Good news for people who like bad news!

Walking the dog

2012-01-29T16:17:00.002-07:00

So how far am I on the P70X? Not far at all, I'm down maybe 1 pound, thats it! But, I have gained strength and endurance in my legs. My schedule doesn't allow me to do much on my own at home. I don't have a treadmill or anything. I have Saturday mornings right now.
Well at work, sometimes in the afternoon we have nothing going on. So Nathan has said lets go running during those times or as we like to call it "take the dog for a walk". Maybe its cuz I'm hairy and ugly? One week we got in 3 runs! Now we started out doing a 2 mile run (thats as far as I could go back in December). Later we did a 3 miler, I was struggling some parts. Then we have this "foothill" run. Its on the bottom of timpanogos unger the "G" in pleasant grove. There are some trails there. So we've run those a couple times. At the halfway mark before turning around there is a little hill called "Molly's hill". Not big mind you, but fairly steep. And for an out of shape dude who has just run 2 miles on the rocky path its daunting. 1st time going up made it halfway, next time a little farther, almost to the top. I'll blame it on the cold, but I couldn't get any air after that last one. I did get some dizziness & blurred vision. But made it the 2 miles back. The next couple runs have been on the streets of pleasant grove near out office. We have one route where we do get some inclines in. One day we stopped at the high school and ran the stairs on the football field stadium. Stairs are tuff, for me at least. The next few days going up stairs were brutal. But I think it helped, will definetly have to do the stairs again to see how I far I'm come. This week we didn't get a chance to go until friday. We did a 3 mile run pretty much on flat pavement. And it wasnt that bad, actually seemed ok. Called that a "donut run". We had donuts earlier that day and needed to run them off. Yesterday (Saturday) I went for a 3 mile run, after getting a text from Nathan rubbing it in that he did the foothill run that morning.
Hopefully we can keep doing afternoon runs for the next couple months until it gets lighter & warmer outside. The baby might be better manageable for the kids too so I can leave her and go running. Why can't I go in the dark? Well there has been several sighting of mountain lions in my area so I'm chicken! Coyotes I think I can handle, as long as there is only one, but cougars will eat my lunch.
Pretty sure I'm going to be doing Las Vegas Ragnar this year too. That will be a good motivation to keep running and get in shape. Its not until November, but I need all that time to prepare anyway. 2010 Wasatch Ragnar kicked my butt. 2010 Halloween half marathon was really tuff to finish. So I think I have to be in at least that good of shape, if not better, I'd like to be better.
I'm looking forward to the Moab trip in March. I'm not as worried as I was before about being in shape. I might not be lighter, but I should have enuff strength & endurance to keep up! This might be my theme for this year:
"I may not be as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was." From a song by Toby Keith, below is an excerpt from it.

P70X

2011-12-30T16:31:00.001-07:00

You know that exercise program P90X, your supposed to get ripped in 90 days or something? Well I've got 70 days, not to get ripped but get in decent shape. In 70 days my brothers and I are going on a campout for a couple days. Well camping in a trailer near all services. I can't believe I'm 37 years old and we have never done anything like this before, just me and my brothers doing something, all of us together. Gonna be really cool. Not only that but we are going to Moab!
For 3 days we are going to explore Arches and Canyonlands National parks. Not sure how much we'll get to see, surely not enough. I've done arches before with Liz and we did 2 1/2 days in there. I'm looking forward to going back and seeing canyonlands this time.
Anyways, I'm out of shape and overweight,again. So gonna try and get some exercise in and eat less junk. I don't wanna be the one slowing us down, got alot to see and a short time to see it in. Looking forward to seeing Corona Arch, dead horse point, mesa arch and some slot canyons. Also looking forward to seeing Delicate arch again, and whatever ones we make it to again.

Sweet Potato Pie ' per

2011-10-04T20:59:00.008-07:00

I can't remember but I think at 5-6 months old you can give babies solid foods, well pretty much mush or puree food. Piper fortunately loves it. She really likes sweet potato mixed with gerber's version of rice. The other night I gave her some turkey junk mix with rice. I being fat tried it. Thats the nastiest stuff! Its like what robots would feed humans if they ruled the world in order to keep us alive but didn't really care about our feelings. But she ate that stuff up.
So today Liz was having a REAL sweet potato and decided to give Piper a taste. Well I guess she ate alot of it. Tonight I had the other sweet potato for dinner. I sit down on the floor next to Piper to keep her company. She sees my plate and FREAKS OUT!!! She knew what it was. This baby evolved from just sitting up to crawling,pulling herself up, walking and and doing kung fu in a matter of seconds. So yeah, I shared MY sweet potato with her. I couldn't cut, mash and shovel fast enuff for her. She kept diving, clawing and screaming at me and my plate.
To be fair she screams at me alot. Its not her fault though. I'm slow to recognize what she needs and wants sometimes. I have little patience, I get frustrated with her as she does with me. I think its just because we both want the same thing at the same time so its a battle of wills. We want something to eat, something to drink and go to sleep. I have alot of "Maybe I am not meant for these duties" moments (Nacho Libre reference for those of you who are not inclined).
Luckily most of the time she is an angel. And I swear when she smiles, her eyes twinkle. She has an infectious laugh and you do all you can to make her do it and often. I know every parent says their child is adorable,cute,pretty, ect... But when 100's of other people genuinely tell you, you KNOW. Everywhere we go people always have to stop, have to look at her, have to comment on how gorgeous she is. For crying out loud she really is! I'm amazed, but not really surprised at what me & Liz created. I'm a beast so I sometimes accused Liz of stepping out. All of our kids look pretty much the same, so I always tell her, "they are either all mine, or all someone else's".
We all call her Pie, short for Piper I guess. Having a little girl is a whole new ball game compared to having 4 boys. She's just so much more delicate and precious. She's rare, which makes her that more special. I don't know what I'm gonna do when she gets older? Am I gonna be too overprotective that she hates me? Or give her everything she wants, and everyone else hates me? Either way I'm doomed right?
Maybe everything will be hunky dory in order to make up for all the damage the previous kids will do, who knows? Its all part of the adventure I guess.

And now sad that its all gone....

I made a video a couple weeks after she was born. Thought I'd better make a newer one now thats she's 6 months old, sheesh. Here is the new one.

Photo Book

2011-09-03T09:26:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Now what are we supposed to do?

2011-07-05T16:00:00.005-07:00

Races so far this year = ONE
3rd annual Keith Young Memorial 5k came and went. I lost, Nathan beat me by like 1 second or something. Missed Ragnar this year, there hasn't been any talk of the diry dash again. I have thought about maybe doing the Bryce Canyon Rim run at the end of August. 5 miler along the top rim of Bryce canyon. Should be a good view, its also a trail run, mostly dirt I think.
I've been running twice since the first of January, how sad is that? I tell myself its the heat, but its not. I just need to start going at night, when its cooler and the baby is asleep or something. Maybe its cuz I'm addicted to soda again? Maybe cuz I eat too many donuts? "Maybe I am not meant for these duties" -Nacho Libre

Edge Of Glory

2011-06-05T14:46:00.003-07:00

We are a week away from the 3rd annual Keith Young Memorial 5k race. Would I like another month to prepare? Sure I would. Would I like to be 12-15 pounds lighter? You betchya. Would I like to be meaner, leaner, faster? Without a doubt.
I'm not these things this year. Not sure what happened. Thought I could figure it out, haven't yet.
"It's not about winning a game, it's about fixing whats broken". You see that on the wall in almost every episode of "The Biggest Loser". I'm trying to figure it out. I can tell myself all the motivational crap there is. But its just not working.

I've been on a couple decent runs where I think I've got it figured out. where I've made it and thought to myself, "This is it. I've pushed through that threshold. It gets easier from here on out." Next time I go out, I come up short, slow, weak and depressed. I haven't had the time and opportunity to run as much as I'd like, but even then I find myself thinking if I would have used those opportunities anyways if I had?
Right now I believe I can make it the 3.1 miles needed, but I'm at between 27-30 minutes. Far cry from last years best of 21:30 mins 5k and 13 mile half marathon at seasons end.
Won't be doing Ragnar this year either. Was hoping too, hoping it would motivate me or maybe I would suprise myself by doing well or something. Not sure whats next. Alot going on this summer with kids and new baby. Plus races are expensive. Maybe save up and get on a team for the Red Rock Relay in September or something. The RRR is like Ragnar (long relay race) except for down south in the Cedar City/St.George Area.
I'm hoping for 3 practice runs this week, get stronger/faster without wearing myself out. On kind of an edge it seems. Push it and win or push it and fail. Take it easy and win with rest, or lose with being too rested or something.
Either way, one good thing to look forward to is seeing family n friends, but most importanlty - race day Mohawk!!!!!

If the shoe fits......

2011-04-30T10:37:00.002-07:00

I was thinking of some sort of prophetic,prolific or higher message to convey about getting new shoes. Instead I got sucked into the Marvel marathon on the FX channel.
Maybe something about an upgrade, out with the old in with the new, the lease on life, new motivation, some crap like that. But I got nothing.
When I first started running in the spring of '09 I had some "tennis shoes" that I used. Everything hurt when I ran. I thought it was because I was overweight and really hadn't ran before. That was true. But also had to do with my shoes. When playing basketball you use basketball shoes, football-football shoes, made sense.
So I got some "running" shoes. That made a huge difference. Right tool for the job. Nothing spectacular, just some basic Asics shoes. They had some gel and good foam for cushioning. Basic shoe for a basic runner.
Well this year has been a struggle so far, with everything, losing weight, running, ect. Feet,legs and back have been hurting. Thought it was because I was chubby again and out of shape. That was true. But maybe it was my shoes too? They say depending on how much you run you should change your shoes accordingly. If you can they say you should change shoes after every run. So when training use one pair of shoes for a run, then your next run use that different pair, and so on. Shoes, like your body need resting periods. A chance to fluff up the cushioning after being impacted from a run.
Well 2 years was my limit I guess. I was saving to get a really good shoe, but needed one now. so again I got a basic shoe. Maybe a little better than basic. Nike outlet store on sale, so not too bad. Nike air Max Moto 6.

I've been on a couple runs so far with them and its a good shoe. It's helped with foot pain already. I've been on a 3 miler and a 5 miler. Feet feel fine, my legs still need to get stronger for farther distance. But I'll rotate with old shoes to keep the new ones still fresh. Maybe that will help?
Just over a month before the running season starts. Starts late this year for me. Probably wont do as many races this year, who knows? Hope the shoes help, hope it gets easier, and hope I can put up decent times this year.
New song this year to get movin' too, "awake & alive" by Skillet.

We have a Piper Down

2011-04-09T09:32:00.003-07:00

So anyways...since last blog we've had some things change around here. 1st off I haven't been running :( I have just started this last week. Was asked if I wanted to do Ragnar again so I'm using that as my kick off point. Hopefully I can stick to it and get better. Right now the pace and distance is miserable. I can run 3 miles but I'm at like at a 35-40 min pace, poop. The really bad news is that this winter I've put back on 12 or so pounds, poopity poop!
Our little GIRL joined us almost a month ago! She is adorable. Pretty much how I' thought she'd look ( just like all the others ) except a girl. Our house is full of pink stuff. Liz asks me to go get that pink shirt with the stuff on it, I come back and say, "Which one"?
It won't be long before she's smiling, when that day comes it will be a bigger fight over her than it already is. I'm sure Liz has wanted a girl since like 4 kids ago. She's not out numbered 5 to 1 anymore! We were sure it was never going to happen. We were actually done planning on having more kids after #3 (Owen). Someone else had plans of their own I guess.
I wouldn't trade her for the world. Having girls is a whole different world. Right now in the baby stage its not too much different, but just thinking about whats to come. Before she was born I was always asking Liz questions like:
What do you feed a girl? Am I gonna have to go see all the fairy princess movies now? Do you think she'll like Wonder Woman and Batgirl?
I like to tease Piper when she's screaming or has a big 'ol load in her pants by saying, "Thats not very lady like."
Here is just a short video clip of a couple pictures. I put it to some music from Keith Urban's new song "without you", ahhhhh.

Newton's 1st Law

2011-01-17T16:13:00.003-07:00

Here is a little more hypocritical gargin I’ll try to dispense, make myself feel better or lousy attempt at motivation.
I was asked to help with scouts this week. They worked on Scientist belt loop or badge. They did some experiments and talked about Newton’s 1st law:
An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an unbalanced force; An object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. That statement kinda hit me on Saturday. I’ve had a cold for a couple days, and I’m nervous about taking “night time” medication. Since it was Friday night I decided to take some. But it seemed to stick with me for a good portion of the day. Just felt blah and lazy I guess.
Went running with Nathan on Thursday at the end of the work day. 1st excersize and run of the year. Haven’t been since Halloween. It felt good. I was surprised I was able to go farther than a mile. Thought to myself, “Hey I can do this again, that wasn’t so tuff. It was easier to start than in previous years”
So Saturday I had big plans to go running again, start some sort of routine or something. But just couldn’t get the “umph” to go do it.
Thought about Newton’s law for some reason and how it totally pertained to me. An object at rest tends to stay at rest. I was sitting there, and was going to stay sitting. I wouldn’t have gone running unless Nathan (unbalanced force) got me moving.
Last year when I said, “I don’t feel like running”. That was when I went. “When I don’t feel like it is when I need to go the most”, I’d tell myself. Its been hard to say that lately. I’ve been content to “stay at rest”.
Last year when I was “in motion” is was easier to “stay in motion” The unbalanced force hat stopped me was the season, or was it? I guess I need to figure that out, or do I?
I’m not a “goal oriented” person. Last year I did set some goals and achieved them. It was pretty cool. Maybe that’s what I need this year? Just feel so overwhelmed when I think about all the things going on this summer/year. I want to do all the runs I did last year, but not sure I will be able to, do to money and scheduling. I want to do better too, but I pushed last year, and it wasn’t very fun. The end result was great, but training for it wasn’t.
Well I woke up today and told myself, “Just go, start the motion. Who knows, maybe you’ll tend to stay in motion”. So I went today for a run. It was nice outside. Sidewalks and paths were mostly clear. I wore shorts in January! Went 3 miles. It was tuff. I had to stop a few times, catch my breath. Don’t know what from, I was totally going slow. I thought maybe it was the season, there isn’t any air during the winter, even though it didn’t feel like winter. My legs were mostly willing to move. At about the 2 mile mark though they were ready to be done. My lungs on the other hand were done at 1 mile. After I got home I had to take Oliver for a walk in the stroller, we walked for another 2 miles. Helped cool down and get some sun, even thought I hate the sun, it was good to see it. Maybe I’ll keep it going. Even if I don’t run, I need to stay in motion. I have a basement that needs finishing and it ain’t gonna do it by its self. I’ve got some more materials and need to put them in place. Don’t get overwhelmed by the whole project, just do little by little.
Anyways, there it is. An object in motion tends to stay in motion. An object at rest tends to stay at rest, unless acted upon an unbalanced force. Find your force and get in motion.

Made a little mix of last year's 5k playlist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHSC1NoOhnk

Chunky Still

2010-12-27T11:49:00.003-07:00

You know the episodes of the Biggest Loser when they visit past contestants, and some of them have gained the weight back? And people look at them like, “how could you do this, again?”
Those people already feel bad at themselves, then have others look at what they accomplished and what they at failed again in disgust. Makes for some good late night binging, curled up in the fetal position in the shower crying moments. Sure its good for TV and entertainment, but not for real life.
I haven’t exercised in 2 months! Haven’t ran, walked or sweated since the Halloween half. Why not? Dunno?
Because of the seasonal light and lack there of I told myself I would run on Saturdays when I had time. Just too keep the muscle memory going and legs in somewhat shape. So when it comes time to start running again it wouldn’t hurt and stink so bad like it has the last 2 years in the spring.
Well I haven’t went a single time. Too busy? Don’t care anymore? Too cold? No idea really. No motivation mostly. The Halloween half took its toll physically and spiritually too I guess.
Spiritually it was great, a good high from an accomplishment I never thought I’d reach. But physically it took a week to walk normally. Maybe I was just tired. It was a long summer. Ran a lot of miles. Then just got used to doing nothing again. My biggest mistake I think was rewarding myself with a “soda”. Instead of 1 I got a 12 pack, instead of just having that I stared off having 1-2 a day thing again, then having 2 liters in the house. Why not throw in ice cream everynight again right?. Why your at it, “hey remember how good fries and onion rings were?” Yep back in the mix.
So far 10lbs back on. I’ve packed back on half of what I lost. It took a year to lose 20lbs, 2 months to gain back half back. At this rate with more holiday cheer coming up I could be back to fat Bruce weight by February, easily.
The sad thing is I kinda don’t care. I don’t know why that is? This last summer I think because I always had something coming up, a race or event that it kept me going. Nothing is going on in the winter, and with new baby and projects I’m not seeing anything on the horizon.
Not sure how many will make it to 3rd annual memorial race ( lots of graduations around that time). Same with Dirty Dash 5k in June. Pony express days might be around that time also. It would be nice to be in good enuff shape to try at a personal best at the PE again, but not sure about it. The kids would love to do the Dirty Dash 5k. But man its gonna be expensive. I got a lot of kids!
Will the Pork Chop Express do the dirty dash in September again, dunno?
I’ve thought a lot about not blogging about getting big again cuz don’t want people to look down on me or something. Or if people didn’t see me when I lost the weight then see me now and say, “Liar, you’re still chunky.”
Then also thought I would blog so people could see how hard it is. Some might think, “Sure its easy for you to change your habits and go for a run.” No its NOT. It never was. Running did get a little easier towards the end when I was able to go 6-7 miles. 3 miles was easy. That was AWESOME!!! But now I’m sure I couldn’t make it 1.
So if anyone is thinking, this year I’m gonna start! I’ll try and do it with ya I guess. I’ll be starting over too,again. I think that’s what I’m not looking forward to the most. It will hurt, I will get frustrated, I will crave those sugar bubbles, those salty starches and that cold creamy goodness.
But hey, lets wait until the new year, cuz I know I’m gonna stuff it every chance I get and there will be plenty of chances! So instead of getting down about it, lets just take it and do what we can to lose it come February sometime!
I am getting a little sick of having to tell myself the same things over and over. I will probably always be one of those people too, dang it.
“Rise and rise again”.
Don't let what you can't do stop you from doing what you can do.
Right now I can’t run 3 miles. But maybe I can run at least 1
People say, “Don’t worry about what you eat between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Worry about what you eat between Christmas and Thanksgiving.” I like that!
I just don’t know what to do to get started again? What’s my motivation this year?
1st summer was “Hey,don’t be fat” 2nd summer was “I am going to beat you!”
Whats this year? “Have fun?” Running isn’t fun tho. Doing the actual races is, but the preparing is not. I don’t know, anyone have any ideas?

2010-11-01T08:22:00.003-07:00

...and I'm spent!
The running season is officially over for the year. I ran alot of miles this year.
4-5k races, 2-10k races, half marathon and a 24 hour relay race.
Redeemed myself at the 2nd annual Keith Young 5k. Set a personal best at the Pony express 5k and achieved a goal on the halloween half.
Here is a little bit I'll look back and be happy about it. Right now I'm banged up! Running for 2 hours/13 miles then started working on our basement has crippled me. I can barely walk. I got beat up alot this year. And maybe thats what I'm not happy about.
The rib injury at the begining of the season, re-injury at Ragnar, the wieght gain after Dirty Dash,the wounded duck after Halloween.
I guess I did fight back after each one. But man it was tough. I'm looking back at the first year I started this, it was tuff, but at the end it was kinda fun. It was something to look forward to. I had motivation to better myself for this year. I did that. Now looking onto next year I'm thinking, "Really, do I want to do this again?"
What about setting a goal for a FULL marathon? Don't think I'll take that challenge just yet. Not sure if I will actually. That would be 4 hours of non-stop running. I have thought about it tho. Seen a couple in Southern California that would be alot easier than here in Utah. My body is just not built for it. I don't have the correct form, too old to learn it. My vertabrae are too short, my veins too thick, my heart too slow and my lungs soo small.
I think I'll do the races I did this year again if it comes up. Will I strive to beat this years time next year, who knows?
One thing that will keep me doing this, and I think what has, is that I'm running with family. This year I did 4 races with Shiree, Jamie was there on 4, Nathan 3, Chad 2, Matt 2 and most of us at the Memorial run.
Thanks to family and a supportive wife. I'm sure Liz and the boys are ready for me to be done also.
Oliver-"Ah, why do you always have to go running?"
Me- "So I don't die."
Oliver- "Ah,Why do you always have to die?"
Me - "Cuz I'm fat and slow."
Oliver - "Ah,why are you fat and slow?"
Me- "Cuz I eat too much donuts & drink too much soda."
Oliver - Ah, why....ect
Maybe next year I'll put more emphasis on having fun instead of competition? Its just staying in shape part, the actual running preparing for races isn't fun. Trail runs are cool, need to do more of them.
Not sure what else to blog about. Might do some when the basement gets a makeover, or when the little one arrives.

Dirty, Rotten, Filthy, Stinkin'.....

2010-10-05T08:03:00.006-07:00

Well the summer is gone, hopefully. First weekend of October and its in the 90's still, crazy. On the other hand there is no light left in the evenings. Usually I would welcome this. Me and the sun don't get along very well. But the evenings is the only time I can run. But with kids in school,PK tired of babysitting and all that jazz it gets too late and too dark. Which usually wouldn't matter since last year's running season ended at the begining of September. This year it ends on Halloween. I have nothing until then either, which is bad cuz I'm not motivated. Doing Provo's Halloween Half Marathon. I guess so is over a thousand or more other people. I haven't really ran since The Dirty Dash (Sept 25th).
The Dirty Dash took place at Soldier Hollow in Midway (by Heber). The funnest race by far. Which it really wasn't a race. We didn't go for time. We went for fun. There was a Dash in Boise ID a week prior and had alot of complaints and looked like alot of lines. The UT dash had more people sign up by far. But turned out spectacular! Alot of mud, water, and good running trails. I was worried about the rolling hills. I'm not good at inclines. They are my kryponite. but I did well on them, no problem. Our whole team did great. It was 6.2 miles with some obsticles every mile or so. Very nice. Here is a little video with pictures and vids taken.

Also a link from the Deseret News:
Masquerade Ball Mud Wrestling
After the "Running with the horses" 10k in Wyo I was looking forward to the half marathon. I actually believed I could do it. After the dash I felt great too. For some reason now though I don't. I think its just cuz is still 25 days out. Or preparing for it is gonna stink. I thought preparing for a 5k was tuff, thats easy now. 5k is nothing. 13.1 miles, thats a beast for me. Couple weeks ago I did run 10 miles (my farthest) but it was tuff. While I stopped to stretch and get a drink with about 3 miles left I looked around (for coyotes) and thought, "Wow, cool night air under the moonlight. Too bad I'm running."
The Halloween half should be fairly easy (as runners go). There is 5 miles of good downhill then the other 8 mostly flat. "The other 8", whats up with that, who talks like that? So hopefully on each of the next 3 saturdays I can run 10-12 miles then on the 4th run the full 13 for the race. But in between, like on mondays & wednesdays I've got to run like 7-8 miles. Running 3 miles on monday, wed & saturday were tuff enough. Only at the end of the summer did they feel easyish.
I like the actuall race days and running with family, nothing beats that. Its the training part that stinks. I stink at that stuff. Maybe its cuz I'm sluggish right now. I'm kinda back on my old diet (soda, cake, cookies, chips,burgers, fries, onion rings, shakes, ect...) its a killer! Funny thing is I'll probably be laying in bed tonight eating ice cream, crying and watching the biggest loser.
I just have this feeling I'm gonna put back 20lbs this winter. And have to start all over next spring. I hate starting over. Maybe next year will be more laid back. Last year was seeing if I could do it, this year seeing if I could do better, next year maybe just the fun ones or something. I am gonna miss one thing - race day mohawk!

Not afraid to lose my breath while climbing chocolate

2010-08-04T15:12:00.004-07:00

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
Thats the 1st verse from one of my favorite songs of this year. Too bad its sung by an annoying messed up teenager. It might have been more mainstream and heard if done by a different artist. Anways, prejudice aside the lyrics are a great analogy on life. I could put the whole thing on hear but, whatever too lazy, take too much space. I embeded the song at the begining. Give it a listen, you get the jist.
It rings home especially for this summer. Alot of ups and downs. Actually made some goals and accomplished them. Made some goals and not sure if I'll finish them or not. Tried something epic and fell short. Thought alot about plans for the future and now those plans will have to change or be re-arranged. "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going get." Life hands you suprises and you do your best.
Along the same lines of "The Climb" is a new song by George Strait-The Breath You Take...
"Life’s not the breaths you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
Ya just might miss the point
Try’n to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away
Thats so true, and can be used many different ways. For example its not the "day to day " things you have to overcom, its the big punch in the stomach stuff.
Its not about sweating all day in the sun so you can provide a roof for your child. Its about watching your son make sounds effects with his toys as he plays.
Like the 45 minute hike straight up to Delicate Arch in Moab. But sitting there at the top gazing at God's handy work.
Its not about tearing your body down, making it scream and whine while you run. Its that glimps of hope that says, "I can do this". And seeing it come true. Its about being taught a lesson. Being knocked off your high horse.
With this new suprise I got very scared. Still am. But we are gonna take it. It wasn't in our plans, but it is now. And we'll be happy. Been married 15 years as of today. Average a child every 3 years. Crazy! Looking forward to the next 15!!!
"I'm not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel that you've been down the same road"
Referenced 2 country artists had to reference a rapper!
Lifes not about the destination or where your headed. Its the journey and and how you get there!
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

Humble Pie

2010-06-21T14:38:00.005-07:00

So after coming back and beating everyone I wanted to beat at the Memorial run, then couple weeks later posting my best time ever on a 5k I was feeling pretty good about myself. Was invited to do the Ragnar Wasatch Back Relay Race and thought sure I can do it.
And there lies the deciet. I was so focused on the "What if I can" factor that I wasn't prepared for the "What if I can't".
"Who ordered the humble pie? Your orders up".
I was runner 6 in our 12 member 2 van team. Everyone had done great so far, we were ahead of schedule. My turn comes, get the batton and start running. Felt pretty good for about half mile. Running on the dirty,bumpy road, but going up hill, ever so climbing and increasing the incline. Turns out you have to train for inclines. You can't just be "Oh I've ran 5k's I'll be alright" and just jump in and do it. I got pooped pretty quick going about 1 1/2 miles so far all uphill.
Then the downhill started...
This was no flat paved road were talking about. This was some of the most rocky,bumpy, rut filled back mountain road you can come across. And the decent was pretty steep in most areas. Gravity mostly pulled me down then myself pushing.
But first 5 minutes were pretty good. Picked up some speed, got some breeze going, making up some time. But with every step, every knee jarring impact my body fell apart, little by little.
1st the feet, burning, struggling for footing. 2nd the knees,feet were coming up, body was coming down, they were in the middle. 3rd the ribs, again with these stupid ribs! I thought we were done? Guess not. All the impact,bouncing, deep breathing loosened something up cuz they started hurting with a vengence. My stomach then was working overtime trying to keep by body has still as it could while hopping down this mountain. Hmmm only 4 miles of this.
When I hit the bottom I still had 2 miles on flat paved city streets to go. Legs were like jello, out of breath and couldn't catch my breath because my ribs hurt everytime my lungs expanded.
Humiliated I walked. Rested, caught breath, got some water from teamates in the van. Tried rubbing knees with cold water soaked hat I was using. Ran for a bit, stopped and walked. Repeated for 2 miles.
We handed the batton off to the 2nd van, our van got to rest finally. I sat there under a tree at the park with my shoes off dumping cold ice water on my knees, legs and feet. We ate then pretty much had to drive to our next exchange point cuz van 2 had short routes and fast runners.
Becuase I was a pansie it was decided that Jamie and I would switch legs in the relay since my next run was 8 miles of uphill and didn't think I would be able to do it. Jamie just did several miles of uphill dirty, rocky mountain road. I didn't want her to do more up hill. But she is full of awesome and took it. Glad she did cuz that run was a beast. I think I'd still be there today curled up in the fetal position sucking my thumb rocking back and forth and humming my favorite tune.
My 2nd run was at about 12:30am or so. It was 4.5 miles. I thought it was flat but there were a couple inclines, nothing to die over, but I did. I felt good starting off the first mile or two. First little incline tho and my ribs gave out again. Struggle to breathe in order to catch my breath. Then the legs got tired real fast. Had to do the 'ol walk rest repeat thing several times again.
Finally made it to exchange point and handed off to Jamie to do "my run". Watching her was amazing! She took that hill like it was nothing. It was alot steeper in real life than it was on paper thats for sure. After Jamie's heroic run we travel a couple hours to our next stop to catch a couple z's and wait for van 2.
I think everyone maybe got around 2 hours of sleep before having to get ready for our next round. Again everyone did great thru the night and great thru this next day.
This guy Brent that was in our van had a beast of a hill to climb and he did amazing also. Just added salt to my mental wound. But proud of him and my team mates.
My last run was only 3 miles. When I started I felt good again. Found a rythm and just let it flow. Then made a turn into residential area and had to climb some streets. That totally did me in again. Luckily the last half mile was flat and I was able to push a little and pass a couple people (some that passed me earlier) and give a good show at the end.
After Jamie killed the last 3 miles we were done! 6 of us exausted and happy. Hurt, sore, walking funny but happy. We grabbed a shake from Dairy Keen and took off up the mountain to catch the real runners do THE mountain.
Schyler and Evan (from Van 2) were an awe inspiring thing to watch. Those boys just flew up this thing like nothing. Like they hadn't ran all day and night earlier and on a couple hours of sleep.
Our team "The Grove Trotters" came in 13th in the mixed (men/women) division and 42nd overall out of 1050 teams. We were hoping to come in top 200. Not too shabby. Even with my faults, van 1 was able to make up time. Van 2 with the runners in it totally killed it! Our finish time was 26:17. We scheduled our finish on an 8 minute mile average. We averaged 7:24 a mile. CRAZY!!!
This was an amazing expirence. One I'm glad I did. I can say, "Hey I did that".
I do have mixed feelings. I wanted to put on a good show. And although people are nice and say,"You did a good job". I wanted to do better. I didn't want to have to switch legs with another team member. I didn't want to stop and rest. I don't like the fact that that mountain got the best of me!
I've been asked if I'd do it next year? Yes I would. Even though right now I'm ashamed, it was still cool to be apart of, even if it was a little part. I still did something. There were soo many people, so many cool vans and costumes, so many crazy people and to be part of something that epic was awesome.

So I'd do it again. Will I train harder? For certain!!! Will I want the same routes? Yesterday I would've so, "NO way". Today I'm thinking, "Do I wanna train and get better. Get a second chance on beating Avon Pass? We'll see. In reality I'd like to switch. Just in case. But would feel bad giving that route to someone else. And what if they did great on it, I'd look like an even bigger schmuck.
Well, we'll jump that bridge when we get to it.
So it looks like I need to train harder. None of this 3 mile crap. Need to start going farther and farther. Maybe doing that half marathon I promised myself sometime in August. Soon as my muscles will stretch out and let me I better get crackin'.
I just told myself "Rise and Rise again until the lambs become lions". Then told myself to shut it!!!

Where's the pie?

Never eat more than you can lift

2010-06-09T13:02:00.005-07:00

Or there is the popular saying "Don't bite off more than you can chew." After thinking about this, I believe you can apply it to so many things.
So you can call the men in white coats cuz I'm running again. I got suckered into the Ragnar Race Series -Wasatch back relay. You can check it out here: Ragnar Wasatch Back Relay
So anyways...after The Memorial run I started eating pretty good (shoveling it in). Then had the Pony Express days 5k 2 weeks later, so I cut back down, ran a little bit. Thought, "Hey I have a race here in a week, better start taking it serious."
Well now after the Pony express is over I'm packing it in again. Maybe its the after race munchies or something? Maybe the fact that alot of home made ice cream was available this weekend? But I can't seem to get enough food, and its all crap!
I have a big relay race in less than 2 weeks, farther distance than the 3 miles I'm used to. And I have to race 3 times within a 24hr period. Depending on my leg of the relay I could end up running 15 or more miles total. I've been eating, haven't been running like I need to. I need rest before the actual race so I have only a couple days to train my body for the distance without getting the "burn out" affect.
I feel bad for eating like a pig and not running it off. So I get in a funk. Now I'm trying to find something to get me out of the funk, again. Seems like a vicious circle. So I came across this quote: "Never eat more than you can lift."
So true! If you eat too much you can't get off the couch. Eat stuff that makes you sad, you can't get off the couch. If you drink something that makes you sad you can't lift yourself off the couch.
Coke has a new slogen out: "Open happiness". I tell you if that ain't the truth when I open up and take the first swig of an ice cold Vanilla Coke, "AHHHHH". I'm happy! But then the carbination robs my blood of oxygen, sugar stores itself as fat along my stomach and it makes me sad, I don't wanna get off the couch. I just wanna drink another. Then maybe get a whole plate of cookies and wash it down with another! Vicious circle.
I see some people take on too many "projects", too much work, too many burdens,and they say, "I have too much to do,I can't handle it all."
I say, "Don't." You got too much going on, too much stress holding you down you can't lift yourself up off the couch to do any of it. Never eat more than you can lift. Do what you can and hope for the best. Except your fate or be destroyed by it!
Seeing other go through rough times makes me think about my rough times and it has the same affect, don't wanna get up. Need to build up some sort of immunity to it. Still feel compassionate toward them, but not get so sucked into that I'm down there with them. "Who's gonna save you if you both drown" kinda thing.
I love the ice cream, I love the cookies, I love the soda. But I need to stop taking in more than I can carry. If I don't wanna get up and run its because something is weighing me down. Wether it be food, tired, kids, gotta just do it. Get up and get moving.
I'm afraid after the Ragnar there is nothing left to keep me motivated. Kinda don't wanna run in July or August cuz its too hot, but might have to suck it up. Maybe find a half marathon to train for. Still is a goal this year sometime, better do it soon before their all gone and I don't get a chance. Anybody know of one?
Anyways, there is my lecture to myself. Don't eat more than you can lift.
My song on my "race" playlist. Makes me want to move:
-All alone he turns to stone whiles holding his breath half to death
Terrified by whats inside. To save his life he crawls like a worm from a bird...

The juice was worth the squeeze.

2010-05-24T12:43:00.003-07:00

I did it!!!
Trained, did well, got hurt, got depressed, got back up and trained again.
These last few weeks trying to run with bruised ribs was a piece of work. I've never bruised my ribs before, people who have or who have broken their ribs say it stinks and they take forever to heal.
I didn't have forever, I had 5 weeks. I'd run, not get far because of pain. Next day couldn't do anything. Run again, same result. Did this for 3 weeks. 2 weeks left, finally made it without stopping, without hurting too bad. Last week (week of the race) I felt ok, got a little burned out and tired.
Saturday morning, blowing snow!!! They said around 500 people signed up, they had 432 brave the elements and finish the race.
I started out behind the pack (Chad,Nathan,Jamie,Devon) trying to dodge little kids. I think I caught up somewhere around the half mile mark. Ran with them for a minute or so. Decideded to give a little more to my pace. One to see if I could do it, two for stragedy. Maybe make them give a little more to keep up or use everything they had to catch up. Hopefully it wouldn't back fire and I wouldn't have anything left in case they did catch up.
I kept glancing over my shoulder and saw Chad not too far behind. About quarter mile left Chad kicks it in, catches me and passes slightly. I thought, great I've got nothing left. Crud, it back fired and I used my energy on the faster pace. About 30 yards I was able to kick it in.
Passed Chad and a little kid. Zipped thru the finish. Beat Chad by 6 seconds, Beat Jamie by 9 seconds,Devon by 1 min 20 sec,Nathan by 1 min 30 sec. Mark put up a good time for his first race. Still beat him by 2 min 25 secs. PK ran it this year with 28:44 and Matt with 29:48. Shiree with an amazing 27:46, Marcie & Chad's Friend Lonee just over 31 mins. Liz even knocked 20 mins off her best time, fantastic.
Benjamin had the proud honor of clean up. Making sure no one else was on the course. He stayed with Liz for a while but got distracted by too many things along the way, kinda funny.
The race was cut short because of the weather and part of the courses muddy surface. The course was 2.7 miles instead of the full 3.2 My time was 19:40 add half my mile time and I come in around 23 minutes. Sweet!!! Personal best.
Little dissapointed in the distance being cut, but pretty sure I still could've taken them. My chest kinda paid the price for the weekend, but worth it to say I did it. I came back from a slow out of shape state last year to beating everybody this year.
We had 14 I think from our family participate, thats awesome! It was a good weekend all around. The weather could have cooperated a little more nicely, but what can you do?
So it was worth it. It seems sad cuz its over now. I was glad I did it last year and got the bug to do it again and do it better. Spent alot of time and effort into a 20 minute race. But I still have more to do. So its not all for that one race.
Eagle Mountain's Pony Express days are in 2 weeks. That 5k is almost all downhill so maybe another personal best? 2 weeks after that is going to be another 5k, either Pleasant Grove Strawbarry Days or Thanksgiving point runnings with the angels.
After that who knows? Maybe get something going for the Harmon Reunion in mid July, do a high altitude 5k up at the cabin.
I have a goal of a half marathon this year, not sure when/where thats gonna be.
After watching biggest loser contestants do a full marathon last week, I'm thinking why I couldn't do one of those?
Still not a fan of the running. I like the actual racing with people, just not the prep that goes into it.
Don't have any photos yet cuz everone ran, no one to hold a camera. But here is a link to the offical race day photos.
2nd annual Keith Young Memorial 5k photos

In case anyone is wondering who I am...

Whistler's Mother

2010-05-03T15:30:00.004-07:00

A Mother's day tribute ( in a sense ) by Mr. Bean
Hello, I'm Dr. Bean. Apparently. And my job is to sit and look at paintings. So, what have I learned that I can say about this painting? Well, firstly, it's quite big, which is excellent. If it were very small, microscopic, then hardly anyone would be able to see it. Which would be a shame. Secondly, and I'm getting quite near the end of this... analysis, secondly, why was it worth this man spending fifty million of your American dollars? And the answer to that is, that it's a picture of Whistler's mother. And as I've learned, staying with my best friend David Langley and his family, families are very important. Even though Mr. Whistler was obviously aware that his mother was a hideous old bat who looked like she'd had a cactus lodged up her backside, he stuck with her, and even took the time to paint this amazing picture of her. And that's marvelous. It's not just a painting. It's a picture of a mad old cow who he thought the world of. Well that's what I think.

What I think Mr.Bean was trying to say is this...
James Whistler was a talented artist who could have painted anything, a chapel, a monet, a stary night, ect... Instead he chose something that meant alot to him, something that inspired and caused great joy in his life...his mother.

Rise and Rise again

2010-04-27T13:57:00.004-07:00

There is a Greek saying from a movie I like and have adopted it:
Άνοδος και αυξάνεται και πάλι μέχρι το αρνί γίνεται το λιοντάρι.
Which translates : Rise and Rise again until the lamb becomes the lion.
Every other saying of the same comes from this, "Get up one more time than you fall", "try and try again" ect... I like this, though at times its easier said than done.

I don't make it to church as much as I should, but when I do it seems the lessons are for me. This week was part of The Exodus. Everybody complaining too and about Moses. So they spent a little bit of time on "stop complaining". I won't go into length, but it was something I needed.
I think the biggest thing that help bring me out of my funk was seeing/ remembering others have it worse. I have nothing to complain about!!! Sure its a big deal to me I can't get up and run. But I will be able too. Sure it hurts, but in time it won't. So many others can't get up, others will always have pain. Its time to stop complaining and be greatful its not worse. So things might not turn out the way I want, but at least they'll turn out.
I have 4 weeks to that important race. I did activity this weekend and paid for it. So I know this next week will be hard and slow to try and run, along with the not so great weather. So maybe 3 weeks to train? One week spent on trying to make it the whole 3 miles needed without dying. 2nd week trying to increase speed and improve timing without dying. Maybe not too much in the 3rd week so I have energy at the end to actually race.
"A man must accept his fate, or be destroyed by it." I know I'm not going to do as good as I want or hoped for. But I'm not going to let it swallow me up into a pit of misery & dispair. Do what I can and hope for the best.

I am Spartacus

An attempt on my life

2010-02-27T11:06:00.002-07:00

There are many types of people in this world. Achievers, those that succeed, wealthy, happy, spriritual, honorable, go getters, do gooders, optimists, ect...
There are also slackers, lazies, poor, un-motivated, unhappy, pessimists, ect...
We've all heard the saying, "You can do anything if you put your mind to it". Well I believe I fall in the middle somewhere. I "attempt" things. I don't do them. I don't try at them. I don't work at them. I sometimes make an attempt.
Yeah thats not good, I know, but its what I know, its what I do. Sure I've had many failures because of it. But also some little success. A few examples:
I didn't work or try very hard in school, I made an attempt. In sports if I worked harder maybe I'd be better, nah I made an attempt. At work if I applied myself, tried & worked harder I could get some certifications and what not. I attempted too.
So anyways...
This time last year (March) I weighed 185lbs. Sure to some people thats not bad, no big deal right. I'm 5'7". Thats portly. Senior year in High School I was still 5'7" and soaking wet at 135lbs. Being married, working and eating alot of sandwhiches I hit hit maybe 140-145. So thats extra 40lbs I'm not used too.
10 years ago I moved to Utah valley after working at a cheese factory I wieghed about 180. Got a gym membership, actually "worked" at it. Ate better, worked out twice a week, in 7 months or so I was back at 155lbs. Endurance was great, I could play basketball for hours on end (wasn't very good because of previous "attempts") but still put in an effort and had fun. Schedule got crazy, stop going to the gym, pow- 185lbs again.
Last summer I wanted to run in 5k's with family members, so I had to build up endurance, stamina and drop some weight. not a problem for most people. I have this little thing called a sweet tooth. Maybe even at a time a little addiction to the donut and the bane of my existance- SODA. I had a little success. Holidays came, did not make an attempt to not eat the good stuff. With making an attempt at new years resolutions (be in shape to run better this summer)I have finally dropped below 160 pounds. Maybe if I worked at it, tried harder to eat better I could've hit 160 easily in a couple months last summer. but I only made an attempt. I still eat the burger & onion rings, I still drink the soda. But I make an attempt to eat/drink less. One 20oz soda a week is better than 2-3 a day!
I still have a soda gut. I may make an attempt to get rid of it.
I know jogging a couple miles a week is no big deal to most people, but to me 3 miles in an eternity.
Sure thats pretty sad. People could say, "You could do so much more if you just put in the effort". I know, but at least I made an attempt! Thats better than nothing, right? For me it feels good to say, "I did better than nothing".
I'm in no position to challenge or encourage people, but I am in a position to say, "Hey at least make an attempt".
May 22nd is the 2nd annual Kieth Young Memorial 5k. Last year I posted a time of 28:40. This year I will "attempt" to do better. I'm not a goal setting person of course, but if I were to set one, 26:20 is a time I would shoot for.
So for those of the family that didn't run it last year, make an attempt too.
Picture on the left is March '09, right side is September '09. Maybe the 2nd chin is just hiding under the gotee ;)

2 for $20 at Applebee's

2010-02-11T08:44:00.003-07:00

I'm never good at Valentine's day. Or this whole romance thing as a whole either. But I do know my sweatheart is still my sweatheart and we still like eachother, we still find time to do stuff together. Last October we saw a movie "Couple Retreat". In that movie there was this speech given by Vince Vaughn's character to John Favreau's. It basically boyles down to this:
"When you’re married, love is having someone to go to Applebee’s with. Nothing is worse than being alone at Applebee's on a Friday night."
May you all have someone to go with to Applebee's as I do :)

This year Valentines playlist

Couples Reatreat was halairious, should've been rated R, but halairious. And made us sad cuz the tropical island they went to was insanelly beautiful.

Crazy Train

2010-02-05T16:27:00.005-07:00

Last Year's playlist:

Ever since I was a young lad I had this idea in my head that “people who ran are crazy”.
People who run aren’t all there, upstairs.
I was an active child, I played sports, sports that required running (football, basketball).
We always played at the part after school, we hiked the hills, ect…
Now running around and just plain running are different. Running up and down the court or field is different. Even ay times when I’ve been in the best shape of my life I could play basketball for hours on end. But in the scenario if the court was taken I’d run on the treadmill. I could maybe make it a mile, maybe mile and a half. My legs, knees, ankles and feet just couldn’t take it. My lungs struggled.
I couldn’t understand, why I could play basketball 2 days earlier for 3 hours, but I can’t run for 10 minutes?
I’d see these people running early in the morning or late at night. Sometimes close to traffic when no trails or sidewalks are available. I’d see these people, some of which I knew and thought were normal and ask, “Why do they do that? That’s so dumb, whats the point? Your not scoring any points, your not winning anything, your just running.
May 2009 it was brought to my attention a Memorial 5k run for a family friend who passed away a year earlier while running, practicing for a marathon. A couple family members were going to participate and encouraged me to do so.
I thought yeah that’s an awesome cause, what a cool thing to do to honor that man, but I can’t run, especially a 5k (3.2 miles). I was out of shape, hadn’t really exercised in years, a little over weight too.
But I was nudged. What could it hurt? I had 5 weeks to prepare. I kept making reasons why I couldn’t do this, no excuse, just reasons. Not enuff time, too slow, too fat, no time to practice running, can’t go very far, my legs hurt too bad, I don’t know how to run, ect…So much goes into it that I had no idea about. Breathing, pace, and some other stuff.
About 5 days before the race I was finally able to make it the 3 miles without stopping. It was slow, awkward and tuff, but I made it. About 35 minutes it took me.
Race day watching everyone there running was something. I made it in 29 minutes. It was cool to make it without stopping, cool to get that time, of course that time stinks, but at the time I didn’t know it. Afterwards I thought maybe I can keep this up, help me get in shape, use this as a kick off/starting point.
A month later a was encouraged to do another 5k, Pleasant Grove strawberry days. I said ok, training was a little easier, a little. Running was still hard for me. But I did it, felt good, pushed a little hard cuz I wanted to catch others. Made it in 24:55. I never thought I could post that good of improvement. Paid the price though. Hurt my calf, not sure is I tore or strained a muscle, surprised I had any in there. Couple weeks later back went out. Couldn’t run anymore. August came and passed thru a town with celebrations going on with a 5k included. So I decided to do it, see if I could. Practiced a few times, it was tough. Raced, posted 28 minutes. Felt pretty bad. Couple weeks later our church ward did a 5k, did it, posted 27 minutes. Improvement.
Another race in PG was coming up, decided to do it. Did a little better on the eating, training, lost a couple pounds, posted a 24.35.
That was the end of the running for the year. Tried running a couple times to stay in shape, but it just wasn’t there.
Cold weather, darkness started, so I decided to call it quits for the season. Packed back on the pounds I lost and the slow pace.
Anyways, call the men in white coats cuz I’m gonna do it all over again, plus some.
Last year I did 4 registered 5k’s and 1 “just for fun”.
This year my goal is to do those same 4, plus 4 more and 1 half marathon. Its with hard to go jogging with the cold and the darkness. Only went a couple times so far this year. Started playing basketball on Tuesday's Saturday's when I can, that will help with the aerobic side a little bit.. I’m hoping to do a 5k in March “leprechaun run” in SLC, one in April in West Jordan in order to prepare myself better for The 2nd annual Memorial 5k. I’m hoping I can post a 25 minute or better on that one. In September the Beethoven I’m hoping for a 22 minute.
I’m hoping for weight loss, endurance and beating people.
Its still crazy, it doesn’t get much easier, but when you get results it helps. Theres also something else to it, just like all sports its an escape. Theres an advertisement from a movie that goes a little like this:
"You don't stand in front of a mirror before a run and wonder what the road will think of your outfit. You don't have to listen to its jokes and pretend they're funny in order to run on it. It would not be easier to run if you dressed sexier. The road does not care how old you are. You do not feel uncomfortable because you make more money than the road. And you can call on the road, whenever you feel like it, whether it has been a day, or even a couple of hours since your last date. The only thing the road cares about is that you pay it a visit once in a while. No games, just sports."
It's still crazy,runners are a few sandwhichs short of a picnic. But I can see where they are comming from now. For the 30 minutes or so while I'm out there on the road I'm not worried about the kids, or the job, or the hustle & bustle of life. I'm only worried about not stepping in poo, regulating my breathing, adjusting my pace, adjusting my playlist, stuff like that. Its the only thing close to alone time I can get really. Even tho its not fun, its an escape of a sorts I guess.
I've got a pretty sweet playlist for this year so far. Come March we'll see how it compares, its a little more kick @$$ then the last one, Thanks Sick Puppies!

Throwback

2010-01-14T20:05:00.002-07:00

So its Retro week or something. Facebook has taken over from blogging. So I'll use the blog for status updates that are too long or something.
Or just share good news for people who like bad news!

Anyways,
Thinking of retro week, theres alot of throwback things going on. This year in the NFL teams had a couple weeks wearing a throwback jersey. Throwback being from 70's or something.
Coke, Pepsi and a handful of other sodas went back to old packaging and using old school flavors.
Classic rock/pop and all that jazz is always around. Which brings me to this post.

When I was a young lad in the 80's, maybe around 8 or so. Laying in the bed at night with the 'ol walkman on listening to the radio, this songs comes on I freaked me out.
Freaked me out for awhile. Not knowing anything at that age, if you listen to the lyrics, it can play some serious tricks on your mind. I probably thought of Medusa from the classic "Clash of The Titans" movie.
I listened to this the other day, first time in a long time. Listened to it a couple times since. Still makes me think about sitting there in the dark listening to it on the walkman. Probably ran out and watched TV till I fell asleep.

mother: a biological and/or social female parent of an offspring

2009-05-08T06:41:00.000-07:00

Having children, when you think about it, goes against every act of common sense we have.
If a stranger came up to you and asked to come stay with you for the next 18-20 years, would you let him? You know nothing of his/her personality, they've done nothing for you, they are a stranger.
He also tells you in the first 2-5 years of living with you, "I'm gonna puke, pee and vomit on everything you own, including you.While I'm around you won't get but 2-3 hours of sleep a night. In the next 5-10 after that, "I'm gonna break yours and neighbors stuff, embarass you, and make you help me with my work. You'll have to pay for doctor bills, take care of me when I'm sick or hurt, and fight with me to take my medicine and earn my keep.
In the next 5 years after that,"I'm gonna barrow your car, make you a nervous wreck. I'm probably going to wreck your car too. Bring my dirty,sloppy,distgusting friends over and trash your house and keep you awake with ou loud music and talking".
Also in the next couple years following, "I may have you pay for my further education, my wedding,and anything else I can come up with".
"Oh hey, while I'm thinking, there may or may not be others just like me asking for the same thing! They'll start this process over & over every couple of years".
If you think about it, thats what happens. Thats why the females are mothers. As a man I would've punched that dude in the face and said, "Are you kidding me"?
Mothers are optomist. They will bring hope and love into any situation. They will feed,clean and cloth these strangers. Mend their wounds,take care of their sickness, and tolerate their loud friends. Do their work, pay their bills, all in the hope that these strangers may one day produce another round of strangers that they can help with.
I know a couple of these crazy people we call mothers. I have one, I was that stranger she took in. I married one and she has taken 4 of these strangers in.
Happy Mother's day you psychos!

Beasts...

2009-04-27T13:34:00.002-07:00

...or to put it nicely has Liz does - Beastie Pies. As if for somereason that makes it better?
So this morning the children were being "beasts", so Liz decides to take them out of the house, go for a drive, get the wiggles out or something.
They stop by the office to say,"hi". We go in the back so its not so loud (comunications business, people on the phone). So there running around playing with everything,screaming at eachother, that whole bit. So I say lets go get some lunch, go to a park, get thier wiggles out.
But first we need to make a stop in the restroom. No big deal right? With beasts, wrong!
Owen takes care of business, try to get Oliver to, nope, too busy checking out the bathroom. Let me paint a picture here:
1 stall, 1 urinal, 1 sink. We (3) are in the stall. Owen goes first, while I'm messing with Oliver someone else walks into the restroom to use the urinal. Owen's done, high tails in out of there underneath the door of the stall. He starts running around making fighting noises.
So I'm conscience of him, I look at the floor through the stall, nervous about what he's gonna say, what he's going to do. I see him go up to the back of this "other guy" and hear him make the "punching sound". I see the stranger's feet and body give, immediately followed by a ,"Hey!"
If anyone knows Owen, knows according to him you have a target painted on you at all times. Luckily Owen didn't use his head this time. 90% of the time he comes at you with his largest and strongest object, his head. Its like a hockey check up against the wall when that happens. This stranger was lucky he got away with a play punch to the bum, other wise he coulda fell into the urinal, then the floor.
Sure thats funny as all get up. Unless your the parent of that beast. Its a little embarrasing. Needless to say me and Oliver didn't come out until that guy was gone.
Anyways, anyone looking for some company this summer?

X-Men Beast

Carpenter's Bless the Beasts & the Children

Our Beastie Pie

San Diego

2009-03-05T22:25:00.002-07:00

So I went on a short business trip to San Diego this week.
Nothing really to blog or brag about. No interesting stories, nothing of significance. Just something to post I guess to keep this thing going.
Next week Liz & I are going to California for a getaway, so I'll let Liz post about that.
Anywho, last time I was in San diego was back in 94' or something. It was August and like 120 degrees. We went to the beach but it was close due to jelly fish. We did see jets flying around from the bases there.
So I was down there installing some phones systems and training a guy at the same time so he can do future ones there (he's closer).
The weather this time was great! When I landed monday it was a balmy 70 (hot). After ariving down by the marina the wind shifted and cloud cover came in. Turned out nice. Temperature dropped with a cool breeze off the ocean, nice!

Heres a pic from just down the block from 1st install. In the bay next to downtown San Diego.

Tuesday a little of the same. Little warmer though. Did a couple installs, took a good chunk of the day so I didn't get to do any site seeing or hit the beach.
Wednesday was a bright sunny day and not too hot. First install was right on the beach. Front yard was a little cove where the seals came to lay out. Still too busy to go up and club one.
I headed out a little early so I could drive the coast. Stopped and took a pic with my phone of a little cove and a tall building next to the beach.

Turns out that building was our install. Sweet! The building is an apartment complex, only 1.5 Million for a 2 bedroom 1 bath. Petty cash.
Heres a sweet view from the roof. Wish we had time to go down to the beach and club that baby seal.

I know, right! Your feeling for me.
Flying out that night was cool. Some foggy,rain clouds billowed in and created a cool view of the city lights through them and of the coast (no picture).
Flying into a blizzard in SLC was fun too (not for the faint of heart).
Got to my car, and drove home in a blizzard.

Little bit of a contrast. I'm hitting the beach next week though!

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-13T20:38:00.002-07:00

Here is a little tune, ahhhh!
To some, Valentines day = emotional blackmail
To some, it means taking a significant other to a nice dinner.
To some, its a mad fight at the last minute over flowers,chocolate and cards.
To some, it is another reminder that you are a pathetic loser, alone again/still!
ect....yada...yada

To me, its a chance to watch someone put everything else aside (job,chores,screaming kids,ect...)and do something nice for 5 beasts. Even when they don't deserve it. Take care in making a nice dinner,cake and wrap little goodies for those in her life.
Knowing that we are special to her, makes her special to us!

OKC ...new home almost

2009-01-19T14:40:00.002-07:00

(Tommy Boy audio)

So I was in Oklahoma, again this last week. For those that may not know the company I work for opened an office in Oklahoma City back in September. Brother Wayne moved out along with other members of the company and new ones in the area have started.
Rimrock has had a presence on OKC for a couple years. Not sure how it came about actually, but we take care of a couple Tribal casinos' phone systems.
Here back in the spring/fall one of our sales people was on the ball and was able to pick up the telecom account for the new NBA team, OKC Thunder (formerly Seatle Super Sonics). If your interested heres a couple articles:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20080923/ai_n28112094

http://okc.biz/article/11-10-2008/OKC_Thunder_opts_for_latest_in_telecom_technology.aspx

http://www.rimrocktechnologies.com/www/?q=testimonials

That put our foot in the door in a big way. We now have sales people selling small systems left & right. We invested in a suite @ the Ford Center (OKC Thunder Dome). I went to the Jazz game Wednesday. Of course the Jazz lost by like 20 points or something. Still cool to be up high, have food and drinks. Good time! Here is a picture of the door to the suite. My phone doesn't take good pics.

Anyways, One of the tribes invited a few of us to take some "Networking/Telecom" class for certification. So I went with 3 others from out of state and 2 others in OK. The tribes had some of their own people too, 12 guys total taking the class.
Hard class, especially for me. Many of you know I'm semi-retarded. But I tested out and passed, barely.
So Friday we went out on the town, walked the "Brick Town River Walk". It was cold & windy but still fun. We stopped and ate dinner @ Toby Keith's I love this Bar.

I've been by this a couple times in my working in OKC but never went. It was great. The food was really good, the atmosphere was cool.

Later that night we stopped by one of the casinos. We drove by this everyday to class and it looked pretty empty. Friday night was a whole different story. We had a hard time finding a parking space and inside it was packed!!!
On the reservation the tribes don't have to comply with the "air quality" standards. So it was pretty smokey. We were in there for 20 minutes before we had enuff.

All in all a good trip. Very exausting mentally and physically, but came out with a certification, which was the whole point.
So I've been to OKC several times now (4) twice I drove down. But its still flat, still windy, and still humid in the summer and tornados will never go away. So no, not moving yet. I'll visit all the time though!

Family in a Galaxy far,far away...

2009-01-08T20:10:00.002-07:00

My youngest brother Mark has been working on a Christmas present for my family. He wanted to do a family portrait. He is an illustrator.
He had me send him some pictures, then manipulated them into Star wars characters. He's under some impression that my family likes Star Wars.
I had hair at the time. I'm the trooper, Liz in Endor gear, PK & Ben as Jedi, Owen as Yoda and Oliver is a wookie (chewbacca).
Mark also had this printed on photo paper which we will soon frame and hang up somewhere in the house.
This is our first family photo. Might be a few years still until we get "real" portrait done.

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Kid!

2008-12-19T16:44:00.003-07:00

So we took the boys to the mall to see Santa a bit ago. PK is now very adult-like about Christmas. He's ditched a little of the selfish, it's-all-about-me attitude and has been understanding the years when we've told him it's not going to be a huge Christmas. He sat next to Santa and had a nice little chat with him.

Benjamin went right up to Santa and started spouting off his mile-long list which was much longer than the list he told us 10 minutes prior. One of the things he asked for was a back scratcher, so Santa in turn, scratched his back, which I thought was very cute.

Owen, who is still having issues with potty-training, and has been getting in big trouble for it because he is now 5(!), decided he didn't want to go see Santa because he was in trouble. This was our conversation:

Mommy: You excited to go see Santa tonight Owen?
Owen: No, I don't want to see Santa
Mommy: Why not? Don't you want to tell him what you want?
Owen: No.
Mommy: Why? Is it because you know you're in trouble?
Owen: Ya.
Mommy: Well maybe you could tell Santa that you're going to try harder to poop in the potty
and ask him nicely for what you want.
Owen: No. Just you.
Mommy: What do you mean just me? You want me to talk to Santa?
Owen: No. Just you get me what I want.
Mommy: Nice try buddy. You have better luck talking to Santa. He's not the one who has to
wash out your underwear.

He decided by the time we got to the mall the he was excited to talk to him.

Oliver, as beastly as he may be at times, did nothing more than sit on Santa's lap and wish him a Merry Christmas. He doesn't quite grasp the concept of Christmas yet, but it sure is fun to watch him enjoy the decorations and say, "Merry Christmas Mom!" several times a day.

My Christmas came a little early this year and I couldn't be more excited about it! Bruce and I decided that instead of getting each other a bunch of loot, we would rather buy a new kitchen table. Most of you in our family have seen our tiny table that we've had since we first got married. My family can't even fit around it! So we bought a beautiful big table and 8 chairs. I got a little teary eyed at the thought of my whole family, (and even guests!) being able to sit down to dinner together. Thank you Santa!

Oklahoma, OK!

2008-11-12T20:28:00.002-07:00

Hey all! Look who learned how to blog! Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Bruce and I had the chance to go on a quick trip this weekend. He had to drive Wayne's car down to Oklahoma City and I got to go with him. (Thanks Nathan) And the best part was we got to go by ourselves, no kids! (Thanks Mom, and April & Mark, and as usual, I'm sorry!) The trip seemed like it would be a little rough, a total of 18 hours of driving, then hop on a plane and fly back home. But when you have time without your kids, you do what you can to make it the time of your life. Well Bruce texted me right before the trip and said "Bad news, the car only has a tape deck." Ooooooh, you've got to be kidding me. We have to drive a third of the way across the country without CD's?? But I am here to tell you that when you're in a jam and desperate for a good mixed tape, no one, and I mean NO ONE rises to the occasion like Bruce. He was so excited to blow the dust off all of his old tapes and gather up a few for the drive. And if any of you know anything about me and Bruce, you know that when we were young'ns, he made me a mixed tape a week. And if there is something I learned from this trip it is that nothing rekindles the flame like bustin' out all the old mixed tapes from 1989, 90, 91 and even a couple from 94!! I mean who else can get away with combining Poison, Kenny G, Bon Jovi, and Elvis all on one tape? I know this should be illegal but Bruce somehow pulled it off. And I'm here 19 years later to tell you that it did the trick! We had a great time in the car listening to them.

But don't worry, the trip wasn't all just bad music from Jr. High. We stopped for a little adventure just outside of Moab at Wilson's Arch and decided to hike it. It doesn't look very high or steep from the bottom but once we got going I had do ditch the flip flops (duh) and hike it barefoot. Once we got to the top I battled my fear of heights to take a few pics.

No I'm not moving out into the sun,
are you insane? Just take the picture!
That's right, dead drop off on the other
side of the arch.

He wasn't a resident,
so he can do whatever he wants.

We talked, we laughed, Bruce drove, I had a few naps, and of course, as usual, Bruce took pictures of me sleeping in the car with my mouth gaping open, which I will NOT post, thank you very much. I know, he's such a brat.

We stopped in Albuquerque to pay a quick visit to Summer and Roy. Couldn't stay very long but we finally got to see their lovely home and had a nice little visit. We had a good time playing a game with their baby and his stuffed pig, he has never wanted so much as to look at me so I was excited that he let us play with him! After Albuquerque, we stayed the night in Santa Rosa, N.M. Then we drove to Oklahoma City on Sunday where we got on a plane and flew home.

All in all it was a fun trip, although it was short, we got to see some really pretty parts of the country. And they're not kidding when they say "Oklahoma, where the wind goes sweeping down the plains". The trees actually grow sideways there because of all of the wind! It was a very funny sight.

And in closing I have a little anecdote for all of you family members who used to make fun of me for having to pee so often on car trips. For those who don't know, when I was younger and we would drive back and forth between Utah and California, I was the butt of everyone's potty jokes. I was called Madame Pee-pee because I had a "bladder the size of a pea". HA-HA! You are all SO DAMN FUNNY! As soon as Dad would get back on the road, I had to stop again. So everyone said I should write a book called "Bathrooms Across America" and rate the cleanliness of all of the bathrooms that I visit. Well, let me tell you, nothing has really inspired me to do so until I paid a visit to the bathroom in the Oklahoma city airport. 10!! I am a real stickler about using toilet seat covers. If there aren't any, I will cover the seat with toilet paper, or just float above it. Well, these toilets had an electronic toilet seat cover dispenser. The whole seat was wrapped in plastic and when you push a button the plastic rotates out of the back of the toilet to reveal brand new clean plastic! (At least that was what it lead me to believe) It was like a Christmas miracle I tell you!! I think I sat there and pushed the button about 10 times just for the pure funsies of it. (Wasteful, I know) But Oklahoma City Airport, you get a 10! And if I ever find myself so bored that I actually write this book, your toilets are going on the front cover!

Late Halloween '08

2008-11-10T16:45:00.005-07:00

Yeah I know the Halloween post is late, yada yada, you wanna fight about it?
Don't have any good stories to tell, just a couple pictures to share.
PK went trick or treating with friends. I took Benjamin,Owen, Oliver and cousin Hyrum around the hood.
It rained just a tiny bit. Made it nice and cool though. Ben & Hyrum were racing from house to house. Owen tried keeping up but fell futher and futher behind. I was with Oliver who was content with every other house since I had to carry him to catch up.
Don't know if its bacause we live in a "young" neighborhood or if its kids these days. Cuz we were only out for an hour or so. Sure the boyz got more than enough candy. Buts thats it. When I was a kid treating, there was never enough. We were out for 3-4 hours. Maybe my boys need to do some squat thrusts or something. Get there stamina up.
Heres a couple pictures of the kids,slide show of PK and a couple videos of PK.

Men in Black (Owen & Oliver)

Freaks n Geeks (Benjamin & PK)

Treating bunch (Hyrum,Ben,Owen & Oliver)

PK's Joker

PK trying to be creepy

I almost dressed up. But I do every other night, decided to take the day off.

Way to Gough

2008-10-10T10:39:00.002-07:00

Pk had his one art class with Utah Famous artist Brian Kershisnik a couple weeks ago.
Yeah thats right,just getting around to it now!
He didn't really do a full blown artistic movement tutoring.He went over basic sketching and where ideas come from for art.

Brian with the other winners of the contest

There was a funny moment just before the class started. The Museum classroom helper was passing out aprons and materials to the kids. On the apron there is a picture of "Ethnic man". Ethnic Man is a 15ft or so sculpture that I guess is famous for the Museum. Its multi-colored and has an un-distinguished face. The artist created him in homage to all the imigrants or something like that (I should do my homework).
Anyways...the museum helper handed PK his materials and asked, "Have you scene or know the story of Ethnic Man?"
PK says, "Yeah." Points to the wall and says, "Thats my painting right there."
"Well then, you know all about it then."
I asked him if he looked around the room and asked if anyone else already had a painting at the museum. But he didn't. Would've been a cool boasting opportunity!

Brian with PK, maybe looking at a painting of Brian's.

PK applying what he's learned.

Along with the class PK won the family a year membership. We went and saw the Monet exibit. They had other pieces from a bunch of artists. There were a couple Van Goughs which were really cool. There were several sculptures from Rodin (the thinker) that were really cool.

Little Sahara

2008-09-28T11:26:00.004-07:00

Endless Summer

Yeah summer is over! Not that you can tell by the weather. Its still mid-upper 80's with the sun shining. Bring on the clouds,gloom and mid 50's.
We went on one last summer adventure. Some friends invited us to the sand dunes here in Utah (Little Sahara) to do some 4 wheeler riding. It was alot of fun. Of course the kids like riding 4 wheelers all the time (who doesn't?). On Labor day Liz & I went on a good 20 mile ride. The dunes are alot softer & less bumpy.
Back when I was a kid in Wyoming we'd go out to some and sled down them just like snow. PK & Ben did the same thing, except no sled. Just rolled and slid down. They had alot of fun. If I had a change of clothes and liked sand in my ears I would've done the same!
Although this summer came late do to a long winter it made up for it by being hot and dry. Good ridance, hope its late next year!

Can't see them very well but thats PK & Ben rolling down sand mountain. Benjamin waving his his shirt on the left. "Yes we see you, and THIS time its OK."

Owen looking for shade or digging for crabs (wheres the water if this is the beach)

Benjamin says,"Not too big"(he almost tipped over a quad 1/3 that size,couple times)

"No Oliver you can't steer!"

Mess with the Bull, you get the horns! (yeah PK & I almost rolled over too,couple times).

Liz again took all the pictures.

Labor Day Weekend '08

2008-09-17T14:05:00.005-07:00

Getting with the times!

Most members in Liz's family have blogs. No one in the Harmons do. Probably something to do with not being that interesting, or like me have lazy tendencies, or just don't give a hoot to do one.

Well a cousin asked the other day if we had one, no, not really. Some junk over on myspace for friends. Mostly about movies, comics and humerous antidotes.

This one is for the family. I'm sure everyone wants to know whats going on with the Soggy Bottom Boys. Thus starting the Liz & Bruce Family Blog. Maybe Liz will post here or start her own. We don't have broadband at home so its hard to do anything on the internet. And were not computer litterate. I can't even spell litterate. But you know what I mean (what does that say about your education?).

Anywho, 1st post-Labor Day '08.

We go to my parents home (cabin) in Wyoming every year. We cut wood, eat smores, watch football, pass gas, you know that whole bit. Good times!

We get some play in also, 4 wheeler riding, hiking, stuff like that. A couple miles away is the reservoir (meeks cabin damn). At the bottom on the river side is a "spillway". The retaining wall is usually about 13-15 feet high. We of course jump off it into the year round snow runoff water.

This year PK has vastly improved on his swimming skills so I said, "Your jumpin'!

The height is nothing. Its the freezing water! He's not a great swimmer so the short swim to the side would be his challenge. But he did great. Jumped a couple times, so he had fun and didn't hate me. Next year we go to the Gorge and jump off at least a 30 footer! I did it at his age. Sure theres things wrong with me, but not from jumping (thats what my doctor says).

Heres the Almighty Lumber Jack waiting for my setter.

PK trying not tip the wheel barrel (he did).

Benjamin stacking wood up high (or setting a trap).

Owen with cousin Kylie on a 4-wheeler (why doesn't he have a helmet? His head is one)

Saturday was great weather. Sunday night storm came in. Then is snowed all morning on Monday.
Great weekend!
Hopefully we post something here once a week. Likely once a month, who knows. Depends on whats or how much is going on.
Halloween is comming up, thats like Christmas at our house (demented children).
Catheralls-add this to your link list or something (tell me how to do the same). And how do you make pictures smaller then the same size? Harmons-get your own.