Bean's Entry

So, apparently Jodi (aka Hig, Higgie, Yicket, Showrosherie) wants me to contribute to her blog. At first I was concerned by this request because I thought becoming a blogger would mean I'd need to join a local dance group (and I am NOT getting sucked back in to that lifestyle!). However, apparently she just wants me to comment on things I never said (most of her speculations on what I'd write about were actually comments made by Ken, Dad, or Sir Archduke Frances Ferdinand).

However, since I have a new year's resolution to not be pushed around by older siblings anymore (mainly Barb) I have decided to ignore Jodi's request and write about something I'm very passionate about: Jodi's cats. Personally I think Stitch, or Baby Bear as he likes to be called, is cultivating some bad habits. I'm particularly concerned about his timid behavior immediately after Darren throws something at him.

Okay, I don't really want to talk about Jodi's cats anymore. I want to talk about change. However, I'll introduce the topic by talking about my first love- fast food. Wendy's and Mcdonald's are the reason I am overweight and probably the primary reason I am still single (slightly edging out the fact that I giggle like a 9-year-old girl whenever Night Court or Benson is on). I eat out multiple times every day and have done so for the past 15 years. I also travel about a week a month and during those weeks I eat quantities that Michael Moore wouldn't believe.

So now I've signed up for a half-marathon and I go to the gym every morning and I have a really serious face and I say things like "This time I'm losing the weight" and "I'm not kidding around anymore". I do this every few months or so and then I inevitably crash and spend a weekend sleeping on the floor at Pizza Hut. What makes this time any different? Benjamin Franklin said it's insanity to continue to do the same things and expect a different result. Am I doing anything really different?

The bigger question I would like to propose, dear 1.2 readers, is whether or not change is actually possible. Last fall I read a book by Alan Deutschman titled "Change or Die". In the book he questioned whether or not change is even possible after a certain age. He asked ,"if an authority figure you trusted (like a doctor) told you that you had to change your lifestyle or you would die in six months - would you change?" Chance are 90% that you won't/can't. He then cited several recent studies that demonstrate how he came up with that.

The book really upset me because I know change is possible. Just about every person on this earth that I admire has altered (changed) their life's direction because of a genuine desire to be something more tomorrow than they were yesterday. To do something more. To sacrifice something important for something more important. However, this book with its sobering data coupled with my recent 9,453 failed attempts to stick to any kind of a diet/exercise program really gave me a wake up call. Change is possible, but change is HARD.

My goal to lose some pounds is a very important goal to me. My desire to change grows every time I fail (which currently stands at 9,453 times). It's more than a physical goal for me; I want to be a person of discipline and commitment and I think it's only reasonable that my body should be an example of that.

I don't really know where I'm going with this blog - perhaps I should have stuck with Jodi's cats. I'm meeting with a nutritionist tonight and I'm hoping it's a positive experience. If anyone has any thoughts on change I'd love to hear them. I'm a sucker for inspirational stories. Especially ones about cats. Bean out.

My map

I plan to walk, crawl, elliptical, stairmaster, swim, treadmill, wog, jog, breakdance and hopefully eventually run across the United States. I'll post my progess on occasion.

RAI Results

I met with the endocrinologist today. He is phenomenal! If you ever need an endo - see Dr. Grua in SLC.

Anyway - he says I made his day because I'm doing so well. That comment made MY day! In short - he prescribed me a combination of thyroid medications, took some blood and sent me on my way! I'll see him again in March to make sure the dosage is correct and to have more labs. He says he will probably want to ultrasound my neck. It will also give him an indication about whether or not I absolutely need the radioactive iodine (RAI) - because my cancer was small and I'm a borderline case

So, it was great news! I'm so happy to move forward and stop playing the waiting game. Waiting for lab results. Waiting to feel better. Waiting for appts, etc. It's time to move on and put this thyroid cancer incident behind me. I will ALWAYS have my checkups and watch for anything strange - and I may have the RAI later this year - but for now - I'm moving on!

Thanks to all of you who have asked how I'm doing!!

Sheryll - US Citizen

I had an incredible day today. My sister-in-law, Sheryll, took the "Oath of Allegiance to the United States" and became an American Citizen. I was fortunate enough to attend the ceremony at the Rose Wagner Theater. There were tears, applause, and extremely happy faces. It was very emotional for the approx. 170 people who took the Oath.

Sheryll has worked very hard for this accomplishment. Today it struck me how courageous she was to leave the Philippines 5 years ago - the only home she had ever known. She arrived here alone and now has a multitude of friends and family that love her. She works a full-time job while raising three small children with her husband Ryan. Congratulations Sheryll!

Oath of Allegiance to the United States:


"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."







Prior to the Oath. This man sang patriotic songs for the crowd.










Pretty Sheryll!














Ryan, Sheryll, Kian, Jerrin & Aerin (4 month-old twins)

Make a note on your calendar

Darren's farewell has been set for February 24. Would love to have you join us!

Aren't the Russians going to love him??!!

Guest Blogger

Hey, good news! My brother Brian, aka Bean, is going to submit a post on this blog! He's going to discuss something really profound such as why Alan Thicke is the center of his spiritual universe. Or possibly he will share his favorite episodes from the beloved sitcom "Joanie Loves Chachi". Or he may argue about why he believes that Peewee Herman is the greatest comedic talent of the 20th century. Might he possibly prove in graphs and/or charts that Springville is the drug capital of the world? Could it be said that Turkey Jim is just a figment of our father's imagination? Does Brian really think it was necessary for our father to "GET A BOX" to capture Tard? Could the incident with the christmas tree and the BYU football game have been prevented? Finally, what is the story behind Jerry Garcia and his blood stream? So many topics and so little time. Stay tuned! *The above statements are not condoned or endorsed by the owner of this blog. And may it be known that the above statements are actual conversations that have occurred in the presence of - or have been started by - Bean.

Three Temptations and an Ode

After Thursday's blunder with the cookies, I thought it would be wise to eliminate the temptations from within my grasp. I have the self-discipline of a sloth and cannot be trusted. Nay, can never be trusted.

First temptation: Food
My food obsession knows no limits.

I started in the pantry. GONE are the potato chips. GONE are items that have a longer shelf life than say 40 years - I figure those items can't be healthy if they would still be edible when I'm in a rest home.

Then, I went to the store and passed the "Crap and other Stuff" aisle and hung out in the produce section. Usually I dash through this area at warp speed knocking over little old ladies in my haste. I actually purchased things like asparagus and spinach. Me. I bought asparagus. Some things defy comprehension. Now I need to figure out how to cook it. I suppose dumping a vat of butter on the asparagus is bad, right?

No, seriously. Right?

Second temptation: Finding excuses NOT to go to the gym
I have a gym membership that is gathering dust. I haven't actually made it to the gym yet this year....but I'm thinking about it!! That is a step in the right direction. I also packed a gym bag. It's ready to go whenever a real surge of ambition rears it's ugly head. Who knows, it may happen next week. We'll see. Actually, I think I have to wash my hair next week...

Third temptation: Not using Darren's illegal copy of Photoshop
I revealed in longing and wistful tones that I would love to have Photoshop. He casually mentioned that he has an illegal copy in his room. My mind started scheming.... He is often not home. I am often home all alone in this house. No one would ever know if the copy just 'happened' to end up on our computer. Well, except for both of you readers who now know my secret. So, I guess in a way I have eliminated this temptation. Because if I suddenly have a really cute and clever blog picture and heading with an especially fancy font - you will know I used the illegal copy. I suppose I will be good. DANG IT!

So there you have it.

Here is a short poem I wrote to myself. I will use it for motivation.

Ode to Jode
You say you want to be fit.
Then stop eating junk food.
Just stop it!

Deep and moving, I know.

Oh, hey Bean... I didn't mention my cats once in this blog. Oh, oops. Well, since I just mentioned them - here is a new pic.









And that is all she wrote. OUT.