What's in a name? That which we call a rose....

So what are your training plans for 2009?

Maybe they should include some Super High Intensity Training. Give it some thought

Nice ridding

After playing b-ball this morning, I still needed to do some training tonight. I looked for a good movie to watch, Dark Knight, Iron Man, anything with action. I settled on The Best Two Years. This is one of my favorite "Mormon" genre movies. An hour and a half later I was done riding.

Take the food challenge.

Okay, if you're like me you've been eating WAY too much caramel corn pops (thanks, Jenny), cookies, treats, and drinking WAY too much Egg Nog! So I read this article tonight. Here are the foods that I'm going to try and fix/eat in the next few weeks:

- Beets
- Cabbage
- Guava
- Swiss chard
- Cinnamon
- Purslane
- Pomegranate juice
- Goji berries
- Dried plums (prunes)
- Pumpkin Seeds (okay, I'm NOT going to eat these because I'm very allergic to them)

I'll have to find something else high in magnesium (like black beans, halibut, or spinach). Are you with me? Or are you going to keep eating that crap??? Go ahead, enjoy it and then die! Stop eating junk!

Ok, a pro I am not!

Okay, I realize that most experts say that you're not supposed to workout late at night. That usually doesn't bother me too much. I wanted to run earlier but spending time with the kids and then doing my "home teaching" it was a bit late. Didn't stop me. So I've been reading Jessi Stensland's blog lately. She's cute. Yesterday she wrote about a simple speed workout and I thought I would try it. I am not a runner (okay, I was a sprinter in my younger days) but running is my weakness. I need to get better. These kind of workouts MUST help. They just MUST. So here it is:

10 min warm up @ 7 mph
4 X (90sec @ 10 mph + 30sec rest)
4 X (30sec @ 11 mph + 15sec rest)
4 X (90sec @ 10 mph + 30sec rest)

I stuck to it pretty well but my 11 mph with only 15 sec rest probably was more like 30 seconds and my last couple of 10 mph runs probably had closer to 60 seconds in between. I was dying! My HR was around 186+. It rarely gets that high. I'm thinking to myself, "Don't die, don't die, just breathe and live." Anyhow, the Sandbagger lives.

Let's start bakin'

So this year we got Olive's cousin, Becca, an Easy Bake for Christmas. I don't think Olive knew much about it beforehand but afterwards, we was hoping and praying that Santa (or Daddy) would bring her one. I could I disappoint. I remember when I was young, my sister, Jenny Lou had one and once in a while would back me yummy goodies (or maybe I was just dreaming).


First step was to wash all of the items with soap and water. Don't forget to put on the apron.

Next it was time to mix the water in the cake mix. Tonights dessert was yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

Then is was time to put the cake in the oven for 12 minutes. Look at the concentration and skill.

The finished product. Olive ate the entire cake herself and then called her cousin to tell her about it. I'm sure this will be the first of many treats to come in the Davis household.

More traditions

Every year since JJ was born, his aunt Krat and JJ have a picture together at Christmas. Here they are again another year wiser.

Dad, can I borrow your camera?

Look what happens when the daughter and cousin start snapping pictures. Maybe Olive should be a photographer. She'd be pretty good.

Jammies 2008

Here's all of the grandchildren in their jammies (except Nate, he was feeling a bit warm). New to this tradition is Daija and Earl.

Merry Christmas

Our girl

We were trying to take a picture of "the boys" but Olivia would have nothing of that. She is "our girl".

Don't tuck in your shirt

So here's the story behind this photo. I'm 42. My boys are "cool" teenagers. Clearly, I'm not as cool. My shirt was a tad bit long so I tucked it in. My boys thought that was a bit gay. They wouldn't even get in the picture with my shirt tucked in. "Take your shirt out, Dad!" I'm trying to explain that I am a hip dad. Maybe I'm not.

Mr. Inkley's

Blaine is turning out to be a pretty good photographer. Here are some of the pictures that did not make our Christmas picture but were very good and I wanted to include them here. Enjoy.

Happy Holidays

Many should recognize this picture as it was the chosen one for our Christmas cards this year. If you didn't get one in the mail let me know. Our family theme for the past couple of months was service. It was a good experience. Live United. Remember that when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. We build the strength of our neighborhoods. We bolster the health of our communities. And we change the lives of those who walk by us every day.

Merry Christmas

I would like to give a shout out to all my family and friends wherever you might be. Some are sitting in snow, others on the beach, some without power, some are already finishing up Christmas. 2008 was a great year and I wish all of you an even better 2009.

I'm special

CONGRATULATIONS JEFF, YOU HAVE YOUR VERY OWN IRONMAN I.D. 146319

The Law of the Garbage Can

Back last May I wrote about "The Law of the Garbage Truck". I follow David's blog faithfully. If you haven't added his blog to your blogroll I would highly suggest it as day to day helpful "this is life" encouragement. Anyhow, so you understand this law. Now let me introduce you to the "Law of the Garbage Can". Many companies are going green and moving to a better environment in the workplace. I was working with Company A this week and this is what their garbage cans look like. There is a smaller garbage can inside the regular can. This smaller one is that one that you use for actual garbage and the bigger one is used for recycled waste (but not paper because that goes in a different bin. Furthermore, this is regularly (and strongly) policed by the company and violations are reported. If you are not in compliance you will indeed get sent a repremand via e-mail. I thought that this was completely hilarious. Do you have this at YOUR work? Let me know. One of the guys that I was working with often likes to play pranks on other coworkers by filling up their tiny "waste" can and getting them in trouble. Anyhow, that's where we are headed. Don't put your trash in the trash can, put it in the smaller trash can.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me

Okay, so this song has been around for quite a while. Just felt it important to share it this afternoon.



Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step i take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let ther be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With god as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

Happy Birthday to Me

42 freeking years old! I swear I don't look a day older than 29. I certainly don't act like a day older than 14 (comparing myself to my 14 year old son, Jake). Tri-Rich and I did the birthday challenge yesterday. It was great. I'm lucky to have such a great friend. I also got to celebrate with family with yummy cherry chocolate cake and presents. I'm grateful for my family and all that they do for me. Here's to 42 more productive, happy, and challenging years!

Birthday Challenge Round 2

So back last summer I learned about fun things to do on your birthday. Could there be ANYTHING better than swimming, biking, and running on your birthday? You own special birthday triathlon? Well, we took the platinum challenge for Rich's birthday. It was fun. Best of all, we swam OUTSIDE, we biked OUTSIDE, and ran OUTSIDE. Do you think that would happen in December? In Highland? Are you crazy? Well, after fueling up with a bowl of oatmeal and tasty smoothies by yours truely, we headed over to the bubble.

We snapped this picture just after we finished. HTFU is all that I can say. 4 miles is a long freakin way. All I can say is that it's a good thing I have this. We did the 4 miles in just under 3 hours (I know - nice and slow but again, it's a long way).

After pigging out on a mushroom, swiss burger and Butterfinger shake at JCW's it was time to move on to the bike. 42 miles on the trainer is a LONG freaking way when you're not actually moving anywhere. To pass the time we watched the Ironman CdA 08 replay, then the Ironman World Championships 08 at Kona, and then the half Ironman St. Croix. It certainly gets you pumped watching those incredible athletes. We finished the 42 miles right around 2 hours. On to the run!

After 3 hours in the pool and 2 hours on the bike, 14-15 minutes on the treadmill was a piece of cake. I'm pretty tired but certainly the endorphins are flowing today. What a great way to celebrate birthday #42 (which is actually tomorrow unless you are talking about me "legal" birthday which is on Monday). Happy Birthday to me! I do dread the day when I'm 59, or worse 69!

Thanks, Jennifer Lou Who Boo Anderson

Santa's little helpers

These two girls are inseparable. I think this picture was taken close to the North Pole.

My Christmas Angel

Certainly she's the most beautiful child anyone could have. "Daddy, can I wear my Christmas dress to church today?" How can I resist?

Mrs. Claus?

I'm not sure who this is. Any guesses?

False advertising or is this really true?

While doing part of my "online" Christmas shopping tonight I came across this product. My son likes this product line for the shower gel and deodorant. Here are the features of this particular body spray:

- long lasting fragrance (okay, that's good)
- stimulates the clothing-removal section of the female brain (is there really a section of a female brain that controls that? I'm me seriously?)
- feel as good as you smell (okay, that's good)
- smell like a hunk of man candy all day long (man candy? can I have a bite out of you?)
- effective protection (exactly what kind of protection are we talking about here?)

WeCU - We See You

That's apparently the new technology that you'll soon find at airports to keep terrorists from hijacking planes and flying them into buildings. Philip Baum, a London chap, says "The archaic system of an X-ray machine and metal detector cannot pick up other potential threats posed by passengers. I can have a ceramic weapon or chemical weapon and walk through an archway metal detector and it won't be picked up. Yet we have a huge faith in these metal detectors that can only pick up one substance."

Another "consultant" said "It is possible today to hijack an aircraft using only five or six able-bodied passengers who are well-trained in Kung Fu fighting. There's no technology in place in airports to detect a threat like that."

Kind of scares me but it also cracks me up at the same time. Is that possible? I travel all the time. I have personally seen with my own eyes that when a pilot needs to take a potty break, the able and noble flight attendants pull out a drink or trash cart and block the aisle so NO ONE can get through. They also use hand signals to motion people to stay far away from the front of the plane. I'd like to see 6 Kung Fu pandas try and penetrate that!

So basically, the idea with this "new" technology is that they (Big Brother) will be able to passenger's behavior intentions by simply scanning their every step. You'll step on these "small carpet pieces" strategically placed throughout the airport. These carpet pieces will have hidden biometric sensors in them and will determine what your intentions are. They also plan on putting similar sensors in the seats in the waiting area.

Now THAT is cool! We could then move into all other areas of of society. We could use these at work to determine if our employees are stealing from us are have any "intention" of working. We could use them at home to see if our kids are going to do their homework, or clean up their rooms or get involved in some mischief.

The applications are limitless! Want to read for yourself? More here.

Do you have any ideas where we could use this?

It's Friday and I'M HAPPY

James Fowler, a professor at the University of California in San Diego published a study recently that teaches us that taking control of your own happiness can positively affect others. In fact his research shows that happiness spreads among people up to three degrees removed from one another. That means when YOU are happy, a friend of a friend of a friend is likely to be feeling happier too! So I say, spread happiness. Spread laughter. Spread the love. It's a great season to serve one another and to be happy!

"Okay, I feel a little more gay"

So this post may not be the most politically correct, but that is what was said by someone as we walked out of Food For Thought today for lunch. Going to their website you read "Food for Thought is a luncheon-boutique". Indeed it is. The "boys" got together today for lunch and time to catch up. We try to get together on a regular basis but getting all of our schedules together proves to be difficult at times. These are great men (despite being seen at this eating establishment today). I don't beleive any of the blog, however. For your information I had the Caprese sandwich (fresh mozzarella, oven-roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic dressing on ciabatta) along with a bowl of butternut squash soup. Both were very tasty. So give this a try if you don't mind being the only man in the place. Thanks guys for getting together again.

O remember, remember (a year later)

So just over a year ago I started writing my gratitude journal. I've almost gone through 2 journals in that time and I still write every night. It has been a wonderful experience and I often find myself flipping back through past pages and reading what I've written. I am so grateful to so many people in my life and all of their love and support. Mostly I'm grateful for my family and our health and our love for each other.

Singing and Dancing

Okay, there wasn't much dancing but there was singing. And there was several readings. As part of our "service project" for FHE this week we decided to visit the Heritage Care Center. We entertained a number of seniors with Christmas hymns and Christmas stories. All of us took turns in reading the stories. It was a great experience and everyone had a good time. Afterwards we talked to each one of them and wished them a happy holiday season.

I'm hip

Check out this very cool Junior at Lone Peak High School. This jacket was purchased recently at Deseret Industries for a role-playing party a couple of weeks ago. JJ liked it so much that he continues to wear it to school. The girls must love it too that's all I can guess.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Before the holiday has come and gone (okay, it has come and gone) I wanted to record a few thoughts about Thanksgiving. The Davis family is enjoying a season of service. Service to family members, service to neighbors, and more. It has been a good experience for me and my children. The Thanksgiving meal was mostly prepared by Grammy with a number of dishes and deserts brought by brothers and sisters. He is the table of teenagers ready to start eating. I would recommend reading Kath's and Blaine's blogs to get pictures and the low down on Turkey Bowl 08. One of my personal highlights of the day was enjoying a nice slice of Blaine's Dutch Apple pie. Very tasty. Oh I almost forgot to mention the efforts of Super Mom who made nametags for every and Nutter-butter and candy corn turkeys for all of the kids. She is TOO cool. Where does she get all the time?

Happy Holidays

That you may learn wisdom

This month we have been focusing on service and gratitude in our home. We have had fun doing service for each other these past couple of weeks. I hope that my children learn to always serve others. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, tonight we went to a place where we got to prepare, serve, and clean up dinner for a number of women and children. I think it was a great experience for not only my children and me but also for the people that we got to help. We look forward to the next time when we can go back. Happy Thanksgiving to all

I'm thankful for SportClips

I would have to say, two of the hottest dudes at Lone Peak High School.

Much better, Jake! Now you'll be able to see the lax ball, and I'll be able to see you!

It's a Christmas.....er....Thanksgiving Miracle

This is what you look like when you go a half a year without visiting the barber. Today was the day. Could it really be true? Would the teenagers REALLY go through with it???

They grow up TOO fast

Bella the precious one.

When will it stop???

Today's free lesson from a donkey

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.

Live simply and appreciate what you have.

Give more.

Expect less

Max Hall treats

Yes, I'd like to order a case of these. My kids will love them. Maybe I could even give these out as neighbor gifts this Christmas.

Do you really want to hurt me?

Isn't this a bit ironic?

The sun will come out tomorrow....

Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow....there'll be sun. And guess what? It did. In fact, it was pretty much a B-E-A-U-tiful day today. I like that. Yesterday, #15 decided that throwing to the wrong team was not only fun but somewhat important. There must have been a big, fat check riding on it. I know that the Aggies were counting on the Cougars to come through so that the big, fat check would end up in Logan instead but it just wasn't meant to be. Anyhow, if you'd like to read an up close and personal account of the game you can go here.

Phantom Vibration Syndrome

Yesterday my sister mentioned that she had read that this was a real thing. You know, your phone vibrates in your pocket, or at least you think that it is ringing. You pull it out and nothing. Now this doesn't happen all the time but probably once or twice a day I would think. Anyhow, sitting here tonight I thought I would google it up.

USA Today did an article on it last year. One guy in the article says "It's some psychological expression of my need to always be connected." Huh?

I liked this article from Columbia University a few years back. There are lots of theories. One person said, "I think the phantom ring can all be tied into your love life or the lack thereof."

Too funny.

Or

Too real???

Heaven Forbid

Twenty years it's breaking you down, now that you understand there's no one around.
Take a breath, just take a seat, you're falling apart and tearing at the seams.

Heaven forbid you end up alone and don't know why
Hold on tight wait for tomorrow, you'll be alright

It's on your face, is it on your mind, would you care to build a house of your own.
How much longer, how long can you wait, It's like you wanted to go and give yourself away.

Heaven forbid you end up alone and don't know why
Hold on tight wait for tomorrow, you'll be alright

It feels good. Is that reason enough for you.
It feels good. Is that reason enough for you.

Heaven forbid you end up alone and don't know why
Hold on tight wait for tomorrow, you'll be alright
Heaven forbid you end up alone and don't know why
Hold on tight wait for tomorrow, you'll be alright

Out of this one
Don't know how to get you out of this one, don't know how to get you out of this one,
Don't know how to get you out of this one, don't know how to get you out of this one

A mustering of thougts

I was quite happy filling up my car this morning. So nice to see the gas pump only taking $30+ out of my bank instead of the $60+ just a few months ago. I was also happy to see the scale at "just" below 180 pounds this morning. I love oatmeal (with a touch of brown sugar and raisins) followed by yogurt. I'm NOT a big fan of text messaging right now. There are only 43 days until Christmas.

Training update

Okay, I know that I haven't posted much in the way of training lately. It's cold now so no more riding outside. I'm stuck with the trainer. I actually don't mind that as long as I have a movie to watch. This week it's been the Back To the Future trilogy. I've been completely slacking on my long runs so I was pretty happy with my 10 miles on Saturday and then another couple the following morning. I really enjoy my Sunday runs (okay they are more like a jog) because I usually listen to conference talks. Tuesday nights are dedicated to the pool and tonight my trainer put me through a fairly rigorous workout. I did a 300M warm-up then 10 sets of 50M at normal pace, 50 M at 80% max and then another 50M at normal pace. My times were pretty consistent and I wasn't too wasted at the end. I'm sure that I could go harder because my recovery HR was between 124-133 at the end of each set. Anyhow, I wish I could get more pool time in. If only someone I knew had an Endless Pool

Typical Utah fan

Nice Fisher boom-box. What are you listening to? Scorpians? Guns-n-Roses? Truth be told, this is actually Donovan's. He wanted to hang on to this fine piece of equipment but the wifey said no. Sadly this sound system did not make the move to So Jo. It did however end up at Deseret Industries where some lucky person is going to claim this one as theirs.

What kind of monster have I created???

Looks like THIS is what the Andersons did last night for Family Home Evening.

Cheaters

I know lots of cheaters in my life but give me a break! Oh well. Good job, triathlete wanna-be. This was last week at IMFL.

It's here

This morning when my radio alarm went off, it was playing "Joy to the World". I'm not sure I can handle 52 more days of Christmas music. We'll see. Regardless, the Christmas season is upon us. Maybe we'll put up the Christmas tree tonight.

Are we ready for what we are going to get?

Obviously not. I read another good article this morning by Thomas Sowell. There is so much saying this, saying that. Vote for this guy. Vote for that guy. He's for change? He's a maverick. On and on and on and on. Just remember to vote what you think is best. It's your right! Just vote.

October Birthdays (and then some)

Part of the Halloween celebration each year includes a birthday song (complete with the cha cha cha's) and cake and ice cream. This year we had the party on Mom's birthday. Congrats to everyone that is one year older. Although BA forgot to mention this, we also celebrate his birthday as well. BA you're old!

Boo!

BA has already posted great pictures and commentary for this year's Halloween party. My sister sure knows how to throw a great party, complete with creepy hors d'vores. The Doublemint Twins this year were Dorothy and a princess. The number of grandchildren continues to grow. This year we added the "Peapod". Next year there will be more. Also, of note, although you really can't see it, you need to admire the nice, new steps that BA spent last week constructing.