A time of renewal

Whether it is the fresh snow all around, the thoughts of another year gone by or the prospect of a new one, it seems that I find myself in a very somber/reflective mood lately. Here I am the father of six children. They are by far the greatest symbols of my life. I have a lovely wife that somehow keeps up with all of them and even finds time to be there supporting me. My job is great, and I work with some of the best people I know. I get to do what I love to do in my church assignment (teach) and really, life is pretty good. Its not perfect however. But is life suppose to be perfect? Can you imagine if it was? Would we ever be challenged and grow as people if we didn't have problems creep up? I guess that is why I get tired of all the negativity in the world. Life happens, and we just need to deal with it. Over the past few years, I have known people who have faced incredible challenges yet they persevere. Over the years working at the Credit Union, I have gotten to be friends with quite a few people. They will come into my office sit down and we will begin to expound on life, politics, sports, and religion. In those 10 or so minutes I have learned a lot from them. I have seen a couple of these individuals take life challenges and with a positive attitude make the best of a dire situation.

One such man was Gary. He was diagnosed with pancreatic/liver cancer. He and his wife were still quite young (early 50's) I had taught his daughter in Seminary. After a few chemo treatments, he decided that he wanted to live his last few months free of being sick from the chemo. The chances that Chemo was going to help was less than 50%. For the next few months he would pay me a visit. I could tell that he was in pain, but he always had such a cheerful countenance. We would talk about life and about his family. He had everything planned so that when he went, his family would be taken care of. He loved his family so much. He took his final trip to Mexico, and I looked forward to seeing his pictures. I will never forget the last day I saw him before that trip. He was so happy. A few days after he got home, he passed away. I never saw those last pictures. But when he left, he had left on his own terms, enjoying every last second. He wasn't depressed and he had left many memories for his family and for me. He was a great example to me.

So as I begin this season of renewal, I look forward to the future. My children are getting older more talented and at the same time I have less control over their lives. All I know is that when I slip through the eternal veil, I hope that my children will know me for who I am. I hope that I can convey to them my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope that they will know that I have loved their mom with all my heart. I hope that they will know that I have tried to be a kind person, caring about others. That I care about my country which we live and that I have tried to make it a better place. I hope they know above all else, that I love them regardless of the situations they may find themselves in. Isn't that what we all want, someone to love us unconditionally? Luckily all of us has an example of that, a loving Heavenly Father who sent his Son Jesus Christ to help us get through this time of mortality.

So as I think about renewal it is I am recommitting myself to the values and principles that I know are true. Doing those little things that will make me stronger and more knowledgeable, both in spiritual and temporal ways. If I can do that, 2010 will be my best year ever.

Football and life

So today I was at my son's football practice (I am the offensive line coach) and our head coach starts to philosophize with 11 and 12 year old kids. It was pretty funny and I doubt any of the kids were paying too much attention but it was a pretty good pep talk. It did make me think about sports and the impact it has on the rest of our lives. There are some great life lessons learned while playing sports, either in a team setting or individually.

Its funny, on this team the coaching staff all went to school together. So often times they are talking about the "glory" years. It has been a lot of fun though to go out there and watch my son improve his game. This is his first year and most of the kids have 2-4 years experience. In the last month he has improved so much. My wife asked me if I got tired of having practice almost every night. I have to say that I love it. It almost rejuvenates me. Anyway the first two games have been blowouts we won 34-0 and 40-6. This weekend we play our first region game and hopefully it will test us somewhat.

This weekend I am also blessing my son Joshua. He was born almost a month ago on August 7th (a day before Jacob's b-day). It is an awesome responsibility to be the father of 6 children. They are all different yet they share a lot of similar qualities. It is crazy to think that I am getting older and that means my kids are also. Jacob started middle school, Kira started Kindergarten. Each one of them are bright and intelligent. They are each good at various things. I look forward to many years of watching them mature into young adults. I am sure as a grandparent I will enjoy watching my grandkids do all the things that their parents did..but just a bit better. Isn't that what life is about!

The Randomness of Danny

So it has been awhile since I last wrote and I have a lot of random thoughts. So I will try to organize them the best I can.

Life- I am sitting on my deck looking at dirt imagining that someday I will have it graded out nicely and some grass with trees. It is a good thing that I have a somewhat active imagination. Last weekend I finally put my speaker out on the deck so now I can listen to pandora while imagining about grass and all the fun times we will someday have in my backyard. Hopefully that someday will come sooner than later and Jacob my 11 year old will actually have a place to play soccer or football or whatever torture he can come up with for his sisters.

I am also crossing into an interesting threshold of my life. 17 years ago on Sunday I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Talk about random, as I am writing this the song "one" has come on the radio which was popular 17 years ago) Whats crazy about that 17 year mark is that now I will be a member of the church longer than I wasn't a member. I think time goes faster as we get older. 17 years doesn't seem that long ago, yet my life has changed dramatically. I can emphatically declare that everything good in my life has come because I found my father in heaven and I accepted the atonement of my savior Jesus Christ. The challenge is just maintaining that faith and doing my best to emulate the love I have felt from Him.

We are also just over a month away from adding our last child to our family. Kris decided not to find out what we are having so we are trying to decide names for both a male and female. I have such a good wife and mother of my children. Jacob my son has been going to football conditioning camp three days a week since school got out. It is amazing to see how dedicated he is to doing his best. This will be his first year in football, but he loves getting in shape and trying to get stronger. My daughter Emma is busy training for her next ice skating competition next week. I hope I can provide the opportunities for her to really excel in that sport. Her coach really wants to push her and by next year my 10 year old will be doing a single axel. She will be joined at this competition by my daughter Kira (5) who also loves skating, but we are only allowing her to compete maybe once a year. Julia (7) is patiently waiting for ballet to start again, and we have to decide whether or not we are going to put her in the more expensive ballet school where they actually can become great dancers, or continue with the cheaper option. Finally my daughter Lily (2) is just being a typical 2 year old..who thinks she is the queen of the house.

Finally one last thing about life.....my brother-in-law is now in Kuwait serving the country. He landed there a couple days ago. He is a great example of dedication to Country and God and to his family.

Politics- Today I had lunch with Sen. Orrin Hatch. There was about 12 of us at this lunch so it was a great opportunity for all of us to ask questions and learn. Sen. Hatch has been Utah's senator for 33 years. Now some will say its time for him to go. But I will say that his experience is important and valuable for us in this state and for those that call themselves Republicans. I was impressed with his kindness and his wisdom. Our country is struggling right now. Those of us on the right see the new President as a liberal who is ruining our country. Those on the left is breathing a sigh of relief after the Bush years. I have been reading the Federalist papers and brushing up on my American History. If you study history you see these same battles every time there is a change of leadership. The real problem lies in the fact that no real debate is happening on the issues. We need to have active dialogue instead of the controlling party just pushing their measures on the American public. Good things happen as two people with differing opinions meet and discuss and come up with solutions. The real problem with America is that we are quick to point out the problems and not so quick to offer realistic solutions to the problems. We often take the approach that it is my way or the highway. Is this how we should govern? Shouldn't those that have been elected to represent us, actually try to do their job and represent all of us and not just the vocal minority? True solutions happen by listening to all willing to share opinions. By truly listening we are humble enough to concede when maybe our solution isn't the best and that a hybrid solution may be in the best interest of those involved. And so, as I look at our nation, I hope that we can remember those that have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. That we can look to the past to find the solutions of our problems and that we can come together as Americans and truly honor and understand what a great nation we live in.

The future of the Republican Party

I have been mulling this over since the Republican's crushing defeat last November. I consider myself pretty conservative. I believe in less government, I am pro life, I am pro-marriage. I believe in a strong national defense. I even believe in State Rights. I also think that at times the government of the US must step in and govern. There is a fine line in governance.

For the Republican party to rebuild ourselves and win back the seats that we lost we must begin to understand that the Republican Tent is large. There are those that are more moderate conservatives (believing for instance that the federal government does need to step in at times and implement programs on a national level versus allowing the states to make all the decisions). There are also those who want to confine themselves to the written letter of the law of the Constitution. But the two groups can agree on the basic beliefs, it is how those beliefs get implemented that discussion and contention often arises.

I get frustrated when one wing or the other wants to hijack the whole process. Governing needs to happen through discussion of all groups. It is this discussion that truly exemplifies a democracy. If we as a Republican party cannot look past our own conservative noses and truly try to understand where the Moderates lie on the issues (or vice versa) then we will not lead this nation. We need to get rid of terms like "Rhinos" or extreme right fanatics. We need to come together as Republicans, debate the issues, compromise when there needs to be one and take back Washington. We do this by getting along with another, recognizing our common beliefs and then getting down and working together to change America. We need to do what all great leaders have done, look at all sides and do what is right for all and not just for some. We can do that without compromising our standards, and in reality we will truly govern.

Read this great commentary stating what I just said ..just more eloquently! http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124112865488674761.html

May

The month of May has probably been one of my favorite months for a very long time. It was generally the last month of school. In grade school we always had time to go outside and mess around. Seemed like we had bike rodeos, track and field day, soccer games and lots of fun activities. May also meant milestones. Going from Grade school to middle school (my son is experiencing that this year), Middle school to High school and finally graduation and onto college.

As I think back on my life, good things tended to happen in May. It was during the month of May that I received answers to a prayer which led me to accept the Lord into my life. It was during those pivotal last weeks of high school that I felt the love of God in my life. It was a few May's later that I saw a Prophet of the Lord face to face within a few hundred feet of me. It was during the month of May that I was called to my first significant calling in the church and got to lead a small branch of Dominicans and help them prepare to someday become a ward and stake.

But most importantly it was a May 12 years ago, that I will never forget. That May, I took my sweetheart to the house of the Lord, and there we became a family. That is right on May 16th, I will celebrate 12 years of marriage to my eternal queen. We were so young (me 22, her 18). Yet we knew we were suppose to be together. I remember the excitement of the pending day. The conclusion of school and then within a week or so, we were in Logan surrounded by our family and friends. It was a bitter sweet day, as I had to leave some of those whom I loved dearly at the hotel to see them after the ceremony. But to leave the Temple, and there to see my parents and good friends knowing that even though they couldn't see the ceremony, they knew how much it meant to me. That simple ceremony, not lavish by world's standards, will hold through all eternity.

I have been to a few weddings in my time. I am always struck by the pronouncement that a marriage was only until death do us part. Yet when I went to the Temple, the house of the Lord, my marriage was pronounced to last for all eternity. Now that doesn't mean that it is certain. Both Kris an I have to fulfill our part of the deal, but if we try and we do our best, what we have built will last even once we lay our mortal bodies in the ground. So now 12 years later, we will soon have six children. My oldest is about to move onto his next milestone, and someday He will look back at the May's of his life and remember what it was like to be young. I just hope that he will be able to look fondly back like I can, and remember the May's gone by and remember that his mom and his dad began their life together in a May not so long ago.

Random Thoughts

I'm sitting here looking out my office window thinking..I really should be enjoying the beautiful day, instead of sitting in my office! Maybe in a few minutes. I have a lot of random thoughts going through my head today. First, I wonder how my sister and my niece and nephew are doing. Today (or is it tomorrow) their husband and father leaves for a year to go to Kuwait and provide service to our country. For the next two months he is stateside, and then they get to say their final goodbyes for 10 months. Jim's dedication to our country is awe inspiring. I know it is tough for him to leave his family, yet he has such a desire to do what his country asks of him. So even though he will be greatly missed by all in his family, I know that he is doing what he is meant to do, and hopefully the Lord's hand will guide him to make safe decisions and he will come back in a year to lead his family in many more years of happiness. But now, that burden falls on my sister. I am grateful for my religious beliefs and the fact that my sister believes in the same things that I do. No matter what happens they have the promise of an eternal family.

I have another brother-in-law leaving ...this one is leaving Logan. My family will miss the Cox family a lot. It has been great to have lived so close to family the past few years. My son will especially miss his best friend/cousin Truman more than he probably realizes. I know I will and have missed Mike the past few months. I don't have very many male friends that I really can "hang" with so I will miss that. The Cox family has gone through some really difficult financial times, yet their faith is just awe inspiring. I really don't know how they can keep the faith. So now they are headed to Cody, where I hope they can find some prosperity. For the next seven weeks, we will also be the parents of a teenager as their oldest son Cameron will be staying with us to finish school. Hopefully I can keep my hair from turning more gray!

Finally as I conclude my random thoughts, I have to say that I am truly grateful for my family. I love them with all of my heart and soul. As I try to imagine my life without them, I begin to get tears in my eyes. They are what I live for, they are who I am. My wife is probably the most amazing woman that I have ever met. Her love to our children and to me is as close to the pure love of Christ than I can ever imagine. She is pregnant with out 6th and last child. She is my eternal queen, the love of my life. I am so blessed to be part of her life. I don't let her know that often enough.

My children, are precious jewels. They are growing up so fast that I can't even believe it. I know of people who have lost some of their children. When I think of them, I can't help to think how I would be completely in despair without them. I hope that they know just how precious they are to me. As I contemplate the purpose of life, I think of how empty life would be without these family relationships. Even though my kids get older I can almost see in my minds eye, someday me as an old man sitting next to my love, and gathered about by all of children, their children and even some of their children. I can just imagine the emotions I would feel as I see the impact that my decisions had on many generations of my posterity. As I think that, I realize just how important it is to keep faithful and be a man of integrity.

I don't know what the future may hold for me, but I hope that when I am gone, that those who knew me will know me as a man of faith. A man that loved his family, a man that held true to his beliefs and someone who made the world a better place. I hope that I can be that sort of man.

Political Apathy

So last night we held our annual county convention for the Republican Party here in Cache County. Now you need to understand a couple things about Utah politics.

First, it is completely grass roots. Every two years in local precincts we meet and elect precinct officers, county and state delegates. These delegates then go to their respective conventions (either county or state) and elect people to run for office or every other year they elect who will lead their county or state party. What makes it grass roots is that if a candidate gets over 60% of the delegates to vote for them at convention they do not have a primary contest and can move onto the general election without opposition. So if you want to run for a political office, you better get your supporters to show up in mass at their respective precincts and have them get elected as delegates. But here lies the 2nd thing you need to know about Utah politics

In most of the State the Republican Party dominates the scene. Now you might wonder why this would be a problem for a die hard Republican like myself. Well it makes for very boring conventions and even worse, a general apathy amongst voters.

Take last night for example. Out of 500 delegates, only 150 showed up. That's right, and we were electing officers for the county party. Also there was no competition for the offices (which worked out nice for me as I am the new Vice Chair of the Party). So I have a goal to increase our attendance and excitement for the political process. Somehow we need to let people know that we need people to be interested in serving. Its good for our candidates to have opposition at times even within their party. Here in Cache County if you win at convention you are almost assured the win in November. But someday, that may not be case. We need to get more people my age interested in politics and especially Republican politics.

With that said, I am honored to serve my county. I do have aspirations to serve in other political offices in the future, but for now, my goal is to build up the party faithful and prepare ourselves for the next go around of elections. And probably most importantly to show people that politics can be fun!

Faith and Remembrance

For sometime now I have been reflecting on my faith. Its not that I doubt what I believe in, its just that sometimes I long for those feelings I had when I was "young" in the gospel. I often reflect on the changes in my life that led to me finding God in my life. There is a scripture found in the Book of Mormon :Helaman 5 in which Helaman tells his sons to remember key events in the history of the people. In order to remember why I believe, I also have to reflect on those moments in my history.

I cannot deny the feelings I have felt which tell my soul that I am a child of a heavenly father. Those stirrings began at young age for me out in the prairies of Wyoming. That feeling, stirring in my soul, led me down a path of religious searching. I will never forget the darkness I felt at times during my senior year of high school. Those dark times were often until until one day I was introduced to a light that would forever dispel the darkness. I will never forget those moments reading the book of Mormon in my room, pondering the implications of what I was feeling. I remember the sweet feelings of happiness I felt as I was taught about a plan of salvation. That there was a God that was merciful and wanted all his children to return to him. That even though my grandparents and loved ones were not part of organized religion, that they were not cast into an eternal hell, that even they were given an opportunity to learn.

I remember the doubt that crept into my mind as I made the decision to be baptized into a church that at one time I thought was weird and untrue, yet that doubt was ended by the burning feeling within my soul. It was like my soul was talking to some unseen force and it felt like it was coming home. I will never forget the power of darkness that tried to keep me away from that fateful day of baptism and the joy that overwhelmed me as I came out of the water and began my new life. I remember trying to be a Mormon while still trying to be with my friends. But you know, I will always cherish those friends from high school and college. Even though I changed, for the most part they honored that change.

There are too many experiences to relate from my two years serving a mission in the Dominican Republic, but let it suffice to say that I learned the real power of God and how powerful the devil can try to be. I learned that there are really two forces out there, good and evil. I remember coming home and having good friends who helped me to stay faithful. I remember learning new things about my relationship with God, and still longing for something more. That more came in the form of my beloved wife. I will never forget the day of our wedding and even though I had to leave good friends and even my parents outside the Temple of the Lord, I knew that the ceremony I was going to be part of would join me and my new wife for all eternity and not just for this life. It would be a short 9 years later that those feelings would be made complete as I was able to see my parents enter into the same temple and enjoy the sealing authority that now binds my family together, parents to children for all the eternities. I will never forget the feelings I have felt each time one of my children was born, and I look forward to the birth of the last of my children in August. There are many blessings given, responsibilities shared and the power of God has been in my life.

I have seen lives changed, people healed and souls brought back into their proper place. I know that I am loved by a Heavenly Father. I know that a man called Jesus lived on this earth and that he was more than just a man, he was the Son of God, the Messiah. I know that I am blessed to live in a time where the restored church is found. I know that even though it sounds crazy, that Joseph smith was indeed a prophet of God. He truly did see what he said he saw. I know these things not because it can be proven by fact, but because the spirit of the Lord has touched my soul in such a way that I cannot deny it. Yet, my faith wanes at times. That is part of the human experience. Our lives are full of ups and downs, yet when we really think about those ups are more numerous than the downs.

I know that not everybody believes in the same belief system that I do, yet I can still love all those that sojourn in this life with me. I am grateful that I have friends of different faiths. Because it makes the world a lot more interesting. And so even though at times I wonder where my faith is, when I remember my past, it gives me hope to the future and the reason? Because I know that I am loved by many people, but most importantly I am loved by a supreme being and that my friends is true faith!

Conservatism and rule of law

So on Friday night, I attended the annual Lincoln Day Dinner event with about 100 other local Republicans. The food was pretty good, the company was great (of course I was sitting next to my wife and my table was full of credit union people). At this dinner our Keynote speaker was Paul Mero from the Sutherland institute which is a Utah conservative think tank. He speech was pretty good and there was one thing that really stuck out to me. He mentioned that a conservative "conserves" values. I guess I had never thought about the root of the word. I sometimes struggle with the concept that I want to be compassionate toward my fellow human beings, yet there are core things I just can't believe.

Lets take gay rights for example. It has been in the news a lot lately. From a compassionate stand point, I understand what they are trying to do. It isn't right that a partner should not be allowed medical information even though they have lived together for many years. That information would be given to a non married heterosexual couple after they have lived together for the allotted number of years as dictated by the laws of the state. I can understand their feelings that they long to feel like their relationship should be seen in the same way as all other marriages. I do get it. But, there is something more prevailing than what society (or what some say the society says) is the norm. There are certain laws that cannot be broken. These laws are eternal in nature and honestly they are laws that some governments just do not understand or believe in, yet they are still eternal laws.

Let me explain with an experience in my life. For three years I got to serve my church by going to the local detention facility for youth. It was one of the greatest service opportunities I have ever had. Here were these kids, in jail. They ranged from ages 10-20. They were there for a myriad of crimes including accessory to murder and sexual crimes. One time I was asked why they should believe the same things I believe. What makes the commandments that I follow important for them to follow. So I used an example. I like to drive faster than the speed limit. Now I honestly think that some speed limits are insanely to slow! So I guess you could say that I don't believe that I should have to drive 25 mph near my house. Now if I get stopped and the police officer comes and says "You were going 10 miles over the speed limit" and I respond, "I don't believe in the speed limit" what will the cops response be? Hopefully he wouldn't arrest me but am not still guilty of violating the law, even if I don't believe in it? According to the state yes, and I would suffer the consequences.

So how does this example relate? These eternal laws are just that, eternal! We will all be held responsible and suffer the consequences whether or not we believed the law. Luckily though, in the whole scheme of things, the final judge is a merciful one, and there is always a way to come back. So even though I can relate with the arguments of those who want certain rights to be given to gays, up to and including Gay Marriage. The fact is, there is an eternal law which defines marriage. Now is there some compassion that needs to be shown, but how far do we go down the path and then deny the ultimate goal of which they are fighting for? Laws were established based off moral principles. Certain rights are inherent in who we are, but is marriage? If it were, then my ten year old son, could get married right now without my permission. But I think we can all agree that would just be wrong. I will end this post, by saying that I hope we can come up with a solution that allows all people the basic rights of knowledge and ability to act in the well being of those whom we love, regardless of sexual orientation, yet we must preserve the eternal institution of marriage, for it is an eternal law and cannot be broken.

Dominican Republic and a Humanitarian project

For the past 13 years, I have been longing to go back to where I spent 2 years as a missionary for the LDS church. Just over 3 years ago I became a charter member of a new Rotary international group here in Logan. After serving a stint as the club's president, I began to develop an interest in doing an international humanitarian project. Well what a better place than the DR! Over the past year I have been in communication with a few Rotarians in the DR and in New York. Its funny that while I was there, I was so engrossed in the culture that I don't really think I realized just how poor the conditions were.



We as Americans are so blessed, we truly are. We have nice houses, nice cars, running water, electricity whenever we turn the switch on. Yet there are so many of God's children not so blessed. In the northern area of the DR near the town of Santiago (and the same could be said of many of the pueblos in the DR and other countries) there are people living in the most impoverished conditions. The houses are constructed out of twigs and spare metal. They don't have running water, no bathrooms, no clean water. That is where I, along with my rotary club are going to begin to make a difference.

A Rotary club in Santiago, Dominican Republic formed a project and they are going to build 65 latrines (outhouses) so that every house in community of Los Higos will have a bathroom and a hand cleaning station. Check out some of these pictures:















The first picture is the old Latrine and then the new latrine. In February or March of 2010 a group of Rotarians from Logan will be going here and building these latrines. Can you believe that $250 pays for a new latrine. How many times do we as Americans go to the store and spend $250? Almost everytime I go to Sam's club or the grocery store I spend that much.

Today I gave a presentation to my club and afterword on the table, was a check for $250 from one of our members. I seriously teared up. I have had the opportunity to go to Mexico a couple times on vacation, and while I enjoyed it, I look forward to going with my wife and actually helping people have a place to use the rest room, a place to wash thier hands. I love Rotary because it gives me opportunity to help those less fortunate. You know you can too...if you want to help donate to the cause let me know and I can give you the address to our Rotary club and you can make a donation. Can you imagine how much good we can all do if each one of us, donates $10 and then invites our friends or neighbors to do the same. The world really could be a better place!

Kira in Figure Skating

Yesterday my four year old Kira participated in Logan's first annual Learn to Skate Beginners cup ice skating competition. Over the past few weeks Kira has been getting 15 minute lessons from Emma's coach Becca. Well Becca loves Kira and she has been trying to convince me to allow Kira to join the club etc. Well Kira is too young to join the club in my opinion but I let her skate in this little competition. Of course Kira was awesome! She won first in her division (granted there was only two of them, but she was by far the best!)

I am not too sure about having multiple skaters in my family. But it is fun to watch them perform! She was so cute yesterday really milking the whole day for what it was worth. She kept on saying "Today is my special day so...." She was very cute. Being a dad really is great. I am sometimes jealous of my wife for getting to stay home all the time with them. Now I am sure she feels the same way and wishes she could get away some time. But as they get older, I begin to realize just how much fun they are. It is great to see their excitement when they try something new. It is fun to see them learn new things or understand concepts that previously they did not understand. The one thing I am not sure about is the whole getting older aspect. In my mind I am still in my 20's, yet I am realizing that in reality I am not. Where does the time fly?

Emma at Winter state games

Figure skating and basketball...plus a little finance

So, I am sitting her tonight thinking about the fact that I am now in charge of two different sports. If you read my last blog you know I coach my son in basketball. (By the way...he rocked last week, 12 points a number of steals, some rebounds...and he took a game tying 3 point shot at the end, was fouled, but the refs didn't call it!). Well now I am the chair of my daughter Emma's ice skating show in April. Its quite funny how I ended up with the gig..lets just say they needed a few males to take over and keep the drama down!

So as the chair I get to make sure everyone gets along and that we produce enough income to break even. Have you ever tried to fundraise in this economy? My goodness, it is hard. But what is funny is that in a single day (yesterday) I raised $1200 for the Republican party annual Lincoln Day dinner...just by asking my amigos in credit union land. Four credit unions ponied up $300 a piece to have dinner and listen to political talk. Yet I approach them about sponsoring a local club and actually getting advertising....no money! Go figure. Worse yet, my own employer won't even back me up...yikes!

That raises another good point..where are we headed with this economy. I know we should just be positive but man, I get done talking to my boss and it seems like gloomy times in the industry. We need to have people just pay thier debts! You signed on a piece of paper you are responsible for the darn car or house or credit card. Why do people think they are entitled to "stick it to the man" when really they are just sticking it to themselves. Now I understand that there are circumstances where they just can't pay up. Jobs are being lost etc, but still go out fighting at least.

In addition Washington just keeps on thinking it can fix everything. I know I don't know all the details, but how many more bailouts are we going to have? We need to make it possible for people to keep in their houses, keep their jobs and pay their bills. Really we should make all those high level executives of these failing firms liquidate thier own investments and give it back to those they messed over! I really don't have a fix for this except following the principle of saving and spending only what you have..something I need to be better at also.

So back to my original thoughts, basketball and figure skating. I really just love my children. Its fun to watch each of them progress in their own way. We have in my family a sports fanatic (Jacob), a future olympian ice skater (Emma), a future world wide dancer (Julia) maybe another skater in Kira and well right now a complete spoiled little girl named Lily. Yet they bring so much joy to my life. And I am sure that whatever our next baby is (due in August) it will find its niche in the world....wow..what a future we have in front of us!

basketball and coaching

Sometimes I wonder why do I coach. Mabye coaching is like golf, you wait for that one great hit and even though you suck the rest of the time that one hit makes it worth it? My wife and my son and even some of the parents say I don't suck at coaching. Heck most of them think that I do a good job because I am so positive. But you know it sucks to always lose by like 30+ points. But its JR Jazz and its suppose to be recreation league. However it does seem like most of the time the luck of the draw just doesn't work for my team and you should see some of those kids, I swear they are as tall as most freshman in high school!

I probably should state that last years JR. Jazz team I coached we actually won all of our games, this year we will probably lose all of them. Maybe its the basketball gods conspiring against me or maybe it has to do with level of skill...thats an interesting thought. But I need to sit back and realize that usually I can see small improvement in my players at least some of them! How do you teach desire and agression without having them knock players over! How do teach a kid to stop whining win you suck at defense and your guy scores and get back to play? How do you teach your own son to move around more and get some dang rebounds without yelling at all of them and looking like a jerk of coach? And does it really matter? I come home, I analyze the game for hours while my son and I am sure all the players just go home and move on. I think there is a lesson there...it probably doesn't matter whether or not we get completly destroyed (50-12) what matters is that the kids still like the game and they are getting excercise. But really maybe the real question...do I still like the game? And I have to say, being a coach is better than just being the parent in the stands because, well I can only blame myself if my son doesn't play as much as he should or if he sucks...its all my fault, because I am the coach.....and you know..I am ok with it.