Ryan J. Poole

Growing up...

2010-07-02T10:09:00.005-07:00

The triplets have a new rule that they can't say certain "naughty words," and if they're caught saying one, the offender owes a quarter to whomever caught them in the act.

A slice of conversation from yesterday's drive:

Colin: Abby! You owe me a quarter!
Abby: Colin! STOP telling me to give you quarters! Just STOP IT!
Colin: But I heard you... you said...
Abby: You are DEAF! For CRYING OUT LOUD!

I laughed for 20 minutes.

Abby-ism of the Week

2010-04-09T07:58:00.002-07:00

(Abby's uncle Spencer was bugging her.)

Abby: You're the second-most evil person in the world!
Spencer: Really? Who's the first?
Abby (disgusted): Satan.

Ah, youth. :)

"I'm ONE today!"

2010-04-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Cameron Grace is a year old. Where did the time go?

Mozart in the making

2009-12-23T15:02:00.001-07:00

Mozart in the making, originally uploaded by ryanjpoole.

Gotta start 'em somewhere...

Happy Birthday!

2009-12-16T23:41:00.003-07:00

Abby, Ben and Colin are eight years old today! The boys got the video games they wanted, and Miss Abby got her ears pierced. Man, they grow up fast.

Way to go, kiddos. You always make daddy proud.

"... looks like a pink nightmare..."

2009-10-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

We have a six-month-old!

2009-10-08T11:23:00.001-07:00

Happy Un-birthday, Peach!

Colin knows his Superman...

2009-08-27T18:14:00.001-07:00

Dad: Lex Luthor is getting away in his spaceship.

Colin: Superman will chase him.

Dad: Ya think so?

Colin: Because he can fly! HellOOO?!

I've created a monster... :)

Sent from my iPhone

new on film...

2009-07-27T23:00:00.001-07:00

Milgram New from Paul Gibbs on Vimeo.

Good. Morning.

2009-07-22T05:34:00.001-07:00

Now THAT's a nice way to start your day.

Wisdom?

2009-07-20T12:28:00.003-07:00

Colin: Dad, you better get a haircut so that people will know you're a boy!

Abby: No, no... they can tell he's a boy because of those pokey things on his face!

(Pause.)

Ben (shaking head, furrowing brow): You're crazy, dude.

Seven years old is a GREAT age for Dad.

Hmmm... THIS could work...

2009-06-13T15:29:00.002-07:00

Health Reform Without a Public Plan: The German Model -- Economix Blog -- The New York Times

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/17/health-reform-without-a-public-plan-the-german-model/

New photos!

2009-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest of Cameron, the triplets and the rest of the family on my Flickr site!

Potty pals

2009-05-22T08:06:00.007-07:00

We took Warren and Diana to dinner at Mimi's last week for Warren's birthday. Had a lovely time. But the MOST fun, as always, was to be had when I took the boys to the bathroom. No, not that time right after we ordered... the SECOND time, halfway through the meal. :)

Side note: Anyone who knows Deaf kids knows they're the loudest kids on the block. It's neither good nor bad; it is what it is. Counterintuitive, I know, but it's true. :)

SO... There are two stalls. One for each of the boys. Colin's bum hits the seat and he immediately starts singing "I Am A Child Of God" in his adorable Deaf accent as he waits for things to... ahem... get going.

After a few lines, Ben shouts from the next stall (in HIS adorable Deaf accent): "Be hwiat, Howin! I hwying to doh POTTY!"

The random dude at the sink washing his hands had a GOOD laugh.

Love my darling boys.

New baby photos!

2009-05-18T15:04:00.001-07:00

For more, check out my online photo album!

Give me a break already . . .

2009-04-30T12:52:00.003-07:00

Our new baby daughter!

2009-04-22T08:19:00.006-07:00

Cameron Grace

born April 8, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. MDT

8 lbs. 11 oz.,
21.5 in.

Check her out in my online photo album!

39 weeks

2009-04-02T16:15:00.002-07:00

And ready to POP!

37 weeks

2009-03-16T08:33:00.003-07:00

* * *
Big sister's getting excited, too!

36 weeks

2009-03-09T08:31:00.001-07:00

The most powerful man in the world

2009-03-02T08:10:00.005-07:00

Grandma Debbie was asking Abby about her Sunday School class. Abby was saying that she was learning a lot of great things.

Debbie: "Do you know who the President of the Church is?"

Abby: "Yes!"

Debbie: "What's his name?"

Abby: (full of a playfully smug confidence born of true knowledge): "Obama S. Monson."

* * *

Wouldn't THAT be something... a prophet-president...

35 weeks

2009-03-01T12:09:00.001-07:00

34 weeks

2009-02-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

A loving son

2009-02-18T11:23:00.002-07:00

We were outside last night, and Colin was giving me a hug.

All of a sudden, he started fussing with the snap at the bottom of my coat.

"Colin, what are you doing?"

"Nothing... I just fixed your snap so you're not cold on your jewels."

* * *

Pragmatism is the spice of life!

31 weeks

2009-02-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Absolutely glowing.

The Courage of Detroit...

2009-01-13T13:48:00.001-07:00

Read this:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_bonus/01/07/detroit/index.html

Mitch Albom is great.

28 weeks and counting...

2009-01-12T13:50:00.001-07:00

What a beauty!

Six months and counting...

2008-12-21T11:39:00.001-07:00

Marissa just passed the six-month mark of her pregnancy.
The photographic chronicles are on my Flickr site.

She's never been more beautiful.

SEVEN!

2008-12-20T11:35:00.001-07:00

The triplets turned SEVEN years old on December 16th. We got to celebrate on the 19th.

They obliged us with a reprise of the dance they did in their school Christmas program to "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"...

Then we had presents and cake. What a trio.

The ORIGINAL BCS Busters are BACK!

2008-12-08T09:16:00.005-07:00

Friday, January 2, the Utes will face Little Nicky Satan and the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Couldn't be prouder of my Alma Mater.

GO UTES!

Curiously compelling...

2008-12-04T12:42:00.003-07:00

I just saw "The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters" -- the documentary about the geeks that want to beat high scores in Donkey Kong. Curiously compelling.

Oh, and Donkey Kong "champion" Billy Mitchell is a complete and total TOOL.

"She's gonna be a soccah playah..."

2008-12-01T08:10:00.001-07:00

Marissa and I felt the baby's first little kicks last night... SO exciting!

"There's a BABY in there?!"

2008-11-25T07:57:00.007-07:00

Marissa and I are proud to announce that we're expecting a baby GIRL in the spring! We are all very excited! Marissa is about 21 weeks along, and mom & baby are doing great. Due date is April 3.

There was some debate among the triplets over whether it "should" be a boy or a girl. Abby wants a baby sister, and of course the boys want a baby brother. Colin, ever the peacemaker, came up with a self-proclaimed "great" idea:

"I know... there could just be two in there!"

Um... been there, done that. What a cute boy he is. And what a cute big brother he'll be!

Scripture study

2008-11-24T23:45:00.002-07:00

The triplets have a reward system for obedience, chores and good deeds. Every time they do something worthy, they get a little "rock" (those small colored glass stones you see in craft stores). When they've collected enough "rocks," they can "trade them in" for prizes: usually a cool new toy or something like that.

Mom & the triplets were reading scriptures one night. If the kids pay attention & can answer a question at the end of the reading, they get a "rock."

They were reading about apostles and the question was raised: "Can anyone name an apostle? Past or present?"

After thinking about it, each of the kids replied in turn (between GALES of laughter from everyone):

Ben: "Charlie?"

(explosive laughing)

Abby: "I know, I know! Ooky-dorf!" (Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the LDS First Presidency)

(insane laughing)

Colin: "Uncle Ben?"

(volcanic laughing)

Needless to say, sides ached and love abode. And Abby got a rock.

I love being a dad.

Ring of Honor

2008-09-26T15:48:00.005-07:00

One of my sports heroes, Steve Young, is having his No. 8 jersey retired by the San Francisco 49ers at their home game against the Patriots on October 5.

Kudos, Steve. Well-deserved. And STILL the MAN.

Abby-ism of the Week

2008-07-15T15:14:00.006-07:00

Mom sings the kids to sleep sometimes. A couple of nights ago she was singing "I Am A Child Of God" to Abby, and she began to sing along... until the end of the phrase, where Abby accidentally inserted her own interpretation of the Primary classic.

If you know the song, you'll know why it's the Abby-ism of the Week.

Abby sang:

I am a child of God,
And He has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home,
With parents kind of weird...

Mom: Kind of weird?

Abby (between fits of breathless laughter): REALLY WEIRD!

She's got to be the best daughter ever.

Captain Hair-Do is brought low...

2008-06-09T15:34:00.002-07:00

... by The Haircut Of June 2008... and it's more than a little bit depressing... I had to hack it all off for the upcoming show at the Desert Star Playhouse... come see the show sometime!

Happy 30th to Amy!

2008-06-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

My ex Amy is the wonderful mom of our amazing triplets.
She's celebrating her 30th birthday with the family in Disneyland today!
Have a fantastic day Amy!

Abby's latest words of wisdom

2008-05-28T15:32:00.002-07:00

Abby: No bad guys better come to our house. If they do, I'll punch them in the face.
Mom: Oh yeah? How will you know that it's a bad guy?
Abby: Duh! He'll have a name tag!
Mom (through her laughter): Oh really?
Abby: Yeah, and if he doesn't, just ask him what his name is. It will be Bryan.
Mom (laughing harder): Oh?
Abby: Yeah, and if he has a name tag, it will say, "Bryan the Bad Guy."

What an imagination...

Orlando!

2008-05-27T15:44:00.002-07:00

Marissa and I just got back from a trip to Orlando. She was the DJ and emcee at a big business convention (and I got to be the roadie... sort of). I'm so proud of her and her many talents. She works very hard to be the very best she can be, at everything she does. And doesn't she look just absolutely gorgeous?! I'm a lucky guy!
She made a nice chunk of change, too (much of which was spent on me on the trip - thanks babe). We spent half a day shopping at Downtown Disney, and another half day at Universal Studios. May I humbly suggest the Simpsons ride... same voices, same crazy characters in a 3-D virtual coaster... amazing experience and great fun.

Getting older . . .

2008-04-09T10:36:00.007-07:00

Grandma Debbie recently broke a tooth and has had a very hard time with her new crown staying in place.
The kids (being ever so curious) asked why her tooth broke.
Mom: "Sometimes when you get older, your teeth get old, too, and sometimes they will break."
Abby: "Oh, like when you're old like 29?!"
(DOUBLY funny because Mom turns 30 this year!)

Pinerose Place

2008-04-02T10:51:00.004-07:00

My sweetie Marissa is the Event Manager at a swanky new reception center... Pinerose Place! (That's her in the publicity photos, too!)
I'm SO proud of her... this is right up her alley and she's doing a FANTASTIC job! (Love you babe!)
Book YOUR next big event at Pinerose Place... you and yours will be glad you did!

Age is a feeling

2008-03-18T13:04:00.002-07:00

It's true what they say... age is a feeling.
Colin: "How old is Mom?"
Dad: "Mom will be 30 this year."
Colin: "30?! That's almost a hundred!"
When you have kids, sometimes it FEELS like a hundred, kiddo. :)

hard work . . . ? . . .

2008-03-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

Somehow we got to talking about how Ben once cut his hand while trying to cut his own slice of watermelon.
Abby: "Yeah, there was blood all over, and me and Colin had to clean it up!"
Dad: "You and Colin did?"
Abby: "Yeah... just like Cinderella!"
Dad (fearing child abuse): "Like Cinderella?"
Abby (pointing out the obvious): "Ye-ah... you know, on your hands and knees?"
Oh, my poor baby girl... Heaven forbid you should have to CLEAN anything... :)

Colin's reading

2008-03-16T12:34:00.001-07:00

One night recently I was reading with Colin (Little Critter's "Show and Tell"), helping him to sound out a few new words. He sometimes prefers to guess what's next by looking at the pictures instead of sound things out.

Dad: "This is my cat. He likes to..."
Colin: "... Eat a mouse?"
Dad: "OK... This is my hamster. He likes to..."
Colin: "Ummm... be in a ball?"
Dad: "OK, we'll finish our reading later..."

He's one clever bug...

My cousin's amazing daughter

2008-02-28T12:13:00.002-07:00

Cupcake lovers unite!
Please read this story about Celina's new "dream come true", and check out her company's new website.
And please visit the store and buy some delicious cupcakes!
Congrats and best of luck, Celina! We love you!

A typical night while watching TV news

2008-02-28T11:25:00.008-07:00

Tuesday night, we were watching ABC 4 News and their coverage of a debate over two proposed coal-fired power plants, both of which would pollute the air near the Utah-Nevada border and send pollutants across the state line into Utah cities. The report listed a few of the pollutants that are commonly released into the environment by burning coal.

Ryan (curiously): "N-H-3... isn't that ammonia?"
Marissa (laughing wickedly): "Do I look like a freakin' chemist?"

She just LOVES watching the news... tee hee...

This makes WAY too much sense...

2008-02-28T09:41:00.003-07:00

The Sports Guy (who writes for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine) shares his email every once in a while. Here is one that really hit home with me (and something I'VE been saying since I was old enough to be a Jazz fan):

Q: Since you're the most vigilant with respect to spreading ways to improve the NBA All-Star Game, here's something they should have done this year in lieu of the celebrity game: The Hornets should have challenged the Jazz to a one-game playoff. If New Orleans won, it would claim the name "Jazz" as its own, and Utah would have to get a new name. If Utah won, then New Orleans would have to give up a lottery-protected No. 1 pick. How would that not have been must-see TV? CP3 taking on D-Will to determine not only who is the greatest young PG, but also to establish order and logic in their team names!
-- Brian, Brookline, Mass.

SG: Fantastic idea and it makes way too much sense. The real crime of the Jazz thing is the coolest team name in the entire league ("the New Orleans Jazz") suddenly became the dumbest and most inexplicable name in professional sports ("the Utah Jazz"), and nobody seems to care. What's the big deal about changing a name? If anything, it's a lucrative turn of events for the Utah franchise because it would get to come up with a new logo and new jerseys, right? So what's the problem here? They could be the Utah Snow, the Utah Salt, the Utah Blizzard, Utah Ski Lifts, the Utah Big Love. ... I mean, any name is better than the Utah Jazz! Somebody please explain to me why we can't work this out.

I don't know why we can't change it. The "Old Guard" (Karl and John) are gone. Nobody would protest. In fact, I bet most fans would welcome the change... as long as we drop the whole double "Z" thing. AND as long as Larry H. Miller doesn't make us the Utah Handcarts, the Utah Road Construction, the Utah Traffic Cones, the Utah Potholes, the Utah Buttars, the Utah Arches, the Utah Ski Bunnies, the Utah Downwinders, the Utah Pill-Poppers, the Utah Jell-Os . . .

Acting in "The Civil War"

2008-02-26T10:08:00.008-07:00

"1861"

ARM'D year! year of the struggle!
No dainty rhymes or sentimental love verses for you, terrible year!
Not you as some pale poetling, seated at a desk, lisping cadenzas piano;
But as a strong man, erect, clothed in blue clothes, advancing, carrying a rifle on your shoulder,
With well-gristled body and sunburnt face and hands--with a knife in the belt at your side,
As I heard you shouting loud--your sonorous voice ringing across the continent;
Your masculine voice, O year, as rising amid the great cities,
Amid the men of Manhattan I saw you, as one of the workmen, the dwellers in Manhattan;
Or with large steps crossing the prairies out of Illinois and Indiana,
Rapidly crossing the West with springy gait, and descending the Alleghanies;
Or down from the great lakes, or in Pennsylvania, or on deck along the Ohio river;
Or southward along the Tennessee or Cumberland rivers, or at Chattanooga on the mountain top,
Saw I your gait and saw I your sinewy limbs, clothed in blue, bearing weapons, robust year;
Heard your determin'd voice, launch'd forth again and again;
Year that suddenly sang by the mouths of the round-lipp'd cannon,
I repeat you, hurrying, crashing, sad, distracted year.

~ Walt Whitman

* * * * * * *

My latest acting endeavor - playing "Third Soldier From The Left" (OK, actually the character's name is "Patrick", but you get it) - has been a wonderful experience so far. I've had yet another chance to meet and work with some of the most talented artists in the valley, in all aspects of the production. I've learned more about our country's history and feel honor-bound to portray these "slices of life" with absolute honesty, integrity and respect for their sacrifice. I've even had a small brush with celebrity (Merrill Osmond plays the lead as the Union Captain, and even introduced a few of us to his sister Marie - what a cutie! - I think Merrill wants to set her up to date us. LOL). I'm also a (small) part of a tremendously gifted ensemble, where each actor pursues perfection in every note, every word, every soldiering maneuver. I'm honored by the opportunity, and humbly grateful as I bask in the reverence and rejoice in the innate nobility of this play.
At the risk of sounding arrogant, I've recently been fortunate enough to be cast in leading roles in various plays. However, I've found no dissatisfaction in playing as a member of the ensemble again... it is just as enriching as a lead role when one is surrounded by talent, passion and teamwork... and this production has it in spades. "The Civil War" was panned by critics (at best) when in played on Broadway in 1999 and had a relatively short run. The mix of pop influences and American history was not well-received. I understand that, given the subject matter of the play, our crowds will favor us with standing ovations and glowing word-of-mouth reviews. Be that as it may, I do believe this play will continue to earn those accolades through our eternal striving for excellence every time we hit the boards.
"Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee, An Actor's Life For Me!"

Wise beyond his years

2008-02-25T14:36:00.002-07:00

Abby: "Look, I'm all finished with my dinner."

Marissa: "Good job, Abby! Abby is the winner!"

Colin (petulantly): "It's not about winning."

What funny little people they're becoming...

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-02-25T09:39:00.003-07:00

My mom's the greatest... and a wonderful grandmother to her grand-triplets.
Hope you have the birthday you deserve!
We love you!

A truly happy Valentine's day

2008-02-13T13:10:00.003-07:00

Marissa is on the mend!
Her doctors discovered that her gall bladder wasn't working right and that it had to come out.
She had the surgery last week and she just went back to work for the first time today.
Hopefully this is the end of the phantom abdominal monster that's plagued her these many months.
Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers.

Young love ... ?

2008-02-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

Grandma Debbie: "Ben, do you have a girlfriend?"
Ben: (sinks slowly in his chair until he's hiding under the table.)
Grandma Debbie: "I think you do!"
Ben: (sits up in his chair, faces Grandma & holds up a fist & shakes it at her defiantly.)

Gotta love Valentine's Day.

Marissa's bane

2008-01-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

We finally have an answer! Well, at least a direction to fight. At last!
My darling wife Marissa has been suffering with severe abdominal pain for several months now. She's undergone all sorts of tests to try and discover the cause of the pain, including CT scans, hydascan, x-rays, ultrasounds, liver biopsy, colonoscopy, endoscopy and a load of blood work... all with no clear answers. She even visited with a holistic doctor to see if she could help, again with limited results. A few days ago the latest CT scan finally revealed what we thought could be the problem all along: a mass on her pancreas. It could be anything from a benign growth or cyst to a cancerous tumor. We'll find out more in the next couple of days. At the very least, we know where to look to make her well again. Thanks to family & friends for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Happy New Year - and a quick update on me

2008-01-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Trips' Dad had one heckuva 2007. Got married to my sweetie. Did a LOT of theater. Worked hard. Played hard. Loved much. Marissa and I have a cute little condo in Salt Lake. The trips are in kindergarten and loving it. I have a steady job. I'm in reasonably good health. I have my family & friends close. I have life, liberty and much happiness. As 2007 skates into history, I recognize that I have much to be grateful for.
I'm still working at ABC 4 & CW 30 in Salt Lake. I've been here for almost eight years and everyone here has been very good to me. We have a fantastic team in Promotion & Marketing, and we're hoping that the management changes to come in 2008 bring some new opportunities for growth and development.
I'm in the current production of the original play "Lend Me A Tenor" at Hale Centre Theatre in Salt Lake, and I'm beginning to rehearse their next musical there as well, "Civil War." Between Hale Centre Theatre and Desert Star Theater, I think I've been fortunate enough to be in a show somewhere for the past 15 months... and I'm so grateful. It's been wonderful to make good part-time money doing something I love!
And of course, I try and stay busy with the triplets. What an amazing thing to be a father... three times over! They're at such a delightful age. Everything is to anticipated and celebrated. Everything is NOW. Marissa & I relish every moment we spend with them. Christmas was great fun, as we caroled together, visited family & friends, opened WAY too many gifts, and enjoyed the food and fun of the season. We're blessed to be a part of four terrific families, and we felt the love and concern of each this holiday season. We're grateful to be so blessed.

Mother hen

2007-12-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

We were to have the kids today, but the boys are sick with head colds, aggravated asthma, and probably two or three other illnesses that they pass around during the winter. We didn't pick up Abby because she was worried about the boys. "What if they need me?" she said. Cute.
So, I called the kids today to chat with them for a little while. After talking with Abby, she passed the phone to the boys, saying, "Boys, Dad wants to talk to you! Talk to Dad, because he's worried about you... so VERY worried."
The cutest mother hen I've even known.
The boys are lucky to have such a loving sister... as lucky as I AM to have such a lovely daughter who is beautiful is every way.

Ben & Usher syndrome

2007-12-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Both Ben and Colin have Usher syndrome. The boys' latest eye tests show that their vision is worse than ever. Ben's retinitis is such that he now officially qualifies as "deaf-blind" in the state school system. He's almost completely night-blind and has lost much of his peripheral vision. Colin is trending the same way, but his condition is not nearly as advanced as Ben's. In January Ben's school teacher & specialists will begin teaching him to use "the cane" in case he loses his eyesight sooner than normal (between ages 15-20). Colin will learn the cane with Ben, so they can at least do it together. The odds are about 50-50 that he'll lose his eyesight completely.
We always knew it could happen. It's just happening sooner than normal... by about a decade.
Ben's such a good boy... and a strong, tough one, too. We're grateful to family & friends for well-wishes, thoughts & prayers.

Devious...

2007-11-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, Ben woke up with a slight fever, and complained that he didn't feel well. So, as Mommy took Colin to school and Abby to the doctor (she had strep), Mommy left Ben with Grandma Ellen, just to be safe.
After Mommy left, Grandma Ellen said to Ben, "So, you're feeling sick today, huh?"
Ben looked up at her and replied, smiling beatifically, "Nope... I just teasing."

Ugh... not even six years old and already cutting class...

Discourtesy doesn't fly

2007-11-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Here's the letter I wrote to the doctor's office (AND to the CEO, COO and the PR department of the hospital) after a really rough experience Marissa and I last week. We've since had apologies from the offensive staff member and the hospital's "risk management" department... but I feel like posting it anyway. :) The names have been changed to protect the guilty:

Dear Dr. N.,

Unfortunately, I’m writing to inform you of an annoying, disheartening and ultimately insulting experience we had in your office today. I’ve never written a letter like this before. I write only to ensure that today’s incident will be “on the record” with both your office and XYZ Hospital, in the hopes that perhaps it will garner the attention and respect that we did not receive today, and discourage the sort of discourtesy that seems to be associated with certain employees’ proximity to the front desk.

Marissa got a call from your assistant B. at about 3:00 p.m. today. He asked Marissa where her blood draw was done. When she told him it had been done across the hall, he told Marissa that the reason for his call was that he couldn’t locate her blood work from the draw that was taken last Tuesday, November 20. As you know, she has been waiting for some news about her mystery illness that’s troubled her for many, many months – any news at all – and she was understandably upset. B. told her that it might be necessary for her to come back to the office and redo the blood draw (likely getting stuck six more times by the resident phlebotomists, which is what happened last week, and then needing to wait another five to seven days to get the test results we were expecting today). B. added that he’d “look around” to see if he could find out what happened, and said that he would call her right back. She, of course, wasn’t happy and called me to relay the bad news.

After waiting for over an hour without the promised return phone call, I left work, picked her up from home and together we drove to your office to try and sort out what happened. Your receptionist, K., eventually greeted us at the front desk. We explained the situation, voiced our frustration and asked if she or B. could be of help – whether it was to find the results or do the blood draw again – we just needed someone to care about helping us to get some answers. If, as you’d previously hypothesized (and as it happened two years ago), Marissa’s white blood cell count were again dangerously low, you can of course see how important it would be to have these results right away, how we needed someone to simply take an interest in our concern… and can no doubt see how the uncertainty of the situation might upset Marissa.

K. pulled up Marissa’s file and, despite the fact we’d explained that B. had called us with this problem, she said that the test results weren’t even back yet. K. went so far as to say that she was “positive” that they weren’t back yet. She gave a couple of reasons for her assumption, like having to send the sample out of the hospital for the necessary lab work, and having just had a big Thanksgiving weekend where regular business hours wouldn’t apply. When we asked her why L. had told us that the results would be available today, she said that L. must have told us wrong. She reiterated that she was “sure” that the results simply weren’t in yet. It was only after we again told her that B. was looking for her test results (and hadn’t called back like he’d promised) that she took the immense trouble to pick up the phone, call him around the corner and actually ask him about the situation. B. told her that he in fact had found the test results and to send us back around the corner to him.

I have to underline that K. wanted to send us right home, “positive” that the test results weren’t back and “sure” that everything was in order. Her dismissive attitude of falsely assumed surety is entirely insulting and completely unacceptable. To that point, I should also mention that Marissa’s sisters, C. and M. (who are also regular patients of yours), have also spoken to us quite candidly, and on several occasions, of this particular receptionist’s haughty, dismissive, “know-it-all” demeanor. Had we given any credence to K.’s assumptions today, we’d have left the office with no solution at all. I hate to think what could have happened had these test results indicated that Marissa needed a necessarily immediate and/or life-altering treatment.

So around the corner we went. B. informed us that Marissa’s last name on the tests was noted as “Poole” (which is correct, having married me and legally changed her surname in June of this year), but all of her charts were under her maiden name “Young.” So, while the test results were indeed back in the office, they in effect were homeless and attributed to, well, effectively to no one, as her last name hadn’t been changed on her charts. In the end, a small error, easily corrected and quite easily forgiven. However, it was also a potentially time-wasting error… one that’s quite unfair considering my wife’s uncertain condition… and most important, one that would have lengthened our wait and exacerbated the situation had we not come into the office and rectified it face to face today.

We then mentioned to B. that Marissa has actually asked L. to change her last name on your records last week, when Marissa was there for the blood draw. We’re sure that the change wasn’t made at that time because your computer system was down during Marissa’s last visit, and the change was later overlooked. We can certainly understand that simple oversight… and when we mentioned it to B., he immediately made the change. It took less than seven seconds. No problem. However, I have to assume that if the change had been made last week like Marissa asked, then B. wouldn’t have had to call us in a clueless stupor and get Marissa worried and upset. But again, that’s a simple oversight and easily excusable. B. then told us that you’d call us whenever you had the time to review the test results. Only after Marissa asked twice did B. agree to alert you, Dr. N., that the test results were in and that we’d need a follow-up phone call.

As we were leaving, I stopped at the front desk and asked K. to pull up Marissa’s file again to make absolutely sure that her surname had been properly changed (since it hadn’t been done last week, and since B. appeared to have made the change so quickly). She looked up the chart, and the change was verified. She also assured me that she’d make that change through the proper insurance channels as well. That’s all well and good… but that wasn’t the real reason I stopped at the front desk on our way out.

You see, I wanted to afford K. the chance to apologize for being completely wrong about the arrival of the test results, for being wrong about them taking extra time because of the holiday weekend, and for being so rudely dismissive of their whereabouts. However, no apology was offered. In fact, she simply seemed relieved that we were on our way out. Come to that, I’m sure she talked to her coworkers all about how difficult I was after we left.

Dr. N., we were very offended and very disappointed. Forget the apparent incompetence of one of the staff in “connecting the dots” – two dots at most, if you’ll forgive the analogy – simply to match some test results to a patient. Mistakes happen, particularly where surnames and insurance coverage are changed, and that’s understandable, to a point. And never once did I raise my voice, use inappropriate language or “cause a scene” during our visit today. In fact, I apologized to K. for the inconvenience of making her log out of the computer system to pull up Marissa’s chart again to be sure of the name change. But even if I had caused a scene… K.’s nonchalance, rudeness and dismissive attitude are categorically intolerable. She and B. were only of help after we insisted, several times, that they do something to try and help us. If either K. or B. had been of any help at all of his or her own accord, or been apologetic at all, I probably wouldn’t be writing this letter. Is it really too much to ask for someone to take responsibility and apologize for a simple mistake? Is it too much to ask for someone to show some professional courtesy and at least pretend to care about a patient’s situation?

If we at ABC 4 TV (where I’m a producer) were as dismissive in a news interview, we’d lose the story. If we were as dismissive to an advertising client, we’d lose the account. If we didn’t respect the intelligence and feelings of our audience, we’d lose viewers. Based on K.'s completely unprofessional attitude alone, your office and your hospital don’t deserve our business.

Marissa and I are educated people with good jobs and good insurance. We aren’t by any means “stuck” with your services. We know we can get responsible, friendly, helpful health care at many offices and from a variety of local hospitals. Marissa chooses to stay with you because you, Dr. N., and your assistant L. have always given Marissa and her family excellent care, and she’s told me so on many occasions. We are actually very glad to have you helping us solve Marissa’s ongoing health crisis. In fact, since I began writing this letter this evening, Marissa has called and let me know that you have called her back with her test results and are making necessary arrangements for the next phase of testing that she needs. Thank you. Again, you and K. are most helpful and considerate, and we’re really quite grateful for your kind attention and communication in following up with us on Marissa’s condition. However, the attention and communication of a few of your office staff is so poor, so disappointing and so insulting that I must call it in question… and I must officially call it to your attention.

Best regards,
RJP

what's new...

2007-09-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

PLENTY of happenings since the last post... Marissa and I celebrated our three-month wedding anniversary, the triplets started kindergarten, Grandma Colleen turned 49 and we spent a great weekend at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. My poor writing can hardly describe my life, so I rely (perhaps too much) on my trusty Canon Digital Rebel XT and my Flickr photo site. Check it out! Updates to come as time allows...

How fast they grow up...

2007-07-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Abby's losth anosther toosth!

More recent trips photos on my Flickr site.

Married life...

2007-07-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

So, we've been married for a month now and everything is wonderful!
New photos from the honeymoon will soon be on my Flickr site.
Also, a great set of shots from the chapel, thanks to our dear friend Natasha, who sang a GORGEOUS song during our ceremony.
Thanks to all who made it an amazing day!

One month to go!

2007-05-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

This is the composite that's going in our wedding announcement.
Shot and cleaned by the incomparable photographic genius Doug Carter at his studio in Salt Lake City.
The wedding is one month away and we couldn't be more excited!

A must-read

2007-03-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

You've GOT to read this dynamic article by David Kupelian of WorldNetDaily.
It's called "The Secret Curse of Hollywood 'Stars'," and it's all about how praise and entitlement (and how we use them) can destroy the noblest parts of our humanity.
An excellent read and well worth your time.

"... It's a neeeeew CAAAAARRRRR!!!"

2007-03-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Grandfolks Poole are taking the concept of "spoiling the grand-triplets" to dizzying new heights! See all the photos from Lightning McQueen's maiden trip around the track here.

Colin loses his first tooth!

2007-03-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

The kids are getting SO BIG!
Colin lost his first tooth today!
Check my Flickr photo site for some dang cute pics!

NON-binding resolution?

2007-02-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Reporting by the Associated Press
WASHINGTON - The Democratic-controlled House issued a symbolic rejection of President Bush's plan to deploy more troops to Iraq on Friday, opening an epic confrontation between Congress and commander in chief over an unpopular war that has taken the lives of more than 3,100 U.S. troops.
The vote on the nonbinding measure was 246-182, with 6 not voting.
"The stakes in Iraq are too high to recycle proposals that have little prospect for success," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, leader of Democrats who gained power last fall in elections framed by public opposition to the war.
"The passage of this legislation will signal a change in direction in Iraq that will end the fighting and bring our troops home," she vowed.
Bush's Republican allies said repeatedly the measure would lead to attempts to cut off funds for the troops. Outnumbered, they turned to Rep. Sam Johnson of Texas to close their case - and the former Vietnam prisoner of war stepped to the microphone as lawmakers in both parties rose to applaud his heroism.
"Now it's time to stand up for my friends who did not make it home, and for those who fought and died in Iraq already," he said. "We must not cut funding for our troops. We must stick by them," he added, snapping off a salute as he completed his remarks to yet another ovation.
Bush made no comment on the developments, and his spokesman said the commander in chief was too busy to watch the proceedings on television.
*****
A "symbolic" rejection, eh? Some good that will do you, House Democrats.
Someday, someone will simply HAVE to explain to me the efficacy of a "non-binding" resolution, because I'm DYING to find out what that means exactly.
Just one more example of OUR tax dollars hard at work!

Abby-ism of the Day

2007-01-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

While pulling the petals off of a flower, one by one:
"... he loves me ... he loves me a lot ... he loves me ... he loves me a lot ..."
Good for you Abbs... you can't lose!

My sweet daughter

2007-01-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Abby: "I'm gonna cut my hair."
Dad: "Oh yeah?"
Abby: "Yeah, I'm gonna give it to a little girl."
Dad: "Why?"
Abby: Because she's sick, and she's bald."
***
My baby girl wants to give her hair to Locks of Love.
Please God, whatever we're doing right in raising this little angel, please help us to keep doing it. :)

Falling off "the mtn."

2007-01-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

The University of Utah's men's basketball team beat the Air Force Academy in a big conference game last night. A greater victory still, considering that the Utes beat a Falcons team that until last night was ranked 11th in the country.
Yet only a few people saw it.
Because the game was televised on "the mtn."
Yes, that's "The Mountain," that devilish new sports network exclusively devoted to sports from the Mountain West Conference, of which the mighty Utes are a part. Because of some shady dealings with Comcast, "the mtn." can only be seen on cable. It's not on DirecTV. Nor can you get it on DishNetwork. Forget about seeing it with your rabbit-ears antenna.
I don't get it. The conference made the deal in good faith, thinking their fan base would be served with lots of local and regional sports. Instead, about a third of the broadcast area (the part that subscribes to cable TV) can watch, while the rest (those with off-air antennae or satellite dishes) are completely shut out.
UGH.
Stop the madness, "the mtn." Get on the dish. Serve the fan base that buys the tickets.
If the Utes cut down a ranked opponent on "the mtn.", does it make a sound?

Loving each other

2006-12-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend the trips stayed at Dad's on Saturday night. When it came time to pull out the hide-a-bed, I went to move the small table out of the way. Colin said, "I'll do it!", and hunkered down and began to push, slowly sliding it out of the way.
Ben looked over and saw Colin hard at work and said, "Wow! You're Superman!"
It's wonderful when your kids love each other and pull for each other.

She said YES!

2006-12-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

It's official... I'm getting married!
My sweetheart Marissa and I are engaged!
I'm completely giddy and excited about it and I've never been happier.
We'll probably set the date for late spring next year.
Thanks to family and friends for all of your love and support!

Back seat driving

2006-11-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

The trips and I were driving around the other day. Colin said something I didn't quite understand, so I reached my right arm back to the back seat and put my hand on his and asked him to repeat himself. He was about halfway through his sentence when he stopped cold and said rather forcefully, "Dad! Use both hands to drive the car!"
He might look like me, but he gets THAT from his mother. ;)
Kids rock.

Back from the dead... almost...

2006-11-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

How time flies! The trips are nearly FIVE years old! (And Trips' Dad just turned 32... as if the way the kids are growing up didn't make me feel old enough!) They're healthy, happy and sweet. They take good care of each other... most of the time... and they are without a doubt the three most beautiful jewels in the crown of my life. And, I'm still very happily dating a lovely young lady named Marissa. What a revelation she has been. She's a real sweetheart. She loves the kiddos, cooks like a champion, has a great singing voice and is a fantastic actress. Not to mention, she never fails to make me laugh - at life AND at myself. I'm a very lucky guy. I'm currently rehearsing for TWO shows at the Hale Centre Theatre in Salt Lake City. "A Christmas Carol" opens on December 2, and "See How They Run" opens on December 30, I think. I'm playing Jacob Marley in "Carol" and Clive in SHTR. Both casts are VERY talented and I can't wait to get going. Things at ABC 4 are busier than ever... we're in the heart of sweeps right now, the quarterly ratings period, and everyone's running around with their hair on fire... which is a convenient reason not to blog so much, sooooo... back to work!

Abby-isms of the Day

2006-09-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

While watching the Sesame Street movie "Follow That Bird":
Dad: Ooohhh, there's Oscar the Grouch.
Abby: Oscar the Grouch? Why?
Dad: That's his name.
Abby: Why?
Dad: He's always grouchy, he doesn't like anything, just yucky stuff.
Abby: He doesn't?
Dad: Nope. He hates everything.
Abby: Oh.

(Later.)

Ben tickles my armpit.
Dad: Don't, Ben! I HATE that ticklin'!
Abby: Dad! You're a grouch, too!

(And later.)

Big Bird is stolen by the bad guys.
Abby: I'm not very happy about this.

Jungle Jim's!

2006-09-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

Grandma Debbie took us all to Jungle Jim's to play. Good times!
Lots of pics from the fun-filled evening on my Flickr site.

Rock Star: Supernova

2006-09-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

I was completely, totally and otherwise freakishly addicted to this show.
And now that I step back and attempt to analyze it with an objective eye (which, as we all know, is the real purpose of a blog... self-psychoanalysis), I see that I'm not as in love with it as I thought I was.
Sure, the performances were entertaining, and everyone from the final six or so had real talent, but this "band" Supernova is a super joke.
Former Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and fired Guns 'N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke are, in large part, just plain lame. After each performance, while Gilby and Jason attempted some cerebral advice (why we're giving them any credit, I don't really know), Tommy would say how much he wished that the girls were wearing less clothing. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for that: it's just that his blathering makes for really bad TV. And you just know they'll pick that loser Lukas instead of the fun & charismatic Toby or the intensely engaging Magni. Dilana - love ya, but ya got no shot.
Point being, Supernova sucks. I'd rather hear their "House Band" over Supernova. Sure, those washed-up has-beens can play and all, but they're boring and just formulaic at best. Toby or Magni could infuse some real heart or soul, respectively, into an otherwise crap-sounding piece of rubbish... but I just KNOW they'll pick Lukas.
I hate summer TV.
Boston Legal, save us! (Season premiere next week!)

Sugar...

2006-08-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

I've heard some people say they have a sweet tooth.
They don't know the meaning of the phrase.
If I had MY way, Pepsi would flow like Moses' water from the rock in the desert. Washington growers would harvest candied apples. Peeps would come not only on Easter, but on EVERY Sunday morning. Movie theaters in my world would have little shelves in front of each seat with the entire concession collection on tap (and a little freezer for the Haagen-Daz and Junior Mints). Bars and clubs would add taps for soft-serve, hot fudge and caramel. The food groups would break down thus: chocolate (subcategories: with or without nuts, with or without peanut butter), nougat, marshmallow, caramel, ice cream, licorice, soda, little candies with fruit flavors, straight sugar (Bottle Caps, Pixie Sticks, etc.), and liquid gold (Pepsi).
I know, Pepsi is a soda.
But to me, it's a way of life.

P.S. - about 80 new photos up on my Flickr site. Enjoy!

"A hit! A very palpable hit!"

2006-08-21T19:05:00.001-07:00

First of all, a happy 29th birthday to my little brother Dave. Many more, dude!
So, Marissa and her family took me to the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City this weekend. What a great time. Good company, good food and GREAT theater. Brian Vaughn's Hamlet is one of the best I've ever seen. The curtain call in Room Service WAS the best I've ever seen. I found myself telling myself, "Ah, so THAT'S what it's supposed to look like." Fred Adams and Co. deserve every accolade they receive.
I want to be Brian Vaughn.

Tiger vs. Phil... um... er... J/K!

2006-08-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

So, TNT bought the rights to early-round coverage of this year's PGA Championship, golf's fourth major tournament. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are paired together for the first two days of the four-day event. The ideal pairing. A marketer's and advertiser's dream. The top two in the world. Huge fan bases. Endorsement megastars. An intense and often icy rivalry. The biggest draw in golf, arguably in sports. TNT will cover the entire afternoon.
Only, Tiger vs. Phil tees off at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time.
Now, I know I only work at ABC 4 TV in Salt Lake City, and we're only the 35th largest TV market in the nation, so perhaps I'm speaking out of turn here, but WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING, TNT?! Which TNT executive's grandmother needed to see her reruns of ER instead of the best major tournament pairing of all time (and one that may never be repeated, ever)? Golf on TV has enough marketing and survival issues without this travesty of exclusion.
So come on, Ted Turner. Pony up the extra several million that the PGA is undoubtedly asking for to buy the first few hours of the round. Earn my loyalty as a viewer. Make millions of TiVo owners happy. Do the right thing.
And Phil, to ensure a competitive round... please leave that damn driver in the bag.

Weekend fun

2006-08-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Spent this past Sunday playing with the kiddos and introducing my girlfriend Marissa to the family. We've been dating for a few months and it was high time to meet the kinfolk. I was so glad we all got to hang out and spend some quality time. My brother Dave, sister Jaime & her husband Nick were also there, along with their little doggie Gage, so they all got to know Marissa a bit better, too. One of the things I love about her is that she gets along so well with anyone and everyone she meets. She's so sweet. Anyway, I think we all had a lot of fun together. We had a great dinner and played in the backyard with the trips, trying to teach them baseball. What a hoot. Wish I'd had my camera.
I sometimes wonder if, in my rush to put every little thing they do on film (or memory card), I miss being a dad. I turn into this photo-megalo-manic shooter guy who's watching light, colors and angles instead of noticing that Colin already has a strong throwing arm, or that Ben just swished that basket, or that Abby just smacked that ball into the upper deck. I'm trying to learn to savor those things "in the moment," as well as on camera. Dueling Dads in my head.
Or it could just be that imaginary friend that I never acknowledge.

'Til we meet again

2006-07-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

For Sally Hale Rice

Thank you Sally, for sharing your love of theatre with me. The "bug" couldn't help but bite with you around! Thank you for your wry and gentle humor, that contagious laugh, your timeless class, your serene dignity, and especially for your living testament to God's love for all of his children (even actors). Your life is an example for the ages; I'm sure your sweet mother and father have already told you how proud they are of the way you've continued the wonderful legacy of your extraordinary family. I'll miss you 'til we all meet again.

Sally Hale Rice

2006-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Sally Hale Rice
10/1/42 ~ 7/25/06
"An interesting journey, this knowing you will die soon. I was born October 1, 1942 in Murray, Utah to James Nathan Hale and Ruth Hudson Hale and raised in the golden era days of the Glendale West Ward, Glendale, CA. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of acting with my mother and father on their Glendale Centre Theatre stage. After graduating high school, I went to BYU where I received a degree in education and was then privileged to teach school. My former husband, Robert Lee Swenson, and I had four children. I leave behind with such poignancy my fine children: Cody Swenson (Anne), Will Swenson (Amy), Leea Sorensen (Shawn) and Bobby Swenson. I also leave my eight dear grandchildren: Christian, Brenner, Fiona, Rose, Bridger, Sawyer, Sage and Taj. And I so reluctantly part for a time with my beautiful husband of six years, Clint Rice. Much of my life has been filled with the joy of theater - from actress, to janitor, to prop master, to director, to producer. In 1985 I helped found the Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley City, UT with my incredible parents and my so very capable partners, Mark and Sally Dietlein. One of my greatest delights has been to hear the laughter of our thousands of wonderful patrons. I thank them. I will greatly miss my accomplished siblings: Sandra Dietlein (Allan), Phillip Nathan Hale (Barbara), Sherry Brian (Pat), Tanya Radebaugh (Lee), and James Cody Hale (Linda) and my stepchildren: DeeAnn Hilkhuijsen (Dennis), Terri K. Hughes (Ian) and Tyler Rice. Goodbye to my 'salt of the earth' Taylorsville friends whom I lived among for 20 years and fond goodbyes to my theatre fold. The funeral will be held Saturday, 11:30 a.m. at my new ward, full of caring people, the Mount Olympus 4th Ward, 4176 South Adonis Dr. (3930 East). A viewing will be held Friday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Saturday at the church, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Interment will follow in the Taylorsville Cemetery. If my theatre folks sing, it should be worth coming. In lieu of flowers go see a play at any Hale Centre Theatre. Laugh and cry and understand how valuable theatre is. I love you all . . . till we meet again." Published in the Salt Lake Tribune from 7/26/2006 - 7/27/2006.

Destiny Norton

2006-07-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

Police found her body last night.

This is just horrible.

Thoughts and prayers to their family.

Perspective...

2006-07-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend teaching the kids to swim, wondering what I'd gotten myself into, taking three four-and-a-half-year-olds to the pool at once. I think I grew eyes INSIDE the eyes in the back of my head. At the end of the day, they could paddle and kick a little, learned that their special suits would let them float around, that water noodles are magic, and that you shouldn't run along the deck of the pool if you value your unskinned knees and unbruised hips. Got home exhausted. Spent a laid-back Sunday with them and the folks & family. Woke up this morning lamenting how out-of-shape I am, wondering again, was it worth it to chase the kids around the pool, with me in constant fear for their lives...
Then I got to work today and saw an amber alert about a missing five-year-old girl.
I had a spectacular weekend.
Destiny, you're in my prayers.

Viva Italia!

2006-07-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Props to my Mediterranean brothers in Italy on their World Cup win. Zidane of France (once played professionally for Real Madrid in my adopted home country) marred his otherwise fantastic pro career by head-butting an opponent near the end of the match. Idiotic. They missed him in penalty-kick time, too, the guy's a master with the PKs.
Man, in spite of me not caring so much about soccer, it sure comes up a lot.

The London Bombings: One Year Later

2006-07-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

9/11 in America. 3/11 in Spain. 7/7 in Britain.

And today, another terror plot was apparently foiled in NY.

Signs of the times...

Thoughts and prayers to my British brothers and their families -- our allies against complete and total evil.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

2006-07-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Does this make 33 or 34 years? Awesome!
Love you guys! Have a great day!

Quote of the Day

2006-06-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

"If you please to plant yourself on the side of Fate, and say, Fate is all; then we say, a part of Fate is the freedom of man. Forever wells up the impulse of choosing and acting in the soul. Intellect annuls Fate. So far as a man thinks, he is free."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Viva Espana!

2006-06-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Key World Cup match today. I hope Spain crushes France like the scaredy-frogs they are. That said... I still enjoy the NFL, NBA, tennis & golf more than the World Cup. :)

UPDATE:
Spain lost to France, 3-1... and I'm officially done with soccer for four more years... or at least until the trips start playing. Actually, I'll start training them up now... the photo ops are priceless.

World Cup soccer... whatever.

2006-06-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Does anyone in this country care? I'm casually rooting for my adopted home country of Spain, but now that the U.S. is out, maybe we won't have to hear so much about the "beautiful game" that is the last, best hope for the international recognition that so many third-world countries crave. Looks like the Euros, Argentina and Brazil will rule this thing YET AGAIN.

Yeah, I played soccer as a kid. Big deal. It was fun. It's a suburban sport in the U.S., and kids enjoy it, but it's far from mainstream, and that lack of professional interest (and MONEY) keeps America in the back of the pack in the World Cup, and it probably always will.

America's best athletes play football, basketball & baseball. Some few folks play hockey, run track, ski, or play extreme sports. The simple fact is, America is a "big kid" now. We grew up. We play sports with our hands now. Come on, Rest Of The World, join us. Really, it's OK, and it's WAY more fun.

When the best athlete on the U.S. soccer team is 5'8", 145 lbs, you know it's gonna be a LOOOOONG tournament (or at least, it will SEEM that way, since we're always assured an early exit). Soccer players are obviously not the best we have to offer on the international sports scene.

So get over it, American Soccer Fan. It's over. Breathe.

Besides... college football is just weeks away!
(GO UTES!)

My fading memory

2006-06-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

Last night, as I calmly informed my fellow castmates of "Once Upon A Mattress" that there was no show tonight, they mocked me as a tease. I was shocked. I couldn't believe that the same people I'd spent the last several weeks with, spilling our blood, sweat & various other bodily fluids together, were these same people acting so incredulous. I passionately defended my claim, even in the face of all of the doubters... and as I made my way around the backstage seeking support, everyone seemed to be "in on the joke." Nobody, I mean NOBODY believed me. So finally, feeling unjustly defeated, I checked with the director. Why, yes, said he, of course we had a show tomorrow. Of course? OF COURSE?! What about what you said, about us having Wednesday off? Uh, I never said that.

So much for my "steel-trap" memory.

The show must go on!

Jaime & Nick Snow

2006-06-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my little sister Jaime married her true love, Nick Snow, at the beautiful Hidden Falls at Thanksgiving Point, just south of SLC. Congrats guys! (You can babysit the trips anytime!)

"The Lady Abigail"

2006-06-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Abby came to see the play on Saturday, with dozens of other princesses, knights and parents. This show isn't really a kids' show, but they seemed to enjoy the costumes, sets and dancing... and meeting Sir Harry, the King, the Jester (or, the Joker), the Prince and the Princess. Thanks and props to Grandma Debbie for sitting with her and filling her full of sugar... AND keeping her under control during the show! Another theater fan in the making!

Abby with her new ring that she got from "The Joker."

After the show

Dad & Her Royal Highness

"Are we home yet?"

"We have an opening for a princess..."

2006-06-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

The show has opened! I've been in rehearsal for the past several weeks for "Once Upon A Mattress" at the Sugar Factory Playhouse. I'm playing Sir Harry. LOADS of fun.

Click here to find out how to see it!(That's me on the right.)

Happy Birthday Celina!

2006-06-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

My cousin Burris has a daughter named Celina, and she just turned SEVEN! Everyone seemed to have a lovely time... except maybe Grandpa Roger, who tried without much success to teach the triplets to close the back door when they go in and out of the house. :) Please send the energy bill this month to Trips' Mom! (tee hee)

Celina got some beach stuff for her birthday, checking it all out with Grandpa Brad.

The trips took immediate charge of blowing out the candles.

Grandma Christine introduces Blake to BTS Chocolate Cake.

Celina can't wait to open presents!

Now a second-time dad, Burris soaks in the moment with Baby Blake.

More photos will be uploaded soon to my Flickr account. There's a link on the right side of the homepage. Enjoy!

School's out for the summer

2006-06-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

Another Utah sunset

2006-06-02T09:48:00.001-07:00

why I love "Boston Legal"

2006-05-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever seen this show? This should be on every night. ABC should ride this horse like Zorro until it dies, just like they did to Millionaire. (Ugh.) Well, not until it dies. ABC will kill it if they move it to another stinking night. So do the right thing, ABC. Don't touch "Boston Legal."

David E. Kelley is the show’s creator and head writer. I know, he uses “Boston” for a political platform and routinely abuses his fantastic characters by making them take some heroic stand against this cause or that right-wing rich boy – and the Republican foil is merely a caricature at best (Denny Crane), but the guy makes some interesting points. Plus, Alan and Denny get away with everything, and it's an absolute RIOT to watch.

Ah, the consequence-free life of Alan Shore and Denny Crane. Unrealistic, you say? You would be right.

But come on, it’s a TV show. That’s why I watch – to escape reality for just a little while. I’m sure Hugh Laurie is a great guy, probably quite a good conversationalist, and he’s British to boot, so the accent alone would be cool. But, if Dr. House showed up at my door, I’d kick him in his bad leg and laugh my arse off, because House is the consummate JERK.

People, IT’S A FREAKING TV SHOW. It’s entertaining to watch these guys and their jerky habits. I’m not imitating them. I’m just inspired by them, that’s all.

(DISCLAIMER – Abby, Ben & Colin – Don’t ever be mean to people.)

OK, moving on…

First, Alan Shore (James Spader). The guy’s morally bankrupt (or is he?), he plays by his own rules, he’s not afraid to chase the hot woman, the big client, the big cause. He bends the law to work for him. Women want him because he’s verbose. Lives in a hotel. Admits his fears (night terrors, clowns) to his friend. NEVER plays completely by the rules.

Denny Crane (William Shatner). DENNY CRANE. ‘Nuff said.

Denise Bauer (Julie Bowen). Hot, vulnerable blonde. Also, ‘nuff said.

Shirley Schmidt (Candace Bergen). She had been out of TV for way too long. Beautiful, talented senior partner, takes BS from no one, has clever and meaningful retort for everyone.

Brad Chase (Mark Valley). As he puts it, “Lawyer, Marine… I’m the whole package.”

Guest stars Michael J. Fox, Parker Posey and Jeri Ryan made the last few episodes particularly memorable. But the show is nothing without Spader and Shatner. The two-time Emmy award winners are OWNING it, and I hope ABC doesn’t screw this up and move them to yet another night and time.

Dear ABC... LEAVE “BOSTON LEGAL” ALONE!

Abby-ism of the Week

2006-05-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Mom knows it best, but it went something like this:

Abby: "Mom, we need a new boy."

Mom: "What?"

Abby: "Ben. He doesn't talk. We need a new one."

Mom: "You want a new brother?"

Abby: "Yeah."

Mom: "Well, we're not trading him in."

Abby: "Oh, Mother..."