Merry Christmas

Peace, Joy, Love, Joy and Stuff.

Some Random Thoughts.

Last week Sarah and I went on a wonderful trip back East. We were able to see some wonderful American historical sights. I am inherently a very patriotic person. I loved seeing these wonderful and inspiring places.

We were able to view Ground Zero in NYC. This sight brought to memory, not the attacks of that day, but the unity that existed in our great nation. I remember that on the night of September 11th I could not sleep. I remember wanting to help so bad. In secret I wept that I was fortunate enough not to have to go through what those who were there experienced. There was a distinct feeling of love and sadness all rolled into one as we viewed the beginnings of that construction sight.

The next profound visit for me was Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Tourist destinations for sure.We spent a couple of hours at Ellis Island and researched some of those extraordinary people that made entry into this great nation. We found a log that looked something like a handwritten Excel spreadsheet. Some of the columns were; Country of origin, destination, money in possession etc. I noticed, and it had great effect on me, that the most anyone had in possession was $24 the average was $8. Think of these travel worn people coming from afar with very little to their name to "better their lives". The representation of the Statue of Liberty is profound. I was very impressed with the opportunity to see these wonderful places.

The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia are must sees. I was very impressed with a video that was shown as we made our way to view the Liberty Bell. It showed clips of the bell and it's history. It also showed what the bell meant to people over the history of it's existence. It has brought courage to the discouraged and hope to those in despair. I t was inspiring to think of the boldness and audaciousness of our founding fathers. The Constitution and Declaration of Independence are simply inspired. It was profound to stand in that hall and think of the significance of the happenings there.

Washington D.C. is the hub of it all right now. The memorials brought pride in country. Those men who are memorialized have been heroes of mine since my youth. The most profound memorial to me was the new WWII memorial. My grandfather served in this war. I remember as a kid asking him if he ever killed anybody. His response was " I imagine I had a few bullets end up in somebody." The truth was that he was an Army Ranger that I believe had a lot to do with securing victory. I was taken back by how many names adorned the walls of those memorials. The price of freedom is great and I appreciate all of those who serve.

On the drive from D.C. to Jersey I met a soldier at a rest stop. I walked over to him and thanked him for his service. He took off his hat and shook my hand and thanked me for thanking him. I was grateful for this 19 or 20 year old kid who will one day put his butt on the line for me.

I am concerned about this wonderful country that I love so much. I was on the front line of the economic woes as I worked for a major player in the sub prime mortgage industry. I sat in meetings with the CEO of Argent Mortgage as he predicted all of what is happening now. It has and will continue to spiral unless major changes are made.

I am concerned with the political trash that has become our government. Nothing can be done bi-partisan. It always has to be someones fault. I hope and pray that much sooner than later we can find the middle ground and start doing what is best for the country not what is best to further a politicians career.

I am upset that it is difficult for Americans to get along and take care of our own, when there are those across the world that seek to destroy what we have.

The main idea of this post was for me to put some feelings down that I hope to not soon forget. I know that it is a little over the top and cheesy but something I felt like putting down.

NYC Trip Part One.

We had a lot of fun on the East coast. We went and stayed with Suzy and her fam in New Jersey. NJ was base camp and we made trips to NYC, Philly and DC. We made several stops along the way. It was way fun. Thanks Suzy and fam for a great time. Happy 10th Sal, you are the best.



Sarah with the $22 sandwich. Gotta love the NY deli's


Me and my lover after "Xanadu" . A must see Broadway comedy.


Hanging in Philly the "Rocky" statue is a must.


On the way to DC stopped at CAMDEN YARDS to take some pictures and get some souvenirs for Camden.

More pics to come.

Nice Little Labor Day Near Manti

Our great friends, the Tate's, invited us to their family cabin near Manti for the long weekend. The cabin is nestled into a canyon with a view that consists of Gunnison Reservoir in the foreground and the Manti Temple in the background. The view was breathtaking. It was so much fun. It was one of those "don't wanna come home" trips. We ate a lot, rode 4 wheelers, played games and totally relaxed. The Tate family is so much fun to hang out and really do a good job of making me feel like part of the family. One the way home we stopped by the Manti Temple. I had never seen it before. It was so cool looking!



Here is the cabin guarded by "Quique". She is one of the coolest animals I have ever met.

A Sweet Backyard.

Last weekend I went with Brian and Michael as they attempted to harvest a mule deer with archery tackle. We were within 20 minutes of my house in a very special/secret hunting spot. It is amazing that we have such amazing resources right in our backyard. I saw deer and watched about 20 Rocky Mountain goats play in the steep rocks above. Every now and then they would spill a rock of the high cliffs, creating a thunderous avalanche. It was an amazing sight to behold. It did not help me get any sleep. Neither did the fact that Brian and I were sharing a two man tent. Nevertheless it was a blast.




Here are some of the goats as they traversed a ledge.

Father of the Year?

See that hat? Won it in the swipe your luck give away. See that ball? Bottom of the eighth Bee's homer that I caught. See those kids? Was their hero all night long. So!

We took the kids to the Bee's game on Monday night and had a great time. After the game the kids went down and got a few autographs. They were on cloud nine. They are at an age now that I can vividly remember doing and thinking what they are doing and thinking. It is a trip.

The Scare.

Sarah and the kids took a trip last week to visit the Nielsen side of the fam. While they were there Sarah noticed a lump on Camden's neck. After a day of no relief she took him to an Insta Care in Denver. The doctor found lumps on the lymph nodes in his neck, underarm and in his groin. She was told to take him to our pediatrician as soon as they got back to Utah.

Thursday morning Sarah and Cam went and saw the doc. After taking a look at him, they sent him to Primary Children's to get some tests. The doctor said that they wanted to "rule out any type of cancer".

Sarah texted me at work and I ran up and met up with the both of them. Cam had x-rays and blood tests done. It would take two hours for the results. That was a long two hours. The words cancer and Camden should not be used in the same sentence. I figured that it was nothing but was uneasy none the less.

Finally the test results came back NEGATIVE. They are not sure what has caused these lumps. He will see the doctor again on Monday but having cancer ruled out is a huge relief.

Finish.

On November 21st 2007 I set some big goals for myself. July 25th 2008, I realized those goals.

Physical Goals 2008:
-Complete 2008 Salt Lake City Marathon
-PR Race For The Cure 5K
-Complete 2008 Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay
-Complete 2008 SpudMan Triathlon

As you may have read in previous posts I had already finished the SL Marathon, set a personal record in a 5K at the RFTC and completed the Wasatch Back. All I had left to do was the SpudMan Triathlon.

This is an Olympic tri which consists of a mile swim a 24 mile bike and a 10K (6.2 miles). The nice thing about this particular event is that the swim takes place in the Snake River and is current aided. That being said it is still no walk in the park.

Swim first! I felt great here and have not seen my time yet but know from others times that it was in the 21 minute range. The water was warm and watching the sunrise come up over the river was priceless. A man in the 6th wave, I was in the second, unfortunately passed away during the swim. I do not know the cause of death but feel for his family who was there to cheer him on.

Bike: I felt good here until about two miles in. I thought that I may have a low tire. It indeed was low and I nursed it along while I waited for the bike repair crew to come and help. They never came. Shortly after I lost my front tire and had to spend about 30-40 minutes repairing these two down tires. I would have embarrassed the bud boys of the 9 car. Not a good pit stop. Another triathlete stopped to help me. I kept telling him that I could meet him with his pump after the race and he said that his dad raised him better than to leave someone on the side of the road. WHAT A STUD!!! I ended up using his spare tube to fully repair the damage. Thank you #998! After all repairs were done I pushed the remaining way and finished the bike strong. On to the run.

The transition here was good and I was able to get out on the road and passing a good bunch of folks. How motivating! I never felt any pain or fatigue and hammed it up with the locals that were out to cheer. Idaho people are good people. I came into the finish and was able to put a few more people down. I ended up finishing in 3:28. I can only imagine what might have been if I had not had double flats.

I did this race with Dustin Tate, Chris Hampsure and his wife Amber and they all finished with great times. Dustin's wife Jamie was a great support and did whatever we asked of her. She was a life saver.

The last mile or two I began to think back to January 1st when I first started training. I have run, ridden and swam in all conditions. I have left my family for way too many training hours. It has truly been a great year. My plans for the rest of the year are to rehab, build muscle, lose fat and hang out with my amazingly supportive family. Then we'll see what happens on November 21st this year.

Brian's Challenge

This was originally posted on Brian's blog. Let me know what you think.

You should do stand up!
Seriously though.....I know we always make fun of Cathy for telling you that, and we always do it behind her back, cause that is just who we are and we care about her feelings, but there is a ton of merit in her promptings. So you have that, but you also have your critics. Some and most of which are in this family. I'm sorry, was that TOO MUCH INFORMATION?I'm thinking I might be your biggest backer at this point, and maybe that is because I just get you. You are more than a movie quote machine, you are fresh, and I have seen what you do in front of an audience. Are you wondering why this is being done on my blog? Literally millions of people in our family read this regularly. Many friends of mine check it out, not to mention the entire Utah Wildlife Network, in which this is linked. Some of these people know you are the funniest kid they have met. Others think you're a hack. Here's the challenge. Come up with an act. Put together material. I don't think you have done this ever. You haven't needed to. Well, I am now putting you in a situation where this is required. I vote that we as a network of family and friends decide on a time and place where we gather to see the comic Mark Robbins perform. Mark is on the verge of greatness. This is no joke. Mark, I think you got it in you. Maybe you don't. Only one way to find out. Help me out everybody. Definitely comment on this one and add your input. I think I am on to something here.

Joe "Freaking" Nichols!

If you like country music and have never seen Joe Nichols play live shame on you. He is one of the best I have ever been to. I saw him originally with Alan Jackson. My buddy and I both said that we did not want to be blasphemous but this guy that opened for AJ was probably the better of the two.

A few years ago when he came we got tickets again. Sarah and I were going with Brian and his wife Meagan. When the time came to go to the concert Meagan was not feeling well enough to attend. She was upset and we tried to stay with her but she insisted that we go without her. On the way to the concert Brian said that we have to have Joe call Meagan.

Upon arrival we went and talked to security and met nothing but dead ends. A lady overheard me talking to the security guard and came up and asked if she could help. Her name was Kayla Turner and she worked at 101.5 The Eagle. Her and her husband talked and her husband, one of the coolest guys on the planet, gave me his back stage pass.

After a short line I was able to meet Joe and told him of Meagan who was at home fighting cancer and was not able to attend. I asked if he would mind calling her. Joe took my phone and talked with Meagan for about 3-5 minutes. He was so kind and nice. He kept calling her baby. I will always remember how she sounded a little nervous as I handed the phone to Joe.

After the amazing concert Joe came out and signed hundreds of autographs. Brian and Sarah met him and Brian thanked him for talking to Meagan.

So if Joe is ever close and you want to be totally entertained I highly recommend going and checking him out.

4th of July Camping.

Brian organized, planned and scouted a new spot for a short camping trip. We went up past Fairview and ended up camping at Miller Flats reservoir. It was very pretty and a great camp site.

Some of the highlights included our view from our tent, the dozen or so fish we caught and seeing a bald eagle flying with a pot gut in talon on the 4th of July. The company that we kept was second to none. Brian, Brit and Jace accompanied Sarah, Riley, Cam, Coop and me.


We all got in the water but Riley and I were the only ones brave enough to deal with the water temperature. There was still patches of snow up there!


Here is our tent. Like I said the view was stellar.


The kids had a blast and wanted to stay forever.

Size Matters.

Joe Nichols is a family favorite of ours. We were able to meet him a few years ago and he was the nicest, coolest guy there could be. We have all of his albums and make it a point to catch him in concert any time he is close.

For Cam's birthday I took him to go see Joe along with Josh Gracin and Colin Raye. We were right up front and Joe even waved to Cam a couple of times. Cam sang along to most of the songs as this kid was born with an iPod in his ears. This was one of the better concerts I have been to. Josh and Colin were both GREAT! And I believe that there are very few as good as Joe.


Slam Man and me during Josh Gracin.

15,000 at Brent Brown Ballpark at UVU.


Cam on the way home.

2008 Wasatch Back Relay

The WBR is a race that involves relay teams of 12 people (6 to a van) and travels from Logan, Utah to Park City, Utah which is roughly 180 miles. It crosses and skirts the backside of the Wasatch Mountain range. It is the funnest race that we do annually.


Here is van 1 of "Hot Property"


This is me on my first leg. It traveled 7.4 miles and just under 1,300 vertical feet up and over Avon Pass

Sarah kicking butt and taking names on the longest leg of the entire race.


Beautiful scenery all 180 miles.

Tight Lines.

My little fishing buddies have been experiencing some tight lines. They each had chances to reel in multiple fish. I got to realize the nightmare that my Dad had experienced my entire fishing life, keeping 3 kid's poles rigged up and in the water!

"Dad, I think I have one!"

"Dad, Riley is in the best spot can we trade?"

"Dad are there sharks in here?"

I remember asking and was asked these questions hundreds of times while sitting at the lake. Thanks for putting up with me Dad. The memories you and I have I hope are worth the hassle.

Coopiana Jones.

Cooper has been wearing his Indiana Jones hat and using a belt as a whip for weeks now. His personality floods over the brim of his little body. Whenever a pout or whine pops up Sarah reminds the kids that " you get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" On Monday night Cooper responded "what will I get when I throw a tantrum?"

Not Much Action.

Tuesday night after work Brian, Lauren (Brian's co-worker), Brian Peterson and I cruised up to Little Dell for a little impromptu fishing. We had a lot of fun. We only caught one fish but had a cool run in with a couple of moose and some gorgeous scenery.


Me working a cove.


Bullwinkle foreground, Brian Robbins background


Brian Peterson with the only catch of the night, done the old fashion way.

Ouch.

Here is my hand one week post burn. Seems worse not better.

New Found Love.

On Saturday Sarah and I went and ran/walked up to the top of Grandeur Peak. It was a lot of fun. We made good time and enjoyed lunch on the top. On the way down we ran the entire way. This may sound easy but it was good on the legs.

Sarah piled up a couple of times on the trail. I, being a great husband, laughed until my sides hurt. While thus running down the trail I realized that it was about the funnest time I have ever had running. ( Please note that I like to run) We ran into a trail runner and I picked his brain for a moment and determined right then and there that this is an activity that I would like to pursue.

I will be picking up my trail running shoes this weekend. If any of you are avid trail runners, let me know where some good trails are and what is the best equipment is.

P.S. I got my hand looked at and had 2nd degree burns on 4 fingers on my right hand. Should make a full recovery. (If this statement confuses you, scroll down to the next post.)

"I'm alive, only very badly burned!"

Monday morning we had a scout breakfast fundraiser. I was trying to dispose of some bacon grease when I looked down and noticed that my hand was covered in a flame. I was able to quickly put it out. I had some pretty good melted skin that is now covered up by these two nice blisters.

Name the movie and character that said "I'm alive, only very badly burned!" Hint: Comedy, Sarah and I watched it everyday after work for the first two months of marriage.

Cooper's Big Week.

The above picture is a year long dream realized. Last year we made the mistake of being in Heber and driving by Thomas when they were closed. Weekly for an entire year Cooper has reminded us that we promised this year we would go. I would have probably forgotten about it but Stephanie Peterson (John's Wife) hooked us up with some tix. Me, Cooper, John and two of his three boys, Logan and Lincoln, had a great guys night out with Thomas. Thanks a lot Stephanie.


Later in the week Coop graduated pre-school. Congrats big guy! Dad loves you! Not because you graduated pre-school but because you wore to your graduation a Jazz and Steelers jersey!

This Says It All !!!

I came home from my softball game on Wednesday night to find this note from Riley. After I read it, I pulled her out of bed and we shared a candy bar. She is such a sweetheart. She consoled me last week when the Jazz lost. I am glad to have such a great best friend!

Child Abuse?

Look at what resurfaced! Painful memories! Pure agony! My first memory of being abused! Were we too poor? Was I "not a good boy"? 28 years after my first wrestling match these questions still haunt me. (I was three when I first stepped foot to foam.)

For some reason I was the only one in the midget division that did not have a true singlet. Please understand that the down side to being a wrestler is wearing a singlet, but I yearned to have one. Why you may ask? Because my mother, God bless her precious soul, sewed an AAU wrestling patch on to a leotard. A freaking leotard!!!

I never knew 3 year olds could be so cruel. The staging area's designated for pre match pair-up's were a proverbial torture chamber for me. Needless to say, I survived but I can't help but think of what life may have been like had I been given a chance to wear a REAL singlet like a normal mat fag.

They say that abusers abuse, thus the picture of Cooper in the very leotard that I dawned in the 1979/1980 season. Good luck with your career son, no doubt you'll need it!

Found.

I found some old pictures while I couldn't sleep tonight. I thought that they were too good not to share.

A rough day of cartoons.


Cooper flying a kite.

Visitors beware.

We will be having some visitors from out of town for the Race for the Cure this weekend. I wanted you to see before you arrive that the boys have ,after months of nagging, MOHAWKS!!!

We are happy to report that Riley is still sugar and spice and everything nice.

Jazz-4 Rockets-2.

This season has been one of the best ever for me as a Jazz fan. Not only have I watched almost every single game, I have attended more in person than any season before. I would say that I am only a few more plates of ham and eggs and a few good rides away from being a season ticket holder. Brian and I bought the post season package and have gone to all the home playoff games which are a riot.

The Jazz took care of the Rockets in game 6 in dominating fashion. After the game as is tradition we went down to cheer on the players as they leave. I know that it sounds like we are 12 years old but the main purpose is for Brian and I to entertain each other. I was wearing my Ronnie Brewer shirt jersey and when he stopped, he waved me over to his car and signed it and John John's (Greg's youngest) Ronnie Brewer jersey. He was so nice and a great guy.


Ronnie in his Range Rover rocking a Rolex.


Then the night got epic. We were driving down the street I believe that it was West Temple when I pointed out Shane Battier (Houston Rockets star) and what looked like a trainer for the Houston Rockets walking down the street. I saw him try and flag a cab to no avail. I thought they must need a ride. We pulled over and asked the former Dukie if they needed a ride. He said that they were trying to find some beer. There was a 7-11 across the street and Battier said " let me run in here and grab some stuff and you can give us a ride back the the Grand America."

While making the purchase we waited in the parking lot and made the necessary adjustments for the 6-8 203 lb.man and his buddy to get in Brian's 2004 Toyota Tacoma. Please keep in mind that we already have 4 persons in the vehicle. The debate was made to give Battier shotgun but we thought for story telling purposes it would be better that they sit in the back seat.

The manager looking fellow said that he would ride in the bed and Battier hopped in the back. Shane was so nice and really spoke highly of the Jazz. We commented on how bad we hated that he nailed those three's at bad times. He laughed and said "that's all I got man." We took a hard right and heard the cargo in the bed slide across. Brian said " oh I am so sorry, I forgot about the trainer!" Shane replied "that guy is actually the president of our organization."

After all was said and done the fact that the President of the Houston Rockets rode in the bed of Brian's Tacoma produced the most laughs.

Shane and Michael in the Taco.



The crew with Shane Battier outside the Grand America Hotel.

The Big Finish.

2008 Salt Lake City Marathon.

Starting line 7:00 a.m.

I have waited a long time to check this one off of my list. I think that I was 18 years old when I originally set the goal to run a marathon. I then went on my mission and got "chubby" and sort of gave up on myself.

Every year that I see the marathon take place, I get emotional and say to myself, "next year I am going to run this." Well this year really was the year. I set my 2008 goals in November of 2007. Among them was to complete the 2008 Salt Lake City Marathon.

I started "marathon training" on January 1st and followed the "Less is More" plan that was in an issue of Runners World Magazine. I ran in snow, rain, sleet and wind. My wife carried the family load on Saturdays so that I might get my distance runs in. It was literally a family affair and I cannot thank my wife enough for all of the support that she gave to me.

Going into Mile 7.

The race itself was a wild event. I started very strong and felt great. I even set a personal record through 6 miles. Then came the winds!!! The course took us South from I-80 to 6200 South the entire time running into a wind that was reported to be 45 mph. BRUTAL!!!!! I hit my wall 4 miles earlier than usual.

My support team for the day included my Wife and kids, Mother-in-law, Mother (in town from Alaska), Dad and his wife Farrah, Greg, John, Brian, Cathy & Rob and kids, John Peterson, Dustin Tate ( he went late to the U spring game, now that is devotion!), Ben Wilkinson (ran 2 marathons on crutches), La La Canada (ran next to me for a mile or two) and many more friends that sent text's and emails. My sisters even chipped in and got me an hour long massage. As you can tell, I did not do this alone.

Brian and Cathy rode their bikes around town and found me just when I needed GU or ibuprofen or water or mostly encouragement. Greg rode next to me from miles 23 to 25 telling me the whole time that I was there and that I had made it.

Sarah and the kids made me medals with special notes on the back. I have the best family!

And then came the finish. I was about 1/2 mile from the Gateway where the race ended when I started to think that I had no gas left for a celebration. I thought " oh well, at least you did it." I then turned the corner into the Gateway, the entire stretch was lined with cheering fans. Still no emotion on my part. I was at the middle intersection of the Gateway, when I looked up and saw the word written vertically FINISH.

Then the emotion came, I started to clap and let out a loud yell. I am not really sure what I even said. I looked to my right and saw my beautiful wife cheering so loud. I started to cry tears of pure joy and relief. The adrenaline kicked in and I sprinted to the line. The announcer said "Mark Robbins 1133 from Salt Lake City" (I know because I have watched the video 5 times.) I crossed the line and Brian stepped out and gave me a huge hug. I could not contain the emotion. It was an amazing feeling.

I was much slower than I wanted to be. I haven't even checked my official time. My goal was just to finish. We'll worry about my time next year. :)

The Fat Lady Sang.

The marathon is over as you can see here. I finished a little slower than I would have liked but finished none the less. It was a great day!

More details soon.

What to wear???

Sorry it has been awhile. I have been ultra busy and out of town.

The marathon is this weekend and I need a little help. What shorts should I wear?

Navy Blue?


Grey?


Royal Blue?

My little "big" Jazz fan.

Last Tuesday Riley and I went to the Jazz vs. Charlotte Bobcats game. I had a friend give me her tickets on the twelfth row. I have been to 6-8 Jazz games this year. I am a huge fan and follow them very closely. Every time I go, I have to answer to Riley. She loves the Jazz and especially loves DWill.

I have not forced this upon her. She has a Jazz schedule in her room. If I don't know when they play next, she usually does. Her main goal of the night was to get DWill's autograph. I am usually pretty good about hooking things like this up. Riley was not able to get DWill's but did get her picture taken with C.J. Miles. She also got Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver to sign autographs on her ticket and Jazz shirt.

During the game, the Bear came and sprayed her with silly string. I hurriedly snapped this shot.


Her highlight however was giving Kyle Korver a "high five" as he left the court. Uncle Brian called immediately after and said that KJZZ showed the exchange on live TV. Riley was in heaven! The prospects of telling all the kids at school about her big adventure kept that toothless grin shining all night.