Alive & Kicking...and Dodging

For those of you who have actually seen me in the last week and a half, you will know that I am doing pretty well...but am also really busy. It amazes me how quickly life can fill up when you THINK that you have a lot of free time. But I have no complaints...these last few weeks have been weeks that really counted.

First of all, my cousin Ryan returned from his mission. It was so amazing to see him, and how much he had grown spiritually. His homecoming talk was one of the most spiritual I have witnessed. It is very obvious that he gave his all to the service of the Lord.

I broke down and got a new laptop. I joined the "cool" people of the world and got myself a Mac Book Pro. It is fantastic!

Speaking of electronics...the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare came out and it seems to be all the rage with roommates and cousins alike. I was playing it the other day with Colter, trying to help him accomplish a "mission". I was sniping off bad guys left and right...getting multiple kills, far better than I ever did at Halo 3. I was, for lack of a better term, The Man. Well, we failed accomplishing our goal for 4 or 5 tries. Then Colter calmly tells me that maybe we should not shoot the bad guys, as our goal for this particular mission is to SNEAK pass the enemy without alerting them to our being there.

I asked Colter why he didn't tell me that in the first place, and he said, "Well you just looked so happy, I didn't have the heart to tell you."

I suppose what has kept me so busy these last few weeks is that there are so many amazing people in my life...I want to see them all. I honestly think I have had a lunch date with a different person every day that I have been home...with the exception of one repeat, and she was worth it.

Speaking of dates...I have been doing a lot of that too. I took out a girl when I first got back, for her birthday. We went to the "They Might Be Giants" Concert, and it was amazing! They seriously put on a very good show.

Last week I took a girl out on the town, and she ended up with a "Quick Access" Decorative plate, and I ended up with the Gay Cocoa Mug. No really...The Gay Mug.

This same young lass joined me as we went out to look at the stars and watch the meteor shower...it took us a while to find a good location, but it was well worth the drive. We had a lot of fun finding the various constellations. I am glad I had an expert in the car with me.

Today, one of my old mission companions and I drove down to Spring City to visit some friends. I tell you what...the older I get...the more I realize the importance of maintaining friendships. They are some of the few things that you will take with you on this journey we call life.

Finally...last Saturday, a bunch of the Lifferth cousins got together and we had a rousing game of Dodgeball. It was one of the most fun nights I have ever had. For those who missed out on it...I am truly sorry. I have said it before and I will say it again...I have one fantastic family.

Well that's it for now...but I am going to attempt to be more diligent in my blogging ways. If you gain nothing from this blog but one modicum of knowledge...know this: If you are a male...stay away from trying to polka-dot your own mugs.

It's Called SWINE Flu

I find myself sitting over here in Scotland, watching the rain beat down on the window of the apartment, and watching "Mars Attacks" on TV. There really isn't much to choose from on TV tonight.

I was reading the news earlier, about everything going on in America, (my condolences to all of you for the media frenzy I am sure is still centering around the Balloon Boy), and realized that something is really bothering me about the news: The "H1N1" Virus.

From what I have read, people, specifically The Media, stopped referring to it as "Swine" Flu because it was apparently offensive to certain cultures. Swine isn't considered Kosher.

Well guess what! Neither is a disease that kills people.

I guess it really irked my ire because everyone ELSE in the world refers to it as the Swine Flu. Airports back and forth on these continents have huge signs talking about washing hands so you don't get or pass the Swine Flu. Government issued pamphlets call it Swine Flu. The news agencies talk about the Swine Flu. Everyday people call it Swine Flu.

No one ever refers to it as H1N1, and when I asked a local about it, he thought it was the stupidest thing he had ever heard.

Way to go Media...make us look stupid again. Thanks.

I've Lost My Swing

It's true...I haven't been on here in a while. It isn't for lack of events happening in my life. On the contrary, I have been quite active in the last few weeks. I had three weeks off from my last trip to Scotland, in which I was able to go to two different weddings for cousins, one in Utah and one in Colorado. I played a ravishing game of Kickball with some fantastic cousins, and Scott came into town for a whirlwind 72 hour free-for-all Fun Fest.

I also, thanks to a dear friend of mine, once again took hand to club and started down one of my addictive paths, and started playing golf again, and found that I had lost my swing.

For those of you who may not know, or haven't had the pleasure of knowing me for more than 3 or 4 years, there was a time that Golf was my obsession. I wasn't a fanatical die-hard by any means...but I certainly was a fan. I even bought Golf Magazine...and read it!

But the confounded game wasn't always something I enjoyed. The first time that I really took the time to play the game was only because one of my mission companions made me promise I would try it when I got home from Russia. So, according to my word to him, a few months after getting home, I went out, bought a cheap set of clubs and played a round. It wasn't awful.

But I didn't love it either.

The only thing I took away from that game was an immense satisfaction in driving the golf cart. That was the sole provider for fun that day. It happened to be the crux that got me to play again.

A few weeks after that first foray into the fairway, a close friend called me up and asked me to go golfing with him and two other guys. I reluctantly agreed that I would join them, but only on the agreement that I get to drive the cart. That was acceptable.

The game was okay. But still not drawing me in.

Fast forward a few more weeks and the same group of friends need a fourth player. I dragged my feet, but still ended up going. It was on this round that IT happened. I found my swing.

Despite this event happening over 12 years ago, I can still picture it as though it happened yesterday. I could take you to the spot and show you what happened; however, since I am in Scotland and you probably aren't, allow me to paint a picture.

Nestled at the base of Payson Canyon is a golf course called Gladstan. I remember as a youth, the big to-do around town that was the creation of this golf course. I had never really visited it as a child...but once I got hooked on golf...I found out how beautiful this course really is. It wraps up and down the canyon, surrounded by wilderness and prosperity on both sides. It has some pretty challenging holes, and a few that are straight and simple.

Hands down...this is my favorite course. And this is the reason why:

Hole number three is a dog-leg left (curves around to the left), with a large water hazard (pond) running along the left-side, and the driving range blanketing the right. It is a fairly wide fairway, and on that day, the flag was set right in the middle of the green.

Up to this point in my play, I had never done anything extraordinary. This time really wasn't going to be an exception, because frankly, my expectations weren't there.

But as in the past, I set my stance, addressed the ball, took a deep breath, and while slowly letting it out, pulled back and released my full swing.

And I saw a perfect drive. Now it by no means went all the way to the green...few people in the world could have done that. However, this drive was a perfect, straight arch, landing exactly where I had wanted it to go. It was in the middle of the fairway...but it wasn't the landing that amazed me. It was the flight. The course the ball took from its stationary resting place on my tee, through the air, with mountains as a backdrop, and its eventual landing and continuous roll down the fairway to rest in a perfect line with the flag.

That was all it took...I was hooked. Since then, I have been chasing that perfect drive, hoping to achieve it once more. Trying to find my swing.

And each time I do...I want it again.

So for many years...I was a regular out on the golf course. I soon found that this was a sport that, (although I didn't exactly excel at), I was quite proficient at it. I soon upgraded my ShopKo clubs to a more powerful, (and more pricey), set of graphite shafts. I went as often as possible, and even, at one point, shot a sub-par game on the back 9 of Hobble Creek Golf Course, without cheating.

But then I stopped. There really wasn't a reason for this conclusion. It wasn't as though I made a decision to stop golfing. I just didn't get out anymore. Life got busy...I got a new job...moved to California...adjusted to that life...then almost as quickly, moved back to Utah, where I once again readjusted my life. I threatened many times to take it up again...but never did. With all that lack of practice...I had lost my swing. I just didn't realize it.

All this leads up to about 3 weeks ago when my good friend Jonathan calls up and says, "We're going golfing...meet me at East Bay."

I won't lie...I was reluctant...but I went. And I am glad I did. I remembered why I love the game. But I also learned that I couldn't play very well.

My first round of 18 holes, I shot a 110. Over the next two weeks, I played about 7 rounds of 18. My last round, I shot a 92.

I'm starting to see glimpses of my swing.

It is a game that can never be won. Only played. Sure, you can win a competition, or against another player. But Golf is the one sport where you are eternally competing against yourself, and never going to win. It forces you to look at yourself and your actions honestly, with only you to offer condemnation or praise.

A physically strong person can crush incredible drives from the Tee Box and look all impressive. However, a paltry Body-By-Gilligan, with his head on straight, can still win the hole. Golf is a game that is 80% mental...and only 20% physical. If your mind is distracted, you will never play well. The course of your game, often reflects, (quite accurately), the course of your life.

I had the joy of going out with a couple of my cousins and friends. My cousin Craig had seen his swing on only his second and third attempts. I remember walking up to the 5th hole of Hobble Creek, with him and thinking, "Ah Crap...another sport that he is going to be better at than me."

A few days later, I witnessed Scott find his swing as he nailed a perfectly legitimate Birdie. While he raced around the green, screaming with excitement, all the while tearing his shirt off, I thought to myself, "He's hooked."

I remember a time where if someone were to ask me, "what are you passionate about?", I would have responded with "Golf".

However, the last few years, if someone were to ask me where my passions lie...I don't think I could have honestly answered the question with any confidence.

It's curious that this time period also seems to correspond with my lack of inspiration and desire for writing.

Interesting.

Maybe I can re-find my swing...and not just for golf.

Just Fun

I came across this video the other day and it was just awesome. This is what it is like to actually live life. You can tell that these people really care about their friends getting married and want them to have the best day ever. And the bride is obviously just, plain happy.
When was the last time you did something....just for fun?

Don't get so caught up in trying to get to the next meeting, or making the next appointment, that you forget to live life. Once in a while...do something different. It's ok...it's healthy.

Never Cease To Be Amazed

Today was awesome! My eyes were open to more wonders of Scotland. I had the chance to eat an egg salad sandwich while sitting on a bench placed on a street/courtyard, that was cobbled out by humble peasants in the early 1200's. Not only that, but I was also in the shadow of a stone rotunda that was built almost 500 years ago!




I know what you are thinking...because I am thinking the same thing:

Who knew...that Scotland had egg salad sandwiches???

We Are, We Are...The Youth of The Nation

My cousin Hyrum recently graduated from high school. He wrote this a short while ago, and I want to share it with you. (I hope he doesn't mind) If this is the caliber of our Nation's Youth, then I have a lot more hope for the future:

"The following is my response to the Glen Beck article entitled "An Open Letter to our Nation's Leadership" which is a letter written by a lady in Arizona. Go to Glen Beck's website to read the letter.I am eighteen years old and I love my country. For as long as I can remember I have always intended to dedicate my life to the service of my country: both through the military and simply as an American citizen that is involved in politics. The thought of wearing the American flag on the shoulder of my uniform has always filled me with pride because of what the flag represents. The stars and stripes alone mean nothing. Without the Constitution they are just pieces of cloth sewn together forming an outdated, but still attractive looking, logo. As I prepare to start my own life in these uncertain times, I have come to realize that it is my responsibility to take action. I can not sit back and hope other people will do something. I can no longer depend on those who have been elected, they are far too concerned with what is best for their career to worry about what is best for America. I know that I, Hyrum Byers, must stand up and defend the Constitution. I must make my voice heard. I must ensure that the stars and stripes always stand for freedom and justice. I must fight for a “government of the people, by the people, [and] for the people” and withstand a government that ignores the people. I am ready, and so are other members of my generation. You, the members of the older generations whom we deeply respect, can sleep easier tonight because you do not stand alone in defending the Constitution. We will support you. We will stand beside you. We will not abandon the principles that our fathers, grandfathers, and founding fathers fought and died to defend. We will never back down. We will never give up the fight. We will give speeches, write letters, publish articles, hold rallies, peacefully demonstrate, and most importantly vote. Whatever it takes, we will be ready. God is with us, He will support us because we are standing to defend that which He established through the sacred blood of the American patriots. I thank the author of this letter who so eloquently said what our leaders so desperately need to hear. This is a start, it is now up to all of us to see that these words do not fall on deaf ears. We can not let the stars and stripes become a haunting reminder of what America once was--we can not and will not. May God be with us all."

28 Days

I returned home from Scotland about 4 weeks ago. I decided to see how much fun I could squeeze in while I had some time off. So this is a summary of what I have been up to these last few weeks:
First of all, I made a quick trip down to Southern California to see my former Seminary students. It was seriously one of the most fun things I have ever done. I really miss those kids. It was fantastic to see them again. My friend Jamie came with me and we also hit the beach.

After getting back from California...wait, let me rephrase that: 5 HOURS after getting back from California, I found myself crawling into the backseat of my sister Bridgett's car. She and her husband Rory were heading up to Spokane, WA to visit our sister Gretchen and her family. Bridgett and Rory were kind enough to let me ride along. We spent a fantastic week up there visiting. We were able to see the largest Radio Flyer Wagon I have ever seen, along with all the beauty of the Spokane area. Plus I have some of the greatest nieces ever.





When I got back from Spokane, I had a few days to catch up on things like laundry and sleep. I did take a Wednesday evening to go spend with my old mission companion Scott. We had a great time out on the town in Downtown Salt Lake.

But then I was off again with Jamie down to Moab. There is a group of guys from Moab that started an annual trip each summer called, "The Massive Moab Trip". They invite more and more people every year. One of Jamie's roommates is engaged to one of the original organizers, so we went with them. There was river rafting, hiking and a huge BBQ to finish it off. It was a fantastic weekend.
After Moab, I spend the next week doing the following:

Monday was a lunch meeting with my buddies in the Man Trust, where we discussed such important matters as: dressing for success, what it takes to make yourself known in the business world, and which buffalo wing flavor is the best at Wingers. That was followed by a viewing of "Year One".
Don't bother.

Tuesday we were at the Midnight Showing of the new Transformers movie.
Do bother.

Wednesday I made a random trip to Cedar City and back.
Thursday I went mountain biking with my cousins Craig and Jen and her kids up beautiful Provo Canyon.
Friday morning I bonded with my parents. While most kids will spend time with their parents over lunch or some other meal, I spent the morning shooting guns with both my Mom and my Dad. Dad just got a new Springfield 9 mm, which is VERY cool. I'm jealous. My Mom wanted me to make sure that I mentioned what a good shot she was. Seriously though...I was pretty impressed at how good of a shot she was. We went out to West Mountain, which is pictured here.
I finally beat Nintendo's Super Mario Galaxy.
Finally, that afternoon, I went searching for a moose with my buddy Jon, and when we couldn't find it, we spent the rest of the evening playing Guitar Hero.
Finally on Saturday, I went down to the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti. I can happily say that this was the first time I ever made it through the whole thing without falling asleep. It was amazing.


So...what did you do in the last 4 weeks?