Ironman in a nutshell

Okay, before this all gets away from me (it has already been over a week) I need to take a few minutes to write and post a few pictures. I think I have generally talked to and shown pictures to most of the significant people in my life. If I have missed you then you probably not very significant (jk). Probably the first thing to start off is to say what an incredible experience it was. It wasn't a day after the event that I was already thinking about what was next.

Rich and I left Tuesday night driving half way from cold Utah to sunny California. We spent the night at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas. Nice room, nice hotel. Although we didn't get a shot of us leaving, this picture will have to do.


Before leaving Sin City, Tri-Rich had to take me to his favorite breakfast place, Blueberry Hill Family Restaurant. Mmm, Mmm, Good. Now there are 2 good things that came out of 1966. Stop on in next time you're there.

Breaking up the trip into 2 drives was a great idea because before I knew it we were pulling into Oceanside. Watching movies like Dan In Real Life and BTTF certainly helped as well.

Oceanside greeted us with open arms. Lots of sun, sand, and everything that comes with it


We decided to test out the run course and see how our legs and lungs would hold up. It felt SO good to run. I cannot tell you how good it felt. I was ready and I was loving it Can you tell?


Of course, after the run, I had to leave my mark in the sand


Tri-Rich was NOT happy at ALL about the temperature of the water. It was C-O-L-D. It's a good thing for wetsuits

After changing and eating a nice bowl of pasta we walked around the transition area and where the swim would start. There was a pretty strict rule that you couldn't get in any practice swims. Who would want to? Save it for race day. Just do it!


As our first day in Oceanside was ending, I found what I was looking for. The excitement was building

Pain

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." - Lance Armstrong

The sky is falling...The end is near

I really cannot believe we are heading in this direction. My favorite quote: "I'm hoping that it becomes a trend. I'm hoping that it catches on." YIKES!

Steal My Sunshine

Don't let anyone ever try and steal your sunshine. Heard this little ditty on the radio this morning. Enjoy the video and if you want the lyrics you can have them too.

Where are you?

Okay, back in December I blogged about ClustrMaps. It has been cool to see the red dots show up from all places over the world. So if you're reading this blog, could you take the time to respond and leave a comment on this post? There are many throughout the US that have visited here, along with readers from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, throughout Europe, South Africa, Russia, India, Australia, Mayalsia, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and others. Maybe it was just a one time visit, just browsing, but maybe you've come back for more. I'm curious as to who you are, where you're from, and if you've found anything interesting, funny, or helpful. Cheers!

I am Ironman!!!

Okay, maybe only half-Ironman. But I did it!!! What a remarkable experience. I'll write more and have lots of pictures to share. Life-changing, life-altering, whatever you want. It was hard but it was such an incredible experience. More details later.

Easter and thoughts

Okay, we (the children and I) actually celebrated Easter a week early. Hopefully, this week I'll get a few minutes to post a slideshow of some sort. A great time was had by all. So last weekend (Easter weekend) events happened that caused me to give extra thought and prayer on life, the true meaning of Easter, and our Savior Jesus Christ. First of all, someone sent me this video of Christ - The Bread of Life. A simple message that I recommend for all to see. A week ago Friday my cousin, Connie found out that her 5 year old son was diagnosed with leukemia. No warning signs at all only flu like symptoms for a couple of days prior. Within 30 hours of finding this out, Matthew passed away. So quickly, so suddenly, such a sad loss. I had a chance to visit with Connie and her family last Sunday. It really forces you to rely on your testimony, faith, and beliefs to understand how such a tragic loss could occur. My sister, Krat Krat commented on her blog that she spent the day with her children with a thankful heart for the opportunity to have them in her life. My cousin, Lindsay, had some comforting words about cherishing her children. She also gave a nice obituary for Matthew.

Deer Valley

Last Saturday the boys and I had the opportunity to ski Deer Valley. I've never been there before and had I not been given tickets I probably wouldn't have gone. Deer Valley has consistently been one of the top ski resorts in the world. We really had a great time. I could ski there any time. The boys did just fine. Jake LOVED going down the luge over and over again. JJ had lots of "Success". The pita sandwiches were great. Weather decent. Lots of snow. Afterwards we stopped in to see Michelle, Abe, and the darling Bella. They were out here this week skiing.

Happy Birthday, Clark

We got together this week to celebrate Clark's 42nd birthday. We met at the Left Fork Grill (sorry no link). Great place for lunch but you go there for the pie. I had a slice of Strawberry-Rhubarb but the best one was the Blackberry Cream. Yum Yum. Happy B-day, buddy.

I love this song

On the way to work this morning I heard Tommy singing:

Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law
Law man has put an end to my running and I'm so far from my home
The jig is up, the news is out
They finally found me
The renegade who had it made
Retrieved for a bounty
Never more to go astray
This'll be the end today
Of the wanted man

Oh Mama, I've been years on the lam and had a high price on my head
Lawman said 'Get him dead or alive' and it's for sure he'll see me dead
Dear Mama I can hear you cryin', you're so scared and all alone
Hangman is comin' down from the gallows and I don't have very long

Encircle thee

Can it get any more crazy? You never can tell. I just wanted to write down this scripture with just a minor change:

Behold, thou art Jeff, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore ^atreasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and ^bdiligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my ^clove. (Doctrine and Covenants 6:20).

Thanks!

Cabo or Cheesecake Factory

Rich surprised Sharla with a trip to Cabo for her birthday/anniversary. I took care of the boys and we had a great time except for the choking experiment. Once in a while I have trouble swallowing things like fries, potatoes, bread, tortillas. This time I couldn't swallow for 45+ minutes. It kind of had me scared. Anyhow, when Rich and Sharla returned from their trip we all went to the Cheesecake Factory. Fun gifts were given and I snapped the picture as we were leaving. Yes, it is still cold (below freezing) outside but Rich thinks he's still in Mexico.

7-10-31

Secret combinations? Locker combination? Lottery numbers? Nope, February birthdays. Krat, Matt, and Olive.

Welcome back, Kotter

The whole Manwaring gang came out to ski and visit friends a few weeks ago. It was so good to see them (if only to spend just a few minutes with them).

Sandbagging (Part II)

Okay, this topic started from an editorial I read in this month's Triathlete magazine. Actually, I woke up this morning to my buddy accusing ME of being a sandbagger. I was going to "copy" the piece here but since Mitch posted it it on his blog I think I'll just link to it. It's a good, funny article and it will help you understand the minds of the wackos that spend all of their free time exercising (or thinking about exercising). Enjoy

Sandbagging (Part I)

The key to athletic success is sandbagging.

Sand what?
Sandbagging is the art of sabotaging your opponent or training partner (and, really, is there a difference?) with mind games. You downplay your fitness. You plant seeds of doubt with an innocent remark about her aging sports equipment or his unusually pale complexion. You drastically underestimate the distance, terrain, or pace of the day’s workout. You use every dirty trick in the book to win, just like in real life!

How can you become a champion sandbagger—or just learn to recognize one? Simply study our handy Sandbagger’s Translation Guide. Soon you too will be crushing your ex-friends’ egos.

Sandbagger Translation Guide

Sandbagger says: “Take it easy on me, OK? I’m really out of shape.”
Really means: “I’ve been working out 25 hours a week for the past 3 months with my personal trainer, Sven, the Olympic decathlete. You are toast.”

Sandbagger says: “Whoa! When did you get so buff? Looks like I’m in trouble today.”
Really means: “How ya doin’,

Sandbagger says: “You’ll love this route. It’s pretty flat.”
Really means: “There’s 21,000 feet of elevation gain. Good thing I’ve been sleeping in my portable altitude-simulation tent. I’ve got more red blood cells than Dracula at a hemophiliac slumber party.”

Sandbagger says: “I think it’s great that you still use that classic (insert name of running shoe, bike, ski, ice axe, etc.). I don’t care what those morons at the Consumer Product Safety Commission say—the old gear still rules!”
Really means: “My brand-new, carbon-fiber, Micro-Cushion, Anti-Swerve gizmo costs 10 times more than your year-old version, but they both perform about the same—except that now you’re too busy imagining your hospital bill to keep up with me.”

Sandbagger says: “Hope I don’t slow you down too much today. I think I’m getting a cold.”
Really means: “Every day I ingest $100 worth of vitamins, seaweed extract, and powdered rhinoceros horn. I eat only organic foods grown by aging hippies in Oregon. I go to bed at 8 p.m. and get up at 6 a.m. There are more germs on Martha Stewart’s toothbrush than in my entire body. You’re the one who’s gonna be sick.”

Sandbagger says: “You’ll like working out with our bunch. We just like to have fun.”
Really means: “We make Game 7 of the World Series look like a quilting bee.”

Sandbagger says: “’Fraid I’m not going be much competition for you. My trick knee’s acting up again.”
Really means: “I make weekly visits to my massage therapist, my acupuncturist, my chiropractor, my yoga instructor, and my Rolfer. My worst injury this decade was a hangnail. I’m the injurer; you, pal, are the injuree.”

Taken from the pages of Active Lifestyle.

Measuring success

Even though he spells his name funny I think he has it right:

"The real contest is always between what you've done and what you're capable of doing. You measure yourself against yourself and nobody else."
-Geoffrey Gaberino

FYI, Geoffrey was a Gold medalist in swimming at the 1984 Olympic games.

Let's ride!

Back 2 Back State Titles (Lone Peak style)

Okay, I know that picture is blurry but let me help you out. Lone Peak - 67 - Bingham - 53. We have a tradition (okay so just the last 2 years) of going to the Purple Palace and watching the 5A boys basketball championship. This year we (the boys and I) went with the Andersons. Of course they were hoping that the Miners were going to pull off the upset. Not a chance. In one poll, the Knights are ranked as high as 7th in the nation. It was fun to watch, however, the better game was the day before when the LP/Davis semi-final game went into double overtime. At any rate, it was fun and afterwards we went to Grammy's for soup night (yummy yummy).

Happy Birthday, Jessica

Okay, last post for the night. I'm about half way caught up and it feels good. I think we (Kath and I) are sooooo close in getting sister Jenny to start her blog. Anyhow, a couple of weeks ago we got together to celebrate Jess's birthday. JJ, open your eyes. I think Hacob is possessed. And Olive is trying to take my picture. And yes, plenty of white stuff on the ground to go with the Valentine's Day celebration.

No more snow, please!

Global warming? I think not. At least not this year. We have had snow storm after snow storm. It has created lots of fun driving conditions but mostly, cold and snow. On a rare, clear day a couple of weeks ago I snapped this picture. Finally, we are beginning to see all of this snow melt. We have even had a bit of flooding last week in some of the nearby communities. My favorite quote went something like this: "Ya know, I've lived here 6 or 7 years now and I've never seen it flood like this." Wow! 6 or 7 years, eh?

Back 2 Back State Titles!

Okay, so I can swim a bit. I enjoy it and I'm getting better. However, I am not even CLOSE to these girls. Ali and Lizzy (my teenage sisters) played a big part in East High School's (yes that is where HSM was made) 2nd straight state swimming championship. They are fun to watch and there's no reason to believe that they couldn't win again next and the year after that. Good job, girls!!!

Chuck-a-Puck

On January 25th, Jake's Outlaw hockey team went to the Utah Grizzlies game. His team sold pucks for the 2nd intermission chuck-a-puck contest. Jake was so excited to skate on the ice with all of his buddies. Who knows, maybe someone will make a statue of him someday out in front of some arena.

Check me out, Dad!

Is there anything cuter?

Mr. Hockey

Jacob (pronounced Hacob) has played very well this season. It's been exciting to watch him play and improve each week. I would have to say that I cannot keep up with him on the ice anymore. It won't be long before he will be able to kick my butt in all aspects of the game.

Race with Gratitude

Clearly, I have lots to write about but I read this earlier this evening and I had to write it here.

"In the heat of competition, it's easy to get stuck on what is not going well, which causes you to lose sight of how lucky you are to be able to race. In the big picture of life, your finish time or place will have little bearing on the sun rising or the seasons changing. When it gets tough, remind yourself that you are the one who put yourself in the race. No one forced it upon you. Find that place within yourself that is grateful to be alive and fit enough to even consider undertaking a triathlon. For every one of you, there are millions who dare not dream such a grand adventure for their lives." (Mark Allen, Triathlete)

150 Days

Life of an eagle... The eagle has the longest life-span of its' species


It can live up to 70 years but to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision in its' 40's

Its' long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food

Its' long and sharp beak becomes bent

Its' old-aged and heavy wings, due to their thick feathers, become stuck to its' chest and make it difficult to fly

Then, the eagle is left with only two options: die or go through a painful process of change which lasts 150 days.


The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its' nest


There the eagle knocks its' beak against a rock until it plucks it out after plucking it out, the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow back and then it will pluck out its' talons


When its' new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its' old-aged feathers

And after five months, the eagle takes its' famous flight of rebirth and lives for .
30 more years

Let's go sledding!

I Scream You Scream

We all scream for ice cream. Nothing quite does it like Cotton Candy ice cream at Maggie Moos's.

Countdown, baby!

Just plain Nasty!

National Pancake Day

Yes, it really IS National Pancake Day. So in celebration, my dear friend, Rich, made me pancakes and brought them to me IN BED! I didn't take a picture but they were very good with several different berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries). If you didn't get your pancakes today there is still a few hours left for you to run down to your local IHOP and get a FREE short stack. Now, there isn't too many opportunities for free food so take advantage.

Move over iPhone

One from Peter and One from Joseph

Just a couple of thoughts. They were shared to me from a good friend yesterday (name withheld).

20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. (1 Peter 2:20)

17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully bdo all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed. (Doctrine and Covenants 123:17)

Stand For Something (another GBH tribute)

GBH Tribute

A touching story

Okay, I MUST write a post soon about the passing of our beloved prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley last night. I will miss his wisdom, strength, love, humor. I read an article by Carole Mikita tonight. I just want to quote part of it. The story was about the passing of President Hinckley's long time friend, Norman Rothman. Apparently he's been in a coma for some time. Last night, while visiting her husband in the hospital, Annette Rothman learned of President Hinkley's passing.

"Then I leaned over to Norman and I said, 'Sweetheart, I have to tell you something. President Hinckley passed away at 7 o'clock tonight. Now you can go.' Tears came down his eyes, and he died within minutes," she said.

Annette says one thing Norman promised her was that he would never die before President Hinckley, and he kept his word.

Smile!

Who's that hiding under those snow saucers???

Olivia and I had TONS of fun over Christmas break. One of our favorite things was to go sledding. Sometimes we'd take her friends and sometimes we'd just go just the two of us. This is a picture of Megan (under the blue sled) and Sadie and Olive (under the snow saucers). We STILL have lots of snow so if you're missing it, come on up to Utah and the FFT!

4 out of 6 dentists recommend smiling in Christmas pictures

Okay, I know that this is an entire MONTH late but I've been a bit preoccupied lately. Snapped this pic a couple of days after Christmas as the kids visited Grandpa Davis, Wendy, and the girls. My most memorable moment was when the teenagers got me to say something to the effect of "I farted". They seemed to think that was hilarious. Teenage humor.

Flash Fox

Last week, thanks to our neighbor, Randy, the boys and I attended our first Utah Flash basketball game. We had seats right on the floor and sat right next to the visiting team, the Tulsa 66ers. We had a great time. Jake probably ate 6 complementary churos upstairs. It was fun to sit right on the floor and give the visiting team a hard time. I would imagine that we'll go again. I took this picture after the game. The Fox is the mascot for the team. If you live around here, it's worth going to the game. They're fun to watch and it doesn't cost you an arm, a leg, and another private body part to attend.

Long lost cousins

During the Christmas holidays I was told that a couple of my cousins were in town and wanted to get together with me. I haven't seen Janna Cai and Holly for probably 10+ years. They were visiting their sister, Julie that lives here in the valley. It was quite a treat to see them and I really wish I would have had more time to visit. Janna lives way far away (in Kaysville) and Holly lives in Lake Arrowhead. Both of them have been divorced and the circumstances of them albeit quite different, both were quite unusual. I talked to Holly quite a bit what I was going through. She had a few helpful things to tell me. I hope it isn't another 10 years before we get together again. We really should do a cousins get together this summer. I have so many memories with the Walker girls of Brigham City. The summers at Clear Creek, The dead Easter tree in Grandma's living room. playing out in the pasture, picking peaches, I could go on and on. It was really good to see them.

My 2008 Goals (really?)

Okay, so most people know that I've been in the Primary now for the past year or so. We have a good group of kids and have the biggest class in Primary (15 five-year-olds). Today during Sharing time the EQ President handed me my individual goals for 2008. I guess this is something new. I guess your goals are now decided as a body of the Priesthood. Fine by me. They all look pretty good except for #5, #6, and #10. I can tell you that #10 is NOT going to happen anytime soon. Enjoy. If you want, feel free to make these your personal goals for 2008.

Couldn't help but laugh

Air Force quote?

I'm not sure if the Air Force really said this but I heard this quote this morning and felt the need to add it here. "If you're not catching flack, you're not over the target." How true, how true, how true.

Conversations with a child

Parent: “Who’s the leader of the home?”

Child 1: “Mom is”

Child 2: “Actually, the father is the leader in the home.”

Child 1: “Not in my home. That’s not how my Mom wants it”

Who am I

21 And said, ^aNaked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath ^btaken away; ^cblessed be the name of the LORD.

22 In all this XXX ^asinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive ^agood at the hand of God, and shall we not receive ^bevil? In all this did not Job ^csin with his lips.

JJ and Aunt Krat

Since JJ's first Christmas, I've always taken a picture of these two. These days, Katherine sits on JJ's lap.

What in the #$%@ is this?

For the past couple of years, the "older" kids have exchanged small gifts (in the white elephant fashion). This year my sister unwrapped her gift (a BYU hat and shirt). I said I would pay $10 if no one would steal her gift. Naturally, I unwrapped a Utah hat and shirt. I've worn the hat a few times but I think the shirt is still in the back of my car. Cheers!

14 in Jammies

Every year, Grammy buys PJs for all of the grandchildren. Then they line up for the annual picture. Getting all of them to smile and say "Santa Claus" is just too much to ask for.

2 Little Angels

For the annual Nativity scene, we couldn't have chosen 2 more darling angels.

Olive's Christmas program

So many cute photos from her school program. My favorite part was watching her sign "Silent Night". She and her friend had a small part where they were counting down the number of days before Christmas. Santa also paid a visit but he couldn't fool the 1st graders that he was the principal in disguise.

Gingerbread village

On Sunday, we sat down at the table as a family and built a Gingerbread village. Everyone struggled and it wasn't easy. Olive ended up making the playground complete with some marshmallow/toothpick contraption. My contribution is the "City Hall" on the left.

My Canadian friend

I was trying to figure out but I think Derek was the first Canadian that I met and became friends with. The Hollingsworths lived above us when we lived at Wymount. He was (and still is) a very funny guy. He's now a doctor and lives back in Canada. He and his family were in town last week for their oldest daughter's (Kelsey) wedding. Clark, Sandy, and I met them over at Maggleby's for dinner. It was really cool to see them. A couple of memories that I have a Derek: sleeping on his balcony on a mattress in the summertime, his alarm clock that would always go off and piss of the neighbors, and watching him the first time skating on rollerblades. I can't help but think he was part of my inspiration to learn how to skate and play hockey.

Look, Dad!

Olivia was so proud of her skyscrapers of boxes.

Merry Christmas

I took this picture of the kids just after Church on Sunday. Don't they look great?

ClustrMaps

I saw this earlier today and I thought it would be a cool thing to add to the blog. Down at the bottom left hand corner of the page is a world map. Each day it will update and show locations of why is actually reading this blog. Yes, it will be quite sad if there only ends up being 1 small red dot in Highland, Utah (me). It actually only updates once a day so there isn't anything there yet. You can learn more about it here.

More Happiness to me

My wonderful sister threw a great b-day party for me. Very tasty Pico (that my brother almost ate ALL of) and yummy porkos. I'm so blessed to have such a great family.

Happy Birthday to me!

The day before my birthday I spent lunch with 4 of my best buddies. We laughed so hard and not only had a great lunch at the Left Fork Grill (sorry no website) but the pies are quite tasty.

I'd like to return this....

For some reason I was thinking this afternoon about a favorite Seinfeld episode. It goes like this:

Jerry: "Excuse me I'd like to return this jacket."

Teller: "Certainly. May I ask why?"

Jerry: "........For spite..."

Teller: "Spite?"

Jerry: "That's right. I don't care for the salesman that sold it to me."

Teller: "I don't think you can return an item for spite."

Jerry: "What do you mean?"

Teller: "Well if there was some problem with the garment. If it were unsatisfactory in some way,then we could do it for you, but I'm afraid spite doesn't fit into any of our conditions for a refund"

Jerry: "That's ridiculous, I want to return it. What's the difference what the reason is."

Teller: "Let me speak with the manager...excuse me .............Bob!"

(walks over to the manager and whispers)

Teller "........spite....."(Manager walks over)

Bob: "What seems to be the problem?"

Jerry : "Well I want to return this jacket and she asked me why and I said for spite and now she won't take it back."

Bob: "That's true. You can't return an item based purely on spite."

Jerry:. "Well So fine then ..then I don't want it and then that's why I'm returning it"

Bob: "Well you already said spite so......"

Jerry: "But I changed my mind.."

Bob: "No...you said spite...Too late."

O remember, remember

At the last October LDS general conference, one of my favorite talks was the one given by President Henry B. Eyring. He talked about the importance of writing down how he has seen the hand of God blessing him and his family. I really felt like that was important. After thinking about it for over a month, I purchased a simple paperback journal from the grocery store. Each night I write just a few sentences about gratitude. It is a bit harder than you think. The first few days are okay, but after that you have to think. What it has done for me is to think, listen, observe throughout the hours of the day looking for the Lord's hand in my life (and the life of my family). It's been a cool experience. Now, I may not be able to write everyday for the rest of my life, but that is my plan at this point in my life. I remember back when I wrote EVERY day on my mission and then thereafter for a couple of years after I was home. After I got married it got more difficult to write. Now, I'm starting again. I'll let you know how it goes. A couple of days ago, I read an article called Catch some joy tomorrow. This is on one of the blogs that I follow. I recommend that you take 30 seconds to read it (especially, if you are in a grumpy mood today). Another article about the importance of gratitude that was in the Church News a couple of weeks ago. A study done by the University of Davis discovered that those that wrote in gratitude journals each day were 25% happier than others! Thankfulness is a choice. "Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done".

Once there was a snowman, snowman, snowman...

Okay, Olivia has NEVER built a snowman before. I find that hard to believe but maybe that is true. So, on Sunday after church, she and I built one in the backyard. Pretty fun!