American Fork Biggest Loser Update

Well, three and a half weeks down in the American Fork Biggest Loser contest with one and a half weeks until the first elimination weigh in, and I am down 25 lbs.  I am happy with the results so far and am excited for the continued success.  I have had amazing support.  Sarah has been amazing and has made my lunch Monday through Friday.  My friends have been so helpful with encouraging words and motivating comments.  My friend, Jinky even created a support group on facebook for me! Thanks to everyone!  Some have made comments expressing concerns that I am not getting enough to eat.  What they may not be aware of is that my trainer does not make me count calories of most fruits and vegetables.  With that said, I am still falling short of my target calories on a daily basis.  I eat several times a day and very rarely do I feel hungry.  I can probably count on one hand the times I have felt hungry the last three weeks.  The nice thing about not hitting my calories goal is that occasionally I will have a bite size candy bar or a bite of something I should not have.  I never record it, and it is not anything worth recording.  I think a bite size candy bar has 42 calories, so it gives me that bit of a reward without much of a consequence.  I have resumed my injections and am already feeling better.  Last night when I used the treadmill I jogged at 4 mph on a 7 incline and it killed the arthritis in my back.  I wholly expected to feel it today, but I didn't.  Well, I need to go so I can hit the treadmill again.  Again, thanks for the support!  You are all too good to me.

Miss Leah Loo Melts My Heart!

Well, It has been a while since I have posted some pics of the little one.  As I was posting these, it again was brought up with Sarah her ability to avoid the camera.  Next time there will be pics including Sarah.  For now, here is Leah!

Politics 101...Mr. Obama Must Have Been Been Sick For That Class!

What a Moron!  I could say that President Obama's comments on the Tonight Show were retarded, but even most grade school kids know that this would be unacceptable.  So I will instead say that his comments were moronic, ridiculous, insensitive, not thought out and incredibly hypocritical.  Idiot!

The Boy In The Striped Pajamas

This film is a must see.  It is about a young German boy and his relationship with a Jewish boy within the gates of the Jewish work camp.  It takes an entirely different angle on the atrocities of the Nazi disposal of Europe's Jews.  It will leave you speechless.  Absolutely speechless.

Sharks and Jets

Recently I read an article in the Salt Lake Tribune online about a gang fight at the Provo Towne Mall.  It didn't sound like it was too big of a brawl; consisting of 13 participants who apparently did more strategic maneuvering than fighting.  Only one person sustained an injury; a cut above the eye from some brass knuckles.  I chuckled as I read the comments left by other readers. I share some of them here.

• Where is Paul Blart when you need him?
• The Orem 3rd Ward Mormonites trying to move in on the Provo Seventh Ward Nephites.  Two were mildly injured when struck with Books of Mormon.  After the brawl they prayed for forgiveness and vowed only battles of words in the future.
• It was the Anti-Lehi-Nefights.  They are the principle customers of the food court.
• Turns out it was just a church basketball game.
• I think it was probably Mormon Missionaries and Jehovah's Witnesses going at it again.
• The best deterrent is to have all the BYU returned missionaries practice their Spanish on them and try to convert them.  That'll disperse them faster than pepper spray.
• The long running debate between Sbarro Pizza and Orange Julius rears it's ugly head again.
• Pre-fight prayer..."Heavenly Father, we thank Ya for the chance ta...Ya know, come together in friendly competition.  Pray that we might conduct ourselves as worthy servants and that one guy won't use his brass knuckles...heheheh...and that we might all learn to be better gang members.  Say these things inna namea JC...Amen.  Hey, after we kick yer butts, meet us over at Mrs. Fields for refreshments!"
• What is the ward coming to?!

Of course, there were several rude comments directed at specific nationalities and religions as well, but I choose to ignore those.  I thought these comments were funny and of such you would only find in Utah.

ODELAY!

I grew up in a very diverse community, one that today, I would be the minority.  I was raised by loving parents that taught me to find the good in everyone and to love everyone equally, without bias to skin color, creed, race, or religion.  For that I am appreciative.  I love Utah, but in many ways, I miss the diversity of growing up in Southern California.  While the diversity is growing in Utah, much to the dismay of many, I have always appreciated my hispanic brothers from the south of us.  I have made many trips to Mexico and I love their history and culture.  I am smart enough to know not to categorize or generalize any groups of people based on my limited engagements with only a few...this applies in all cases, whether my experience has been positive or negative with the few, I will always try to avoid using a broad paintbrush to describe them all.  Thank goodness this is not done with me, or people may assume I am a barbaric Scot or a drunken Injun.  I am neither barbaric or drunken, thank you very much!  The closest I have ever gotten to generalizing a group of people is to say (making assumptions based on my experience) that first generation immigrants from South America are very hard working and appreciative of the opportunity they find here.  Even still, I will make the qualifying statement that I am sure there are in that same group lazy and unappreciative individuals.

This week I got my car washed at The Firehouse in American Fork.  It is by far the better of the car washes I have patronized here in Utah, but with that said, it would rank at the bottom if grouped with your average car wash in So Cal.  Why?  The Latin workforce.  When you get your car washed in So Cal, you pay half as much, have five workers attending to your vehicle and they produce a job filled with pride and perfection.  The cheapest car wash there is equivalent to the most expensive detail job here.  Our caucasian youth could learn a valuable lesson of hard work and pride by watching these Hispanic car washers.  Our Utah car wash owners could too.  Quite frankly, I am done tipping at the car wash for a mediocre job after paying way too much.  

Today is my free day.  I rewarded myself by visiting the McDonald's in Lehi.  I have been looking forward to a sausage biscuit for a week now.  I know that I am a dork, but that is not the topic of discussion here.  I went through the drive in and the conversation between me and the Hispanic McDonald's employee went something like this.

McDonald's Worker:  What do you want?

Me:  I'll have a sausage biscuit.

McD:  A what?!

Me:  A sausage biscuit.

McD:  What is that?

Me:  Uh...A sausage biscuit.

McD:  Yeah, what is a sausage biscuit?

I looked on the menu board to make sure I had not lost my memory after so long a period without one...

Me:  A SAUSAGE BISCUIT

McD:  Anything else?

At this time I completed my order and pulled around as instructed.  Totally baffled that this employee didn't know what I was talking about.  It became clear that English was the second language to this employee as was the case for every other employee there.  None of them could get my order right and the math to figure out my change was a huge issue too.  This frustrated me so I left.  I drove straight to the other McDonald's and was greeted by an English speaking employee who helped me immediately with 100% accuracy.  Now, I want to make it very clear that I was not frustrated that there were so many Latinos working at the Lehi McDonald's, but that the Latinos that were assigned to communicate with the customers didn't speak English well enough to properly communicate.  This is the poor performance of the manager and owner.   

There is a great benefit to the labor force in the inclusion of our hard working immigrated friends.  There is a way to manage them as well.  I don't know why I wanted to rant on these two experiences.  This subject is always such a sensitive subject; one which people tend to take extreme positions on.  Not me.  I observe it at face value.  If the individual has a right to work here, they better be fit for the job and do a great job at it.  If not, send them packing.  This applies to everyone, regardless of birth nationality.  If this were the case, then the workers and owners of car washes across Utah would be fired, so would the owner and many of the workers at the Lehi McDonald's.    

In the words of Dennis Miller, "This is just my opinion.  I could be wrong."

What the Heck Just Happened?!

I had a good morning with Leah today so that Sarah could sleep in. She was so happy from the second I un-bundled her to the second I left. She ate well, burped well, and smiled the entire time. As I look back, I have two thoughts...

1) How is it that you can love something so much and so quickly as this little baby?! Everyone warned me that it would be like this, but life has more meaning and purpose now and it is all because of Leah. My life had meaning and purpose before, but caring for Sarah (a totally capable adult) is so different than doing so for an infant. I don't even do much of it. Sarah is totally on top of things and I occasionally get to feed her or change a (wet only) diaper. Sarah is an awesome Mom. I dread the day I will have to take care of Leah when Sarah is away for a trip or something. I will not know what to do.

2) Where did the time go?! How did she get so big?! This completely stresses me out! Everyone tells me that they only get to be more fun as they learn and develop. I believe this, but they are only so tiny for so long...I want more! I love it when she sleeps on my chest and cuddles knowing she is totally comfortable and safe. I miss my littler Leah, but my love for her grows as she does.

Sigh.

Blessings

As I have been called to serve in the Young Single Adult Ward bishopric, I have been prompted to reflect on my time in the Chino Young Single Adult Ward. Lately, I have, much to the thanks of Face Book, reunited with many long lost friends from that ward. What a great time that was. There were sooooo many good people in that ward that provided so many amazing memories and experiences for me. I have recently visited with such friends as Bob Craft, Candace Wilson, Jinky Santelices, Don Chubbuck, Debra Hughes and more. What a great thing this ward was in my life. I hope those many experiences, good and bad, will prove valuable as I serve the young people in American Fork. On a side note, I found this song on Jinky's blog and I thought it was awesome...it helps that it was performed with Ukes. You know me...anyway, please enjoy.

The Happiest Place On Earth

You may have been led to believe that Disneyland is the "Happiest Place on Earth", but a recent gallup pole shows that Utah is. The AP reports: "Looking for happiness - It's family-friendly communities for some, tropical paradise or the rugged West for others. A survey of Americans' well-being, conducted by Gallup in partnership with Healthways and America's Health Insurance Plans, gives high marks to Utah, which boasts lots of outdoor recreation for it's youthful population." Apparently West Virginia is the saddest place in the Union. I LOVE UTAH!

FORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me and Leah before leaving for the weekend.

Well, this last weekend was the St. George Golf Trip. I was sad to leave Sarah and my little angel, Leah, but I was happy to get away for a little R & R. It seems I don't have enough time in the day lately. I need to find a gold mine so I can retire and spend more time with my two girls.Leah Loves to Suck Her Thumb Lately

I missed Sarah and Leah but had the opportunity to speak to Sarah a couple times a day. I was only gone for two nights, but it seems like Leah changed while I was gone for that short period.

She is Such a Joy to Me.

The Sunset as We Drove

I drove to St. George with my neighbors, Brandon Peterson, Alec Clark and Jared Olsen. I have been so blessed with a great neighborhood and ward. We had a great time talking and laughing on our way down. We did stop along the way at a Wendy's to eat (I cheated), but otherwise made great time. After dropping the other two off at friend's homes, Brandon and I checked into the Best Western. I love St. George. I could easily live there if Sarah would let me. Sand Hollow Golf Course...A Must Play if in the St. George Area.

Day one in St. George called for golf....go figure! The guys all went to hit nine holes at the Links course at Sand Hollow. I knew my arthritic body only had 18 holes (if that) in it, so I went to breakfast at the Bear Paw instead. It donned on me as I ate, that my love for eating out has a great deal to do with the social aspect. In other words, I enjoy eating good food, but good food tastes way better if you are eating with good company. Interesting. It didn't sound like I missed much as the course is quite simple compared to the main course. Alec did kill a rabbit with one shot though. That sounded eventful.

Jared Olson...golfer and neighbor extraordinaire!

Steve Jorgensen

May partner on day one was Steve Jorgensen. Kevin and Eric Franson put together the outing. The golfers consisted of good golfers to social golfers to bad golfers. The group included friends, co-workers and neighbors of the Fransons. It was a good group and everyone had fun.

I hate golfing on courses that have Gentleman Dress Codes. I prefer shorts or jeans, personally. But, none the less, it was too beautiful of a course to complain.

Alec and Brandon Representin' the O-Hills

Alec Clark and Brandon Peterson...These two schooled me and my partner. What a great group to golf with though. No one took the game too seriously. I hate golfing with guys like that. It is a game, you know!? Anyway, The first round was Ryder Cup style, pitting Alec and Brandon's Team agains my and Steve's Team. I played well (for me) and felt good about my performance. We still lost though. Steve came on strong on the back nine which made it closer then, but it was too little, too late.

Pete, Q and AC

The contrasting colors of the Red Rock and the perfectly maintained green course made for a beautiful picture.

Me and Steve

I have never met Steve before this trip, but he seems to be a great guy. I really had a fun time golfing with him. Although, he probably would prefer a better golfer, I wouldn't mind being partnered with him on the next trip.

Golfing in Utah has to be one of the most picturesque places to golf in the U.S. The backdrop where e're you go is great!

I don't know if you can see this picture too well. Click on it and look at the tee boxes between the rock formations. This is taken from the green. and over the canyon you must clear to safety.

Meadowbrook in the Heezy! Jared Olsen, Kevin Franson, Brandon Peterson, Me, Eric Franson and Alec Clark

One of my three partners, Jared McLaughlin (Hopefully I spelled it right.) Beautiful Backdrop, eh?

Day too was golfing at Green Springs in Washington, UT. We played a Las Vegas Scramble with a Lone Ranger at each hole. If you have never played this way before, you should. It was a hoot. Our team lost, but we did have 9 Lone Ranger points which were the highest. I provided 4 of the 5 Lone Ranger points and thus was very happy with my play that day. I golfed an 88.

Gary Chipman at hole 1 at Green Springs Golf Club

We had a couple guys back out at the last minute, but luckily, my friend, Gary Chipman was able to drive down in time. I was fortunate to have him on my team the second day. I love golfing with Gary. We are never short on things to discuss or frivolity. Thanks for coming, Gary!

A beautiful day for golf in a beautiful locale.

I had a fun time and hope to be invited to future tournaments. There was great company, a good time, and a perfect format. Thanks, Eric and Kevin! The only way it could have been any better is if Sarah and Leah came down with me. Oh well, maybe next time.

Q Is A Big Loser!

As many of you know, I have registered with the American Fork Steel Days Biggest Loser Contest.  I really don't care if I win or not, but I thought it would be a good motivator.  It has been a few days so far and so far so good.  I have been tempted the last day to drink a soda or eat food I know I shouldn't eat.  I am worried if I am already feeling this temptation now, will I have the will power to complete the journey?  

When I began the Biggest Loser contest, I started a blog so that I can track what steps I take along the way and analyze what works and what doesn't work.  Initially, I made that blog private due to the fact that I am embarrassed of my big fat ass!  At this point, I feel the more people I have supporting me and watching me, the more pressure I will feel to stick with it and not look like a loser in the other sense!  Anyway.  I don't know if that made sense or not, but here is the blog anyway.  Please feel free to leave comments, I am depending on you all to fuel the motivational fire I need to finish the race.

www.qisabigloser.blogspot.com 

The Only Thing That Doesn't Change Is The Fact That Everything Changes!

Change is good, right? I think the attitude regarding the change has much to do with how good that change proves to be. In other words, if you approach the change with excitement and the proper perspective, you will find your experience positive. If you approach the change with the expectancy of the change to be a negative experience, it likely will be. We often magically create the results we expect and thus are secretly wanting. We are sometimes sick individuals as we often sabotage ourselves when it is not necessary. I think I am babbling here!

Today I accepted a call from the American Fork West Stake to join the Meadowbrook Young Single Adult Ward as the Ward Clerk. I did so with some reluctancy. Of course, a change in calling often affects people other than yourself. In this case, it also affects Sarah, Leah, Rob Casale, the Valiant 10 class, my goatee and myself. For these reasons, I struggled to know whether I should accept the calling or not. Of course I did accept it...it's what we do. With that said, I am very excited as well. I love the youth (young single adults included) of the church dearly. I am certain this will be a fun experience and I hope to influence those I am called to serve. I am positive I will be influenced by them. I will be working with Brad Myler and his two counselors as well as Bro. Anderig from the Stake. Brad is a great example to me of righteous living and generosity. I only met the others today and they all seem like good men. I am sure I will enjoy this new calling. Sarah and I are both going to make sacrifices, but I believe the Lord will bless us for them.

On a funny note, or maybe not a funny note; when I told Wade Griffiths, it went something like this:
Q - Wade, it was nice knowing you, but I am leaving the ward.
Wade - Why? (sincere look of disappointment) Are you guys moving?
Q - Well, I will be attending a different ward, but Sarah will be staying in our ward. Please take care of her.
Wade - What? (sincere look of sadness while throwing down his baseball mitt) You guys just got a baby!
Q - We aren't getting a divorce! (sincere feeling of guilt) I am going to be serving in the YSA ward bishopric.
Wade - Sigh (sincere look of relief)

Sorry, Wade. There are few people I know that are as good as Wade. Wade, You are the Man!

I Concur, Mr. Rush. I Concur!

I could not agree more with what Rush says.  What I want to know is this:  When did accountability become a dirty word?

God Bless the U.S.A.

Larry H. Miller, RIP

We all die and everyone knows it. It just sucks to lose good people.

Larry, you will be missed by this community.
1944-2009
RIP