baldmartin

GREAT CHOICES

2012-01-19T10:45:00.011-07:00

I'm satisfied with the Republican Presidential Candidates that are left in the race, with the exception of Ron Paul. I know his supporters are rabid about him, but I'm just not. I've never been. Like any candidate, he says some things I really like, but he has too many goofy things to say for me to ever be able to support him. If you support him, you know what you love. If you don't support him, you know why. If you don't know, look up some of his speeches and debates. In my humble opinion, a vote for Ron Paul is a vote for President Obama.

I am pleased with the rest of the field. Here's where I stand on them:

Rick Santorum looks pretty good on economic issues. Strong on Welfare Reform, taxes, tax cuts, balanced budget amendment, and Social Security, but weak because of his love of spending earmarks, support of large government expansions like Medicare Prescription Drug Bill, and trade protectionism. He'd be a good President and would probably drive America in a pro-growth direction. He's obviously a solid social conservative. I could vote for him if he became the candidate.

Newt Gingrich has become my least favorite Republican candidate lately. I really wanted him to run and I was excited when he joined the race. He's been killer in the debates. He's very smart. He knows as much about politics and Washington and history as anyone who has run for President in my lifetime. BUT (and, yes, that is a big butt), the way he has attacked the other candidates and most recently, the way he's beat up on Romney, I've lost a little (okay, a lot of) love for Newton. Don't get me wrong. I think questions have to be asked of all of the candidates and those questions need to be hard and probing, but I am a FIRM believer in Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment..."Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican." Mainly because of that, I'm a bit bummed with Newt at this time, but I'd vote for him if he became the candidate.

Finally, Mitt Romney. Like Reagan, Romney has become more conservative over time. He has moved from supporting the laws regarding abortion to being against them. He has moved away from his more moderate or even liberal positions to solid conservative positions. No one flinches when democrats move from, say, anti-abortion to pro-abortion, like Al Gore, but conservatives just don't seem to believe republicans when they move towards more conservative positions. I believe anyone can grow and learn and, yes, change their positions.

Mitt is my choice. I think he can lead us out of this economic morass that we've slogged in over the last decade. He has committed to cutting taxes and, more importantly, cutting spending. He has committed to overturning ObamaCare. I like his positions. I hope he's our Presidential Candidate. I will vote for him if he's our candidate.

WELCOME 2012

2012-01-03T09:15:00.002-07:00

Yep. Hard to believe, but it's 2012. I was born in the middle of the last century...December 2, 1946. Many of the years since then have been fantastic. Some have been sad and disappointing. For the most part, I have loved my life.

I'm now 65 years old. It doesn't seem possible. I feel like it was just a few weeks ago that I was running around and playing softball and acting like a kid and having no physical limitations.

In some respects, it disappoints me that there are things I'll never be able to do in this life. Some things that I used to do are simply out of the question. I can't really see me playing any of my favorite sports. For most of my life, I've been able to say, "I'm young enough, I could start over in a new career. I could go back to school and become a (fill in the blank)." Not any more.

However, that doesn't mean I'm sad or hate my life or feel like I'm just waiting to die.

I'm excited to be alive. I have a wonderful family. From my wife, to my kids and grandkids. To my siblings and parents and all those other relatives, like nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles and in-laws. Yes, I do have a wonderful family.

I have great friends. People who inspire me and treat me well, even though I don't always deserve it. People who make me want to be a better person.

I have my faith. I love it. I love the culture of being a Mormon. We're weird and we know it. Most of us do. (I wonder about some of us.) I love the stuff we do. The Gospel, itself, is true and perfect. The Church and its members are a bit shaky. The Gospel won't change, but the Church and its members have the opportunity to change every day. Being led by a living Prophet, the church can and will change as new information is received. Because of our Lord and Savior, we can all change...and hopefully, we are.

I live in Utah. More specifically, I live in Utah County. I love it here. What a wonderful place to live. Great neighbors and friends. Great influences. Great teens and young people.

I have a dream job. So does Karen. My job is perfect for me. I hope to continue with it until I'm 70. If not, I'll get a job locally and work somewhere until I'm 70.

So, what do I want for 2012?

I want to be a kinder person.

I want people to know that I love them. Even if I have to tell them.

I want to serve the Lord.

I want to serve my neighbors.

I want to be successful (by my own definition) at work.

I want to clean my office and keep it clean!

I want to take care of projects around the house as they come up, instead of when I get around to them.

I want 2012 to be my best year yet!

Will it be perfect? Not a chance, but the opportunities will be there for me to make it great.

Have a great New Year!

YOU CAN EXHALE NOW...I'VE DECIDED!!

2011-12-29T10:16:00.004-07:00

After witnessing months of debates, gotcha interviews, mud slinging, and following some calm, cool analysis of all of the Republican Presidential Candidates, I've made my decision and am ready to back one of those candidates.

Every single one of them has heavy baggage. Some more than others. I've considered that baggage. Many of them have wildly positive ideas about the direction they want to take the country.

In my oh-so-humble opinion, there are 4 main areas of focus that are important in picking a candidate to support.

First, can this candidate beat President Obama in 2012? Without that, nothing else matters...see #2, #3, and #4.

Second, will this candidate repeal Obamacare? It must be stopped and if it isn't stopped by the new Republican President, it will be impossible to stop. After 2012, if President Obama wins the election, future Republican Presidents and Republican dominated Congresses will only be able to make Obamacare less costly and intrusive. They'll never be able to elimintate it.

Third, our borders must be secured and we must adopt a sane immigration policy that allows honest, law-abiding, productive people to enter the United States. Without that, President Obama will ensure that the US becomes just like California, awash in debt and ridiculous regulations, nearing bankruptcy, with an endless supply of new democrats illegally crossing the borders on a daily basis. That, obviously, brings an end to the Republican Party. I'm not necessarily in love with the GOP, but at this time, it's the home of conservatism, which is where my loyalties lie.

Fourth, we need a President who will turn us 180 degrees from the Nanny State that Mr. Obama and his party wants. Our new President in 2012 must reduce the size and influence of the Federal Government. Obviously, that includes major cuts in entitlements and the elimination of loopholes, fraud, and favoritism in the tax code.

Considering all of that, looking carefully at baggage, temperament, experience, and history, I've concluded that my choice for the 2012 GOP Candidate for President is Mitt Romney.

I'm not going to go into the reasons why the others aren't my choice. Suffice it to say that I find Mr. Romney is the only candidate that qualifies under the four requirements I listed above.

I've very carefully tried to put on blinders to the obvious reason I'd have to support Mr. Romney...our religion. I think I have done that very well. If religion was important to me, Mr. Huntsman would have been in my short list...and he was not.

So, take it for what it's worth. One American's opinion. As of today, I support Mitt Romney and will through his 2 terms as President, unless he lets Washington own his soul. If that happens, I'll work towards replacing him in 2016.

OCCUPY

2011-11-08T10:16:00.009-07:00

I can't help but think that our Community Organizer in Chief is involved in the Occupy movement.

He and most of the left (do I still have to say, "and the media," or do we all understand by now that the "left" and the "media" are one in the same?) are very supportive of the Occupiers. They constantly remind us that protesting and demonstrating is as American as apple pie.

I don't see these yahoos as being very American. Sorry.

I happen to believe that capitalism is American.

No, they're not protesting a war or the draft. They want to be forgiven their student loans. They took out the loans, they signed on the dotted line, but now they want someone else (anyone...you, me, the banks, mommy and daddy...SOMEONE!!!) to pay their loans off.

They're even demonstrating in Syria about student loans. See above? No. Wait. That's not Syria. That's Oakland, CA...America.

They want us to walk away from one of our closest allies. President Obama has been doing that already, so I'm not sure why this old guy is protesting about that. The Left is pretty much all in favor of deserting them. So, again, President Obama's fingerprints all over this movement.

Even Provo, UT has had it's own Occupy Protest. It wasn't very well attended. There just aren't that many anarchists and idiots in Provo.

Now, that's my idea of a successful demonstration. Only 10 - 12 people show up and then go home after realizing they look stupid.

And, yes, that is the Occupy Provo Protest. Tee hee.

NEW POSTS

2011-11-04T09:39:00.002-06:00

For some unknown (to me) reason, I feel like I can't write a blog unless it's about something important. And, frankly, not much happens to me that is very important. So, I go weeks without blogging.

I'm going to try to not worry about sounding like a goof and just write some thoughts...more frequently than I've done in the past. (I started to say I was going to do it every day, but that really overshoots the mark!)

So, stay tuned for some generic, boring thoughts. I'll try to add humor and photos whenever possible.

KILLING HEADS OF STATE

2011-10-21T08:42:00.006-06:00

I'm trying not to be a partisan. I just keep thinking about recent assassinations and murders applauded by Americans on both sides of the political aisle.

Obviously, the most recent one was Muammar Gaddafi (spelled however you want to spell it).

Another one was Osama bin Laden (again, spelled however you want).

From President Obama's own words, it appears that we have others in our sights. Are we now going after leaders in Syria? Sudan? North Korea? Iran? We've sent troops into central Africa to help rid the world of Ugandan Joseph Kony. Who? The leader of the Lord's Resistance Army. He's a bad guy. All of these dead men were bad guys.

My concern is, is this how we want to cause regime change? Is this the right way to change the world for the better? By assassination and murder?

I'm not blaming President Obama. The House and Senate both voted unanimously last year to send combat-equipped U.S. troops to "rid" central Africa of Mr. Kony. All Republicans and Democrats.

I think we should keep our celebrating of assassinations and murders to a minimum. I'm worried that we're going in the wrong direction in this regard.

Our President won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. We're now in more wars than we were when he took office. I'm missing something here.

Frankly, I'm confused.

We preach democracy, but do we live it?

THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT

2011-10-10T13:31:00.007-06:00

President Reagan popularized the "11th Commandment," which was created by then California Republican Party Chairman, Gaylord Parkinson. Personal attacks against Reagan during the Primary were so heavy and continuous, that Parkinson came up with this Commandment:

"Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican."

Although I'm not on the Romney bandwagon (I haven't chosen a candidate to back yet), Mr. Perry is rapidly sliding towards the bottom of my list every time he speaks or runs an ad.

We don't need our candidates beating up on each other, weakening each other, so when the general election comes, our candidate is 1) out of money from running defensive ads and 2) weakened to the point that they can't win.

Come on, Mr. Perry, attack President Obama, not other Republicans. I want to see what each Republican candidate likes/dislikes about President Obama's performance and what they will do differently and, hopefully better, than him.

President Obama is very beatable at this time. I don't want the Republicans to blow it by not following the 11th Commandment.

Right, Mr. President?

Right, Bob.

WHY ALL THE HATE?

2011-08-29T09:46:00.007-06:00

I'm not a Tea Party follower or supporter. In fact, I'm not sure which of the current crop of GOP Presidential candidates are Tea Partyers and which aren't. I wasn't even aware of exactly what they believed in until I spent a little bit of time online reading about them.

I found out that they don't sit around a table drinking tea! Nor do most of them practice tea bagging.

The main thing I found is that they aren't the crazies the the media would have us believe they are. They simply have some unofficial tenets that seem to me to be pretty common sense stuff. Kind of like the Boston Tea Party folks.

As I said, they don't seem to have an official list of beliefs, but here are some of the common ones I found:

* They seem to believe in and honor the constitution and consider it the supreme law of the land.

* They stand for limited government.

* They want their governments to be fiscally responsible. Most favor a balanced budget amendment.

* Are supporters of all the Amendments to the Constitution, but seem to love the 2nd and 10th. That's not too strange, to me.

* They want secured borders and a fair, simple way for outsiders to get into our country legally.

* They seem to be avid supporters of capitalism and free enterprise and don't want bailouts.

I found other beliefs, but most of them fell under the ones I listed.

So my question is, why all the hate? If believing in these things makes one a Tea Partyer, I guess that's what I am, 'cause I think they all sound reasonable and, frankly, pretty great!!

Oh well, it's not the first time I've been affiliated with a controversial organization or group. I'm still not a tea partyer, because I don't think it's an official, orgnized party or group, but I support them in their beliefs.

I expect the left to hate these tenets, but I don't see why the media hate them. Well, I do. It's just a shame that we don't have an unbiased media in the USA. We used to, but not in the last 20 - 30 years.

Oh well, Viva Tea Partyers!!

TRADITION TERMITES

2011-07-01T09:43:00.004-06:00

Lately I've been missing some of the things I used to take for granted. Traditions. Our culture is being eroded and I don't like the "termites" who are chewing away at our traditions and our culture. Most of the traditions don't really amount to much; they're not a big deal, but over a lifetime of seeing these traditions and cultural norms eaten away, I find that I really miss them. Or, conversely, I really hate what has replaced them.

Here are just a few:

Men wearing baseball caps in restaurants. To me, it's low class, dirty, and offensive. I know, I sound like a 65 year old man...well, I will be 65 in December, so I guess it's okay for me to sound like one! Then, there's the very special breed of low-life, mullet-wearing, redneck, bumpkin, inbreds, who wear their baseball caps backwards, so they can look like official dorks while they gobble their food.

Talking on cell phones while conducting business. You see it all the time...a customer approaching a clerk or server or whomever, while on the phone and giving that person a minimal amount of attention while trying to conduct business with them. You're not so damned important that you need to be talking to someone every minute of the day. Hang up your phone, stupid, and show some respect for the person who is trying to help you.

The movement away from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. When I pledge my allegiance to our flag, I'm recognizing that I'm a proud American. I love my country. I fought for my country in...I mean, I was a typist for my country in the Army, in Germany. I feel so blessed to live here and enjoy the freedoms we have. I appreciate those who have given their lives so we can have those freedoms. I'm thinking about all those things, and more, when I recite the Pledge of Allegiance and I'm sort of bonding with those around me, as fellow Americans.

Different last names/living together. When new neighbors moved in, back in the day, once your heard their last name was Smith, you felt comfortable calling them Mr. and Mrs. Smith, until you learned and were invited to call them by their first names. You knew they were Mr. and Mrs. because they lived together. Now, people live together without the benefit of marriage and use their individual last names or they marry, but the woman keeps her last name or hyphenates his and her last name. Come on, Mr. and Mrs. Smith was so easy. When I was a young boy growing up in San Diego, the lady next door, Mrs. Green, had a series of boyfriends who lived with her over the years (months?). When the first one left and a new boyfriend started hanging around, I told my mother that, "...there is a new Mr. Green next door."

Respect for Teachers and ones elders. I've always been a class clown and a trouble-maker, but when I got in trouble for disrespecting my teacher, or any of my elders, for that matter, not only did I get in trouble with them, but when my parents found out, I got in trouble at home, as well. The trouble at home was much more severe. There is way too much litigation in America today and a lot of it comes from parents who sue because someone offended their precious little offspring. Because of this, we have a disrespectful bunch of adults, young adults, teenagers, youth, and children, whose parents have trained them to believe they should bear no responsibility for their actions.

Well, that's probably enough for now. I'll mention some others later.

MY PRESIDENTIAL SHORT LIST

2011-05-12T09:48:00.000-06:00

Oh, to have President Reagan back. But, that will never be. So, who will I vote for in the 2012 election?

I've given it a lot of thought. I really dislike President Obama's policies. Plus, he's just too snarky, arrogant, and classless. Plus, even though the left ridicule President Bush for his speaking abilities (or lack thereof), Mr. Obama can't put two sentences together without a tele-prompter. He's a complete idiot. He's not the genius his supporters purport him to be. He's a dolt and he's unAmerican.

He considers those with whom he differs as enemies. Americans as enemies! Amazing. He's worried about giving Usama bin Laden a proper Muslim burial, but I'm his enemy.

Anyway, don't get me started on that goofball. As has been said many times in many places, Barrack Obama is the least qualified person in any room he enters.

So, here's my short list of Republicans that I would be proud to vote for in the 2012 election:

Newt Gingrich

Chris Christie

John Bolton

Gary Johnson

Buddy Roemer

Michele Bachman

Herman Cain

Sarah Palin

Rick Santorum

Jon Huntsman

*Mike Huckabee

Tim Pawlenty

Mitch Daniels

Rick Perry

Mitt Romney

*Ron Paul

*Would only vote for these people if they won the nomination. Last resort, but better than Obama.

I really look forward to the 2012 election. It can't come soon enough.

One more thing. Here's the abbreviated version of most every speech he makes:

"I want ... I believe ... I've seen ... I've heard ... I said ... I will be ... I'm asking ... I don't know ... I challenge ... I urge ... I set ... I know ... I'm proposing ... I ask ... I took ... I made ... I would ... I intend ... I've ordered ... I will not ... I've heard ... I am eager ... I'm not ... I'm not ... I'm not ... I am ... I've proposed ... I care ... I recognize ... I'm willing ... I've proposed ... I created ... I don't agree ... I am prepared ... I hear ... I will submit ... I ask ... I will veto ... I will travel ... I call on all ... I know ... I stand..."

He's the "I" man! Nobody else exists in his world.

THE LEFT JUST CAN'T GET IT RIGHT!

2011-05-06T11:13:00.010-06:00

Numerous CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC, and MSNBC reporters have all said that Obama's approval of the helicopter raid that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden was a, "gutsy move."

Counter-terrorism chief John Brennan called President Obama's decision to send in Navy Seals to kill bin Laden a "gutsy move" during a televised report to the media. In fact, he even said it was one of the "gutsiest moves of any president in recent history."

How does the liberal media, and the left, in general, continually get it wrong?

Now don't start thinking that I don't give President Obama credit where it's due. That is not the case. There is no question that President Obama deserves accolades and respect for having the guts and the wisdom to pull the trigger on Osama bin Laden, but the real "gutsy moves" are the ones he's made in the previous 2 years of his administration. Here are the "gutsy moves" I think he's made, for which I want to give him praise and honor:

Throughout his campaign for President, Mr. Obama said he'd order Guantanamo Bay closed on "day one" of his administration, if he was elected president. He said, "We're going to close Guantanamo. And we're going to restore habeas corpus. We're going to lead by example - by not just word but by deed. That's our vision for the future." In fact, during his 2008 Presidential campaign, he described Guantánamo as a "sad chapter in American history."

Yes, it was a very gutsy move to ignore his promises to his base, the left and the very far left, and keep Gitmo open.

Just before he was inaugurated, when asked at a news conference whether he would continue the Bush administration's policy of harsh interrogation, Mr. Obama said, "I was clear throughout this campaign and was clear throughout this transition that under my administration the United States does not torture. We will abide by the Geneva Conventions. We will uphold our highest ideals."

Yes, it was a very gutsy move to ignore his promises to the world that the U.S. would not use "torture," as he defined "harsh interrogation." He not only left Gitmo open, where harsh interrogations could take place, he also ordered harsh interrogations to continue in the other detention camps around the world, especially in the middle east.

My friends, here are the Bush Policies that delivered Osama Bin Laden and got him in a position that President Obama could make the gutsy move of having him killed:

* In 2001 Guantanamo detainees told interrogators about an important courier with the nom de guerre Abu Ahmed al-Kuwaiti who was close to bin Laden.

* In 2004, top al-Qaida operative Hassan Ghul was captured in Iraq. After intense interrogations he revealed that al-Kuwaiti was a courier, someone crucial to the terrorist organization. He also said that Faraj al-Libi, replaced Mohammed as al-Qaida's operational commander.

* In 2005 Al Libi was captured and also taken to Guantanamo.

* In 2007, U.S. officials who were interrogating Guantanamo detainees finally learned the real name of a former Khalid Sheikh Muhammad (KSM) protégé who had become an important confidante of Abu Faraj al Libi.

* In 2009 Guantanamo detainees identified the courier who had worked with both KSM and Al Libi as someone who was thought to be trusted by Bin Laden. After further Guantanamo interrogations, U.S. officials learned the courier's real name, Sheikh Abu Ahmed, but did not know his exact location. Guantanamo detainees also reveald that Ahmed was a mid-level operative who helped al-Qaida members and their families find safe havens and lived in Abottabod in 2003.

* In 2010 Ahmed finally made a misguided phone call that was monitored by US officials and lead to Osama's compound 35 miles north of Islamabad in the city of Abbottabad.

So, yes, it was a very gutsy move by President Obama to keep the Bush Policies in place, despite subjecting then President Bush to constant derision and accusations against him.

PRIORITIZING PRESIDENT

2011-02-25T11:41:00.011-07:00

Here's what President Obama thinks of my blog:

What's been going on in the world lately?

Frankly, too much to talk about; too little space.

But, how about we narrow it down to just the Middle East?

LIBYA - Kadhafi's crumbling regime continues to hold on to Tripoli, with a fair amount of bloodshed from its citizens. Most of eastern Libya is free from Kadhafi's hellish rule, at this time.

BAHRAIN - Thousands of protesters staged a march in Manama, protesting the monarchy.

YEMEN - Protesters and loyalists have bloody and deadly conflicts as they protest or support the regime. President Ali Abdullah Saleh has ordered his forces to offer "full protection" to the anti-regime protesters.

EGYPT & TUNISIA - Popular uprisings toppled the leaders of both countries, sending western visitors and workers fleeing.

IRAQ - Demonstrators stage "Day of Rage" about which PM Maliki said it was organized by insurgents.

JORDAN - Islamist opposition plans 10,000 man march calling for reforms.

ALGERIA - Protests threaten regime. 19-year state of emergency lifted following protests.

MOROCCO - Demonstrators have died protesting for the implementation of political reform.

Given all of this and other truly horrific problems at home and around the world - social, financial, and political, what does our President think is the most important thing he should talk about at this time?

Headline:

"Obama Administration Drops Defense of Anti-Gay Marriage Law"

What else don't I like about the President?

OPEN LETTER TO POLITICIANS

2011-02-19T11:11:00.008-07:00

This is what I want from my governments - Local, State, and most importantly, Federal:

Please STOP looking for ways to confiscate more of my hard-earned income. You already take more than enough. STOP looking for ways to increase the Death Tax, to take away my home mortgage interest deductions, and all the other nefarious ways you try to seize any money I might earn. I'm 64 years old. My wife...well, she's not that old, but she will be in the next decade. We work very hard, including some long hours, for the money we earn. Please let us keep MORE of it. Please remember - It's ours!! Not yours. I want to pay SOME of it to you. We need you so you can "...establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." We don't need you to confiscate our earnings to give it to those who don't earn as much as we do, which is a comfortable amount. We do all we can to help the needy and those less fortunate, through agencies OTHER THAN the government to whom we are subjected. There are, indeed, better ways to help the poor and the needy than through the government.

Please QUIT bending over backwards to help illegal aliens, i.e., future Democrats. QUIT looking for ways to make them U.S. citizens. Spend more money and time and effort on keeping them out of the country, as illegals, and work on ways of getting them here legally. If the ones that are here already have committed crimes (other than the obvious crimes of illegally crossing the border and stealing identities, in order to work here), please deport them and put them on a list that disallows them from re-entering the U.S. for a fair amount of time. I don't hate people from other countries or people who might look different than me. I just want them to come here LEGALLY. I do love legal immigrants.

Please QUIT messing with the military. Don't use it for social engineering. In very sensitive issues, like homosexuals in the military, most people give the politically correct answers when replying to surveys. They don't want to be perceived as bigots, homophobes, etc. However when they discuss those topics with people they know and trust, they indicate that homosexuality is (STILL) a perversion, as they did in all the centuries prior to the 1960's. For generations, the medical and psychological communities listed homosexuality as pathological. Most Americans still believe that is the case. But, the military isn't the place to test those theses. As an aside, homosexuals should not be discriminated against in any way, nor should crimes be allowed against them. But their perversion should not be considered mainstream or normal. And by the way, not allowing them to marry is not discriminating against them. They have the same rights I have to marry the woman of their choice, or in the case of lesbians, to marry the man of their choice. Just like all the rest of America. So, back to the military: Armies are for killing the enemy and blowing up their stuff. Not for testing liberal social experiments. Let them do their job without your interference; with just your oversight.

CUT SPENDING! Please! For God's sake, spend most of your time looking for spending CUTS! Governments are too big and too intrusive. We don't need more. We need LESS government. Get out of our pocketbooks. Look to the Constitution for guidance.

Thank you, so much, for taking the time to listen to me.

OH, COME ON!!

2011-01-27T16:49:00.003-07:00

President Obama has recommended a two-year freeze on federal workers' pay. "The two-year (2011 - 2012) pay freeze will save $2 billion for the remainder of FY 2011, $28 billion over the next five years, and more than $60 billion over the next 10 years," states a White House Fact Sheet on the pay freeze.

Do they really think we're that stupid. What is a freeze? It "freezes" pay at today's rate of pay. How does freezing, without cutting something, save us any money?

This is typical liberal-speak. They think that by not giving people the pay raises they would normally receive, that they're saving us money. Billions of dollars.

Come on!! Who's stupid here? The only way we can save money is to cut spending.

QUIT SPENDING OUR DAMN MONEY!!

A NEW YEAR

2011-01-03T11:20:00.006-07:00

For some strange reason, I love when we have a New Year. I don't usually make a lot of New Year's Resolutions, but I do usually make one or two. And, they're never to lose weight or eat healthier. Those are just too ridiculous for me to even attempt as a resolution. I might work on those things, but certainly not in earnest.

It's just the freshness of the New Year. It's a clean slate. It's a chance to begin again. If something I did last year was so so, then even without a resolution, I can mentally say, "I'll do it better this year."

It's 2011 and it's going to be the best year yet.

HISTORIC PROVO TABERNACLE BURNS DOWN

2010-12-17T09:14:00.008-07:00

We woke up this morning to news that the historic Provo Tabernacle had been on fire since 2:30 AM. At this time, about 9:15 AM, there is only a shell remaining. The roof has collapsed. Some of the upper walls have collapsed. The inside is gutted. It looks pretty hopeless, at this time.

This building was used, not only by the LDS church for meetings, concerts, and other events, but by the non-LDS community, including other faiths, for other events. Tonight and tomorrow night, there was to be a Christmas program.

It's a sad day for those of us who treasure old, beautiful buildings.

Here's the link for some news coverage: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=13693318

PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

2010-12-14T19:22:00.003-07:00

I hate it when something seems so right and logical to me, but others who are so much smarter than me see the same thing so differently...and no matter how much I try, I don't get their side of the discussion.

Example: One major facet of President Obama's Obamacare is that insurance companies have to insure people with pre-existing conditions.

May I relate it to car insurance for a moment?

You have no car insurance. You get in a wreck and waste your car. A person in the other car dies. You call the insurance company and say, "I want to buy some car insurance and I want it to cover the accident I just had, which probably totaled my car and did kil the other driver." You'd have to be out of your mind to (1) ask an insurance company for that coverage and (2) be in the car insurance business if the government was making you cover "pre-existing" car wrecks.

Why is it any different in the health insurance business?

You have no medical insurance. You come down with a horrible disease. You call an insurance company and say, "I'm really sick. I might die. I, at least, will need some hospitalization and treatment to even have a chance of living. So, I need some medical insurance that will cover this pre-existing condition."

Why does requiring insurance companies to insure people for their pre-existing conditions make sense? Smart guys in Washington say it does. I don't see it.

WORLD AIDS DAY

2010-12-01T16:53:00.003-07:00

Today, December 1, 2010, is World Aids Day.

Please...

Don't have any kind of sex with a person of the same sex. If you're married, be faithful to your spouse.

Don't share hypodermic needles.

Do your research before receiving a blood transfusion.

By following these three points, you will enjoy a safe and happy World Aids Day.

Gg. RULON JENSON - A GOOD FRIEND

2010-11-26T20:31:00.005-07:00

Our good friend, Rulon Jenson, passed away last week. I've talked a bit about him on FaceBook.

Here are two Rulon and Boydie stories:

1 - At the viewing, I grabbed Boydie, our 6 year old autistic grandson and took him over to the casket and said, "Do you remember Rulon? He comes over to our house for dessert every Sunday evening." Boyd said, "Yes, I know him. He's married to Terri." So, I said, "That is his body in the casket." He stared, without moving, for at least 60 seconds, then in his loudest voice said, "Yep. I think he's dead."

2 - Boyd's dad (my son, Ken) arrived late for the viewing, having come directly from work. As soon as he walked in the mortuary, Boyd grabbed his hand and dragged him over towards the casket. As he got close to the casket, again in his loudest voice, he said, "Come on, Dad. Come and see the dead guy."

Rulon would have laughed and enjoyed the joke.

WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE?

2010-10-25T13:42:00.004-06:00

I have a great family. From parents, to siblings, to aunts/uncles, cousins, nieces/nephews, etc, I feel that I'm truly blessed.

Take a look at the photo above and ask, "Who could ask for anything more?"

Thirteen of the goofiest, most beautiful kids in the world. All with very strong personalities and all incredible kids.

I'm a very lucky person.

I'M TIRED OF BLOGGING

2010-08-10T08:10:00.003-06:00

I just don't have the time to be consistent.

I can comment on other folks' blogs, because there's no pressure to perform on cue.

I'll try blogging again at a later date.

Bye Bye for Now.

DO AS I SAY...

2010-07-21T15:11:00.004-06:00

When all of America heard Reverend Wright bash white people and our beloved America, we were told by our Fearless Leader, The Anointed One, President Obama, that we shouldn't judge Reverend Wright based on a few soundbites, that there was much more to the story, and the man, than just those few clips.

But when El Presidente heard that Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Harvard Professor and race-relations expert, had been arrested by Police Sergeant James Crowley...yes, when the President "heard" the sound bite of Sergeant White Guy Crowley's arrest of the Most Honorable Professor Black Man Gates, he immediately reacted by saying, "The police acted stupidly." He didn't wait until he heard the whole story. Nope. Not our guy. He jumped right in the middle of it and made a quick judgment...stupidly.

Now, the Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the USDA, Shirley Sherrod, was fired yesterday under the direction of the White House, for some soundbites she made, explaining racist behavior she exhibited 24 years ago. Now that the White House has had a chance to dig a little deeper, they've apologized to her and offered her another job with the Agriculture Department.

I'm not arguing any of these cases. You can believe anything you'd like about Reverend Wright, Sergeant Crowley and Professor Gates, and Shirley Sherrod. You can read about these three cases and come to your own conclusions.

I'm just dumbfounded by our President...the one who said he was post-racial, that race wouldn't be an issue during his tenure, I'm dumbfounded that he just can't wait to jump into and stir up and confuse and exacerbate any racial issue that comes up. He can't help himself.

He is the most racial and racist President in my lifetime.

And, he wants us to do as he says, not as he does.

WHERE WILL WE PEE?

2010-06-28T17:41:00.011-06:00

Where will we pee on September 4th? We'll be at Lions Park in Provo, which is less that 3/4 miles from my house. Still, a 3/4 mile walk (run, if you really have to pee) is a pretty long jaunt to get to a toilet.

Here's a link to a map showing where Lions park is relative to my house:

http://www.mapquest.com/mq/9-a1GV.

When you get to the map, click on "Aerial Map" to see the houses, etc.

By the way...on Columbia Lane, right where you turn on 880 West to go to Lions Park, that's about 100' from where Martin Photo was first located (753 Columbia Lane).

Well, here are some photos to give you a glimpse of where we'll be having The 2010 Martin Family Reunion and celebration of Dad's 85th Birthday and The Enid and Jeff Memorial Fun and Games Day. Double click the photos to see them in all their glory.

Here is the Gazebo where we'll station ourselves.

Here is a close-up of the Gazebo.

Here is a photo of the playground,
taken from the Gazebo.

Here is a little stream.

AHH...here are the restrooms.
This is where we'll pee.

Here's a photo from the parking lot,
showing the restrooms, with the Gazebo
in the background. A mere few feet away.

So, please pass the word around to all the Martins (and other relatives) you know. The official festivities will begin on Saturday morning, September 4th, and end Saturday night. However, Michele and Dad will be there about a week earlier than that. I'm pretty sure that some of the Las Vegas Clan will arrive earlier and leave later. So feel free to come and go as you'd like.

Contact Linda or Cheli or Melvin or me if you have any questions.

ISLETS OF LANGERHANS

2010-06-18T14:45:00.004-06:00

I've been thinking and talking a lot about my pancreas lately. My Doctor has, as well. He's gotten a Dietitian and a Diabetes Specialist involved, too. Apparently, my Islets of Langerhans just aren't doing their job. They aren't producing enough insulin. They've gotten worse than they were a year ago. In fact, I think they're on strike.

Here is an actual photo of my pancreas:

And here's an actual x-ray of my Islets of Langerhans. Did you know that anatomist Paul Langerhans discovered the Islets in 1869? (Not mine. I wasn't even alive then. He just found them on a dead guy.) And, he was only 22 years old when he found them! Since he discovered them, he named them after himself.

Well, anyway, I'm counting carbs, avoiding sugar, checking my blood glucose levels 6 - 8 times a day, taking 2 kinds of insulin, one in the morning and the other kind any time I want to eat and before bed.

The Doctor told me to get serious about Diabetes. I really like my grandkids and would like to stick around just a little bit longer, so I'm going to work on it.

In doing some research, I found this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtsQxUYHXbw

...and this:

http://www.absolutelyrics.com/lyrics/view/weird_al_yankovic/pancreas/

Okay, that's it, Bob. Get serious!!

I'M HAPPY TO PROVE I'M WHO I AM

2010-05-30T11:25:00.008-06:00

The first thing the police officer says approaching my car is, "Show me your car registration and driver's license." Why? Because they need to know who it is they stopped. They need to know that the car I'm driving is mine (or so they can find out if it's legally borrowed). If there's going to be a citation, they needs to know to whom to make it. They need to know who I am.

I fly somewhere about 30 - 35 weeks out of 52 weeks each year. Every time I fly, I'm required to show my ID at least twice at each airport. Once, when I get my ticket and check my bags and a second time when I pass through Security. Why? Because they need to know who I am, in case there's an accident; in case I might be a person who wishes harm to Americans; so they can match my baggage up with me when I arrive at my destination. They need to know who I am.

When I use a credit card, I'm asked to show my ID. Why? To ensure that the name on the credit card and the name/photo on my ID are the same. To ensure that I'm not using a stolen card. They need to know who I am.

Exactly like when I use a credit card, when I write a check, I'm required to show my ID. Why? Same as above. They need to know who I am.

When I vote in my home state of Utah, I'm asked to show my ID. Why? In Utah, it is determined that something as important and sacred as voting requires that I prove who I am, so they know I'm voting legally. This isn't the case in all states, but it is here in Utah - for which I'm extremely grateful. They need to know who I am.

I'm asked to prove my identity several times each day. Why? Because in order to be a land of laws and order, we have to know that each person is who they say they are.

Why is it so offensive that we ask anyone, white or black, brown or yellow, to show their ID and prove who they are? How do I prove who I am? In order to get a drivers license or a passport (two legal forms of ID), I'm required to prove that I'm an American Citizen. When I'm asked to show my ID, it's with the understanding that, since I'm showing a legal form of ID, I must be a legal resident and I am who I say I am.

I proudly show my ID.

Why is it so offensive to ask others to do the same?

Why do we work so hard to prove that Americans are Americans, but we find it offensive, and to many, illegal, to ask non-Americans to prove who they are? We invite them here with the lack of security we require of them. We invite them here with all the freebies we give them...

...and in return, many of them are contemptuous towards us. Many of them hate us. Many of them think we're the illegals and treat us as such.

We need to return to having secure borders and a sensible immigration policy. We don't need open borders. We need an easy way for immigrants to come here, but on our conditions, not theirs.

I'M TORN

2010-04-29T14:36:00.006-06:00

As a flaming conservative, I have mixed feelings about the new AZ immigration law.

On one hand, it merely does what Federal Law says should be done, that is, if a person is stopped by a law enforcement officer for ANOTHER offense, the person stopped can be asked to identify themselves, show who they are, just like the rest of us have to do if we get stopped. Or if we want to cash a check. Or if we want to get a driver's license. Or get a fishing or hunting license. Or many other day to day activities. We are asked to prove who we are numerous times each day.

On the other hand, because of the Democrats, along with the dying, mainstream media, this is been turned into a anti-Hispanic law to enable the Democrat Party to be able to say, "Yes, Illegals, we want you here. It's the evil, bigoted Republicans who hate you."

Frankly, I love all legal immigrants, regardless of race, creed, color or anything else.

I also find illegals to be criminals, regardless of race, creed, color or anything else.

As I said, I'm torn. I think the AZ law should be enforced. I think Federal Immigration Law should be enforced.

But, I think Democrats are never going to secure the borders, since they want to make all illegals legal (amnesty) and claim their vote.

In the meantime, Arizona and much of the rest of the United States is being overrun by illegal immigrants...and Republicans and conservatives are taking the blame for being racist and bigoted.

My, oh my, has this country taken a turn for the worse (or worst, if you came from that school) in the last year or so.

I CAN NOW RELAX JUST A LITTLE

2010-04-28T20:58:00.003-06:00

For my work, the last 6 weeks I've been traveling all over the west conducting our Annual RoadMap Meetings. These are meetings of the local Managers and Reps. We review the previous year, the sales, the comps, the challenges, the successes, and the numbers. Then, we give them a "roadmap" for success for the new year. New items we'll be introducing for the new year, goals and objectives, etc. This year, we also rolled out some new ordering/timekeeping hard- and software. It involved 3 - 4 hours of intense, comprehensive training. (Yes, technology-challenged Bob doing technology training!)

As the Region Manager for the western U.S., I play a large role in the success of these meetings.

They are now over and I'm finally able to breathe again.

I can't promise that I'll be any better about writing my blog, but I can guarantee that I'll be relaxed while I'm not writing it.

I'm getting too old for this stuff. Somehow, all that sounds good is to sit down, drink a Diet Coke with a lime (the nectar of the Gods), and watch tv or read.

JEFF'S BIRTHDAY

2010-03-28T23:10:00.005-06:00

We're coming up on Jeff's birthday on April 20th. The weekend before his birthday, Karen and I are going to Dallas to be with my family. Hopefully, we can get a few of us together and visit about Jeff and with each other.

I look forward to seeing Paula, and Kelly, and David and talking with them about Jeff.

I still miss him every day. We could go weeks or months without talking, but as soon as we got together, it was as if no time had passed since the last time we talked.

I miss those goofy brotherly talks.

Jeff was a good brother and I have tremendous faith that we will see him again. In fact, I can say that I have no doubts about seeing him again.

A ROADTRIP

2010-03-20T20:19:00.008-06:00

Today was the first day of Spring. The Vernal Equinox. Lots and lots of weeding, pruning, gardening, and yard work to do. So, with all of that staring us in the face, Karen and I did what any responsible people would do...we took a Road Trip!

First, we drove to Perry, UT, just outside of Brigham City, UT...about 100 miles away. We went there because of a great restaurant called Maddox Ranch House. They have the best dead cow I've ever eaten. Besides being a restaurant, it's a cow ranch, slaughter house, etc. They sell beef and bison, too. After a wonderful lunch, we bought 10 pounds of hamburger patties and 2 nice Chuck Roasts. When we've BBQ'd those burgers in the past, our family has asked what we did to the meat to make it so good. Maddox's has been around since WWII. Double click the photo below and check out the cars in the parking lot. This must have been taken in the late 1950's.

This photo was taken more recently.

Here's their Website:

http://maddoxfinefoods.com/

Then we drove down the road, south, about 10 miles to Smith and Edwards just outside of Ogden. It's a huge, massive, big place that is a combination of an Ace Hardware Store, an Army/Navy Salvage Store, and a, well, here's their own description:

"Since 1947, Smith and Edwards has been one of Utah's unique destination retail experiences. Three generations strong with family tradition, the 171,000 square foot store includes departments for camping, fishing, backpacking, climbing, caving, hunting, guns and ammo, emergency preparedness, and extraordinary selection of Dutch oven cookware, marine, water sports, western tack sales and manufacturing, western jewelry, clothing, coats, footwear, toys, house wares, hardware, automotive, paint, plus U.S. and international military surplus - all this in addition to the sixty are yard which is filled with a huge assortment of military surplus...the "scrap" that started it all."

You could shop there for hours. And we did!

And, here's their Website:

http://www.smith andedwards.com/index.asp

It was a great day. The yard work will still be there for us to do next Saturday, but this was a beautiful, spring day that screamed for a Road Trip.

We made memories today!

THE REUNION - UPDATE

2010-03-13T20:26:00.003-07:00

Here are some explanations regarding the upcoming Martin Family Reunion/Phil Martin 85th Birthday/Jeff Martin Memorial. I have been asked if we will ever hold the Reunion in the summer so people can take some time and drive to the Reunion, since kids will be out of school, etc. The answer is, it can be held any time of the year.

Jeff was in charge of the 2010 Reunion. He's the one who chose the location and suggested that we do a Reunion/Grampy 85th Birthday party this year. His thought process was that it would be so hot and muggy in Dallas during the summer that he'd rather have it in Provo, a little later in the year. And then, of course, he picked the 1st weekend in September to celebrate Grampy's 85th birthday. So, that's what we were, and still are, planning.

I somewhat ran the last one. Jeff was running this one. I assume Linda will have a go at it next time. Start now giving her your requests...for location, dates, food, activities, theme, etc..

For an update on attendance - All the Las Vegas Martin kids and grandkids have indicated that they're attending the one this September. All the Utah kids and grandkids and Karen and I, will be attending. Paula has indicated that she would like to attend and have as many of her kids attend, as possible. I assume Bruce and Helen will be there, as well. I think Linda and Bobby will be there. I haven't heard from Melvin and Nancy yet, about any of their family.

Wherever and whenever we have these Reunions, some will be able to attend and some won't. I will continue to push for these to my dying day. We are a far-flung family and if we don't push HARD for reunions, we'll lose contact with each other. From my perspective, I'd rather we try to bring our families together than to let them drift apart.

I CAN'T PUT IT OFF ANY LONGER

2010-03-02T08:56:00.010-07:00

I can't put this off any longer. However, it just doesn't seem right without Jeff. I realize that my sisters, Linda and Michelle, and our Dad's son (and our brother), Melvin, and I are all still Phil & Enid's offspring and we're alive and, hopefully, carrying on some of the Martin Family traditions and name and blood. But without Jeff along side us, it's been very hard for me to bring this up again.

Linda, Michele, and Melvin - We need to carry on in Jeff's absence.

So, without further ado (no, it's not supposed to be "adieu"), it's time we got down to some serious planning of the "2010 Martin Family Reunion and Phil Martin 85th Birthday Celebration!" Is that title long enough? I've tried to think of some other things we could add to the title, but nothing comes to mind...yet.

Our plan is to have this huge party on Friday and Saturday, September 3rd and 4th in Provo, UT. Let's see if we can make this one even more successful than the last. Let's make sure that we contact every family member we can think of, from Provo to Mesa to Dallas to Norman and all stops in between and around.

We need to have a conference call to get this moving forward again. Maybe Paula or Kelly or David could fill in for Jeff as his family's representative to the Reunion Committee? (Not that Rick couldn't do it. He's not that busy, but he's far away, right?)

Let's plan the call and get going again. Okay?

Hey!! I know!! How about the "2010 Martin Family Reunion, Phil Martin 85th Birthday Celebration, and Jeff Martin Memorial."

We could all come to the party prepared to share photos and stories about Jeff, as well as stories and photos of our Dad and Grampy, Phil Martin.

The 2010 Martin Family Reunion, Phil Martin 85th Birthday Celebration, and Jeff Martin Memorial!

NOW THAT'S SOUTH!

2010-02-12T12:04:00.003-07:00

I'm traveling to a city I've not only never visited before, but I've never even heard of it before! It's called Harlingen, TX. There are 5 Lowe's stores in that area, within about 100 miles of each other, that I need to hire a rep to service. Currently, our rep from Corpus Christi is driving there to service these 5 stores. So, I'm going to hire a part-timer from the McAllen/Harlingen area to take care of them.

Anyway, in making my plans, I looked at a map and was surprised by a few things. First, there are quite a few cities in the southern tip of Texas. Second, a very nice resort area is there...South Padre Island, which I've heard about. It's a beautiful place. Finally, that area is incredibly far south! Way south. Waaayyy down there.

Check out how far south of, say, San Diego it is. I always thought when I went down to Tijuana or Ensenada I was going pretty far south in the world. Look how far south Harlingen is!

I guess I'd better bone up on my Spanish and get some pesos.

Miss Alli and Family

2010-02-03T09:20:00.013-07:00

As I said in my last blog, I visited Las Vegas to see our new Granddaughter, Allison Emily Martin, daughter of Dano & Tera Martin, sister of Tricia and Drew.

She is so tiny.

At a birth weight of 5 lbs. 5 oz., she seems like a little doll.

She barely shows up in Bobo's arms.

"Come on, Bobo, let Papa hold her!"

Despite her diminutive stature, she has long fingers, toes, and wingspan.

Little Alli has brothers and sisters and cousins galore.

Sweet Rebekah is always around, ready to give out beautiful smiles.

Rachel still demands some of the limelight...or else!

She can give you a gorgeous smile, a scowl, or a look that melts your heart. She's a beautiful girl with the blackest hair I've ever seen on a little kid.

Here's Drew, Emma, and Tricia, eating Chinese Take Out with chop sticks. They do better than me with those instruments of starvation.

I guess the question that always comes up is, "What will little Alli be like when she grows up?" I certainly don't want to cast aspersions, but looking at the photo below, I'd say she doesn't stand a chance in a million of being normal. Double click the photo to see these yahoos in all their glorious detail.

I had a great time visiting my Las Vegas family, especially the grandkids, and I wish I could be there all the time. They've grown so much each time I see them. I miss so much of their development.

And, although I don't have photos to prove it, Tera looks great just days after giving birth, and Shelly looks amazing, just months and numerous pounds after giving birth. She has worked her butt off...literally. You girls look great!!

UP, UP, AND AWAY!

2010-02-01T09:19:00.005-07:00

I visited Las Vegas last weekend on my way to a Monday - Wednesday Meeting in Tempe, AZ. I went to Las Vegas to see our newest granddaughter, Allison Emily Martin, who we call Alli. I'll blog about Alli a bit later. She's a doll and I have some fun photos of her.

First, however, I want to tell you about her brother and sister, Drew and Tricia, and the movie "Up." Drew was really excited to watch a movie on my iPod. Since I have Up on it, I started it for him. He immediately went into his own little world to watch it.

The more he got into it, the more he wanted to shut out the outside world. Here he is in the ultimate position to do just that.

Big sister Tricia asked if she could watch it with him and he, of course, willingly and happily agreed. They watched the rest of the movie together, also enjoying the bonds of siblings.

As much as I already loved that movie, I'll never be able to watch it again without thinking of these two sweeties watching it together.

WINTER! BAH HUMBUG!!

2010-01-21T12:34:00.004-07:00

I guess I'm just really hard to please. I definitely don't like winter, but I hate heat, so summers aren't for me, either.

Here's what I don't like:

Ugh! I know, it's really pretty and I like to look at it, but I don't like to be in it.

I like spring in Utah and fall in Utah. Here's October 2009:

Isn't that beautiful? It's a nice, cool time of the year. No snow or sleet, just cool and nice.

I need to live where I was born - in San Diego, CA. But, there's too many people there. And, it's too expensive to live there.

So, I live in Utah, which I really love. I just have to put up with the cold, snowy, drizzly winters and the hot, burning, sweaty summers.

It's worth it. It's where my sweetie wants to live.

And, when Sweetie is happy, Bobby is happy.

I LOVE TO TRAVEL

2010-01-11T09:20:00.007-07:00

Yep. I love to travel. Hong Kong, India, Holland?

Nope. Today I fly to Kansas City.

What? You think that's not glamorous?

What about KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce. What do you think the KC stands for? That's right...Kansas City.

Besides, it's a beautiful city.

See you when I get back.

Next week?

Off to Albuquerque!

2010 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #3

2010-01-07T10:56:00.004-07:00

2010 New Year's Resolution #3:

Love God and Neighbor.

In Matthew 22, When the lawyer asked the Savior, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?", Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the lord thy God with all they heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind.

He went on to explain, "This is the first and great commandment."

He went one further by saying, "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

It appears to me that if we do not love God and neighbor, whatever else we do will be of little eternal consequence.

I feel like I'm naturally pretty selfish. I usually think of me first. I joke that I've had Karen cross stitch a piece that says, "Every man for himself."

I resolve in 2010 to try to change my attitude - to think of others first. To show love for my neighbors, family, and, of course, my God.

2010 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #2

2010-01-04T08:38:00.004-07:00

2010 New Year's Resolution #2:

Study the Scriptures.

I really love my church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I enjoy and need the fellowship of like-minded people; people with the same basic religious beliefs that I have. I really need the Church in my life.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is very important to me, as well. And, of course, like all who are followers of the Savior, I need the atonement in my life.

I resolve in 2010, to study the scriptures. Not just read them cover to cover, so I can say that I read them, but really study them.

I enjoyed the year President Hinckley said, "...I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon." I reread it that year and truly enjoyed it. However, I didn't spend much time in study.

This year, I'll read it with a new eye; with a critical, thoughtful, prayerful approach. Following the Book of Mormon, I'll decide, at that time, the next scripture to study.

Today is January 4th and I've still managed to keep 2010 Resolution #1. Yippee!!

More 2010 resolutions to come...

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #1

2009-12-31T17:54:00.012-07:00

2010 New Year's Resolution # 1:

Treat Diabetes like the dangerous disease it is.

I don't know why my brother died on November 9, 2009. I don't know if it was "just his time." Or, if there was negligence in his treatment at the hospital. I don't know if it was related to breaking his leg or if it had to do with the reason he passed out the morning of the day he died. I don't know if it was because he was grossly overweight or if he wasn't managing his health very well. I just don't know why he died, but it has, among other things, reminded me of my own mortality.

I miss Jeff very much. If there's anyone out there in Blogland who would miss me if I died, anywhere near as much as I miss Jeff, then I want to do what I can to delay my death as much as possible.

I have a few medical problems. Diabetes is the most critical. So, you'd imagine I'd be very careful with my diet and my weight, right? Well, you'd be wrong. I've treated it like it was a hangnail.

So, beginning tomorrow, January 1, 2010, I resolve to faithfully take my medication, as directed.

I also resolve to eat the foods that I know I should eat.

And, avoid the foods I know I shouldn't eat.

I know I'll fail some days. I'll backslide once in awhile. But, for 2010, I want to manage my Diabetes.

Watch for further New Year's Resolutions in days to come.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

2009-12-28T09:15:00.004-07:00

I know it's pretty common for people to make, and then immediately (or shortly thereafter) break, New Year's Resolutions. It's a fact. I've done it myself. Why, then, do I feel so compelled to make them each year?

There is something for me about looking at the fresh, clean slate of a New Year and hoping to make it a great year; a year of positive change; maybe even the best year yet. I know I have many flaws and I always hope that the coming year will be the year I make changes to repair those flaws.

So, here I sit, nearing the end of 2009 and thinking about 2010. What kind of year will it be? I've lost family members the last two years. Will there be other family deaths in 2010? Will I control my appetite enough to lose some weight and, thereby, make it possible to reduce the amount of medication I take each day? Will I be able to get back to my ideal weight? Or, will I be able to grow 6" or 7" in height, so my current weight is ideal for my height?

Will I be able to spend more time in spiritual development, as well as in my doctrinal knowledge? What about all the things I learned in public schools and during my time at BYU...I've forgotten more than I remember. Do I need to brush up on History, Geography, Political Science, Math, and many of the other subjects I've not used much over the subsequent years?

Will I have as many aches and pains in 2010 as I've had in 2009? Is there anything I can do to reduce them? If it involves getting better sleep, exercise and eating right, will I be able to do those things?

Suffice it, at this time, to say, that I'm working on my list of 2010 New Year's Resolutions and I'll let you know what they are when I finalize them.

Stay tuned.

IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS

2009-12-22T10:29:00.003-07:00

Christmas Day is this Friday. I can't believe it's here. This has been such a busy year. Work has been difficult. We've had to terminate some employees. We've had to work under severe financial constraints. Karen and I have been busy at church. I have 76 High Priests who I "lead" as the High Priest Group Leader. Kids and grandkids keep us hopping. Life is simply busy and complicated...and anything but simple.

I know I'm not alone. I know your lives are as busy and complicated and hectic as mine. This can't be what it's all about, can it?

No, I know it's not.

Thank goodness for the Christmas Season to help keep us grounded in what's important.

Please, slow down a bit, check out this video, and remember the reason we celebrate this time of year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU.

CAN'T THINK OF A THING

2009-12-15T11:06:00.005-07:00

I can't think of a thing to blog about.

I have a stupor of thought.

I puked all yesterday and slept for 24 hours when I wasn't puking.

I'm going to lay off blogging for awhile. In fact, I'm going to go get some more sleep.

Maybe sometime I'll think of something to blog about.

Night, night.

IT'S SNOWING IN PROVO

2009-12-07T11:07:00.003-07:00

We woke up on Sunday to a little bit of snow on the ground. Not much. Maybe an inch. It piddled a little during the day, but didn't add anything to the accumulation. Today, Monday, there's a little more snow, maybe 4 inches, and we're told that we'll get about a foot today and tomorrow.

I went outside and cranked up the snow blower. It didn't want to start. I had to curse twice, then it finally started.

I've cleaned off the sidewalk out front so the Provo High School kids can walk by without having to trudge through the snow.

I pretty much don't like cold weather (and I hate hot weather), but if it's going to be cold, I'd rather have some snow. So, now we're getting it.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

IT'S MY ONLY JOB AROUND THE HOUSE

2009-12-04T10:52:00.003-07:00

Karen doesn't ask much of me while I'm working in my home office, while she's at work. Just keep the fire going in the wood-burning stove, so the cats will be warm. That's all she asks. She says, "You don't have to clean the house or take out the trash or vacuum or wash the dishes or the clothes...just keep the fire going for the cats."

I've failed again.

IS IT POSSIBLE?

2009-12-02T08:24:00.012-07:00

Can I really be turning 63 today? Where did my life go? It seems like just yesterday that I was standing on the steps in San Diego, with Linda and Jeff.

Yes, that's Linda, looking like she wants to kill someone. Stay out of her way!! (Double click on the photo to get the full effect of her wrath.) Jeff is looking dapper in his sports coat and bow tie. And, of course, that's me in my Little Rascals' Alfalfa stage.

I found that photo and started looking at a bunch of other photos. It was kind of fun to see my life through photos. Here are some highlights:

A happier Linda, with baby Bobby -

Cub Scout Bobby, at about 8 years old, not quite grown into my ears yet -

Paperboy Bobby - winner of the big contest, about age 12 -

My Senior Picture, age 17 -

Washing my brand new 1968 VW Kaefer (Beetle) in the snow in Sandhausen, Germany. About age 22 -

Graduated from BYU and working at my photo lab, circa 1975, which would make be about 29 years old -

In one of my yo-yo, up-and-down, roller coaster phases...at a down time in my weight cycle. Around 1978, or so. Somewhere about 32 or 33 and about 160 lbs. -

And, just the other day at the new In-N-Out Burger in Orem, UT, age 62 and about 250 lbs. -

It's been a good life, so far. I'm going to try to stick around a little bit longer.

SHHHHH. IT'S STILL A SECRET.

2009-11-25T12:09:00.005-07:00

The State Run Media is still trying to be quiet about it, but the facts are out: Global Warming, Global Cooling, and Climate Change are truly, as I've been saying all along, A BIG HOAX.

Despite Al Gore's Oscar and his Nobel Peace Prize, he's an opportunist who is now a mega-millionaire due to his participation in this hoax.

Scientists who have sat quietly on the sideline, trying not to be labeled as Climate Change Deniers, have slowly and carefully started to speak out against the Climate Change Hoax.

Here are just a few articles to give you a little background:

A news report from Kansas City: http://voices.kansascity.com/node/6669

The emails that were released, not by a hacker, but by a Global Warmist who suddenly got a conscience and couldn't continue to support the hoax: http://www.eastangliaemails.com/index.php

Here's a blog about what the "mainstream" or State Run Media are (not) saying about the hoax: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2009/11/24/climategate-totally-ignored-tv-news-outlets-except-fox

Another blog about the leaked emails: http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/11/024993.php

And, one final article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703499404574559630382048494.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

In my humble opinion, Science has taken a big hit with this one.

I must be a little bit ahead of our times...I've distrusted scientists for a long time. Most of them are in it for the money! For others, it's their religion.

GLAD TO BE HOME

2009-11-20T12:31:00.004-07:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks, starting with Monday, November 9th. That's when I started getting calls about Jeff breaking his leg. Later, it was calls about Jeff not doing well. Then the call that informed me that he had passed away. I'm still not sure I've accepted it. As I've told just about everyone I've talked to, my Mother's death, although still a shock, was somewhat expected, given her age and declining health. Jeff, on the other hand, was so unexpected that I'm still having trouble accepting it. I've started to send him emails two or three times in the last 10 days and then I remember.

I will truly miss our relationship. We laughed a lot!

That Monday was followed by a rushed trip to Dallas, where Karen and I were able to spend some time with Michele and my Dad. Linda and Bobby. Paula and her kids, Rick and his wife, PFC Nikki. Kelly and her boyfriend, Matt. And, David. David's girlfriend came by the house, but he rushed her off before I got a chance to meet her. He's either ashamed of her or of me. Which do you think it is?

The funeral was Saturday and I thought it went very well.

We flew home from Dallas and got home late Saturday night. I slept for a couple of hours, then got up to fly to Cincinnati on Sunday morning.

I've been in Cincy all week, attending meetings. I just got back to Provo yesterday - Thursday.

Today is Friday and I don't want to do anything but lay around (or is that lie around?) and rest, but I've got so much to do that I've been up and at it since 5:00 AM.

I'm glad to be home and plan on enjoying some restful time. I'm taking Monday through Wednesday off and then have Thursday (Thanksgiving) and Friday off work, so this will be a pretty lazy week. That's what I need.

I told Karen if she'll let me have a lazy week next week, I'll giver her what she loves the very most...I'll leave her alone all week.

ONE OF THE BEST...EVER!

2009-11-09T09:08:00.004-07:00

If you're not interested in things LDS, please tune out now.

For anyone still remaining, each General Conference, there seems to be at least one talk that knocks my socks off. There were two in October.

My number one message for the October Conference was by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=77ee56627ab94210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

I love the power and force with which he proclaims his beliefs. In the past, our leaders have been somewhat sensitive about forcefully expressing our beliefs on the television. There was no holding back here.

Number two, for me, was given by Elder Richard G. Scott.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=bf8c56627ab94210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

This one is a two-parter. The first part is regarding receiving guidance from the Spirit. It's clear and easy to understand.

The second part has to do with pornography. I fear for those who struggle with pornography. Elder Scott explains exactly why. Old, fat Bob, joker extraordinaire, takes pornography deadly seriously. I've seen too many men lose their family through addiction to this scourge.

You know I'm not a prude. I enjoy a photo or the actual physical presence of a beautiful women, clothed or unclothed. I'm not talking about that kind of thing. I'm talking about the filth that is so abundant on the Internet and readily available to anyone who wants it. Help your husband and your sons by not making it easy for them to play with this deadly infection. There is no reason for them to be locked away in their room or office while on their computer. If they're behind locked doors, they're doing something that might well ruin their lives.

Just a second while I get off my soapbox...

There you go, now I've got both feet back on the ground.

I hope you enjoy these two talks/articles as much as I do.

WHERE'S WINTER?

2009-11-06T08:46:00.002-07:00

I'm not complaining and I certainly don't want to see a change in the weather, but it's absolutely gorgeous in Utah. We've enjoyed 70+ degree days throughout the fall.

It's not quite 9:00 AM as I write this and it's already 65 degrees. There's a "20% chance of rain" on Sunday, but we haven't had any winterish weather yet this year. No sleet. No snow, except in the mountains. No hail. Just nice weather.

If this is global warming, I vote it continues for awhile.

I LOVE IT

2009-11-03T21:33:00.003-07:00

Why is Diet Coke so good? Why does a Diet Coke with ice and a lime just hit the spot?

I'm going to go make one right now and drink it in bed.

I love Diet Coke.

WHAT HAPPENED?

2009-11-02T08:33:00.002-07:00

Yesterday we had our several pumpkins carved and spread creatively around the front porch and yard. We had a basket of full-sized candy bars ready to hand out.

It got dark. We waited patiently. And at the end of the night, when we tallied up all our visitors, we counted 2 girls in one group...period.

One knock on the door. Two girls that we didn't know.

And that was it!

Happy Halloween.

THINGS I LEARNED THIS WEEK

2009-10-31T13:01:00.005-06:00

I worked with my company's Field Service Director this week. He's my immediate supervisor. I also worked with my colleague, the guy who does in the eastern US what I do in the western US. We've instituted a program that brings both of them to my part of the country one quarter and the Director and me to his part of the country during the next quarter. We visited Los Angeles, CA this week. In about 3 months, we'll meet either in Washington D.C. or Atlanta, GA, the two cities that I said I'd like to visit.

I learned some things and had some things refreshed in my memory as I worked this week. Here are just a few of those things:

I was reminded that it's very important to me that I'm the best at what I do. I felt like I was holding my breath all week as we toured the stores in the L.A. Market and the other two gentlemen audited and analyzed our store sets and the overall work that we do. We chose L.A. because there's a substantial inner city area that the others wanted to see. They wanted to compare my inner city stores with those in the large cities in the east. I'm proud to say that we compared very favorably to the stores in the east. In fact, it was apparent from the comments that our inner city stores look much better than those in the eastern cities.

I learned that I'm very comfortable with criticism, when it's warranted, but not very patient with it when it's petty. When the Director pointed out areas where we (in the west) excel and the eastern Region Manager's stores come up short, the eastern Region Manager became petty and picky with his criticism. I told him he was being petty and that if he mainly critiqued those areas where there was some real deficiencies that we could correct, it would provide me with some areas and ideas for improving our work. He had very few areas that he could seriously question after that, but when he did, I took his criticism with grace and aplomb.

I learned that even though I'm getting older, I still want to learn. There were a number of things discussed amongst the three of us, about which I know nothing. These weren't all work-related topics. For example, when I was younger, even though I wasn't a fan of professional football, I knew enough about it that I could carry on an intelligent conversation. When these two guys started talking about the NFL, I was lost. I made a quiet vow that I want to continue to learn and gain intelligence. I'm not dead quite yet. This vow relates to work, general knowledge, and church topics.

Well, that's about all. Three main things: (1) I'm still competitive. (2) I can take criticism when it's justified, but I can't when it's not. (3) I still have a desire to learn.

It was a fun week.

PLEASE!!!

2009-10-23T15:38:00.011-06:00

Please.

Please.

Please.

Don't anyone tell President Obama what comes after a trillion.

I know. I said I wouldn't make political comments here anymore, but I'm about to explode if he comes up with more debt for our country. Besides, I'm already paying enough in taxes. I wish he'd just leave us alone and let the free market system fix the economy.

LAST TIME THIS YEAR?

2009-10-21T17:54:00.004-06:00

I think I just mowed our lawn for the last time in 2009. The sprinkler system is turned off. The nights are getting cold. We've had a couple of light freezes.

Winter is here.

Well, 60 degrees during the day and in the 30s at night.

I'M HATIN' THIS!!

2009-10-20T10:55:00.004-06:00

Four days in a row.

Monday through Thursday.

Eight AM to two PM.

In my office.

A Webinar on some new software and hardware for our reps to use while in their stores.

I'm dyin'!!

PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR

2009-10-12T13:48:00.002-06:00

Got a pen and next year's calendar handy? Mark September 3rd and 4th, 2010 on your calendar. That's a Friday and Saturday. We'll be having a Phil & Enid Martin Family Reunion in Provo, UT. September 4, 2010 is also Phil Martin's 85th Birthday, so we'll be celebrating that, as well.

We've tried to give you as much notice as possible, so you can save up some money and make plans to attend.

There will be more, tons more, information to come, but this is just your first notification.

If you have a relative that doesn't check out blogs or even emails, etc., please print this out and send it to them via US Mail.

FOUR DAYS LATER, FEEL LIKE CRAP

2009-10-12T09:30:00.001-06:00

Well, here it is Monday morning and I still feel horrible. I have to work today, however, because Monday is a big Office Day for me. Then tomorrow I'm taking a short trip to Pocatello and Idaho Falls, ID, followed by Logan, UT on Thursday. I'll be back home Thursday afternoon.

I'll either feel better by then, or near death.

BOBBY SICKEE

2009-10-09T10:26:00.005-06:00

I did something yesterday that I haven't done forever. I stayed in bed all day. Not only that, I slept all but a few minutes of the time I was in bed. I got up to go to the potty and to check my email, a couple of times, but other than that, I was in bed, asleep.

On Wednesday afternoon in the Temple, I felt a tickle in my throat. By the end of the session, I had a full-fledged sore throat. By the time we got home, I felt horrible.

I checked my temperature and found that I had a fever. So I got right into bed and went right to sleep.

Yesterday, Thursday, I slept through the day, then through the night last night. This morning, I got up, made my bed, fixed some breakfast, and came up to my office. I participated in a Safety Conference Call and wrote this blog. I pretended like I was completely healed. However, I still feel like crap.

I didn't go to the hospital and push around a drip thingy, but I wanted to go there so I could wear a robe that showed my bottom.

Or, better yet, I wanted to go to the vet and have them put me to sleep. You know, the llloooooonngg sleep. The Pink Shot Sleep.

Oh well, I'll get back in bed and see if I can sleep all day today.

Good night.