Scottish Showers, Spanish Cartoons, and Speed Reading

        “Hey, I read your last blog post about commuting to work by bike.  Are you still doing it?”  I have been asked this question a couple of times since my last post by friends and family that I had no idea were reading our blog (and yes, I am still commuting to work by bike three times a week).  It is because of this new public accountability that I have been hesitant to write about a couple of my new ventures, but one of the objectives of this blog is to get outside of my comfort zone.  What is more effective than spending large amounts of money on courses, trainings, or memberships?  Going public and telling people about your goal(s) is one of the best ways to become and remain motivated to achieve goals.  We are social beings.  Peer pressure isn’t something that just affects us as teenagers. Here are three things I have started in order to be better.

#1.  Taking a Scottish Shower everyday.  A Scottish Shower is when you begin with hot water, but the last part of the shower is in cold water.  I have been doing this every day for the last 5 months (I missed 2 days when I was sick).  I started this practice shortly after reading an article on lifehacker.com about the benefits of cold showers.  I couldn’t handle straight cold.  Then I came across a related article about the Scottish Shower; also called the James Bond shower.  It is believed that the author of the 007 novels included the tidbit about the secret agent’s hygiene as a nod to Bond’s Scottish heritage.  Some of the health benefits include: improved circulation, faster metabolism, improved sleep, healthier skin and hair, speedier recovery from workouts, and increased energy.  Having a 2 year old and 3 month old and without the benefit of coffee or other stimulants, I have particularly enjoyed the increased energy.

This guy stayed cool in every situation, including the shower.

        #2.  Watching cartoons in Spanish.  One of the new cartoons that my daughter enjoys watching is called Go, Diego, Go!.  Diego is cousins with Dora, and he takes his pet Jaguar on adventures to save other animals and the environment (I don’t know what’s more ridiculous: that an 8 year old has a pet Jaguar or that this is my favorite modern cartoon).  Besides speaking English and Spanish, he is also able to speak to all of the animals.  It is amazing how politically correct cartoons are today.  We are long past the days of Bugs Bunny going hunting and explosives blowing up Wylie Coyote.  I could probably dedicate a whole blog post on the differences between cartoons when I was a kid and cartoons today.  Anyways, in every episode Diego chants “Al rescate amigo, to the rescue my friend”.  It struck me that we should just watch the show in Spanish.  Ironically, for being a network that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism, Nick does not offer their shows in Spanish.  Fortunately Disney does offer their shows in Spanish.  So we have been watching Sophia in Spanish ever since.  My daughter gets to learn a new language, I get to brush up on a language I learned over 10 years ago, and I get to feel a little less guilty about exposing her to TV because I’m really just introducing her to another culture.  At least that’s what I tell myself. 

  

  

I long for the days of Elmer and Bugs!

        #3.  Speed reading.  I listened to a podcast with a “brain coach” named Jim Kwik who specializes in helping others improve memory and increase reading speed and retention. When asked what superpower he most wanted, Bill Gates replied, “Being able to read super fast.”  Also sharing the stage, Warren Buffet added that he had probably wasted 10 years of his life due to reading slow.  I did a cursory google search and found several programs available ranging in price from $500 to a free e-book.  I decided to invest $35 on an online course through Udemy called Superlearner.  The stated objective of the course is to help a person double or triple their reading time.  The average American can read 200-250 wpm (words per minute).  I am at 290 wpm with a retention level of 90%.  I am only two weeks into the course, but the goal is to get to 900 wpm with 90% retention.  The focus to this point has been on increasing the ability to memorize using vivid images and creating markers while reading.

Forget the connotation of fire a brimstone, damnation really means a lack of progress.  Just think about the effect a dam has on a river; it blocks the flow of water.  I don’t want to be dam(n)ed.  Ultimately I want to be 1% better today than I was yesterday.  Some of my goals might seem silly to you, but hopefully it has made you do some introspection.  Maybe it’s running that first marathon, learning a new language, or learning to cook a certain dish.  Go public and let’s break down dam(n)s together. 

-JLM

Dumbledore

I was supposed to have this post written many days ago. The reason I've been dragging my feet is because I've been feeling kind of heavy and weighed down, and not just by the Klondike Bars I have packed in my freezer. I've been feeling like this planet is maxing out on mean people doing mean stuff to others.  With so much tragedy on the news, my mind has been preoccupied with fear and worry. 

There is certainly a lot of sad things, but there's also always hope and light.  Dumbledore absolutely nailed it when he said, "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."  So here's a post that serves no purpose other than to remind me of a few of the lighter and brighter things in life.  Lighten up Francis, and cling to the things that bring you peace.

Family: Over the 4th of July Holiday, we had the opportunity to all get together and celebrate America in our hometown of Idaho Falls.  There were five children ages 2 and under.  It was madness.  The most glorious, heavenly, perfectly imperfect madness. 

LOL: If laughter is a powerful medicine, then baby I'm addicted.  When we got together for the 4th we spent a side-splitting evening watching some Jim Gaffigan stand-up. So therapeutic  Michael and I also turn to Brian Regan, Modern Family, and Wreck It Ralph when we are looking for a good laugh. 

 

Coconut Brownies: Eating is an activity necessary for sustaining life, so it might as well be fun, right?  I've been trying to treat my body good for the most part, but oh how I do love indulgences.  If you want your tastebuds to sing, I dare you to add some coconut extract to your plain old boxed
brownie mix.  You're welcome.

Kindness of Strangers: I was absolutely terrified the other day when I realized I had to go to the DMV with my two tiny sidekicks.  It was something I was majorly stressing about, but a few kind strangers totally saved my bacon.  Every single door I approached was held open by someone seeing that I was coming through with my tank, I mean double stroller.  Something so simple made such a difference in my experience.  Even an elderly gentleman with a significant limp went out of his way to help me get through the doorways with ease.  I also think the lady with the super long green fingernails that assisted me was by far the most cheerful DMV employee I ever did see.  She was quick, kind, and helpful.  This mundane errand was made a little brighter by people that chose to be nice.

Taylor Swift:  I've been a Swiftie since the "Tim McGraw" days.  Yeah, she has a few angry songs, but it feels so good.  I'm even getting better at strumming some "Bad Blood" on my guitar so now I can annoy my husband and children relentlessly without needing the radio or Youtube. Hey! (By the way, should I be offended that my almost 2 year old always "shhh's me when I'm belting out some tunes in the car?)

Prayer/Meditation:  This one is a no-brainer and the most important.  Being in a good place spiritually is the only way to truly thrive in this life.  Personally, I enjoy talking to my Heavenly Father.  It puts things in perspective.  My husband has taught me a lot about praying in a more sincere and real way. Some of his prayers used to sound comical to me, but now I just admire his ability to have honest conversations with his Creator.


These are just a few things that have helped me banish the dark cloud of doom that sometimes blows in.  What is it the grounds you and helps you keep that light turned on?

Are You Not Entertained?

Darren and I enjoying LeBron

I woke up smelling coffee. Pulling myself off an airport bench in front of Starbucks I remembered where I was: Cleveland, Ohio.

Twelve hours earlier I had been looking at pathology specimens under a microscope in Kennewick, WA. Soon after leaving work, I drove 3.5 hours to Seattle for a miserable red-eye flight. I needed that airport power nap at 7am EST; it was going to be a long 48 hours.

A couple of years ago, I started making simple sports bets with my brother-in-law Darren. I got lucky on a few so he owed me a few foot rubs and steak dinners. As an alternative to rubbing my feet, I gave him an extensive list of other possible ways to pay up. I deliberately made them unreasonable.

When the Cleveland Cavaliers made the NBA Finals, he told me he wanted to go see LeBron and I, half-jokingly, told him he should take me to pay up. To my utter surprise and elation, he agreed to get my ticket if I got to Cleveland. I booked a flight that night!

Now as I looked out to see a gray and rainy landscape, I spent 30 minutes debating whether or not I had the guts to try and hitchhike. Darren and his friend Uzi (coming from Baltimore) would be in town later in the day with his car, but until then I was without a ride. I chickened out and used “Uber” to get to Kirtland.

I tried to get the local feel for the game from my driver. To my disappointment, he didn’t seem to really understand basketball. I told him I was originally from Idaho and that people sometimes confused that with Iowa or Ohio. He laughed and said, “Man people must be failing at geography man.” I then asked him if he had ever been out west. “Man, I think…I mean, I think like the furthest west I been is like Tennessee.” I changed the subject back to sports.

Standing in front of the Kirtland Temple

I arrived in Kirtland (30 minutes east of downtown) to visit some historical sites for the LDS church. It was a peaceful and fulfilling experience for me, and I was glad I was able to do it. Darren then picked me up and it was off to downtown. Tip off was just hours away. Walking around Cleveland I was impressed with the atmosphere and celebrity sightings, but let’s just say I prefer other cities. An hour before the game, we entered the stadium, got our faces painted, and approached our seats in section 217.

There he was! Even though I was in the upper deck on the other side of the arena, I could tell it was him, the man I had come to see. Next, I looked among the Warriors warming up in the near half. It took a second. I briefly thought the small figure was a ball boy. Then he fired a shot; found him too.

Minutes later, the lights dimmed. I grabbed my complimentary noisemakers and started screaming like a 13-year-old girl at a Taylor Swift concert as the Cavs were introduced for Game 6 of the NBA Finals. It was loud all around, but the atmosphere electrified as the final player was announced, “From St. Vincent/St. Mary, #23, LEEEBRON JAAAAMMMEEESSS!!!!”

I wanted a video on my phone of the introduction, but I also wanted to live the moment live so I restrained. Despite the thousands of #23 jerseys I saw, I knew that there were millions around the country rooting against LeBron. I cannot understand the hate. He is a nice guy, with incredible talent, who is insanely entertaining to watch.

Even though the outcome of the game wasn’t what I had wanted, being there was an experience I will never forget. I was able to live a dream and create incredible memories with my brother-in-law.

I stayed (sneaking past a court side guard) to see the Warriors’ postgame trophy presentation. I stayed because I appreciate greatness; I stayed because I will probably never have that opportunity again.

When I hear people trash LeBron I want to throw my sword, Gladiator style, and yell, “Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained?!! Is this not why you are here?”

My father-in-law told me he didn’t like him. I asked why and he responded, “I just don’t.” I was delighted with his answer! You don't have to buy his shoes, but don’t let your inability to identify why you don’t like him lead you to hate him. I don't particularly like the Green Bay Packers, but I sure admire much about them and I'm happy for my Aunt Cheryl and others when they win.

When I was a boy, my Grandpa Campbell taught me an important lesson about golf. Grandpa taught me to never root against the people with whom I am playing. He explained the game wasn’t played that way. Instead, you cheer for yourself and hope you do better.

I believe all of us would be happier if we applied this to other sports and aspects of life. Don’t hate LeBron, cheer for Steph Curry (recognizing of course the LeBron is the real MVP). More importantly appreciate the show they both put on.

Very rarely in life does something you anticipate, live up to the hype. For me, watching LeBron James in person was one of those few times when my expectations were superseded by reality. For this I say thank you Darren, thank you Steph, and thank you LeBron. I am entertained.

Why I Want a Shower Only Gym Membership

     I turned 30 and we had our second child within a week.  This blog post was supposed to be the 30 things that I want to do in the next 30 years.  I figure listening to Tim McGraw’s “My Next 30 Years” is close enough.  In an attempt to be more efficient, adventurous, healthy, wealthy, and happy, I have started to experiment with a couple of ideas that I have read about in other blogs or heard on podcasts.

      One of the blogs that I have been reading is Mr. Money Mustache.  The blogger is a 30 something year old man, who happens to be retired or as he prefers to say “financially independent".  One of his posts was about the financial and health benefits of commuting to work on a bike. 

     After reading the blog post a couple of times, I made a trip to the local bike shop.  I spent 20 minutes talking to an employee.  He suggested a couple of books and some possibilities for different bikes. He also had me take one out for a spin.  The next 3 weeks were spent researching.  What I discovered was that a.) lots of people are commuting to work by bicycle, and the number is increasing every year  b.) you do NOT have to wear spandex  c.) you don’t have to live in Portland  d.) the cost of the bike can vary from $400 to $5000.  After letting enough time pass to make sure this was not an impulse decision, I ordered my bike.

(Notice: no spandex needed to ride)     

Besides the 2 weeks after my son’s birth, I have been riding 3 times a week to work.  Throughout the last 6 weeks I have learned by trial and error.  The first night I rode home was nerve racking. I had the blinking LED lights to be seen by other drivers, but no head light to see in front of me.  A trip to the bike store and forty dollars later, problem solved.  Where to park my bike was the next issue.  This was quickly resolved when the store manager showed me a secure spot in the receiving area of the store. Apparently he is somewhat of a bike enthusiast and has gone out of his way to help me. 

     Another obstacle was the 2 miles riding on 17th St which is the busiest street in Idaho Falls and not particularly bike friendly.  My wife suggested there might be an alternative route that would be less dangerous (a little embarrassing that I didn’t figure this out on my own).  After spending a half hour pouring over Google Maps, I found a route that eliminates 17th St with the added benefit of reducing my commute time by 5 minutes. 

     My current dilemma is what to do about the approaching warm weather.  I am concerned that I am going to arrive to work drenched in sweat.  One of the possible solutions I have been kicking around is asking the gym located behind my work if they have a “shower only” membership.  I doubt it, but it is worth a try. 

     I have listed some of the challenges not to intimidate or discourage.  Quite the opposite, I feel that having resolved each issue I have had greater pleasure on my rides to work.  The health benefits of biking are obvious.  Financial benefits are more subtle.  If you figure that each mile driven costs approximately $0.50 ( the IRS 2015 figure is actually $0.575), my daily commute is 10 miles, and there are 240 working days in a given year.  That adds up to a potential cost savings of $1200 a year.  I won’t be biking all 240 working days due to weather, kids, and general laziness.  My goal is to bike 3 out of 5 days over the next year.  That is a savings of $720 this year, which would pay for my bike.  Other millennial bloggers might emphasize the environmental impact of not driving a car.  That is not why I choose to bike.  My reasons are self centered.

     Ultimately my goal is not to convince you to buy a bike and ride to work.  What provides a fulfilling and worthwhile life is trying new things and continuously learning.  My 86-year-old grandpa exemplifies this.  After stating his desire to draw, his daughters surprised him with art lessons for his birthday a couple of years ago.  He has set up a make shift art studio in his basement where he makes paintings for his children and grandchildren.  Too often I read articles or listen to podcasts and think, “That sounds kind of neat.  Maybe one day I should try that.”  My goal is to quit dreaming and start doing.

- Jared Moore

(This is the painting that my Grandpa Moore made for me last year.  It is a constant reminder to never stop learning.)

What I Wish More Than Anything

( Yes, I'm aware of the gaping hole in my daughter's nylons.  We'll call it her "rocker chic" church look and not dwell on it too long.) 

Last Friday night was much like any other around our home.  It was time for our typical date night in, meaning we put the littles to bed and then gorge on junk food and watch a Redbox.  Glamorous, no?  This particular night I think my Michael had some guilt over how much NBA basketball finals I’ve been subjected to lately, which is why he chose ­Into The Woods, which he knew I was interested in watching.  I mean, I love LeBron James as much as the next person, but seeing his mug on my television night after night does get a bit repetitive.  Sometimes a girl just needs some singing Johnny Depp in her life.  I’ve seen Into the Woods as a play before when I was younger and I vaguely remembered some of the darker themes, but upon watching it this time I had a few realizations.  I didn’t particularly love the movie, but I do think it’s a metaphorical gold mine for my mind. 

If you’ve never seen it, Into the Woods is a tale where classic favorites like Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Cinderella are all smooshed into one tale that takes a dark turn.  The woods become a dangerous place where happy endings aren’t always as they appear. The characters become disenchanted with everything they worked so hard to achieve and must deal with the difficult consequences of their choices.  They got everything they wished for, but still weren't satisfied with the results.  The woods became a deceitful place in which the characters can lose themselves if they're not careful.

I think these same stories take place every single day.  I clearly love the internet community muchx like many of my peers, but I do believe that it can quickly become a dark woods where we can become disenchanted with the reality of our own happy endings. I’m at a wonderful place in my life right now.  I have everything that I wished for, but why do I let my mind become enticed with the sparkle dust of someone else’s happily ever after.  That single girl exploring the world sure looks like she’s having fun, their marriage seems so exciting, that house is amazing, his job looks like a dream come true…..My sparkle dust is just a shiny as anyone else’s though.  I think it's critical to make your favorite fairytale be your own, no matter what place in life you are at. Although social media is a great place to interact with many different characters you admire, it is just a moment in the woods.  My character sometimes faces dragons (screaming toddler), giants (financial concerns), or being locked in a tower (twelve hour night shifts), but these things mold my character and help me appreciate the moments when I am riding off into the sunset.

So what I wish more than anything is a greater appreciation for the now.  The sometimes mundane, yet magical parts of life that make it beautiful and unique. Keeping my mind out of the woods and focused on my own daily triumphs is what's going to make my ending the happiest ever after it can be.    

My First Code

“Code Blue, room 3012. Code Blue, room 3012.” After only eight days of rotating as a medical student in the hospital, I had already developed a keen ear for that ominous call over the loudspeaker. I was with Dr. T as we had just entered another patient’s room when she calmly announced, “That’s our patient.”

I hesitated for just one moment to see if she would direct me to stay on the second floor, away from the chaos. When I saw her walking upstairs purposefully but composed, I realized that I was about to experience my first code.

The patient was a 63-year-old homeless man. Earlier in the day, we had been requested by a nurse to return to his room. A friend had brought him in, but no one knew of any family and the friend had not returned to visit.

 As we entered the room I saw a disheveled man with a long gray beard, his mouth wide open revealing a white coating in the back of his throat. He was gasping for air as tubes and wires danced all over his body. His eyes were opened unusually wide and, although he could not communicate in any way, he fixed his gaze on the person who spoke.

Dr. T discussed the case with an ICU doctor in the room while I quickly tried to remember the specific treatments for fungal pneumonia and which part of the brain stem houses the respiratory center. I couldn’t concentrate though; I kept on looking at the patient. As I watched his nurse kindly try to comfort him, I had a strong impression that I was witnessing a man in his final moments of life. All of the physiology and microbiology suddenly seemed less important as I realized this man was probably going to die soon.

The other doctors and nurses seemed concerned, but didn’t know what to do. Without knowing his wishes or those of family, it was impossible to know how aggressive they should be in treatment. Consequently, the medical decisions continued as normal. More imaging was ordered and a bed was to be prepared in the intensive care unit.

Now, as I approached room 3012 for the code blue, I discovered a completely different scene. I grabbed a precautionary surgical mask specially designed to protect from tuberculosis and entered a small hospital room filled with doctors and nurses. I tried to settle into a corner so that I could watch without getting in the way.

The patient was now lying flat on the bed with his body completely exposed and naked as a strong nurse’s aid pushed forcefully on his chest. His eyes, that had been so open and scared earlier in the day, were now rolled back and not moving.

I tried to count all of the people in the room, but couldn’t keep it straight in the chaos. I thought about 20. After what seemed to be hours of compressions and IV pushes of medications, I found myself somehow to have been pushed to the bedside. Someone asked if I would step in. Without thinking about it I was suddenly standing over a man who was dying, shoving my palm into his chest, while everyone in the room alternated their gaze between the patient and the monitor.

After a dozen different chest compressions I finally realized what I was doing, but it didn’t scare me. I don’t know why it didn’t. Maybe it was because pushing on his chest felt surprisingly similar to the dummies I had practiced on in a quiet, air-conditioned room at my school. Maybe it was because I sensed that it was probably too late for him. Maybe it was because, in my heart, I wanted him to die.

I knew his quality of life would be even worse if he survived. Furthermore, my strong conviction of a loving God and the eternal nature of man steered me closer to hope than fear. So in my heart and mind, I wanted him to die. Nevertheless, the lack of emotion kind of bothered me. Was I a cold hearted and jaded physician already?

After a few minutes someone relieved me and I stood back and observed the other people in the room. I could sense something as I looked at their faces; they wanted him to die too. Despite all of this, the compressions, the meds, and the shocks and any other means to keep him alive kept coming. He had some electrical activity at times, but no pulse and no movements. After rounds of repeated attempts Dr. T finally told another doctor she was going to call it. After nearly 30 minutes, she calmly said, “Okay. Let’s call it. Time, 15:22.”

Then, almost as quickly as people had arrived on scene, the room emptied out. I was left standing with Dr. T and the two nurses who had cared for him. One nurse closed the patient’s eyes. I washed my hands and stood quietly. Suddenly the other nurse began to cry. It surprised me. She was the tougher looking nurse. She was young, had multicolored hair, a nose ring, and looked more like a bartender than a nurse.

Dr. T gave her a hug and began to explain how his condition was only getting worse and it was okay for him to go. Then the nurse said something I will never forget. “I know,” she said through tears, “we just really liked him.”

The newly deceased man had never spoken to anyone in the hospital and no one knew anything about him besides the labs that showed up in the computer. Yet, this nurse said she really like him.

I don’t know if it was harder or easier to see my first death knowing that there was no family to whom we would have to break the bad news. But I did take comfort in that nurse’s words. I liked him too.

-Kyle Von

 A "surgical selfie" in December 2014, with a different patient who also a grim prognosis. It should be noted that I'm locked in a bathroom, ashamed that I was actually taking a selfie. My wife requested it.

Part 2 of the Great States Battle

The great Washington vs. Idaho vs. Utah debate continues this week...

 

Activities:

NC: Utah is a wonderland of outdoor recreation. Those mountains are good for a whole lot more than helping me figure out which direction is East, kids. Or if the outdoors aren’t your cup of tea, how about kicking it with Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman at the Sundance Film Festival.  Personally, I’m a fan of cheering on my Utah Jazz or listening live to the world renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  Growing up we always used to make special trips to Utah for some real shopping and dining. Utah is even the birthplace of Cafe Rio.  Do I even need to go on?    

 

 

JM:  Brangelina, ha!  I don’t see them getting invited to meet up with billionaire investor Warren Buffet and all of his other influential friends in Sun Valley.

KM: Did someone say billionaire? Yeah Mr. Gates lives up the road a little. And Nat, how is that seafood coming out of your big lake down there? Seattle has world-class food.

NC: Along with a lot of third-world food.

KM: There is a reason that the population of Washington is greater than Utah and Idaho combined...people want to live here! Washington is great from the majesty of Mount Rainier to the quirkiness of Pike’s Market to the water activities afforded by the confluence of the Snake, Columbia and Yakima Rivers. We also boast a Super Bowl champion team and I get to see Mike Trout (the Tom Brady of baseball) each year when he visits the Mariners.

 

JM:  China’s population is 1.3 billion people.  The population of the U.S. is 0.3 billion.  That’s 1 billion (say that in your best Dr. Evil voice) more.  Full disclosure, I have never been to China, but my gut feeling is that it is not 1 billion times more fun than the United States.  Idaho is less populated, that just means more space to roam.  World famous fishing and hunting, ski resorts, Craters of the Moon, Boise State football, a nationally ranked 4th of July firework show, and “people watching” at fairs are some of our favorite things.

 

Culture:

JM:  If you’re looking for diversity, well Idaho is probably not the place for you.  I will say that most of our population is hard working, honest, and kind.  My wife spent most of her childhood years in Ohio.  She has frequently told me how much she enjoys being able to strike up a conversation with a random stranger in the grocery store (apparently this would be looked down upon in some places).

KM: For better or worse, Washington is definitely the most diverse of these western gems. The left (West) side of the state is liberal and the right (East) side of the state is conservative. We also boast a large migrant population that brings fun customs and food. The LDS population is also large enough where I don’t feel like an alien, but some of the negatives of “Mormon culture” are curbed. In general Washingtonians are educated, accepting, and active.

NC: Of course there are a lot of white Mormons in Utah, but it really isn’t a bad thing.  Pot-luck party central baby! I love the friendliness and strong sense of community felt here. If you want culture, spend a Saturday at the Walmart in Ogden.  Or just go to Salt Lake City. 

Driving

KM: Did you guys just include this category to make me feel good about Washington? I mean the only negative of driving here is that when you go to Seattle you have to look at Obama/Biden bumper stickers. (You thought I was going to say something about traffic, huh?)

JM: Let’s be honest if you took away the 1J drivers we would be sitting pretty.  For all of those non-Idahoans let me explain something great about our state.  We put the county that a person resides in on their license plate i.e. 1J stands for Jefferson County, 8B Bonneville, 1A Ada.  If an idiot cuts you off, you can see where he is from.  If you see they are from 1J, you are going to let it go because you know that is not their fault.  It would be like getting mad at a foreigner for not understanding English.

KM: I do miss knowing which county someone is from. Even 8B drivers pale in comparison to the compassionate and law-abiding drivers of Washington. I mean, you have to be more cautious when you share the road with so many bicyclists.

NC: The truth is that it’s a dog eat dog world out there and our roadways are here to prepare you for this inevitable life fact.  Do you have to drive fast to avoid being tailgated? Yes. And do you have to exert a little fortitude when navigating rush hour? Yes.  But this is the kind of stuff that will grow chest hair on you.   Ok I’m definitely losing this one, but at least our public transportation system rocks.  There’s even free Wi-Fi!

JM:  There is only one thing worse than seeing a 1J driver in front of you, and that is someone with a Utah license.

NC: Newsflash Idaho, I’ve never been late to work because I was stuck behind a tractor.

Politics:

JM:  Senator Larry Craig tapping his foot in a men’s bathroom in an airport in Minnesota to solicit sexual favors, Senator Mike Crapo DUI, and Governor Butch Otter allowing Harley Brown and Walt Hayes to join in a debate that is so ridiculous it honestly had me thinking it was a SNL clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EocFjwaJNw0  I guess that’s what happens when you live in a state where one political party has complete control.  In true political fashion I will just have to fling mud at the other states.

KM: Well if Idaho is creepy and lopsided, Washington can boast it is revolutionary. It has been the leader in legalizing things like physician-assisted suicide, marijuana, same-sex marriage, some weird gun laws, and a high minimum wage. Wow, this isn’t going well for me. Utah, you would have to really screw this one up.

NC: Well that was easy, I win!!  Can you ever really win in the subject of politics though?  Truth is, I'm no expert in this matter.  We did have a state senator in our old church ward though, and he seemed like a nice enough guy.

JM: When I start feeling down about the complete incompetence and/or corruption in Idaho I just have to read about Seattle electing a Communist to their city council.

We all agree that we are blessed to live in a great part of the word. As you can see, all of our states have some strengths and weaknesses. Let us know who you side with for the categories by using the comment box below.