Weight Watchers

For the past 8-9 months my wife has been doing weight watchers on line. Like other diets she has done, I just went along. Other diets have not worked so well but this time something stuck with her. I am proud to say that she has lost a lot of weight. I too have lost some just by following what she says to eat.
Now I loved my wife the day I married her and at her heaviest weight, but I have to admit I love her attitude now with the weight gone. She is more confidant and happy.
So I must say I am grateful for weight watchers and the program working for us. Not only is my wife healthier but I can say I will willingly buy her an outfit and not worry about the cost. She is able to shop at Old Navy and not the expensive Lane Bryant type store. So the whole outfit costs me 9 bucks instead of 80.

Windshield Fluid

Snow in Utah is beautiful. It also is a pain to drive in but the worse part comes after the storm as the snow melts. Every car gets that dirty gray color on it and the windshields are horrible. As I drove to work today I had to "Clean" my windshield 5-6 times. The spray from the roads get on the window and soon it is impossible to see. So today I am glad I had a full washer fluid in the Jeep.
Now all I need is new wiper blades so the grey goes away instead of leaving small streaks!

Technology (again)

Last night at approx 8 pm Randy got a text on his phone from a friend saying Pres Hinckley had died. We instantly changed the TV channel to KSL and sure enough it was being announced. I then called my mom to tell her, Randy texted Cod and several other friends. For the next 30 minutes his phone kept getting and sending texts.
What a great day we live in when news can travel that fast. Just a few years ago it would have gone by cell phones. 10 years ago it would have gone by land line phone.
We often forget how easy we have it. We forget what it used to be like before all the bells and whistles that everyone now takes for granted. I remember a boss I had that got one of the first “Mobile Phones” He thought he was so cool as he packed this bag that was the size of a laptop bag now that powered his phone. He also could plug it into his cars wiring system and with the rather weird looking antenna got calls most of the time.
Now most young married couples don’t even bother getting a land line phone (I often wonder why we still have ours)

Rock Music (Real rock)

I was working out the other day(well, doing my walking/jogging) and just kept hitting next on my ipod. I have a lot of music on there that I love but just not the best to jog to. So when Nat and I went to the store to look for some things I walked over to the bargain bin of Cd's. I picked up KISS and Scorpions and Styx. This I added tonight on my ipod and created a play list that includes these songs as well as Boston, old Bon Jovi, Def Leopard, old Rod Stewart, some Led Zeppelin and Maynard Ferguson. (His version of the theme from Rocky is the best)
As I looked at the list I had to smile at the memory's of 80's rock. Guess I am not as old as My kids say I am.

Friday Tradition

This morning I am having to clean...When we first got married Nat started a tradition of "Friday Night Clean" We basically do all the house cleaning and chores every Friday night. This lets us have Saturdays and the rest of the weekend open. Well, last night I didn't feel like cleaning. I decided that I would wait until this morning to do it. I knew Nat had plans with the young women that were going to take most the morning. I sure am stupid. Every time I do this I regret not following tradition and cleaning Friday night. I should know better.
Well I better sign off and go finish vacuuming since the kitchen floor is now dry.

Heat

I missed yesterday but I am still trying to be gratefuldaily! Today I must admit I am grateful for my cars heater. It has been bitter cold here lately and I remember driving a car without a good heater in High School (well it was a friends but I rode in it alot) The cold also makes me long for spring. I love the look of the snow and not having to do yard work but love spring.

Heath Ledger

In 1997 I was able to catch a new TV show called ROAR. Ever since then I have enjoyed Heath Ledger as an actor. I enjoyed the series and was sad when it left. (Thank goodness for DVD’s) As I name my favorite films he was part of some. Knights Tale, Patriot, (even Brothers Grimm), Ten things I hate, Casanova and the most anticipated movie character ever, that of the Joker.
Today I am grateful for a great actor and the work he was able to do.

Disposable Razors

Today as I got in the shower I reached for my little blue bic special of a razor. As I dragged it down my cheek I realized that I not only need to get a new one but that Nat had probably used it. (I don’t know what it is about non facial hair that causes so many nicks and dings in the blade). So I just stopped, knowing that I had no others to use. Last week when I got stuck over night missing my flight I did not have a razor. So came home looking scruffy and grey, (too much grey, I can't be that old yet) Well the whole purpose of this rant is that I appreciate my little blue bic specials. They are cheap, they work for a couple of shaves and are very easy. I do not like the whole electric way. I have tired both rotary heads and straight head but like my disposables. I even had a shave once from a straight edge razor but would end up cutting myself if I had to go that route.

4 Wheel Drive

4 wheel drive was indeed a blessing this morning. We got blasted by a big snow storm last night and the drive this morning was bad. I put the jeep in part time 4WD and had no traction problems. I guess I should also be grateful to the other drivers that all drove like their brains were intact. (The first snow storm in Utah I just stay home while everyone learns how to drive in the white stuff again) today not a lot of slide offs, not a lot of idiots gunning around you. Just car following car in a steady, slow, snail like pace.
I must admit that the snow does look awesome though.

Video Games

Yesterday I saw a TV show on the video game industry and it's History. Guess I am getting old when I can remember the time before they were around. I remember getting my first Nintendo from my brother and sisters. (They took pity on me in my divorce and thought I needed something to do) I appericatted that system, moved on to the super then N64. Had the first bulky gameboy, My first computer even before all this was a Ti99. I always wanted more. Better graphics and play and then it started coming. I spent some time playing some old N64 games on my laptop while I was out of town and then came home to play on my XBox 360.

Life before video games was good, I read alot, but I must admit I enjoy my games!

Home Today

OK so I was a little bit ahead of my self yesterday when I said home was my grateful item. Last night we sat on the runway of Newark airport for an hour so I missed my connecting flight to Salt Lake by 10 minutes. I spent the night in Cincinnati and flew home today.
So Today I am grateful for home. (also cuz I am tired and can't think of much else today)

Home

Home…the word carries a wide range of meaning depending on who you talk to. For me, today, it brings a smile. I am in New Jersey and heading to the wonderful Newark airport. (The security lines stink but they have a nice Chinese food place!) this afternoon for my flights home. (Again I smile). I love being home, the feeling of comfort etc can not be duplicated. The hotel is nice and traveling has its up sides but I love when I am done and heading home to my wife, the kids, the to do list that is waiting, the dog everything.

Having a Job!

Well, I am in New Jersey today to lay off one of my employees. The company that I have the contract with is also laying off people. Some times my job really stinks but at least I have one. Nat and I have both been through lay offs and 2 company’s closing. Before this job I spent 7 months unemployed so I know how it can be. So today I am thankful and very grateful for a job. (Even if some days I wish I didn’t have to go to work.)

Ipod

Well, I sit here out of town on business and after spending most of the day in an airport or on a plane I am very glad for my iPod. The movie choice on the plane was not the best and here in the hotel TV is even worse but I have my movies on my small screen and really enjoyed it today. I watch 3 shows of Family Guy I converted and the last part of Braveheart (one of my all time favorite movies) I also watched a Church film called Faith in Christ that was really good (I had not seen it for awhile) So today I am grateful for iPods. (It also makes working out a whole lot easy to do....)

Cell Phone Plans

Cell phone plans are nice. Cody called yesterday and we talked for a bit. He also called Saturday night while we were with Jo and Josh so he was able to talk with Jo. It is nice to know that he can call or text whenever he wants and it won’t cost more money.
I know I mentioned cell phones before but today it is the actual plans we have that make me grateful. Another reason for this item is that I fly to New Jersey tomorrow for work and know that I can be reached or reach home without extra money.
That is a good feeling

Sunday Afternoon naps (again)

OK OK I said this last week but today I got a late nap and it was wonderful..................

Saturday

Today is Saturday and I am grateful for that...pure and simple, a do nothing, lazy, sit and read or goof off kind of day

Old guy Walking

Last night at the gym, (yes we went to the gym again!) Nat went to do here elliptical thing and I went up to the track. I started walking and really enjoyed the pace I was setting. Then I see this older guy coming up from behind, I thought ok how great is that, then he passed me. As I made my way around the second lap this same guy passes me. I then noticed his shirt. Across the back was written “I walked a million steps last summer what did you do?” Well that was great I thought. On the next lap I was going to show him since it is the lap I run on. Well by running I almost stayed ahead of his walking. He made me do better than I thought I would last night. So for that I am grateful

Tape

My family often jokes about my use of tape growing up. I used masking tape or Duct tape for everything. I wore a pair of pants that had the hem in each leg held up by tape for a year. (Even washed them with no problem) An old army jacket that was patched with tape on the back where a tree limb had ripped it. Also on the sleeve where it got ripped while pulling it out of the trash where my mother had thrown it. ( She did not like that jacket after me wearing it so long)

While at work today I was busy trying to get my area clean and neat.(we are having big shots visit) one of the cubicle partitions started to fall out. No one could figure what to do. Glue, thumb tacks, even one used a nail and hair but it looked bad. I knew that I had a roll of packing tape in my desk so…with a little thought and tape the wall looks great. Maybe I better get more tape so I can have it in my 72 kits!

Exercise?

Yesterday Nat and I went over to the gym and signed up. This is a lot nicer than the last gym we signed up with. (We didn’t go a lot but we sure paid every month) We after signing up we went home and had a nice spinach/tomato omelet and then back to the gym to work out. It felt good. It was even easier since we have both lost weight. This morning I can feel that we worked out yesterday but it is a good small ache. So today I am grateful for a wife that pushes me to become better than I am and to actually go work out.( We even ran laps!) Thanks Nat.

I must admit that a few years ago I would have scoffed at the idea that I would be writing this let alone thinking it. I like fresh veggies! Last night at the trusty subway I added to my sandwich some lettuce and tomatoes which is the usual stuff I do, then I added some spinach. It was good. Never in my life would I have thought I would be eating spinach on purpose. Nat made a great spinach salad last week and I ate it as well.
Not only is it spinach but other fresh veggies. Guess I am getting old or something but I really like eating this way.

Soup Spoons

Last night I started to make a soup. Nat jumped in to make sure I did the additions correctly, so it turned out really well. As we were eating Randy said “Whoever came up with soup spoons was creative.” I thought about it, as I watched a piece of broccoli fall back into the soup for the second time. He was right. I was using a regular spoon and it was ok but not near as easy as a soup spoon would be.

Early Church

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or Mormon, means a couple of things. 1: next to family the Church is one of the most important things in our lives. 2. we go to Church meetings for a 3 hour block on Sundays. I am also in the Bishopric, one of the lay leaders so I have extra meetings on Sunday. Last week our meeting block was from 1-4 this meant I went to meetings at 8-11 then came home and back 1-4 with staying late every other week to take care of finance things. Well, we are now on the 9-12 block which is heaven. I go to my first meeting at 7:30 then home by 1:30 at the latest. This lets me start a long tradition of a afternoon nap that I have missed the last 2 years. Well, time to sign off, if I don't beat Nat to the couch I will be stuck on the bed. (The couch is much more suitable for a nap)

Plastic Snow Shovels

This morning we awoke to snow. Not the wonderful white light powder that we get so often, but the wet, heavy, gross 75% water slush crap. This stuff does not go through a snow blower. My snow blower is on the mend anyway so I had to shovel my own walk but I then had to go over to my dads knowing full well that his little blower would not be able to move this crap. Several weeks ago before my last trip to Juarez I bought a light weight plastic shovel for snow. I knew it was going to snow while I was gone and Nat hates the heavy metal thing I have had for years. Well, I must admit, I love the light weight shovel. It makes the removal so much easier.

Canned Air!

I decided to reorganize my desk at work. I moved everything off it and reset I up into a better working environment. I have not really done anything with my desk top for 6+ months so it was quite dirty/dusty. Canned air is a great tool for quick cleaning(or at least the appearance of clean) Now I know that all it does is send the dust up into the air and it settles somewhere else, BUT THE DESK LOOKS CLEANER!.
Now all I have to do is figure out why my printer is giving me an error message saying “Print drum dusty can not print. Please clean.

Cell Phones

I must admit, I am really not quite sure how we ever survived without cell phones. I remember growing up always having change in the car in case you broke down and had to walk to a payphone. (Come to think of it, I remember a lot more pay phones being around then). Anyway, yesterday as Cody was driving to Denver he called to give me an update, it was nice to know everything was ok. Then 30 minutes later he calls upset and very loud saying he blew a tire and what was he going to do! We talked and I was able to at least listen and offer advice even though I was hundreds of miles away. I got another call about 10 last night saying they were just driving into Denver and that he had made it ok.
Being able to call without a second thought or text is really amazing and something most take for granted. Sunday I was on the stand at Church sitting next to a counselor in the Stake Presidency (I am in the Bishopric) when I feel my phone vibrate saying a call was coming in. I hurried and grabbed it out of my holster not wanting the ringer song to start to play. I have it very loud, and the song is seasons of love from the play RENT. Well it was not a call but a text from Randy (my son) sitting in the congregation saying “Pay attention”. I looked up and thought “I have a clear shot at him if I want to throw this at him” but did not.

Cody

Today my 18 year old son is driving to Denver to basically start a new part of his life. I have 3 children from a previous marriage. (Nat and I are trying to add to our family through adoption. See my other blog for more on that) I am close to all 3 of my kids and love them all equally. But today, with Cody leaving he is in my thoughts. I am grateful for the relationship we have. It is based on respect and honesty. I am grateful for sitting on the floor of the family room and sharing fears, tears and just talking about what lies ahead for him. I am grateful for his laugh and smile. Cody, you have all my love and respect. You will do great at what you put your mind and heart too. You are that kind of man and it is an honor to be your dad and have you as my son!

Reading Glasses

Ok so I am getting old I guess. I can not see anything in front of me without my reading glasses. Now the thought of not being able to read is not cool. I love to read, so am grateful that I can. I also have trouble with up close work. (Trying to put the bookcases together was rough at times when things are a blur.) The problem with reading glasses for me now days is that I need them for everything. Holding items out a arms length is not as good as it used to be a few years ago. So how do you pack around glasses that you only need for up close work? I have taken to having them sit on top of my head.(I saw Glen Beck at a Adoption Conference wear his the whole time that way) (Nat says I am just trying to age gracefully) Or when I wear a sport coat or suit, they are in the pocket. I must admit that I do look cool in my glasses.