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January

January 10th was the 13th anniversary of my first stroke. After 18 days in the hospital (including my second massive stroke were I lost almost everything) we celebrated my son’s seventh birthday. I wanted to celebrate my son‘s birthday but I had no idea the sensory overload would cause. The flashing lights, the unbearable noise of the crowds and the music, and loud conversations caused me to panic. In the midst of my brain damaged confusion, I had to go to the bathroom. At that point I really didn’t know how to navigate the restaurant even though I had been there many times. I didn’t know the concept of letters and I didn’t know what “men” and “women” were on the doors. My little son gripped my hand and said, “Daddy… I will take you to the bathroom.” Stumbling through the crowded restaurant I was scared. My son guided me to the proper door and asked if I needed any more help. After I finished I came out and he grabbed my hand and took me back to the booth. In January this year, We cele...
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College of Western Idaho should offer a Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees (BAS) in Business Administration

Last month I was invited to attend Gov. Brad Little’s announcement of his “Idaho LAUNCH” program which aims to prepare Idaho’s students for Idaho’s workforce needs. Idaho LAUNCH provides grants for education and training programs. Legislators and a host of businesses participated in Gov. Little’s announcement. As a former member and chair of the College of Western Idaho Board of Trustees, I was pleased to lend my support for this needed program. At the same time, I am fully supporting CWI’s goal to deliver a Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees (BAS) in Business Administration for under $20,000. I am pleased to see some many businesses join the effort. The Idaho LAUNCH and CWI’s BAS in Business Administration is a “win-win” for everyone especially students who need that targeted education to succeed. The Idaho LAUNCH program received legislative approval and students are applying. However, CWI’s proposal needs the State Board of Education approval. THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION WILL DECI...
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Phil Batt was a REAL Republican

Last week, former Idaho governor Phil Batt died on his 96th birthday. He was a hero and mentor to me. I met Governor Batt when he ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1982. Future US Senator and Governor Dirk Kempthorne was Batt’s campaign manager. During that campaign, Dirk called me to ask if I would run the “Get Out the Vote for Batt” at Boise State University. I met Dirk through my older brothers. During that election season, I met so many top Republicans manning phone banks, stuffing envelopes, knocking on doors, etc. I learned a lot about Idaho politics and government. The highlight was when Batt would come to the office to chat. When Batt lost that election by 4,208 votes, I was crushed. It still stings. Both Batt and Kempthorne actually consoled ME! They gave me a lesson about humility, grace and defeat. Two years later, both Batt and Kempthorne wrote letters of recommendations when I applied to be the Assistant Lobbyist for the Idaho Association of REALTORS®. About a year later,...
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Today is January 4, 2023. I have not updated my blog for months. I am trying to restart my blogging efforts. 2022 was the worst year since 2012 when I had my strokes and my parents died. 2022 was filled with illness, death and loss of friendships. At least a year ago, I  discovered that my blog was too visible. It was too personal and some people were reading my blog for political reasons. I simply had to stop for a while.  This year I am committed to blog at least once a month. I will see how it goes.
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Time out?

I took a break from blogging for a couple of years. There were several reasons. I didn’t really want to know my "story" anymore. I also was disheartened with people knowing my political views. And finally, most of the "blogger" apps don’t work very well. I just bought an app for my blog using the one that I am trying now. I will see if it works. If it works well I will probably start to blog again. So far it’s not working because I cannot insert a picture. I will keep trying.
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I have COVID-19

I tested “positive” for COVID-19 on October 25th. Today is my last day of quarantine. My family tested negative. I was fully vaccinated plus I got the Pfizer booster. Because of the vaccine and the booster, I dodged a bullet. We were incredibly careful during the pandemic. Yet I was infected somewhere. I notified anybody who could’ve contacted me when I was contagious. Given my medical history, my Covid-19 infection could have been so much worse. Having cerebrovascular disease, such as having a stroke, can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.  Luckily I did not have to go to the hospital. Hospitals throughout Idaho are allowed to ration medical care as the state expands its “crisis standards of care” criteria in the face of overwhelming coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Nearly all of these patients are not vaccinated. I am so grateful to my wife Heather. As always, Heather is the uber caregiver.
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Limitations?

In the book “Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah” author Richard Bach wrote “Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they’re yours.”   Yesterday during a Zoom meeting, I turned down the opportunity to chair a worthwhile statewide organization. It was a huge and humbling honor to be asked. Unfortunately, because of ongoing health issues related to my stroke and aphasia, I turned down the opportunity to serve. It’s the right decision. Yet I am simply sad about “what could’ve been.”  Are my limitations real or just a perception? I talk a good game.
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