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?

A Plug For Charity

On June 27th, my brother Gabe is participating in a 75 mile bike ride to help raise money for Multiple Sclerosis, which his wife Julene suffers from. If you've got an extra dollar or two lying around with no plans to use it and would like to invest in some good karma, here's your chance. Go here to donate.

Holy Crap! It's Lifferth!

I bet you are thinking that this is going to be an in-depth dissertation on the origins of the Lifferth last name. Well, it's not. The title comes from one of my seminary students.

Let me explain:

Friday (yesterday), was the last day of Seminary down in Orange County. The Supervisor invited me to come down and surprise my students from last year with a visit. So I and a friend went down on Thursday, and surprised my students from last year on Friday morning. When I walked into the class, one of them turned and looked at me and exclaimed:

"Holy Crap! It's Lifferth!"

It was really good to see all of them! I was so happy to see how many of them are still going to seminary, and all of them remembered me and were happy to see me.

My traveling companion and I had a great time visiting Balboa Island, eating expensive cupcakes with a friend, walking the piers, and boogie boarding at Huntington Beach...not to mention the fantastic road trip. Pictures will be coming, I promise.

However, here is a picture depicting everywhere I have been in the last 7 days...that's right, one week:

Scotland -> Amsterdam -> Detroit -> Salt Lake -> Provo -> Cedar City -> Orange County -> Cedar City -> Provo -> Spokane.

And Then Back Again

So where is Zach this week? Well, here is a quick synopsis of my latest week.
First of all, I spent one more week in Aberdeen Scotland after visiting Loch Ness. Aberdeen really is a cool town that probably gets overlooked all the time with everything else that Scotland has to offer.
This is evidenced by the fact that it is REALLY hard to find any souvenirs there. (Side Note: The most requested item I have been asked for is a kilt...did you know that a kilt costs between $400 and $1000? Yeah...neither did I.)

On Saturday morning I flew out of Aberdeen and headed to Amsterdam! Sadly, I was only able to see the airport.
But it is a pretty cool airport.
Of course, it wouldn't be Amsterdam without the obligatory tulips.
And it wouldn't be a true "Where is Zach" blog without a side profile of the author.
After my adventures there, I was hopping across The Pond to Detroit!
It's always good to step back onto American soil. Or at least layers of concrete, iron, rebar, carpeting/tile, all piled above said American soil.

Detroit was my last stop before heading home to Utah. I have to tell you that I am truly humbled and grateful for the blessing I have had on my last two trips to fly First Class. I never really thought much of it when I didn't know what I was missing out on. Ignorance really is bliss. But the service of the flight attendants was really appreciated.
Finally I was able to see one of my all-time favorite scenes in the world. Flying into Salt Lake.

No really...one of my favorites. If you have ever flown into the airport from the North, just as the sun is setting on the right side of the plane, and you look out over the Great Salt Lake, you will know what I mean. I have been lucky enough to see some of the most beautiful places in the world. But I would contend that there are few natural wonders that can rival the sheer beauty of the sun reflecting the entire sky in the face of that lake, with several mountain ranges cascading over each other into the horizon.
I wish I could take credit for this picture...but that belongs to this artist.
But it is good to be home. I look forward to hanging out here in Utah for AT LEAST 4 days before jumping the state again.
While I am here, I did get to go another of my favorite places:

This is J-Dawgs. If you like hot dogs and you live near Provo, you HAVE to try this place. Call me if you need directions and someone to go with you. And Thank You Hayley for inviting me!

On a final note, I saw something that made me glad I was an American while I was in Amsterdam. Located all throughout the airport are these kiosks to collect money for various charities. I noticed that consistently, all of the kiosks had far more American Dollars than any other currency. A lot of people may think we are arrogant and prideful...but no one can deny that whenever someone is in need, the People of America are the first to respond.

State of a Nation part 2

Who Am I? I Don't Know Anymore

Something happened today that has shaken the very foundation of my identity. I no longer know if I am who I thought I was. It seems I don't know which way is up, or how to get out...or even how to put on my socks anymore.

Ok...breath...Here's what happened.

I was sitting in church, minding my own business, when a nice Scottish gentleman comes up and introduces himself. I introduced myself, and in a thick Scottish brogue, he said, "Ahh...Lifferth! Now tha's a good Irish name if ever I heard one!"

Family...we really need to sort this out and find out the answer to this question.

It can't be true, can it? How would that explain my love of sauerkraut and bratwurst?

What's true anymore???

Loch Ness

Lessons Learned

Oh! So THAT'S why you separate your whites and your colors! Let's just say that some of a certain type of clothing that is popular amongst Mormons, are now the same color as a popular Mormon school.

I would post a picture...but that wouldn't be appropriate.

However, I will post a picture of me from Sunday.
Yep...I'm in Scotland. Also the same place where yesterday I had a Texas Whopper from Burger King.
It wasn't that bad.

That's all.

The State of a Nation

Six ancient hands snapped the flag tight as they drew it from the coffin. With trained precision, these three service men respectfully folded the stars and stripes once again. Struggling to hold the flag with reverence as the elements of the weather howled around them, they prepared this ensign of these United States to be offered in gratitude to the widow of one more hero about to be laid to rest. As the impatient youth of the nation stood anxiously waiting to get out of the cold, these men in their twilight years gave revered homage to a compatriot who had put his life on the line during World War II and lived to tell about it. To them, the understanding of what it means to be free was not lost on the trivialities of the daily grind.

The afternoon quiet was shattered by a rifle salute of 7 service men each firing 3 shots. And just like that, cell phones were turned back on, text messages were fired up, and people scattered to get "some place else". Their memories of these senior soldiers who were attempting to, for just one moment, immortalize the sacrifices of not just this one man...but of all soldiers both past and present, evaporated like a breath of air on a mirror.

Is not this the State of our Nation?

It is no surprise that the United States of America is a nation struggling. Despite the cheery candor of our current president as he bandies himself around the world with a smile and a handshake at the ready, boasting about how this new plan is "ahead of schedule and under budget", and the media circus that surrounds him spinning the news that change is here; take a look at the people around you and ask if things really are improving.

Job loss is at an all-time high, so is inflation. Housing prices continue to plummet and company after company is seeking a stimulus bail out because it is just easier that way.

People who have enjoyed past times of plenty, and taken "advantage" of second and third mortgages so that they could purchase RVs and boats, suddenly find themselves about to face the responsibility of their actions, and they race to the government seeking aid which is being handed out by the bucket loads, hoping to deter the reality that will eventually strike them.

Meanwhile, those who were prudent, bought a reasonable home, a modest car, and maintained a proper budgeting plan, and lived as best they could within their means, now find themselves doing everything they can just to make ends meet...and still shoulder the burden of realization that all this government spending is going to come out of their own personal coffers.

To the best of my research, not one person in the media, the government or any of the "Specialists" who have been called in, have been able to share with us the cause, nor the solution to our current situation. Some may have suggested it within their closed circles, but none are ready to share it.

I will.

We, as a nation, have forgotten our God. No one in any seat of power or influence will acknowledge in an open arena that it is upon the Great Hand of Providence that this Nation has relied on to make it what it is today. It was not just the futile efforts of some men and women that catapulted the history of this nation into the forefront of superpowers. It was the efforts of these men and women AFTER their faith and reliance upon God that made us a Nation of History.

When George Washington first took the office of President of these United States, after humbling recognizing that he was honored and touched by his fellow country men who elected him and their trust in him, the first thing he said to the gathered crowd in his inaugural address was, "it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States...No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which most governments have been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage." (emphasis added)

The United States of America became great because it and the people who lead this nation, acknowledged our Heavenly Father. They expressed gratitude for His blessings both publicly and privately. They were a God-fearing people and KNEW that without Him, they and their efforts were to be lost in the histories of time as a failed attempt at creating something great.

The mindset of our nation today is that we are "Progressive" in our thinking and that it is within OUR power to make changes. We have moved beyond a need for such needless traditions as "religion". In Newsweek last week, a new study showed that the number of people who are willing to admit that they believe in Christianity has dropped by 10% in the last 10 years. The number of atheists and agnostics has increased in droves.

Every person has their opinion regarding the State of the Nation, how we got to where we are, which politician or political groups should be pointed out, scorned and blamed for the situation, and how who has the right idea of how to fix it.

I will tell you right now that the reason for our State of the Nation is because we have forgotten God. He has been taken out of our schools, out of public meetings and places. He has been pushed aside for "progressive" thinking. He has been shunned because this "crutch" is no longer needed.

I promise you that He is needed. Now more than ever before. I am not telling you how to worship, or who to worship or which religion you have to choose. I am telling you that God is out there, and He is waiting for you to find Him.

There is not a single person out there, atheist or believer, who does not cry out to a Higher Power when their life or the lives of their loved ones is in danger.

The life of our Nation is in danger. I am crying out to Heavenly Father because I love this Nation.

God blessed America. I believe He is waiting for us to say, "Thank You."

The Cat in the Kilt?

A lot has happened over the last 2 months. It really isn't possible to sum everything up and still keep your attention...unless I write it all in tribute to Dr. Seuss. So grab a drink, sit back and enjoy "Oh The Places Zach Went"

Oh the places Zach went
Oh the money he spent
To the land of Scotland his work did give him a pass
For the first time ever, his Frequent Flyer status bumped him to First Class
While common folk dined on a half cup of soda and stale peanuts
He devoured Greek Pasta Salad with full service clean ups

When to the home of Scots he finally landed
A rental car to the streets of Aberdeen he was handed
Once before had he down the wrong side driven
That time a heart attack he was almost given
This round he had much more confidence in his ability
In fact he found that to driving in Europe, he had quite the proclivity

His companion on this journey was a man named Ken
This is a man who is heavily into the belief of Zen
All he spoke of was wanting to see a castle
This ended up proving quite a hassle
For weeks numbering two was the original plan
But, "For 21 days you will stay!" exclaimed The Man

The workload was horrendous
And the weather was tremendous
We ate and ate and ate some more
Fish and chips soon became a bore
To spice things up we tried many thing a new
A deep fried sausage, some haggis and other things that would make you spew

But the climax for me, of this wonderful trek-a
Was getting to visit the Golfer's Mecca
One half day we were given to site see
And to St. Andrew's the village we started to flee
This is the place where golf was created
I was so excited, I practically had to be sedated

Scottish Radio had a treat for us as well
They played the same songs as America as far as we could tell
But they only chose 10 to 20 that they felt to play
But each one had a message to say

From Taylor Swift I learned "The Love Story"
Pink was prevalent in all her glory
James Morrison taught me that I can't play on broken strings
Kelly Clarkson's life would suck without me she sings
Lady Gaga brags about having a fantastic poker face
And into the hearts of the Brits has Katy Perry found her place

I saw many a tourist and yet nary any kilts
Though I saw a waiter, (who at 6 foot 9) was probably on stilts
But Scotland came and Scotland went
Or rather it was I who returned after being sent
Back to America I came riding the Class of First
I was so excited, I was ready to burst

But what I wanted most was to be denied for yet another few days
So tired I was, I just stepped through the motions in a haze
It had been over a month since I had a day off
But then my friend who is finishing 2 Graduate Degrees, at me she did scoff
I realized that I probably shouldn't complain
There are others who live a life of much more work and pain

A few days later Cousin Craig called and said we were going camping
On a Wednesday night? Why not, I was only letters stamping
So to Nunn's Park we traveled
Why we were the only ones there? We were baffled
However, the raccoon came to visit our outdoor club
I still think in Micquelle's hair he was seeking a grub
She claims she has exquisite personal hygiene
It was a fantastic trip, but the night was so cold, it rattled my spleen

I realized how lucky I am to randomly camp in the middle of the week
I get to hang out with people who are after fun always seek
Life is not meant to be spent worrying about what might be
Get out there, get out there, there is so much to see

So with a new view on life
I went to the Canyon known as Bryce
My family will trek there on an annual basis
It is by far, one of our favorite places
So much fun is to be had by all
Because our family...is by no means small

My cousin Alicia invited her mate
She knew full well that it was a girl I did once date
Awkward can describe the initial reaction
But our friendship did once again gain traction
We all played softball to prevent any bore
But Dag-Nabit, now we are all sore

Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution were the nightly activities
And also some swimming...but not in our skivvies
I did hop in the hot tub wearing my purple speedo
Poor Karlee nearly barfed up her Cheeto
Pictures and cameras were all over the place
I think to 1000 pictures, did everyone race

Oh such a wonderful trip, we even met our new cousin-in-law Mike
We from Sunset Point to Tropic did hike
My brother and his wife took their own route
But eventually, we all from the canyon got out
In the Ward of Henrieville we did hear from their pulpit
And who brought that potato salad? Did anyone find the culprit?

My sister and her family to Colorado, by way of Payson did travel from Spokane
To see them and visit twice was not the original plan
We thought it would be once that we could bask in their company
However, TWICE we did get to see them, and laughs, there were many
Such wonderful and beautiful girls she has with her and their Dad
Gretchen and Jason themselves also aren't that bad

And so my journey of two months has come to a conclusion
Sometimes I think my life is a dream or illusion
But I have truly been blessed far more than one man could expect
Many wonderful memories I have been able to collect
And now, because my hands are starting to get clammy
I will simply end by saying:

I have The Greatest Family.

I really, truly do.