Life of fuegote

2011-12-30T12:26:00.002-07:00

Once in Royal David's City

2011-11-21T21:17:00.001-07:00

David City Flute part 1

Flute Part 2

Flute Part 3

Part 4

Silent Night (Parts)

2011-11-15T19:44:00.001-07:00

Silent Night with all parts:

Silent Night Soprano

Silent Night Alto

Silent Night Tenor

Silent Night Bass

Roscoe's Ts

2011-09-21T21:38:00.001-06:00

Breakin 3: Electric Fumbleroo

2011-09-21T21:14:00.001-06:00

Dancing Heaps

2011-09-20T21:37:00.003-06:00

Count your blessings week

2011-09-20T19:43:00.001-06:00

A dear friend of mine wrote in a recent post about counting your blessings, well my blessings.

I'm truly a blessed man and I find this a marvelous way for me to express some of the ways I am.

In one week I'm going celebrate my 10 year anniversary with my wonderful wife. That's the first blessing I want to share.

I always joke that I knew by the second date that I wanted to be with her forever. She didn't know until the second year. She impressed me that much from the very start.

When I first met her she was the first woman who could carry a conversation. I would talk with her for hours. She was always open, honest and candid.

She is hilarious, quick to laugh, sincere and empathetic.

My wife is brilliant. I've seen her overtake a college election, run several student and church organization and growing as she starts her own business.

She was fearful of having kids telling me after we had one that she never really wanted kids. I've sat back and watched her become the amazing mother she is.

Mostly she is the perfect yin to my yang. Hanging up in our room is one of those craft signs that says our last name with a phrase underneath it. Most of these craft signs say, "happily ever after," "together forever," or "est. 2001." This one reads, "She knew what I was when she picked me up."

She knew I was a wild and crazy clown and yet she married me anyway. 10 years and it feels like yesterday. She is one of the best blessings in my life.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

I HAZ A RUMBLE

2011-09-19T20:39:00.001-06:00

The U

2011-09-19T09:15:00.001-06:00

Protruding Maholes!

2011-06-14T11:30:00.002-06:00

Too Soon?

2010-12-01T18:46:00.002-07:00

The CatcH!

2010-12-01T18:40:00.002-07:00

H is for Hank Aaron

2010-12-01T18:35:00.002-07:00

USA

2010-11-29T17:46:00.002-07:00

This is Sparta

2010-11-29T17:32:00.002-07:00

Braveheart

2010-11-29T17:21:00.001-07:00

The Titan's Curse

2010-08-27T20:48:00.000-06:00

I recently finished the Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) and enjoyed it immensely. The reason I enjoy this series is because I was in love with Greek Mythology as a child growing up and these books use that mythology to entertain kids of all ages.

What was different this time around was I read more than half of it off of the Kindle iPhone application. I was hesitant to start using eBooks because you're basically purchasing 01101110011011110111010001101000011010010110111001100111 (that is nothing in binary). I loved being able to simply pull out my phone and continue reading where I left off or get on my computer and catch up with the kindle on the PC. Their whispersync is great and it is fun to be able to carry a bag of books without carrying the bag of books.
Search Amazon.com for Titan's Curse

The US Men’s National Team

2010-05-11T19:38:00.001-06:00

The US Mens National Team released their 30 man roster today which means 1 of 2 things.

The world cup is right around the corner.
The blogosphere is a buzz with thoughts.

Why not include mine?

At keeper: Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann and Brad Guzan. This is Timmy's world cup and he has been playing extremely well for Everton in the Premiere League. I'm not surprised with Marcus because he too had a pretty good season in one of the toughest leagues. Brad will do well on the bench but the only time he has had this season has been in Carling Cup/FA Cup ties for Aston Villa. Was there no other keeper that has seen more time and played well available?

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra, Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo, Jonathan Spector, Jay DeMerit, Clarence Goodson, Jonathan Bornstein, Heath Pearce, Chad Marshall

Of course Guch and Bocanegra will be starting in the middle but where I see the US struggling is on the sides. It's good to see Steve Cherundelo back. He has always been a good side defender especially playing healthy . It looks like the other side will be split between Bornstein and Pearce. Outside of the equalizer Bornstein scored against Costa Rica, I have no idea why he ever plays for the US team. He's constantly out of position and gets beet regularly. Pearce has flashes of playing really well or very poorly. I look for teams to go after the US on the flanks (especially with the likes of Lennon, Wright Phillips and Walcott for England).

Midfielders: Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Stuart Holden, Ricardo Clark, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Jose Francisco Torres, Alejandro Bedoya, DaMarcus Beasley, Sacha Kljestan, Robbie Rogers

The strength of the US squad is with their midfield. Donovan had an amazing loan spell with Everton which gives US fans something to look forward to while Dempsey has helped steer his club to the Euro league final.

Normally, the US has usually found itself playing a dual Defensive Midfield formation which usually does not help with offense. I would argue we would need the likes of at least a Torres or a Feilhaber on the field to give us an additional spark offensively.

Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Robbie Findley, Brian Ching, Edson Buddle, Eddie Johnson, Herculez Gomez

I'm really torn here because I was pulling for Davies to make the squad but alas, he ran out of time and I trust the decision of the medical staff of both his club in France and the US federation. Jozy needs a speedster with him to play off him and who will that be? The rest of the bunch are similar types of forwards as Altidore. Findley has the pace but his touch is lacking, Ching, Buddle, Johnson, all play a similar style to Altidore it's just that Altidore has a better touch. It will be interesting to see how Gomez plays. Obviously he plays well with the Mexican style as is evidenced by him sharing the golden boot for the Mexican League.

Final assessment: the US is going to need a lot of scoring from its midfield to make up for lack of depth at the forward position.

RSL Fun Run 1-22-10

2010-01-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

3.8 Miles
Total: 36.4 Miles
Left: 663.6 Miles
5.2%

RSL Fun Run 1-19-10

2010-01-19T06:05:00.000-07:00

3.80 Miles
Completed: 32.6 Miles
Left: 667.4
4.66%

RSL Fun Run 1-15-10

2010-01-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

3.50 Miles
Total: 28.8 Miles
Left: 671.2 Miles
4.11%

RSL Fun Run 1-13-10

2010-01-13T06:32:00.002-07:00

3.49 Miles
Total: 25.3
Left: 674.7
3.61%

RSL Fun Run 1-11-10

2010-01-11T06:18:00.002-07:00

3.35 Miles
Total: 21.81
Left: 678.19
3.16%

RSL Fun Run 1-6-10

2010-01-06T06:21:00.002-07:00

3.14 Miles
Total: 18.46
Left: 681.54
2.63%

RSL Fun Run 1-5-10

2010-01-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

3.13 Miles
Total: 15.32
Left: 684.68
2.18%

Intellectual Honesty

2010-01-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had a delightful conversation with one of my friends as we were catching up. She is an amazing person living in Washington D.C. She was responsible for helping me to continue the pursuit of my lovely wife. She is well connected because she works her tail off and I value her friendship.

10 years ago we were both serving with the Associated Students of the University of Utah, the student government arm of the university. As I was catching up with her this weekend I brought up a time where she was trying to get another friend of ours to continue reading “Atlas Shrugged” (a memory that motivated me to read the book right now).

During our discussion we ended up talking a little of politics. Now I don’t know who she voted for, but by the way she posted on facebook and our discussion it was for President Obama. What she said though was what made me think the rest of the weekend.

She mentioned she had little confidence in the government, that we were sold on hope and change and we were excited but nothing has changed and it is politics as usual. We had a small discussion about how we can get together with friends I see as politically opposite yet we can agree where in Washington it’s about who’s right instead of what’s right.

It was a refreshing chat. I don’t support 99% of the “conservatives” in DC. I do believe we as people, friends and neighbors, if we worked together could resolve a lot of problems instead of leaving it up to the power hungry representatives in Washington.

crossposted on http://errorandangermanagement.com/uncategorized/intellectual-honesty

RSL Fun Run 1-4-10

2010-01-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

3.16 miles
Total: 12.19 miles
Left: 687.81
1.74%

RSL Fun Run 12-24-09

2009-12-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

Dec. 24, 2009
3.13 Miles
Total: 9.03
Left: 690.97
1.29%

MLS Fun Run Day 2

2009-12-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Dec 22, 2009

Total distance: 3.13 mi

3.13 Miles
Total 5.9
Left: 694.1
.84%

Let’s Invite the Unions

2009-08-07T07:13:00.001-06:00

For the last two days, town hall meetings regarding health care have sparked some heated debate. Opponents have shouted their discontent for what the government is doing, but they have not been violent (contrary to what the media would like people to believe).

What happens if you bring a union into the picture? This does. Video of the incident.

This happened in multiple locations. SEIU and ACORN were brought in and for some reason these events had altercations and acts of violence while the other town halls earlier did not.

""If you get hit, we will punch back twice as hard," Messina said, according to an official who attended the meeting. Messina is the deputy chief of staff for the administration.

Times and Agency

2009-08-06T23:53:00.002-06:00

It's hard to say where to begin. Over the last 6 months, so many things have changed in this country (and to be accurate, this change has been slowly brewing over the last 100 years and it is now at its boiling point).

It really is hard organizing my thoughts because there is so much going on right now, but know that everything comes down to agency, the control of lives vs liberty and freedom.

I guess you can say it all started with the passing of TARP at the end of 2008. Both presidential candidates voted for it (ensuring that if this created a worse problem, both had their signatures on it) and it caused the deficit to rise from $500 billion to $1.3 trillion.

With the inauguration of Barak Obama, the democratic party had a substantial majority in the House of Representatives and an almost super majority in the Senate.

From there the onslaught began with eventually the super majority number of 60 being reached in the Senate.

SCHIP was passed, which gave smokers a substantial tax increase to cover it.

The Stimulus was not far behind. The Stimulus package, worth $750 billion dollars, passed with not a single Republican vote in the House and 3 Republican in Name Only (RINO) votes in the Senate. It was passed because of pressure put on by the White House. "We cannot wait, it must be passed" was heard from many a press conference or town hall meeting.

"I inherited this recession" was all we heard the time leading up to the vote. I won't say the administration inherited the recession, I would say he voted for the largest deficit so anything he inherited, he voted on.

A 1300 page bill was passed in a matter of weeks and since then, 2 million jobs have been lost. Most of the money has not been spent and won't be spent until the next election cycles.

Black Panthers who tried to intimidate voters, their charges were dropped against them.

Cap n Trade, another 1000+ page bill passes the House even though the majority of Americans strongly oppose it and it is another tax increase in the times of a deep recession.

On April 15, many Americans took to the streets to protest the spending going on in Washington. These protestors weren't like typical protestors. These were every day Americans, finally awakened and finally wanting to voice their concerns. They were mocked as red necked, tea-bagging racists.

And now the government wants to take over health care. The reason I am writing today is due to the blatant lies coming from the White House. On 3 occasions when the President (then a state senator or US Senator) was speaking to SEIU or other unions, he would say that he was a strong proponent of a single payer system, and that a single payer system would come later down the road.

But what you hear from his administrations and town halls is that if you want to keep your doctor you can, or if you like your insurance, you can keep it, even though the bill says differently.

Washington DC has started mocking protestors again. This time, these protestors aren't just conservatives. The majority are against the government takeover of health care regardless of what their party offiliation is.

Today, these protesters were said to have carried swastikas to the rallies (House Speaker Rep. Palousi) but at no rallies has anyone seen one. They were called manufactured anger (Press Secretary Gibbs) even though they are normal, average Americans.

It's been surprising to me how the media has portrayed them. For 8 years, during anti Pres Bush rallies, there were swastikas, Bush = Hitler signs, and many other offences and yet it was okay to demonstrate. Now you have retirees, business men, and college graduates pleading for the representatives to actually read the 1200 page bill.

Tonight, Democratic Representatives in Florida brought Union "muscle" to the proceedings and things got physical. What is going on in my country? When did free speech become taboo after watching the last 8 years of spiteful, hateful rallies?

There is a battle being fought for our freedom. I had a great chat with my Father-in-law two weeks ago. I asked him if he wanted to talk politics and he looked at me and replied, "to me it's no longer about politics, it's about religion."

I didn't know quite how to understand that but over the last two weeks, it is finally starting to open up. There is a fight that started in our pre earthly lives. It is the war for men's agency. God wants us all to have freedoms to chose and learn, Lucifer did not.

Since then, it has been a battle and that battle is more clear today for me than it ever has been.

Gadianton and his ilk now influence our government and lobbyist groups. Their ultimate aim is to control. That's why they want to pass these bills. It isn't about changing the world or providing better health care. It is about control, power and money.

I am at a point where I do not know what I can do but keep praying that our country and our freedoms will stand firm. Don't tread on me.

In today's not-so-shocking news: One in Seven Scientists Say Colleagues Fake Data

2009-06-05T11:33:00.000-06:00

Fox has a report One in seven scientists says that they are aware of colleagues having seriously breached acceptable conduct by inventing results.

"Around 46 percent say that they have observed fellow scientists engage in "questionable practices," such as presenting data selectively or changing the conclusions of a study in response to pressure from a funding source."

Would pressure from funding sources be behind the Green movement? How dare I say that!

source of article: Times Online

Prop 8 and understanding Rome and Greece

2009-05-27T20:04:00.000-06:00

I've been having a fun little debate with my neighbor regarding Prop 8 in California and how homosexuals aren't "given their rights." (A subject for another day).

He brought up the Roman and Greek empire and how they allowed homosexuality marriages early and so should we. I wasn't prepared at the time, but I thought that homosexuality was part of the downfall of both empires.

IN a book I'm looking forward to reading, Family and Civilization, Dr. Carle Zimmermon lists these 8 common threads to the downfall of both the Greek and Roman empires:

1. The breakdown of marriage and rise of divorce.

2. The loss of the traditional meaning of the marriage ceremony.

3. The rise of Feminism.

4. Increased public disrespect for parents and authority in general.

5. Acceleration of juvenile delinquency, promiscuity and rebellion.

6. Refusal of people with traditional marriages to accept their family responsibilities.

7. A growing desire for and acceptance of adultery.

8. Increasing interest in and spread of sexual perversions (homosexuality) and sex-related crimes.

Interesting that the US of A is on the same path. Add that to the fact that we've enabled socialism light (taking over the banks and auto industry to name a few) and we have a lot to worry about regarding our personal freedoms.

Utah's Tea Party

2009-04-15T15:45:00.000-06:00

I think it is time I document today, April 15, 2009.

The day is a cold, wet, sometimes snowy day. My boss, who just had an angiogram, has told me I am to represent him at Utah’s tax day rally downtown. The plan was to go anyway, but now I’m officially going.

I am on trax at 11:00 am with a copy of "the forgotten man" with me. Every stop a couple more people step onto TRAX with signs. We are all heading in the same direction.

This isn't about taxes. This isn't about conservative or liberal. This isn't about democrats or liberals.

This is about the constitution. This is about individuals. This is a signal to the federal government that enough is enough. No more spending!

As I type this, my family is now on the hook for at least, at least $60,000 of new government spending.

This started growing with Pres. Bush and now with Pres. Obama.

11:36
Got off trax with 20 or so individuals. 1 block away from the rally. More and more people, Americans, arrive every minute.

I see a couple of news reporters. I am eager to see how they cover this

12:00, the rally starts

SEND IT BACK is the common theme of the first speaker. She managed to pick out politicians from both parties. Both parties are to blame for this mess.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, “We need to stop running this country on a credit card.” That was probably the best line of the whole party.

The organizers start having the attendees start talking. That’s my cue to exit. We still have jobs; some of us do any way.

Some other thoughts: the snow started down pretty hard at 12:00. Shurtliff needs to run against Hatch or Bennett, both who were no shows.

I found it odd Rep. Bishop spoke after seeing an earmark story about him today.

Of Testimony and Wings

2009-03-03T08:28:00.001-07:00

I was going to try and write a nice story that contained Palmyra, buffalo wings, guns and babies but I’ll make do with just writing about Palmyra and the world’s best buffalo wings.

The first week of January (that’s how far behind I am in my blogging right now) I was able to fly into Buffalo for a work meeting.

The meetings went well. The guy who was in charge of making sure we were entertained was himself an entertaining fellow. It wasn’t the fact that he like to mention woman anatomy with us as much as he could, but it was the fact he was willing and really wanting to take us to the Canadian Ballet.

“The Canadian Ballet? How nice,” you might be telling yourself. To our guide, the Canadian Ballet was really Canadian strip clubs. They call it the ballet so people could put that on their expense reports and not “feel bad.”

So…. We respectfully declined his invitation because we were only 90 minutes away from Palmyra. My coworker and I are both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Palmyra to us is a special place. We both realized we might not get this chance again so we cruised on over.

Palmyra, NY is a small town but it just seems like an amazing place. The “downtown” area has this amazing intersection with a church on each corner. Very interesting.

We went to the Smith home and the Sacred Grove for our first stop. Walking through the grove, even in 2 degree weather, warmed my heart and simply confirmed that on a spring day in 1820, a young boy received an answer to his simple prayer in that grove of trees.

Niagra Falls..... freezing in 2 degree weather

Outside the Smith Home

The Sacred Grove

Our second stop took us to where the Book of Mormon was first published. We went through a quick tour because we were running out of light and still wanted to visit Cummorah.

The publishing house

We got to Cummorah as the final light was going down the western mountains and my Brazilian co-worker wasn’t going to let us leave without climbing the snow covered hill in the dark. We made it up the hill, took some photos and safely made it back to our cars.

Climbing up the snow covered hill in business shoes, nice.

Over all, the place is amazing and I want to take my wife and kids there when the kids are old enough to appreciate it.

The last portion of the trip I wanted to share is the amazing wings of Buffalo. Anchor Bar in Buffalo is the birthplace of buffalo wings and I’ll tell you, they are amazing. First off, the wings are huge. My first night there I ordered 20 thinking it would be the wings I was accustomed to.

I got to 12 and felt bad because I was going to have eat the other 8 because I didn’t want to take them back to our hotel.

The sauce was delicious and I could eat there every night if it was possible.

Over all the trip was a testimony and stomach growing experience.

The status of our country

2009-03-02T05:55:00.001-07:00

I really need to keep this thing updated better especially considering the extreme fast pace our country is changing before our eyes. It is crazy what is going on.

Since the election, 3 giant changes have been made:

SCHIP: the "downpayment" for Universal Health Care, it provides added coverage for children (defined as can being in their 30s).
The Stimulus Package: this 1,400 page bill was filled with so many spending projects and given so little debate before it passed that it will be interesting to see the long term affects of the bill will be.
The Omnibus bill, with more earmarks. The President even had one (after telling congress he was against them) but had his name removed from the bill. The earmark, however, stayed.

President Obama has also discussed a plan in saving $600 billion for Universal Health care. Where will the money come from? The plan is to increase the taxes on the rich, letting the Bush tax cuts expire and reducing the amount you can deduct on your taxes due to charitable spending and home interest.

The times, they are a changing.

Helaman 6:39 (talking about the Gadianton Robbers: And thus they did obtain the sole management of the government, insomuch that they did trample under their feet and smite and rend and turn their backs upon the poor and the meek, and the humble followers of God.

Upcoming posts: Palmyra, goals, wings, guns, babies

Getting involved, one phone call at a time

2009-02-04T11:19:00.014-07:00

I know I owe a couple of posts regarding issues I wanted to discuss in the past, but I just wanted to say that getting involved starts with a simple phone call.

I called Sen. Orrin Hatch's office and Sen. Bob Bennett to let them know that I was against this currant "stimulus" package that is being debated in the senate. This bill is far from being a stimulus bill and is more a way to spend us into some serious trouble. If this bill passes, it adds $6,000 of debt per person. Why? To fund sex education programs, the arts, etc? This will not stimulate the economy.

I called, voiced my opinion.

I will say this, the person I spoke with at Sen. Bennett's office was much nicer than the one from Sen. Hatch's office. Just sayin.

Disneyland!

2009-01-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Enger clan finished the year at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” It was quite an experience. I haven’t ever been there during the week between Christmas and New Years and can honestly say I have never seen it that busy.

However, as I said, it was a blast.

We flew out Sunday afternoon and picked up the rental car at the Long Beach Airport. By the time we got there, our kids’ hungry stomachs caused them so much pain that we hurried ourselves to our favorite California eating place, The California Pizza Kitchen and ate dinner.

When we got to the hotel, we had just enough time to check in, visit with my mom and step dad and get ready for the next day.

The time in Disneyland was a gift package from my mom and it included some pretty fun events like early entry into the park as well as ToonTowne and we wanted to take advantage of these events. We also used a program called RideMax which helped us navigate the park and get the most out of being there.

The most useful hints of Disneyland:

1. 1. Get to the gate a half hour before the gates open

2. 2. If your kids want to ride it, get to Peter Pan’s ride first or you will be in line for an hour.

3. 3. Go to Fantasy land first and get on all the rides.

When I have been to Disneyland with the in-laws we usually go to Fantasyland during the middle of the day and end up waiting in lines for a couple of hours. Peter Pan usually has an hour long line (it is the most deceptively long line anywhere).

On Monday morning, we got to the park and on and off Peter Pan in the first 15 minutes of the park being open. We went on several others and completed Fantasy land in an hour and 15 minutes. I asked my wife what we were supposed to do the rest of the day due to the lack of excitement our kids tend to show for the “older” rides.

Along the path leading away to Fantasyland into Frontierland, we were presented with “Dream Passes.” These passes are fast passes to every fast pass ride in Disneyland. Had it just been Mitzi and I and she wasn’t 8 months pregnant, this would have been an extreme treat. We, however, ended up giving our 4 passes to my brother after using the rides my kids liked: Buzz Lightyear, Autopia, Splash Mountain and Soaring California.

The day was a lot of fun, and my personal highlight was enjoying Splash Mountain with my 3 year-old. The low point of the day was doing the Teacups 3 times in a row. I don’t do circles well and that was pretty bad. I tried to keep my field of view low so I wouldn’t see any of the motion around me, but I lifted my head too early and , was hit with motion sickness pretty rapidly.

Day 2 was a little different. We got to the theme park at 6:30 for the early entry day. We again completed the Fantasyland rides in record time and I told my wife that I would get in line at 8:00 am for the Princess Faire thinking my daughter wanted to see the princesses again. So I get in line and the attraction doesn’t open until 9:00 am. I came prepared with a book and read while I waited.

9:00 rolls around and we walk in only to see my daughter not wanting to be there and she played coy the whole time. We were in and out being in the front of the line and I got a little frustrated. My wife, however, enjoyed her time with the princesses.

My daughter then tells me she wants to go on the Materhorn. I get pretty excited because, frankly, sometimes I want to go on a ride that doesn’t just go in circles and make me sick. So we are just about ready to get on the ride and my daughter informs me that she doesn’t want to go on the ride. Strike 2 against the kids.

After Fantasyland, we proceed to California Adventure, specifically the Bugs Life area and enjoy the park to ourselves. We set the record for consecutive times on the Caterpillar Ride, followed by many travels on the fun rides that go in circles.

One area we went to that I never knew existed was the Animation Studio where Disney animators demonstrate how to draw some Disney Characters. I could honestly sit there all day long and learn. For some reason I really enjoy that type of venue. The animators taught us how to draw Tigger and Piglet. I told my wife that if we ever went to Disneyland by ourselves that we would go there for a couple of hours. We both loved it.

I finally blew a fuse, as most parents do in the happiest place on earth, when we went back to Bugs Life land and saw the Bugs Life 3-D movie. I feel bad that I won’t be winner of the prestigious “Parent of the Year” award, but I was in a state of frustration and I had run 6 miles in the morning, so I was tired as well.

I should understand though that kids do get scared and having giant arachnids drop from the ceiling would be cause for their immediate concern while interrupting my enjoyment. “It isn’t real, nothing in this place is real and everything is pretty much safe,” was my plea to my kids. After a day of hearing them tell me they didn’t want to go on such-and-such ride, or see princesses, or it was scary, I was done hearing it. .

We did manage to survive that day and enjoyed our third day.

The third day started by me waiting in line so we could be the first to see Mickey Mouse after ToonTowne’s Mickey Mouse Mayor presentation. We were the first in lines and enjoyed the early morning in ToonTowne.

The "getting wet" rides seem to be pretty popular at Disneyland, but has anyone been wet on Small World? Has anyone been stuck on the ride? We can say, we did! For some reason when we got on the boat, all the men got on last and when we noticed it, we decided to have a little fun by all leaning to the side of the boat we were on.

Nothing else spectacular happened the third day other than the Christmas Parade they have in place of the other evening parade. If you sat by us, my family was pretty much the highlight of the show because we interacted with the characters instead of just sitting there. Anytime a “cast member” comes and does communicates with you in character, you know you’re having a good time.

Overall the trip was really amazing. In my family, we have some sort dysfunctional when we get together and even though we never really stayed together throughout the park, when we did get together, it was fun. I really enjoy the company of my mom, step dad, brothers and their wives.

My mom was the real trooper throughout. All she wanted to do is make sure everyone had fun, and we all did. She even waited 10 hours on a park bench on New Year’s Eve so we could see the parade as a family. Thanks Mom!

Next post: ‘09 Goals, Palmyra, Buffalo Wings and Canadian Ballet

Go Utes! And The Diet… er Lifestyle change starts again!

2009-01-07T06:26:00.001-07:00

With the new year always begins everyone's diet. As did mine and so far I am doing well. The key is substituting pudding for my ice cream addiction and it is working quite well. I am already down 4 pounds. Yippeeeee. Here's to 200 pounds by the end of the year.

I'll make another post with more resolutions for the year.

Did anyone see my beloved Utah Utes dismantle the Alabama Crimson Tide? What a game. What a season.

Truth be told, I never thought after 2004 that I would see another season where the Utes would go undefeated and play in a BCS bowl game. Crap, after the TCU game, I thought the Utes would get beat pretty soundly in a BCS bowl game.

When I saw that they landed SEC powerhouse, Alabama, I was pretty worried. You know what. I suck. Utah stood toe to toe with Alabama and punched them in the mouth and kept punching. No gimmicks, just speed, power and finesse. It was outstanding. I am still in a "Uphoria" over the season. Wow.

Now, it just makes me hate the BCS system that much more because the Utes still won't win the national championship, but at least a lot of national reporters are giving the Utes their due. I want to make special mention to Jim Rome who has had Coach Whittingham on his radio show twice and his TV show once, had Eric Weddle on both his TV and radio shows as well as Jordon Gross. He has never discredited Utah throughout the season as well. It's refreshing when there is so much information available that one guy will actually be as prepared as Jim Rome was/is. That preparation is nowhere to be found at ESPN.

I am also in the middle of reading an amazing book about the framers of the constitution and some of their beliefs behind the framing of the constitution. It is an amazing book that makes me completely frustrated because the more I read it, the more I know we are far from the country the framers intended. The book is called The 5000 Year Leap and I highly recommend it.

Right now I am reading in Helaman about the Gadianton robbers. It is so much fun (sigh) seeing the parralales between that government and what is currently going on with our government today. Good times are ahead! (groan).

I also just completed a concealed weapon class to get my concealed weapons permit. I don't have a weapon, but at least the government cannot take that right away from me in the future.

Next post we'll discuss Disneyland and goals for '09. Good stuff.

Under Armour shoes especially for Utah

2009-01-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

Look at what Under Armour did for the Utes for the Sugar Bowl! Amazing set of shoes, don't you think.

And... oh yeah. CONGRATS to the Sugar Bowl Champion Utah Utes. The ONLY undefeated team in the nation and deserving of the National championship!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-25T11:02:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Blog Backup

2008-12-16T05:43:00.001-07:00

Blog Backup

A great new site that allows you to back up your blog as well as present it in book format.

http://www.bloggled.com

Enjoy.

Pride, Enmity, Faith, Corruption

2008-12-10T20:24:00.001-07:00

Pride

President Ezra Taft Benson once wrote, "The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means 'hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.' It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.

As politics and leaders have taken a forefront with our nation's economy, I have found myself saying (quite a bit), "man I hate that [politician]," or, "I hate his views." I have been impressed to think of it differently.

Hate is enmity, weather it is towards God, a person, or an idea. Enmity is hate and it is a pride, which is the universal sin. Pride is what precedes all other sin.

This pride and hate is also what is dividing our country. If we could simply change our mindset and replace some words and feelings, our country would begin to heal itself.

If I replaced, "I hate Barney Frank," to, "I strongly disagree with Barney Frank" it would enable the two sides to have a discussion. If, "I cannot stand those in favor of Prop 8" was replaced by, "I disagree with Prop 8 proponents" then I doubt white powder is sent to temples.

It is a drastic change in how we view and express ourselves that has been ingrained into us through modern media and political machines.

This is another way to rid ourselves of contention and another layer of pride.

[side note: I am for prop 8, I was just trying to use another example from the other side of the isle and prevalent in today's discussion.]

Faith

As discussed below, we as a nation are slowly removing God from our presence which precedes the downfall of civilizations (if you believe in the Bible and/or Book of Mormon). Exhibit 889,734: http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=f90c4393-bcea-c76e-6c61-5dc0050b818e

Corruption

Illinois Democratic Governor, Blogojevich was arrested on Tuesday on counts of corruption. It seems he allegedly tried to find a buyer for the senate seat he was going to appoint due to the election of Barak Obama. It is frightening the amount of corruption from politicians these days on both sides of the isle. It will be interesting to see how this situation progresses because he is refusing to step down from his office even though he was recorded saying, "I've got this thing. And it's [expletive] golden. I'm just not giving it up for [expletive] nothing. I'm not going to do it. I can always use it. I can parachute me there."

Next we'll discuss a pattern I picked up while looking at Alma 51.

11-18-08

2008-11-19T20:04:00.002-07:00

Today's Scripture: 2 Nephi 9: 28-29

28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.

Never has this been more evident than with all the recent events and what has happened politically throughout the world. Men are trusting in themselves more than ever and forgetting God. They aren't forgetting him pre say… yes it is.

Recently, a group known as the Humanist, have recently produced an advertising campaign that is on buses and billboards around Washington DC. Their add: "Why believe in god? Be good for goodness sake." The American Humanist Association is an atheist group and they are trying to spread their message and recruit more atheists. Interesting idea, and it is okay for them to do so in our country of free speech.

But this isn't the only group that is putting their trust in their wisdom. This would be the extreme example. Locally and nationally with the discussion on Proposition 8, we have seen members choose to follow their own council and wisdom and not trust in the counsel of God, namely, our prophet and apostles.

I have been impressed to learn more about Zion's Camp. Historically, Zion's Camp was a group assembled by Joseph Smith, Jr., to try and reclaim the property that was taken from them in Missouri. It has been an example on how the Lord uses difficult circumstances to wean out those who would not follow and it groomed future leaders of the church.

From my studies I have felt a couple of things:

We will see many more leave the church and choosing not to follow the leaders because of one issue or another. Today's issue is the church's stance on gay marriage and proposition. What will tomorrow's issue be? Someone mentioned to me that we have been free of criticism for sometime but we were not meant to escape future criticism.
Some churches will probably succumb to worldly pressure. Many Christian denominations came out in support of Prop 8 but how many will buckle under the pressures of the world. As this happens, the church will truly start to shine forth like that candle on a mountain, and many shall join.
I felt this as I read the account of Hosea Stout who was not a member of the church before being visited by missionaries recruiting breathren for the march. He mentioned, ""The effect of their preaching was powerful on me, and when I considered that they were going up to Zion to fight for their lost inheritances under the special directions of God it was all that I could do to refrain from going."

Our example will help provide that same effect.
Follow the counsel of the Prophet his counselors. Our church leaders are not going to be exempt from this weaning process and they will lead many astray as well. Remember these words:
If we follow the prophets and apostles and the revelations of the Church, we will not be led astray.

Orson Hyde, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, reported: "Joseph the Prophet . . . said, 'Brethren, remember that the majority of this people will never go astray; and as long as you keep with the majority you are sure to enter the celestial kingdom.' "

William G. Nelson reported: "I have heard the Prophet speak in public on many occasions. In one meeting I heard him say: 'I will give you a key that will never rust,—if you will stay with the majority of the Twelve Apostles, and the records of the Church, you will never be led astray.' The history of the Church has proven this to be true."

Ezra T. Clark remembered: "I heard the Prophet Joseph say that he would give the Saints a key whereby they would never be led away or deceived, and that was: The Lord would never suffer a majority of this people to be led away or deceived by imposters, nor would He allow the records of this Church to fall into the hands of the enemy."

It's sad that I have to thank someone close to me not because of their positive example but because of their negative example. I was shocked to hear them come out against a position the church was in favor of.

Yes, we all have our agency and we were not told to follow one way or the other, we were free to chose our own way, that being said, if the Prophet, councilors and Apostles come out in favor of some position, it is probably for some reason important. His contra-example was like a spiritual 2x4 hitting me across the eyes and it has changed the direction and how I see things today.

Now, Glenn Beck, a nationally syndicated talk show host (who also happens to be LDS) mentioned "finding a voice" in his program yesterday. Here is the list of what he mentioned:

FIND YOUR VOICE

You are your own voice. Others may be silenced. Who will lead if your guy 'who speaks for you' is gone?

FIND YOURSELF

Who are you really? What do you believe? Have you been pushed and challenged? Do you know where you stand? Can you support it with real facts?

FIND YOUR WEAKNESS

Don't ignore your weakness. Make your weakness into your strength.

FIND YOUR VALUES

Make it your focus, work at them. Values don't just 'happen' they are developed. A house divided against cannot stand. Be the same person at home, at work, in public and private.

FIND YOUR LOVE

Too much hate has been planted. Uproot it, pull it out and replace it with goodwill for those of different faiths, political party or viewpoints.

FIND YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS

Connect and encourage those who put Constitution and service to God first. Help them wake others.

FIND YOUR JOY

It will not come from places that Americans are encouraged to find it. True joy won't be found in stores, sex or power. You will need to know where your unlimited supply can be found. Look to your family. Look at selfless service. But you have to find it for yourself.

I'll start listing my responses as I study them more.

He also mentioned today when discussing "coming to Jesus." He was referring to an interview he did on Hardball where they discussed 'coming to Jesus' and he took that and mentioned that you know the day, you know the experience that you came to Jesus. Which is true. You should be able to know when you came to Jesus, when you became a convert, a disciple.

I remember having several: I remember when I was baptized at age 8. January 5, 1985. I remember minimal parts of the interview but I remember that it was my choice. I remember the spirit I felt that day and I have let other things come between those feelings.

I have felt my Lord's love as I have seen his hand in protecting my mother, my brothers, our family through many different, difficult circumstances.

I have felt the power of the Atonement as I have repented on different occasions and it can be something I do take for granted and I am really working on that.

Joseph Smith became the Prophet Joseph Smith as I studied his life but most importantly as I felt the spirit while in the Missionary Training Center and I heard the MTC choir sing, "Oh How Lovely Was the Morning."

The more I have thought about it, the more I know I have had many instances where I know Jesus lives. I knew it the day I was sealed to my wife, as I did when both of my kids were born.

Today in History: The bailouts are an absolute mess as the treasury and the fed seek more control of the economy. The democrats in the house are upset that the money wasn't used to purchase the volatile mortgage backed subprime securities. The FED has used it on bailing out an insurance company (AIG), buying stock in banks, even when they refused, and anything not relating to the current crisis.

Even the big three auto makers, and some states, are looking for federal money. The government is taking far too much power in what is going on and we are starting to see what years of decay and malnourishment of our constitution are doing. We are living in the day where the constitution is hanging by a thread.

And so it begins….

2008-11-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

I hate how I can feel 10 pounds extra or even 5 pounds extra. Time to be more accountable and that is why I will start posting more about my quest to get to 200 lbs.

Today also started my training for the Salt Lake Marathon, which is April, 18 2009. Here is this morning’s run:

Today’s weight: 229 (yup, I’ve gained 10 lbs since I broke my diet. It is time I start eating better again…. but oh that Iceberg Egg Nog shake was amazing).

Today’s Scripture: Alma 34:37

And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;

This scripture really resonated with me this morning because of the urgency I have been feeling over the last couple of weeks, especially when I hear those around me saying, “yeah, I want a piece of the rich person’s pie.”

This is a time to get back to basics, to fine tune areas in your life and to bring the Spirit more into your life. It is a time to work out your salvation. Christ is coming, the signs are showing more than ever and it is time to make sure you know where your anchors are planted and if they are firmly planted as to withstand the winds and waves around us.

Catching up is hard to do... or is that Breaking Up....

2008-10-29T21:42:00.001-06:00

Hello!

I'm now 228 (let's just get that out of the way). Since running my super fantastic half marathon (again: 1:52:30) I have found it increasingly difficult to motivate myself to work out daily. I have not been too bad but I have not been too good as well.

And as far as my eating is concerned, well, let's just say I pounded down 12 sugar cookies in 24 hours on Monday. Not my finest moment but I cannot say no to pumpkin shaped sugar cookies. I can't.

Good news around the corner: I start training for my full marathon on Monday.

I'll start posting my thoughts on current events as well as policies and procedures have changed a lot in this country over the last month and I want to save some of my thoughts for a future generation. So sit back and enjoy the ride.

hole 2

2008-10-07T13:12:00.001-06:00

Oh Ca.....lifornia!

2008-10-06T20:47:00.000-06:00

We are in Pebble Beach, California, a little piece of heaven on earth.

I will be updating my golf score with a photo tomorrow (mobile photo, so it won't be so sharp, but it will give you a small idea of the beauty of this amazing place).

Weight update: Diet.... not so good. After the race, I lost some motivation, but my marathon training is starting tomorrow and what better place to do it, than on the Links at Pebble Beach golf course. Suck it monkeys!

13.1

2008-08-26T08:19:00.000-06:00

I ran my first official individual race this last weekend: The Top of Utah Half Marathon.

My wife gave me the go ahead to leave her behind for the simple reason that I have been running for a year now and she started training for the event a couple of weeks ago.

Here are my unofficial splits:

Mile 1: 8’15

Mile 2: 8’25

Mile 3: 8’35

Mile 4: 8’33

Mile 5: 8’11

Mile 6: 8’16

Mile 7: 8’10

Mile 8: 8’13

Mile 9: 8’21

Mile 10: 8’46

Mile 11: 9’01

Mile 12: 9’44

Mile 13.1: 10’29

You can see I progressively got slower but that is when it started going uphill.

I am still in recovery but I had a complete blast. I’ve never run that fast before and to do it for as long as I did, fantastic. It is amazing what your body can do when you put your mind into it.

I was so far ahead of my pace, my in-laws did not get to the “photo station” in time so there are not many photos other than the photos of my wife and I. After I finished, I walked back until I saw my wife and ended up running the last mile with her.

Final Official time: 1:52:27

Finishing my wife's last mile

My wife and I after the race

Our race party

I finally put a shirt on.

The Neighborhood Justice League Avenger Iniciative

2008-08-22T09:37:00.000-06:00

There is a point in “The Dark Knight” where the Batman tells others dressed up as him to stop trying to be Batman.

“What makes you so different?” one yells at the Knight.

“I don’t wear hockey pants,” was the Batman’s response.

That is the main reason I did not put on any hockey pants last night and I also learned never to mess with a former hockey player raised in Canada.

Two weeks ago, my neighbor informed me of some teenage shenanigans going on. Apparently, some kids like to doorbell ditch his house at 1:30 in the morning. If was just doorbell ditching, it would be one thing, but it quickly escalated to pushing over flower pots, tipping a cup of urine against the door, throwing fireworks, etc. Every time he would chase them, they would disperse and laugh their way home.

This neighbor, “Clark”, was getting pretty upset and contacted me about the situation. I got together with my other neighbor, “Bruce” and he put together a neighborhood watch so that if this happened again, we would have a phone tree organized and we would be ready to get these kids.

That was two weeks ago and nothing happened….. until last night.

At 1:30 am I got the call from Clark. He calls the cops after hanging up with me and I call Bruce to get things going. I cannot remember who I’m supposed to call and Bruce informs me. After I hang up I try getting those numbers called all while trying to get dressed.

“You’re slow,” mrs. fuegote mentioned. She is always the supportive one.

I get some running clothes and shoes on and head out towards Bruce’s house. We have a park in our circle that has a walking path. Just as I get to the back of Bruce’s house the kids start running in my direction.

Something spooked them and now they are on the run, but they never saw me. I followed them into another neighbor’s back yard and even though they looked and saw me, they assumed I was part of the group. They sat crouched until they were okay with the situation and they took off again to which I followed. They then realized I wasn’t part of their group. They split up and I followed two kids until they quit.

The two kids were 15 and 16 years old and they just decided not to run. They mentioned that this was the first time doing this and that their friend, who they were staying with, was the one behind all the mischief.
Clark walks up to me and of course he is upset, and rightly so, and we sit and wait for the others and the cops.

I get a text from “Steve”, another neighbor asking me if we’re sitting tight or moving in and I inform him of the situation so he and “Hal” come join us.

At this time I see who I thought was Bruce, coming out of the area of his house, on the phone. I yell at him and say, “We have two of them here.”

Little do I know but this wasn’t Bruce, but the instigator and he just happened to walk past “Logan.” Now Logan is the Canadian born and raised football/hockey player. Logan starts chasing the instigator and his brother, climbing over a six foot fence and heading towards the neighborhood across the way. A “small” place called Daybreak.

While that chase is going on, two sheriffs show up and start talking to the boys. Bruce suddenly gets a call and heads, with one of the sheriffs to the other neighborhood.

Logan lost the kids in Daybreak and was still looking for them when he also called the cops. He walked past a man who was out walking his dog (at 2:00 am?!?!?!) and saw the instigator walking with him. The kid had the audacity to walk past Logan. The chase commenced and after 20 yards, Logan tripped the kid’s legs out from under him.

The kid smacks his head pretty good and Logan jumps on top of him to keep him down while calling Bruce.
Bruce, Logan, the instigator, the sheriff and 3 South Jordan police officers arrive back to the original scene. The “Justice League” hangs out in the background allowing the officers to do their job as parents start showing up.

The Fire Department and their Medical truck show up shortly after to check the kids head (he had a pretty good sized goose egg on it). So at this point there are 2 sheriff cars, 3 South Jordan police cars and two fire trucks.

The group was 5 and we caught 3 of them, but the other 2 were brothers of the instigator and got back into bed before their parents noticed. The kid gave them up and confessed to doing everything else as well. The parents were ticked (although one mother came back 10 minutes later and tried to get her kids off by saying, “they didn’t do the knocking, this was their first time, etc. That absolutely ticked me off like no other. Take accountability for your kids’ actions lady).

The parents and the kids apologized to Clark and the police cited them all for disorderly conduct and breaking curfew. They now will all have court appearances, which I find great joy in.
By this time it was 3:30 am and I was still pretty jazzed, as where most of us, and I couldn’t get back to sleep until 4:00.

I now want to order neighborhood watch shirts with the batman logo on the front, just for fun and because I’m the biggest nerd west of the Mississippi.

And I'll make sure not to wear hockey pants.

Another Nike+ Milestone

2008-08-12T13:33:00.001-06:00

I just completed my 1000 mile using Nike+ today:

http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/v1/html/milestones/print_certif.html?id=1753552821®ion=us&language=en&locale=en_us&dateFormat=MM/DD/YY

Oh… Canada!

2008-08-12T10:18:00.000-06:00

The fuegotes and I finished our family vacation this weekend and I love Canada and it is not because of the food or service.

I love Banff. Banff is such a beautiful place. The mountains are blanketed with dense forest and sharp cliffs. It is the Park City of Canada but it is much more scenic. I love visiting that place.

Friday, August 1st, we flew into downtown Calgary as Mrs. Fuegote’s grandparents live in one of the suburbs. Her “grand-dad” was recovering from pneumonia in a nearby hospital so we spent Friday in the hotel.

Saturday we visited “Nana*2” and while we ate some breakfast, I started getting an allergic reaction to the cats that live there. I love cat dander . So I got to spend the rest of the morning (and each subsequent visit to the grandparents) in the car.

After the visit, we went to Heritage Park and just watched the kids on the old time rides while I tried to get the hives off of my neck. We later visited with mrs. fuegote’s cousin and ate again. We realized on this trip to Canada that to get a job as a waitress, you’ll have to buy the slinkiest black dress you can find. And there are a lot of different styles, we saw them all.

Sunday we went to church and played in the park downtown. It was basically a day to try and get us to Monday when we travelled to Banff.

Monday started hilariously as my 3 year-old daughter (who has decided to be defiant on this trip up to this point) finally cracked my wife. So it was a fight day between the daughter and myself.

She was acting more defiantly the last couple of months and it is very hard to discipline her. She has my personality and it’s hard to leave her in her room (she plays around), sit her on the spot (she starts singing) so I started a new tactic: Restraint down.

Restraint down is holding her in my arms where she cannot move until 3 minutes is up. She hates it which means it worked. After she screamed bloody murder in the hallway of the hotel (where some came out of their rooms to see if there was some abuse going on) she calmed down and we only had to have 3 more occurrences of Restraint down before it started working. Since then she has been so pleasant to be with. She isn’t nearly as defiant as she used to be and she is still the cutest little button on the planet.

The drive to Banff is amazing. You can see the mountains from 90 miles away and they seem so distant until you’re 30 miles away when they just appear out of nowhere.

Our rental car had Serius Radio and I became a convert. Channel 24 was the best!)

Tuesday, we golfed Banff Springs. What a beautiful course. I shot an amazing 115. I know, I’m not an amazing golfer, however, I did par this hole after drilling an amazing drive:

We visited the river and threw rocks for awhile and finished the evening eating together.

Wednesday we golfed my other favorite golf course: Silvertip. It’s amazing. It is such a pretty course. It has mountain views as Pebble Beach has ocean views. It is just beautiful.

While we went golfing, mrs. fuegote and the kids went to go visit the husky dog kennel and the wolf. For some reason my wife started getting sick and started throwing up and was sick the rest of the day. We spent the rest of the day in the room while she made what seemed like 17 trips to the bathroom (watercloset).

Thursday, after an amazing, scenic run that included running to the golf course and seeing 6 elks on the course, we visited the gondola and got these amazing views of Banff. I’m telling you, it is an amazing place. We drove back to Calgary and got ready to leave on Friday.

The trip was amazing. The kids, as always, behaved fantastically and it was a great time hanging out with mrs. fuegote.

Nike+: A One Year Anniversary

2008-07-28T15:12:00.001-06:00

Today I celebrated my 1 year anniversary of purchasing my first Nike+ sensor. Here was my first run:

To celebrate it, I did a 12 mile jog. What a different a year makes. I went from loathing the thought of running to truly enjoying the rush of it. I have signed up for a half marathon and completed one tough mother of a relay in the Wasatch Back.

In 1 year, here is what I’ve done: 189 Runs, 945 Miles, 10'31" per mile.

Here is the map of my Saturday run:

View Larger Map

Thanks Nike+!

Our Friends Turn 40

2008-07-25T20:20:00.001-06:00

My wife and I are at our neighbor's surprise 40th birthday extravaganza. They know how old they are, that wasn't the surprise.

We waited in their garage until they got home and now it is on to the cake and ice cream.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-22T09:39:00.000-06:00

I took my wife to the Dark Knight last night making it my second trip to the theater to see it.

My criteria for a good movie is very low as I am one who is easily entertained, however the older I get the harder it is for me to stay awake at movies. If the movie is good, I will not be tired during a midnight movie. If the movie is great, I can see it twice without falling asleep. If the movie is amazing, I could sit through the movie numerous times without looking at my watch, getting tired or wishing it was over.

Few movies have fit in my great category. The Matrix is one of those great movies. Batman Begins is another. The Dark Knight will now enter that list as well.

What I found particularly refreshing about TDK is the movie’s quality without sacrificing itself to coarse language, nudity or graphic and explicit violence. This movie, although action packed, did not resort to playing down to the audience either. It was a fantastic movie.

Much has been said about Heath Ledger’s performance but it is truly phenomenal. I remember watching him in The Patriot and A Knight’s Tale and his transformation into characters like the cowboy in Brokeback Mountain (I never saw the movie, but you could tell he captured the essence of what a cowboy sounded like) or the Joker is nothing short of outstanding.

This Joker’s character will go down as one of the better movie villains of all time and a huge part of that is the voice created for the character. I could watch this performance every day and still be in awe of it.

Now, mrs. fuegote enjoyed the movie and she chuckled quite a bit at the Joker as a character, but that is not saying this movie is for everyone. It is darkly thematic (go figure with a movie called, The Dark Knight) and for those who tend to internalize everything, I would recommend leaving this one alone.

For me, this is one has become one of my favorite movies.

For the summer blockbuster season, here is my list of favorites so far:
1. The Dark Knight
2. Ironman
3. Kung Fu Panda
4. The Incredible Hulk
5. Speed Racer
6. Hancock
7. Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
8. Get Smart
9. Prince Caspian
10. Wall*E

the Police are here!

2008-07-19T21:37:00.001-06:00

After a duet with elvis Costello, the Police start their set

My wife and I at the Police Concert

2008-07-19T19:57:00.001-06:00

Elvis Costello opening.

My wife and I are on our annual "leave the kids with the grandparents" date (don't even try burglars, the grandparents and our kids are at our house).

Tonight started at the Cheesecake Factory with some of our friends and we all head over to Usana for the concert. When will the Police start?

My Eating Woes

2008-07-16T13:59:00.001-06:00

I haven’t posted about my weight loss for quite some time so here is the update:

These days, working out is not the problem. If I do not work out one day, I tend to feel like crap. It is now a habit and I love that. Before it seemed like such a burden, now it is like my cup of coffee (although I do not know what that tastes like or what effects it has on the body, I am sure coffee drinkers will agree with me).

My new problem is my diet. Now, I am not splurging all over the place like fat Chris used to do. I do not eat 6 doughnuts in an 8 hour period, however I do not feel bad for having a handful of peanut M&Ms. I do not eat until I cannot move, but I do not avoid sweets any more either.

A new tradition I have started: every midnight movie I go to, I have a pint or 2 of Haagan Daas ice cream and I do not feel bad for that.

Am I losing weight? Nope.

I am still weighing between 220 and 225, but I want that last 25 off and to do so, I am going have to restart my diet strictness.

The difficulty is these summer months. Some might think Christmas is the difficult time of the year and I just laugh. In my family (immediate and extended) I have birthday celebrations almost every week where there is cake and ice cream served. I did a good job avoiding it for a month but now I just have a good slice with ice cream and hot fudge on it.

Thankfully, birthday quarter year is over and I can try and get back to where I was back in December and January.

Welcome my other blog!

2008-07-15T14:25:00.000-06:00

I decided to add my "fatfuegote" blog to this one and just post everything here.

I don't consider myself fat anymore any way ;)

Another little fuegote on the way

2008-07-08T09:55:00.002-06:00

My wife is expecting again. Child #3 for us. I'm excited, she isn't so much.

She's due in the middle of February!

Photos from the Wasatch Back

2008-06-23T11:20:00.001-06:00

FINISHED!

2008-06-21T16:50:00.001-06:00

29 hours! I'll go due now.

Still Waiting

2008-06-21T15:43:00.001-06:00

Legs 33 and 34 must just be horrible. We are still Waiting for our team to finish

van 1 done!

2008-06-21T12:37:00.001-06:00

We finished an hour ago. What a blast.

28 and 29

2008-06-21T11:05:00.000-06:00

Rob Mitchell and I just finished our legs.

4.1 miles in 30 minutes. This leg totally made up for those first two uphill legs made

27

2008-06-21T09:18:00.001-06:00

done. my van is halfway done with their leg

26 down!

2008-06-21T08:33:00.000-06:00

26 down 10 more to go!

25 leg

2008-06-21T07:48:00.001-06:00

our first runner just finished. we are almost done

6:00 am day 2

2008-06-21T06:14:00.001-06:00

and we are back after a small break.

After our last leg salt this morning, we traveled to North Summit high school where we showered, ate and slept.

by sleeping I mean trying to get comfortable in a cabin chair in 50 degree weather.

legs 16 and 17

2008-06-21T02:03:00.001-06:00

wow! busted my butt on that one. 5.9 miles, 55 min 50 seconds

Leg 15

2008-06-20T23:29:00.001-06:00

completed

Legs 13 and 14

2008-06-20T22:42:00.001-06:00

I cannot take bad post any photos because it is dark and we are in the middle of leg 15.

whoops, there went our runner.

Waiting

2008-06-20T20:19:00.001-06:00

The difficult thing about our can is we don't get much time before we have to leave and run again.

1 more hour until we guy the road again.

amodiam ad rocks

4 and 5 completed

2008-06-20T19:58:00.001-06:00

rob mitchell finished 4 and I finished leg 5. I finished leg 5 in 85 minutes. 7.4 miles straight up hill and 2000 calories.

leg 6

2008-06-20T19:53:00.001-06:00

done

Leg 3 finished

2008-06-20T13:56:00.001-06:00

Leg 2 completed

2008-06-20T12:58:00.001-06:00

Our second guy, jeff, 7:55/mile.

first exchange

2008-06-20T12:02:00.000-06:00

We just finished the first leg!

11:20 am

2008-06-20T11:24:00.001-06:00

We are off! Leg 1. 5.1 miles.

10:50 am

2008-06-20T10:48:00.001-06:00

we are here! 30 minutes till race time!

10:00 am

2008-06-20T10:09:00.001-06:00

ogden: our team is finally together. next stop, logan.

9:00 am

2008-06-20T09:08:00.000-06:00

in the van cruising

8:30 am june 20

2008-06-20T09:03:00.000-06:00

we are on our way, packed and ready to go

8:30 am

2008-06-20T08:32:00.000-06:00

packing the can and we are on the way!

6:06 am, June 20

2008-06-20T06:08:00.001-06:00

I am on my way to the store to but some mini-dv video cassettes. I didn't sleep well at all last night. I am far excited for this race.

Too bad the bus doesn't leave for 2 more hours.

12:01 Race Day

2008-06-20T00:05:00.001-06:00

and I cannot sleep. I'll be posting updates as we run this race.

Where my wife put her Mother's Day flowe

2008-05-13T15:20:00.001-06:00

Running Again!

2008-04-26T15:38:00.000-06:00

After my IT Band issues started clearing up, I started running again. Very light running of course.

I also got some new shoes:

I think that's why I started having IT Band issues to begin with. I ran over 600 miles on my last shoes (since Christmas) and I tend to wear down the shoe on the out sides of the soul. Makes sense.

The run was awesome. I decided to really push myself (light training.... ha!)
I ran 6 miles in 55'11" and it just felt great.

back in the saddle again

2008-04-23T23:01:00.000-06:00

i haven't done so well on my food intake over the last couple of weeks and it showed on the scale as i reached 224.

I'm focused again and I'm back in the 218 range. I love being in the teens.

test

2008-04-22T08:08:00.001-06:00

IT Band

2008-04-08T21:34:00.000-06:00

No it’s not the name of a new band full if IT guys. In fact I had no idea what it was until Saturday.

Last week my knee started hurting after my runs. I didn’t think anything of it because it was usually gone the next day. ON Saturday I did almost 16 miles outdoors. It was a lot of fun. My knee hurt at the start and I only had to take two “twosie” breaks while running. Here’s my route.

View Larger Map

I got home and then my knee started tightening up and I couldn’t walk very well the rest of the day. I had to sit in a confined area most of the day as well and that didn’t help. I described what I was feeling and my wife (who had this happen to her as well two years ago) informed me that it was my IT Band that was hurting.

Looking over the symptoms and the pain I’ve been feeling, she was right. This hit me very hard. I had to stop running (two weeks before my half marathon) and I had to stretch and ice the sucker every night.

Monday’s workout was the usual and then I learned I cannot do squats or any leg exercises either. So I’m now confined to do some swimming for my cardio and just upper body for my off days.

Tuesday is usually a 10 mile jog day and I had to say, “No.” I swam and tried the arm bike but I knew I wasn’t burning the calories that I usually do. Usually I burn at least 1600 calories on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. I was a little discouraged. Swimming for a half hour is only 500.

So I’ve been a little down today. Then I watched the second to last episode of the Biggest Loser and saw what these guys lost on their last week on campus. Good heavens! Not one lost less than 6% for the week. That’s amazing. I wasn’t pumped before but now I’m going to redouble my efforts and try and get to 200 by the end of May.

RSL v los Lobos

2008-03-25T13:57:00.001-06:00

A New Low and that Stupid Bunny

2008-03-25T13:13:00.000-06:00

I completed another treadmill half marathon on Saturday and after the run I reached a new low in my weight loss (which is a good thing because you want your weight to be lower).

216.9

I still cannot believe it. I have not seen a number that low since I went to Peru in 1999. The only problem is all my clothes that just started fitting, are no longer fitting. They are too baggy. I guess that is a good thing.

As far as Easter Eating, let me preface by going over some "food" holidays and the havoc it causes my sweet tooth. Halloween is great but it is usually hit or miss. A lot of miss but when you hit (mini candy bars, full sized candy bars, etc) it is fantastic. How to avoid problems: do not go "trick or treating" and set a bowl of candy on your porch and not answer the door. Easy.

Christmas is not a problem because usually the Christmas candy is pretty cheap. It seems like most of it is held over from one year to the next or companies realize the last thing people want is expensive candy. How to avoid problems: eat one piece and realize the rest is not worth it.

Valentine's Day candy is too sugary. This one is easy to avoid.

Then there is Easter. For some reason, Easter candy (minus the horrendous Peeps) is fantastic. A lot of great chocolate usually mixed with caramel or some other gooey substance. I love it. I tell you this because I lost the battle over Easter weekend. I have not lost the war. It was nice losing for once.

Catch Up and Runs

2008-03-21T08:44:00.000-06:00

So much to catch up on. The good news is: I have not fallen of the wagon. I still watch what I eat and I still work out every morning.
Things that have changed:

1. I have signed up for the Salt Lake Half marathon. The half marathon is April 19th and here’s a map of the run:

View Larger Map

2. I have officially retired from basketball after rolling my ankle yet again. I cannot be signing up for races and not be able to make them because of bad wheels. Here is a photo of my ankle a couple of days after:

3. My neighbor is running a race called the Wasatch Back. It is a 12 person, 179 mile relay race from Logan to Park City. One of his 12 teammates had to back out and he invited me to join the team. It looks pretty heinous but I am really looking forward to it.

View Larger Map

4. 219! I am not losing a lot of lbs but I am losing a lot of inches. It is wonderful.

5. The RSL Fun Run. Some RSL fans and I are virtually running to every MLS stadium on the continent.

The third kit?

2008-03-19T16:33:00.001-06:00

2008-03-18T08:43:00.001-06:00

10.3 miles outdoors

2008-03-11T19:25:00.000-06:00

Here's my run map for this morning:

View Larger Map

2008-03-11T14:41:00.003-06:00

2008-03-11T14:41:00.001-06:00

2008-03-11T14:40:00.001-06:00