Owen

Crunch

Linda was in a car accident Saturday night on her way to work. She is okay. Just sore but no big injuries. The other people involved all seemed to be okay as well. She was hit from behind and then pushed into the car in front of her. Here is a picture of our poor Saturn. We have full coverage so we're not too worried about it, but what a pain. We'll keep you up to date on what happens.

so very alone

I've been alone in my cube all day today. People are not ment to me left in a cube for 8 hours with no interaction. They go crazy.

spectacles

Apparently my efforts to look smart worked as I was offered my job back!

How graphic designers fight back. sort of.

Stupid vending machine. Take that!

Big O

So here some long awaited pictures of Owen.

How sweet is that stash!?

Its just beautiful.

So I know its been forever and this probably isn't what you wanted me to post but I thought it was awesome.

100 Peaks

100peaks.blogspot.com

The house

Thats right. Time to blog about the house. We have been in the new house for a few weeks now and things are starting to come together. There are just 2 boxes left to unpack, but still plenty of organizing to do. Luckily we have been getting some sweet craigslist deals, which have helped us with the house's lack of storage.

The fence and gate are completed and fully functional but we have yet to put in any grass. Sadly the saturn decided to start falling apart so we got to put the money we planned to spend on the yard, into the car. So stay tuned (probably next year) for pictures of the yard.

We still have some work to do to finish up some of the rooms but here is what we have 'finished' so far. And just incase you forgot what it looks like, or never saw it in the first place, here is the front of our little house.

The box around the tree used to be about 3.5 ft high, not sure why, and is currently being tuned into a bench.

And here is the sunroom...

The cedar chest, coat rack and retro dresser were all craigslist finds.

Next we enter into our front/living/family/tv room.

Our bedroom is the only one that has been lucky enough to receive paint and was the first room to be finished. we thought it would be nice to have a finished space where we could get away from the mess of moving.

There you have it. The guest room is nearing completion as well as the dinning/computer room. But those might get put on hold to finish up the baby's room. We'll see.

A big thanks to everyone who helped us move and settle in. We couldn't have done it on our own. At least not without a whole lot of yelling and excessive cursing.

Potty talk.

Normally I would ease into, or build up to asking a question like the following, but today I'm just going to get on with it. What is the deal with guys spitting in the urinal when they pee? I've noticed this odd habit for quite sometime and have been trying to figure it out. Is the act of peeing while standing up just not manly enough unless you spit one out first? Do they just need something to aim at? Or (and I'm leaning this way) are they just following the nasty habit of someone else?

I've noticed this action everywhere but now that I work in a corporate environment, I see it even more. Which make absolutely no sense to me. Do most guys really spit so often that they can't make it through an 8 hour day without hocking a loogie? I just don't get it. I could almost see it if your allergies are going nuts, but most of these guys don't even have to prep. They just spit.

Please, anyone out there who has done this, can you enlighten me? Am I missing out on a key aspect of manhood by not doing this? Why?

One Day

Yesterday I mentioned a project called One Day On Earth. Just thought I would share the video with you.

One Day on Earth - Original Trailer from One Day On Earth on Vimeo.

Across the planet, documentary filmmakers, students, and inspired citizens will record the human experience over a 24-hour period. By participating in this historic event, you will help capture the diversity of life and culture on this planet. Together we will create a document that is a gift to the world.

One Day on Earth is a documentary and new media project about the amazing diversity, conflict, tragedy, and triumph that occurs in one 24-hour period on Earth. More than a film, One Day on Earth is a multi-platform participatory media project. The flagship of this project is a 120-minute documentary to be released theatrically. Through the One Day on Earth platform we will establish a community that not only watches, but participates.

Can't get enough

Man has life ever been crazy as of late. We have officially moved into our new house. There are still a few boxes left but most of the unpacking is done along with the fence. I promised my sister I wouldn't let the new house consume my blog post so instead of talking more about the house, I thought I would share a few of the songs that I just can't get enough of lately.

Now you might remember a few months ago I did a similar post featuring "All I need" by Radiohead. I'm not going to post that one again but its still high on my list.

The first song is "Hometown Glory" by Adele

This has been removed as it was playing ads.
Adele - Hometown Glory (Official Music Video) - Watch more top selected videos about: Adele

I first heard this song on the promo for One Day On Earth a project to tell the miracles of the human existence that happen every day on earth. Pretty cool project. If you have a video camera and like filming, I highly encourage you to join the project.

The next one is an older song but its still great. Dave Mathews "Grave Digger"

On a side note, Dave always seems to play at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver. Except for this year. Jerk Face!

We did get to see Greg Laswell though. He put on one of the best shows I've ever seen. He was promoting his new Album which is the next thing I can't get enough of. The song is "Take Everything". The funny thing about this song is that he had just finished recording the video when he came and played in Denver. He told us how he had to learn to sing the song backwards so they could then play it in reverse. He then sang the chorus backwards for us.

Greg Laswell "Take Everything" HD from FVMMO FILMS on Vimeo.

The title of this movie is the title of my life right now. I think I'm going to go take a nap.

Spent

What a crazy month its been! I was ready to call it quits at just a week in. Here is a little recap of whats happened so far this month.

We started house sitting for some people and it was no small task. They have a HUGE house, 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 3 foreign exchange students. All had to be fed and cleaned up after. On top of their dogs, we had our dog, and our friends dog.

We had the inspection done on our house. Luckily nothing major needed to be changed.

On the 10th -13th we went to Utah for a family reunion and baby shower for Linda. Yes, if anyone has not heard it from someone else, or picked up on the giveaways I accidentally dropped (I seriously did accidentally mention it in my post about my new car. Oops), Linda and I are having a baby boy. So that makes things even crazier.

While we were gone on our trip, one of the students (at the house we were sitting) let the dogs roam free in the house and they popped everywhere.

Linda fell and hurt her back. Twice. Sorry Linda but I figured most people have heard already. Basically she has new feet and is still trying to learn how to operate them.

One of the dogs we were watching, stopped eating for 4 days. Turned out he ate a long string of plastic that got wrapped around his intestines. We found that out when I had to help him pass it. Yeah. That was fun.

We ended our house sitting early, found some replacements, took the sick dog and moved back home. Which is a mess and now we get to pack everything so we can move in a week. Good thing because the day after we left one of the water heaters exploded and flooded the basement.

I am currently working on designing a sliding gate for the fence I get to build on our new property, and hunting to find a good deal.

We purchased a washer and dryer this last weekend, along with a $200 jogging stroller we found at a garage sale which we got for 15 bucks. Deal of the year right there.

And that pretty much bring you up to speed. I'm spent already. And before the month is up, we get to pack, close on our house, move, unpack, stain a deck, build a fence and sliding gate, prep the yard for hydroseeding, and try not to go completely crazy.

Oh, and wish everyone a happy tie tuesday.

**UPDATE** Just found out they are bumping our closing date to friday! Here comes the crazy.

Golfing

Golfing has become a near obsession for me. There is just something addicting about playing a game that can bring you as much anguish as joy. It hast to be one of the most aggravating games I've ever played. Its such a simple concept, hit a little stationary ball with a big stick. Why the hell is that so hard to do?!

Last week I played a par 3, 9, and 11. Not many people have the luxury of playing 11 holes but we were fortunate that day. The closest thing I can compare the weather to was a hurricane! The wind and rain was pushing willow trees over, and sending branches flying across the fairway. Although it was crazy that we were out there, what was crazier is that we were not the only ones out there. We kept catching up to the group infront of us so we ended up playing two holes twice. It was a truly epic day. Even my score was epic. Epically high, but epic none the less.

I've only been to one course so far in Colorado but I have already started a list of courses I have to play before we leave. Its a good thing we are planning on hanging around for several years as some of these courses will require some saving. Like the one below. This is Arrowhead. I have not been there in person yet but it looks, and i've heard, that it is stunning. I really want to play it this year but I think I'm going to have to wait. I would hate to disrespect this course with my lack of skill. Hopefully by next year not all of my 'success' in golfing will be from pure dumb luck.

A sad sad day

Today was a very bitter-sweet day. I lost a friend, and member of my family. I could ask for forgiveness but I don't think he'd listen. In my defense it was a very hard decision to make. You see we've grown quite close over the last year and have experienced a lot together. However over the last few weeks, some differences have risen between us, and we had started to drift but I'll never forget how much we meant to each other.

Today, even a few of my co-workers have asked me how I could do such a cold hearted thing, and mentioned how much I sicken them.

Yes today was a very difficult day. You see, today, I sold Rusty. I know Rusty the Justy was in fact very rusty, and sure he was also a little dusty. But all in all he was also quite trusty.

He was sold today while I was at work so I didn't even get to say good-bye or take him on one last drive (something I will probably regret for the rest of my life), so tonight Rusty, I'd like to take this opportunity to say good bye.

Good-bye dear friend. I do hope in time that our paths may cross again, and I hope it will be a joyous occasion. Run strong little Justy! Run strong!

I'd like to take a moment to apologize. I was so caught up in the house sitting fiasco that I failed to mention what else has been going on in our lives. Which might help explain why I was so... expressive about my feelings of house sitting. And for those of you who did not get a chance to read the post on house sitting before i removed it, I again apologize.

Linda and I are buying a house! The house was originally built in 1906 and I think there is only one corner of the foundation that is original. Everything else has been updated and improved on. The house caught both of us by surprise. We had been looking for homes that would need a little bit of renovation but nothing major. This house has been completely remodeled. Sure it may have lost some of its original, aged charm, but we love the work that has been done.

Now to be honest, the first thing we noticed and loved about the house was the amazing tree in the front yard. I absolutely love it. But even though it has been remodeled. We are still going to get the chance to get a little dirty as there is no back yard. Well there is a back yard, just no grass, or a fence.

I don't want to make this post too long, so I'll wrap things up. The lot is a little over 7k sqft. the house is 1180 sqft, has 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, laundry room, sunroom, and an open front room that extends to the 'dinning room' and on into the kitchen.

We've had the inspection, and sewer scope done, and are currently awaiting the lenders appraisal of the property. If everything continues to move smoothly, we'll get the keys to our new house June 30th! Let me know when your available to help us move.

Oh and by the way, by reading this post you have agreed to help us move into our new house, so thanks. thats so nice of you.

Craftsmanship

I was going to add my own thoughts about this, but I thought the description already with it was just too good.

""What is life without craftsmanship?" the ad asks at the end. Well, it's bleak, is what. Office towers collapse, bustling thoroughfares buckle and crack. Hey, are we sure the craftsmen didn't just cut corners on materials? Especially fine are details like a sandwich disintegrating as a diner prepares to take a bite and type sliding off a newspaper page. In the end, everyone roams the wilderness naked, with nothing to do but grow their hair long and repopulate the world. Sounds sweet to me. See you in hell, craftsmen!"

Just a heads up, its German, it European, its a little risque at the end.

Cha-cha-cha-changes.

I figured it was time my blog received a face lift. My blog now features a new yet outdated font choice and colors and some pretty snazzy pin-stripes. Exciting I know.

Home sick

Its been raining a lot here in Denver the last few weeks and I have to say, its making me a little homesick for the NorthWest. Utah wasn't without its charm (southern utah's redrocks and arches are amazing), but it wasn't for me, and Denver is great but we haven't had the opportunity to get out and see what the Rockies have to offer. I miss rain, and moss and green trees, rolling hills and mountains, huge rivers and waterfalls, and I miss being just 2 hours from the beach.

I hope the weather will hold steady for the next few weeks so I can go climb some 14k foot mountains here. Maybe I'll find some amazing scenery that will trump the NorthWest, or at least hold me over till we take our next trip back.

What motivates you?

I have always been interested in what drives people to do what they do. And more importantly what drives them to do it better.

The motivations in my life have defiantly changed over time.

In elementary school is was the promise of 10 extra minutes of recess. Or perhaps the fear of receiving beatings from your classmates if you were the one that kept the class from getting the 10 minutes.

In middle school, the promise of a special meal or toy for getting an A on a test. Like a dog who learns how to sit, and roll over.

In high school, it was an off campus lunch or a pass from doing sit ups. Or the simple gratification that came from graduating and never having to think about high school ever again!

At 16 it was the promise of a car if I got my Eagle scout award, which was a close one, I actually had to forge a signature an hour before turning in my papers before the deadline. (Wasn't my fault they changed the forms on me and the guy had moved to Seattle.)

In college it was the ability to drop the lowest test score, or skip out on the final all together (this one ALWAYS got me. I don't think I ever took a final in any of the classes that offered this).

Now in the real world, its defiantly the money that motivates me. Not that I am only in it for the money (I think anyone who knows what I am getting payed would agree with me on that one), but the promise of more money for a job well done, definitely keeps me coming back for more.

So what motivates you? Is it money, an extra recess (vaca days), or possibly a tasty treat? And is there a point where money or any motivator stops motivating people? Where is the turning point when the promise of a tasty treat, kills your motivation? Does that place even exist?

Selling out

"Its like people only do things so they can get paid. And thats just really sad."

Yes I know I am selling out by allowing Google to place adds on my blog. Adds for things like FORD, SOUTHWEST AIRLINES, and HAIR CLUB FOR MEN. But hey, why not? Does selling out really make me a tool? Probably. Will people stop reading my blog because of it? Its possible, assuming anyone even 'reads' it to begin with.

The way I see it, selling out is just the natural order of things. Here I am 3 years and 160 posts later and nothing about my blog has really changed. This is just the way of the world babe. Its time I stepped up into that sweet world of getting paid to do absolutely nothing!

Actually, if you think about it, this could be a better thing for ALL of us. If I actually want to receive more than 5 cents a year, I'm going to have to start posting more interesting stuff. I'm going to have to blow topics way out of proportion and pretend to be passionate about things that no one cares about or needs to know.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the topic (I feel I can say this because no one ever comments on blogs anymore. At least none of the 4 people who occasionally visit mine out of absolute bordom (but thats okay because I'll be honest, its the only reason I read yours!)).

New Car!

Some of you may know that I have been looking for a new car. Partly because the Justy has been having issues, and partly because we have decided it would be a good idea to have a safer car for the baby to be transported in. The first thing we looked at were subarus. I drove a couple of nice ones, one was really nice. It had heated leather seats, sun roof for the driver and moon roof for the passengers. It also had wood trim and a 3.0 6 cylinder engine. However, it was a 2001 with 112k miles and they were asking $9,980.

I just have a hard time justifying spending 10 thou, on a car with more than 100,000 miles. Plus the car was nice to drive but not any fun. Long story short I decided on something that had 4 doors, good milage, and was fun to drive. So here it is. A 2004 Mazda 3 with only 39k miles and in pristine condition. We still need to get our bank to cut us a check but as soon as they do, I'll be running over there to pick up my new ride.

I don't think its any secret that I'm not a big fan of star wars, and I usually hate it when companies use star wars as a marketing tool. But I have to admit, I did enjoy this one.

I've been robbed!

I woke up this morning to find that someone had rummaged through my car. the contents of the center consol was on the floor and the face was missing from my radio. I don't think there was anything of importance in the consol except for a broken, expired visa rebate card from AT&T, which I had been using as an ice scraper. The thing that I find most interesting about it is that all of my CDs were still in the car, along with the speaker box in the back.

Even though nothing major was stolen or broken, it does make me feel a little violated. Like having a creepy guy with a mustache staring at you. After all, the car was parked on our driveway next to our house. I don't exactly like the idea of having strange people wandering that close to my house in the middle of the night.

I guess I'm just upset that they didn't just steal the whole car. Maybe tonight I'll leave a key on the dash.