I am calling myself a tornado survivor

Well, I flew back to Arizona after surviving my first tornado. Here's the deal...After not making my stand-by flight due to many travelers getting out of Kansas City, I decided to buy a ticket and who cares about the cost. I vowed at one point in my life to never fly stand-by, just because I didn't like the idea of sitting at the airport, waiting for a possible flight. I need to KNOW that I will be leaving for sure or else I don't want to go to the airport and wait...and wait...and wait. But I went against my better judgement and took a stand-by ticket from a very nice and willing neighbor in Casa Grande. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but trying to save a few bucks isn't always the best option. Anyway...after buying a last minute ticket, I'm sitting on my plane and they just signaled us to leave the gate, We were all of a sudden instructed to evacuate the plane as a tornado had just touched down at the airport. I thought is was a joke of course. So they herded us all out the plane...down the hall and into the tunnels of the parking garage. I started thinking to myself as the entire KC airport was shut down...."This is going to be huge mess to get all these scattered passengers back through security, to their proper flights and onto their planes, especially since some of those dummies left their ID on the planes". I was amazed at how fast they got us all back into motion after the threat for a tornado had passed. So I consider my self officially...A TORNADO SURVIVOR. I never saw it or anything..but I was there and I survived. Come to think of it..I'm a Katrina and 9/11 survivor too. So I made it back to AZ to pick up my family. We drove for 2 days with a moving truck and a trailer. It was an experience as Alice was a nervous wreck as she pulled that 12' trailer from AZ to Missouri. So....we are now 90% settled in our home here in Blue Springs, Mo. We ended up with a different house than described before. It is a better home with closer proximity to John and his family. Our kids are having a blast with each other. Blah Blah Blah...I'm bored with writing about that. I'm gonna ramble a little. The weather is awesome...The Royals have won 11 of 13 of their last games which puts them in......ta da...2nd to last in their division...why try at this point?....Chiefs are 0-3....uh...I have lots of work to do tomorrow but I cant sleep. After packing and unpacking all of your things...you find things you haven't seen in a long time. I am very concerned with the value of the dollar as it is plummeting. The government wants to slap a band-aid on the wound by "bailing out" these mortgage companies...Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac....We have to pay billions for this as taxpayers...this will only devalue the dollar. Lets just keep printing money I guess. Obama and McCain are puppets and I am not voting for either. I'm voting for myself this year. It is nice that I can wear my winter clothes longer and more often now that I am in Missouri. I am delirious right now. Thank you to everyone who helped me pack my truck...you know who you are. MArk...Dad....Dan T...My Neighbors...Barron....Some Elders....My new ward seems like it will be nice...I am looking forward to some Football on my high definition Television this weekend as I have been without my own TV for almost 2 months. I LOOOOOOVE my shower. I am having dreams of breaking apart trailers..should that be a concern?....hahahaha..thought of something funny. I'm going to force myself to sleep...I will be more coherent and maybe have some pictures on my next post...seriously though...at least my office is set up and I can check up on all you fine folks.

Looking at houses

I have found a house on the border of Kansas City, Mo and Independence, Mo that I am intersted in. It is 3000 sf. 3 bd 2.5 bath. It has a HUGE master suite with whirlpool tub. It has a basement living room that I am thinking about making into the boys room. How cool would it be to have a huge living room as a bed room? All three boys could share and have their toys and it would free up the rooms upstairs for Monique and my office. It has a Living and Family room upstairs. Huge beautiful backyard that my kids would love. It is my top choice so far. The best part is that it is less than 2 miles from the Kansas City Royals and chiefs stadiums. I am so excited to be able to sport the blue and white with some pride as I will be away from all the Dbacks fans and their smug winning team. I will have a softspot in my heart for the dbacks still, but In the American League...Royal Blue Baby!!!!!!

It is so refreshing here!

I am chillin here in Missouri, at my cousin John's house, trying not to wake up Wylson who is borderline sleeping. I feel impressed to jot down a few ideas. I would first like to address the issue of the election as the Republican Convention is fresh on my mind. I was impressed with the speech writers of John McCain. I admire his courageousness as a POW and I admire his tough attitude. I agree with most of the things he said in his speech and I APPRECIATED the fact that he has faith in God. However, I do not agree with his stance on the war, nor do I like a man who flip flops on his issues. I am still undecided on rather to vote for him, or write in Ron Paul, as I am torn with the fact that our votes ultimately wont count as the electoral college determines the outcome. I also feel it is Un-American not to vote so I will exercise my right to vote as well as my right to bare arms. I am leaning toward voting for whom I think is the best candidate (Ron Paul)and let what happens happen. I know Ron Paul is not even really running anymore, but he is still my top choice, so that is who I will vote for. If Obama is elected, it will just bring us that much closer to the second coming of Christ , which would be better anyway. Brig it on! Now, off of politics and down to a more personal level. I have lived here in Missouri with John's family now for 3 weeks. I have learned more in 3 weeks than I have learned in any 3 years combined in my life. I have been awakened on several levels. I am having awesome spiritual discussions with my cousin. I am putting my body through trials that are challenging and building up physical and mental muscles that have been dormant for a while. It is so refreshig to my soul. I have always considered myself to be a tough kid and man and I have figured myself as a mental giant, however, I have been humbled and lifted in many ways. I am learning what HARD work is and I am loving it. That's right..you heard it from me personally. Tom Van Vleet is enjoying hard work. Now, I have worked hard in the past, don't get me wrong, but My cousin John is an example of a man who is one of the hardest workers I have come across in my days, along with my father. I am doing things that I wouldn't have even tried before now...This scrap metal business is so therapeutic. I can take a sledge hammer all day long and pound down aluminum panels, and while I do it, I zone out to parts of my mind that have been un tapped for years. I am comprehending literature better, I am focused on my scripture and church history studies, I am aware and making adjustments in my own imperfections as a father and husband. I am realizing my talents and strengths, I am realizing the limits and potential of my body and mind. I am very grateful to my cousin for believing in me and my talents. He actually believes I can do things that I didn't think I could do, and I have always had a high opinion of myself. John is an example of how I would like to be and how I want my sons to be. His wife Jen is awesome and I really admire her as well. She is a great mother and wife. I am lucky to have a wife like that as well. It has been somewhat difficult to be away from my family for this long, but I feel John and I will have success in our endeavors as we strive to build up our business and the kingdom of God simultaniously. This sacrifice has been difficult, yet uplifting for me and I feel that when my family is reunited with me here in Missouri, we will be a stronger unit because of the growth that has transpired. John's kids call me "Tommy", which I kinda like, although it will get a tad confusing when my son Tommy comes around. They will have to call him "Junior" I guess.I have felt like one of the family here and welcome as such. I have really enjoyed the company of John's kids as they make me feel less homesick. I have nothing but positive feelings about this move and therefore I feel it is sanctioned by Heavenly Father that this is where my family is to be at this point. I have not received anything regarding the gathering place of the Mormons or that there is purpose for me here in that respect, but I do see many opportunities for service in the church here and I am excited to get started as my family is ready for the blessings. I will be sad to leave the proximity of my parents and I will miss them dearly. I hope that we get a chance to visit them often here or there. Maybe they will move out here to Zion??? I have a funny story to share. John and his family and I loaded up the canoe to go to the lake for Labor Day. While John and Wylson were out on the lake, trying to swamp and unswamp the canoe as we learned in the scouting program. I watched them struggle, and thought I could do a better job teaching as I have taught the canoeing merit badge in the past. so I swam out to lend some instruction. after several attempts, we figured out how to flip the canoe with minimal water left inside it. then John and I decided to act as if it were a live situation and not only flip it but get back inside...the both of us. This was difficult as we are of different weight. ( i wont say by how much,but it tended to tilt toward my side more than his. We tried and tried and tried. Me first then him, him first than me. It was a difficult task and we were gettin exhausted. After about 30 tries, we gave it one more go and I got in and settled, then he started to get in as I balanced us out. As he centered his weight, we wobbled and wobbled and.... viola, we were in. After a split second of admiring our accomplishment, we both raised our fists in victory. Unfortunately, we both raised the fist on the same side of the canoe and immediately rolled over back into the water. We were laughing and laughing and were so tired, that is was hard to stay afloat while laughing, which made us laugh more. It was a fun time to spend together and Im sure we will both chuckle about it when we think about it years from now. I am looking forward to the near future and hope that my friends will miss us and come visit sometime. I am thankful for my friends in Arizona and hope to make a few new ones here in Missouri. I will leave this post with some words of advice that I was taught by my football coach but I have applied it to my life recently while working and maybe someone who reads this will benefit from it. " In life, or in football, or anything...It is better to be the Hammer than the nail"

Good Night

Missouri....did he say MISSOURI?

Well, I have made a decision, after some prayerful consideration, to pack up my gear and move to Independence Missouri, and do....What is it I'm doing?...oh yes...Scrap Metal. That's right...SCRAP METAL. My cousin John has been doing a scrap business aside from his normal job at the plant he manages, and we have spoken about the possibilities, and I decided that we could have some success together. This will be a big move for my family and I and i will still continue to work on my Panama deals, but, for the time being, I will be doing something that i consider to be completely out of my character and out of my realm of expertise, and out of my comfort zone as far as cold weather is concerned. I am an Arizona boy who busts out his heavy jacket when it drops down to 35 degrees. Now I hear it will be snowy and icy, which I will NOT be used to. I have had a few conversations with my older cousin regarding Life and things in general and we both agree that this life needs to be experienced. I feel somewhat rejuvenated, knowing I will be facing new challenges and new relationships in the church and work etc, without the comfort of what I feel is huge network of support from family and friends in Arizona. I'm leaving it all behind. I have cherished my network of contacts over the years. I have have nurtured and groomed my relationships. I have developed connections in every line of work, where if I needed something done, i knew the right person for the job, even to the point where people call me, knowing i have those connections. Now...I will have my cousin, and the church members..and....uh....that sums it up. I may not make it rich or my problems may not go away with this move, but it will be a change that my wife and I feel has been needed in our lives. My kids will experience the four seasons as they are meant to be experienced, rather than the 10 months of summer and 2 months of mild winter as Arizona is. They will get to visit historic sights where Joseph smith made his mark back in the 1800s. They will be in a place where the signs are not in English and Spanish, but just English. They will make new friends and spend time with cousins that they have not gotten to know. This is both exciting and nerve racking, but I am up for the challenge. I love it here in Missouri, and I look forward to working with my cousin John as I have always admired and respected him since i was coming up as a kid. He continues to be a good example to me and if he can learn to put up with my slow driving, and laid back attitude, I can put up with his quirks, especially how he hates driving with the windows down...crazy huh? I will take some pictures as things progress here. Oh and by the way, John lives 10 minutes away from the Kansas city Royals and Chiefs stadium. I went to my first Royals game yesterday with John, and they lost to the Detroit Tigers, but it was nice to see other folks wearing the blue and white for once. I am very excited about being near the team I have loved since I was a kid. It is also cool to tell people that I was born out here in Wichita. I saw the stadium that my dad kicked field goals in while my mom was pregnant with me. I feel very at home here and I am ready to see my family as they are waiting for me to bring them here.

The UFC and the MMA world.

Here are a few of my thoughts on the UFC and the MMA world.

1. Tim Silvia is a horrible fighter
2. Rampage is a one time wonder and would not beat Chuck again ever
3. Watching the light weights fight is boring
4. I dont care for all the foreigners that cry after they win or lose on national telivision.
5. The UFC is undeniably the best of the best as far as fighters, but They really need to start paying these guys more money.
6. I dont know anyone who can beat Fedor or Anderson Silva at this time in their weight classes.
7. Forest Griffin is awesome
8. The ultimate fighter series keeps getting better.
9. I hope Affliction keeps growing.
10. My favorite fighters right now are: forest Griffin, Fedor Emilianenko, Chuck, Anderson Silva, BJ Penn,
11. I am also looking forward to watching a few of the young guys progress
12. Uriah Faber is fun to watch even though he is a little tike.

%&*#in TAG?

I would only do this for you Marla...and don't ever let anyone say that Tom is a "Ninny".

Im not sure which one you want so Ill do them both. How bout that?

Tag 1.

Two names you go by: Big Tom, Tommygun

Two things Im wearing right now: shirt and basketball shorts

Two longest car rides: Drove 36 hours two Florida (3 days of driving) , then when I moved back to Az..I did it straight with no sleep

Two of my favorite things: My Colt .45 and my guitar

Two things you want very badly right now: success and health

Two animals you have or have had: Leo the Lizard now and a Rambo the Scorpion

Two people to fill this out: Janel and Stephanie

Two things you ate today: Hamburger and Spaghetti Oh's

Two people you last spoke with: Matt and Dave

Two things you are doing tomorrow: Stressing and Brainstorming

Two favorite hollidays: Spring Training Baseball and My Birthday ( I realize those arent hollidays, but they are still my favorite)

Two favorite beverages: Orange Juice and V8

K ..Tag #2

Picture Blog Tag.The rules are you have to take ten pictures of the following things. And you have to do it right away. No straightening, cleaning or wiping your child's nose. Then you tag five others.

1. The Fridge: nothing in there, we just got back from vacation

2. The Closet: there's Brett hiding in there

3. Self Portrait: this was actually from months ago but i look all scragly

4. Favorite Room: My office. thie picture is fuzzy

6. Laundry Room: What is David doing in there?

7. Toilet: Caught Tommy in here...weird

8. What your kids are doing right now: posing in weird places for this tag thing

9. Favorite Vacation Spot: anywhere I can play roulette

10. Favorite shoes: my white loafers from ALDO

Ok I tag nobody..this is a pain in the ass and i dont want anyone cursing my name like im doing to Marla right now!

Thoughts on a Sunday afternoon

I have a few comments on some random thoughts that are pressing on my mind currently.



1. I have no room whatsoever at this time in my life for negativity. My toleration for those who are negative is growing thinner as I grow older. Now, that being said, I personally need to work on controlling my own negativity which I have full intention of doing. I am in no way exempt. I have more thoughts on this matter which I will refrain from documenting at this time.



2. We as Men (Fathers, Husbands, Priesthood Leaders Etc...) have an extremely difficult responsibility to maintain our households spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially. It is my observation, that often times, the burdens which are placed on the shoulders of men are overlooked and under appreciated. I want it clear that I am in NO WAY complaining about anyone in particular in my life personally, however, I have witnessed this in my life and in the lives of others around me. This is not an attack on women or anything of that nature as I have much respect for the burdens which women have to bare. These are simply my thoughts that are on my mind at the moment. I do not expect anyone to read my writing and go out and change their behavior, nor do I expect any different treatment.



3. I want to say something concerning my wife as it has been pointed out to me that I have not mentioned her very often in my writing. Alice is quite possibly the best wife, mother, cook, maid, taxi driver, and friend on the planet. She is talented in so many ways. She is feisty, smart, beautiful, loving, understanding and warm. Sure, like any human being, she is not perfect, however I'm pretty convinced that there is no one else on this creation that is more tailored to put up with me and my way of thinking. For those of you who know me, I am in no way admitting that my way of thinking is wrong or abnormal. I just think that it is different than most of society, which makes all the rest of society wrong. And she does a good job of putting up with that.



4. I have a struggle at the moment with random people. On one hand, I believe that we are all ONE. Without going too much into doctrine, I believe that our connection with one another is based off of The Creation from our Father in Heaven. The question is this; Why am I so annoyed with random strangers and their uncanny ability to be ignorant and indifferent. Why do people tend to see faults in one another long before they recognize their talents and abilities? Why is it that people are two-faced and back-stabbing to one another long before they are charitable and understanding? This is something that I really struggle with. To be "Christ like" is one of the hardest things to be, yet it only makes the most sense logically. I agree that unconditional love and forgiveness is crucial to our eternal joy. I don't need anyone to send me scriptural references or anything to answer these questions as I have read them all already. I'm positive that I am not the first to struggle with this. I suppose I just need to humble myself somehow.



5. I consider myself to be an extremely easy going man. I don't get worked up easily, nor do I even raise my voice but on few occasions. I am working very hard to restrain my thoughts at the moment as I reflect on certain recent incidents. I will leave it at this. We have a responsibility to not only teach, but to groom our children into the gods they are to become. Of course they have the ultimate responsibility for their own soles, but as parents, there is a responsibility that we will be judged upon, that has more importance than most people comprehend. Because of that I feel as if it is a direct threat to me, when others impose their will upon my children, in any form. I realize that this is unavoidable on this earth, but I feel the need to do everything within my power to protect my right as a Father. My blood boils when I think of anyone other than myself, trying to interject their beliefs and motives into the minds of my children, which are contrary to my own. Furthermore, I do not tolerate those who feel the need to discipline my children physically or mentally. That is my job and my wife's job period.



6. I heard a very good talk today in church that has inspired me to be a better husband and father. Also, I am thankful for the opportunity to be married in the Temple with my wife.

Im Back Baby!

Well, I have been back from Panama for a few days now. As my trip was grueling and trying to say the least, I still feel it was rather productive. As always when I go down south to Panama, I get the opportunity to stay with my uncle Don. For those of you who dont know uncle Don, I will do my best to paint a picture of him. To start, He is a genius, when it comes to law and land title history. I dont know anyone with the type of mind conditioning to be able to do what he does. Instead of A Database with finca (parcel) numbers and Land title history, or even a file system containing maps and court documents etc..., he has all this stored in his head. Im talking hundreds and hundreds of cases, motions, purchases, sales, history going back over 100 years in some cases, all in his head. Now for the record, he does have file folders that these things are kept in, but they are all over the place, in different rooms, stacks and all kinds of places, yet if he needed a particular document, he'd find it in 5 seconds. Of course, a guy like this has his quirks. He refuses to stay up after 8pm. He wakes up at the crack of dawn (3 am) and starts his day. He does alot of work at the public registry and archives building in Panama City so he strategically places himself right across the street in a little asian restaurant, where he has 4 or 5 little runners fetching documents, noterizing documents and making copies. He will slip them a $5 bill or $10 bill here and there, and he will buy the secretaries breakfast every morning, just so he can have his people on the inside. Its quite the sight to see. Here is a picture of his "office". You can notice the files sitting on the table as his watcher takes care of watching his car and his papers for which he is compensated a dollar or two. He is an interesting character to say the least. He has worked extremely hard on these land title aquisitions for many years and hopefully he sees the fruits of his labors.



I also had the opportunity to go look at a couple properties with him and Mark, who came down for a few days. We drove for about an hour and a half to a little town called Lagarterita. I fell asleep on the way of course, just like i always do while riding in a car in Panama. The humidity and the air blowing through the windows puts me right to sleep everytime. As we pulled up to this lake property, Uncle Don said he was going to round up a boat for us to go around the lake in. People would think I was telling stories if I explained what pulled into the dock for us to "ride" in. Thats why I took a picture of it. this thing looked like it was 100 years old and ready to fall apart. as it pulled up, there was a girl with a bucket throwing water out of the boat. I said to my Uncle.."You dont expect ME to get in THAT...do you?" He replied "Sure..this thing is the real deal..you'll be fine." I acted like i wasnt nervous and i got in. I know i am a good swimmer. I got in and as soon as I entered, water started leaking from the bottom. I manned the bucket for a bit then traded to the Panamanian girl as I was more confident we would be ok. We saw the most beautiful sites on that lake. Its an Experience that Mark and I both agree that everyone should experience but few actually get to do. I took a picture of my Uncle Don and one of Mark and I, and a couple of the Islands and Lake properties. This would be an awesome place to have a little private casita to get away from everything. Also, The driver of the boat said he catches 100 fish in an hour on this lake.



It was an interesting trip. I also got a chance to go visit the new Temple that was completed the week I was there and the open house was going on so I took the tour. It is a beautiful Temple and I can't wait to go through it after it is dedicated. I had the privelidge of walking through with my couzin Brent and his family and my couzin Mark. I took a couple pictures of the outside but here is a link to the vertual tour provided by the Church. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6biooD7GY5Y .

The building below, is the home of the Temple President who I met and also the missionary quarters and Apartments for when the General Authorities come to visit. I heard that President Monson is coming down to Panama for the Temple Dedication on Aug 10th 2008. My couzin Brent who is the Stake President in the City has the privelidge of having his wife cooking for President Monson and their family is attending the dedication from inside the Temple.

Last but not least, I was riding in the SUV with Brent and we stopped to look at the sloth that was hanging on the fence by his house. He says he sees them all the time. I had to take his (or Her) picture.

All in all it was eventful and some fun. I am now getting ready to get back on a plane and fly to Utah, then drive to Wyoming to meet up with my family for some camping.

Off to PANAMA

Well, Im off to PANAMA...Again!...sheesh. What a drag huh? My cousin Mark and I are workin hard to put something together on this Land Development down there in Panama. Unfortunately for us, we have to travel down there occasionally, you know..for work. Anywho....I will be slaving away down in Central America for 2 weeks.

I know what you are thinking. Its not fair right? Why should I have to suffer through these trips instead of you right? I know. Life just isnt fair. Listen dont feel bad that i will be stuck in a third world country with no one to cook for me...you know what that means...

I will most likely have to go to Manolos or Lenas E Carbon for food. I know..Its not Alice's home cookin, but I'll manage. Dont feel bad for me that I will have to endure all the contruction going on and the rain. I have to listen to those darn tropical storms every day and night. I might have to get myself a pistacio milkshake, just so I can last through the days there...

then Im gonna have to taxi myself around during the night just so I can get to the restaurant without having to walk. Can you believe they will actually expect me to pay $1.50, just for them to drive me everywhere I need to go in town. What kind of scam is that I ask you?

Then of course there is all the darn sand. I mean On top of the horrible 85 degree weather and tropical rain storms, we got sand. does the insanity ever end? not to mention always smelling the ocean whenever we are by the coast. Listen, someone has to bite the bullet and take one for the team. I'll be the guy this time, but believe me. feel glad you are in your nice comfortable summer weather and you have your jobs to kill the time. I'll try to make the best of things.

The Blessing of Tiberious!

It was a pleasure for my family and I to go to my brother Nick's ward today for the blessing of his first son Nicholas Tiberious Van Vleet. This kid is adorable I tell you what! Of course I feel my kids are the handsomist kids in the history of kids, but this Tiberious is a close second. I want to say, I really love my nephews. Tyler and Nathan and Tiberious. Here are 3 of my kids Monique, Brett and David, hovering around Aunt Bethany, sneeking a peek at Ty.

Anyway, here is a picture of me and my nephew after his blessing today. I have to admit that I am very photogenic. I mean seriously folks, I am a good looking dude! It was almost unfair to Tiberious that he had his picture taken with me. After all, it is his day, not mine. What can I do? by the way. I stole this picture from Elizibeth's site. It was a good experience for our family today.

Warning !!!

I have been up lately during the night, partly due to my leg that is cruising through the healing process, a little financial stress, but mostly due to the state our country is in. As I learn more and more about what our country is becoming, I get extremely frustrated. Not only frustration overcomes me, but anger and bitterness toward those that seek to destroy us. My friends, there are very dangerous people that are seeking to enslave us. They are friends of the adversary, and they are closer to us than we can imagine. Without sounding too pompous, I have been giving a gift. I have an ability to go into situations where others would normally struggle with temptation. I am able to see what others cannot in these situations. This does not mean that I am unaffected by being in these situations nor does it mean that I intend to continually put myself self in these situations, however, I have been in them from time to time. I have had some very interesting experiences of finding certain souls that need a light or example and being in a place where those kinds of things don't usually exist, you would be surprised at what can happen when those who are lost are drawn to those who are standing in holy places, even if the holy place is the 2' circumference around that individual only. I bare witness of these things, that there is always someone watching and always someone looking for that light. BE THAT LIGHT! I'm not telling you to go to a bar or night club and show your light there, but if you happen to find yourself in that situation for whatever reason, let it shine bright. This however is a stray from my initial topic on my mind tonight. the topic i am referring to is in found in Ether 8. Secret combinations. There are those secret combinations that are wolves in sheep's clothing, that are looking to destroy us, LDS or not. They want to take our freedoms from us and make us slaves. These "groups" or "organizations" are more dangerous than we can comprehend. They are within our government, they are within our communities and they have individuals that are even within our own church, Make no mistake about this, I am not a conspiracy theorist, I am not paranoid, nor am I crazy. This is as real as a hard attack folks. don't take my word for it. I have posted another video on my page with clips from our own modern day prophets speaking of these things which I am worried about. I will make my family aware of these issues as I have been aware of these dangers for some time now. I feel it is important to share tonight, and I am up late and stressed, so this is my release. I love you all and tell you these things in hope that you will take them to heart. Watch the video and listen to my Kennedy speech. need more proof? read the book of Mormon!

-Big Tom

My Rhino rollover

///Now, for those of you who dont know, I have been working on my physical conditioning for the past month or so. Ive been working on my knees bigtime. I have been swimming and riding my bicycle. I have accopmlished swimming a mile under 40 minutes and swimming 50 meters underwater without a breath, which is great for endurance. Unfortunatelay I have encountered a slight snag in my quest. On Monday evening (June 16th) i rolled my brother's Rhino in the desert by my dad's house at which time i stuck my leg out to brace myself for the fall. ( a rookie mistake for sure but very common even amongst experienced riders when operating the Rhino). Ultimately, my leg was slammed to the ground by the roll cage and pinned down at the knee untill it was lifted off by one of the young men in my ward that was riding behind me. I definately hyper-extended my left knee and possibly tore my ACL in the process. I have a scheduled MRI for tomorrow. Here are the nast pictures of the back side of my leg with the gravel scrapes on the calve, and the bruises from the hyperexention on the rear thigh. Also are the pics of the gouge in my shin caused by the roll bar.




So the moral of this story is this...Ah..I cant think of a moral for this one. This is just one of life's curve balls that is thrown at us occasionally.

Big Blue KC Royals vs D-Backs

Today is friday the 13th. we had an outstanding outing with Dad tonight. Josh, B-Rad, Myself, and Dad sat a few rows up behind the royal's dugout. After 10 innings of no scoring and 2 diamond dogs later, Chad Tracy hit the walk-off jack to bring down Big Blue 1-0. The Royals will be here in town for the next two days which i intend to watch comfortably from my big blue recliner and my new 42" plasma t.v.

Who are we?

I've been asked by a couple friends to post a blog. Since Veteran Jim Broussard (see video on my page) has inspired me, here we go. First, and foremost, I am very concerned about what is going on in the world right now, and I don't like what I see. Thousands of Americans giving their lives for something they believe in. They did it in WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Currently in the middle East. Even though this war is not what it seems. I stand behind our troops 100%. Now, that being said, just because I believe in the Flag and what it stands for, does not mean I agree with our government or its leaders. Furthermore, just because I do not agree with our government or its leaders, does not mean that the United States is a bad place to live. Please do not misconstrue what I am saying as I will make it perfectly clear. The United States of America is the most free, least corrupt, and the most desirable place to live in the entire world, and I am proud to call myself "American". I will fight for my freedoms and defend those rights with all resources of which i am capable. I will not tolerate a government that wishes to ultimately enslave its people. I am very aware of the intentions of certain individuals and organizations who wish to destroy our freedoms both foreign and local. I will teach my family and children to recognize these evils as well, and show them by example, that it is unacceptable. I will not display any malice or ill intent to any other American, as long as they not trying to destroy my freedoms, or the freedom of my children. I will not allow anyone to enslave me or my children with any "biochip" or mark of the beast (in any form). I am a man of peace, but I understand peace has a price that I am more than willing to sacrifice and pay. I also see our Nation that grows more and more weak everyday. I understand that this is due to: single parent families, lack of God and religion being practiced in the home, parents not teaching their children right from wrong, lawyers permitting criminals to take advantage of our justice system, break down in the school systems, etc.etc.. HOWEVER! The real problem is that most "Americans" neither have the desire, nor the STONES to stand for something they believe in and FIX these issues. We live in a state of mindless indifference. We have lost the desire to fight for the principles and beliefs that our forefathers fought for and shed their blood for. Peace is not simply "turning the other cheek" while others dictate how our children are to be raised. Peace is not becoming "numb" to what "Society" and the "Media" say is acceptable. We as a Society and as a Nation are too lazy look at ourselves and assume responsibility, because we are all too busy trying to point the finger elsewhere. Everyone would rather take a "cover your own ass" mentality. This will not go away, I can promise you that! I assure all who read this, that if we continue on this path, there will be nothing left but misery and suffering, and by the time our children, or our children's children, decide they want to do something about it...it will be too late. Therefore, those of you who want answers instead of problems, here you go. Stop with the mindless media, video games, porn, etc.. Fill your minds with knowledge. Learn your history and understand that it tends to repeat itself on occasion. Pray to God, that you may learn the truth in things. Build up your family units, spiritually, physically, and mentally. Don't tear them down. Protect them with every fiber of your being. Refuse to stand idle as others impose their will and values upon you or your children. Band together with your neighbor, in a common objective of love and peace. Unlearn in your heads, this theory of selfishness, and understand that we are all connected as one. Do not confuse individuality, with separatism. Teach your children to think for themselves and how to become leaders, not sheep. Take a stand on something, I don't care if its wrong or right, as long as you stand by it with some conviction. that I can live with and I know You can live with too. My friends who know me, know I am saying these things in all humility for I have things that I definitely need improvement on. Please do not take my words as self righteous blabber. I have nothing but love for all of you. To my very close friends and family, you know who you are...continue to feed off one another in righteousness. It is time we all step it up a notch and get off the fence. I have been awakened by numerous current events from national to personal and spiritual, and I will NOT go back to sleep. You are all in my prayers and I love you. Who are you? Who are we?...It is now time to decide.

-Big Tom