My correspondence with my Senator (Madsen) who voted 'No' on Clay's Law

Hi All,

I've exchanged a few emails with Senator Madsen (local Senator for most of Southern Utah County) and I told him in fairness I'd post his response with my own. He's voted 'No' to Clay's Law on the basis that it hurts local businesses and individuals by increasing healthcare costs. This is true... to a point. It is expected that this law will increase healthcare costs by less than 1% ($40/yr). Big whoop!

Obviously I'm very biased but its frustrating to see that in his mind that the $40/yr is worth more than the possibility of giving kids like Charlie a chance at leading a normal life. He is also shortsighted in that if Charlie gets one year of intensive therapy (25 hours a week) his chances of leading a normal life and being a contributing member of society are 50-70% better. If he doesn't, he will continue on the way he is now, and end up costing the state of Utah between $2.5 - 3.5 million dollars over the course of his life. All that for one tank of gas per year.... Good decision Senator.

Also, if anyone knows how to find out who donated his campaign fund, I'd be really really interested to know that. I'm pretty sure I met a guy last Saturday who's in all their back pockets and I'd like to confirm it...

Anywhoodles, here is our email chain. Its long so you don't have to read it if you don't want to. I've also attached, below our correspondence, a summary of the arguments the insurance lobbyists are raising and my feelings about them. If you've ever wanted to be truly educated on a political issue, here's your chance:

MY FIRST EMAIL TO MADSEN:
Senator Madsen,

I've been told you do not support Clay's law. As a member of your district and as someone who voted for you, I'm frustrated. At http://www.votemadsen.com/principles, you list #4 Governments are established to protect individuals in their rights, not to rule over them.

I wanted to allow you the opportunity to explain to me how voting against Clay's Law adheres to that principle or any others you list, because I feel like it is going directly against this principle, upon which I voted for you.

I don't think I have the right to healthcare that I pay for, but that is being denied me by the Healthcare companies in pursuit of larger bottom lines. I am a 'heart-wrenching story.' My 3 year old boy, who is autistic, is sending us slowly into bankruptcy in the pursuit of allowing him to lead a normal life. We accept that as any parent in that situation should. We are doing all we can to avoid this, but for the 4 hours (20 hours below the recommendations) a week of therapy, we pay nearly 50% of our gross income. My son's story and our progress is documented at fortheloveofcharlie.blogspot.com.

I understand there are arguments against this. I've read Senator Urquhart's position (www.steveu.com) and have given him my feedback. I respect him for that. I have a much greater interest in your position since you are my rep.

So, this is my shot at being fair and open minded about this. I'd love to visit with you, even have you in our home to meet our son and see what sort of effect this has on a family. We live less than a mile away. Even just respond to my email. We have many neighbors and friends in the area that are now watching this vote with great interest. They are looking to us for information/opinions/etc. I'd like to be fair when I post my thoughts to our blogs tomorrow after this vote and so I'd like to hear your side.

Best,
Matt

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HIS RESPONSE

Over the last few days I have spent more time talking to people about
“Clay’s Law” and trying to research and learn more about autism
than I have spent on any other issue this session. I think it is
impossible anymore for someone not to have a friend or family member who
is not directly impacted by autism. The rapidly increasing incidents of
this affliction are disturbing and frustrating. Like treatments for
many conditions, autism treatment seems to be so expensive that it is
beyond the means of the average family, and even if a child receives one
of the treatment protocols that have been developed, a desirable outcome
is far from certain. I cannot begin to understand the frustration,
anxiety and sacrifice that the families of autistic children have to
endure. Nevertheless, my heart goes out to you and your family and I
admire your dedication to your child.

You referenced one of the core principles of good government in which I
believe, “Governments are established to protect people in their
rights, not to rule over them. I strive to make all of my decisions as
an elected official based on the principles in which I believe. If I
abandon my principles then I am simply blowing in the wind, making
decisions based on emotion, personal relationships, lobbying pressure or
what will make me popular with a particular constituency.

Consistent with the principle you referenced, I believe that people who
start and own businesses have the right to create and offer for sale the
products they wish, and that government should not force a business to
create and place on the market a product or products the business does
not wish to produce. Simply because a citizen wishes to purchase a
particular product that is not available in the marketplace, it is not
justification for government to deprive another individual or entity of
its right to produce what it chooses, by forcing them to create and sell
a product against their will.

The solution proposed by “Clay’s Law,” a mandate on insurance
companies to cover autism treatment is certainly an attractive idea, the
emotional part of me yearns to offer relief to your family and others
like yours, some of which are very close to me personally. Based on the
number of emails, calls letters and blue notes I have received, it would
make me very popular if I were to support it. Nevertheless, I have
never voted to support mandates on health insurance companies or to
mandate that any business produce a product against its will. My
position has not always prevailed and health insurance companies already
have thousands of mandated coverages. By the time the autism issue goes
through the legislative process it is likely health insurance companies
will have yet another.

Our healthcare system is in need of great reform. Many if not most of
the problems with our current system are a result of government
regulation. There is not enough time to discuss here all the problems
caused, and costs increased, by government’s meddling in the
healthcare realm. The autism issue could be the impetus for much needed
reform. For example, government removing some of the mandated coverages
and allowing insurance companies and the insured to decide for
themselves the coverages that would be most appropriate on a business by
business, a family by family or an individual by individual basis,
something I would wholeheartedly support and a policy change that would
likely allow you to get the autism coverage you need, and forgo
coverages you don’t want or need. Another proposed reform that would
help you would be to remove the prohibition on purchasing health
insurance policies from out of state providers, since there are other
states where insurance companies offer coverage for autism treatment.

These options would be consistent with the principle discussed above
and all of the other principles I am committed to uphold. I appreciate
your efforts to be “fair and open minded” to those like myself who
have principled reasons we cannot support a government mandate like
“Clays law” as it is currently drafted, and I appreciate your
willingness to include this explanation on your blog. I commend your
civility and the respectful tone of your communication to me.

I fear that if the advocates for autism coverage, the families of
autistic children and those who provide treatment to autistic children,
who have so impressively organized and advocated for their cause, are
successful in obtaining their mandate, they will no longer have the
motivation they currently have to change the system since they will have
gotten what they want. We will have lost a golden opportunity to attain
some real reform and will be left with more of the same. More mandates,
higher costs, fewer employers and individuals who can afford coverage.
That will be the untold tragedy if “Clay’s law” passes.

Respectfully,

Mark Madsen

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MY RESPONSE

Senator Madsen,

I appreciate your kindness and consideration in this matter, also your kind words for our situation. I've seen your response trickle through the neighborhood and among other family and friends in your district. I felt like it was necessary for me to respond because there were points you made I disagree whole-heartedly with.

I understand your stance and sounds like you're convinced that it is principle based, even though that principle cuts both ways. I can see that it doesn't make sense for the government to step in and mandate that Glade's start offering fish sticks to every man, woman and child (though I'd be a happy man). However, with healthcare, it seems a bit more complex and should be looked at accordingly. Heathcare is something that moves beyong the free enterprise market because of healthcare costs, etc. It is essentially a 'mandated' product, therefore needs some special handling... which sadly needs to come from someone with more power than these companies. Is it unfortunate the govt has to step in? Yes. Is it necessary? Yes.

You also mentioned in your email "Based on the number of emails, calls letters and blue notes I have received, it would make me very popular if I were to support it." I'm struggling with this comment. Isn't your job, as an elected official, to represent the people in your district and vote as they'd have it? Are you not our voice? In the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln said this was a "government of the people, by the people and for the people." Maybe I'm missing something, but isn't being a politician the ultimate popularity contest? Shouldn't representing your constituents be the highest priority? Shouldn't all those contacts have some impression as to what the people want? I can appreciate a stance that you can take to the bank, as you've done in your response, saying, "I've never voted for a mandate in my career." But if you're sacrificing the voice of the people just to be able to say at voting time "I've never voted for a mandate in my career" then it is time to reconsider.

I wish you all the best. You're in a tough spot... I understand that. I just needed to express my opposition one last time.

I'm leaving now to go up and watch the vote. I will post the entirety of our exchanges on our blog as promised, so your voice is respected as we share our experience with our friends and family.

All the best,
Matt McGhie

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THERE HAS BEEN NO RESPONSE TO MY LAST EMAIL

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These are some of the negative arguments against Clay's Law:

1. Several legislators brought up the idea of an insurance rider for autism. There are several reasons why a rider is not an acceptable solution. First off, the rider does not help YOU...families who already have a child with a diagnosis. The rider would have to be purchased before a child is born. How many of you would have opted to pay extra for autism coverage before your child was born, just in case they happened to become diagnosed with autism? I can honestly say that I wouldn't have. Young parents are already faced with so many financial strains of having a new baby. The few that might buy into this plan would probably be those that already have autism in their family. So, we know that MANY children still wouldn't receive coverage for their treatment because their parents didn't buy into the rider. Second, the rider that has been proposed by the insurance companies only allows coverage for children from 2-6 years old. It only allows $25,000 a year for coverage, and there is a daily limit of $100. We know that these severe limits would not provide for quality treatment. There is no way that a full early intensive program could be attained with these limitations. Third, There are not riders for preemies, cancer or diabetes. Why is this medical problem not good enough for full health insurance coverage? Lastly, we in the autism community view the rider as a calculated distraction by the insurance lobby, and vote for the rider is a vote against families and children with autism.

2. Another idea brought up by Senators was a government program to provide treatment to children with autism. There are several reasons why we won't consider this either. First of all, we all know that our state is in a budget shortfall. There is no way that they would be able to find the amount of money needed to provide every child with autism with a full early intensive treatment program. If they were to somehow fund it, we know through other states that the reimbursement rates are so low to treatment providers that the quality of care is horrendous. There would never be enough money to provide all children with care at once, so there will be waiting lists. If a Senator thinks that the price tag of Clay's Law being $1.8 million is too high, then they would never be able to get the price low enough for a government program. Lastly, Autism is a medical problem that needs to be addressed by medical insurance, not the state.

3. This bill will only help 30%, so it's not fair to everyone else. While this legislation will only affect 30%, it's a starting point. We need to start breaking down the barriers somewhere. We can't expect to change the law to cover everyone over night. We know that in other states where similar legislation has passed, some of the larger self insured companies have followed suit to be able to compete with other companies in their states. The fact is, we can't regulate all health insurance at a state level. We are doing what we can. The rest of insurance is governed by federal law. We know that President Obama has drafted legislation that would mandate the rest of the insurance plans. You can see this draft legislation by going to the link on the right hand side of UTautismcoalition.blogspot.com.

4. This bill is a mandate. Some Senators are philosophically against forcing health insurance companies to cover certain things. It's hard to get them to look objectively at Clay's Law if they can't get passed the fact that it is a mandate. Senator Stephenson spoke to this today. He talked about how right now, everyone with health insurance is being mandated. We have no control over what is covered and what isn't. Us young families with children who need help are paying the health insurance premiums that are being spent on the oldest generation. We know that 80% of health care costs go to those who are in the last five years of life. Our health insurance premiums are going towards hip replacements, terminal cancer and life extending treatments. We are paying these premiums, but we can't even get treatment for our children, who have their whole lives ahead of them. The other argument against a mandate is that it raises the cost of health insurance premiums for all, thus making health insurance unreachable for many. Claims are made that employers would have to forego coverage for the cost of this mandate. This is simply untrue. An actuarial report of the fiscal effects of Clay's Law documents the maximum likely cost on the insurance ratepayer is 0.85%. This translates to about the cost of a tank of gas per year for each policy holder. The insurance industry's own association - the Council for Affordable Health Insurance - estimates that mandated autism benefits increase premium costs by LESS than 1%. Despite the doomsday predictions from the insurance lobby, there's been no mass exodus of insurers, no businesses throwing in the towel because of this benefit. Indeed, experience indicates the impact on premiums has been negligible. In Indiana, the Department of Insurance called the financial impact "unmeasurable" even years after the coverage became effective.

5. Treatment isn't proven....Behavioral interventions are based upon decades of scientific investigation with individuals affected by a wide range of behavioral and developmental disorders, including autism. Specifically for children with autism, research demonstrates the efficacy of ABA in teaching complex communication, social, play, and self-help skills, and in reducing disruptive behaviors. Numerous long-term outcome studies (e.g., Lovaas, 1987, McEachin et al, 1993) document that 40-50% of children who receive early intensive ABA treatment achieve: Higher educational placements, Increased IQ levels, Perform successfully in mainstream educational settings, and Become indistinguishable from same-aged peers.

6. There was a request for a "Sunset" to be added to this bill. A sunset would mean that the cost of this bill would be studied at a later time to find out if it lived up it's claims of staying below a 1% increase in cost to policy holders. If the bill were to cost more than 1%, the bill could be taken off the books. We are confident that our numbers will stay this low. There has been much research done on the cost to policy holders in other states with mandated coverage as mentioned in #4. We will likely agree to a sunset to be added to the bill if this is what it takes to get it passed.


Thanks all.

Meet your Representitive - Spanish Fork

For anyone interested, this is happening tomorrow morning.

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I'd like to invite any who are interested to a Meet your Legislators town
meeting this coming Saturday, February 21 from 7:30-9:00 a.m. We will meet
at the Spanish Fork City Hall - 40 S. Main Street. Joining me will be Sen.
Dave Hinkins and Rep. Francis Gibson.

We look forward to discussing the 2009 General Session and to answering any
questions. See you there.

Rep. Mike Morley

It PASSED the senate...

We just heard the news. Clay's Law PASSED in the senate with 17 'yes' votes.

It will now go to the House Sub-Committee and then onto the House for its vote. I will let everybody know what our next steps are as soon as I hear.

Thank you all and please thank all of the many many people who sent letters to their senators on our behalf.

Anyone know a senator?

For anyone who's ever offered to help us out, here's your chance.

If you live in Utah - please help. If you live in Spanish Fork - please, please help.
______________

Clay's Law is moving on to the next steps.

The hearing that it passed on Thursday was the first of seven steps to make it a law. Here's what's still to come:

2. Senate Vote - The whole Senate will be able to vote on Clay's Law. (Wednesday, Feb 18th)
3. House Sub Committee Hearing
4. House Vote - The whole House of Representatives will be able to vote on Clay's Law
5. Appropriations Sub Committee - This sub committee decides if it's worth the money to pass
6. Governor - After passing all of that, Gov. Huntsman can still Veto the Law.
________________

So, we have to make sure it gets through the Senate Vote. Here's what we know and here's how people can help:

The Senate vote is on Wednesday, Feb 18th at 2pm.

We need all the help to call or email the senators in Utah and let them know you expect them to vote yes on Clay's Law. Here's how to do it:

Step 1 - Find the senator for your district. You can get their contact information on this site http://www.le.state.ut.us/maps/amap.html. Just enter your address and it will give you your reps' info.

Step 2 - Contact them via email or phone and ask them to support Clay's Law. This site will help you to know what to say: http://utautismcoalition.blogspot.com/2008/12/call-your-legislator.html.

Step 3 - Comment on this blog and let us know which rep you contacted and if they were responsive.


Now, for all you Spanish Fork-ers, we especially need your help. Here are our reps -

Representative Michael T. 'Mike' Morley - State House District 66 (Republican)
Cell Phone: 801-636-0296 mikemorley@utah.gov

Senator Mark B. Madsen - State Senate District 13 (Republican)
Office (801) 361-4787 mmadsen@utahsenate.org

Most importantly right now is Sen. Mark Madsen. We talked to his aid today who told us Sen. Madsen isn't supportive of Clay's Law. We need to let him know we want him to vote for Clay's Law. Respectfully tell him you'll be watching his vote on Wed.

Lastly, ask him to watch the Clay's Law video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioC44GODlyY&feature=channel_page.

Thank you all for your support and love and prayers. If this law passes it will have a tremendous impact on many families like ours.

Expect more to follow...

PS - I just got a list of the Senators that are either against it or on the fence. If any of these are your senators, please please please contact them:

Liljenquist
Christensen
Jenkins
Dayton
Killpack
Madsen
Waddoups
Romero
Niederhauser
Bramble
Griener
Bell
Hillyard
Stowell
Urghuart

I'm giddy... giddy I tell ya!!!

Oh happy happy day. Bless the heavens above...

http://www.abc4.com/mostpopular/story/In-n-Out-Burger-restaurant-coming-to-Draper/zuMhbafPikqGA3l85FRrmg.cspx

Quick recommendation -- #3 (the double double) animal style.

Funny Clip...

So, its been awhile since we posted anything, but tonight a buddy shared an amusing clip and we thought we'd share it with all of you....



Thanks Josh and Staci.

Clay's Law...

I know this is sort of a Charlie blog thing, but I'm posting it here too.... its worth it.

We wanted to put the word out there... This would be humongous for kids like Charlie. Sad that we can get Viagra covered by insurance, but that these Autistic kids get no help.

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Dear Utah Autism Advocate!

Autism Speaks is pursuing autism insurance reform in over 20 states across the nation including Utah!

Yesterday, an autism insurance reform bill was introduced in the Utah State legislature. Senate Bill 43, "Clay's Law" sponsored by State Senator Howard A. Stephenson (R-11) will require private healthcare policies to provide coverage of the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Clay's Law will cover early intensive behavioral therapies and other medically necessary, evidence-based treatments prescribed by an insured's treating physician or psychologist.
There are currently eight states that have passed similar bills across the country, including five states during last year's legislative season: Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Illinois. This is a hot topic in states nationwide and Utah should be proud to be a part of such an important movement!

We need your help to get support for Clay's Law from your State Senator...
HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. SEND AN EMAIL TO YOUR STATE SENATOR! Let them know that you support Clay's Law (SB 43), that you need them to support Clay's Law, and that passage of Clay's Law would mean increased access to critical autism therapies and treatments for thousands of children in Utah. We've already written some of the letter for you. All you need to do is add in your own words (optional) and click send. It's that easy!

2. STAY INFORMED ON CLAY'S LAW! Check out the Autism Votes website and sign up today to receive alerts and information pertaining to the autism insurance reform bills. Stay on top of the latest developments throughout the legislative season and get involved!

3. FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! We need everyone's help. If you know other people in Utah that would get involved on behalf of your child, forward them this email and ask them to sign up at www.autismvotes.org. This is the perfect answer for anyone who has ever told you, "If there is ever anything I can do to help just ask!" Send to extended family members - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. Send to coworkers, neighbors, therapists, teachers and friends! We need all hands on deck!
For more information on the autism insurance reform initiative in Utah, visit www.AutismVotes.org/Utah.

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Thanks everyone for your love and support.

Great deal on gifts for your friends or family in the military!

Hickory Farms is having a 75% off sale on a lot of their yummy gift packages and goodies. The shipping is a little pricey BUT they offer FREE SHIPPING to APO//FPO Military addresses. What a fun little treat to send to someone serving our country to show our support! (Thanks to my sister Lorri for this info!)

http://www.hickoryfarms.com/category~name~Military%20Gifts~c~600.asp
This link will take you to gift packages designed specifically for the military but there are lots of other options at this link http://www.hickoryfarms.com/ Everything from meats, cheeses and crackers to dried fruit to chocolates and treats for super cheap!
Just make sure you check for certain food restrictions in the country you are shipping to before you send something.

Not sure if these codes work but you can try and use them at your own risk...
Possible code:
10% off your order TAKE10
15% off code: 833551

If you don't know any soldiers but still want to support them, you can find some at http://www.anysoldier.com/

Enjoy!!

Donations for the Christensen Family

All,

Bishop Cope, Bryce's bishop, has set up an account at Zions Bank for any who wish to help with funeral and related expenses for the Christensen family. You may choose to do so in lieu of flowers. Any who are so inclined may donate to the "Bryce Christensen Donation Account" at any branch of Zions Bank.

Best,
Bishop

Our Love and Prayers are with President Christensen and his Family

I've struggled with whether or not to post this, but feel like it is appropriate to spread the word to members of the ward who may know and love the Christensens, but are not aware of the situation.

Wednesday morning our Stake President's son Bryce, who just got back from his mission a month ago, was killed in a car accident (http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/295350/).

The Stake Executive Secretary has passed along information for the services.

o Viewing, Sunday, January 11, 2009, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Walker Mortuary
o Viewing, Monday, January 12, 2009, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Relief Society Room, Stake Center
o Funeral, Monday, January 12, 2009, 11:00-12:00 noon, Chapel, Stake Center
o Interment, Monday, January 12, 2009, 12:30-1:00 p.m., Spanish Fork Cemetery

We love President Christensen and his wife. They are wonderful examples of Christlike people who serve willingly. I'd invite all to keep them in your prayers.

Best,
Bishop

Seriously, what kind of people....

... knock on your door and leave you a golden owl with the following message inside a top ramen box?






To those dear neighbors we want you to know we will be bringing our 'A' game and we just wonder, "Can you can deal?!?" or should we say, "Can you Hackett???"

Merry Christmas from the McGhie's

Hey All,

So I was just sitting here, feeling all proud of us for being ready for Christmas, and realized we'd sent out our cards telling people to come check up on us, but I hadn't written a Christmas greeting.

At this time of year we are reminded of the birth and life of our Savior. We want all to know that we know that He lives and loves each of us individually.

With all the events of 2008, we've become acutely aware of how blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family. So to all of you whom we trust and love so much, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. We pray that you will be protected and looked after in the coming year.

Love,
The McGhies

The Charlie Blog

There have been a few people that have requested more frequent updates on Charlie, our autistic and epileptic son.

To address this, we've decided to establish a separate blog where we'll keep tabs on him.

If anyone is interested in following it, you can find it here: http://fortheloveofcharlie.blogspot.com/

We have two posts there now -- one is a 'what this blog is' post and one is a 'tell all' post to bring anyone up to speed who may be interested in the background. From here we'll start to provide regular updates on the happenings.

Please understand that we're not looking for sympathy or donations or anything else. We are just providing a place where our friends and family that don't get regular updates can stay plugged in. We're going to be pretty straight forward with things, so it may not always be the happiest blog, but it will be real.

Need Addresses...HURRY!

If you haven't already, I need you to email me your address so we can send you a Christmas card. I just sat down to address my cards and realized I don't have many current addresses. So, if you want a card, you better email your address pronto!

steffnb21@yahoo.com

Thanks-
Steff

We love the Holidays!!!

Let's be honest, we love the holidays. Its busy and crazy and everything, but it is also a lot of fun.

Now, I know that busting out with Christmas things before T-day is technically a party foul, but hey, we couldn't wait to celebrate so we called an old friend, took the kids and went out and had a great time.

There was a guy there with a camera who captured some of the finer moments.

33 days, 13 hours, 23 minutes and counting...

Happy Birthday Steff

Yesterday it was Steff's b-day. She is a wonderful wife and mother. I just thought I'd publicly wish a big Happy Birthday to the most wonderful, beautiful, caring, patient woman.

Now, that being said, I figured I would be the only one that realized it, but as we were headed out of town for dinner, I was shocked to see some of the public businesses / churches / schools expressing their warmest wishes as well. We snapped a few camera pics to prove it:


















Wow Steff. Apparently you amaze more than just me.

Happy Birthday Hon.

Winston has a crush

Winston's best friend lives across the street from us. They play almost every day and go back and forth to each other's houses throughout the day. Lately, Winston has been talking about his friend's Mom a lot. The other day, he came home and we had the following conversation...

Winston: I told Lynsey (his friend's mom) I liked her door decoration and she said something really nice to me. Then I got shot by an arrow.

Me: Who shot you with an arrow? (thinking one of the kids had some toy arrows or something)

Winston: The little guy with the butterfly wings shot me with an arrow and now I'm in love with Lynsey...but I'll NEVER tell her! (Yes, he was talking about Cupid)

I somehow managed not to laugh in his presence and told him that Lynsey IS a really nice person and I'm glad he likes her. How funny is that? We don't even know how he knows who Cupid is. Where do kids come up with this stuff? I love it!

I'm trying to remember who had dinner with Gary Coleman tonight... oh yeah, WE DID!

OK, OK. So maybe we didn't totally have dinner with him... maybe we just saw him at the restaurant ordering some take out, but pretty much it's the same thing, right?

Now, in response to all the comments that I know people are going to make, the answer is no, I didn't ask him 'Whatchu talkin' bout Willis?'

Here's the upside of all this: we found a new, local, really good restaurant. The name of the place is Jaxies and it's on Main Street in Spanish Fork. Our neighbors own and operate the joint. We went in to check it out, a little unsure of what we might find. We were delighted with the food.

They primarily serve Paninis, Salads and Wraps. I had a pesto chicken Panini and Steff had a Turkey/Bacon/Avacado panini. Man they were both good.

Anywho, any locals should go check it out and support the neighbors. Plus, we found out Gary Coleman gets food there about once a week, so you just might be as cool as us and get to eat in the presence of movie stars... er...

I tri'd

Last Tuesday some friends told us about a local triathlon that was a couple of days away. Steff told me about it so I thought I'd give it a shot. It was a 'super sprint' triathlon so it wasn't really too bad.... right? Hey, it shouldn't matter that I haven't swam since June, only run twice in the last year and haven't ridden a road bike for like 8 years... why should that bother me?

Holy crap. I thought I'd just breeze through it and get a feel for how these things worked. Let's just say that it hurt. I could barely drag my keester out of the pool, wrecked on my bike about 200 yards after I got on it, and thought my legs were going to fall off on the run. At the end of the day, I finished and actually achieved my goal of doing it in under one hour (I guess I don't set my sights too high goal-wise). I did it in 54 minutes and took 37th place!!! Yipee!!

Here's the proof:

The Pre-race



Entering the Pool



Riding the bike off



Off on the run


Coming up on the finish line



P.S. Um.... only 40 people participated. I just couldn't lead you on like that....

Trick or Treat on Main Street

Just wanted to remind all our fellow Spanish Forkians that the Trick or Treat on Main Street is tomorrow...Saturday, October 25 from 1pm-3pm. We've done this the past three years and it has been really fun. Hope to see you all there!