Speaking to those book worms out there.  Try reading your next book with a family member or friend out loud.  It is a fun way to share something together and it is also a good substitute for too much TV/computer time.  Right now I am reading a book with my 9 year old son.  It is fun to have something to talk about and to feel the excitement together about what is going to happen next.  Several years ago my wife and I read the Harry Potter books together and that was fun too (although sometimes I would fall asleep after a long day when I wasn’t the one reading J).  I have to give credit to my friend at work who reads with his family who first gave me the idea.

John Hull

Every once in awhile I will come across a song that just screams “get up and move!”   I love these songs, and when they come on the radio, or I hear them on my Itunes play list, I want to jump up and start doing something.  Yard work, housework, anything to burn some energy.  They just seem to get me motivated like no other song can.  I would love to expand my list of songs, and would love to know what songs get you motivated to get up and move.  Maybe a more extensive list will help inspire me (or others) to get up and move J

Sabrina Woolsey, Provider Relations Assistant

One week ago today I buried my darling mother.  It has been a bitter/sweet time and a chance for much reflection.  She has spent a life-time teaching me so much about living and loving.  About 50 years ago she penned the following words revealing her desires for her children:

“I want them (her children) to be individuals, firm in the courage of their convictions, knowing right from wrong and having the courage and confidence to follow the reasonings of their intelligence regardless of what their associates do. I want them always to remember that their example will be reflected in the lives of those around them. I want them to develop their intelligence, knowing that “The Glory of God” is intelligence. I would rather them be loved for their goodness than honoured for their achievements. I do not want them to use their fellows as stepping stones to gain the esteem of men. I want them to walk upright and proud, yet meek enough to acknowledge God as the giver of all they possess; humble enough to pause, and stoop to help the weaker who may stumble; grateful enough not to condemn those who fall short of their standards.

I want them to love life, to find joy and pleasure in all that they do; to know that even in sorrow, there is the seed of joy. I want them never to grow so earnest in their daily routine that they do not pause to give thanks for the beauty of a sunrise, the smell of the rain, the sound of the kookaburra’s laugh!

I know that during their lives, they will make many mistakes. I want them not too stricken by these mistakes, but to grow through them in knowledge and strength. I want them to know that I love and understand them all, that I want to share heartaches and joys, and if they come to me, I’ll know that my work has not been in vain.”

I hope that I do not disappoint her or any of my loved ones – family and friends.

Laurita Murdock, Accounting

I love this fresh bean salad/dip.  Especially at this time of  year when there is fresh corn, tomatoes and peppers from my garden.  Nothing beats home grown produce. 

You can’t buy produce at the store that tastes as good and as fresh as produce you grow yourself or buy from a farmers market.

I love the Autumn weather and harvest time. 

While I was growing up, this time of year meant harvesting peaches, pears and crisp apples from our small family orchard and vegetables grown in our family garden.  It also meant canning a lot of yummy fruit and vegetables for use later in the winter.  I always enjoy working together, making memories and having fun with these family activities.

Have A Happy Harvest and enjoy the crisp Autumn weather! J

Mexican Salad

Prep: 15 minutes

3 cups raw or cooked fresh corn kernels (I use fresh)

1 can (about 15 oz.) black beans, rinsed
3 ripe tomatoes, cut in chunks
1 each green and red bell pepper, chopped
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup olive oil
3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp each minced garlic, salt and pepper
(I also add finely chopped onion -- purple, yellow or green)

Stir all ingredients in a 2 ½ quart serving bowl.

Make-ahead note: As much as 36 hours in advance, I have put the first 5 ingredients into a bowl (corn, beans, tomatoes and green & red pepper, and cilantro) and stored them in the refrigerator. Then I have separately combined the olive oil, lime juice and seasonings in a separate container and chilled. Several hours before serving I combine these ingredients all together in a serving bowl and chill again.

This can be served with warm tortillas or tortilla chips.

Shauna Parcell, Provider Maintenance Team

I used to shop at the grocery store and buy those pre-made meals that are full of sodium. I learned that sodium helps keep water weight and avoids loosing those unwanted fat cells. One thing that has helped me eat better and healthier: I have forced myself to buy foods that make me prepare a home-cooked meal. It has ended up being cheaper actually and I feel better! I also then make my meals for dinner and I cook a little extra so that we have lunch for the next day instead of going out.

Angela Ratliff, Health Benefits Representative

Utah Is Awesome.

I love the outdoors. Once I moved to Utah, I realized that this state has limitless potential when it comes to hiking, biking, backpacking, climbing, and pretty much anything else you can think of to do outside. At first, I was overwhelmed and didn't know where to start. I feel like this blog is a great place to share passions and experience. It could be that someone is in that same "I don't know where to start" phase. We are all in that phase with something in our lives and I hope that these ideas will spark a journey for someone.

I started with the Utah National Park website and searched through all the national parks. They are fairly cheap to get into these parks and they are full of hikes for all skill levels. If you decide to go this route, I would recommend Zion National Park because it has a little something for everyone. If you are ever in a backpacking mood, my favorite spot in Utah is the Lower Red Lake Canyon trail in Canyonlands National Park. The sights are like nothing you have ever seen.

If you want something a little closer to home, the Dog Lake hike is amazing this time of year. There are many hikes listed on the Utah website. It will show you the distance and difficulty of each trail, where to park, and if you can camp in the general area. Whenever I am looking for a place to hit the trail, I always start there. 


The trick is to just get out there. Bring your friends, family, even your dog and I guarantee you will have a great time. We live in an area where people come from all over the world to see. Let's take advantage of it! As always, remember to bring plenty of water and a good, sturdy pair of shoes. If you ever have questions about hikes, equipment, or how to get started, come talk to me. The journey to well-being is all about finding a balance. The prize in this journey is not tangible, it is what we make of it, and experiencing outdoor Utah is a great place to start!


Matt Blum
Healthcare Systems

Living In the Present

I always feel a sense of renewal and rededication when these challenges start up.  It becomes a “New Year's resolution"… again.  Sometimes it's hard to get motivated or we feel defeated because we haven’t hit some personal goals.  I say live in the present – forget about what is holding you back and start today.  Achieve your goals.  Don’t let another day go by.  Become your very best self.

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us."

Make today the day you begin your own personal well-being journey. 

I've started my rededication to achieving my goals and look forward to the life that is waiting for me.

See you along the way on this Deseret Mutual wellness journey and HAPPY NEW YEAR – who says it has to be on January 1!

Donna McReavy, Manager of Customer Service and Enrollment