Disneyland or Bust!

Having just returned from spending 3 days in Disneyland (and 1 day at Knott’s Berry Farm) I feel like I am a bit of an expert.  Well, maybe not an expert, but at least no longer a novice.  The truth is, I have been to Disneyland before, actually multiple times; however, it has been about 15 years and so it is like a whole new experience.  Especially considering the last time I was there California Adventure was still under construction.  Anyway, having just returned, I decided that I would throw together a list to help others on their Disney path.

1. Hydrate – even if it is only 75 degrees, keep up on your water.
2.  Diet Coke does not count.  But it is worth the $3.75 per bottle they charge, especially because it is near ice crystal cold.  I might have drank my weight in Diet Coke and I don’t even slightly regret it.
3. Sunscreen!  As soon as you enter the park, put on sunscreen and re-apply multiple times throughout the day.  I am not a big fan of sunscreen and I hardly ever re-apply, but I did and trust me, it saved me from being lobster red on the first day.
4. Benches are real estate!  If you find a bench open, take a minute and rest.  If you are lucky enough to find one open about 30-45 minutes before a parade, sit down and plant your flag.  You are not going anywhere until the parade is over.  Trust me; you will thank me for this one.
5. Fast Pass!  Fast Pass!  Fast Pass!  When I first heard of this concept, I thought it was cheating.  Yes, yes it is.  But take advantage of this beautiful program.  It allows you opportunities to avoid the hour plus waits on the popular rides.
6. Stroller Passes!  Like the fast pass, they might be cheating, but if you have strollers these are worth it.
7. Kids make Disney worth it!  Remember, you are there to have fun with the kids at Disneyland, be certain to see what they want to see.
8.  If you see any of the Disney characters and the kids want their autograph get it NOW, not after you ride one more ride.  They move quickly and are gone.  Unless you want to spend the entire day chasing down Captain Hook, get that autograph now.
9. Disneyland is fun and yes there will be crowds.  Just count on it.  Don’t be miserable.  I have to point out my family was awesome on this trip.  We had a blast and so much fun, but I could hear other people complaining loudly and to me, it just seemed like they were not enjoying their time and it made it awkward for those people around them.
10. Take a spare pair of shoes for water rides.  Probably a pair of flips flops would work best.  I think all of the water rides now say:  “You will get wet, you may get drenched”.  I read it as:  “You will walk out of here wetter than you did the shower this morning” and that would be correct.  Multiple times I was drenched head to toe.  HEAD TO TOE PEOPLE!  But at least the extra shoes would have allowed a little foot relief!
11.  Hold onto your hats.  First day, first ride lost my hat.  Never to be seen again!  You will want the extra cover a hat provides, so either hold on or make your $25 donation to Disney for a Mickey Hat to get you through the rest of your trip.
12. Foil packets will set off the metal detector as you walk into the park.  I had two of them in my pocket.  (With the moist towels, to keep my glasses clean) and apparently the machines are sensitive enough that they will set off the detector.  But the old guy told me I can keep my watch on next time.
13. If there is a band marching down Main Street USA, stand there watch them and clap!  I have done that march and it is hot so show them some love.
14. PICTURES, take lots and lots of pictures.  Document those memories.  Trust me, you will want them, if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a regular happening, you will still want the pictures.
15. Before you leave, be certain to ask your Disney loving friends for their suggestions.  You know you have a Super-Disney Friend.  Ask them for all their secrets.  (Their knowledge is far more expansive than my little list.)
16. I have an admission, the first time I went to Disneyland, I didn’t love it.  As a matter of fact, I had a horrible time.  I complained and was just miserable despite the best efforts of my friends.  Since then, every time I have been there I have had a wonderful time.  So, I have to admit, if you go to Disneyland and you don’t have a good time, it is your own fault.  No one else’s but yours.  
17. Lastly, family makes it better.  Enjoy the down time with your family and love it!
18. One more item that I feel I need to mention.  I was a little worried about being able to fit into the rides.  As we can see from the above picture, I am a bit of a fluffy guy.  Or as Disney calls us Pooh (Like Winnie the Pooh) sized people.  They are very accomodating and trust me, I had no problem riding any of the rides in Disneyland or California adventure.  So, if this has ever been a worry for you, do not worry about it at all.  You will be good.

Originally, I was going to write this as a tongue-in-cheek article.  But as I started writing, I decided there might actually be a nugget of wisdom.  Hope you enjoy!

America, it's the people that make it great!

My little buddy telling me "Flag".

Yesterday I saw a post from one of my friends saying he was "embarrassed" to be American.  Others commented about how America is no longer a great country.    The comments digressed into the current election about the candidates, etc.  I was completely disheartened by the original post as well as the subsequent comments.  Because they are wrong.  America is still great!  Sure we have flaws as a country and individually, but together united we still are the greatest country in the world.  I believe it wholeheartedly.  

Being United is what I would like to mention, we need to once again be UNITED.  Do you remember in the hours, days and weeks right after the 9/11 attacks?  We came together as a country and stood together as Americans.  We loved our neighbors, friends, co-workers, even when they were Democrats and Republicans.  None of that mattered, we were all united as one.  Since that time we have seen a great divide yes, that is true.  Each side is unrelenting in battering the other.  That is not what we are about.  We are about being American's.  We are nice to our fellow-man.  Let's get back to that!  Let's get back to being civil to one another.  It is too big of an undertaking all at once, but let's at least be civil to our circle of influence.  Our Family, Our Neighbors, Our Co-Workers!  Stop dividing America and instead work at Uniting!  The attack in Orlando should be a reminder and another wake-up call.  It can happen on our own door-steps.  But instead of assigning blame and pointing fingers, let's once again Unite and be the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA again!

As I was thinking about writing this post, I remembered a post I wrote for Independence Day 2013.  I have copied it and included it below.  Won't you please read and make your goal to show that America is still great? 

America, it's the people that make it great!

I have great neighbors!  This past winter on multiple occasions, while clearing their drive and walk ways, they came over and did mine as well.  Can't tell them how much it was appreciated.

I feel it necessary to point out that my neighbor that did this is not someone who has full function of his legs.  As a matter of fact he spends a great deal of time in a wheel chair.  He is a real inspiration and a Great Person and American.

Last week my coworker shared a story of meeting a guy in the check out line.  Her son had saved his pennies, dimes, and birthday money to buy himself a new bike.  While standing in line, they were talking with the gentleman in front of them, he being impressed with her son and his desire to buy his own bike, pulled $20 out of his pocket and handed it to my co worker's son.  They asked the gentleman's name because they wanted to send him a thank you note.  He ignored their question and apparently wanted to remain anonymous.  There are still good people in this world!

Earlier this week I woke up to the news that 19 Firefighters had lost their life fighting a blaze in the next state.  I am in awe of such great people willing to put their life on the line to protect land and people that more than likely they don't even know.

I grew up with a father in Law-Enforcement and now I have two brothers in the same field.  How lucky are we to have people who spend their time being hated by community and people at large.  Yet they go to work and put their butts on the line to save yours!  So, you get pissed because they gave you a ticket for speeding.  How pissed would you be if they were not there to slow people down and someone speeding killed one of your family members?  Yes, you live in a country where you have the freedom to not love law enforcement, count that as a freedom and blessing.  But count as double blessings that we live in a country where people voluntarily take these jobs!

Last night I spent a little over an hour in a First Aid "Refresher Course".  The ladies instructing the course had volunteered their time to come out and teach us.  What great people to spend their time helping a bunch of us slack-jawed yokels remember what to do in an emergency situation.  Not to mention them spending their own time to learn it in the first place!  Most importantly so grateful for people that do this as a living, not being a person that likes anything even bloody, we are so lucky to have these EMT's and first responders who willing choose to help others.  I am certain many of you have heard my story about driving home from Canada a few years back and we were the first on the scene of a roll-over accident where someone was ejected from the vehicle.  The person on the other end of the line as I called for help not only had to decipher our exact location through my ramblings, but also had to help calm me down!

The US Soldier, bravely serving.  Leaving their spouse and family behind, not know if they will ever see them again.  AND the sacrifice made by these families, letting their loved ones go to serve.  (I know this is inadequate, but I just have the hardest time find the right words to honor and respect these amazing and selfless people.)

Last Christmas I showed up at one of our local stores in need of last minute Christmas presents for our coworkers.  I had originally made different plans for their presents but when those fell through I walked into their store in a panic.  I told them what I needed and how quickly I needed them.  They spent the next several minutes helping me to locate the items, box and wrap them.  All at no additional cost, but because they wanted to be helpful and helpful they were!

A week ago, I took my niece on a tour of my Alma Mater.  Every last person we spoke with not just on campus but the community as a whole was warm and inviting.  Sharing smiles, friendship or just simply a hello.  I had friends that took time out of their day to assist in our needs and answer questions for us and offer guidance.

The people I work with are incredible!  In both word and deed they are constantly doing nice things for me and each other.  These great people are just a representation of all the goodness in the world.  There are so many people that do good deeds for others, taking dinners to neighbors, helping strangers move, raising funds for sick people, donating coats to the homeless, friends helping friends wash walls, strangers showing up to help flood victims bucket water out of their basement.  I just asked my co-workers of random acts of kindness they had seen or heard about, my ears were immediately filled with stories of people performing kind deeds for them and others.  In a matter of a few minutes, I heard more than 20 examples, these stories filled my heart and mind with confidence about the things that truly make America Great. 

I am certain there are hundreds and hundreds of examples and stories that I have, I am confident that each of you have just as many if not more.  It is the people, the minds, the devotion and the selfless service, love and sacrifice of all of us, Americans, that make this country great!

Happy Independence day my fellow Americans, may you always be you and continue to make our country great!

What a Year!

There is nothing, nothing that can prepare you for serving in public office. This past year has been one of the most exhilarating, rewarding, as well as one of the most frustrating years of my life. I have learned such a great deal. I have worked closely with Sheriff Anderson and the Sheriff's office.  Had incredible opportunities to work with the Fair Board, the Demolition Derby Committee and the Extreme Racing Committee.  Just to name a few.  I have also had the opportunity to serve on the Six-County Public Health Board, where I was just recently selected to serve as the Chair of the board in 2017.  Not certain if I am doing something right or something wrong, but my fellow county commissioners just decided it was my turn to serve as Chair of the Commission.  I can't decide if they are hoping to get me to talk more or talk less?
The position has been so rewarding, but there have been times that have been extremely stressful. This past budget season was one of those times. But finally getting the budget to balance was a good feeling.
I have loved the opportunity to meet with such a wide variety of people in our county. I think it is so AWESOME that so many of you are passionate about where you live. I enjoy chatting with so many of you. Thanks for being willing to take the time to share with me your ideas, thoughts, and suggestions.
I hope that I am serving well and representing the best interest of those of you that put me in this position,.  I constantly think of you and try to make my decisions on what I think will be best for the county and our residents.  I have loved this position and am looking forward to the next 3 years!
 

More than a day or why I won't be offended if you don't wish me Merry Christmas

As I begin writing this, I do want to remind you, I do celebrate Christmas as the Birth of the Savior of the World.  AND I love Christmas, I love everything about it!  I love the Spirit of Giving, I love the family togetherness, I love the traditions, I love Christmas music and I love that this year I will more than likely have 7 Nativity Scenes on display in my home.  Yes, I love Christmas!  However, I do realize that not everyone has the same view and beliefs that I have.

Please indulge me as I rant and rave for a few lines.  The last several years, more and more of my friends have become offended whenever they hear someone say "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings".  Well, let me tell you why this doesn't upset me.  We are currently in what people often refer to as "The Holiday Season".  Traditionally, to my understanding the Holidays refers to all of the Holidays observed or Celebrated between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.  Because of the growth in popularity of Halloween, in recent years I have began celebrating the Holidays starting with Halloween.  So basically, the Holidays between October 31 and January 1.  A quick glance at my calendar I found 7 different holidays in that brief 2 month period.  I am certain there are more.

During this time of year, not everyone celebrates all of these days. Some might not celebrate Christmas, others might not celebrate Chanukah, some still don't celebrate Thanksgiving and I have friends that don't celebrate ANY of the holidays.

For as long as I can remember, we have been telling each other Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings.  I am just in a state of awe at the feelings of near anger many of my friends have, when someone says Happy Holidays rather than Merry Christmas.  Let me say, I understand the point of view.  In this ridiculously politically correct world we live in, you feel like you are looked down upon, belittled, or even ridiculed if you identify yourself as a Christian.  I understand that, I really do.  But it seems to me that if you are being offended by someone not saying Merry Christmas, then you have missed a Sunday School lesson somewhere.

Christ himself taught us in John 12:34-35

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Here's where I am going with this train of thought.  If someone takes the time to wish you Happy Holidays, shouldn't you just be appreciative that they thought of you long enough to wish you any sentiment at all?  Tell them thanks, and wish them a Merry Christmas in return.  Or if it is an acquaintance or work associate and you don't know which (if any holiday) they celebrate, why not show them love in return and wish them Season's Greetings?  I have a customer (Not from Utah) that for the last several years has called me up and has wished me a Happy Pioneer Day.  Do you know why?  Because she is a friend and has taken the time to get to know me and know that it is a day I celebrate.  It always touches me when I receive this kind sentiment from her.  Is it a day she celebrates?  No.  Yes, she still takes her time to think of me.  We should all be more like this.  Still yet, I have another associate that doesn't celebrate holidays.  Yet, he still wishes me a Merry Christmas.  Why?  Because he has a love and respect for his fellow man.  Before I got to know him very well, I wished him a Merry Christmas.  Guess what?  He wasn't offended.  He thanked me and wished me a Merry Christmas in return.  It wasn't until after I got to know him better that I found out this about it.

All I am saying is, let's spend less time being offended at how people send us good wishes and spend more time thanking them and being friends.  If you are my friend and I know you celebrate Christmas, I will wish you a Merry Christmas.  If you don't, I will probably wish you a Season's Greetings and still yet,  if you don't celebrate any holidays, I will just extend my hand of friendship and tell you I love ya.  Hope we all can do the same.  Sorry for the ramble and the rant.  You may now carry on with more important things.

How often we forget....

The last 18 months I have never felt so blessed in my life.  For those of you unaware, the past 18 months my wonderful parents have been serving an LDS mission at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  During that time it seemed like our merciful Lord was always blessing me.  I was humbled and truly felt unworthy at how blessed I felt.  However, literally right after they were released as missionaries I heard some news that literally felt like I had been punched and all the wind had been taken out of my sails.  I kind of laughed and said:  "Well, that didn't take long for the blessings to stop."
Since that time it seems like the troubles have been standing in line waiting their turn to pile on.  And it seemed as this week was just one of the worst in a long time.  Adding insult to injury, just in time to enjoy the weekend, I end up catching a cold.  This morning I made the conscious decision that I was only going to make it to Sacrament Meeting and then quietly exit the building and return home for some much desired sleep.  I had nursed my cold most of the day Saturday and felt good enough to make it to Sacrament Meeting.  As I was grabbing my things in preparation for my departure, I spoke with a few of my fellow ward members, when my attention was caught by the approaching figure of our Elder's Quorum President.  He had that look in his eye like he was needing something.  I looked down and noticed what was in his hand.  I knew my quiet escape had been thwarted.
As he nears me, I see him holding the remaining slices of bread from our Sacrament service today.  Having served in the Elder's Quorum, I have told myself if it is something I can actually physically do, I will not say no.  President Hogue looks at me and asks if I can "do this" holding up the bread.  The "this" he was referring to was the taking the sacrament to our ward members who are unable to make it to church and have requested to have the sacrament brought to their homes.  I have done this in the past and it has always been a good experience and I hoped it would be again today.  AND it was.  I was able to visit with some friends/fellow ward members I have not seen in quite some time.  Including visiting with my old Bishop a man that I have always admired and has helped me make some of the biggest decisions of my life.  We were also able to give a priesthood blessing to one of our ward members.  My fellow elder that went with today mentioned to me that it was a good experience for him as well.
It's funny how our Lord knows when we need these things in our life and how He is readily willing and able to bless us.  After this experience today, my day seemed brighter and my entire outlook took a turn.  This evening as I was contemplating my day and week, instead of looking at and reflecting the negative that I had been feeling, instead I saw the good things from the week.  Spending time hunting with my brothers, going out to a nice dinner with my parents, our Father in Heaven providing peace and help as a result of a rather frantic prayer whispered atop a mountain in the dark.  Then two amazing and humbling comments from people coming from different aspects of my life.  Finally, this incredible experience mentioned earlier.  They were all things I needed and reminders from our Father in Heaven how much he cares for us.  Then as if a ton of bricks was dumped on my head, the words came to my heart and mind:  "I didn't stop blessing you, you just stopped looking for them."  Lesson learned, lesson learned!

Sort of goodbye

Chamber of Commerce this week was one of those bittersweet moments.  As the meeting was drawing to a close it became time to turn of the "Giant Scissors" to the new President.  The two past years have been a great experience, I have met some pretty amazing people and I have grown so much.  This really helped me to step out of my comfort zone and become a stronger and better person.  

I have always done what I felt to be right and always put my best foot forward.  We have put on some great events and activities.  We have helped to bring back the Easter Egg Hunt, started a Farmer's Market, and have tried to renew a focus on making the Chamber a strong business oriented entity.  I have developed a stronger appreciation for our community and have a renewed respect for our local business owners.  

Yes, it was one of those sad moments.  Sad to be passing over the reigns of the Chamber, but excited to know that it is good hands and that I can still be involved.  I have such a respect for those that have served with me, such amazing and talented ladies, Amanda Livingston, Janelle Bradford, and Connie Jarrett!  Thanks to you three great people!  My greatest hope is that I left it in better shape than what I found it and that it continues to improve and always be better!

In His Hands....

I had one of those great feeling experiences yesterday and it was something I really wanted to share.  This week as I was studying my Sunday School lesson.  The topic of discussion was what we can learn from the Prophet and Apostles.  One of the study hints was to ask the class members to share their favorite talks from the most recent general conference.  Well, I had not listened to or read all of the talks from the last conference and so I felt that I needed to determine which was my favorite.  I pulled up the most recent conference and looked at the talk titles to see which of them stood out for me.

As I was looking, I felt compelled to read a particular talk.  I opened the talk and started reading.  I read the talk and reviewed it again, I really enjoyed it and I wondered to myself "How can I apply this to my life?"  For the next several moments I reflected and wondered why I had felt so prompted to read that particular talk.  Sunday at church I wondered if I needed to share my experience in testimony meeting.  I thought maybe it was a story I needed to share.  However, I didn't feel prompted to really share it.  I decided that if I felt prompted to share during the course of Fast & Testimony meeting, then I would get up and share.  I still hadn't felt the need to share my experience, when one of the great sisters in our ward shared her testimony.  While she shared I felt that I needed to share the talk with her.  I never did feel quite like I needed to share it from the pulpit in a testimony.  Instead, I wrote down the name of the talk, the speaker and the which general conference it was from.  After the meeting, I handed this sister the name of the talk and told her I felt like I needed to share it with her.  I was glad that I shared with her and was even more glad that I had heeded the promptings.  I don't know why I felt that prompting to share, but I just knew that I should.  I left church feeling thankful that the Lord had possibly used me to help answer the prayers of someone else.  I am so grateful for a Loving Father in Heaven that continues to find ways to answer the prayers of His children and only hope that I will always follow those promptings.

The first 100 days....well maybe a little more

Putting on the game face before going to meeting

Well, it has been more than 100 days since I first took the oath of office.  While this hasn't been the easiest ride in my life, it has for certain been a learning, growing, and busy experience.  I have had very few instances in my life where I have felt like I am drinking from the fire hose, but this has been one of them.  Please don't think for a second I am complaining, because I have enjoyed it.  ALL OF IT!  Even the "not so enjoyable" moments have been a great experience.

During my first "official" commission meeting our assignments/areas of responsibility were made.  My areas are as follows:

• Division of Wildlife Resources
• Department of Workforce Services
• Utah Travel Council
• Six County Public Health Board
• Six County AOG Board
• Law Enforcement and Corrections
• Juab Recreation District
• Juab Weed Board
• Juab County Fairgrounds
• Juab County Fair Board
• East Juab Water Conservancy District
• Library Board
• Juab Special Service Fire District Board  

I believe I am well within my rights to say, I have the best share of responsibilities.  (I really do)  One of the first things I learned from working with these groups; there is a meeting for everything!  I generally am not a meeting person, but these meetings have been different.  The people I have met are there because they want to be, they want to be involved and they want to do good things.

Within my first few days in office I met with our Governor and with our Lieutenant Governor.  They know where Juab County is located and are willing to support us.  Which has been a great ease to my mind.

I have an increased respect for Commissioners Woodland and Carlton.  They are very methodical and thorough in their duties and in words and actions.  I honestly believe that both of these men, follow the same mantra I have when it comes to decisions.  "Is this the best for Juab County?"  I truly believe that we have all thought this when presented with proposals and ideas.

The citizens of Juab are passionate about our community.  So many people donate vast amounts of time to help make certain so many of the things we take for granted run smoothly and efficiently.  I am grateful for these volunteers as well as the great county employees that we have.  Each day they go to their jobs and are diligent in their duties and doing whatever it takes to make Juab County Great!

Now just so you know, this has not been all sunshine and lollipops.  There have been struggles and challenges.  (Music Festival Comes to Mind)  But even then it turned out to be positive.  Many of our local citizens emailed, texted, or called me.  I appreciated that they felt comfortable with me enough to let me know their thoughts and feelings.  This helped me so much with my decision.

So, the first hundred (plus) days have been a great experience.  I look forward to the next 100 and the next after that, etc.   Please always know, I am here for you.  I do honestly want to hear from you and know your thoughts and ideas.  It is that synergy of ideas that helps to make it better for all!