An Ugly Attack on Mormons

Did you catch the political ad in which two Jews ring the doorbell of a nice, working-class family? They barge in and rifle through the wife's purse and then the man's wallet for any cash. Cackling, they smash the daughter's piggy bank and pinch every penny. "We need it for the Wall Street bailout!" they exclaim.

No? Maybe you saw the one with the two swarthy Muslims who knock on the door of a nice Jewish family and then blow themselves up?

No? Well, then surely you saw the TV ad in which two smarmy Mormon missionaries knock on the door of an attractive lesbian couple. "Hi, we're from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!" says the blond one with a toothy smile. "We're here to take away your rights." The Mormon zealots yank the couple's wedding rings from their fingers and then tear up their marriage license.

As the thugs leave, one says to the other, "That was too easy." His smirking comrade replies, "Yeah, what should we ban next?" The voice-over implores viewers: "Say no to a church taking over your government."

Obviously, the first two ads are fictional because no one would dare run such anti-Semitic or anti-Muslim attacks.

The third ad, however, was real. It was broadcast throughout California on election day as part of the effort to rally opposition to Proposition 8, the initiative that successfully repealed the right to same-sex marriage in the state.

What was the reaction to the ad? Widespread condemnation? Scorn? Rebuke? Tepid criticism?

Nope.

This newspaper, a principled opponent of Proposition 8, ran an editorial saying that the "hard-hitting ad" was too little, too late.

The upshot seemed to be that if the pro-gay-marriage forces had just flooded the airwaves with more religious slander, things would have turned out better.

At a pro-gay-marriage rally in Los Angeles after the vote, chants of "Mormon scum!" were reported. Envelopes containing white powder have been sent to Mormon temples in California and Utah; vandals hit other temples. Lists of businesses to boycott -- essentially Mormon blacklists -- have sprung up on the Internet. The artistic director of the California Musical Theatre resigned because of pressure after it was revealed he gave $1,000 to a pro-Proposition 8 group.

It's amazing. Hollywood liberals, who shout "McCarthyism!" as a first resort, see nothing wrong with this. If Jews were attacked in this way for giving too much money to a political cause, Barbra Streisand would already have a French passport.

Never mind that Proposition 8 carried nearly every demographic slice of voters. Put aside the fact that the Catholic Church and scores of other Christian churches supported it too. Discount the inconvenient truth that bans on gay marriage have now passed in 30 states. It's all the Mormons' fault.

The argument is that Mormons used illegitimate power, in this case money, beyond their numerical standing in the population to secure victory for the measure. Golly, wealthy gay liberals would never do anything like that! I bet they're not giving a dime to the legal effort to overturn Proposition 8.

No, it's just that Mormons are the most vulnerable of the culturally conservative religious denominations and therefore the easiest targets for an organized campaign against religious freedom of conscience.

Traditional religion is the enemy anywhere it runs afoul of complete social acceptance of homosexuality. In New Mexico, a wedding photographer was fined nearly $7,000 for refusing to shoot a gay commitment ceremony. The dating site eHarmony, run by evangelicals, was just bullied by gay activists via the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights into starting up a site for gays. The first 10,000 registrants must get six months free.

It's often lost on gay-rights groups that they and their allies are the aggressors in the culture war. Indeed, they admit to being the "forces of change" and the "agents of progress." They proudly want to rewrite tradition and overturn laws. But whenever they're challenged democratically and peaceably, they instantly complain of being victims of entrenched bigots, even as they adopt the very tactics they abhor.

My own view is that gay marriage is likely inevitable, and won't be nearly the disaster many of my fellow conservatives fear it will be. But the scorched-earth campaign to victory pushed by gay-marriage advocates may well be disastrous, and "liberals" should be ashamed for countenancing it.

Jonah Goldberg - December 2, 2008

Temple Protests Go Too Far!!

In the name of tolerance, great intolerance is shown. The biggest bigots in our society are the ones who routinely accuse others of bigotry.

That troubling trend has never been clearer than it was last week when thousands of supporters of a militant homosexual agenda, upset by an electoral defeat, marched in mass protest on two Mormon temples.

Blaming The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for marshalling voters against them, a thousand activists shouted outside the Mormon temple in Los Angeles, and the next day some three thousand others staged a protest at the Salt Lake temple.

Let me repeat. Unhappy at having lost an election, protesters surrounded and intimidated places of worship. In America.

Here's the background. Last Tuesday, California voters were asked whether or not they wanted gay marriage. The issue was called Proposition 8. Defeat meant gay marriage, passage meant no gay marriage.

Which is what Californians chose the last time they voted on this issue. Eight years ago another statewide vote rejected gay marriage. But activists successfully subverted the will of the people through a series of lawsuits. That effort culminated earlier this year when the California Supreme Court allowed gay marriage.

So the people put it back on the ballot.

And last week they said what they had said before – Californians do not want gay marriage.

That's what ticked off the homosexual activists.

Because they thought eight years of propaganda and normalization had beaten down the opposition. But that wasn't the case.

An organization of opponents to gay marriage quickly formed. Generally, it was comprised of people whose opposition was based in religion. Namely, Roman Catholics, Evangelicals and Mormons. Leaders of all three faiths – as represented by the Catholic bishops, Focus on the Family and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – asked their followers to support the effort to pass Proposition 8.

And they did, with their money and their votes. Though outspent, defenders of real marriage worked hard to convince their neighbors that banning gay marriage was the right thing.

And the effort was successful.

Ironically, that might be because of Barack Obama.

Though he opposed Proposition 8, the very large number of black and Latino Californians who came out to support him did not. They, in fact, were the ban's most reliable supporters. And it turned out that rock-solid black and Latino opposition to gay marriage is what provided the margin of victory for Proposition 8.

And yet the activists got mad at the Mormons.

In the run-up to the election, gay marriage supporters ran television commercials vilifying the Mormon Church. And in the wake of it, though the measure to ban gay marriage received more support from Catholic, Evangelical and traditionally black churches, the gay activists have targeted Mormons.

No protests or public criticism directed at the Roman Catholic Church, Focus on the Family, any traditionally black churches or any Evangelical denominations – just at Mormons.

That is probably because the Mormon Church is smaller than the others and less well understood or accepted publicly. It is also a religion which some people have hard feelings or prejudices against.

Simply put, it makes a better scapegoat.

It makes an easier boogeyman for gay activists to attack. Discomfort other people of faith may have with Mormonism is being used as a wedge to drive those other people of faith away from the movement against gay marriage.

The goal is to make the impression that it is Mormons forcing their views on others, that people off in Salt Lake were evil puppet masters pulling the strings on others.

Which is preposterous.

Yes, Mormons were active. Yes, Mormons did disproportionately donate money to support Proposition 8.

But, no, the Mormon Church itself did not give money to the campaign. No, the Mormon Church did not "order" or "command" its members to do anything but follow their conscience. And, no, the Catholic, Evangelical and traditionally black churches which oppose gay marriage do not do so because they are being manipulated by Mormons.

Rather, this was an issue on which these groups, which may usually disagree on doctrinal matters, were able to agree and work together.

Which brings us to the thousands who have surrounded and jeered the Mormon temples.

Having been rejected by the majority, they seek to persecute a minority. It was not Mormons who rejected gay marriage, it was a majority of California voters. And the anger of militant gay activists is purposefully misdirected in an effort to confuse and intimidate.

And in a display of blatant bigotry.

We do not protest at places of worship in America – unless they are Mormon places of worship.

Those who favor abortion rights do not protest outside the parishes and cathedrals of Catholicism. Those who denounce militant Islam do not march around American mosques. Supporters of Palestinian rights do not shout through loudspeakers outside synagogues.

If they did, we would be offended as a society, and see the impropriety of their deeds.

But thousands can hatefully mill outside the gates of the sacred buildings of Mormonism and do so with impunity, knowing that their actions and motives will go unchallenged, that the evening news will bring them nothing but the publicity they seek.

In the name of tolerance, intolerance is done. In the supposed fight against bigotry, bigotry is both motive and tool.

The homosexual agenda demands acceptance and promotion of its values, but denounces and attacks the values of others. It demands the right to marry, but assaults the right to believe. In demanding that its voice be heard, while forcing silence on all who dissent from its agenda.

And the intolerant left has grown so totalitarian in its demand for orthodoxy that it has staged protests to attack the outcome of an election. That's where America is today.

Or, more correctly, that's where evil is today.

Because traditional marriage is good, and its counterfeit, gay marriage, is evil. It is a simple matter of absolute and eternal truth. You either believe in God and his law or the shouting activists and theirs.

And most Americans feel that way, though few of them will say it out loud. That's because they're afraid – afraid that if they do, they'll be attacked the way Mormons are being attacked now.

Which is why this is taking place. In an act of bigotry against houses of worship, supporters of the homosexual agenda are sending a shot across the bow of every church, mosque, synagogue and temple in the country.

Either keep your mouth shut, or get what the Mormons are getting.

Here's hoping that that warning will be ignored, and that people of conscience will have the courage of their convictions – that people of all faiths will stand their ground. Contention must be avoided, but not at the cost of capitulation.

Americans do not lose their civil rights because they believe in God or worship with their fellow believers. People of faith are as free to vote and speak their mind as anyone else.

What this episode teaches is that people of faith had better stand together in the defense of their rights, or they will be picked off one by one.

Because the Mormons are just the beginning.




- by Bob Lonsberry © 2008

Can You EVEN Imagine!?!?!?!?

So, I got this email from my dad at work, and it had this video in it.

I don't know about you, but, can you freaking imagine if you were the best man? WHAT do you say to your friend's new wife? How on earth do you just say, "Uh, sorry!" HAHAHA!! There is no coming back from this! I mean, if you just tripped and fell in front of everyone, that's one thing, but the effects of his fall, are what are the best... Just watch the video!! Muahaha!



By the way, if you are offended by the someone using the Lord's name in vain, there are a couple of "Oh my gosh's" without gosh; however, the sound somewhat adds to the whole experience, so consider overlooking this.

Celestial Food, and Complimentary Toilet Paper

I'm sitting in a meeting right now with a bunch of Xerox Copier resale business owners up at the Zermot Spa and Resort. It's one of the few, if not the only 5 star hotel in Utah. It's up near Heber city, and is very nice. I especially like the "costumes" of all the employees here. I'm not quite sure what the owners of the hotel were thinking when they were getting costume consulting, and the president looked at the catalog of uniforms, and said, "We've gotta have THOSE"! I think whoever made that final decision should be fired, and banned from the hospitality industry. After using their valet service, I was expecting the valet to exuberantly yodel for me after receiving his tip. Well, he didn't, I didn't even get a simple "Riiiiiiiiicolllaaaaaaaaaa" and then a sound of a really long horn on a mountaintop. I felt cheated.

However, the service here has been fantastic, aside from the fact that they wanted to charge me $15 to connect my computer to their wireless network... Yeah, $15... Are you seriously kidding me? When I had to take an urgent trip to the bathroom, I was worried how much they would charge me to wipe my butt... I only had a $10 and I didn't want to break it. I hate change. Luckily, however, the sanitary tissue was complimentary. Which is good, because I've already made two urgent trips to the loo. I feel like I should call it that with all these mountain elves from Iceland running about.

So, instead of spending $15 on an internet connection I hacked the network with my uber haxor skillz, and I connected via VPN to our Digital Gateway internet connection. I Roxor your Boxorz, I know.

The meeting has been good, but I have to give an honorable mention to the house Cook. The food was absolutely delicious... When they asked if I wanted Chicken, Salmon, and sensually delicious beef, I simply said, "Yes." And I proceeded to eat my weight in some of the most delicious food I've had in a very long time. Then, I proceeded to consume a most celestially delicious piece of Chocolate cake plastered in 2 inches of decadent Whipped Cream... On a side note, you could plaster an old boot in whipped cream, and I would probably think it was pretty good.

Anyway, the food was SO good, and so plentiful, of course, I ate far too much of it. I am pretty good at telling my stomach to shut up and digest when it's screaming, "Error Error". Have you ever been SO full that you get out of breath by doing something like, raising your arm, or adjusting in your seat? Yeah, I know I'm pathetic... The food was just so good though! This played a key role in forcing me to use a public bathroom more than once in a day. I generally try as hard as I can to avoid public bathrooms as much as possible. If I can cut down my visits to the public loo to 1 or 2 every 5 years, then I am happy. But I digress, back to being full; I really do think that if someone saw me from the side, they would think to themselves, "Well that's odd; that man looks like a pregnant woman." Well, contrary to popular belief, I don't in fact have ovaries or a uterus, so, I am unable to be large with child. I just ate too much, you judgmental person I am using in my story... yeah, that's what I would say to them, I would tell them off!

SOOO, today has been an enjoyable day. It has switched things up a little bit, I got to come up to a nice place to learn quite a bit about a product I will be selling soon, and I got to enjoy an extremely good meal. So, I have no complaints.

I am writing this blog in response to 2 separate requests that I post a blog again, it feels good to know you guys enjoy them, so, don't hesitate to continue making me feel like I'm amazing. I certainly already know that, but, It doesn't hurt to be told every now and again. ;) *If you don't know me, please know that I'm not arrogant, and don't think I am better than everyone else*

... I just know I am...

Laughing @ Others, and Making Lots of SugarDaddy Candy!

First, let me thank all of you who decided to follow my blog. I have to explain something. Some of you took my pleadings so seriously, you even thought that I was crying, or whining about not having any friends. Though that fact remains true, I rarely cry about it... I was simply bringing attention to the wonderful new feature of following blogs! Now, I officially have 15 people who follow mine. This in-and-of itself gives me more motivation to occasionally grace all of you with the blogs which you are undoubtedly looking forward to the most... Mine!

Moving on -- Oh wow... I'm sitting at work (doing some after hours blogging) and all of the sudden someone just started slamming a hammer on something that is surely concrete... It may as well be under my desk seeing as I can't concentrate for one second with all this noise going on. -- HAHA, Right as I was about to start typing about how it finally stopped, OH, Enrique starts hitting the wall again... This has got to stop!!

Okay, stopped again, lets do this while I still have time...


OH YEAH, HILARIOUS STORY!!

I was riding my awesome Harley Davidson 150 CC Scooter today down on BYU Campus, and I was sitting at a red light, and I look across the street just in time to totally watch this zoobie (name for byu kids who are weirdies)totally eat CRAP on his bike! When he fell, his bike just kind of went into a big crumpled mess, and he kind of did a front flip onto his butt and sat up. Now, the best part is, he ACTUALLY tried to play it off! LOL!! I'm laughing while typing this, but, he sat up, and just pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around it as if to say to the girl who was standing 3 feet away, "I totally meant to do that, I was getting a little fatigued on my bike, so I thought I'd just take a seat on the sidewalk almost halfway into the busy intersection". I kid you not, I laughed so hard, and so loud that the girl who was standing next to him, the 15 landscapers kiddy corner to me, and the zoobie himself all heard me guffaw at his detrimental situation. I was laughing so hard that I involuntarily raised my arm dramatically in the air, way higher than it needed to be, and then quickly slapped my leg in total glee, and enjoyment! They all looked at me like I was the biggest douche bag in the world, but I didn't care, it didn't stop me from laughing my head off. The only bad part is, I totally missed the green light, there was a car behind me, and he even honked at me, right as it turned yellow; well, I just waved at him as if to say, "Sorry buddy, but this is way more important!" And I ungrudgingly waited for the next green light to illuminate.

Anyway, I died, and I'm glad I remembered this to tell all 3 of you who actually read my blogs!

Onto my Sugar Daddy Status --

Many of you know that I work as an "Internal Sales Account Manager" for a software company called Digital Gateway; and if you were wondering, YES, it is very important to me to state my full title, it makes me feel extremely important, and you can't ever take that away from me! -- Anyway, I digress -- So, the past few months have been extremely rough! Sales dropped like crazy, and pretty much nothing was rolling through the door. People didn't want to spend money, and for some reason it was just draining the life out of me! With a lack of motivation, and serious thoughts of even leaving my job, I was saved by my vacation to Lake Powell, which renewed me. When I got back from Powell, I can't tell you what happened, I don't know exactly why the business started just flowing in, but I have officially had my best month (by about double) I have ever had ever since entering this position. I was the number 1, #1, Numero Uno, First Place, Celestial Beast Master, sales guy out of the whole company this month. I reached a personal goal I set for myself a while ago in having a certain amount of money stored in my ING account. I officially surpassed that amount today! I am very excited to be getting 3.0% interest on money I don't need at the moment. (Everyone should have an ING account in my opinion)

$&*@#*&% -- You gotta be kidding me... Now Enrique has a friggen Jack Hammer or something -- I'll try to move on.

So, this month, I was able to make our company $66,830.74. I know right? All that in software sales. Lets just say it was an extremely good month. And yes, I'm boasting, and I do in fact really think I'm the best.

What will I do with all that commission you might ask? Well, I was thinking of blowing it all on Jdawgs Polish dogs... or... Costco's decadent assortment of Churrows, burpotdogs, and smoothies sound nice as well... Okay, no, not really; like I said, I pretty much throw all my money into an ING account to save all I can while my job is still making me good money. You never know what could happen with the economy the way it is right now!

In other news, school is going extremely well, I am for the first time in my life actually genuinely enjoying school, and what I'm doing. I'm learning a TON, and having some fun while doing it. If I haven't mentioned it before, I am a Digital Design major at Utah Valley University. I am kind of doing a few different things in the multimedia field, but I have pretty much decided I am going to focus on Web Design/Development. If I can improve the skills I've already got in web design, (Approximately 10 years experience) I can one day work from home, wake up at 10:00, work for 4 hours, and have the rest of the day to do whatever I want, while making disgustingly large amounts of money. That's the goal anyway, I know it will be while before I get there.

So, on a final, and more serious note.

My friend Rachel texted me this morning (very early, she's lucky I was already up going to workout with my personal trainer) saying:

"So I'm just watching the news as usual this morning. And I think it's very telling that everyone's saying the financial crisis will be solved if people start living financially prudent. And how long has the church been telling us to avoid debt and live within our means? Talk about prophetic wisdom."

I know, long text right? But, she's totally right. I think it's very interesting how the church (LDS Church, Mormon Prophet, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints -- for my non-LDS readers) has been preaching this for years. I am convinced that Gordon B. Hinckley saw this coming. I remember the talk where he specifically talked about financially we are most at risk, not necessarily due to a natural disaster of some kind. And he couldn't have been so right! I am grateful we have a prophet on the earth today to help us know and prepare for the things that are about to come.

Anyway, just a small post within a post.

Hope you enjoyed the blog, it's a longee but a goodee, so, comment away, and let me know how awesome I am!

Until Next time girls and boys, always remember, you don't have to be faster than the bear... You just have to be faster than the slowest guy running from the bear.

I Feel Betrayed, Broken Hearted, and You're all Dead to Me!

Guys, contrary to popular belief, I don't really write these blogs for myself, and myself alone, I write them for you guys to enjoy, so that you can tell me nice things about how awesome and amazing I am in my comments.

When I asked you guys to "Follow" my blog, the response was incredible. 3 people followed my blog, and that is INCLUDING MYSELF!!!! I want to know who even reads my blogs, so PLEASE Just go to the right menu, find the little images that say Followers, and click, "Follow this Blog". If you don't want me to know who you are, simply select that you want to be Anonymous. I just want to know that someone, anyone is reading my blog. I have no motivation whatsoever to keep posting blogs if 2 people are even reading them.

It's not hard people, just push Follow this blog!

If you're lost as to what I'm talking about, click the link below, it will explain everything.

CLICK THIS LINK TO FIND OUT ABOUT FOLLOWING (As if I haven't explained it well enough...)

Please, friends, family, strangers, enemy's, homos, douche bags, and wankers alike, I want you to follow my blog, this is very important for my emotional health and sanity. I have to feel like I have an audience in order to really perform well in these blogs. JUST DO IT! It's not hard. If you don't, I'll find you, and push you down on the playground, and we won't be friends anymore, Pinkie swear I WILL!

Catching Up, Scoot w00t, and Lake Powell

Here I sit in a particularly "bloggy" mood, and yet, I don't quite know where to start! I have so many things to talk about, yet I don't think it's necessary to tell you guys every single detail of my life. If you want to know what is going on with Janae and me at the moment, the best place for you to read about it in depth, would be her blog. I don't feel it necessary to go into detail here, as she has explained the happenings perfectly.

As for other "fun" topics of my bloggingdom, I have many.

For example, as some of you who know me know, I have converted over to the wonderful world of scooterdom. Once gas prices reached $4.00 I decided it was time to park my Nissan Maxima for a little while, to explore the option of becoming a Scooter owner. I shopped around, priced a few different scoots, test drove a couple, and finally found one I wanted. So, I purchased it, for a very fair price, and I've gotta tell you, I haven't regretted my decision once. My scooter is a Velocity 150 CC. If you're wondering what the number and CC means, it means 150 Completely Celestials. For all those people who aren't all that engine savvy. I've loved it.

Yesterday I was totally accepted into the world of motorcycle(dom) by a fellow motorcyclist who reached out his hand off of his handlebar to wave to me... This wasn't just any wave, it was the wave that says, "I'm not just any wave, I'm a wave invented only for fellow motorcyclists"; it was a stiff armed, wave, where the hand just stuck out, and didn't move at all, it was a wave of acceptance into the community of biker dudes. Isn't that awesome!? I seriously thought it was very amusing how much joy I got out of having a complete stranger wave to me, because we shared a couple of things in common. We are both overweight, we both like saving gas, and we both enjoy a little fresh air while riding a machine between our legs. I'll post pictures of me on my scooter very soon. If you're lucky, maybe I'll even show some skin, or get into somewhat promiscuous positions... But only if you're lucky...

Moving on -- I just got back from Lake Powell this last Tuesday, and I've gotta tell ya, it was probably one of the best trips to Lake Powell I've ever had. There were a few reasons, some of them being; A. all of the little bastage children running around were related to me in some way, which in turn means that I actually like them, 2) Most of the people who were there were of some relation to me, which in turn means that I kind of like them too, and D. We did some pretty freaking awesome stuff!!

Let me illustrate some of the activities by showing some pictures, and then talking about them.



Well, we did things such as making fools of ourselves with our synchronized swimming routine. We only worked on this for about 30 seconds, and then we did some improv at the end, so, give us a break.


Look, that's my fat Head, and that's the beautiful Lake Powell.



This one has a funny story. We all dressed up like this to swim about 200 yards to another houseboat, where we surrounded the boat and made inhuman noises with a goal to scare the crap out of the sailors on board the boat. It was a blast, and we had a lot of fun terrorizing the drunk people.



This one simply shows how superior my ninja skills are. We made it a habit to occasionally jump out of the moving boat onto the unsuspecting victim. Well, I was ready for these surly characters, so I took care of them quickly, and efficiently with my karate chops to the face and chests.

Anyway, the trip was awesome, and this blog is awesome, and I'm pretty awesome, so I think I've said enough. I am off to bed my friends, please become a follower to my blog. I know who looks at my blog anyway by my stats counter, so you may as well become an official follower to my blog. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's a new tool added by google, check it out, it's cool.

Anyway, I'll try to post again soon about something obscure and most certainly funny, dry, or pointless...

Don't Give Up On Me!! FOLLOW MY BLOG!

Okay guys, I don't want you to give up on me as a blogger. I'm trying to get my thoughts together so that I can come and write a very thoughtful, and informational blog that will catch you up on the many goings on in my life right now. There is MUCH to tell, so I will try to write a blog, hopefully tonight if I can get my thoughts together.

So, Stay tuned!!

P.S. There's a new link on the side bar of my blog, it is there so that you can now FOLLOW people's blogs. It's like becoming a loyal reader. If you read my blog, EVER, even if you think you're a stalker, and don't want me to know you read my blog, PLEASE Follow my Blog. I am in desperate need to feel like people actually read the blog. It will give me much more motivation to actually write blogs, so, the more followers I get to this blog, the more likely I'll be to actually update the blog regularly.

I'll Follow yours if you follow mine! ;)

New Blog - Movie Reviews!!

Hey guys,

I love movies, I love movies a lot!! And I love writing movie reviews too! So, I've decided I would create another blog dedicated solely to movie reviews.

It's called Movie Fiends Anonymous. I would LOVE it if some of you guys wanted to become "Movie Critics" for the blog! I want to market it, and do some advertising and stuff for it so that we can make it really popular!

If you guys could add a link to it from all of your blogs, myspaces, Facebooks, etc... That would be so awesome!! If you want to write reviews for the blog, please email me, and I'll give you the low-down on how to go about it!

So, go check it out everyone, and make sure to check it often!

Link to us at:
http://moviefiendsanonymous.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

Mostly a Belated Blog on California, and Butt Chaffage!

Well, it's been a while again since I last wrote a blog.

The reason I usually don't write one is because Janae always beats me to it! She writes about the things we do together in so much detail, I feel like I have nothing left to talk about in my blogs. So, I guess I'll just tell you some of the fun, interesting, funny things that have happened to me within the last little while that I haven't updated my blog. (Wow, I didn't realize it was so freaking long ago that I updated this! I gotta get back on top of this!)

Okay, so this probably won't be in any particular order seeing as my mind doesn't like keeping things in order. My brain is kind of like a 3 year old kid who sniffed too much Nestle Quick before getting put in a padded room. So, forgive my thought process.

First, I'll start somewhere easy.

Ever since my last blog post, I've been involved in a Provo River rafting disaster, my 1 year anniversary with my fiancée, a vacation to California, getting a wallet stolen at Taco bell, seeing some awesome movies lately, went to Disneyland for the first time, went to an Angel’s game, and tried out for American Idol in Salt Lake City. I will touch on just a couple of these things as Janae has covered most of them in a TON of depth, so if you wish to read about them, refer to her blog!!

The first story that comes to mind that I want to talk about happened on my vacation to California. Janae and I drove to Cali to be with her family, and to do a bunch of different activities while we were there. Our first sojourn was to the beach. While we were there we went swimming, and had a fire, cooked hotdogs and marshmallows and stuff like that. Well, while we were there, I started feeling really queasy, like I had eaten something bad, and my stomach was not happy. Anyway, forgive me for being somewhat graphic, or even a little disgusting, but, let’s just say while I was laying there on a towel, I let out what was supposed to be a fart full of nothing but air and relief for my nauseated stomach; however, instead I was greeted by something a little more messy, and less convenient. So, I turned to Janae with a look of terror on my face and told her what just happened. Of course she couldn’t let me off the hook without laughing, and of course, I was laughing at myself a little too.

Anyway, to make a long story short, let me just say God bless the man who had the idea to put showers at the beach. And, also, God bless the company that so dutifully manufacturers Wet Ones. I was quite fortunate to have access to both said advantages. After I was able to evacuate all the sickness in my tummy in the also very conveniently located bathrooms (not conveniently sanitary however) I felt great. The rest of the night was awesome! I had SO MUCH FUN with Janae. Just talking and sitting next to our fire pit. It was a really magical night for me actually. Well, aside from the earlier difficulties at least. ;)

So, later in the week I managed to drop my wallet at a Taco bell when I went in to get sauce which the motard at the drive-thru failed to do the first time around. I spent hours the next morning looking for my wallet, and only remembered that I had gotten out at Taco Bell after it was too late. Someone had most likely picked up the wallet, saw that it had a few hundred dollars worth of cash in it, a few hundred dollars worth in Gift Cards, and a couple credit cards, licenses, social Security card, etc etc... They decided that honesty was out, and gas prices were up, so they jacked my wallet. Can I just say that this is probably one of my biggest pet peeves? This isn't the first time this has happened, it's not even the second time, it's like the 4th time that I have had a wallet stolen. The ironic thing is, I never carry cash, unless I'm on vacation. The last 2 times I've gotten a wallet stolen, I had several hundred dollars of cash in it each time, because each time, I've been on vacation. It's a real pain the arse. The other ironic thing about it is that the last 2 times It's happened, I had just purchased a very nice wallet days or weeks before. So, it's just ironic, and It makes me quite upset. I hope the universe isn't listening right now. Anyway, enough sobbing about that, even though I still get sick to my stomach everytime I think about it. ugh.

Well, after all of this, we got to go and see The Dark Knight. Which by the way was absolutely incredible.

I forgot to mention we also went to Disneyland somewhere in all of this, as well as an Angel's game. Disneyland was amazing! I thought Pirates of the Carribean was so rad! We all had a really good time!

Well, you probably are noticing that I'm shortening this. I have decided that this is far too long and I'll read my oh so dedicated 4 readers if I go over too much. So, anyway. I was going to include my American Idol audition experience here, however, I think I'll blog about that separately.

All in all, the California trip was amazing. It was a very much needed renewal of energy, relationship with my fiancee, and break from work. So, I loved it!

I'll blog about American Idol a little bit later!

Bitter Sweet Days - Not My Favorite

The horrible day I speak of was actually yesterday.

First of all, I'm totally getting burned out at work right now for some reason. Things are going slow then fast, then slow, then fast with sales, so it's hard to keep the motivation up, and the work ethic high. Things will get better here pretty soon. I have lots of really good leads and potential buys that should roll in here pretty soon. So far, I've sold over $70,000 in add-on products for our company, so I'm doing pretty well thus far. It just gets hard sometimes to stick with it. It's pretty tedious work, in trying to get in contact with customers, and trying to get them to just send you the dang invoice back so you can process their order. But, it's been a great experience, and I look forward to improving all the time.

Anyway, after that little tangent, the reason yesterday blew was first off, it just started off pretty bad. I was at work, and nothing really was happening, but I had something to look forward to, my new bedset I had just purchased from RCWilley last Saturday. I have been seriously SO excited about redecorating our whole basement so that I can move in there one day with my future wife. (I'm also moving in there very soon alone, just to hold down the fort until I get married.) I've been tearing off all the wallpaper, fixing all the burnt out lightbulbs, installing a new fridge, etc etc... So, I was very excited to finally get the furniture I had been looking forward to! So it arrived, everything looks great, then the guys say, "We can't put it together for you, sorry." This wasn't a big deal to me, I don't mind doing that kind of thing. So when my mom and I start putting everything together, some of the peices look quite small. I got a King size bed, but the side rails and base board things looked too short. Sure enough, they had sold us the Queen side boards and stuff, so I couldn't completely put together the bed I had so been looking forward to seeing finished.

So, after that, I went to pick up my car from Clegg's Automotive. I needed to get some work done on my car. Well, when they gave me my keys, and I went out to my car, I found that my car hadn't been locked that night, and it had been broken into.

I had gotten a bunch of stuff stolen out of my car. Some of the things that I know about, I'm sure there was more, but I just don't recall what was back there, include:

• Longboard
• Paintball Gun / Mask / Tank
• Pistol
• A new Dickies Coat
• Radar Detector, which they left behind two key parts, (bunch of idiots)
• My Stereo FACE. Yes, ONLY the face! Dubbayou Tee Eff would you want JUST the face of a stereo for? Seriously?
• Over 60 CD's
• a bottle of "Goo Gone" probably to sniff it.
• and a bunch of other random stuff I'm sure.

So, needless to say, I wasn't happy. I had a cop come to do a police report, but the chances of getting my stuff back is very slim. But I wanted a police report so I could try to make Cleggs pay for it.

Turns out, they said they will only meet me "half way" with any costs that I have. I think that's a bunch of bullcrap, seeing as they are the ones that didn't lock my door, and my car was on their property. So, I'm gonna fight that for sure.

Anyway, luckily, my cute girlfriend took me to dinner to cheer me up, and then we watched an episode of Dexter, which by the way is probably the best show ever invented. Then we went and watched So You Think You Can Dance, and then we went home. So, the day was not ALL bad, but it did suck in the earlier parts of the day.

Anyway, hopefully today will be better. Honestly, this whole week has been somewhat difficult for me. Just feeling really stressed about a few different things. So, if you can keep me in your prayers, that would be great!

Thanks!

Today is a Very Special Day!!

Most people throughout the world woke up this morning thinking it was a normal day; nothing to celebrate, nothing to commemorate, nothing to get excited about, just another day. No one thinks anything is different today than it was yesterday or the day before. They don’t realize the importance of what June 9^th really means. No one is aware of the great celebration that should be taking place in honor of one of the most amazing women I’ve ever known, and ever will know in this life time, and the next. If only the world could know about the events that took place 50 something years ago, they too would have something to celebrate today.

Are you wondering what the devil I’m talking about? Well, today is the day that one of the most influential people in my life was born. The person I am talking about is my amazing beautiful mother.

Throughout my life, my mom has been my anchor, my mentor, my friend. She’s been there for me along with my dad through everything! The best things my mom has given me consist of a supportive loving parent who never missed a football game, wrestling match, or choir concert; a mom who was always willing to stand up for me when a teacher would say mean things about me for “making too much noise,” or being too disruptive in class. She never made me feel like I was different because I had ADHD, and was practically retarded in reading and math as a child. She was always a builder, not only to me, but other people; my siblings, my father, our friends, and even to strangers.

My mom would do anything for any one of her kids, including giving her life for us, and we all knew it. She is a woman whose faith has never wavered, whose commitment has never weakened, and whose love has never subsided.

My adorable mom. She’s my biggest fan, and she’s not afraid to admit it. She’s quick to give a compliment, and so easy to please. I don’t think I gain more satisfaction out of making people laugh more than I do getting my mom to laugh with me. My mom is really simply just one of the most adorable women on the face of the earth! I am truly eternally grateful for this woman. She has made me the man I have become, and she continues to influence the grown-up I am still creating.

Mom, I love you with all my heart! I know I don’t show it all the time. I know I’m a pain in the butt almost everyday of the year, but today is the one day that I am willing to swallow my pride, put all my manly expectations aside, only to celebrate a very special day indeed; the day you were brought into the world. You’ve truly made this world a better place, and without you, I really believe that thousands of people’s lives wouldn’t be quite the same. I believe you have influence over people wherever you go, whichever situation you’re in, whomever you happen to be with, etc… Whether it is for good or for bad, you are an influence in the world; and I personally think it’s mostly for the good.

So mom, even though the rest of the world doesn’t recognize how important this day is in their history, I want you to know that I do.

I love you mom, I hope you have an incredible birthday.

Eternally your son, Tanner

100 Simple Ways to Change Your Life for the Better

I found an article online that I really liked a lot. I think we can all use many of these to make our lives easier.

Enjoy!

By Jessica Hupp

No matter how perfect you may think you are, the fact this there’s always some small way you can improve upon yourself. Whether it’s broadening your knowledge or reducing your impact on the earth, there are seemingly endless little things you can do to make a change for the better. Here, we’ll discuss 100 of these steps, and how you can go about doing them.

Health

Good health is the foundation of a good life, so make these improvements, and they’ll resonate out to the rest of your life.

1. Eat breakfast every morning: Eating breakfast is important for your health and mental power, supplying essential vitamins, minerals, and energy for your day.
2. Get a good night’s rest: You just can’t have a happy and productive life if you’re tired all of the time, so get some quality shut eye.
3. Drink water: Step up your water intake to lose weight, feel better, and improve your skin.
4. Eat slowly: Slow down when you eat, and you’ll find that you consume less while still feeling satisfied.
5. Cut down on junk food: Junk food has a nasty way of bringing your health down, so avoid it whenever possible, opting instead for healthy food like fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. Practice good dental hygiene: Researchers have found that dental hygiene is important for more than cosmetic reasons-it can help you chew food and even avoid heart disease.
7. Drink tea: Be sure to check out the powerhouse of benefits that tea can deliver, which includes improved memory and prevention of ills such as cavities, cancer, and heart disease.
8. Get some exercise: Whether you need to lose weight or not, exercise will have a positive effect on your overall health and quality of life.
9. Improve your energy: If you’re feeling sluggish all day, chances are you’re just not going to feel good about yourself. So take a few steps to boost your energy, and you’ll be better in your daily life.
10. Intensify your workouts: Researchers have found that by doing more intense workouts, you can enjoy similar benefits that you would with a more relaxed workout for a longer period of time.
11. Enjoy fish a few times a week: Eat fish, and you’ll get a serving of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce heart disease.
12. Wear better shoes: Don’t torture your toes with restrictive shoes all the time-limit the amount of time you spend in uncomfortable shoes.
13. Protect your skin: Stay out of the sun to avoid skin damage, or use sunblock to help.
14. Eat at home: It’s easier and cheaper to prepare healthy foods on your own at home, and skillfully cooking a meal is sure to impress just about anyone.
15. Get tested for prediabetes: Diabetes is a disease that many Americans are susceptible to, and by discovering it early on you can prevent it or lessen its impact.
16. Take a daily walk: Get a little bit of movement and clear your mind with a walk every day.
17. Lose weight: One of the best things you can do for your health and overall quality of life is to shed a few pounds.

Social

Take these steps to change your social life for the better.

18. Join a book club: Get some social interaction while improving your knowledge with a book club.
19. Get out of the house: Believe it or not, the world just isn’t going to come to you. You’ve got to get out of your “zone” for social interaction.
20. Volunteer: For a rewarding social experience, look into volunteer opportunities.
21. Ignore minor irritations: Whether it’s some jerk in traffic, or incessant Facebook application requests, some things just aren’t worth dealing with.
22. Start a blog: Spark an online discussion and network with new people through a blog.
23. Talk to strangers: Don’t hesitate to spark a conversation with someone you don’t know-you just might enjoy yourself, or even make a new friend.
24. Don’t stereotype or label people: Avoid dismissing people based on factors you don’t fully understand, and you may find that they have something to offer you.
25. Call old friends: You’d be surprised how many people would be overjoyed to hear from you, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve seen them.
26. Go to church: Make new friends and get in touch with your spiritual side at church or temple.
27. Host a party: Spend some time with good friends and enjoy yourself at home by inviting others over for a party.
28. Enjoy a hobby: Having a regular, relaxing activity will bring you joy.
29. Join a club: Whether you’re into board games or photography, there’s a group out there for you.

Emotional

Improve your emotional life with these simple strategies.

30. Make an effort to be happy: Whether you actually feel happy or not, make it a point to attempt happiness. It will help you feel better, as well as others around you.
31. Consider religion: If you’re not a spiritual person, consider becoming more involved with religion to improve your emotional well-being.
32. Stop taking things personally: Although it may seem to the contrary, know that not everyone is out to make your life harder.
33. Be optimistic: Put a positive spin on things and feel better about the future.
34. Know when to lose sleep: Sometimes, you have more important things to do than sleep, but they key is knowing when that should happen.
35. Step out of your comfort zone: Make it a point to step out of your comfort zone once in awhile. It’s a great way to advance yourself.
36. Get rid of ill-fitting clothing: Clothes that don’t fit right will just make you look bad and feel worse about yourself. If you love a piece, but it just doesn’t look good, consider getting it tailored.
37. Spend time with a child: Look at the world through a child’s eyes and get inspired. You’ll learn to appreciate simple things and see life with excitement.
38. Pamper yourself: Take care of yourself, whether that means getting a pint of ice cream now and then, or just getting a spa treatment.
39. Celebrate your successes: When you’ve accomplished something great, take a moment to feel good about it!
40. Quit your technology addiction: Although you may love your BlackBerry, you’ll feel a whole lot better if you just step away from the screen for a while.
41. Set goals: By setting goals, you’ll give yourself something to strive for and look forward to.
42. Feel good about yourself: Make a decision to improve your self-confidence, and you’ll feel better. Others will notice it, too.
43. Be thankful: Every now and then, take some time to acknowledge all of the good things you have in your life, big and small.
44. Cut yourself some slack: Avoid inventing your own impossible, stringent rules that you have to stick to-they’ll only make you feel nervous and guilty.
45. Let go of the past: Don’t hold grudges-let go, and you’ll free up emotional space.
46. Don’t be dramatic: Stop inflating small problems, or you’ll make yourself more anxious than you need to be.
47. Express yourself: Let your emotions come out through art, writing, or other forms of expression.
48. Meditate: Take some time out every day to have an inner dialogue with yourself.

Financial

Make these changes to improve your life’s financial outlook.

49. Pay off debt: Nothing will improve your finances better than simply getting rid of debt.
50. Build an emergency fund: Keep an emergency fund to save yourself from plummeting into the red when something pops up, and you’ll be much more secure.
51. Track your spending: At some point in their lives, nearly everyone has wondered where all their money goes. Try this exercise to finally get to the bottom of it, and identify spots where your money could be better spent.
52. Be frugal: Embrace frugality in your life, and you’ll save money while living more simply.
53. Make extra payments: Pay off mortgage and other large debts early, and you’ll take a load off.
54. Diversify your income: Provide yourself with some financial security by finding multiple sources of income.
55. Save: The concept is simple-save money, and you’ll have more financial power to do the things you’d like to do.
56. Eat at home more often: Eating out all the time may be fun, but preparing meals at home is a better financial strategy.
57. Invest: Investing is not only fun, it’s an excellent way to make your money grow.
58. Set a goal: Give yourself a financial goal to achieve, whether it’s saving for a particular item, or doubling your investments.
59. Save for retirement: Don’t give your future self a huge mess to take care of-save now, and you’ll enjoy it later.

Mental

Improve your mind by taking these simple steps.

60. Go back to school: Continuing your education does not have to be a complicated endeavor. Take an online class, or just a weekend seminar.
61. Read classic books: Improve your mind by finally picking up all those books you were supposed to read in school.
62. Plan: Always have a plan for your life, so you’ll know what you’re working toward.
63. Quit procrastinating: Resolve to get moving, and you’ll find that you have much more time than you originally realized.
64. Get inspired by a book: Read a book that will help you spark positive changes in your life.
65. Learn from your mistakes: Don’t let mistakes get you down. Instead, consider what you did wrong, and how you can avoid doing so again in the future.
66. Stop worrying: Let go of worry, and know that the future will come no matter what you do about it.
67. Learn to play a musical instrument: Pick up a guitar, or even a harp, to improve your mental capacity and have something fun to do.
68. Work to your own advantage: Improve upon what you can, and let the rest fall away.
69. Think slowly: Instead of jumping to conclusions, carefully calculate what a situation means. Doing so can help you save relationships that might be damaged by rash thinking
70. Participate in a debate: Have a rational discussion with someone of similar intellect to improve your knowledge.
71. Learn a new language: Broaden your horizons by learning how to speak a new language.
72. Visit Wikipedia: Spend some time on Wikipedia learning lots of interesting facts you’ve never realized before.

Habits

Make these changes in your daily life to improve upon yourself.

73. Quit smoking: It’s the single most important thing you can do for your health, appearance, and energy. You’ll smell better, too.
74. Wake up early: Be an early riser, and you’ll find that you have more time to get things done.
75. Spend more time outside: Head outside to become more active and enjoy the world around you.
76. Be organized: Make things easier on yourself by living a more organized life.

At Work

You spend so much time at work, but probably don’t often consider how you can improve upon this important facet of your life. Take these steps to make things just a little bit better.

77. Make friends with your coworkers: One of the easiest and most important things you can do to improve your career is to practice inner networking. Socialize with your coworkers, and they’ll be more willing to help you when you need it.
78. Improve your writing skills: If you improve upon your writing skills, you’ll instantly sound more intelligent and persuasive.
79. Collaborate: Don’t go it alone-ask for help, and give help in return.
80. Keep your inbox empty: Reduce anxiety and simplify by clearing out your inbox as much as you can.
81. Leave work at the door: Don’t bring work home with you, or you’ll stress yourself out at home.
82. Join a professional association: Network with others in your field for fun and career advancement.
83. Ask for a raise: Simply asking for a raise you deserve is a no-brainer way to feel better about work and your paycheck.
84. Improve your resume: If you’re not happy with your job, give your resume a facelift and consider seeking a new position.
85. Improve your system: If you’ve got a messy desk, or generally lead a disorganized work life, take charge by reorganizing.
86. Start your own business: One of the best ways to improve your career is to go into business for yourself.

In Your Community

Getting involved in your community is a great way to improve upon your life. Try these methods for getting out there.

87. Vote: Impact your community’s future by participating in the election of officials.
88. Donate unused items: Instead of holding a garage sale, pass your old items on to people who need them-like books to schools, and clothing to shelters.
89. Support charitable endeavors: Whether it’s with money or time, do what you can to help out charities in your community.
90. Be a coach: Offer to coach a youth sport, and you’ll shape young lives while having fun.
91. Visit your local library: Take advantage of your community’s library to both save money and broaden your mind.

In the Environment

An excellent way to improve upon yourself is to reduce the negative impact you have on the world. Take these steps to get greener and change your life for the better.

92. Work to reduce your carbon emissions: Find out about the many things you can do to help cut your carbon emissions, and then take action on them.
93. Improve your gas mileage: Drive more slowly and coast as much as you can to improve your gas mileage.
94. Turn off the lights: Cut your waste and energy bill by turning off your lights whenever you don’t need them.
95. Get a reusable water bottle: Keep plastic water bottles out of our landfills by getting a container you can use over and over again.
96. Reduce your trash: Take steps to cut down on the waste you put in landfills.
97. Buy local and organic food: Support your health and local farmer by purchasing local, organic produce.
98. Adjust your thermostat: Let your heater and AC take a small break by adjusting your thermostat to reduce waste.
99. Stop using plastic bags: Quit using plastic bags, and you’ll both reduce your impact and save animals.
100. Take shorter showers: Save a precious resource by reducing the amount of water you use in your daily shower.

Dear Diary! It's Been a Long Time But a lot Has Happened!

So I sit here listening to the amazing vocal arrangements of The Weepies and I think to myself, "Where the crap do I begin?" I've been bad, I know! I can't believe I've allowed myself so much time to pass by since I last graced all of you with my wonderful wordage. Honestly, so much has happened that I have been dreading getting on here to catch you all up on what's going on. So, I've decided to only give you a brief overview of many of the things that have happened as of late.

If you haven't already heard, I've been "moved" at work, which means, I have taken on a whole new set up responsibilities at work. I'm now doing sales. Let me just tell you. It is an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow in something I haven't had a ton of experience with, but, I've found that I do have a natural talent for it. (Thanks Dad!) The money is quite a large upgrade as well, which I am not complaining about!!

Also, if you haven't already heard, I'm engaged. You can see the video of the engagement below. I did it at Medieval Times in California. Janae and I were visiting down there so that I could ask her dad for her hand in marriage. We're thinking we will do the deed in the Fall sometime. Let me just fill you guys in on my Fiancée' Janae. She rocks my world. She is the cheese to my macaroni. You guys, I have to say that I am a very lucky man! Janae puts up with SO MUCH, and I am so lucky that she hasn't given up on me yet! I seriously don't know how she does it sometimes! I am trying really hard to be better about all my little quirks and oddities that I have, but I am still just an ADHD, procrastinating, all fun no work kind of guy lots of the time. If you know Janae, you know she's 135% opposite of that. We definitely equal each other out a lot in those areas, and I think that's how we get along so well. But, either way, I just feel kind of bad that I'm getting so lucky! I often ask myself, "Geez, well what's in this for HER?" I guess she sees more in me than I often see in myself, and for that I am eternally grateful. Anyway, I am so excited to be married to this girl! She makes my life so much better! She makes me so much of a better person than I knew possible!

You know that person that all of us have in mind, the person we want to become, but it always just seems so out of reach, untouchable, unachievable. Janae makes me feel like I can really become that person and more! I finally for the first time realize that it's possible for me to break the mold I've built around myself, to become something I have always wanted to become, but never had the guts, or motivation to do it. I am so glad to know that I have someone that will support me in ANYTHING I decide to do. She will support me in a way that will only make my desires and goals all the more amazing, and achievable. So, I am publicly expressing how much this girl means to me. She is my life, my breath, my being. I am in awe at how much I fall more deeply in love with her every day. She is really the best girlfriend ever. Not because we never fight, or disagree, or get annoyed at each other, or anything like that. We're not this perfect couple that always gets along. Are you kidding? She's marrying TANNER PHILLIPS remember? But what we have is the ability to really communicate. We make it a point to communicate what we're feeling, why, what we can do differently as a couple to make things more comfortable, etc... We both have sincere desires to do what is right. We both have the same goals to live righteously, to raise our kids righteously, and to better ourselves everyday. Of course, my list of "Things to Fix" is much longer than hers, since she's so close to perfect in my eyes, but I have been really doing my very best to make the concerted effort to work on the things she asks of me. And for that, our relationship works. We always have a desire for progression and to me that is all we need to succeed in the great Plan of Salvation.

I could literally talk about Janae all day long, but, since I only have like 1,000,000 gigs of space or whatever Gmail gives you now a days, I'd better save some room for future posts.

On another note, I don't know if I've mentioned this to very many of you guys who aren't within my little circle of friends, but, we are doing a Non-Profit concert in September that will raise hopefully up to $30,000 for the Save The Children organization. I am working on the website right now, go check it out and tell me what you think! www.MusicSavesBenefitConcert.com

Also, I've started doing the Nutrisystems Diet thing about a month ago. It was really difficult for me at first, because I felt like I was eating 3 ounces of nourishment a day, but my body has finally adjusted, it is fairly easy now. I've lost about 13 lbs I'd say so far. I'm moving into the 2nd month of it, so we'll see how much more weight I can lose on this puppy!

The way I've been exercising is by riding my bike again. Can I just tell you how much I love riding my bike? It really is such a calming experience for me! I LOVE riding in the beautiful Provo Canyon everyday. Utah is such a fantastic place to live in my opinion. Anyway, I love that, and I'm feeling stronger and stronger as time goes on. I'm glad I did the spin classes for a couple months before I started riding though. It made my getting in shape period a lot shorter. Even though, now I just have to work twice as hard as everyone else to get my fat and increasingly less fat butt up the hill everyday.

Well, I'm sure there's plenty of stuff I left out of this, but for the sake of not having any of you read past like 5 paragraphs ago, I'll make this shorter. I just wanted to catch you guys up on the things going on right now. I am doing great! I feel like things improve all the time and I feel like I'm finally moving in a sure direction in my life. I am so grateful to the Lord for everything I have. I am so beyond blessed! I am so grateful to have opportunities to do the things I do. It really makes me so aware that the Lord has big plans for us later on in life. I'm striving to get to the place where the Lord can really use me as a tool in his hands. I want him to mold me into the person HE wants me to be. I'm working on that all the time and I hope that with your continued prayers and support it can continue to improve everyday!

I really will make an effort to write in my blog often again. So, re-establish the habit of checking it every hour to make sure I haven't updated it yet.

Sorry this is such a grammatical mess; but I just don’t care enough, nor do I have the attention span to go through this and fix all the grammar; like excessive use of commas and semicolons etc…

Look What Came Out of My Feet!!!

So, last night Martha brought over a device called the EB-305, which is used to cleanse your body of toxins, and other junk. All you have to do is dip your feet in this bucket of water, and through a process I'll explain below, it sucks out all of the bad things that have collected in your body.

Hard to believe? Well, let me show you the results video of our little experiment. Watch the video below, and then read on to have an explanation of how it works.

The Erchonia EB-305 was designed to create ION fields in order to detoxify and balance the overall energy in the body.

An Ion is a charged atom or molecule. This charge can be either positive or negative. These ions want to naturally negate their charge back neither to positive or negative but rather a stable position. Ions then seek out things of opposite polarity to negate that charge

The EB-305 device takes advantage of that natural occurrence to remove the unwanted toxins and other harmful free radicals from within the body, that are stored within the body. By using the foot bath and water as a vessel to transmit this Ionic charge, the body will naturally absorb this energy force through the meridian points within the feet.

This energy force will then attract the opposite polarized items in order to negate their charge and return to a stable position. This polarizing process has a similar effect as a television picture tube (this is why your television set always gets so dusty).

March For Babies -- I need the exercise

Hey everyone,

I am participating in March for Babies because I believe in the March of Dimes mission to save babies. Please support my fundraising efforts by sponsoring me in March for Babies.

You don't have to feel any pressure to donate; I just wanted to give everyone the opportunity to support the cause. I'll be walking this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Pioneer Park in Provo, if any of you would like to join my team, please, by all means; feel free to do so, all of you are more than welcome! You can sign up to join my team right on the website.

If you would rather just donate a few dollars to the cause, that is just as welcome! You can donate directly from my personal webpage with a credit/debit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage. If you want to donate $1, $5, $10, or more, it all counts!! I set my goal at $30 to donate, if the response is good, I will increase my goal. Even just a few bucks are really appreciated!

The money we raise helps save premature and sick babies. Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn death and the biggest threat to babies' health today, and through March for Babies, the March of Dimes is funding important research to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it.

You can donate from the following link:

http://www.marchforbabies.org/utskifiend

With your support, there's hope.

Thank you all for any help you can give! I really appreciate it!