Scavenger Hunts and Car Batteries

I am a fan of surprising my wife. I like to send her on excursions, take her places, and buy her things that she is not expecting. It is really neat because she really does not expect anything from me that way (that she expresses, I guess). I had this elaborate scavenger hunt planned for my wife on August 1st. I won't go into all of the details because, like I said, it was elaborate and it would take too much time. I will just focus on one part of trying to make the scavenger hunt happen.

As a prelude to this story, you have to understand my car situation. I have a 1992 Toyota Camry. I love it! I don't need much. It runs and plays music. It gets me back and forth to church meetings and work and that is all I ask. It has its quirks to say the least. Again, I don't mind. April always wants me to get a new car, but I love mine and usually it runs pretty good.

However, as of late it has not run so well. It has been a little picky about when it wants to actually start. This pickiness has caused some inconvenience at times but I have been able to nurse it along so far. Well, the week in question, my car had really been having some problems starting. I had a really busy week and was not able to get it looked at.

Friday came and I had a laundry list of things to do: Go to the store in the morning and buy items for making clues (no suspicion from April because she is asleep when I leave), run errands at lunch to plant clues and buy supplies (again, I had been really busy at work so April was still not suspicious when I said I would not be home for lunch), and some final errands to run after work to plant clues in two other parts of town (I told April I would be late because the first of the month is always busy in my line of work). I successfully avoided any suspicion that could have been brought on by my actions.

When I got in my car, I realized that I needed some gas in my car to drive around town. So, I went to a nearby gas station to get some gas (I only put in about $20 at a time in case my car does not last). I had just finished pumping and went to start the car. It would not start. Keep in mind that I am at one of the cheapest stations in town (was there any doubt?) and I have a line of cars behind me on a Friday night. I tried again. And, again, And, again. And, some more times.

I had a couple of problems. I needed to move the car out of the lane. Even if I could do that I would still need a jump and probably from my wife who thinks I am working late. Hmmm. What to do? I put the car in neutral and released the emergency brake and was able to coast to where the air and water pumps were. Whew! One problem taken care of. I tried to start the car again and I could not. I decided I needed to call my wife and ask her to meet me there. I knew part of the surprise would be given away but I could be secretive still to preserve the fun.

She was there within a few minutes. She was still really curious about what I was doing at the gas station when I should be working. I was able to get her to help me without asking too many questions and was able to start my car. I was just about to leave when a man came up to me and started moving his hands like he needed his car jumped as well. I noticed his car that had been right next to mine the whole time. That is how well I was paying attention. We were having a hard time communicating because he was speaking Spanish and I was talking in English. Then, it hit me. I speak Spanish. Why I am doing this? We then talked in Spanish and he told me he needed a jump. I kept my car running and jumped his car as well (by this time my wife had left). He was extremely grateful. I was extremely happy that I could have helped. I started wondering if my car would not start, in part, so I could help him out. Before he left I was able to share a pass along card about my church with him and invite him to call the number on the back and meet with missionaries to learn more. I don't know if he will, but it was a neat experience.

Isn't this the longest post you have ever read (rhetorical, please do not leave your answer as a comment)? I would love to say that I had everything work out great from there but I cannot say that. My next stop was the Concord PD. One of the clues was going to be picked up there (Thanks, James). I dropped off the clue and headed back to my car not realizing that my car may not start. Guess what? It did not start. Again, I tried over and over and I was jsut not having a good day with the car starting. I was realizing that I would need to call April again and have her come see what I was doing again! Man, it is hard to keep a secret.

At this point, I will say that I have often prayed that my car will start. Like I said, this had been happening quite a bit. I felt like I was out of that blessing and I had neglected my responsibility to get my car looked at. It was nobody's fault but mine. I called April and let her know that I may need a ride. I was devastated. I had a thought that I should try the car one more time. April was at Target with the kids and I asked for something I would not usually ask. I asked her to gather the kids and say a quick prayer with me that the car would start. When we had all said our silent prayers I had this feeling come over me that the car would start. I had no doubts and I turned the key in the ignition. The car started up right away. I thanked my Heavenly Father for this tremendous blessings. I don't deserve it.

At this point I was really excited and humbled. I had one more stop before I could go home. This was the stop I was unsure about it. I had to leave a clue in the Jack-in-the-Box parking lot. I knew I would also not be able to shut my car off while I searched for a good place for the clue. When I arrived there, I also realized what time it was. Dinner time. The parking lot was packed and several people were facing the window that put the whole parking lot in view. I began to sweat.

I could imagine people calling the police to report an unusual person placing an envelope in the bushes and then driving off. But, that was my task if I wanted to pull off the awesome scavenger hunt. I got out of my car and left it running with the doors unlocked. I started pretending I was just walking down the street to get a look at the layout of the parking lot. I decided on some bushes but realized several people would be looking right at me. At this point, I really was starting to not care who saw me. I walked towards the bush that was near the drive thru lane and placed the envelope in the bush. I then turned and headed to my car trying to act as if I did that every week. I think I did a pretty good job. I said hello to a gentlemam who was in the parking lot before I started driving away. Mission accomplished. Clues planted and my car was still running.

I was exhausted when I got home from my very long and stressful day and still had one clue to plant. I took out the trash and took care of that one. It was planted in our car. I was then able to relax mostly.

The scavenger hunt would lead April to Barnes and Noble to get her copy of Breaking Dawn that I had reserved for her previously. She also would receive a letter I wrote her about how much I care about her. I loved writing the letter. April and I have known each other for many years and I was able to share some memories with her, about her, that I don't think I had previously. She enjoyed it immensely. She also read Breaking Dawn all night and stayed up until 8pm on Saturday night when she finished it.

I wouldn't have traded a moment of it. Sometimes it is when everything goes wrong that you realize everything is right. I am thankful for a wonderful family and a Heavenly Father who loves me despite my weaknesses and imperfections. If you made it to the end of this - you are a person of amazing patience. Have a wonderful day!!

The Treasure Inside

Imagine that you are walking along a sandy beach. It is a beautiful day outside and you see something in the sand ahead. It is an old chest. It is made of decaying wood and anything that is metal is covering in rust. Barnacles cling to the sides and bottom of the chest and it is about the grossest and ugliest thing you have ever seen.

What do you do? Do you leave the chest alone because it looks completely disgusting and you are worried about catching some sort of disease? Or, do you figure there is a treasure in that chest and you ignore the ugly shell and rip the chest open as quickly as you can.

What is in the chest? You were right if you ripped open that chest. The chest is filmed to the brim with bright shiny treasure. You have hardly been happier by such a glorious sight.

Would you consider closing the chest and throwing it back in the ocean because, although it is incredibly rewarding on the inside, it is ugly and detestful on the outside?

We encounter these chests every day. Some are fat and some are skinny. Some are black and some are white. Some wear sombreros and some wear turbins. Some wear shredded clothes they have not changed for weeks and others wear the finest threads available on the earth. Some are brand new and some are weathered to the point of breaking.

There is a treasure inside EVERY one of us. Do we take the time to find it or do we keep walking by the chest because of the condition of the chest in which it is found? Can we be quick to open the chest and find the treasure in every single one? We will be the most enriched people in the world if we can do this in our lives. Wealth will have a new meaning and our eyes will be opened to the greatness of humanity.

The Challenge of a Lifetime

I have realized recently more than ever how easy it is to be negative and be mean to people. It may be gossip. It may be judging people. It may be tearing other people down because of a certain way they act, dress, or do things. This is the easy way to live.

What about if we reverse it? Try going through a day without a negative thought. Try getting through a day without saying something judgemental or gossip-like about another person. Try getting through a day where you see people for who they are inside and not on the outside. Try and see the good in every one all day. Assume the best intentions of everyone who may cut you off in traffic or eat your food in the fridge at work.

Why is that so hard? Why is it so difficult to be nice to people? It is easy to love those and care for those people who love us and care for us in return. What about being kind to those who dislike us and may even be plotting against us?

Pride is a dangerous thing. It is even more dangerous if we cannot see it in ourselves. Where to start cleaning out the closet of a whole lifetime of protecting ourselves against being hurt by tearing down others?

I am as guilty as anyone else. However, I am ready to start doing better. I know I will fail miserably most days; nevertheless, I will move forward with faith that I will make progress and I will have unbelievable experiences in my efforts to be better. Wish me luck.

Inexplicable

Have you ever done something completely stupid and not had a good reason at all to explain it? It does not happen to me that often (thankfully); however, on July 5th it did. We had a wonderful day of being out on a boat with some friends and we all got sunburned (oh no - that is not it!!). We had fun on this banana tube that we took out. It was pretty awesome. Of the guys, I think I fell off the least frequently (brief moment of bragging). We had a lot of good laughs during the day as our children and wives also rode the tube. Good company and good times.

We were just about to leave, but we pulled into one of the parking lots to wait for the boat to be all ready to take off. We would be going to a nice quiet dinner on the way home and laughing about all of the fun we had just had. I found an appropriate parking place and started pulling in. Somehow, I got my pedals confused (you totally see where this is going) and pressed on the gas when I thought it was the brake. Basically, I rammed the car that was parked perpindicular to the spot I was pulling into. I was in shock. That certainly had never happened before. I hardly believed it was really happening. I had never been in an accident before.

Luckily, no one was in the car. However, the extremely sun burned and angry fellow who owned the vehicle popped out from the other side of the vehicle and said some things I have not heard since my R rated movie watching days (I gave up that nasty habit when I was about 16). I knew I may be in for a fight so I had my kids get out of the car and beg the angry man for mercy......just kidding. Not like it didn't cross my mind though.

I figured I better get out of the car calmly and immediately let him know I was sorry and what had happened. Luckily, that did calm him down a bit and I was not planning my funeral anymore. I was trying to make conversation and asked him where he was from. For some reason I just knew he was going to say Concord, and....he did. We were 84 miles from home and hit someone from my city. I am awesome.

So, we exchanged the usual information. My writing resembled that of an extremely crippled and arthritic doctor because I was so shell shocked. I think he actually started feeling really sorry for me by the end. We left the scene and did enjoy an enjoyale dinner thanks to some good friends.

I cannot park now without that incident (accident) coming to mind. I mentally think very hard about which pedal my foot is on. It was very fun explaining the circumstances to my insurance company. They were nice and said it happens all of the time. How nice are they?? I also loved receiving the letters from both insurance companies saying I was at fault for the accident. I hope they did not spend too many man hours on that investigation!?

I learned a lot from that experience:

1. Don't be an idiot.
2. Don't be stupid.
3. Don't hit angry sunburned people.
4. Brake is on the left and gas is on the right.

That's all for now - enjoy your day knowing you're not as dumb as me!

Back from Haitus

Hey, three and half months is not that long of a time between posts. Especially when you have only about 2 to 3 readers of your blog. A lot has happened in that time. My Grandpa who I wrote a poem for in my last post passed away on December 20th. We knew it was what he wanted and we found peace in knowing where he was and that he was happy and free from pain and sorrow. He will always live through me. I will never forget him or the many lessons he taught me through out my life. I will never forget the privilege I had as he laid almost motionless in bed shortly before he passed away and my brother and I laid our hands on his head and gave him a priesthood blessing. What an incredible experience! On nights like that, it makes all of the challenge it can be to try and remain worthy to use the priesthood one is entrusted with worth it.

What else has happened?

I took April to go and see Wicked in LA for her 30th B-day!


Logan turned 5 (pictured with race car cake)!!



We had a great Christmas!!


That is the short version, of course. Soon, I will blog about Disneyland and then share some of my great business ideas. Stay tuned!!

When You've Already Said Goodbye

This is a poem I have written for my Grandpa Baird (Ralph McGilvery Baird). I hope it may say some of what he may be thinking right now:

If life is a pathway to eternity,
I have been traveling the last mile for the last few years.
It feels as though my feet are treading on the smoothest ground,
yet I feel as though the spring in my step is gone.
I used to walk along this path without any assistance,
and at times I carried others across the dips and hills in their pathways.
However, now I take frequent stops to catch my breath,
and I seem to be covering no distance.

The world goes on and buzzes around me
like bees buzzing in a hive.
You have no reason stay amid the stress
when you've already said goodbye.

The companions I have met along the way
have shaped me into who I am.
I have served in a time of war
and have seen the ugliness that hate can bring.
But, I have also gained strength from the lessons learned
on my own defending my countries freedoms.
I have taught the youth of this great land
and hoped and prayed they will exceed our grasp.

The world keeps spinning from day to day
like the records June and I would play.
You have no reason to stop and dance
When you've already said goodbye.

This mortal shell is weak,
yet I know clearer than ever the truths of this great life.
My spirit is strong within this old body,
and I would yell the thoughts of my heart if the breath was in me.
I have fought a good fight as Paul would say;
I have given my all to His cause.
My family has grown to numbers I could have never imagined;
Each tender heart aches for me and I wish that I could tell them.

I walked this pathway of life to live with all of you for eternity.
Death has no sting for me through Christ our Lord.
You have no reason to fear the next great step
when you've already said goodbye.

Olympic Gold Dreams

I like to run. It is a hobby of mine. I am not a super fast runner and I don't run everyday. I run three times a week for a little over 3 miles each day. Everyone else is asleep and I run and listen to my music. It is a very nice and peaceful time where I think about things I need to do, goals I have, etc...

Then, a few days ago I was running my regular route (through the neighborhoods where I live) when I heard a noise in the bushes. It sounded like two animals were in a vicious bloodthristy brawl. They weren't squirrels and they also sounded bigger than cats. Maybe a couple of dogs?

The sounds keep getting closer and closer to me. Keep in mind that I am listening to my music and can still here this very well. I finally decide to look down and I see that I am running over a sewer grate and this big angry sewer creature is clawing at me and coming out at me. This was the last thing I expected and my legs just take off. I had a burst of speed that a steroid-filled olympic sprinter would have died for. I could have made Carl Lewis look like Mr. Bean in those seconds that followed the discovery of the ferocious sewer monster.

Okay, so I look back over my shoulder as I am making this record breaking sprint and I see more of the body of this monster as it is crawling out of the sewer grate to determine if it wants to run after me. Its teeth are bared and I am definitely not sticking around.

At that moment when I felt like I was a safe distance, I realized I was so full of adrenaline that I could have thrown a semi truck like the Incredible Hulk.



Now, I have to be a honest here. The ferocious sewer monster was probably a big raccoon or possum (my guess is a raccoon). Obviously, I was on its territory. Luckily, I survived and maybe even realized my Olympic Gold Dreams. Ummm....if any one has this encounter on video please let me know. I would have loved to be a bystander of this whole ordeal.

Actually, I just found this picture on-line (no joke!!) and it is exactly what I am talking about except the raccoon was growling and there was plenty of gnashing of teeth. This raccoon also appears to be in some sort of a trap, poor thing.