No more comparison's to George Costanza's wallet

OK, so I probably shouldn't be so paranoid about this issue, but a few years ago, Cathy and I were at dinner with some friends and I pulled out my wallet.  The husband of my colleague on the council and a well respected lawyer in town, started laughing and said my wallet looked like George Costanza's wallet.  I'll have to admit that I really hadn't watched many Seinfeld episodes, so it hadn't fully hit me what he was saying.  However since that time, he hasn't been alone in his assessments and I've increasingly become self conscious about both the appearance and size of my wallet.   Not to mention the physical discomfort in trying to get it out of my pocket. You see, it goes back even further.

I grew up, like any other kid, with my wallet in my back pocket.  However it was while serving on my LDS mission to Japan, and the realization that the Japanese Yen would not fit in my standard back-pocket wallet, I went to a billfold wallet.  It really wasn't a problem, since most of the time, I was wearing a suit coat anyway.  After two years of that, I got to to like the fact I didn't have to sit on it, but when I was dressed casual, it was hard to find a place for the billfold.  One day, I went back to a regular wallet, but refused to put it in my back pocket.  It sort of fit in my suit, or I would put it in my front pocket.  I was not always prompt in taking out my receipts and things tended to grow in it.  I tried to hide it at lunch when I was with friends and everywhere I went, I knew people were likening it to George Costanza's wallet. 

Fast forward to this last August and I was walking through the Outdoor Retailer's show and came across a vendor who proclaimed they had the World's Thinnest Wallet! (http://www.thinnestwallet.com/ - 800-642-2226).  For the show price of $18, I was going to be liberated.  I would literally, not be the butt of any wallet jokes again.  Just to show you how bad it was becoming, I had a meeting with some downtown interest after I purchased the wallet.  While waiting for the meeting to start, I was explaining to one of the gentlemen present, my wallet and about this wallet challenge.  He also didn't really know who George Costanza was, and then in walked Senator Ben McAdams.  Without saying anything to preface it, I held up my old Wallet and asked Ben, "What does this remind you of?" to which he replied, "George Costanza's wallet".

A month has come and gone, I took my new wallet on a 7 day cruise to Alaska.  It fit in many different pockets, including my shirt pocket at times.  I can put it in my suit coat (still don't like sitting on them) but I even put it into my back pocket once.  It holds some receipts, most of the cards I need and even some cash, when I have it.  I'm not quite sure life will ever be the same for me, but I just want you to know that I have the "World's thinnest wallet!"

Link to YouTube Video with the Seinfeld episodes and George Constanza's Wallet.

Sunday in Seattle

While we had intentions to the contrary, Church Services for us today was too far away for us, in order to effectively arrive to the dock in time for our cruise.  In the absence of that opportunity, we decided to hold our own family/church experience here in our hotel room.  While we didn't have the chance to partake of the Sacrament, we did listen to a great talk by President Uchtdorf off my laptop.  Sarah organized everything, including a program, announcements and work assignments.  It more than reminded me of Church and the spirit was present.  I miss being at my own Ward, partaking of the Sacrament, but so grateful for the opportunity of being with my family, soon to be my extended family on board, and to know of my Heavenly Father's love for me and my family.  I was remind of what a great talk President Uchtdorf gave.

I want others to know that I do have a testimony, that giving of my own service to others helps me realize that my lot is not as bad as I would think and that often the answers I'm searching for are in the needs and helping of others.  The most discouraging thing of watching some in public service is watching their selfish reactions and games for political gain.  Instead of trying to find solutions, they look at how to undermine others and so often, I don't see the Christ-like actions I would hope to find.  I'm far from perfect and it reminds me that I have room for improvement.  Others may not be ready to accept the gospel and doctrines in which I believe, but I do want them to know that I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and hoping that one day, my life reflects it.

President Uchtdorf's Talk

Trax - The Opening of the North South Line - Funny Story

I'm going to date myself a little here, but I actually spoke at the grand opening of the North South line of Trax.  I was thinking about this a little today as I get ready to attend the opening of the Mid-Jordan and WVC lines.  I thought I would share a funny experience from it.

It was a very cold morning,and of course those sitting on  the stand, which included Governor Leavitt and others, were sitting with the sun facing us, which made it warmer.  Those in the audience were in the shade,which included my 7 year old daughter and my Mother who was in her 70's.  After we got done with the speeches, we boarded the inaugural train which was going up to the Gallivan Plaza stop and then would come back.  However the last thing I saw as I boarded the train, was my 7 year old Jessica crying because it was so cold, standing next to my mother.  I felt absolutely horrible and just wanted to get back to get her warmed up.  When the train came back, I quickly got off, but couldn't see them anywhere.  I should have realized that my Mom would take care of my daughter, but I began to panic.  There were huge crowds, and of course, everyone wanted to ride the train.  The next train was leaving, and I figured they were on it.  I quickly got on it, to see if I could find them.

Picture this, a Trax train totally packed, such that you couldn't even walk, if you wanted to.  I looked desperately in the car for them, couldn't find them, so at the next stop, got off, ran up the platform and hopped in the next car.  It reminded me of the crowded trains I had taken frequently in Japan, but I had no idea what lay in store for me.  Not finding them in the next car, I got off at the next stop, ran up to the next car, and so on until I had been in all four cars, and then even proceeded back to look again in each of the cars, and to check the platform, in case they got off.

While it's hard to imagine, few had cell phones back then, and while we had one in our family, my wife had it.  There was no way to call and see where they had gone, and the haunting image of my daughter crying was really taking its toll.  We finally arrived at the Sandy stop, where the forced us all to get off.  I tried to explain that I was actually one of the speakers and an official from Salt Lake City, but they wouldn't let me stay on the train.  They told me I would have to get back in line, which was blocks long to go back to Salt Lake.  On top of that, the pay phone on the platform, had not yet been installed, so no cell, no pay phone, and stranded in Sandy!  I noticed a gentleman pulling out his cell phone, and I approached him and asked if I could make a call to my brother, who lived near by.  They too had been stranded like me, and I think were calling a taxi or something.  He looked at me and asked, "Do I know you?", to which I explained that I was Carlton Christensen from the Salt Lake City Council.  I was relatively new at the time, and pretty unknown.  It turns out the gentleman was John Saltas from the City Weekly.  He was kind enough to write about the experience later and about the fact that UTA had not be discriminating about who they stranded!

Well, my brother Elliott came and picked me up, drove me back to the arena station, and I decided I had to go call my wife and tell her I had lost both our daughter and my mother!  I started to explain to the UTA Director of Rail Operations, my plight when a train pulled up and off hopped my mother and daughter, who were both smiling and had an enjoyable ride.  I looked at them and couldn't believe what I had just been through and asked them what had happened.  It turns out, that my mother put them both on the next train, to keep my daughter warm, but when they got to Sandy, she refused to leave the train, and utilized her senior status to make the point!  Both she and Jessica enjoyed some chocolate coins she had in her purse and affirmed that they like the train! 

Today, I've decided to take my daughter Sarah with me to ride, but we both have cell phones, as does my wife, and come what may, she's a VIP and I'm not going to let anyone separate us!

Becoming part of the Community Wall at the Natural History Museum

I hope you'll take the effort to click on the link below and join Cathy and I as contributors towards the community wall of the new Natural History Museum of Utah, which is nearing completion and will be open in November. This is an opportunity for those who don't have a ton of resources to be part of this permanent opportunity showing your commitment to the Museum.

As you may or may not know, I serve on a volunteer basis as the vice-chair of the Associates Board for the Museum of Natural History. It has been a great opportunity and this project has culminated an effort of decades as we open up not only a new venue, but a new chapter in helping everyone understand the natural history of Utah. This amazing project will truly be bright star for our community.

The project has taken millions, about 103,000,000 to be exact and we're in the final stretch. As often happens in projects like this, the final community outreach is at the end. For years, I've made the argument, that we needed a way to allow people with modest means, like myself, a permanent way to be part of the project and contribute in a way they can afford. While some others have been able to contribute thousands, and in some cases millions, realistically, the rest of us have to stretch to do anything. However, one should lead by example and so my wife, Cathy and I have committed over a few years, to contribute $1,000. We do it by a little each month and we're about half way there. I realize for many that may be too much, and so there are options for far less than it. The Museum however wants to make it as reasonable as they can, so for $500, which can be paid in monthly installments through the end of 2012, you can choose an item from within the collection to sponsor and have your name become a permanent part of the community wall within the Museum. Some are even doing it for grandchildren or kids, etc. There are a lot of ways to approach it.

In order for you to be on the wall for the opening in November, you'll need to take action by August. Please click on the link below and take a look for yourself and I hope you, like me, will want to be part of this great historical opportunity!

Donate to the New Museum of Natural History

No more watching Studio 5 in our home

Last night upon arriving home, I was informed by Cathy and the girls who had been watching Studio 5, about this great exercise program where you only have to do one exercise a day, but you have to do about 200 reps of that one exercise.  This morning it was crunches.  To not participate, would be highly unsupportive, but I'm thinking to myself, "Self, you haven't even done 200 in your life".

I asked this morning whether this instructor on Studio 5 was buff and thin, of course, she was.  This is really a plot to make me look like a poor dad.  Well, I did participate, but like the Federal Debt, didn't keep track of the repetitions and probably was way south of 200.  I tried to throw a few numbers out there but no believers in the group.

I've never been one of those hardliners who have claimed the communist plot theory, but now I know that Studio 5 is just a front for the movement.

Colonoscopy - check!

Today I completed my first colonoscopy, in fact two, but I'll explain that later. While I'm still younger than 50, the recommended age for a colonoscopy, some of my siblings have had polyps found during their own proceedure, which would speak to getting it done sooner than later. Additionally, I have a dear friend from Salt Lake City, Mary DeLaMare Schaefer who admonished her friends and associates at the city to get it done. I've included her story, which is a good reminder to not put it off. In consulting with my primary care doctor, looking at family history, including history of cancer, we decided having it done five years early did make some sense. I've sort of debated on whether to even write about it, but if by chance, someone I know has put it off, or is afraid of it, than I should care enough about them to encourage them to get it done.

Going into it, I was warned that the preparation for the procedure was worse than the procedure, and they were right. It could have been worse, but Sunday's clear fluid diet of broth, jello and fluids was a reminder that I should be grateful for the fact, that the alteration to my diet was only short lived. I also realize that next time, the 64 oz of Gatorade I choose to mix with Miralx, should be a flavor I don't like. It may be a while before I get back to my favorite of Orange. I am grateful however for a supportive family, incredible spouse and good insurance that took some of the worry out of it for me.

As the day moved forward, really the most painful part of the day was the process of trying to find a vein for the IV. Unfortunately, I seem to have inherited my mother's veins which always seemed to keep it challenging for medical personnel. When I woke up from my first procedure, everything seemed to be fine, but then was informed that when you're tall, your clothing size isn't the only thing that's big! How about your colon - go figure. The machine they had at the University Redwood Clinic wasn't long enough to get to the top! They had found however one polyp in this phase and then "tattooed" a mark to know how far they had reached. It was my first tattoo! I even have a picture which I would show, but Cathy would never speak to me again.

Well, since I was already prepped, had an IV stint in my hand, we decided to put me in a car and go up to University Hospital, where they had a longer scope. Dr. Fang also followed us up and completed the procedure. Things looked good, but they also found another couple of polyps and so they got removed as well. The doctor seemed optimistic they will be benign, but getting them removed early, may have been one of the few smart things I could have done. I think the whole medical team liked me so much, they wanted me to come back in three years! I very rarely get invited back to anything, so I do feel special.

While I'm still a little out of it, I am grateful I didn't put it off and erred on the side of caution. I was grateful for a great doctor and a capable staff who were friendly and very helpful. I truly can't think of any legitimate reason to put off a colonoscopy if you're 50 and never had one. (I'm not saying I want to do it every day...). Just get it done, check!

Lee Creek Natural Area

I've had the opportunity over the years to be part a number of public conversations and part of formal bodies to discuss, preserve and to try and recommend policies that respect multiple uses of Utah's natural areas. It's really been an interesting opportunity for me. I was one of the original 13 members of the Quality Growth Commission, which included then private member, Jon Huntsman Jr. and a county commissioner from Utah County, Gary Herbert. Over the eight years I served in that capacity, I became acquainted with a number of the land conservation and preservation groups and also got to know a number of local individuals from around the State of Utah. The Quality Growth Commission among its responsiblities, administers the LeRay McAllister Grants, used to match other dollars in preserving some of Utah's most critical lands.

I currently serve on the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council. Again as a charter member, asked by now Governor Herbert, to represent local government. It has really been quite interesting to begin to understand the competing needs on the lake, the delicate balance and the contribution it makes to our economy, not only in tourism, but a number of other industries as well.

As part of the City Council's efforts to reach out and talk about things happening in our community, we have started producing YouTube videos which are not only posted on the council's YouTube Channel, but run like commercials during the breaks of our council meetings, which is where I'm hoping they get viewed! As I look at some of the view rates of our current postings, while mine have done as well as most, we have a long way to go!

This interview is with Ella Sorenson and Wayne Martinson of the Audubon Society is the first of three segments we filmed that day as we looked at the work that the Audubon Society is doing, just outside my district. I've had the chance to work a little with both, and respect their great passion for the work and dedication in the preservation of critical lands for the birds and other wildlife. The Lee Creek area, on the way to the GSL Marina along the frontage road, is a great educational opportunity for those passing by, or someone looking for a nice sunset walk, either by themselves, or with a friend. I hope you'll enjoy. Special thanks to council staff which includes Brian who did the filming, Kristin who did the editing, and Janice, who has given staff support as I've served on these various boards.