Politics

So......

Obama (first black nominee) picks an older wiser white screaming liberal to 'balance' out his platform and abilities....while McCain picks a relative rogue unknown woman as his sidekick. I guess either way this turns out it will be *HISTORIC*!

Goodie for us.

I really don't care about the history being made, and I am sure there are those who will say that makes me racist or chauvinistic when neither are true.

Do I think a woman could be president....sure. I don't know why any woman would want that job.

I can't imagine why any man (black, white, red, yellow, green or purple) would want the job either. It has got to be one of the worst jobs on the planet. Do I care what color the person is....not in the least. I could list several people (not white) who could do the job and do it better than either candidate running.

The reason I don't care about the history being made is because I really don't like either candidate. This will be the first year when I will be voting for the lesser of two evils.....and that is historic (for me anyway) and sad. I am not out waving the McCain flag, I don't like his politics. There are some things we agree on but there is much we don't.

I certainly am not waving the Obama flag either. I think the only thing we agree on is that humans can't breathe without air. End of list.

I am not scared for the country, we have had darker times, and scarier horizons in front of us. I don't think if Obama gets elected the planet would explode....I could be wrong.

My biggest complaint is that I want a country that my forefathers lived in. 

I want the country that farmers and ranchers stood against the greatest force on earth to simply have freedom.

I want the country Abraham Lincoln died protecting.

I want the country that annihilates its enemy, and then spends billions to help them rebuild, just because we want to be neighborly. 

I want the country who's President, in the name of freedom, stood near the Brandenberg Gate in West Berlin and had the audacity to call out the head of the Soviet Union and yelled loud enough for him to hear "Tear down this wall!" 

Sadly, I think that country is gone. So however historic this political race may be, and no matter how great it looks in the paper, internet or on TV....I fear it will be the same old same old.

Obama touts that he is "bringing change!"...for all I care, he can keep the 'change'.

McCain touts "Shaking up Washington!"

At his age too much shaking is called Parkinsons disease.

Either way, I don't care how historic the race is, I would like my country back. History will be made when politicians quit working for themselves and work for the people.

I'm a jerk

I have been telling my kids for years, if they don't pick up their toys, then I will get rid of them. I have tried to do this many times and Catey always stops me with "Can we talk about this?" Since I love my wife and my kids, I always listen and then we get rid of a bag full of toys but the kids keep most of them and give me those big sappy eyes and promise they will keep them picked up from now on.

Monday was different.

Back in February of this year I told the kids (again) that I would get rid of their toys if they didn't keep them picked up, and Catey asked me to give them until April. April came and went...toys still everywhere. June, July and most of August went the same.

Monday was different.

So I get home Monday and the house is trashed. The kitchen was stacked with dishes, the living room had laundry all over it, the office has 1423 things strung all over and I peer into the basement and it is completely destroyed. So calmly I call my children upstairs and tell them they have one hour to get the basement clean. After about 30 min of crying, screaming, yelling and complaining I call down....

Dad: Do you need my help?

Kids: Yes! Will you come help us?

Dad: Are you SURE you want to get me involved?

Kids: Please, this is too big of a job for us to do.

Dad: O.....K......{sigh}

So I grab a fist full of trash bags from a neighbor and head downstairs and demand every toy in the basement be put in the trash bags. Crying, screaming, yelling, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth by 5 little kids (Lincoln and Charli are clueless to what is going on).

Catey tried to stop me by saying those famous words "Can we talk about this?" and I shot back, NOPE! I HAVE REACHED THE END!!

NOTE:
I have to stop the story and tell you that Catey is the most wonderful person in my life, she can do no wrong. She thought I was making a statement about what a crappy wife she is that she can't keep the house clean and picked up....nothing could have been further from the truth. I just have realized over the years that my kids are like me in the fact they hate to clean up. Since Catey feels it is her responsibility to do all the cleaning, and I put that burden on the kids, I was making it easier for both to help each other and having them learn a couple lessons along the way.

Lesson #1 - Dad is serious.

Lesson #2 - Cleaning up is every ones responsibility.

OK....so back to the story....

Malia is crying uncontrollably and starts to make a stand against her dad which was brave but not the best timing. With all the kids watching, the following conversation took place....

Malia: Why are you doing this to us?

Dad: I am getting rid of the clutter and the source of all the problems in this house.

Malia: It isn't fair and you are throwing away our whole lives!

Dad: Really?....Say that again, I am not sure I understood what you meant.

Malia: It feels like you are destroying our whole lives, our lives are in these toys.

Dad: Really. (Then I turn to the other kids) Is that how all of you feel?

[kids nod their heads]

Dad: How sad! You have pitiful lives if your life is all about this crap we are giving to the DI. Look at it kids.....is that really what you want your lives to be about...plastic crap?! I want to come home and go for a walk, I want to come home and go to the park, ride a bike, have a picnic...but every day I come home, the house is trashed and my wife is a complete wreck because she is trying to take care of the house and clean up after kids! I have had it, I have threatened for years and today is a new day! Tomorrow I will come home and there will be no yelling, no screaming and there will be no housework to do because everything will be picked up and we can be a family! We have 9 short years together under one roof, then everything will change forever. (Jacob gets upset and asks if I am dying in 9 years) No I am not dying in 9 years, what will happen in 9 years is Malia will be 18 and head off to college, or work, or whatever. Then Taylor will be off on a mission shortly thereafter, then on and on and on. We have 9 short years where we are all here under one roof and I don't want to spend that time wasted, yelling about an unclean house and a kitchen that is not clean! I work really hard every day and I don't want to come home to more work, when I get home the 'work' for the day should be done. That is when we should be playing as a family. Planning our next camping trip, going to the park and so on. Are your mountains of plastic more important that that?

Kids: [blank stares] (They have stopped crying by this time and I think starting to think about what I am saying)

Dad: Do you really want to keep this crap, or do you want to start having a good time as a family?!

Kids: I guess I would rather have a good time as a family.

Dad: Great! Then lets ditch the junk! I have not touched your bikes, skateboards, Rollerblades, or the balls, or anything that you would use outside...just the inside clutter crap. Lets get this done!

They were all more helpful at that point, and not hiding toys under their beds or pillowcases (like I wouldn't look there) and they brought everything out. By the time we read scriptures (about cleanliness is next to Godliness and having a house of order) and prayed, I got kisses and hugs and they told me I was the best daddy.

Catey was not happy with me. I came to find out later that she had been having quite the bout with postpartum that day and took everything I did to mean she was worthless. After some sincere conversation she realized that I am trying to help her and that this might work out for the better.

The next day I came home and the house was spotless.....my happy kids and I went to the park. I picked up a couple new soccer balls and a Frisbee. I can't wait to do that stuff more and more.

This time when they are little is so short, if I squander it I will forever regret it. So I choose no regrets....besides, when my kids write a book about their jerk-of-a-dad, this will be great material.


As a P.S. My In-Laws came over last night and brought the kids Happy Meals from McD's. They had toys inside and Jacob looks at me and asks

Jacob: Do we have to give these toys to the DI too?

Dad: No, just keep them picked up. If I have to pick them up where are they going to go?

Jacob: The DI.

Father in Law: Jacob, what does the DI stand for?

Jacob: It stands for kids that don't pick up their toys.

HAHAHAHA! We all laughed about that.

(The DI is actually an acronym for the Deseret Industries which is the Mormon version of the Salvation Army.)

THIRD!!!

Our team took third in Co-Ed relay up at Jordanelle.

Our team rocks.

Just thought you might want to know.

The triathlon

I took part in a relay triathlon event today. (Pics at the bottom)

This was a lot of fun. Probably the most fun I have had in a long time. I think I know why. (I'll get back to that in a min)

Disneyland is fun...but it is a different kind of fun. It is a lot of work to take 6 kids around the park all day.

Laguna Beach, amusement parks, camping is fun, but they fall in the same category of Disneyland....a lot of work.

This was different. 

It was the most fun I have had in a long time because nobody cared about a political agenda, or who was gay/straight/lesbian, or global warming, or what color you were or what church you attend....everyone (and I mean everyone) was focused on winning. Winning for some was crossing the finish line first. Winning for others was improving from the last time. Winning for me was saying I helped the team, I did it. I think that was why most of the people were there, they wanted to do something that may have seemed impossible at one point in their life, stare that in the face and beat it. 

There were many reasons why folks were there today. 

Some were tragic:

 - Trying to get over the death of my father

 - I lost a child to cancer

 - Recently divorced and starting life over again at 40 alone with 4 kids.

Others were inspiring:

 - lost over 100 lbs and still going!

 - Wining the battle over breast cancer, I will survive!

 - Running for my son who can't run for himself

Some were just because:

 - Doing it for fun!

 - Had a baby last year and trying to get my body back

 - Decided to get my lazy butt off the sofa

Whatever the reason, as I watched those athletes cross the finish line...they all had the same look....."I won today!" As we swam, biked and ran there were onlookers cheering each athlete on to the next event, staff that were directing people where to go and the common thread among everyone was..."You can do it! - or - Way to go! - or - Keep it up, you're almost there!"

No matter the words, the overall feeling was one of hope, love and support.

I kept thinking if we were all able to do that in life, what a better world it would be. 

I am sending out a challenge to anyone who reads this blog to join me in training for a triathlon next year. (Personally for me if I finish without vomit all over myself I am a winner!) I just did the swim portion this year, but next year Catey and I are doing the full sprint. 

A sprint is a 750m swim (1/2 mile) a 40Km bike (12 miles) and a 5K run (3.2 miles).

I have started a blog called www.justtrime.blogspot.com where I will be tracking my progress. I have added Catey as a contributor. I will open the blog to anyone who wants to post about their successes and excitement about joining us. This will be a time for friends to come together to 'Tri' something new and fun. It won't kill you and I believe you can do it. If you don't live in Utah then plan to come join us in August next year to swim/bike/run with us, or find a local triathlon.

If you think this is only for the physically ripped, or you are too old, young, fat, small or  [fill in the excuse] to do this then I will tell you I saw a 300 lb woman, an 80 year old man, a 13 year old girl, a 7 month pregnant mother all doing this. It won't kill you.

Think about it. If you are in for next year (remember you have 12 months to train) then send me an email (aatball8@yahoo.com) with the subject 'Justtrime' and I will add you to the blog. Anyone can view the blog, but to be a contributor and let us know how you are doing in your quest for the finish, I will add you so you can post and let us know you are in! 

Anyone can join.

It will be fun.....just tri me!

Here are some pics from the event today.

Perception of Reality

I have a good time writing my "Gripe" blogs. People don't always agree, and I don't think I really care, it is just a way for me to vent. My "Gripe" blogs are about my perception of stupid or annoying things. Sometimes the perception is more influencing (or sometimes funny) than the reality....sometimes it is the other way around.

I find myself venting a lot lately, I don't know why, maybe because my wife is post postpartum, or maybe because my kids are so much like me (loud and obnoxious) it drives me crazy, I feel overloaded at work and church lately....all of which come from a skewed perception that the world is dumping on me........when in reality it isn't.

I have been been talking about the differences of perception versus reality for a while and why people are more moved by perception than reality. Look at the current political races, or the National economy, or (yes I have to say it) Man Made Global Warming....classic cases of perception versus reality. Let me remind you, reality is real, perception is just what we perceive to be real....usually there is a big difference. Sometimes they more closely align but more often than not, they are very different.

I could go on and on and make this like one of my "Gripe" posts about how dumb I think some people are, based on their perceptions, but today I choose to do something different. I saw a video of a boy whose perception was a wake up call to my reality.

Here is the link (see below), I highly suggest everyone watch this and think....what is his perception and what is his reality, what is your current perception and what is reality. Adam (kid in the video) has figured out what his reality is and is making something of it.

"Life is pain. Anyone who says differently is selling something" famous quote from Wesley in the movie The Princess Bride.

Life is pain, and that may be true but to quote a more reputable source..."Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy." (2Ne 2:25). Can I say that again....Men are that they might have joy.......lets have some joy.

No matter what we perceive to be real, the reality is that Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and take a look around once in a while, you could miss it. Wise words from Ferris Bueller, but what did he know he has to bum rides off people.


Here is the link

http://www.heraldleaderphoto.com/2008/05/31/

Good luck watching this one.

Gripe #7 - Wells Fargo

I hate Wells Fargo Bank.

Me: Can I say that again?

Myself: Sure...go ahead, I already know how you feel about it, but sure...indulge yourself.

Me: I hate Wells Fargo Bank.

Picture it, I am asked to hold money for a client of mine. (I am pretending to be the bank. I like to play the evil villain sometimes.) My client gives a note to someone (their contractor) saying they can come to me for money that I am holding for them.

Remember (and this is the important part) The client is paying me to hold the money (via service fees, banking fees and so on) and their contractor comes to me with a note.....

Contractor: Hey, you are holding some money that belongs to me....your client hired me to do some work and said I could have some of their money you are holding.

Bank: {Chuckle} Sure I am.....but it will cost you.

Contractor: Why will it cost me anything? You are holding money that rightfully belongs to me, and you work for my boss who is your client, why would you charge me to get it.

Bank: Because that is how we do business.

Contractor: Why do you think you get a piece of what is rightfully mine?

Bank: Because.

Contractor: Do you think that is legitimate or moral in any way?

Bank: I don't care, my customers let me do it and it makes me money, now pay up or I don't give you any money.

Contractor: But if I deposit the money in my bank, my bank will come to you and request the funds, you don't charge them....why charge me?

Bank: Because.

Contractor: I.....don't......understand.

Bank: We don't want you to understand, there is nothing to understand, if you want your money, you pay me now....what will it be?

Contractor: I guess I will have to go to my bank, deposit the money and have them ask you for the money, free of charge.

Bank: Whatever, I have the money now....no waiting.....its a service.

Contractor: SERVICE?!?!?!?! You call giving me what is rightfully mine and charging me for it a service......{mumbling} Where is my tommy gun....did I leave that at the car dealership?

Seriously, does this make any sense to anyone?

The bank was going to charge me to give me the money from a check drawn on their bank. Where did people begin to put up with this? 

Wells Fargo is from hell. They say they are "The next stage" and they are "The next stage of insanity". 

I call for people to pull their money from Wells Fargo and move to a credit union...I don't care which one, just any one, just to poke out the eye of the bank.

Top Five

I thought I would try another "Interactive" blog because I like to see what others think.....this blog should get you thinking....

I want to know about the "top five" places you have ever been in your life and the top five you would like to visit someday.

Here are mine (and why)

#5 - Arches National Park - Moab Utah.
Chris and I took a "Senior trip" to Moab. We were broke and all of our friends were taking their trips to California or Mexico or the East Coast, so we decided to do our own trip, just us, we drove down, rented a hotel room and hiked all round Arches National Park for two days without sunscreen....major burns all over but it was well worth it. We had a great time doing what we always do....just hang out.

#4 - Hard Rock Cafe' - Aspen Colorado.
Again, a trip with Chris. This was before our missions, we wanted to get another road trip in before we left. We wanted to go somewhere far enough to make it worth the trip but close enough that we didn't have to stay overnight......ASPEN! It was that or Vegas and we had been south already, so we thought we would try something new. It was so much fun. (NO SEMIS)

#3 - Disneyland and California Adventure - Anaheim California
I (unlike all of my friends) didn't make it to Disneyland until late in life. I was 18 when I finally got to go the first time. I love Disneyland, the smiles, the rides, the theme, the friends and family....it is just an overall great place to be. As a parent, it is a lot of work, but it is one of the few places where the work is well worth it. With all the kids we have, most places we go tends to be nothing but work, and usually I am not willing to ever do it again because I am burned out at the end of the day, but Disneyland is different. It seems to always be worth the effort, (and the effort is a lot.) No matter how many times we go, I am always willing to go back.
California Adventure is the same. Always a good time.

#2 - Laguna Beach - Laguna California
This is like Disneyland for me, but without spending all the money. I could sit on that beach all day long with nothing else to do.....and I do. I love playing in the sand with my kids and catching a few waves. I don't pretend to be able to surf very well, but I do like to boogie board. Even on small waves, its like a roller coaster every time. One trip we took that is all we did, we just stayed on the beach every day of the trip and it was great. Taking the kids over to the rocks uncovered by the low tide and finding little crabs, snails, little scooter blennys (fish), starfish. Hours and hours spent playing on the beach and in the water. This is my favorite part of the year.

#1 - Maui Hawaii
This was the best 6 days of my life.....my honeymoon. It was just Catey and I in the paradise of the world. This was truly the closest I have ever come to touching heaven. We had no agenda just the smells of the wild gardenias everywhere, the soft humidity, gentle breeze off the ocean, gorgeous sunsets, stunning sunrises, soft sand, warm water, incredible food and the most beautiful person on the planet...truly amazing. I don't think anything will ever surpass it.


So that is my top ten favorite places I have been.

My top five I want to visit:

#1 - Austraila
#2 - New Zealand
#3 - Scotland
#4 - Cancun
#5 - Israel

Maybe someday....when my kids are rich and want to give us a great trip!

Gripe #6 - Twilight series

Oh joy! Book four is in my home. I really don't care that it is because Catey seems to like these books, she reads them and kinda laughs that they have generated so much excitement. One of my neighbors (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent) said (and I am paraphrasing) "I think its ridiculous that grown married women are putting Edward (the main vampire in the book) ahead of their own husbands." .....and to that I say AMEN!

Can I just say a few words on the 'Twilight' series (you can discount my opinion because I have not read them).......Before anyone picks up the book there are a few things that you know right off the bat. It is late teens (18 year olds I think) and Vampires and Warewolves....what kind of book do you THINK you are going to be reading. I know there are those that hold them in high regard, I am sure they are fun to read.

I understand there are many who are upset with the latest installment because of the violence and sex....and to those I say......serves you right. I know I am a jerk for feeling that way, but if you play with fire you are going to get burned.....it is not 'if' but 'when'. I understand the two got married I also understand that the writer does not write graphic details, but you certainly get the point.

If you don't like to read that stuff they print the 'Friend' and 'New Era' every month. If you can't handle the heat then get out of the kitchen.

Am I spreading it on a bit thick?......yeah....I guess I am.

My point is to drive home the idea that we are all guilty of doing something we have been told not to and when we do, someone gets hurt. (I tell my kids this on a daily basis "listen and follow instructions or someone will get hurt".) I am sure there is nothing wrong with reading these books and I certainly don't care if you do, to me it is no different than reading Harry Potter....which got crazy and extremely violent at the end.

We shouldn't be filling our minds with crap but we do.....I am just as guilty. We are told and warned not to do it over and over but we do it anyway and justify and rationalize in the name of 'leisure time' or 'my time' or 'guilty pleasure' or 'not that bad' or [fill in the blank].

I guess I have a hard time feeling bad for those who are complaining that they got 'burned'. When it happens to me I just look in the mirror and say "yep.......you dummy, that is what you get."

You are reading about Vampires for crying out loud....what did you THINK you were going to be reading about? Happily ever after skipping off into the sunset? If you let your teenage children read them then what a great opportunity to talk about sex and when it is and is not appropriate.

And one more thing.......its about time someone (thank you Stephanie Meyer) made the hero and the prude the guy. I understand the main girl in the book just wants to hop into bed every other chapter with her vampire crush and he will not capitulate out of principle. Granted, I think it is weird to have a vampire with principles, but its about time the guy was the one that said 'no' when the girl is all over him begging him for a bite. (Pun intended.)

Anyhow....if you hate me now, that is fine. What you didn't know is that I am really a vampire and I am watching you read this, over your shoulder, even now.......creepy? I should think so.

Selling the boat

I am selling our boat. If you know anyone who is looking...please show them this site:

www.sellingtheboat.blogspot.com





There are pictures and stuff....it really is a good deal, just so sad to part with her.

We need a basement more than a boat.

-Aaron

Gripe #5 - Random

So I am sitting here waiting at work for Catey to pick me up and I thought to myself.....

Me: Self?!

Self :Yeah?

Me: I have a bunch of gripes that I could throw out on the blog today...they are little and random....what do you think?

Self: Yeah...whatever.

Since myself didn't mind I didn't think you would either

#1 - Cement
The driveways and sidewalks in Eagle Mountain are pathetic. My parents bought a house over 30 years ago in Sandy and the same driveway and sidewalk is there. No cracks (not many if there are any) no places of unleveling, no sluffing off the top...nothing. Ours (in EM) is ok, but up and down every street there are homes after homes with broken up driveways and sidewalks that are falling apart after just two or three years.

The homeowners call and get the same answer every time "Oh, that is no longer under warranty," or "It's because you put salt [or Icemelt or whatever] out in the winter time". WARRANTY? how about a cement job that has lasted over 30 years and you want to talk WARRANTY? How about doing the job right the first time!? And don't even get me started on the salt thing.....since when does salt ruin cement....here is a clue.....IT DOESN'T! Back in the good ol days, we didn't have the fancy 'Icemelt' we used salt.

I hope there is a cold place in hell where the ice freezes over those who pour bad cement......and then not let them have salt to unfreeze themselves, because it might ruin the cement there too.

#2 - Stupid people

I try to be patient (laugh now if you will) but the worst thing I have to deal with in life is stupid people. If you (reader) are ever talking to me about an issue and my face turns red and the words "USE YOUR BRAIN" come out of my mouth.....I apologize in advance.

If that is to ever happen it is simply because you are not thinking, and you need a mental correction. I know this sounds conceited but it really isn't. I am not the smartest person (everyone knows that) but when an answer is so plainly in front of someone and they refuse to see the light because of a policy, procedure, political preference or laziness (worst kind), then I loose it. Of course I run into this often and try to gently help others see the light.

I need to repent and be "not easily provoked", "seeketh not [my] own" and be "easy to be entreated". I guess in this case the gripe is about me....because I become the 'stupid person' when I react so poorly.

#3 - Politics

Seriously, I am concerned for the politics of this great nation. We are the greatest nation on Earth, there is none greater. I fear for what the winds of 'change' will bring us...but if Carter gave us Regan, I can only hope what Obama will bring.

#4 - I Like pie

I have not had pie in a long time....that is the gripe, I want some pie.

#5 - Wrong number dialers

What are we going to do about them?...I think we should shoot them like dogs.

#6 - I have been waiting for Catey for over an hour. (When is she going to get here anyway)


Well that is all for now. It's been real.

Shout out

This is just a shout out to those dudes and dudettes that read my blog. I think its great that people read and share stuff about my life. I am not being facetious, I am being serious.

I have been asked why I have a blog, and the answer is....I don't really know.

Most blogs that I read are basically journals. That isn't really a bad thing but I thought I would do something, you know....me...(different) and thus the blog.

Hopefully this is a spot where you can come and read (and laugh) about my pitiful meanderings on life and know there is someone out there more nutsy and more sleep deprived than yourself. If nothing else, my life is but an example of what not to do.

I tend to be rather opinionated, and not everyone agrees with me, that is why this is so great, I can write what I want and delete what you wrote if I don't agree =)

A big part of friendship to me is differing on opinion and being able to argue (sometimes passionately) and walk away still being friends.

I appreciate friends, they make life good.

So here's to you readers....my gratitude runs deep.

...But it goes to 11

Anyone who is familiar with this term understands it is from the movie 'Spinal Tap'. The movie is a mockumentary about a late 70's early 80's hair band. It's a terrible movie, but one scene lives in infamy. In the scene the interviewer is asking the head of the band about their 'special speakers' that have been made especially for the band. The band member is showing the dials they paid extra for, and says that their band plays louder than any other because their speakers go all the way to 11 and don't stop at 10. The interviewer asks why all the fuss, why not make them louder and still make them go to 10. The band member just gives him a blank stare and replies in a very thick (fake) British accent "But it goes to 11?!"

Why did I just tell you that? Well, it has been a running joke in our house for the entire time we have been married.....11 years today. When we want "just a little bit more", we say "but it goes to 11."

11 years ago, Catey knelt across an alter in the Salt Lake temple and became my wife. I never thought that would happen. For sure there would be a massive Earthquake or the end of the world would come, I never thought it would actually happen. It is hard to believe, but it DID happen and 7 kids later we are still in love.

'Love' is a term that we thought we understood that day.....we were in love and wanted to get married but I don't think we understood what we were really doing. Looking back, we really lucked out, there have been many friends and family that have come and gone and married and divorced. We have something really special. It has had its ups and downs but we really have lived the dream.

I am madly passionately in love with Catey.

The morning we were getting married, I was sure I was going to be late, or show up at the wrong place or I would get a flat tire, or a car wreck, or [fill in the blank] would happen and I would not get married. The ceremony was at 8:30am and I was supposed to be there early and meet Catey so we could get dressed and get ready. I got there about 90 min early and sat and freaked out that she was not coming. The old couple at the recommend desk kept telling me to relax and the older guy in the back kept yelling out to me "relax, she is getting her hair done, those girls are always late!"

I was sure I was in the wrong place and asked to see my name on the list at least to or three times to make sure I was in the right place on the right day. Eventually everyone showed up but her. Best man, my parents, groomsmen, other guests, but no Catey. She pulled up, ran in and said "Sorry, I was getting my hair done!"......the old guy laughed and yelled "SEE!"

I was so nervous that I was sweating buckets. They lead Catey and I into the Celestial room of the temple to wait for everyone to file into the sealing room for the ceremony. I was so jittery and nervous that I got up and started to walk around the room. How about that, me, nervous....and so nervous that I was doing laps in the Celestial room.

Finally they called us up and we walked in the room together, knelt across the alter and the rest is history.

I love my wife. I generally don't gush but when I must I must. I have been known to say "If God let me design a wife, I could not have done that well" and the statement is still true. She is a once in a lifetime opportunity, why I was so privileged for her to choose me?, I will never know. But there is no man on Earth that loves his wife and regards her as an example to others as I do.

11 years seems like a long time when you say it, and looking at the herd of kids that we have FEELS like a long time......occasionally. But really it is the best 11 years of my life. The whole of my marriage outweighs every other time of my life by double.

I married someone who became my best friend.

Thank you Catey. I love you for the 11 we have had and look forward to an eternity to come.

Gripe #4 - AAA

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!

so.........ok.

Calm down Aaron......HUMMMMMMMMMM

This gripe is about the wonderful AAA.

I don't have non-vulgar words to describe what happened to me last night....but I will try.

For those who read the blog outside of Utah, there is this wonderful sticky place where all the Wal-Mart rejects go to spend money called Lagoon. Lagoon is basically a county fair that never left. They have roller coasters, games, food, water park all in one place. They charge $45 for people to get in and then charge for everything else. My Dad took us because his work was going as a group and got a great rate and we can't afford to do stuff like that very often. Since Mom and baby were home and I thought Catey could use a break, I packed up the 6 kids and headed off.

(SIDE NOTE: I make Lagoon sound terrible, it really isn't that bad, it has gotten better over time, just ticked from what happened on the way home)

Back to the story.....We are on the way home and I get right at the point of the mountain on I-15 southbound and the van dies. Don't know why, that is not the point, the van is dead....that's ok because I have AAA, I will call them and they will at least get me home. It can't take that long I am only about 20 miles from home.

I need to explain two things before I get back to the story, otherwise it will not make sense.

Explanation #1 - "Point of the Mountain" is a huge natural landmark where the biggest major freeway in Utah (I-15) bends (surprisingly enough) around the point of the mountain. Anyone that has lived on the Wasatch Front (from Bountiful to Provo) for 15 min knows where the point of the mountain is.....its hard to miss, I bet you can see it from space.

Explanation #2 - There is nothing there, just the freeway, no cross streets, no exits, no other landmarks (other than the huge mountain the freeway wraps around), and I was nowhere near a mile marker.

Explanation #3 - It is pitch black outside and I had 6 little kids in the car with me ......alone......."Daddy, I need to go potty".

Got it?...ok...back to the story.

So I call AAA and give them my member number....

AAA: That is not a valid number, can you read it from the beginning again?

Aaron: Sure (read number)

AAA: I am sorry that is not valid. Can I get more information that might help us identify you?

Aaron: Sure...whatever

Blah Blah Blah we spent 5 min going over how my card was invalid, not my account or membership, just the card. Somehow I should have just known that AAA made some changes in their infrastructure and that the card had gone bad. Shame on me. I should have seen that it had gone sour and ordered a new one. Is that what that smell was? My bad AAA Card? Had I known that my card had gone bad I would have turned it in to the place where bad cards go.......Membership Card Jail. Maybe it can be rehabilitated and be a good card again.

.....again I digress.

So after she offered me everything under the sun about getting a new card...can we get back to the REAL problem at hand...THE FACT THAT I AM STUCK ON THE FREAKING FREEWAY WITH 6 LITTLE KIDS AND NOWHERE TO GO AND SOMEONE NEEDS A POTTY!

AAA: Sir we cannot accommodate your passengers, you will need to send them home in a cab. Can I call you a cab service?

Aaron: Um, the oldest is 9.....no I am not sending my kids home alone in a cab. They have towed me before, they just throw us up on the back of the flat-bed.

AAA: We don't do that.

Aaron: Yes you do, I have done it before, just call for the truck and I will talk to them about it.

AAA: Well, they won't do it, but I will send them out and they can tell you they won't do it. I need an address where the tow-truck can find you.

Aaron: I am southbound on I-15 between Draper and Thanksgiving point exits at the point of the mountain.

AAA: Sir, that does not tell me where you are, can you give me a cross street?

Aaron: There is no cross street, there is nothing here, just a big sign.

AAA: I need you to find a mile marker then.

Aaron: I guess I need to remind you that I have 6 little kids in the car with me, I am not leaving the car to go hunt down a mile marker for you. Just put in the computer that I am stuck at the point of the mountain, they will know where I am.

AAA: Sir, I don't know what that means and I need to put a cross street or mile marker in the notes so the driver can find you.

Aaron: There are no cross streets here, there is no mile marker near me. What do YOU suggest we do about this.

AAA: SIR (very condescending at this point) You need to find me a cross street or mile marker otherwise I have nothing to type into the computer.

At this point, I have lost it. We have gone the rounds for about 20 min...

Aaron: (speaking very slow for exact emphasis) PUT YOUR FINGERS ON THE KEYBOARD AND TYPE IN POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN. Or call dispatch in Utah, they will know where I am.

(Long pause)

AAA: Sir you need to control your tone or I will disconnect your call, I don't have to sit here and listen to this.

Aaron: Listen to what? Where I am? I have told you over and over where I am, I am stuck at the point of the mountain.

AAA: Sir, I don't know what that means. I am in California, that means nothing to me.

Aaron: (yelling now because I have hit my limit) AH! BUT ANYONE YOU ARE CALLING TO COME GET ME ISN'T IN CALIFORNIA ARE THEY?!?! I AM PRETTY SURE THEY WILL BE IN UTAH AND KNOW WHAT THE HELL YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT WHEN YOU SAY "ONE OF YOUR STRANDED MOTORISTS IS STUCK ON I-15 BETWEEN DRAPER AND LEHI AT THE POINT OF THE MOUNTAIN!!!!!"

AAA: Sir, I will only ask you one more time to settle down.

Aaron: Give me your supervisor......

{click}

She hung up.

You have got to be FREAKING KIDDING ME!!!!!!

Now I am really ticked. Mind you I have just spend all day at Lagoon, I have 6 really tired cranky kids and we are stuck in the middle of nowhere, they all need to go potty and that stinking [insert explicative here] hung up on me!

So I called back. I demanded to talk directly to a supervisor and demanded that girl fired. I have never done that before, but told them if that is how they treat their stranded motorists, then I want a full refund to my membership and that girl fired. Well, to make an even longer story short, the supervisor was very apologetic and called the dispatch in Utah and (surprise surprise) they knew EXACTLY where I was sitting.

This whole thing started at 9:09pm. I didn't get home until 11:36 and didn't get in bed until after midnight. TWO AND A HALF HOURS TO GET ME HOME WHEN THIS ALL HAPPENED 19 MILES FROM MY FREAKING HOUSE!!!!! (I really want to swear but I won't)

As you all know I get up at 4:00 am to go to work.....

Serious folks, I don't know why I am paying for AAA....I am not sure why you are either.