantel's b-day). I got to be with Ken Donnelly and his wife Melanie for a couple days, setting up the show and attending the seminars. We had a fun time eating out and hanging out. We even went to a movie, Mummy 3. Wait for the dollar theater.

We stayed at the Comfort Inn, which was real nice. I was in the room by myself until Gary Price and Justin came. The show was fun and we got to meet a lot of nice people and artist's. Ken and I tried drumming up some business for the foundry at the other sculpture show going on across the street.

Gary and Justin left after the show. Ken and I loaded up and got back to the hotel. Though I love Gary & Justin, it still is nice being alone in the hotel room.

The Wakefields brought over a card and socks. When Jayton loses a race to a 42 year old, he is going to be devastated.

It's weird that your body gets older, but inside I still feel 17!

Chantel's Legal!!!

2008-08-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

Our oldest girlie is 18 today!!! Holy cow! Happy Birthday Chantel. Why did your 18th birthday come so quick and it seemed to take 25 years for me to turn 18?

I am so proud of you. You have been a great example to your younger sisters. You are F.U.N. fun! I am so pleased that you received your Young Women's Recognition Award, too. What a great example to the Young Women in the ward. You know, there is a joke church-wide about "Bishop's Daughters", well, if they all were like mine, the joke would go away.

Hey, you can vote now, too. Just don't vote Obama. Or McCain. Oh crap, who do you vote for?

Anyway, Chantel, I love you and am so proud of the awesome young woman that you are. Get smart at the BYU, stay close to your Father in Heaven, and make sure you emulate the life of

your mother. You Rock!!!

Random Sampler

2008-08-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

So we are playing softball again in the Provo City League. I guess it's summer, or fall league, I don't know. I jacked my knee up in June rounding 3rd base and it is giving me crap. I can run, but any lateral movement really hurts. That's why I am playing catcher! My brother, Carl, is playing with us, too. It's a long way from the Youth Softball days back in California. Our church team was awesome for a few seasons, going undefeated in Stake play then having one of the most exciting games of my life against the hated Saratoga 2nd Ward to win the Region. Carl always pitched for us, but he is playing 1st base now. I think the funniest part of the whole deal is our fans! We have a great group who come out to cheer and support us. (Though it is weird to have people yelling "Go Bishop!" from the stands) We won our 1st game last week, in fact we 10 runned them and the game ended after 5 innings. So, we'll see how we do. Coach Grover is loving his new role and I'm sure is up late at night working on line-ups and position changes.

Chantel and Chelsea both have copies of the latest Twilight book. Chantel went to the party at Barnes & Noble, only to run to Walmart to buy her copy at midnight (she figures being #702 she would have been there for quite a while waiting). I took Chelsea over to Costco this morning to get her copy. Chantel took hers to work, much to her mother's chagrin, so she could read on break. Teresa is trying to get Chelsea to take breaks so she can read her copy. I have never wanted to read them, just like I have no desire to read Harry Potter.

Let me ask you if this qualifies m

e as a dork- Our back yard is pretty big and mowing it is kind of a long, crappy experience that must be endured each week. After mowing the front and side yards, I run with the lawn mower in the back, just to make it go faster. So what used to take 30 minutes is now about 12 minutes. Am I really that much of an idiot?

Another disappointing season from the Giants. I don't like the Dodgers or Manny Ramirez, and now that they are hooked up, I don't like them both that much more. I hope the Devil Rays can pull it out because I am tired of the Red Sox and the ever hated Yankees. I would love to see the Cubs finally win, but who are we kidding.

Well, the Wakefields got us eating snowcones from the place right by the SCERA pool. Geeze, as if I don't already struggle

trying to eat right, now I want the Tiger's Blood snowcones with the ice cream at the bottom all the time. Man they are tasty. I did make a coconut cake last week that was pretty yummy. But I took the remaining few pieces to work so I wouldn't eat it. Mary did.

That's an old picture I painted, I think back in 1998. No reason for it, just thought I'd throw it on.

What the Heck?!

2008-07-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

OK, I have been working hard the last few months to control my cholesterol, with great results, and I have been exercising a lot harder, such as running 6.5 miles with Jayton, and biking, and the Spinning class over at the Rec. Center (man, they need some better seats!!!) and a wee bit of weight lifting (I about killed myself with walking lunges). I guess I am burning more calories and trying to eat the right stuff, but the problem now is I AM ALWAYS HUNGRY! What the heck? I get home from work, want a snack, then we eat dinner and an hour or two later I want to eat again. Ken Donnelly tells me if I were to just eat some junkfood I wouldn't be hungry anymore, which may be true. My biggest problem is being in the habit of a bowl of cereal around 8 o'clock. I keep telling myself that instead of eating I should do something else, like do some artwork. My "room" is now downstairs because Chantel has taken over my art room. I have a small desk, my guitars, but really not a whole lot of room. Plus, there is nowhere to put my supplies. So, I guess what this comes down to is that it is Chantel's fault that I am hungry all the time. Oooh, she'll pay for this!

Memory Game

2008-07-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

Jason Russell is doing this on his blog and so I thought I would do it as well. And if you have visited here before, you know how much I love memories!

Here's what you do

1. As a comment on my blog, write a memory that we have had together and it doesn't matter if you've known me a little or a lot.

2. Post these instructions on your blog to see what kind of comments you get. If you have left a comment I will assume you are playing and I will visit your site.

I thought I would throw this 1988 picture of me and Teresa up. We were freshly engaged. Man she's hot! And yes, my hair was parted in the middle!

Summertime Blues

2008-07-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

I find it funny how different songs will elicit different memories. Like how No Quarter from the Song Remains the Same will ever be tied to dancing with Amy Dixon, who was a good foot taller than me, at Sandy's backyard party. My neck hurt so bad by the time we were done (it is a good 14 plus minute song) but man it was worth it! Any Air Supply song and I am right back at Stake Dances in California.

Well, in my iTunes library I have a number of Allman Brothers songs and any time

they come up I am back in the summer of the 70's. I miss those days! I have two older brothers and one younger brother. We would get up whenever, watch Alice and Laverne & Shirley reruns, hang out with the dudes on the street, go over to the school across the street and play baseball, go swimming at the high school, hit the beach, and hang out in the evenings. Total freedom. We would beg people for their bottles then take them over to Safeway and get the deposit money and buy some junk. Plus, every year we would make the trek from the Bay Area in CA to visit my grandparents in Utah, who lived up in the hills above the Provo Temple. Those were always exciting trips. We would load up on all kinds of junk food for the trip and would buy a ton of Mad Magazines and Mad books. This was also back in the day when no one was really wearing seat belts. I recall a great deal of the trip would be spent up in the back window of the car as we seemed to be traveling for days through Nevada! We would sit on my dad's lap and he would "let" us steer the car. One year we dropped down south instead of just getting onto I-80. We stopped at Calico Ghost Town. We bought

corncob pipes and my grandma wouldn't even talk to us about them! It was my ONLY time ever traveling through Las Vegas. This is back before it's major transformation; it was still where Sammy Davis Jr., Sinatra & Dean Martin were kicking butt.

Anyway, the music has me waxing nostalgic. I even rode my bike up around Oak Hills just to get the smell of the bushes and trees that are up there. I just hope my own children will have

these kind of memories to look back on and not just that gas is so freaking expensive.

Girl's Camp

2008-07-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of being the Bishop is we get to visit the Young Women at Girl's Camp at Mia Shalom, up in Fairview Canyon past Electric Lake. The setting is beautiful and there was even snow at the top of the ridge!

This year not only did my two counselors, Ken Roberts and Rob Clegg, go up but our Ward Clerk, Thomas Grover, and Exec Secretary, Brad Frandsen, went as well. I thought it would be good for them since Thomas' wife is our Young Women's President and Brad's wife is the

Laurel's Advisor and both were already up there. It is our opportunity to bring dinner up for the girls so for the last couple years we have bought some pulled pork from the Smokehouse.

Rob grabbed some rolls, watermelon and potato salad and Ken bought a bunch of Little Debbie's snacks. We met out front here, loaded up Brad's vehicle and took off.

It was fun having the 5 of us cracking up as we discussed all types of topics in the car. While driving up the canyon we were impressed at Rob's deer spotting abilities and Thomas' know-it-all botany skills. My skills weren't needed (I can suggest and see the best places to go surfing).

It's always fun to pull in and see the girls and their leaders all sunburned and dirty and so happy to see us.

I was

excited to see 3 of my daughters and to know they were fine and having a good time. The Grover's were so cute with their reunion of love.

Rob's wife, Laurie, is our Stake YW President, so he was happy to see her and his two daughters, too.

We got dinner all set up and started eating. Holy crap there are a ton of mosquitos up there!

We were grabbing the closest bug spray and would go to town! The food was delicious and it was fun hanging out talking. And how can you go wrong with Little Debbie Nutty Bars? Of course we peeled them apart to eat them.

We met with the whole stake and watched some fun skits. President Wolfert gave a great little talk and then we went back to camp and had a fire and testimonies. I was the smoke magnet! Oh well. It was a great meeting. I think one of the best parts of the whole experience is right after the meeting; we all seem to hang onto each other and no one wants to say goodbye. The feelings of love are strong.

We packed it up, gave hugs and were off. We talked about all kinds of car accidents and freaky road experiences on the way home.

Anyway, I love that opportunity of going up there and the feelings of being around the girls and the spirit that they are experiencing.

We took our girls to China Isle for a big Chinese dinner after they got home and showered.

20 Years of Full-on Rockin' Bliss!

2008-07-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

Today is mine and Teresa's 20th Anniversary! Holy Cow! It's so weird that it seems like yesterday, yet so much has taken place. We have moved from California to Utah, back to California, then back to Utah. The birth of 4 daughters, school, work, more school and work. Teresa has gone from sewing to making fabric dolls for boutiques (and me having to haul around her big giant backdrop fence things to Pleasant Grove and other places) to stamps to scrapbooking. We finally got into a house 7 years ago. My psycho-ness. All kinds of fun, stupid, boring, mundane, loving, hilarious, scary, tender, and every other type of experience has taken place through the years. I am still madly in love with my wife and say often to anyone who will listen that I still can't believe she said yes to my wedding proposal (what was she thinking?). I still feel like a teenager full of excitement when I hold her hand. She has the most luscious, kissable lips this side of Texas, and I love just hanging out with her. She's a freakin' babe! She taught and showed me that pork chops can be juicy, tender, and full of flavor! Our daughters are wonderful and beautiful because of her. I hope my daughters will realize that they have an amazing mom. If there is anything happening, Teresa is taking pictures of it. Anyways, I am excited for the next 20 years!!!

Independence Day

2008-07-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I woke up at my usual time on account that I always wake up at 5:00, laid around for a while, then finally got out of bed at 5:15. I went upstairs and had a big bowl of Fiber One (Man, they should be supplying me for free for all the advertising!) then got dressed and ready to run. I had my iPod all ready with a 10K playlist. I stretched and hung out waiting for Jayton to pick me up, which he did at 6:20. We both grumbled that we are paying money to feel pain! We parked, got over to Kiawanis Park, then tied our Race Chip to our shoes. I had to go to the bathroom one last time so I headed over to the port-a-potties and waited in line!I made it back to the start of the race with a couple minutes to spare, but got right next to Jayton, which is miraculous with the thousands of people there. I never did find my brother, Carl, though. They shot off some kind of booming firework and we were off! To walk. It took a while to get the crowd moving, but your official time didn't start until your foot chip crossed the starting line.

Jayton went ahead of me as we rounded our way onto 9oo East. I could see him the whole time and he was never more than a couple hundred feet ahead of me. We took a left by the Harmon Bldg and headed downhill. We took a left at the Chevron Station and headed south. Volunteers were handing out water, but it was too soon for that. We wove our way onto University A

venue right by Zions Bank (across from Provo High) and down the parade route! It was funny seeing everyone yelling for us. I saw the little KNRS tent and Bob Lonsberry broadcasting. I yelled "Hey Bob!" He waved. We ran passed a house that was cooking bacon. I wanted to stop. I tried to grab a water from the volunteers. You know, you can't, well I can't, run and drink out of a cup. I had more go up my nose than in my mouth! We made a left turn on 100 South then another left back to Center Street. We ran all the up by 7 Peaks then made a quick U-turn and

came back down. At the turn, I didn't want Jayton to see me, which he didn't. A right turn back onto 900 East and back uphill! It was brutal. We turned back into Kiawanis Park and to the finish line. I managed to sprint it to the finish. I didn't realize that my wife and daughter were there with Jayton's wife, Beth. She took photos of me running. Wow, look at that muscle definition in my leg!

So, I ended up with a 46:52 for the 10K. Jayton was at 46:23. Here are some pictures of us nice and squishy looking.

After getting home, our family ran over to Macey's for the French Toast breakfast. Yummy.

We came home, I dug up a sprinkler, and then we headed on out to my brothers for lunch. It's always fun going over there. Ivette always makes such awesome food! We laugh and mock each other and watched some of the Giants vs Dodgers game. We had to leave to get Chelsea to work at 4. Later we went to the Wakefield's, played games and had some delicious salsa from Rob Clegg, then we went to the back of a parking lot on State Street to watch the Stadium of Fire fireworks. The Clegg's, Wakefield's and Grover's all went. And Chantel's

friend, Skyler, came, too. Beth brought cake, and I'm not turning that down... ever!

We watched the show then got ready to leave. Thomas Grover yelled at Skyler in German a few times, which really warms my heart. Ah, German, the language of love.

We got home and had to light off our fireworks. Oye, are they not all the same orange sparks with the white, crackling sparkles!?!

So, there you have it. It was a fun and tiring day. My legs don't really hurt today, in fact I got up and went for a bike ride this morning.

I guess I will need to train so I can beat Jayton in a race. I wonder if he'd be as ticked as my brother?

Broom Hockey

2008-06-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

To accept the Grover Challenge, I will regale you with a story involving a broom; Ward Broom Hockey. As youth we were way excited when the Young Men activity on Thursday Night (Yes Thursday. I grew up NEVER seeing Mork & Mindy because it was on when we had Mutual Night!) was Broom Hockey. It was played in the gym, and we didn't have a nice wood floor. We had cement with these tile things. It was hard! We would prepare our brooms; wrapping the lower quarter of the stick with duct tape or black electrical tape (we figured it would toughen up the broom). The puck was always a roll of masking tape and the goal was the where the basketball key lines met the out of bounds line. The goalie usually was on all fours with their broom laying flat to keep the puck out. Shirts vs. Skins, always, and it never failed that some of the more "fleshy" fellas were Skins, always. (Nothing like squirting off some big sweaty dudes shoulder- kinda like pinching a watermelon seed) Well, things would really get going and relatively violent. I remember one time going for the puck and getting checked right through the door, out into the hallway and almost killing one of the young women leaders. Ah, but such was Broom Hockey. One time we videotaped our game. It was hilarious to watch the mayhem, especially in slow motion.

When I was a senior in high school, there was a Young Adult Broom Ball game at the Ice Capades Chalet ice rink. My brother asked me to go, so I pulled on some football pants and we headed over. Wow! We never had injuries like this when we played. Maybe the co-ed game shouldn't be done. A girl named Shiree was coming up to the ball, tried to put on the brakes, lost her footing, and was slammed into the side while both feet were in the air. Brian McGhie took a broom handle shot to the mouth and left some teeth! There were numerous injuries the whole night. The funnest part for me was sliding into the real cocky dudes and taking them out. They were getting mad at me, but hey, it's broom ball! Toughen up, Chump!

Oh, there was this red headed girl, she was probably voted the "Most Athletic" in her high school, well, she kept coming after me, trying to take me out. Sorry, sister. She ended up on the ice a number of times.

You know, watching Roller Ball so many times actually paid off!

The Anticipation

2008-06-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

You know, the week before the 4th of July when we were kids was painful. Not like Christmas or Halloween, but there was a different excitement with the 4th. (What if the Declaration of Independence was signed the day before? The 3rd of July just sounds stupid)

As kids we would do ANYTHING to get hold of firecrackers. We lived a half hour away from San Francisco, so someone was always making a run up to Chinatown to get illegal fireworks. We would rate firecrackers- Thunderbombs were the best, then Black Cat, and Lady Fingers, well, if you had them, you didn't say anything, you wuss. Packs would sell for 25-50 cents from whoever had them.

We never just blew off packs of firecrackers at once; we would unwrap the big long fuse that tied them all together and do each one separately. And it usually involved blowing something up- a snail, little green army men, old model airplanes, etc. We would also blow up the glass that covered the water meters. Now if the firecracker didn't go off you didn't just move on; it would be inspected to see if there were any fuse left. If there was, it was always real dicey to try and light it and bail out of the way before the blast. If the fuse was gone, we'd do a "Fizzer" which meant we'd break them , dump out a wee bit of gun powder, and have someone right there as you lit the powder. It would start fizzing then someone would stomp on it and it would pop.

A couple experiences- Mike Stark lit an M-80 in a pile of doggy-doo and it blew all over the front of his house! His dad, Lowell, whose blood pressure was already at dangerous levels just sitting calmly in a chair drinking a Schlitz, heard the noise, came out front and about had an aneurism! I think that's the first time the four letter word for poop was hurled in the neighborhood at such decibels.

The other classic was our friend William's big brother was at the school yard one night, in the picnic table area, smoking pot with some of his stoner buddies. It was pitch black. We had some bottle rockets. Well, we fired them in at them. They shot in, bounced all around them and blew up. Those guys were freaking out. I still don't know why they didn't kick the crap out of us.

I just thought about this today as we were driving around. Man, I miss those days.

Sweatin' in the Outfield

2008-06-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be asked by Jayton Wakefield to play on not just one softball team, but two softball teams this spring. One is a co-ed team in Orem, the other a men's team in Provo. We pretty much have sucked it up in the co-ed team, but have been respectable in the men's league.

Back in the day when I was a teenager we played church softball. I have always played in the outfield because, as any Snyder will tell, we hate the infield because of the thought of taking a ball to the chops. We are famous for the mitt down-head turned short hop play. Wusses, perhaps, but our teeth are still intact. Carl did pitch, though, and was very good at it. In church ball we took regions undefeated two years in a row with a perfect regular season. In area championship play, which took in all of the Bay Area in CA we did exceptionally well, too. My shot was always right over the 2nd baseman's head.

Fast forward a couple decades and I am still in the outfield for the same reasons, though my teeth could use a good knocking out! It has been fun running around and diving for balls; I have even caught a number of them. Last night if I had made the catch on a screaming line drive that was tailing away from me I would have been on the ESPN highlight reel. But it hit the tip of my mitt and bounced out. Crap.

The problem I have is I cannot hit to anywhere but left field now days. I don't know why!?! It is very frustrating.

Last night's tournament game was fun and we had a good crowd of spouses and friends cheering us on. Thomas Grover, our only lefty, has been the only person on the team to nail the yellow foul pole. He was able to burn around the bases for a home run. It was great.

But alas, we were ripped off by some extremely crappy calls by an ump who obviously had a great relationship with the other team. (I bet they went and got Slurpees after the game and had a good chuckle!) We ended up losing by 2 runs. We play again tomorrow night for the men's team. Tonight is the co-ed team. We have already lost 1 game, so if we lose tonight we are done. So, I will be sweatin' in the outfield again this evening.

Maybe the Softball Gods will let me hit to center field.

Or not.

They're probably drinking Slurpees and mocking me.

6.2 Miles

2008-06-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

So I've been running the 5K races with my brother, and he is ticked because I keep beating him. Well, the 10K is coming up on July 4th for the Freedom Festival. Carl will be running that with his friend. Jayton Wakefield wants me to run it with him, too. The farthest I have run is a wee bit over 4 miles (not including running with my wetsuit on back in high school when I was trying to make weight for a wrestling match!).

Jayton and I ran from the mouth of Provo Canyon up to Nunn's Park and back, which is pretty much 6 miles, in the heat! I was able to do it without dying and my legs are just a little sore today. So, I will have to keep it up for the next couple weeks. I have biked a couple times to work. That helps with the lung capacity.

A side note to the picture from the last posting. Back in the summer of 1999 Tyler brought his hair clippers to work one day. I walked into the waxroom to see one of my co-workers leaning over the garbage can and Tyler buzzing his head! My hair was needing a trim,

but not a shave. Everyone started giving me crap, so I buckled and had him shave my head, too. Everyone ended up bald that day. It was pretty funny. That's our former business manager with me. We felt like we were in the nut-house, so we acted like it, too. When I got home, my kids didn't know who

the freak was walking in our front door, and my wife cried. But, she really loved it and begs me to do it again. I don't know if the Stake President will be happy with that.

That's me in front with the sunglasses

Cholesterol, our buddy!

2008-06-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

Back in January I had a physical, the first in about 15 years or so, and became acquainted with Dr. Jellyfinger. They took a lot of blood and ran the tests. I got them in the mail about 2 weeks later, telling me that my cholesterol was at 246 and that I needed to change my diet. So, this coincided with a bunch of women at work who were starting their own version of The Biggest Loser, which I automatically win because, well, as my wife will say every now and again... loser! (it's usually when I make an inappropriate comment).

Anyway, I have made some serious changes in what I eat, and how much of it I do eat. It has been very hard to not eat chips, cake, cookies, brownies, Ho Ho's, Ding Dong's, etc. every day. And cutting out the cheese has been a nightmare! I love cheese, especially pepper jack and of course, Stinking Bishop!

As the months have gone on I actually started losing weight. I started out at 164.8 pounds as of Feb. 1. At the end of the competition at the end of May I weighed in at 150.0 pounds! Pretty sweet.

This all leads me to Saturday. I had my cholesterol checked again and it came in at..... 171!!! I was pretty surprised. I figured it would be 239 or something like that. So, I wanted to celebrate with a bacon-wrapped steak, but my wife BBQed steak for me for Father's Day.

I guess I'm a LOSER after all.

Father's Day

2008-06-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Though I feel Father's Day is a bit of a sham, I want to honor my dad. He passed away back in December of 1998. It's not until someone is gone that you really realize how much they meant to you. My dad was about 40 when I was born. I'm 41 now and have a daughter ready to start college, so the dynamics of our relationship were a bit different. My dad was from Oak Park, Chicago and grew up in a very different world. I feel bad that we really never knew a whole lot about my dad's past. He moved out to San Francisco while working for United Airlines in the 50's. There he joined the LDS Church, which ostracized him from his family.

My dad loved to work on cars, especially the stupid Opal Cadet, which, I swear, we were lifting the engine out of, from a jimmy-rigged contraption looped over the rafters in the garage, every summer! My dad was always very entrepreneurial, trying to come up with some new business or idea. He actually had a prototype of the mask thing that's used at the dentist's offices for getting the nitrous oxide. A wee bit of funding and he could have made it big!

My dad worked different jobs to keep us going.

I think the one thing that is impressive is that my mom got spinal militis back in 1979 and my dad stuck with her and took care of her until he died.

One last memory is my dad telling jokes, usually bad ones, but you'd be laughing so hard because he was laughing and couldn't get them out.

I miss him and would love to ask him questions about life and where I am at now. I would love to have had him at my graduation last year and at my daughter's graduation. I would love to talk to him about his family history, about my grandfather, about living in Washington DC. Well, my dad wasn't perfect or the Best at one thing, but he set a great example and I am partly what I am because of his mundane but hard working existence.

On the 7th Day...

2008-06-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

We got home in the wee hours of the morning, so I put this off until today. I got up and did the morning rituals. I let the womenfolk sleep in. I cursed my bed one last time! I took the camera and went walking around Pennsylvania Avenue and such. I have put a few random snapshots on. It was still really hot and muggy and I was starting to sweat like a pig, so I came back to the Hotel.

Teresa was up and going and I got Chantel up at 10:15. We packed and cleaned up a little bit. Chantel and I ran over to see the house where Lincoln died, across from the Ford's Theater, but there were huge amounts of children waiting to go in. So we jumped into a souvenir shop, bought some DC shirts and some magnets and came back.

We loaded up, said a prayer, and went downstairs to check out. I am calling our room the McCain Memorial because the toilet paper is something they would have at a POW camp and the bed was tortuous!

We walked to the Metro one last time and were off to Union Station. Once there we bought tickets for the Marc then stopped at Sbarros for some pizza and spaghetti. We also bought cookies at a French Bakery. We walked a bit and hung out. I looked through a few shops. Why didn't I buy a Nationals pennant?! Man, I always blow it.

We finally boarded the train, which had no AC

and was stifling hot. Our train took us to the bus which took us to BWI airport in Baltimore. We got checked in then went to the observation desk to watch for a bit. At the security check there was a mom dealing with her 2 young children and her mother. I figured we'd be seated real close to them.

Our gate was at the furthest part of the terminal and it was packed! There was a Potbelly's there, so I grabbed a shake and cookie for us to all share. The flight was supposed to leave at 5:15 PM EST, but the walkway thing that takes you to the plane was broken. It took them a long time to have us walk out onto the tarmac and up the stairs to the plane. I helped a couple ladies carry their stuff and stick it in the overhead.

And of course the lady with the 2 upset kids was in front of us!

Well, at 5:30 they announced that all flights west were delayed because of severe weather. We waited, they started the movie and passed out snacks, then waited more. We sat on the plane tight there for 3 hours! Then we got in line to take off and waited there for 30 more minutes. When we finally took off everyone clapped. It was funny.

The plane seemed angry as it jetted up and banked hard right.

Well, the flight was re-routed south before heading west. I'll tell you what, I was going nuts what with the screaming kids and the lateness of the hour. Chantel and I watched Seinfeld for an hour and 1/2. We would burst out laughing at some parts, probably ticking other passengers off. The one classic time was when Kramer was talking about the Sitcom that Jerry and George were supposed to be writing being about a circus..."Come on, a guy who's just a head, beeeyyyahhh...". It was the perfect time because we started crying we were laughing so hard!

I started getting the jimmy-legs, and I can't sleep on a plane, so I put on my iPod and cranked it up. We hit a massive turbulence and the plane dropped and people, including myself, freaked out. Ugh. The worst part was when we were still an hour and a 1/2 out. Oye!

Well, we landed 11:00 PM MST, then had to get our bags, then the shuttle to the car and then pay to get out. We stopped and picked up Abby & Madalyn, who were still up, at Carl's house, got some gas and headed home. Chelsea was still up, too. We grabbed a piece of toast and crashed at 1:30 AM!

Overall it was a great trip. I loved the time to spend with my daughter and wife. I think it brought us all a lot closer and made me see Chantel in many different situations. I realize she is beautiful, thoughtful, friendly, has a great sense of humor and is fun...F U N!

DC 6

2008-06-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

I was having dreams of flying in very small wooden planes in the front yard of my house that I grew up in, probably from seeing the Air Mail planes. Oh, but then I'm rudely awaken by bedspring number 17 in my kidney! (My wife is right now popping an Ambien, so she'll be rather fun in about 15 minutes) Well, I let them sleep in until 9:30 to 10:15. We got all showered and dressed and then headed out the door, greeted by the already 90 degree weather and high humidity. I only have 2 dark colored shirts left, which doesn't bode well for being out in the sun. I had Teresa take a picture of me and Chantel in front of the FBI building.

Our first, and main stop, was at the Newseum on Pennsylvania Ave. It was an expensive

excursion, but we had a great time. We started off with checking out a couple sections of the Berlin Wall. Then we rode the tallest hydraulic elevators in the world to the 6th floor. We checked out the view and got a couple pictures and read a little history about Pennsylvania Ave. We went to the 5th floor and looked through the big exhibit there. We jumped down to the 3rd floor for a demonstration about a news studio. Some old gentleman kep

t asking rather random questions. You could feel other people cringing every time his hand went up.

We ran back up to the 5th floor and looked at some more things then watched a

video on this huge long screen.

The 4th floor had a big 9-11 exhibit and also info on the 1st Amendment. We then got to the 2nd floor and Chantel did a little newscast thing.

It was pretty funny. We will be able to download it tomorrow off the internet. Maybe we will share the address. Then we went to

the 1st floor and checked out some stuff and watched a 4-D movie. It was actually pretty cool. The whole experience was pretty cool. I thought it looked familiar from the George Stefanopolous Sunday morning show, and sure enough they shoot it there each week.

We walked out into the blasted heat! We walked up to the Capitol Building. Chantel and I wanted to go do "I'm just a Bill, stuck here on Capitol Hill", but you can't even get close to the steps now days. We walked around to the Library of Congress and went in for a looksee before they booted us all out and closed up.

So, we walked a couple blocks and boarded the Metro. Of course there had been a train that had jumped it's tracks on the Orange Line. We had to wait an extra 20 minutes, but sitting down there is still better than walking in the heat. We made it back to the beautiful and amenity bare Hotel Harrington so the women folk could take a wee breather. I jumped out to take a few pictures of the hotel and such.

When they finally got ready to roll, we went to Elephant & Castle for dinner. I got guilted into ordering the Bangers & Mash so that Thomas Grover wouldn't be mad at me. They were tasty, and they came with baked beans and a delicious apple chutney. I also ordered a side salad. They sausages were nothing like the sausages that I ate in New Zealand. We waited forever for our

waiter to come back, then ordered desert. Chantel and I shared a brownie and ice cream dish called Big Ben Brownie, which we were shocked to see when they brought it out, and Teresa had an apple crisp. Totally bloated! We waited for a long time again for our waiter, got the check, paid and were done. We waddled back here and are laying around doing crossword puzzles, Soduku and this. I can't believe our trip will be done tomorrow! I think our other girls are missing us. We miss them.

My wife is now woozy and can't walk a straight line! Lightweight!

Sunday in DC ( Day 5)

2008-06-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

Since it is a day of rest, I got up at 7:30 and let the women sleep in. Chantel got up after 10. Teresa was all looped up on Ambien again, so she needed a couple extra hours to shake it off. The only way to describe my bed is that I fell like I am sleeping in a bowl! We were out of milk and Pop Tarts, so I ran on down to the CVS Drugstore. DC is kind of weird on a Sunday morning with no one around. The high humidity is still a shock every time you walk out the door. The sad thing was the CVS store was having AC problems and was actually hotter than outside! I touched a bag of Resses Peanut Butter Cups and they were all smooshy. I came back and turned the TV on and was so excited about the Sham-Wow towel. I wanted to order, but Teresa wouldn't let me.

So after we all got up, dressed and ready, we headed out to the National Archives. We got there at 11:45 and had to wait in the blistering sun for 35 minutes. Holy crap it was hot! You know, we watch and see the forecast, which

cracks us up, because it will

be record heat until we leave, then it goes back to normal. I understand Utah is in the 60's and rainy, but I'm sure once we get back it will heat up (but it will be a dry heat). I digress. As the line started moving and got within 10 feet of the door we could feel the AC spilling out. Oh, sweet blessed relief! We make our way up to see the documents. It's funny that we thought about National Treasure and how they were having a party right there in that room. The room is not well lit and there's no flash photography. As we made our way to see the Declaration of Independence, there was a lady who was videotaping each document... for a long time. Even her family was getting ticked that she was clogging the lane. It is amazing to see these documents and what they stand for. It's also surprising how faded they are. They even have the Louisiana Purchase document there as well as a few others.

I stepped back to look at the two huge paintings on the wall showing the Declaration and also the Constitution. The legend of the painting depicting the men involved also stated who didn't sign onto these documents. I just thought how they could have and should have been on the right side of history, but ooooh they blew it! Again, why don't the very people who are in Washington get what it's all about? They need to have a tour and refresher course about American History.

After the document room, we wandered around and looked at many of the displays. I looked at the political cartoon display set up. It made me think back to my Illustration class and when I did a lengthy report on Thomas Nast. Chantel was very intrigued with a number of things in there.

We finally left and went over to the Museum of Art. That place is huge! We stopped for a drink

of water and a snack outside before going in. We looked at a few rooms then found many rooms full of sculptures. It was pretty cool. We then went looking for and found the Da Vinci painting. Pretty neat. Next we searched for and found the French Impressionists. They had Monet, Manet, Matisse, Renoir, Cassat, and I even found Van Gough's self portrait. It was pretty awesome. We came around to a huge fountain and Chantel & I couldn't resist striking a pose. There is a cafe type place in there, too, but I had to laugh becaus

e we are in no way snooty enough to sip wine, each little delicasies and discuss art.

Our feet were killing us, but we pushed on and out the door into the stifling heat. My brother called and said he was watching the Nationals-Giants game and it was 114 on the field! I am so happy we traded our tickets and went to the night game! We went across the street to the Newseum. Chantel really wants to go to it. We got over there and the lady at the door suggested we come back because it was going to close in an hour and 20 minutes. So we walked to the Metro station and went to Union Station. It's kind of pathetic because we could have walked, but the heat and our feet, no way.

Once there we went to the US Postal Museum. That was kind of quaint and fun. They booted us out at closing time so we skipped, not literally, to Union Station and ate at the American Restaurant. They started with these wonderful little rolls. After we ordered and received our food, I asked our waiter for more rolls. He brought more silverware. I asked again and he brought a small plate. I asked one of the other dudes there for more rolls, he obviously couldn't speak English, so he gave some kind of grunt and moved on. I asked again for more rolls and our waiter brought me more salad dressing! We were cracking up. Finally, another waiter brought us some rolls, said something to our waiter, who then brought us more rolls, too! Oh

well. The food was fine and we got back onto the Metro and decided to call it a day. Chantel and I tried figuring out a crossword puzzle and Teresa tried Soduku-ing, but we all were mentally challenged by that time and gave up. So, what better way to continue to numb the senses than to watch a DVD! We put National Treasure on the lap top and sat on they bed. We were laughing at the fact of the lighting and party going on in the document room. After the movie, Teresa and Chantel started battling for the cell phone of which Chantel keeps getting texts from the 22 year old. Geeze.

The 4th Day

2008-06-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Last night my wife took an Ambien again. It was too funny because she was getting all woosy about ten minutes before bed. Chantel and I were cracking up. My bed and I still aren't buddies yet. I got up at 7 local time and did the ritual Fiber Uno, scriptures, shower,

etc. I did wake up my wife a wee bit after 8 so we could get going before noon! We actually left the hotel before 10! The heat is horrid! The humidity is around 80%. The Race for the Cure was just winding down. I can't believe people were running in the heat! We walked to the Holocaust Museum, got tickets, then went and watched the 13 minute Rise of Nazism down stairs. Pretty interesting. Then we went through the tour. It was very educational. You know, I can see parallels in our own society as was started back then. One main thing was how they started the terror of not being able to speak your point of view for fear of getting on the bad list. I see that happening with the whole political correctness problem we have;

we can't say what we really think anymore without a huge fear of getting ripped on.

Anyway, walking through the box car was pretty weird and seeing all the shoes made me think that each pair was a person.

We left that museum and went in the oppressive heat to the Smithsonian Castle. That was pretty boring, so we went to the Natural History Museum. That was pretty fun. I was shocked to see how everyone piled in to see the Hope Diamond. Chantel and I laughed as we made like the hippo. While we were there, I called the Nationals so we could see about changing our tickets to go tonight. They said we could, so we left to come back to our hotel. Chantel and I ran up to Potbelly's for some sandwiches and shakes, and I bought a oatmeal chocolat

e chip cookie! Their sandwiches are wonderful.

We went to the Metro and went to the Navy Yard stop. We went to the ticket window and changed out our tickets. Holy crap it was hot!!! We sat in the shade while waiting for the game to start. Luckily, about 15 minutes before the game started, clouds moved in. We were sitting up from 1st base. I was surprised to see so many Giants fans there.

The last time I took my wife to a baseball game it was a boring 1-0 pitcher's duel. Well, the game was 0-0 going into the top of the 8th inning. Finally, the Giants broke it open, scored a couple runs, then we saw a grand slam! Classic! There was a pretty major lightening storm starting to happen over DC. Well, the Nationals stunk it up, the game ended 6-0 for the Giants, yeah, and we started herding out like animals. As everyone was walking, there was lots of lightning and thunder and then it rained with huge big drops while we pushed to get into the Metro station. We three held hands so we could stay together. Once in we packed onto the trains. We made a transfer and then came home. That was Chantel's first Major League Baseball game. The Nationals Ball Park is quite nice. For the

first 7 innings the best part was the presidents race! (that's where the mascots all run from center field. But Teddy Roosevelt came cruising in on a little motorcycle.) There were two women who sat in front of us, one was a Nationals fan with hat and jersey, the other a Giants fan with hat and jersey. They were pretty funny.

So, here we are, Teresa is all loaded up with Ambien again, actually, she's already out! Chantel just bailed and I am ready, too. It's been a really enjoyable day.