10-10-10

Today's date is 10-10-10...pretty cool!

On Our Way to Germany

I just entered the mobilization processing site in Norfolk, VA today. I found it surprising that the first presentation to deploying personnel was by a chaplain on the importance of spirituality and faith in relation to being deployed. He talked about how having something higher than ourselves to believe in and rely upon has a tremendous impact on our ability to weather tough times and come through stronger. Many in the room were on there way to places a lot more dangerous and austere than my destination, and without the benefit of family visits. I was especially glad for them that those in charge of the process chose to begin it this way.

Also interestingly, today is the anniversary of the day that I entered the mission training center in Provo, UT thirty years ago prior to serving a church mission in Hong Kong, which was the last time I left the USA for an extended period of time.

I was processed in less than a day, and found myself on a flight to Germany the same day. Here starts this new adventure for me, and Annette who will follow soon.

For now, this blog will serve as a way for us to chronicle our journey for our friends and family.

Tschüss.

Living on the Edge

For Father's Day, my wonderful children gave me the item pictured to the left, which is one of the greatest inventions known to mankind. I have always been a fan of the "edge" pieces of brownies, especially the corners with TWO edges; but what to do with all of the edgeless middle pieces? Well, thanks to the Baker's Edge brownie pan, every piece of the brownie batch has AT LEAST two edges...a few pieces even have THREE edges! We made brownies last night, and needless to say, I was in brownie heaven. Thanks, Skids!

We Stand Up for the Honest Man

by Homer Hickam. author of October Sky and We Are Not Afraid

A dishonest person is nearly always frightened. They lie to keep the truth at bay and use whatever verbal gymnastics they can to cloud the issue they are forced to confront. Conversely, an honest person is someone who isn't afraid of the truth and lays it out as simply as possible. It's easy to tell the truth teller because the truth is always simple. As soon as you have trouble following the reasoning of a fellow, you can pretty well figure they're lying about something. That means they're probably scared, too.

Two honest men can solve anything. One liar can foul up the works. To get rid of fear, admire and support the honest person, and be one yourself.

Friends Forever

by Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–1994)

My wife and I were in the front of our yard one day when the newspaper boy came down the street on his bicycle. His bicycle was loaded with papers. About 20 or 30 yards in back of him, there was another boy following him on a bicycle. I was not sure at that time what their relationship was, but I did notice they were coming down the street at a pretty good clip.

When the newspaper boy came to our sidewalk entry, he was traveling too fast to make the approach to our home, and, as a result, he went one way, the bicycle went another way, and the papers went everywhere. Noticing the boy had fallen on the lawn and was not hurt, but realizing that he would undoubtedly be embarrassed from the fall in front of his friend, we moved toward him.

At the sight of this perfect three-point landing, if we may refer to it as that, his companion shouted his pleasure and laughed heartily with complete and full enjoyment at the misfortune of his associate.

Trying to relieve the embarrassment of the paper boy, knowing he didn’t want help but he wanted to have his pride repaired a little, I took a few more steps toward him and said: “It’s kind of a low blow to have your friend laugh when you’ve had a bad spill, isn’t it?”

He went on picking up his papers without even looking up. Finally, he had the papers back in place and got on his bicycle; and as he started out away from our home, he made the remark: “He isn’t my friend—he’s my brother.”

His words have been ringing through my ears with a great deal of significance ever since then. I sincerely feel that one of the great purposes of family evenings and home teaching is to have family members realize that a brother can be a friend, and that a sister can be a friend, and that a father and a mother can be more than parents, they can be friends.

I would hope and pray that we may catch the wisdom and the inspiration of building a home so that our members in that sacred unit can look upon a father and say, “He is my best friend,” or “My mother is more than a mother, she is my friend.” When we realize that parents and family members can be more than blood relations and are in very deed friends, then we will have a glimpse of how our Heavenly Father wants us to live, not only as brothers and sisters but as very close friends.

A noble trait

Last Sunday, I taught a lesson on gratitude to the young men in our church. The lesson included a discussion on the story of the ten lepers and how only one of the healed ten returned to thank the Lord. After the lesson while the young men and other leaders were filing out of the room, one of the leaders stopped and thanked me for the lesson. As we talked, it occurred to us that out of all the people in the class (about 10 people total), he was the only one who said thank you. We had a little chuckle at the time, but the more I thought about that experience, it made me realize even more just how true the scriptures really are!

Presidential pressure

Our poor president. His opponents have called the war "...a most bloody and costly failure." As one foe put it, "Defeat, debt, taxation, sepulchers--these are your trophies." However, the poor president I speak of isn't President Bush. These comments are not about the war in Iraq. They are descriptions of the Civil War and then President Abraham Lincoln, made by Lincoln's contemporaries.

Some said that Lincoln had converted the government into despotism, all for that most ignoble cause--abolition. There were those who even called for President Lincoln's imprisonment. Tired of the growing body count, they wanted to end the war, even if it meant continued slavery. They believed that Lincoln had consistently acted unconstitutionally in conducting the war.

Sound familiar? And if you think President Bush has overstepped his bounds, think of this: Lincoln put into motion the arrest of hundreds of Southern sympathizers across the North, including newspaper editors. Let the White House press corps chew on that one for a whiles.

Whatever the similarities and differences between these two presidents, it seems evident that both of them have been motivated by a firm belief that their actions were not only justified, but imperative. When I hear about Lincoln's firm resolve regarding the preservation of the Union, it amazes me to think about how easy it would have been in the years since for other countries to overthrow a loosely-formed confederation of states that were not joined in such a solid union.

What then of our current conflict? Could the outcome of the present struggle possibly be as critical to the course of history?

Only time will tell.

Source of quotes: Wyatt Kingseed. "The Fire in the Rear." American History August 2007: 47-51

Talk about waffling

About 15 years ago, James Holsigner, President Bush's current nominee for surgeon general wrote a paper wherein he called homosexuality unhealthy and unnatural. Now he's telling senators, "The paper does not represent where I am today."

Holsinger told the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. "It represented a specific time, in a specific context, for a specific purpose. I can only say I have a deep, deep appreciation of all people, regardless of background or sexual orientation."

Holsinger tried to explain away his paper by saying that it was intended to be a literature review of health issues related to homosexuality for an audience with a Christian orientation.

It sounds to me like the nominee is good at saying just what a particular audience wants to hear.

Full story:

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=37450&dcn=e_gvet

A musical gift

6-year old Connie Talbot on the final night of Britain's Got Talent.

The gold standard of love

No additional words are necessary here...the video says it all.

Man's best friend

The neighbor family behind us has a dog, a small black dog with a very annoying bark. Most of the time, the dog is tied up on their back deck. The dog barks at the drop of a hat, so the mere opening of our back door and walking out on our deck started him going and he would keep barking pretty much the whole time you were outside. I was getting to the point of not wanting to go walk out the door.

That is, until about a week ago. I was on the cell phone in our basement and stepped outside to get better reception. A few moments later when I ended the call, I looked over to see our neighbor standing on his deck--with his dog. I hadn't hardly seen, let alone spoken with this neighbor, so I shouted a greeting to him and waved, to which he responded in kind. Just a quick interchange--but it changed the dog. He no longer barks at me when I go outside.

It's as if seeing me interact cordially with his master was enough to allay his insecurity toward me. At first I thought maybe he simply wasn't noticing my emergence into his domain; however, the last several times I've gone outside, I walked around the deck making noises, and he just went about his business seemingly unaware of me. A few times I heard him bark and thought, "oh no, hear we go again", only to look at him and realize he was barking at a bird or some noise in the distance. Then he was quiet again, and glanced at me as if to tell me I'm in his fave five now.

I'm definitely happy about this new development. I'm enjoying my new found friendship--and the peace and quiet.

Tevia was right

I just finished reading a book called "The Mormon Way of Doing Business: Leadership and Success through Faith and Family" by Jeff Benedict. The book was interesting enough. It told about Mormon business executives who succeeded in the fast-paced, high-intensity business world, while staying true to their religious principles such as integrity, fidelity, and family. Many of them had even held positions of significant responsibility in their church while serving as CEO or CFO of a large corporation.

I was impressed with the stamina and ability to juggle many priorities demonstrated by these busy execs as they would fly home to a child's ball game or a church meeting amidst jetting around the world. However, as I read quotes from these highly successful men, I couldn't help thinking about the line Tevia sang in Fiddler on the Roof: "When you're rich, they think you really know!".

Being a Mormon myself, it occurred to me that most of what these men were saying about their beliefs could have come out of the mouth of any young child in the church. The author of the book seemed to be asserting that there was something about what these men accomplished that made what they said about life and values somehow more profound. However, the very teachings of the church they belong to does not indicate that what these men had accomplished constitutes the true definition of success. Mr. Benedict seemed to be putting forth some sort of a blueprint for greatness, but it seems to me that even the greatest man who ever walked the earth lived a life pretty much in diametric opposition to the type of success espoused by this book.

I'm all for letting those who want to pay the price reach the top of their field and win at all that they do. What though, of a business owner who never reaches the top because his acts of charity toward customers erode his profits? Is that type of a person any less successful that one who brings massive earnings to gleeful shareholders? I know too many great men who are not rich to buy in to this book's way as the "Mormon Way".

Kid's stuff

I've always been a bit sentimental. For over 20 years, whenever one of our children gave me something such as a card, a drawing, a note, etc., I put the item in a box labeled "KID'S STUFF". The box is the kind that reams of paper come in, the ones with slide-on lids. On Father's day this year, I decided to sit down and go through the box. What an experience! There's nothing like having over twenty years of memories come flooding back at you. I had the greatest time reading notes, gazing at pictures drawn for my office, and looking at cards that contained expressions of love and appreciation. It took me a while to get through the whole box, as I alternatively laughed and sobbed the entire time.

My wife has a similar box, too, which I know is just as priceless to her. The contents of these boxes are of little monetary value, but it's what they represent that gives them their value. One of the most expensive toys we ever bought our kids was a trampoline. After our kids grew up and we gave it away, I didn't think about how much it cost (other than that it was one of the best investments we ever made). I thought about crack-the-egg contests, doing flips, and sleeping out under the stars on the tramp.

Some time ago, I was sitting at the kitchen table writing a note to my wife. As I looked at the table, which we've had for many years, I noticed slight etchings in its surface. Visible were numbers from math assignments, letters from countless reports, and a myriad of shapes from drawings. This table is covered with recordings of our past.

I have a hard time parting with these objects of sentimentality. Observe the the penny on my key chain, the lesson handout in my scripture case, the polished rock in my glove box, or the broken down go-kart under our deck. We've thought a few times about getting a new kitchen table. If and when we do, I think we will still find a place for that old table somewhere nearby.

Oh, there's One who smiles on high

On this Mother's Day, I'd like to pay tribute to the many Moms in my life.

I have fond memories of two wonderful grandmothers. Grandma Salisbury was such a jolly soul, and being in the rocking chair with her was like lying on a nice big pillow. After those wonderful seafood dinners at Bratten's, her and my mom used to fight about who would pay the bill, even though she barely had any income from Social Security. From Grandma Smith I remember the birthday shoe boxes filled with candy from the Gem Theatre; I don't know how she made it fit so well, but there was no air in there. I remember tossed salads with peas, a drawer with unique toys and such, and playing with the old upright radio. I was also fortunate enough to have a third "grandmother" in Aunt May. Alway so smiling and proud of us all. She was light and frail from eating like a rabbit, but would splurge on chocolate cake and ice cream at family birthday gatherings.

This is the first Mother's Day without my mom. We all miss her love and the music she made with her voice and life. She remembered every holiday and special event that ever occurred. Always conscious of our health, hamburger night was not complete without the compensating carrot and celery sticks. She gave freely to everyone, asking for little in return except an occasional neck rub and a homemade Mother's Day card. We miss you, Mom.

I'm grateful to my Mother-in-law for raising the love of my life and giving her away to me. Mom Bev is a master of making home a lovely place, a trait which rubbed off on Annette. I can't think of a time when I didn't feel totally welcome in her home. I also learned from her that I was "striking" in appearance.

The mother of my children makes me practically speechless. From the moment I saw her working with those preschool children in 1981, I knew that my Annie C would be a mom of all moms. I can't even begin to list the countless ways that she has affected the lives of our children (and in turn, mine) for good. No one knows like I do how much she cares for our "jewels" or of the tremendous joy, yearning, and concern felt by her as we raised our children. Hohnee, to quote a famous line, "no one loves you as I do".

By becoming a mom herself, Lindsey has delivered a whole new level of delight into our lives. She has shone as Sadie's mother and we are so excited for her and Blake as they prepare for their second child. Her quiet dignity as a Mother as she guides Sadie through her life's journey is most gratifying to watch.

Laci is a proud member of FMA (Future Mothers of America). I know that she and Eric are very excited to begin their family. A home filled with much love and blessings awaits some lucky spirits. And so do we!

Yes, I've been blessed with many wonderful moms. On this Mother's day, I thank God for that.

In Case You Didn't Know...

I've been tagged by my daughter, Lindsey. Prepare for the most exciting moment of your life as you take a journey into the unknown...

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Naval Officer
   
2. Hospital Administrator
   
3. Carpet/Furniture Cleaner
   
4. Yard Maintenance Company Owner
   

B) Four movies I could watch over and over:

1. Princess Bride
   
2. Fiddler on the Roof
3. What About Bob?
4. It's A Wonderful Life
   

C) Four places I have lived:

1. Magna/Salt Lake City, Utah
2. Hong Kong
3. Seattle/Maple Valley, Washington
4. Fredericksburg, Virginia

D) Four television shows I watch:

1. 24
   
2. American Idol
3. Law and Order
4. Without a Trace

E) Four Places I have been on vacation:

1. New York
   
2. Hilton Head, North Carolina
   
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
   
4. Orlando, Florida
   

F) Four websites I visit almost daily

1. lindseysnow.com
2. mikeburkhart.com
3. weather.com
4. mapquest.com
   

G) Four of my favorite foods (I have about 500 favorites, but here are four of them):

1. Chicken Artichoke Bruschetta from Ledo's
   
2. Pumpkin french toast or pancakes
   
3. Ice Cream
   
4. Pizza
   

H) Four places I'd rather be right now:

1. Utah
2. Seattle
3. Aruba
4. Skiing

Gonna Fly Now

I recently saw the new Rocky Balboa movie. I was pleasantly surprised by what I experienced. Obviously, a few of the later Rocky films left something to be desired in the quality "arena", so I don't think I was expecting much. But I was really moved by this show.

As I think back on the previous Rocky movies, I believe that there was sort of a “Lawrence Welk/Mister Rogers” syndrome going on--everybody likes to poke fun, but at the same time everybody watches, and is affected (consciously or subconsciously) in a very positive way by what they see.

At the end of Rocky Balboa, I realized that over the years I had been impacted in many ways by the Rocky themes of never giving up, of fighting, of surviving. In making this last movie about this fighter, Sylvester Stalone practiced what Rocky has always preached, and came out a winner.

Blog Tag - 5 Things You Don’t Know About Me, But Wish You Didn't

I was recently tagged by Leezy Lindsey “The Great” Snow to expose 5 not too well-known facts about myself, so here goes:

1. For many years, I too have used Sharpies to touch up chips on dark furniture. It has been very helpful on our black enamel Scandinavian style office furniture, especially on the front edge of the desk.

2. When I was just a little grasshopper, I took a ten-second Super 8 movie of David Carradine, who played Kwai Chang Caine on the TV series Kung Fu. He made a funny face at the camera as he walked by me in the airport. What a magic moment that was.

3. I used to bite my nails incessantly. When I was 19 years old, I decided to stop, and did just that. I hated those blasted hangnails. If only all bad habits were that easy to break!

4. As a young boy, I was President of the World Wide Spy Club (WWSC). We had a logo and everything.

5. My lower teeth are really crooked, because I refused braces when they were offered to me by my dental professional and parents. I told them that if God wanted me to have straight teeth, he would have given them to me. The real reason was that I was scared to death of being called “train tracks” by other kids.

Well, there you have it. Now you’re it. Do the same on your own blog or in a comment to this post.

Traveling Light

One of my favorite stories:

Two monks were walking through the woods after a heavy rainstorm. Upon reaching a river that had almost gone over its banks, they met a woman who needed to cross but was clearly afraid. Without a word, the older monk picked her up and carried her across the river. The younger monk looked shocked at this action, but kept his silence as they continued their journey. Finally, he blurted out "You know that it is against the rules of our order to have any contact with women. How could you do that?" "I put the woman down after we crossed the river," said the elder. "Why are you still carrying her?"

Someone once said that worrying about things that are over and done with is like sawing sawdust. There's no point in it, of course, because it's already been sawed!

In December 1991, Terry Anderson, an American journalist, was released after 2,455 days—nearly seven years—as a hostage in Lebanon. During a televised news conference, he was asked how he intended to help capture and punish his captors. Mr. Anderson replied that he had no intention of being involved in a pursuit of his kidnappers. “I’m a Christian…” Mr. Anderson said. “It’s required of me that I forgive, no matter how hard it may be. …I have a whole new life. It’s going to be happy.”

Terry Anderson’s reply, perhaps disappointing to reporters seeking a sensational comment, reminds us that in a world often filled with anger and revenge, there are courageous people committed to good principles. Indeed, the sorrows of the entire world would be immeasurably lightened if more people would cultivate such a heart.

Luminaria

Tonight, I attended for the second year in a row the annual Luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. It is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. As you walk up the hill at the cemetery entrance and come over the ridge, the sea of over 15,000 candles in white paper bags (one at each Union soldier's grave) is overwhelming. Last year, I didn't know what to expect, and was so taken back by what I saw. Tonight was just as good, since I was able to share the experience with Annette, who wasn't able to go last year.

As with many of the civil war sites, there is a strong feeling of reverence about this cemetery. The flickering candles provide an additional visual impact of just how many soldiers are buried in that one cemetery. At one point while we were walking around, someone played "Taps" on a bugle from across the cemetery. It was the one moment when the hundreds of attendees there at that time came to complete silence.

What a way to honor those who have given all for a cause more important than their own lives.

Oh What a Holiday!

I took our Christmas tree down today. That's always kind of hard for me to do, seeing as I enjoy the Old Taunenbaum so much. I've always relished creeping into the room, lying on the couch, and staring at the tree in otherwise dark surroundings. A habit I picked up from my wife is to squint my eyes and make all the lights turn into dazzling stars. For a special treat if I'm wearing my glasses instead of my contacts, I take my glasses off--then the tree really puts on a show!

I think what I love most about the tree though is the whole season that it's a part of. I have so many fond memories of Christmastime. When I was younger I looked forward to our annual family Christmas Eve gathering and program that always included a reenactment of the Nativity. After the program, I always came in dressed up like Santa to hand out treats. On Christmas morning, I remember waiting impatiently as my Dad took FOREVER to get ready before we went downstairs to see what Santa had brought.

My two Christmas seasons in Hong Kong were extremely memorable, in that I came to really appreciate the important things, and how much better it is to give than to receive.

And there is nothing that can compare to sharing Christmas with your special someone, and watching Christmas together through your own children’s eyes. The festivity increases as you see them experience the awe and wonder that you already know, and start traditions of your own.

Even though our family is maturing now, this Christmas was no exception. We were able to see all of our family by traveling to Utah for Christmas, then to Georgia for New Year’s Eve. We experienced added yuletide cheer as a result of superb in-laws and a beautiful new granddaughter. We returned home well-fed and full of many fond memories to add to our collection.

So, for now I store the white mini-lights, listen one more time to Bing Crosby's "Round and Round the Christmas Tree", and tuck those memories away in a good place. I’m already looking forward to next year when we trim the tree to begin another holiday season.

Until then, my evergreen friend.