Myth Dispelled?

I have often heard that a glass of wine a day is good for you.  I have never had any heartburn with this comment.  I don't drink, but it makes sense to me that all things in moderation have the possibility of being beneficial.  Of course, most that drink, indulge more than just one glass.  I watched a short blurb on Good Morning America this morning that dispels this myth...for women.  Men metabolize alcohol differently than women.  Apparently any alcohol consumption in women increases their chance of cancer significantly.  I guess significantly would depend on how much you like alcohol and how much you dislike cancer, but none the less, women who consume alcohol are at higher risk of getting cancer, specifically, breast, rectal and liver cancers.  

1.3 million women in Britain (whose drinking habits are parallel with those of American women) were involved in this research.  The average woman drank one glass of alcohol a day.  Of the population of Britain, 13% of breast, rectal and liver cancers in women were caused by alcohol consumption.  The study does not dispel the fact that a glass of wine a day (mainly due to the antioxidants found in grapes) is good for your heart and a glass of dark liquor a day is good for your mind, but researchers follow those discoveries with the statement that EVERYTHING you put in your body will have their positive and negative effects.  

So Let It Be Written, So Let It Be Done!

We recently received a court date to finalize our adoption of Leah Caitlin Bliss Trosper and that date will be April 17, 2009, exactly 6 months from the date of receiving her. This means we will have little Leah sealed to us on April 25, 2009 in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple at 11am and we will bless her the following day in the Orchard Hills Ward at 1pm. We love Leah so much and are happy that she will finally be our daughter not only in spirit and emotion, but legally and eternally as well.

Aint Misbehavin'!

Last night, Sarah and I joined our friends, Paul and Jackie, for the Broadway musical hit, "Aint Misbehavin'" at the Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City. Sarah has always loved the music from this production but has never seen it. We were both surprised that there is really no story line. It is simply a musical and dance presentation of Thomas "Fats" Waller's compositions. If you enjoy jazz and swing, like I do, you would enjoy this show.

AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' brings to stage the world of legendary Thomas "Fats" Waller. It represents the pre-war and war era of the late 30's and early 40's in Black Harlem; a golden age of honky tonks, jazz, swing and the stride piano. I found it interesting to observe the audience when considering the cultural influences of Black America....a cross section of America that Utah simply does not know or understand. There were a couple swingin' numbers that any other audience with a more diverse make-up would have resulted in hoopin', hollerin' and dancin' in the aisles. I did recognize that the number "Black and Blue" was received by the audience with great reverence and greater auplause.

I love music. I appreciate all music, and enjoy most genres, but there is only a few genres that are unique to the United States and they include swing and jazz. As I get older and older and older and....I find myself drawn more and more to classic jazz; you know, the jazz with the heavy African American influence; blue notes, crisp and clean chops, syncopation and a ragtime swing. I think there are many variations of jazz and almost every genre of music since the early 1900's has been influenced by jazz, but as Duke Ellington summarized, "It's all music".

If you get the chance, enjoy this show. It also features the sweet foice of Ruben Studdard, aka "The Velvet Teddy Bear" of American Idol fame.

Leah's Four Month Check Up

Say Ah!

Leah is fit as a fiddle!

Thirteen pounds!  How can that be?!  She is getting too big too soon!

Our Neighbor Brenda Works at the Pediatrician's Office.  Leah Likes Visiting Her.

Leah's First Valentine's Day Card from her Grandma Trosper

Today we took Leah for her four month check up with Dr. Mumford.  As usual, everyone was so excited to see us.  We learned that Leah is 24.5 inches long and in the 65 percentile.  She is also 13 pounds and in the 35 percentile.  Apparently she is going to be a taller, thinner girl with blonde hair and blue eyes.  Her motor skills are all advanced and she is healthy as can be.  Of course, we already knew that, but it is still nice to hear the doc tell you!

100 Things To Do Before You Die!

Sarah had a life list and I thought that was a great idea.  Her list contained things she wanted to do before turning 30.  We went hot air ballooning in order to check this item off of Sarah's list.  What a hoot that was.  Well, I saw this list on Amy's site and thought I would copy it.  The items listed in red, I have accomplished.  I gotta' get my butt in gear!  

1. Started a Blog (You're looking at it now!)
2. Slept Under the Stars
3. Played in a Band
4. Visited Hawaii (Five Times)
5. Watched a Meteor Shower
6. Given More Money to Charity than You Can Afford
7. Been To Disneyland (Like a Million Times)
8. Climbed a Mountain (The Big Daddy ~ Mt. Whitney, Timpanogos, Mt. Baden-Powell, Mt. San Gregornio and Mt. San Jacinto)
9.  Sang a Solo (Never a Better Hero)
10. Held A Praying Mantis
11. Bungee Jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a Lightning Storm at Sea
14. Taught Yourself an Art
15. Adopted a Child (I Love Leah)
16. Had Food Poisoning (Thank You, Panagopolous!)
17. Walked to the Top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown Your Own Vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa
20. Slept On an Overnight Train
21. Had a Pillow Fight
22. Hitch Hiked
23. Taken a Sick Day When You Are Not Ill
24. Built a Snow Fort
25. Held a Lamb
26. Gone Skinny Dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a Gondola in Venice
29. Seen a Total Eclipse
30. Watched a Sunset or Sunrise
31. Hit a Homerun
32. Been on a Cruise (5 times)
33. Seen Niagra Falls in Person
34. Visited the Birthplace of Your Ancestors
35. Seen an Amish Community
36. Taught Yourself a New Language
37. Had Enough Money to be Truly Satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa
39. Gone Rock Climbing
40. Seen Michalangelo's David
41. Sung Karaoke (Two Nights Ago)
42. Seen Old Faithful Erupt
43. Bought a Stranger a Meal in a Restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a Beach by Moonlight
46. Been Transported in an Ambulance
47. Had Your Portrait Painted
48. Gone Deep Sea Fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel
50. Been to the Top of the Eiffel Tower
51. Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
52. Kissed in the Rain
53. Played in the Mud
54. Gone to a Drive-in Theater
55. Been in a Movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a Business
58. Taken a Martial Arts Class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a Soup Kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone Whale Watching
63. Got Flowers for no Reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone Sky Diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a Check
68. Flown in a Helicopter
69. Saved a Favorite Childhood Toy (My Mom Gave all my HotWheels to My Neighbor)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a Quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been Fired from a Job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a Bone
78. Been on a Speeding Motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon
80. Published a Book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Brought a Brand New Car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had Your Picture in the Newspaper
85. Read the Entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and Prepared an Animal for Eating
88. Had Chickenpox
89. Saved Someone's Life
90. Sat on a Jury
91. Met Someone Famous
92. Joined a Book Club
93. Lost a Loved One
94. Had a Baby
95. Seen the Alamo
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been Involved in a Law Suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been Stung by a Bee
100. Visited Italy

Yet Another Post About My Cool Neighborhood!

Leah with Uncle Joe

Every year around Valentine's Day, our neighborhood spends the weekend at the Himmel Haus.  Himmel Haus is the cabin of Brad and Lisa Myler in the community of Timberlakes.  "Thank you" to Brad and Lisa for opening up their home for the building of such great memories.

We always have a nice dinner Friday night.  This year we had a turkey feast with all the trimmings; corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, salad and rolls.  Thank you to The Fransons and Webbs for planning the weekend.

Joe and Brenda Ashby

Jenny and Eric Franson

Paul and Jackie Webb

Brad and Lisa Myler

Janette and Kevin Franson

Trevor and Rebecca Sharp

Bryan and Jessica (and Shilo) Boshell

Linda and Gary Gray

I had a little too much Martinelli's that evening!

We played a fun game where we each answered questions regarding our relationships, then we shared the answers and guessed at who each couple went with each answer.  We learned quite a lot about everyone.  It was a fun time.  "Ham Sandwich".

Then we karaokeed!  This is Brad singing a love song to me.  haha.

For a great clip of our own American Idol, Eric, see below.

"Thank God, I'm a Country Boy!"

The guys made breakfast Valentine's Day morning for their ladies.  Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hashbrowns, Toast, Muffins, Milk, Hot Cocoa and Juice!

Nothing beats a fun game of Risk

IT'S TIME TO MOTOR!!!!!

Gary Gray found his ride of choice on this 800 sled

Joe had to pull one of the non four wheel drive ATV's up a steep hill

What a fun time...but I can't feel my face!

Gary and Eric

Brad and Joe

Joe on the sled

Joe's parking job

Eric crashed after powering through some deep powder

 

Happy Four Months, Leah!

Today marks four months since Leah's appearance into this world, both shocking us (by being Leah instead of Caleb) and pleasing us.  Happy Four Month Birthday, Leah Caitlin Bliss Trosper

This morning I had Leah duty.  She ate well and then celebrated her fourth month by puking on

me and herself four times!!!  Of course each puking came after I changed her.  

I finally gave up on dressing her and left her in her onesie.  She seemed content and the puking stopped.  It was soooo gross, yet she is still so freaking cute, so I took some pics.

The last few weeks, she has discovered her feet.  She is totally happy with just her feet.  No need for toys, binkies or anything else.  Just lay her on her back and show her hands to her feet and it is like Disneyland to her!

Daddy's Little Princess is growing up and it breaks his heart!  She is now wearing 3-6 months clothing, but not 100% of the time.  Some of the outfits fit and others are still too big.  

We have been meeting with our attorney regarding finalizing the adoption.  Leah should be legally ours on April 17th.  We are hoping to finalize that day in court and then hopefully be sealed on April 18th.  We were counseled not to schedule the sealing that close to the court date as the courts sometime reschedule.  Once we know for sure, we will send word.

Dad and Leah watching football on the television.  Leah loves the TV and this has me worried.  I already believe we watch too much of it already and I do not want to have Leah fall into this habit.

Sarah and Leah.  These two beautiful women are my everything.

Leah and Pops

She still looks pretty in pink

Happy Birthday Little One!

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ADOPTION IS AN OPTION

Caitlin's Mother sent us this article from Caitlin's school paper, The Warrior Ledger. It is written by Mikee Ferran and is titled, "Adoption is an Option".

A lot of people think that adoption is bad, that it means giving up your baby. But adoption is helping. You are not only helping your baby by providing a better life, but you are also helping a family who needs a baby.

Caitlin faced a life-changing decision that would make most want to run and hide. She found out she was just over four months pregnant. Because she found out so late in the pregnancy she was unable to consider abortion as an option for herself and her unborn baby. Keeping the baby was not an option because she was unable to raise the baby by herself; the father would not stay around to help her raise it. Her age also factored in her decision, and she knew she was too young and felt that, "it takes something special to be a mom, and I don't think I have that special quality yet." She chose to give her baby up for adoption, to provide it with a better life than she could.

The decision was not made right away. In fact, she said she kept putting it off because of the difficulty. But she got with an agency - LDS Family Services - and began to browse profiles of the future parents on the internet. She made a list of possible parents; first with seven, then three and finally she came to a decision on her chosen family. After meeting with the family and talking with them, she said they are soome of her "favorite people". Members of the family were telling her they loved her because of her decision to give her baby to them.

Caitlin has decided to have an open adoption - meaning that she can receive pictures and cards and can visit a couple times a year. She chose this type of adoption for the physical reassurance that her baby is well taken care of, and that she made the right choice of parents. The adoptive family will keep her updated and her baby will know who she is, nothing will be a mystery. She doesn't consider herself a co-parent, but more of a second mom.

Adoption is not a choice she regrets and thinks she never will. "The regret lies more so with getting pregnant. Choosing adoption helped an entire family. It affected so many more lives then just my baby's." Because of this, she thinks people should consider adoption if they are pregnant and not think of it as abandoning their child, but as helping a family and baby by providing it with a better life than is available.

Caitlin, we love you!

Recession, Recession, Recession! When is Somebody Going to Mention Jan?!

Okay, that title may be a far stretch at comedy (reference to Jan of the Brady Bunch who is sick of hearing about Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!), but is anyone else tired of hearing about the recession?!  At some point, we all need to stop talking and start doing.  The tough thing is, most don't know what to do which leaves us all in a panic as we start ratholing our money.  Ignorance in dealing with money can hurt the economy when times are bad, just as we have seen ignorance in dealing with money can hurt the economy when times are good.  We need to learn from our mistakes and make conscience efforts to avoid using credit, live within our means and to save money; to live more like our wiser and older Grandparents.  In the meantime, our panicked and doomsday dialogue is not helping.  It adds to the already gloomy outlook of the day and keeps consumers from spending anything at all.  People, there is a happy medium.  Why must we all live in extremes?!  There is plenty of good to speak of in the world.  There are many countries that are far worse off than we.  If we choose to be optimistic and then couple that optimism with wise and limited spending, we will eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel and we will be the better for having spent a short time in the dark.  

I have always thrived on balance.  I am not condoning the sitting upon the proverbial fence, for we know it is not good to be neither hot nor cold, but luke warm and spat out.  I am, however, saying there is a way to live within our means and still enjoy many luxuries and blessings of the well lived.  Like most things, the extreme stance on either side of an argument will likely prove to be wrong.  You want to live in the world, but not of the world.  In other words, there is no need to purchase the many things we purchase to impress the many people we likely do not care for!  Equally, there is no need to sell everything we own and live like hobos for the sake of shunning the material man.  I recall my Stake President in Chino, President Gary Galbraith...he did quite well, if I remember correctly.  I believe he was quite successful in the arena of neurology and held several prestigious positions.  I could be wrong, but I think he made good money.  With that in mind, I was always so impressed that he drove this beat up Datsun B210.  He, in my mind, had it figured out.  

This principle of balance does not only apply in matters of money, but in all aspects of life.  To be successful in business or the arts or athletics is a wonderful thing, but be mindful of the expense and always, always know where your priorities lay.  I have proven to be quite hypocritical by stating these thoughts.  And like most who preach to the masses, I suppose I too am a hypocrite.  I am trying though, and I believe I do better than many, but there are so many more that impress me and motivate me to do better; to serve more, and to attempt to leave some kind of legacy behind that influences this world for good.  If I can't figure that out, I am going to buy a nice $165,000 HUMVEE!!!  Just kidding. 

I apologize for the rant.  Truthfully, I sat down to record my thoughts about the recession and discuss this list of companies that will likely be out of business within a year (Chrysler, BlockBuster, Rite Aid, Six Flags, Krispy Kreme and Trump....again), but it turned into this.  So sorry.  Friends, find happiness where you are and allow the things of the world to add to that happiness.  Do not look for happiness in those things, or you will quite possibly find sadness in their absence.  Good night.

Biggest Loser!

American Fork has it's annual Steel Days every year in July.  This includes, among other things, a carnival, parade, musical events, concerts, fireworks, and several contests.  This year they are adding "Steel Days Biggest Loser" contest.  The entry fee is $20, and the first weigh in is February 28th.  There will be five subsequent weigh-ins with the final weigh-in being at Art Dye park the day of the big show.  The prize money will not even cover the cost of my trainer, but we know it is not about the money anyway!  What do you think?  Should I do it?  Chime in and let me know what you think.  If I do it, I am willing to accept sponsorships for a small fee.  Your company logo will be placed proudly on my 3x tee shirt, but as I lose weight and the shirt size decreases, the cost of advertising and sponsorship will go up.  Please speak up and vote Yes or No!

Happy Birthday To Me! HOLY CRAP I AM 39!!!

Yesterday was my birthday.  It was a good day.  I am not much of a birthday kind of guy.  I prefer to keep the fact to myself , but appreciate the occasional birthday wish from those that have a better memory than I.  I always feel bad because birthdays just have never meant that much to me and I understand they do to others....for instance, my wife!  Sarah loves birthdays.  My lack of enthusiasm for birthdays is a serious cramp in her happiness.  We have learned to compromise though.  She let's me celebrate my birthday with Joshua, her brother, who is also a February birthday.  This was of course a compromise that included a commitment to a huge 40th birthday party next year.  I think we settled on an 80's theme party.  Should be fun...as long as there are no presents.  

The day started well.  I fed Leah, which I enjoy doing, while Sarah made Dutch Babies (German Pancakes) and homemade buttermilk syrup.  MMMMMM!  I went to work where I found my desk decorated in crepe paper and a "Happy Birthday" sign, which was done by two of my awesome customer service reps.  There was also a cake from one of my resolution agents!  I truly love those I work with.  It is unfortunate my birthday fell on a Thursday this year.  Thursday is my busiest day of the week.  Thanks Shanna, Paloma and Greg for making me feel special.  I also received many kind words via email and IM from several others at work.  I get the feeling someone knew it was my birthday and shared the info with others.  

When Sarah asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I replied, "Bring Leah into see me, since I don't typically get a chance to leave for lunch".  She brought Leah in and I enjoyed showing her off around the office.  She is such a cute and happy little girl and everyone loves to see her.  Sarah also brought some goodies for the teams to snack on.  When I got home, Sarah was making me dinner, Rib Eye Steak and Potatoes Au Gratin.  Double MMMMMM!!!  It was a great meal.  In the family room was a table and chair set up that had several balloons and crepe paper decorating the area.  There was a big sign that read "Welcome to Hoopla Birthday Spa!"  There was an array of lotions and oils as well as a foot spa and hot wax.  The spa menu read, 

HOOPLAH BIRTHDAY SPA

Now Offering:

Marque's Late 30's Special

Party Hat Heaven

~ A minty scalp treatment complete with bristly massage

The Manly Manicure

~"Does this color make me look Metro?"  Not on your birthday!!!

Aging Feet Soak and Scrub

~Soak til you sing, "Happy Birthday to me"  

Bonus:  The smoothness will last longer than the 36 hours of labor your mother went through

Wishing Wax

~For hands and feet it's the frosting on the cake.  Burns like 1,000 birthday candles, but it's so worth it!

It was a relaxing night to say the least.   Leah slept the entire time allowing Sarah to pamper me way more than I deserved.  Don't I have the coolest wife ever?!  She loves me so much to do all this, (though I believe the pedicure was really for her benefit).  I took pictures of all of this, but have not found the energy to upload the photos.  OH!  I almost forgot.  Sarah made me a cool blanket and bought me the Best of Billy Idol for me to listen to during my spa treatment.  Leah bought me some chocolate and gave me a card that had a baby alligator on the back of a bigger alligator and read, "Know what's terrific about having a Dad like you?  EVERYTHING!  I hope your birthday is very fun and relaxing.  Here's something to enjoy at your spa.  I love you, Dad!  You are sooo wonderful!  Lots of love, Leah".  Of course, Leah is advanced, but not that advanced.  Sarah obviously wrote the card, but being the big boob that I am, a tear welled in my eye.  I hope Leah really loves me at least half as much as I love her.

Thank you to all my Facebook friends that left over 70 well wishes for my birthday.  That made me feel good.  I truly am blessed.  And I truly feel like I am getting old.  39!!!  That is one year from 40!!!!   Of course, I act like I am 21 and I don't plan on changing that.  I do feel old though.  I know some of that is due to my weight, but I seem to let winter weather get the best of me and my illness.  It has been particularly tough this year.  I am so tired all the time.  I can sleep anytime and anywhere regardless of how much rest and sleep I receive.  I try not to give into it, but sometimes I don't do so well.  I need to try harder.  I hate feeling lazy.  It is so not me.  

Here are a few interesting facts I found about my birthday:

• I share the same birthday as Roger Staubach, Hank Aaron, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bobby Brown, Don Cherry and Tim Meadows.
• Pompei was destroyed by volcano on this day.
• Roger Williams immigrated to Boston.
• The Mexican Constitution is adopted.
• "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 topped the singles chart.
• Bonanza was the #1 television show on air.
• Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin topped the album chart.
• "Patton" won the Oscar for Best Picture.

All in all, February 5th has been a pretty uneventful day since the beginning of time.  You know you are scraping the bottom of the barrel when you choose to mention, Bobby Brown!  Well, I love you all and I hope my 39th year proves to be the best yet.  I am so blessed already...I can hardly wait to experience what my Heavenly Father has in store for me now.