testMonkey realm

Heber City, UT
December, 2003

Many people, it seems, end up as leaders. They might be leaders of community, religion, employment, or the ever popular “other.” However, as has been widely document through the ages, there are always two types of leaders: the great and the awful. But it has recently occurred to me that there is at least one sub-grouping within the “awfuls” –the oblivious and the well-meaning. Here there is often overlap, sure. There are the leaders that are awful and just don’t care. Then there are the leaders that seem to really, really mean to lead well. Their aim is the greater good of their followers. Sadly, they just don’t realize that what they are doing, in a well intentioned way, is killing off their followers, destroying loyalty and community, yada yada.

If you ever find yourself as a leader and wonder if you might be one of the “awfuls,” simply ask yourself if you’ve ever had to end a conversation with the words, “Well, I’m the (pick one: General Manager, Bishop, President, Cub Leader, Lifeguard, Other), so that’s they way it is.” The answer will be pretty self-evident, and you’ll then realize what your followers have already known.

Well, now they’ve gone and done it. Those two up in the Reno area have gone and gotten themselves pregnant. Sure, that’s a “good thing” –the whole giving of life thing –but the side effect is that now I’ll be an uncle. What an ugly word: “uncle.”

Well, what you’re here for –pics of lil’ Drew:

Rivers amaze me. They entertain and kill. There’s a thought that’s a bit too deep to continue with.

The summer of 2004 took Christina and I to the river again -this time with two Salmon virgins. Seth and Shanalee Sadler joined us and put up with “guide J” (versus the regular version) for a couple of smelly days. Fun was had, Strongbad was quoted incessantly, and the same three songs are still stuck in our heads.

Have a looksee at some of our adventures. We’re behind the pirates.