My parents came to visit back in November, and spent a Saturday running around with us to each of the kids sporting events. Below is the montage my Dad put together of the day. I can't get enough of it. I watch it over and over. For those that haven't seen it yet on my Dad's blog, I hope you enjoy it half as much as I have...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Birthday Callie
For those that vist my blog, but don't see my Dad's, this is the montage my Dad put together for Callie's Birthday.
It was pretty emotional for me... it's just killing me to watch my little baby girl grow up.
I'm sure all of you will love it. Tomorrow is her Birthday, so I'll update this blog with some pictures from the weekend.
It was pretty emotional for me... it's just killing me to watch my little baby girl grow up.
I'm sure all of you will love it. Tomorrow is her Birthday, so I'll update this blog with some pictures from the weekend.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
4th of July - Oregon Coast Trip
With my new job I have zero vacation until after six months on the job. This made our annual trip to Oregon a bit tricky this year. My boss and I compromised on a few days unpaid, and a few days borrowed from the time I will have available after my six months are up.
So I HAD to fly while Sheri GOT to drive all the way there. She drove from Arizona to Utah one day and picked up Ryan's kids. Then drove from Utah to Boise the next day, spent the night in a hotel, and drove the rest of the way to Oregon on the third day. I flew in at 2am that night, and had one day at Grandpa's before we left for camping on the coast.
As always, we had a very nice time. Below are some fun pics... although we didn't have the camera with us when we were doing some of the most fun stuff (sandboarding, jumping off the bridge, tubing and skiing etc...).
Enjoy!
So I HAD to fly while Sheri GOT to drive all the way there. She drove from Arizona to Utah one day and picked up Ryan's kids. Then drove from Utah to Boise the next day, spent the night in a hotel, and drove the rest of the way to Oregon on the third day. I flew in at 2am that night, and had one day at Grandpa's before we left for camping on the coast.
As always, we had a very nice time. Below are some fun pics... although we didn't have the camera with us when we were doing some of the most fun stuff (sandboarding, jumping off the bridge, tubing and skiing etc...).
Enjoy!
Paint Ball Playa
A few weeks ago I got a phone call late on a Friday afternoon letting me know that a few guys from church were getting together at 6am Saturday morning to play paint ball, and that I was invited. I didn't have any gear, but was assured that they would have enough there for me, so I agreed to go play. Bright and early Saturday morning, I show up wearing jeans, tennis shoes, and a long sleeved t-shirt. All the other guys are dressed out with full camo, and are looking pretty fierce. I immediately thought... "holy crap - they just needed another body to shoot at... that's why I'm here - I'm gonna get creamed"!
We had parked our cars on the edge of the desert, and walked about 100yds out into this big dense area full of cactus' and mesquite trees, with several dry washes running through it. I was loaned a gun, gloves, and a face mask and explained the rules. The first round was team play... 3 on 3. Two hits and your out, last team with members that haven't been hit twice wins.
I walked out into the desert with my teammates, excited and nervous. After walking about 75yds out, we called back to the other team that we were ready. Then it was game-on!
With my big black t-shirt and blue jeans, I must have made a pretty easy target, because I started taking fire pretty quickly. As I was laying on my belly, with my torso and legs behind this big bush, and my head, arms, and gun sticking out far enough for me to see the other team, and return fire - I literally started to giggle. I'm a big fat, out of shape, 35yr old man, and felt like the biggest little kid on earth. Running around the desert, taking and returning fire was soooo fun!
We lost the first two rounds, and won the third. After that we played capture the flag. We put a flag out in the middle of the area, both teams moved equidistant away from the flag. The object then was to move in and grab the flag and take it back to the main base. If you get hit, while carrying the flag, you have to drop it, and go back to your base before you can get back into the game. We won one, and lost one of capture the flag.
Three and a half hours of running around the desert, hiding behind trees, climbing in and out of washes was way more fun than I ever thought it could be. For the record - getting hit by a paint ball does sting, but you have so much adrenalin running through you while playing that it doesn't really hurt... until later. I had baseball sized bruises and welts on my legs and a nice golf ball sized bruise on my belly.
While my wife questioned my sanity, using the logic of "how can getting hit so hard that you get bruises like that be fun"? All I could do was giggle and reassure her that for some odd reason, the bruises are a very small price to pay for the enjoyment I got out of it.
I have since found an ex-military guy on craigslist here in Sahuarita that was getting married, and was getting rid of ALL his paintball gear. So for $100, I'm completely geared up and good to go for next time.
So, please come visit... I've got a new hobby I'd like to share with you - hehe hehehe heheheh...
We had parked our cars on the edge of the desert, and walked about 100yds out into this big dense area full of cactus' and mesquite trees, with several dry washes running through it. I was loaned a gun, gloves, and a face mask and explained the rules. The first round was team play... 3 on 3. Two hits and your out, last team with members that haven't been hit twice wins.
I walked out into the desert with my teammates, excited and nervous. After walking about 75yds out, we called back to the other team that we were ready. Then it was game-on!
With my big black t-shirt and blue jeans, I must have made a pretty easy target, because I started taking fire pretty quickly. As I was laying on my belly, with my torso and legs behind this big bush, and my head, arms, and gun sticking out far enough for me to see the other team, and return fire - I literally started to giggle. I'm a big fat, out of shape, 35yr old man, and felt like the biggest little kid on earth. Running around the desert, taking and returning fire was soooo fun!
We lost the first two rounds, and won the third. After that we played capture the flag. We put a flag out in the middle of the area, both teams moved equidistant away from the flag. The object then was to move in and grab the flag and take it back to the main base. If you get hit, while carrying the flag, you have to drop it, and go back to your base before you can get back into the game. We won one, and lost one of capture the flag.
Three and a half hours of running around the desert, hiding behind trees, climbing in and out of washes was way more fun than I ever thought it could be. For the record - getting hit by a paint ball does sting, but you have so much adrenalin running through you while playing that it doesn't really hurt... until later. I had baseball sized bruises and welts on my legs and a nice golf ball sized bruise on my belly.
While my wife questioned my sanity, using the logic of "how can getting hit so hard that you get bruises like that be fun"? All I could do was giggle and reassure her that for some odd reason, the bruises are a very small price to pay for the enjoyment I got out of it.
I have since found an ex-military guy on craigslist here in Sahuarita that was getting married, and was getting rid of ALL his paintball gear. So for $100, I'm completely geared up and good to go for next time.
So, please come visit... I've got a new hobby I'd like to share with you - hehe hehehe heheheh...
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day!
This has been a wonderful Fathers Day here with my family! The kids and Sheri were very nice to me - they showered me with gifts, and made me feel incredibly special.
At church today a Sister gave a talk on Father's Day, and gave a very moving tribute to her Father.
I could relate, and started to reflect on the wonderful Fathers that have been a part of my life. My Dad, my wife's Dad Cal, and my brother Ryan, just to name a few... These are men that I look up to and have learned so much from throughout my life.
My Father for his example of selfless service, purposeful parenting, and above all - his love, commitment, and fidelity to his family (especially my Mom). I learned how to love and cherish my wife by watching my Dad take care of my Mom. I learned how to parent my kids from his example.
My Father-In-Law Cal for his sound council and advice throughout my college years, and the beginning of my career. Anytime I solicited advice from Cal, I knew I would get an honest and experienced opinion. I love the Father he is to my bride, and the grandfather he is to my children.
We hope you all have a wonderful and happy Father's Day!
"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
At church today a Sister gave a talk on Father's Day, and gave a very moving tribute to her Father.
I could relate, and started to reflect on the wonderful Fathers that have been a part of my life. My Dad, my wife's Dad Cal, and my brother Ryan, just to name a few... These are men that I look up to and have learned so much from throughout my life.
My Father for his example of selfless service, purposeful parenting, and above all - his love, commitment, and fidelity to his family (especially my Mom). I learned how to love and cherish my wife by watching my Dad take care of my Mom. I learned how to parent my kids from his example.
My Father-In-Law Cal for his sound council and advice throughout my college years, and the beginning of my career. Anytime I solicited advice from Cal, I knew I would get an honest and experienced opinion. I love the Father he is to my bride, and the grandfather he is to my children.
We hope you all have a wonderful and happy Father's Day!
"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Habitat for Humanity - Rain Bird Service Project
Last week I was asked if I wanted to participate in a Habitat Humanity service project. Rain Bird was going to install the irrigation systems on seven homes that Habitat is almost finished building.
Thursday afternoon, Rain Bird gave us training on how to install the systems, then Friday we left work at 4:00 p.m. and finished seven homes by 7:30 p.m. There were about 20 of us from Rain Bird, plus a few Habitat workers.
I was really impressed with Habitat for Humanity - they are an incredible organization. For those that haven't heard of them, they provide homes for people that normaly would not be able to buy their own home.
The "candidates" for the homes have to:
1. qualify
2. spend 200hrs per adult in the family in "sweat equity" helping build the home,
3. take money/life management classes before they can move into the home.
The program gives people a little boost in their lives, and helps them become responsible citizens of the community.
I was also impressed with Rain Bird. It's fun to work for a company that is a great corporate citizen. During the instalations, I also made some good friends, and met a lot of people I hadn't met before. So, for a new employee it was a great opportnity to meet and greet my co-workers.
Below are a few picures that were sent to me. I didn't take my camera, so I only have a few, but at least you'll get an idea of what we were doing and what the homes looked like.
This is the only picture with me in it. See the guy on his knees, closest to the house, behind the guy with the JackHammer (yes, we did need a Jackhammer to break up the "dirt" to be able to plant the trees and shrubs)? The guy with his back, backside, and shoes showing? That's me!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
"Well that didn't go so bad..."
Backstory
Our trampoline sits next to the neighbors wall on our side yard. For the past two years we have had a "safety" net around the trampoline. Last week I had to take down the "safety" net because it had WAY too many holes in it - it was not longer "safe", and had become an eyesore. So now, the trampoline looks like the kind us adults played on when we were kids - remember those days - before seat belts, car seats, "child proofing" and safety nets were considered important? Besides being "unsafe", our newly configured tramp now gives our kids access to the neighbors wall, AND his "lemon" tree.
Story
When I got back form work on Friday, Sheri informed me that Tyler had picked the neighbors lemons off his tree while playing on the tramp. We talked it over with Tyler, and decided that we needed to walk over to the neighbors and apologize. Tyler started crying, and said that he was scared because he thought the neighbor would call the cops on him and he would have to go to jail. The neighbor (Dave) is a great friend of ours, and we told Tyler that he wouldn't call the cops, but that it was important that we tell him what Tyler had done, and to tell him "I'm sorry".
Tyler and I walked over to Mr. Dave's house, rang the doorbell and waited. Mr Dave's son answered the door, and we asked if Mr. Dave was home and could we talk to him.
Mr. Dave came to the door and said "hey guys - whats up"?
I said - "Tyler has something he needs to tell you".
Through tear filled eyes, Tyler said - "I'm sorry".
"What are you sorry for"? replied Mr. Dave.
Tyler just stood there crying, and not willing to fess up.
So I said "come on Ty - you need to tell him"
"I'm too scared" Tyler said.
Then I could see that Mr. Dave was about to cave in - he could tell Tyler was really upset.
One more time I asked Tyler to tell him, and he found the courage to say "I picked your lemons".
The look on Mr. Dave's face was priceless - he looked at me for an explanation, and I said "it appears that Tyler reached over your wall and picked the lemons off your tree".
Mr. Dave said - "I have lemons"?
Dave's really green oranges where what Tyler had picked.
Mr. Dave looked at Tyler and said "Tyler - its ok - anytime you want to pick my oranges, all you have to do is come over, ring the doorbell, and ask.
Then he shook Tyler's hand, and I thanked him and Tyler and I walked away from Mr. Dave's house hand in hand. About half way down the driveway - Tyler wipes away one of his tears, and looks up at me and says "Well, that didn't go so bad..."
Our trampoline sits next to the neighbors wall on our side yard. For the past two years we have had a "safety" net around the trampoline. Last week I had to take down the "safety" net because it had WAY too many holes in it - it was not longer "safe", and had become an eyesore. So now, the trampoline looks like the kind us adults played on when we were kids - remember those days - before seat belts, car seats, "child proofing" and safety nets were considered important? Besides being "unsafe", our newly configured tramp now gives our kids access to the neighbors wall, AND his "lemon" tree.
Story
When I got back form work on Friday, Sheri informed me that Tyler had picked the neighbors lemons off his tree while playing on the tramp. We talked it over with Tyler, and decided that we needed to walk over to the neighbors and apologize. Tyler started crying, and said that he was scared because he thought the neighbor would call the cops on him and he would have to go to jail. The neighbor (Dave) is a great friend of ours, and we told Tyler that he wouldn't call the cops, but that it was important that we tell him what Tyler had done, and to tell him "I'm sorry".
Tyler and I walked over to Mr. Dave's house, rang the doorbell and waited. Mr Dave's son answered the door, and we asked if Mr. Dave was home and could we talk to him.
Mr. Dave came to the door and said "hey guys - whats up"?
I said - "Tyler has something he needs to tell you".
Through tear filled eyes, Tyler said - "I'm sorry".
"What are you sorry for"? replied Mr. Dave.
Tyler just stood there crying, and not willing to fess up.
So I said "come on Ty - you need to tell him"
"I'm too scared" Tyler said.
Then I could see that Mr. Dave was about to cave in - he could tell Tyler was really upset.
One more time I asked Tyler to tell him, and he found the courage to say "I picked your lemons".
The look on Mr. Dave's face was priceless - he looked at me for an explanation, and I said "it appears that Tyler reached over your wall and picked the lemons off your tree".
Mr. Dave said - "I have lemons"?
Dave's really green oranges where what Tyler had picked.
Mr. Dave looked at Tyler and said "Tyler - its ok - anytime you want to pick my oranges, all you have to do is come over, ring the doorbell, and ask.
Then he shook Tyler's hand, and I thanked him and Tyler and I walked away from Mr. Dave's house hand in hand. About half way down the driveway - Tyler wipes away one of his tears, and looks up at me and says "Well, that didn't go so bad..."
Priceless!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Pepsi Free... 35 days and counting!
During my last trip to California, Sheri decided to kick the habit. No more Diet Pepsi. That was over two weeks ago. When I got back - wanting to be supportive - I joined her. Our household is now oficially Pepsi Free!
The first few days were pretty tough - cravings, headeaches, etc... But, we are getting used to this new cyrstal clear beverage that comes out of our fridge cold and free - its called water - don't know if you've heard of it... but we are tyring it again for the first time in years, and its pretty good.
My wallet feels a little fatter these days too. Between the two of us we probably consumed $5 - $7 a day in Pepsi, so that's already somewhere between $75 and $100 in savings just in the first two weeks. Maybe kicking Pepsi will help us not feel the increased gas prices too much...
I wouldn't say we are 100% free and clear yet, and maybe we never will be. There are days, situations, and even meals when I catch myself saying "Man I could use a Pepsi with this"...
Well - so far so good... we'll keep you posted on our progress - wish us luck!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Family fun & Special Memories...
Our trip to San Carlos for some Rest and Relaxation, and Cade's baptism was the perfect mix of family fun, and special memories.
We missed those of you that couldn't come, and loved spending time with each of you that could!
Joe
Spiders & Scorpions & Snakes... Oh My!
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day! The Mom's on the receiving end, and the rest of us on the giving end... We were given a peculiar/exciting/frightening gift this Mother's Day!
We invited a few families over for dinner Sunday, and Sheri's brother Steve and his wife Jessica were also in town. After dinner, while working on desert - one of our visitors leans over to Steve and says "Hey - is that a lizard on the cupboard?" Steve replied "No... it looks more like a toy snake" Steve then walks over to the cupboard and gives it a little shake... the toy snake... IT MOVED!!!
That's right - not a fake toy snake but a real snake made its way into the cupboard over the microwave. I jumped up on a stool, and started to pull all the recipe books out of the cupboard trying to find and catch the snake. Once I had about 75% of the books out - I could see him on the left side of the cupboard. Only part of his body was showing - someone handed me the tongs we used to grill our chicken and steaks earlier and said "here catch him with this". I'm not really scared of snakes - but I had visions of this thing striking at me as soon as I grabbed him with the tongs.
With a plastic water piture in one hand, and barbecue tongs in the other - I pinched the part of the body I could see - and sweet success! I picked him up - ala a wussy version of the crocodile hunter and dropped him in the water piture. I vaguely remember screaming children, frantic women, and a few men laughing in the background - but I was in the zone, so didn't really pay too much attention to them.
The snake was deposited in Cade's old lizard aquarium - which conveniently was on the back porch all set up with sand and rocks from the last lizard he captured. Sheri and company scoured the Internet trying to identify the snake, while Steve, Shawn and I took down the microwave to see where he could have come in from, and what I was going to do to make sure it never happened again...
He got in through the hole in the wall where the microwave vents outside. I covered the hole with mesh wire, and spray foam - then put the microwave back. According to http://www.reptilesofaz.com/herp-snakes.html it looks like its either a VARIABLE SANDSNAKE or a SONORAN SHOVEL-NOSED SNAKE. I emailed the pics below to an expert at the University of Arizona, but haven't heard back from him. I'm sure he has more important things to do than cater to whiny scardy cats with little snakes in their homes...
We aren't sleeping as well these days (by we, I mean they - I'm sleeping just fine in my cozy hotel room in California, while my family sleeps in the snake infested home back in AZ). We are hoping that the shock wares off - like it did after we killed our first black widow. We now kill 20-50 black widows per year, and its just like any other spider...
We really can't find much to complain about living in southern Arizona - we really love it here, but I guess I can complain about the Spiders and Scorpions and Snakes Oh My!
The worst part - during the night - somehow he found a way to escape from the aquarium... so we never even got to take him out to the desert and let him go. He might be making his way back to the microwave as we speak... good thoughts.... good thoughts.... breathe in - breathe out - good thoughts good thoughts...
BLOG UPDATE: Posted Friday - May 16th.
Below is the e-mail chain from a different snake expert (the U of A guy never wrote back).
Hi Joe,
Sure, glad to help. That's actually a Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei). They are significantly larger than all three of the species you mentioned. They do have a similar color pattern though.
John
On May 15, 2008, at 6:37 PM, Cluff, Joseph SPT 2403 wrote:
John – we caught this snake in our house. We live just south of Tucson, AZ. We are pretty sure it’s either a:
VARIABLE SANDSNAKE Chilomeniscus stramineus
SONORAN SHOVEL-NOSED SNAKE Chionactis palarostris
However – we still think there might be a possibility that it is a:
SONORAN CORALSNAKE Micruroides euryxanthus
Can you take a look at these pictures and let me know what you think? Thanks!
Joe
The good news - its non venemous. The bad news - he was just a baby... so next year we might find a huge snake in the house... good thoughts.... good thoughts.... breathe in - breathe out - good thoughts good thoughts...
We invited a few families over for dinner Sunday, and Sheri's brother Steve and his wife Jessica were also in town. After dinner, while working on desert - one of our visitors leans over to Steve and says "Hey - is that a lizard on the cupboard?" Steve replied "No... it looks more like a toy snake" Steve then walks over to the cupboard and gives it a little shake... the toy snake... IT MOVED!!!
That's right - not a fake toy snake but a real snake made its way into the cupboard over the microwave. I jumped up on a stool, and started to pull all the recipe books out of the cupboard trying to find and catch the snake. Once I had about 75% of the books out - I could see him on the left side of the cupboard. Only part of his body was showing - someone handed me the tongs we used to grill our chicken and steaks earlier and said "here catch him with this". I'm not really scared of snakes - but I had visions of this thing striking at me as soon as I grabbed him with the tongs.
With a plastic water piture in one hand, and barbecue tongs in the other - I pinched the part of the body I could see - and sweet success! I picked him up - ala a wussy version of the crocodile hunter and dropped him in the water piture. I vaguely remember screaming children, frantic women, and a few men laughing in the background - but I was in the zone, so didn't really pay too much attention to them.
The snake was deposited in Cade's old lizard aquarium - which conveniently was on the back porch all set up with sand and rocks from the last lizard he captured. Sheri and company scoured the Internet trying to identify the snake, while Steve, Shawn and I took down the microwave to see where he could have come in from, and what I was going to do to make sure it never happened again...
He got in through the hole in the wall where the microwave vents outside. I covered the hole with mesh wire, and spray foam - then put the microwave back. According to http://www.reptilesofaz.com/herp-snakes.html it looks like its either a VARIABLE SANDSNAKE or a SONORAN SHOVEL-NOSED SNAKE. I emailed the pics below to an expert at the University of Arizona, but haven't heard back from him. I'm sure he has more important things to do than cater to whiny scardy cats with little snakes in their homes...
We aren't sleeping as well these days (by we, I mean they - I'm sleeping just fine in my cozy hotel room in California, while my family sleeps in the snake infested home back in AZ). We are hoping that the shock wares off - like it did after we killed our first black widow. We now kill 20-50 black widows per year, and its just like any other spider...
We really can't find much to complain about living in southern Arizona - we really love it here, but I guess I can complain about the Spiders and Scorpions and Snakes Oh My!
The worst part - during the night - somehow he found a way to escape from the aquarium... so we never even got to take him out to the desert and let him go. He might be making his way back to the microwave as we speak... good thoughts.... good thoughts.... breathe in - breathe out - good thoughts good thoughts...
BLOG UPDATE: Posted Friday - May 16th.
Below is the e-mail chain from a different snake expert (the U of A guy never wrote back).
Hi Joe,
Sure, glad to help. That's actually a Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei). They are significantly larger than all three of the species you mentioned. They do have a similar color pattern though.
John
On May 15, 2008, at 6:37 PM, Cluff, Joseph SPT 2403 wrote:
John – we caught this snake in our house. We live just south of Tucson, AZ. We are pretty sure it’s either a:
VARIABLE SANDSNAKE Chilomeniscus stramineus
SONORAN SHOVEL-NOSED SNAKE Chionactis palarostris
However – we still think there might be a possibility that it is a:
SONORAN CORALSNAKE Micruroides euryxanthus
Can you take a look at these pictures and let me know what you think? Thanks!
Joe
The good news - its non venemous. The bad news - he was just a baby... so next year we might find a huge snake in the house... good thoughts.... good thoughts.... breathe in - breathe out - good thoughts good thoughts...
Monday, April 21, 2008
Details... Details... Details...
Per your request...
Knowing that my factory in Nogales would be closing, I started to look for jobs a few months ago. I wasn't in a big rush, I just wanted to see what was out there, and see where my skills stacked up against all the other job seekers in the market for new jobs. I came across a website called TheLadders.com - for a fee, they really do a great job of helping cull out jobs you wouldn't be interested in, and only putting the jobs that fit your profile in front of you. I would check this website a few times a week to see if anything exciting, and local would pop up.
When the Internal Audit Manager at Rain Bird was posted on the Website, I thought - "what a perfect opportunity to test out my resume, and interview skills". I didn't think much would come of it, but it fit all my criteria, so I applied.
A few days later, I had my first phone interview with a Rain Bird recruiter. A few days after that I had my second phone interview with another Rain Bird Human Resources representative. At the end of that interview, they scheduled another phone interview with the CFO (Chief Financial Officer). My phone interview with Nick (The CFO, and now my boss) went great! We talked for more than an hour, and the job got more exciting for me, and he seemed even more interested in me as well. So at the end of that interview, we talked about having a face to face interview at the Tucson facility.
The Tucson interview was scheduled for the day before we left for Utah for our Spring Break. I spent most of the day interviewing with the CFO, and various other Rain Bird people (from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Funny side note - the HR manager that interviewed me - used to be the HR manager at a company in Snowflake, AZ. He is LDS, served his mission in Argentina, lived just down the street from Alma and Nadine, and Marnie was their favorite babysitter. Just another example of how small the world is, especially inside the church...
The interviews went really well - I felt great about every single person that I met with. While we were in Utah I got my first offer. We went back and forth with offers and counter offers for over a week before Nick and I finally got to where we were both comfortable. Sheri and I talked it over weighed out the pros and cons, prayed about it, then accepted the job.
We are most excited about the extra time I will have at home, and the fact that we get to stay here in Southern Arizona.
I graduated from the U of I at the end of 1999. We officially moved to Boise in 2000 - then to Phoenix in 2003 (just for a few months because Motorola closed the Phoenix office just after I started there), then to Chicago in 2004, and finally to Southern Arizona in 2006. So - we are pretty tired of moving, and are ready to stay put for a while.
I am excited about this new chapter in my life, and especially excited for the blessings it will bring to my family. I feel really optimistic about the road ahead of me, and the growth opportunities that I will find along the way. Wish me luck!
Joe
PS - Our trip to San Carlos was amazing! Cade's Baptism and Confirmation were really touching. Stay tuned - I'm sure my Dad and I will both blog about it as soon as we get our pictures organized...
Knowing that my factory in Nogales would be closing, I started to look for jobs a few months ago. I wasn't in a big rush, I just wanted to see what was out there, and see where my skills stacked up against all the other job seekers in the market for new jobs. I came across a website called TheLadders.com - for a fee, they really do a great job of helping cull out jobs you wouldn't be interested in, and only putting the jobs that fit your profile in front of you. I would check this website a few times a week to see if anything exciting, and local would pop up.
When the Internal Audit Manager at Rain Bird was posted on the Website, I thought - "what a perfect opportunity to test out my resume, and interview skills". I didn't think much would come of it, but it fit all my criteria, so I applied.
A few days later, I had my first phone interview with a Rain Bird recruiter. A few days after that I had my second phone interview with another Rain Bird Human Resources representative. At the end of that interview, they scheduled another phone interview with the CFO (Chief Financial Officer). My phone interview with Nick (The CFO, and now my boss) went great! We talked for more than an hour, and the job got more exciting for me, and he seemed even more interested in me as well. So at the end of that interview, we talked about having a face to face interview at the Tucson facility.
The Tucson interview was scheduled for the day before we left for Utah for our Spring Break. I spent most of the day interviewing with the CFO, and various other Rain Bird people (from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Funny side note - the HR manager that interviewed me - used to be the HR manager at a company in Snowflake, AZ. He is LDS, served his mission in Argentina, lived just down the street from Alma and Nadine, and Marnie was their favorite babysitter. Just another example of how small the world is, especially inside the church...
The interviews went really well - I felt great about every single person that I met with. While we were in Utah I got my first offer. We went back and forth with offers and counter offers for over a week before Nick and I finally got to where we were both comfortable. Sheri and I talked it over weighed out the pros and cons, prayed about it, then accepted the job.
We are most excited about the extra time I will have at home, and the fact that we get to stay here in Southern Arizona.
I graduated from the U of I at the end of 1999. We officially moved to Boise in 2000 - then to Phoenix in 2003 (just for a few months because Motorola closed the Phoenix office just after I started there), then to Chicago in 2004, and finally to Southern Arizona in 2006. So - we are pretty tired of moving, and are ready to stay put for a while.
I am excited about this new chapter in my life, and especially excited for the blessings it will bring to my family. I feel really optimistic about the road ahead of me, and the growth opportunities that I will find along the way. Wish me luck!
Joe
PS - Our trip to San Carlos was amazing! Cade's Baptism and Confirmation were really touching. Stay tuned - I'm sure my Dad and I will both blog about it as soon as we get our pictures organized...
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Let it Rain... Bird!
Well, I guess its time to decommission the Baby Tracker... I landed a new job in Tucson with Rain Bird as their head of internal audit.
My last day with Motorola is Friday, and my first day with Rain Bird is Monday. I'm meeting my new Boss on Monday to get things squared away, then leaving on Wednesday for Mexico for our little trip to San Carlos for some R&R, and Cade's baptism.
For those that aren't familiar with Rain Bird - they make irrigation equipment for residential and commercial properties, golf courses, and agriculture. The corporate headquarters are in Azusa California (close to LA), but my office will be here in Tucson. My commute will go from 1hr 15min to just 15 min. For those familiar with Tucson, my new office is just over by the Air and Space Museum (where all the planes are parked that you can walk around and look at).
This was one of the most difficult professional decisions I've ever made. While the pros and cons make the decision sound easy, walking away from 'unfinished business' is really hard for me, but its something we really felt like we had to do.
Pues - Hasta Luego Motorola - y Que Tal Rain Bird!
Thanks to those who have been praying for us, and offering sound council and advice throughout this process! The Lord has truly blessed us - our prayers have been answered. We are completely comfortable, and at peace with the decision we've made. I can even say that we are excited about this new opportunity. Thank you all for your love and support!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The Ten Virgins...
2008 Sahuarita 2nd Ward Relief Society
Birthday Commemoration Dinner
As promised in my last post, here is a quick re-cap of the RS Birthday commemoration dinner Sheri put on for the Sisters in our ward.
The theme for the dinner was the parable of the ten virgins. She had a great turnout, and was grateful to have her mom Sandra, and my mom Mona there to help with the decorations, food prep, childcare, and everything else that goes into making a night like this successful.
I felt especially blessed this time, because I got out of kitchen duty for enough time to sit down and watch the program the Sisters had put together. The program consisted of ten sisters playing the roles of the ten virgins, and a narrator. Each of the virgins told, and sang their own story. Some were humble, faithful, and prepared, while others were busy, well intentioned, or otherwise consumed with 'other' things. It was amazing to watch each of the Sisters in the room relate to each of the ten virgins, and their strengths and weaknesses. It was equally amazing, and heartbreaking when the bridegroom came, and five of the ten virgins were not prepared with enough oil in their lamps. During the program I recognized that the five 'foolish' virgins, weren't bad people. They probably had the best intentions in the world, but let the world, and daily life get in the way of their preparation for eternal progression. It was humbling to ask myself (and watch most of the sisters asking themselves) am I prepared? If the Bridegroom comes tonight, am I physically and spiritually ready? I don't feel that I am yet, but do feel that I am on the path to preparedness, and have a pretty amazing wife that I can count of to drag me the rest of the way there!
Below is a montage with the decorations. I don't have pictures of the actual program, with all the Sisters there, but it was really a sight to behold, and if I can get a hold of some I'll include them later.
At the end of the Montage, you'll see a picture of a bucket of flowers with a little 10 virgins card, and Thank You notes. Someone in the Ward left this bucket of flowers with the note that you can see on the bucket, just to say thanks to all those who worked on the Program and the Dinner, and made the night such a memorable evening for the Sisters. I thought that was a pretty neat thing for someone to do anonymously... just because they felt like it!
Monday, March 3, 2008
LOTB - Mailbag
Sorry for my brief sabbatical - you know how it is... life on the border got in the way of my blogging - I'll try to be more diligent, and adjust my priorities...
I've decided that periodically I'll run a "Life On The Border" Mailbag - with answers to frequently asked questions. The first mailbag starts now:
QUESTION:
Dear LOTB:
Can you please tell me what a "quesepareelguero" is? (name of your blog URL address) - its been bugging me for a long time, and sadly not even Google can find the answer.
ANSWER:
Great question, that I probably should have addressed long ago when my blog started... but to answer this question I need to tell you a story first. A story of a blond hair blue eyed young man...
This young man lived in Mexico, and was an exceptionally gifted athlete. His favorite sport was Basketball. He played for a team that would travel all over the state of Chihuahua playing other Mexican teams. As you can imagine - not many other blue eyed, blond hair, fair skinned players were on the teams, so his appearance would cause somewhat of a stir in the crowds.
Somewhere along the road, it caught on to start asking this young man to stand and wave to the crowd during the games. Just imaging the scene - hundreds of basketball fans packed into a gym, chanting over and over again "white boy stand up" - "white boy stand up"! - "White Boy Stand Up"!! - "WHITE BOY STAND UP"!!!! When the young man would stand up from the bench and wave to the crowd, they would all cheer like crazy. Then it would start all over again...
White Boy Stand Up in Spanish is: Que Se Pare El Guero
White Boy = Sam Cluff - My Dad
So, long answer to your short insightful question - my blog is named after my amazing Father - A wonderful person, a loving husband, a diligent servant, an incredible Dad, an amazing Grandpa, and a great friend! Love ya Viejo!
QUESTION:
Dear LOTB:
Whats up with that Weight Loss Tracker on the side of your blog? It never changes... that must be some plateau you've hit. What gives?
ANSWER:
Another insightful question - yes, its a funny tracker - for some reason, it only goes down. So those long plateaus in weight loss could be attributed to "I fell off the wagon" scenarios where the pounds didn't come off, but went on (in the interest of full disclosure - the tracker could add, but the blogger doesn't like to add. It depresses him, so he only shows the loss').
I'll be back on the wagon soon enough, and hitting that goal weight before you know it...
Fair enough?
QUESTION:
Dear LOTB:
Those two babies are really ugly - it looks like they are going to take after you, and not their mother. Care to comment on the non-Baby Tracker...
ANSWER:
Ouch - that hurt. Yes, the babies are ugly - so its a good thing we aren't expecting any... as most of you know - that tracker was a joke at first because so many others in my blog universe were expecting at the time, and I felt left out.
I later converted the joke into a tracker of when my job would come to an end in Nogales. So - if you ever want to know how many days until I hit the un-employment line... just gander at the side of my blog and see how long it is until my ugly babies are born. (once we get within the 9 month window - the babies should look better and stop grossing you out)
QUESTION:
Dear LOTB:
Whatever happened with your hair? I've been waiting with baited breath for the after pictures, but sadly - none have been posted.
ANSWER:
Baited breath eh? That's a bit extreme dontcha think?
As posted in an earlier blog - I'm losing my hair. Does that answer your question? No? Oh, you meant what did I do about losing my hair... I decided to cut it short... check out my Dad's blog - you can see a few pics there, and I'll include one I took with my phone here.
I actually need it cut again - it seems that when you cut it short, it grows faster - just wish it would grow faster AND thicker... but sadly no - just faster...
QUESTION:
So - after recovering all those Christmas pictures - why haven't we seen any? You get a miracle - and we get jack...
ANSWER:
Your right! My bad! Here ya go!
I've decided that periodically I'll run a "Life On The Border" Mailbag - with answers to frequently asked questions. The first mailbag starts now:
QUESTION:
Dear LOTB:
Can you please tell me what a "quesepareelguero" is? (name of your blog URL address) - its been bugging me for a long time, and sadly not even Google can find the answer.
ANSWER:
Great question, that I probably should have addressed long ago when my blog started... but to answer this question I need to tell you a story first. A story of a blond hair blue eyed young man...
This young man lived in Mexico, and was an exceptionally gifted athlete. His favorite sport was Basketball. He played for a team that would travel all over the state of Chihuahua playing other Mexican teams. As you can imagine - not many other blue eyed, blond hair, fair skinned players were on the teams, so his appearance would cause somewhat of a stir in the crowds.
Somewhere along the road, it caught on to start asking this young man to stand and wave to the crowd during the games. Just imaging the scene - hundreds of basketball fans packed into a gym, chanting over and over again "white boy stand up" - "white boy stand up"! - "White Boy Stand Up"!! - "WHITE BOY STAND UP"!!!! When the young man would stand up from the bench and wave to the crowd, they would all cheer like crazy. Then it would start all over again...
White Boy Stand Up in Spanish is: Que Se Pare El Guero
White Boy = Sam Cluff - My Dad
So, long answer to your short insightful question - my blog is named after my amazing Father - A wonderful person, a loving husband, a diligent servant, an incredible Dad, an amazing Grandpa, and a great friend! Love ya Viejo!
QUESTION:
Dear LOTB:
Whats up with that Weight Loss Tracker on the side of your blog? It never changes... that must be some plateau you've hit. What gives?
ANSWER:
Another insightful question - yes, its a funny tracker - for some reason, it only goes down. So those long plateaus in weight loss could be attributed to "I fell off the wagon" scenarios where the pounds didn't come off, but went on (in the interest of full disclosure - the tracker could add, but the blogger doesn't like to add. It depresses him, so he only shows the loss').
I'll be back on the wagon soon enough, and hitting that goal weight before you know it...
Fair enough?
QUESTION:
Dear LOTB:
Those two babies are really ugly - it looks like they are going to take after you, and not their mother. Care to comment on the non-Baby Tracker...
ANSWER:
Ouch - that hurt. Yes, the babies are ugly - so its a good thing we aren't expecting any... as most of you know - that tracker was a joke at first because so many others in my blog universe were expecting at the time, and I felt left out.
I later converted the joke into a tracker of when my job would come to an end in Nogales. So - if you ever want to know how many days until I hit the un-employment line... just gander at the side of my blog and see how long it is until my ugly babies are born. (once we get within the 9 month window - the babies should look better and stop grossing you out)
QUESTION:
Dear LOTB:
Whatever happened with your hair? I've been waiting with baited breath for the after pictures, but sadly - none have been posted.
ANSWER:
Baited breath eh? That's a bit extreme dontcha think?
As posted in an earlier blog - I'm losing my hair. Does that answer your question? No? Oh, you meant what did I do about losing my hair... I decided to cut it short... check out my Dad's blog - you can see a few pics there, and I'll include one I took with my phone here.
I actually need it cut again - it seems that when you cut it short, it grows faster - just wish it would grow faster AND thicker... but sadly no - just faster...
QUESTION:
So - after recovering all those Christmas pictures - why haven't we seen any? You get a miracle - and we get jack...
ANSWER:
Your right! My bad! Here ya go!
Well, that wraps up the mailbag today... keep the questions coming, and I'll find or make up answers to them...
And check back in the next few days for another Relief Society post. Sheri has her RS commemoration Birthday Dinner tonight. The theme is the Ten Virgins - Her Mom Sandra, and my Mom Mona are both here for it.
Hasta La Proxima!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The 'Pothole Pucker" Factor
As I've stated in this space in previous posts, driving in Mexico is a daily adventure. Now that Spring is approaching, the winter potholes are out in full force.
Now imagine if you will:
You are driving down a pretty beat up street, three cars wide, on a two 'lane' road. Cars weaving in and out and around each other - stopping inexplicably in the middle of the road, or changing 'lanes' without any notice. The sun is beating down on your dusty peppered windshield, partially obstructing your view of the road. Just as the sun tucks behind a hill or a building you see a hole in the middle of the road that can swallow your entire front tire...
The human body is an amazing creation - somehow it recognized a situation where it might soil itself, and without thought or conscious prompting generates a tight butt clench pucker to protect itself from said 'soiling'.
The potholes here in Nogales have driven me to come up with a pucker scale to rank the potholes I see and frantically try to avoid every day.
I won't describe every point on the scale, because with a few, you should be able to fill in the blanks.
1. No Pucker: You don't even notice it - its just like thousands of other potholes that barely shake your car as you drive over them - there really is no pucker to rank, because the body doesn't innately notice a big risk.
5. Moderate Pucker: Potholes that would shake your car as if you hit a speed bump going pretty fast. No real damage to the car, but when you realize your going to hit it, you do pucker, just because your unsure of how bad its going to be...
7. Dangerous Pucker: At this level, there is potential damage to the car/tire/rim as you hit the pothole... this pucker starts at first sight of the pothole, and doesn't release until you are sure that the car is ok and still rolling down the road.
10. Irrelevant Pucker: If you actually hit a pothole of the 10 magnitude - it will swallow your wheel, and part of your car. The pucker is strong, but irrelevant - you will wreck your car and soil your pants all in the same instant...
As a side note: I have never hit one of these, and hope that I never will. I have only seen one pothole of this magnitude. It was at night, and someone had filled a coffee can with some kind of kerosene or diesel, and lit it on fire and placed it in front of the hole. Otherwise I might not be here to tell this story... that hole could have swallowed my entire car - it was a very scary sight!
So now, as I drive around in Nogales and encounter potholes, I apply the "Pothole Pucker Factor" I'll say to myself - "Oooh man - that one was like a six..."
If nothing else, this has added some excitement and entertainment to my mornings and afternoons.
For those ladies that have just had babies, you should come visit me. I'll take you for a ride that will double as a "Tour of Nogales Mexico", and a "30-min. Kegel workout" (No charge for either).
I'd have included some pictures, but have not found a safe way to do so, without becoming an unwilling participant of the "irrelevant pucker factor" I must say that trying to take a picture in the middle of traffic - is just a recipe for disaster - and I don't have a change of shorts in the car...
Now imagine if you will:
You are driving down a pretty beat up street, three cars wide, on a two 'lane' road. Cars weaving in and out and around each other - stopping inexplicably in the middle of the road, or changing 'lanes' without any notice. The sun is beating down on your dusty peppered windshield, partially obstructing your view of the road. Just as the sun tucks behind a hill or a building you see a hole in the middle of the road that can swallow your entire front tire...
The human body is an amazing creation - somehow it recognized a situation where it might soil itself, and without thought or conscious prompting generates a tight butt clench pucker to protect itself from said 'soiling'.
The potholes here in Nogales have driven me to come up with a pucker scale to rank the potholes I see and frantically try to avoid every day.
I won't describe every point on the scale, because with a few, you should be able to fill in the blanks.
1. No Pucker: You don't even notice it - its just like thousands of other potholes that barely shake your car as you drive over them - there really is no pucker to rank, because the body doesn't innately notice a big risk.
5. Moderate Pucker: Potholes that would shake your car as if you hit a speed bump going pretty fast. No real damage to the car, but when you realize your going to hit it, you do pucker, just because your unsure of how bad its going to be...
7. Dangerous Pucker: At this level, there is potential damage to the car/tire/rim as you hit the pothole... this pucker starts at first sight of the pothole, and doesn't release until you are sure that the car is ok and still rolling down the road.
10. Irrelevant Pucker: If you actually hit a pothole of the 10 magnitude - it will swallow your wheel, and part of your car. The pucker is strong, but irrelevant - you will wreck your car and soil your pants all in the same instant...
As a side note: I have never hit one of these, and hope that I never will. I have only seen one pothole of this magnitude. It was at night, and someone had filled a coffee can with some kind of kerosene or diesel, and lit it on fire and placed it in front of the hole. Otherwise I might not be here to tell this story... that hole could have swallowed my entire car - it was a very scary sight!
So now, as I drive around in Nogales and encounter potholes, I apply the "Pothole Pucker Factor" I'll say to myself - "Oooh man - that one was like a six..."
If nothing else, this has added some excitement and entertainment to my mornings and afternoons.
For those ladies that have just had babies, you should come visit me. I'll take you for a ride that will double as a "Tour of Nogales Mexico", and a "30-min. Kegel workout" (No charge for either).
I'd have included some pictures, but have not found a safe way to do so, without becoming an unwilling participant of the "irrelevant pucker factor" I must say that trying to take a picture in the middle of traffic - is just a recipe for disaster - and I don't have a change of shorts in the car...
Friday, February 1, 2008
President Gordon B. Hinckley
June 23, 1910 - January 27, 2008
Prophetic Passing
I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.
I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.
I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, "Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son."
I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since there's no need to waste any time.
I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward — there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.
Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
I'm going to Mexico... feel free to tag along...
I've been talking about doing this for a while now, and finally got around to it. It takes about 10 minutes to get through the whole thing, so make sure you have some time when you click play.
Now I'm nowhere near as good of a Movie maker as Mr. Mack Strate is... so I hope you can at least get some entertainment out of the movie below... I don't have outtakes, a remote contorol, or say "action" so you'll just have to suffer through my mediocre attempt at showing you a day in my work-life... Think of it as a poorly done documentary instead of a gutbusting commecial... that should help... I hope!
Now I'm nowhere near as good of a Movie maker as Mr. Mack Strate is... so I hope you can at least get some entertainment out of the movie below... I don't have outtakes, a remote contorol, or say "action" so you'll just have to suffer through my mediocre attempt at showing you a day in my work-life... Think of it as a poorly done documentary instead of a gutbusting commecial... that should help... I hope!
I sure enjoy my job, and the good people I work with. Honestly, every day is a mini adventure. When it all comes to an end in about 11 months, I don't think I'll miss the long commute everyday, but I will definately miss the people.
Hope you enjoyed watching as much as I enjoyed sharing...
Joe
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Bless You CardRecovery.com BLESS YOU!
Today at lunch I downloaded some trial software that lets you see if it can recover images from a deleted, or re-formatted data card. If it works, you pay the purchase price ($39.00) for the full program, and you can finish recovering your deleted pictures.
IT WORKED!!!!!
I got 160 Christmas pictures back that we thought were gone for good. Its funny, because I took this card to four different stores, and called at least six or seven others, with everyone giving me the same bleak outlook... "sorry - we just don't have much luck trying to recover pictures from re-formatted memory cards"
IT WORKED!!!!!
I got 160 Christmas pictures back that we thought were gone for good. Its funny, because I took this card to four different stores, and called at least six or seven others, with everyone giving me the same bleak outlook... "sorry - we just don't have much luck trying to recover pictures from re-formatted memory cards"
Then lo and behold - a little downloadable software completely restored the entire card... Amazing! What a Blessing!
For those that didn't believe my fish story... Behold!
Click on the picture to see the BIG version - and read the "Did you miss me" post below for the backstory!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Hair? or no Hair? That is the Question...
This past summer I was sitting on the floor in my family room when one of my Sisters came in and sat down on the couch behind me. I scooched back up to the couch hoping for a little shoulder rub. Instead of a shoulder rub, this is what transpired...
What she saw:
What she said:
Dang boy... your really losing your hair aren'tcha?
Other family members have lovingly begun to reference this look as my "bridge over troubled waters".
It's not like I haven't expected this day to come... I mean look at the gene pool I'm drawing from...
Its just that I so want to have a beautiful mane of hair much like that of my infamously handsome cousin Mack Strate... all shiny, wavy, and thick...
Lets take a stroll down memory lane:
Me in 2000 - Just out of college, two kids - new job - not bad eh?
Me in 2004 - Another new job, three kids, lots more travel, and after a move to Chicago... Ya, I guess its starting to thin a bit... but still, not bad right?
Me in 2007 - all three kids in school, yet another move and another new job, just a few months shy of officially using the "mid thirties" moniker to describe myself...
Oh yeah, we've officially arrived!
The question is... where do I go from here?
Shave it?
Rogaine it?
Plugs or implants?
Decisions, Decisions...
I guess I'll take your votes and input on the subject, then do whatever the heck I want...
Just know - that the next time I see you - If I do have a lovely mane of hair again... the operation was a HUGE success, and I'd appreciate ya'll just keeping things to yourself...
K? Thanks!
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Blogging Culture of 'Comments'
I get paid to provide analysis to my customers - which is a good thing, because I like doing analysis. There is something satisfying about taking nonsensical data, and making sense of it. The problem is that I can't really turn it off. At times I'll even over-analyze. I can make very simple decisions/situations hard, because I look too deep, or too hard at a problem instead of just taking it at face value. It's a good trait to have when you're oh, say... buying a car... bad trait, when your analyzing blog comments. So here's some insight into my twisted over-analytical mind regarding blog comments...
First - From a bloggers perspective: (using my own experience, and input from blog readers, and other blog authors that I interviewed)
Apparently - Bloggers tend to grade the quality of their blogs by the quantity and/or quality of comments that are left after a posting. One blogger recently confided that "its depressing to put so much effort into your blog, and then no-one reads it - makes me not want to even bother posting anymore". When in reality, tons of people could have read it; thoroughly enjoyed it, and just not felt like leaving a comment, or might not have had anything fun, insightful, or witty to add...
Conversing with a friend, you immediately get feedback on your input to that conversation by your counterparts response. In the Blog universe, the only feedback you get is through comments. So, if you share something you find funny, interesting, or personal - you are accustomed to immediate feedback. Knowing that your blog audience is mostly made up of family or friends only heightens that expectation. When the feedback doesn't show up, it can be a pretty big let-down, or even make you question the content of your posting - "was what I wrote offensive? boring? nonsensical? over-analytical?..." "are my kids/pets/pictures not worthy of your 'two cents'"?
However, on that rare occasion that there are tons of comments, the feedback can be immensely satisfying and rewarding. "They do care" - "I am funny" - "my kids are cute enough for your two cents" These feelings tend to leave the author wanting more, and willing to go through the 'comment dry spells' - hoping for another posting that will bring a deluge of comments.
To use a golf analogy - Its kind of like that rare occasion that you hit a golf ball so pure and perfect, and it feels soo good, that you keep going back for more and more even if you only hit that kind of shot once every three or four times you play...
Now - From a Reader/Commenter's Perspective: (also drawn from my own experience as a blog reader, and input from other blog readers regarding their propensity for leaving comments on a blog)
"Do you know how many times I've written out a comment for someones posting, then just deleted it, because I thought that maybe someone would think it was silly or wouldn't make sense..." (confidential source)
Overwhelmingly, blog readers have the utmost respect and admiration for bloggers - they love that the blogger is willing to put it all out there for the world to read, imperfections and all.
Self conscious about how everyone might take their comment, sometimes its just safer for the reader to say nothing at all. This is especially true when the commenter does not know who all might read the comment. Maybe he/she wants to say something funny about a particular posting, but is worried that their mom/dad/uncle/aunt/brother/sister/cousin/friend might read it and think less of them because the comment was going to be funny and appropriate for some audiences, but maybe not for all...
Other readers may not have much time on their hands, and after reading a blog posting that they thoroughly enjoyed - are called back to the task at hand before an opportunity for comments presents itself...
And so the conflict continues... Bloggers eager for comments, and readers worried about what they say, or short on time... Can the two worlds come together in perfect harmony and create a blogging Shan-gri-la (Zion for us Mormons)? I guess that remains to be seen...
Any comment?
First - From a bloggers perspective: (using my own experience, and input from blog readers, and other blog authors that I interviewed)
Apparently - Bloggers tend to grade the quality of their blogs by the quantity and/or quality of comments that are left after a posting. One blogger recently confided that "its depressing to put so much effort into your blog, and then no-one reads it - makes me not want to even bother posting anymore". When in reality, tons of people could have read it; thoroughly enjoyed it, and just not felt like leaving a comment, or might not have had anything fun, insightful, or witty to add...
Conversing with a friend, you immediately get feedback on your input to that conversation by your counterparts response. In the Blog universe, the only feedback you get is through comments. So, if you share something you find funny, interesting, or personal - you are accustomed to immediate feedback. Knowing that your blog audience is mostly made up of family or friends only heightens that expectation. When the feedback doesn't show up, it can be a pretty big let-down, or even make you question the content of your posting - "was what I wrote offensive? boring? nonsensical? over-analytical?..." "are my kids/pets/pictures not worthy of your 'two cents'"?
However, on that rare occasion that there are tons of comments, the feedback can be immensely satisfying and rewarding. "They do care" - "I am funny" - "my kids are cute enough for your two cents" These feelings tend to leave the author wanting more, and willing to go through the 'comment dry spells' - hoping for another posting that will bring a deluge of comments.
To use a golf analogy - Its kind of like that rare occasion that you hit a golf ball so pure and perfect, and it feels soo good, that you keep going back for more and more even if you only hit that kind of shot once every three or four times you play...
Now - From a Reader/Commenter's Perspective: (also drawn from my own experience as a blog reader, and input from other blog readers regarding their propensity for leaving comments on a blog)
"Do you know how many times I've written out a comment for someones posting, then just deleted it, because I thought that maybe someone would think it was silly or wouldn't make sense..." (confidential source)
Overwhelmingly, blog readers have the utmost respect and admiration for bloggers - they love that the blogger is willing to put it all out there for the world to read, imperfections and all.
Self conscious about how everyone might take their comment, sometimes its just safer for the reader to say nothing at all. This is especially true when the commenter does not know who all might read the comment. Maybe he/she wants to say something funny about a particular posting, but is worried that their mom/dad/uncle/aunt/brother/sister/cousin/friend might read it and think less of them because the comment was going to be funny and appropriate for some audiences, but maybe not for all...
Other readers may not have much time on their hands, and after reading a blog posting that they thoroughly enjoyed - are called back to the task at hand before an opportunity for comments presents itself...
And so the conflict continues... Bloggers eager for comments, and readers worried about what they say, or short on time... Can the two worlds come together in perfect harmony and create a blogging Shan-gri-la (Zion for us Mormons)? I guess that remains to be seen...
Any comment?
Monday, January 7, 2008
Did you miss me?
Wow, its been almost a full month without blogging... I guess if its good to get away from work for a while, its probably ok to take a break from blogging too. Sorry for the lack of info on our family over the past few weeks - they have been full and fun!
This year we spent Christmas in Moscow, ID with Sheri's family. We flew into Spokane Washington on Dec. 18th, and Cal (Sheri's Dad) came and picked us up. I came back to Arizona on the 31st, so I could get back to work for year end close. Sheri and the kids came back on Jan. 4th, just in time for school. We had lots of snow and enough cold weather to remind us how much we Love Arizona!
There are eight siblings in Sheri's family, and at one time or another over the Christmas/New Year Holidays, all eight of them were in Moscow. It was quite a celebration, with our kids getting to spend lots a quality time with their grandparents, cousins, and uncles and aunts. I had a great time with my kids too, and finally took a much needed extensive break from 'Motorola de Nogales'
THE WORST PART OF THE TRIP:
On Christmas Eve, I checked the memory card on our digital camera, to make sure it wasn't running out of space, so I could take pictures Christmas morning. Somehow, when I exited out of the "memory card" option in the camera, all our pictures disappeared. I took the card to Costco, because they offer memory restoration services, but they couldn't resurrect any pictures - I'm now looking into other options, hoping and praying I'll get all the pictures back! There were some great pictures on there, and I get sick every time I think of not having them anymore.
THE BEST PART(s) OF THE TRIP:
Part 1: Cal took me and Cade Steelhead fishing down on the river. I caught a 13lb. 32 in. Steelhead. Of course the evidence of said Monster Fish is on the previously mentioned erased memory card from our camera. I truly enjoyed fishing with the family, but more than catching the fish, I loved Cade's reaction. We literally fished all day, leaving the house at 4:30 a.m. and getting home at 6:30 p.m. In all that time, we only caught 3 fish. You can imagine how tough that can be on a 7yr. old with a short attention span. Cal caught a small Steelhead early in the morning. My brother-in-law Jared caught a big wild one in the early afternoon that had to be released. Cade was really worried that his old man might strike out for the day. But, late in the day BAM! a nice big fish hit my line, and with the help of Steve and Cal, I was able to land it. After pictures, and some of the excitement dissipated, Cade wanted to whisper something in my ear. I bent over and he said "Dad, I know why you caught that fish"... "oh yeah?" I said "why?" He replied "because I said a prayer that you would be able to catch a fish today, and I just knew Heavenly Father would help us". The faith of a child... strong enough to help his non-fisherman-father catch a whopper! Thanks Cade!
Part 2: Sledding and snowboarding... Santa brought Cade and Tyler new kid snowboards for Christmas. The kind you just poke your toes under some straps, and start sliding down the hill. The day after Christmas, we got a really good snow, and took the kids sledding and snowboarding. I think the trick to snowboarding is balance, and bravery... which both of my boys have in spades. From the word go, they would both fly down the hill, and were amazing to watch. Especially Cade - that kid could go off little jumps, land them, and keep on boarding. We are going to have to plan a trip to a real ski mountain, and rent real gear to see how well he can do with the proper equipment. Honestly though - I got as much, if not more joy from watching them, then they got from riding... One of my all time great "I'm glad I'm a Dad" moments!
Part 3: Christmas morning... As our kids get older, gift giving and receiving gets a lot easier. Christmas was pretty simple this year. Each of our kids only asked for a few things, and were genuinely surprised and extremely grateful for what they received. I don't feel like I've been the best Dad in the world... there is so much I would have done differently, and lots of things I've done that I'd love to take back. But somehow I feel like the Lord has protected my kids from my shortcomings, and only let them absorb the good. I think that their Mom's strengths and abilities protect them from my shortcoming too, but I couldn't be prouder of how they are turning out. Of course they have there moments, but their concern for others this Christmas, and the way they actually converse with the Lord in their prayers really shows me that they are coming along just fine... for this, I am truly grateful!
Part 4: Family time... I got to spend more time with Sheri and the kids over this Holiday then I have in years. Maybe even since College. I loved being with my family. Nothing like a little quality time to remind me of where my priorities should be, and where I should be focusing my efforts.
Part 5: A HOLE IN ONE!!!!! After the new year is when work really heats up for me. I have to make sure that our factory finances are accounted for correctly, and that the year is properly closed out, before we begin our fiscal 2008. Wednesday was my heavy day. I didn't get home from the office until 9:30, then kept on working until past midnight. Early Thursday morning we were at it again. This time instead of driving into Mexico, my boss came over to my house, and we kept working through our close issues. Things got really heated and hectic as our 9:00 a.m. deadline approached. We booked our final journal entries for the year, only minutes before the cutoff. The next few hours were spent monitoring everything, and running reports to make sure we got it all right, then sending out reports to everyone letting them know how the year went. Once we could see that the close was successful, and things would be pretty light for the rest of the day... Kevin looked up at me over the top of his laptop and asked "you want to go chase a little white ball around a golf course for the rest of the day"? I wasn't going to say no, so we took off. We teed off around 2:30 (in short sleeves no-less) and had a really enjoyable round of golf.
We played the back nine first, so when we got to the 6th hole, we only had four holes left to finish up our round. The sixth hole at Torres Blancas is a 145 yd. Par 3. It has an elevated tee box, and a beautiful view of the mountains behind the green. This link will show you the course layout, and a picture of the 12th, which faces the same Mountains as the 6th does.(http://www.torresblancasgolf.com/layout.htm)
I took out my eight iron, and as I swung the club, everything felt right... nice take away, good tempo, smooth downstroke, solid/soft contact... and everything looked right... the ball flew straight and high, and landed soft... one bounce, a little roll, and IN THE HOLE!!!!
Kevin and I started yelling and high fiving... It was incredible. I never ever thought I would get a hole in one, so I never thought of what it would feel like... trust me - IT FEELS REALLY GOOD. As we drove up to the green, I was worried that maybe the ball was hiding behind the flag and didn't really go in, but nope - there it was in the hole... and if you watch much golf, there is something extremely satisfying about doing the "two finger pick it out of the hole while the flag is still in" method of retrieving your ball.
What an amazing payback for two incredibly stressful days. The golf Gods were smiling down upon me that day - and if I wasn't already hooked on this crazy game - you better believe I am now!
Part 6: Our anniversary! Sheri and I have been married for 12 years as of this past Friday. On January 4th, 1996 we were wed in the Cardston Alberta Temple. The time has gone by fast, and the more that passes the faster is seems to go. They have been wonderful years, and I love her more and more with everyday that passes. I'm grateful for her love and support. I couldn't do what I do without her by my side holding me up. I'm especially grateful for her example to me and to our kids - specifically her example of selfless service, and unconditional love.
This year our anniversary was spent with her on a plane coming home - getting delayed, and not getting home until past 11pm. And me working and running errands until it was time to drive to the Phoenix airport to pick them up. Nothing extraordinary, or super romantic about the day... just nice to pass another milestone, and reflect upon our life, our blessings, and the exciting road ahead of us!
Part 7: New Nieces and Nephews... Congratulations to my Sisters Shaela and Camille on the births of their new babies. My nephew Jameson (Shaela and David's new addition) arrived on the same day as my hole-in-one. I won't forget his Birthday... January 3rd 2008 - what a great day. Camille's new bundle of joy arrived only a few days later. Margo Fox joined Camille and Nathan's family on January 5th. I'm so proud of both of you, and happy for your families.
PS - I feel the need to point out that these "Best parts" are more chronological, and not necessarily in order of importance... lest you think my hole-in-one trumps my anniversary, or the new additions to our growing family...
This year we spent Christmas in Moscow, ID with Sheri's family. We flew into Spokane Washington on Dec. 18th, and Cal (Sheri's Dad) came and picked us up. I came back to Arizona on the 31st, so I could get back to work for year end close. Sheri and the kids came back on Jan. 4th, just in time for school. We had lots of snow and enough cold weather to remind us how much we Love Arizona!
There are eight siblings in Sheri's family, and at one time or another over the Christmas/New Year Holidays, all eight of them were in Moscow. It was quite a celebration, with our kids getting to spend lots a quality time with their grandparents, cousins, and uncles and aunts. I had a great time with my kids too, and finally took a much needed extensive break from 'Motorola de Nogales'
THE WORST PART OF THE TRIP:
On Christmas Eve, I checked the memory card on our digital camera, to make sure it wasn't running out of space, so I could take pictures Christmas morning. Somehow, when I exited out of the "memory card" option in the camera, all our pictures disappeared. I took the card to Costco, because they offer memory restoration services, but they couldn't resurrect any pictures - I'm now looking into other options, hoping and praying I'll get all the pictures back! There were some great pictures on there, and I get sick every time I think of not having them anymore.
THE BEST PART(s) OF THE TRIP:
Part 1: Cal took me and Cade Steelhead fishing down on the river. I caught a 13lb. 32 in. Steelhead. Of course the evidence of said Monster Fish is on the previously mentioned erased memory card from our camera. I truly enjoyed fishing with the family, but more than catching the fish, I loved Cade's reaction. We literally fished all day, leaving the house at 4:30 a.m. and getting home at 6:30 p.m. In all that time, we only caught 3 fish. You can imagine how tough that can be on a 7yr. old with a short attention span. Cal caught a small Steelhead early in the morning. My brother-in-law Jared caught a big wild one in the early afternoon that had to be released. Cade was really worried that his old man might strike out for the day. But, late in the day BAM! a nice big fish hit my line, and with the help of Steve and Cal, I was able to land it. After pictures, and some of the excitement dissipated, Cade wanted to whisper something in my ear. I bent over and he said "Dad, I know why you caught that fish"... "oh yeah?" I said "why?" He replied "because I said a prayer that you would be able to catch a fish today, and I just knew Heavenly Father would help us". The faith of a child... strong enough to help his non-fisherman-father catch a whopper! Thanks Cade!
Part 2: Sledding and snowboarding... Santa brought Cade and Tyler new kid snowboards for Christmas. The kind you just poke your toes under some straps, and start sliding down the hill. The day after Christmas, we got a really good snow, and took the kids sledding and snowboarding. I think the trick to snowboarding is balance, and bravery... which both of my boys have in spades. From the word go, they would both fly down the hill, and were amazing to watch. Especially Cade - that kid could go off little jumps, land them, and keep on boarding. We are going to have to plan a trip to a real ski mountain, and rent real gear to see how well he can do with the proper equipment. Honestly though - I got as much, if not more joy from watching them, then they got from riding... One of my all time great "I'm glad I'm a Dad" moments!
Part 3: Christmas morning... As our kids get older, gift giving and receiving gets a lot easier. Christmas was pretty simple this year. Each of our kids only asked for a few things, and were genuinely surprised and extremely grateful for what they received. I don't feel like I've been the best Dad in the world... there is so much I would have done differently, and lots of things I've done that I'd love to take back. But somehow I feel like the Lord has protected my kids from my shortcomings, and only let them absorb the good. I think that their Mom's strengths and abilities protect them from my shortcoming too, but I couldn't be prouder of how they are turning out. Of course they have there moments, but their concern for others this Christmas, and the way they actually converse with the Lord in their prayers really shows me that they are coming along just fine... for this, I am truly grateful!
Part 4: Family time... I got to spend more time with Sheri and the kids over this Holiday then I have in years. Maybe even since College. I loved being with my family. Nothing like a little quality time to remind me of where my priorities should be, and where I should be focusing my efforts.
Part 5: A HOLE IN ONE!!!!! After the new year is when work really heats up for me. I have to make sure that our factory finances are accounted for correctly, and that the year is properly closed out, before we begin our fiscal 2008. Wednesday was my heavy day. I didn't get home from the office until 9:30, then kept on working until past midnight. Early Thursday morning we were at it again. This time instead of driving into Mexico, my boss came over to my house, and we kept working through our close issues. Things got really heated and hectic as our 9:00 a.m. deadline approached. We booked our final journal entries for the year, only minutes before the cutoff. The next few hours were spent monitoring everything, and running reports to make sure we got it all right, then sending out reports to everyone letting them know how the year went. Once we could see that the close was successful, and things would be pretty light for the rest of the day... Kevin looked up at me over the top of his laptop and asked "you want to go chase a little white ball around a golf course for the rest of the day"? I wasn't going to say no, so we took off. We teed off around 2:30 (in short sleeves no-less) and had a really enjoyable round of golf.
We played the back nine first, so when we got to the 6th hole, we only had four holes left to finish up our round. The sixth hole at Torres Blancas is a 145 yd. Par 3. It has an elevated tee box, and a beautiful view of the mountains behind the green. This link will show you the course layout, and a picture of the 12th, which faces the same Mountains as the 6th does.(http://www.torresblancasgolf.com/layout.htm)
I took out my eight iron, and as I swung the club, everything felt right... nice take away, good tempo, smooth downstroke, solid/soft contact... and everything looked right... the ball flew straight and high, and landed soft... one bounce, a little roll, and IN THE HOLE!!!!
Kevin and I started yelling and high fiving... It was incredible. I never ever thought I would get a hole in one, so I never thought of what it would feel like... trust me - IT FEELS REALLY GOOD. As we drove up to the green, I was worried that maybe the ball was hiding behind the flag and didn't really go in, but nope - there it was in the hole... and if you watch much golf, there is something extremely satisfying about doing the "two finger pick it out of the hole while the flag is still in" method of retrieving your ball.
What an amazing payback for two incredibly stressful days. The golf Gods were smiling down upon me that day - and if I wasn't already hooked on this crazy game - you better believe I am now!
Part 6: Our anniversary! Sheri and I have been married for 12 years as of this past Friday. On January 4th, 1996 we were wed in the Cardston Alberta Temple. The time has gone by fast, and the more that passes the faster is seems to go. They have been wonderful years, and I love her more and more with everyday that passes. I'm grateful for her love and support. I couldn't do what I do without her by my side holding me up. I'm especially grateful for her example to me and to our kids - specifically her example of selfless service, and unconditional love.
This year our anniversary was spent with her on a plane coming home - getting delayed, and not getting home until past 11pm. And me working and running errands until it was time to drive to the Phoenix airport to pick them up. Nothing extraordinary, or super romantic about the day... just nice to pass another milestone, and reflect upon our life, our blessings, and the exciting road ahead of us!
Part 7: New Nieces and Nephews... Congratulations to my Sisters Shaela and Camille on the births of their new babies. My nephew Jameson (Shaela and David's new addition) arrived on the same day as my hole-in-one. I won't forget his Birthday... January 3rd 2008 - what a great day. Camille's new bundle of joy arrived only a few days later. Margo Fox joined Camille and Nathan's family on January 5th. I'm so proud of both of you, and happy for your families.
PS - I feel the need to point out that these "Best parts" are more chronological, and not necessarily in order of importance... lest you think my hole-in-one trumps my anniversary, or the new additions to our growing family...
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