Creighton Space

2009-12-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

Hittin' the Gym

2009-01-18T18:43:00.000-08:00

During Q4 things get really nuts at work and like most people I find it hard to get the gym with any regularity. This year was no exception. I quit the gym near me (All Star Fitness) even though it was a pretty decent set up, I just wasn't going. Just a 4 blocks from my house there was a new gym about to open and I after meeting with the owners by chance one day I joined up. The kicker is that it was 24 hour access and small. Small is good, keeps out the weirdos and attracts the disciplined. It's a chain gym too (Anytime Fitness - that's an actual pic of it to the right) with locations in Dallas, Denton, and lots of other places, so there's reciprocity. Anyways, I was able to stay in decent shape in Q4 using some weights at home, I invested in a while back, but now I'm back. I'm finally feeling strong again now that I go every other day or so, and only work out at home when I'm bushed and just want to push a little weight around. I've forgotten how good it feels to be focused in the gym. It's a place that I can be selfish and learn about myself via little tests of will, me vs. weight. The tipping point finally occurred, now to hold on to it for a while.

Hits So Close to Home...

2008-12-31T16:04:00.001-08:00

I Drank That

2008-12-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

Public warning. Coffee from McDonalds is lame. While I was waiting for some new tires to be put on Lindsay's car I grabbed a cup of this stuff from across the street. Ugh. Not good. Put your curiosity to rest, I took the bullet for you.

Hockey Talk

2008-12-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

I met Lindsay at the arena today, and got a backstage tour of the goings on there. They crew was just finishing the hockey ice and hadn't installed the goals yet, so I tried one of them out. They call me "the wall". Yes, that's a squeegee "the wall" is using.

Deep Snow (Prior Week)

2008-12-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

White Christmas Snow/Rain

2008-12-25T13:17:00.000-08:00

We're still melting out from under the snow, but today, Christmas day, we got a little light snow mixed with rain. I took a little video of the front and back yard so you can see what we have left and our white Christmas.

2008-12-24T13:37:00.001-08:00

Finally, Melt.

2008-12-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

Guess what this is a picture of? Melt. Snow melt actually. It's 36 degree now. A little more snow last night has turned to rain and it looks like we're starting to melt out from under our foot of snow.

Here We Go Again, More Snow

2008-12-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

It's like living in Minnesota around here lately. After a day where it stayed around 25 degrees, it's snowing again. I cleaned all the snow off my truck yesterday, but there's already another 2 inches on it from tonight's new snow (took this pic at 5:30). You know what the worst part is? I got cabin fever today and cleaned the house! Oh no! It's that bad!

Coffee and Cards

2008-12-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

Lindsay did all the hard work addressing and organizing the Christmas cards last night (I dozed on the couch), so this morning I put stamps on, and wrote a few notes in the remaining few, while I had coffee. In other words, the cards are on the way!

2008-12-19T21:58:00.000-08:00

Mo' Snow

2008-12-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

10:35AM: Well, we got socked in with more snow. It's really amazing to watch, as it covers everything. We're almost up to 6 inches and it's still snowing hard. I'll just be posting pictures here as I take them, and maybe when it's all done put them in one album.

Snowed In

2008-12-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

We spent the day, on foot, running errands around the Junction because all the streets around us here on Genesee Hill were ice and snow (West Seattle Blog covers the snow issues nicely if you want more info). Not just a little, but 3 inches of snow and black ice on the roads so our cars (and especially my motorcycle) weren't going anywhere today. We made the best of it and had a good time strolling around our local shops. We shopped, ate out, made hot chocolate, and are getting ready to sit around the fire now. Took this pick of the house, looking very home like, from the back of the backyard and thought it was nice. I just gotta say, see how nice the pergola is keeping the snow off the back door? Love it. Holiday greetings to all. Update: Added a few more, of Loo and Isis watching Murphy in the front yard, and me refilling the birdfeeder.

Snow Dog!

2008-12-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

It snowed last night! Murphy's super excited about it and has been eating big mouthfuls of snow as he runs along kicking up powder. I got him to stand still for this glamour shot for just a sec. More snow pics to come.

The House Lights are Up

2008-12-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

Get it? It's a lighting joke, for roadie types. The house lights are up. Ok, not that funny. Anyways, a bit of dry weather this weekend allowed me to climb on top of the house and plug in a few strings of lights. Got inspired and put a star on the top of the house too. However, now that I look at it I agree with what Lindsay's mom observantly and humerously said - it' looks like we're Jewish. Blue and white, with a star on top. That's pretty Jewish. We also got the Christmas tree today, so as soon as we get the lights and ornaments we'll get some pics up. Happy holidays to everyone!

Blog

2008-11-24T17:19:00.001-08:00

Seal (Or Sea Lion?) Sadness

2008-11-23T16:52:00.001-08:00

Fair warning, this is sad stuff. Walking on Alki beach this evening we noticed this sad sight. A large sea lion (not seal as I originally thought), very dead, skull partially exposed, on the beach, just past the tide line, and the really sad part that white blob to the right is a pup, still alive just laying there blinking and breathing. If that doesn't bum you out nothing will. I'll find some happy news to post soon. BTW, there's security tape around them both, and the seal sitters are there watching over the pair.

Early Morning Reds and Oranges

2008-11-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

Lindsay went to Cali a few days ago, for work, and as I came back from taking her to the airport I was fortunate to catch the sunrise over the Junction.

My Times Square Obama Pics

2008-11-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

Rain Drop Blade

2008-11-09T13:25:00.001-08:00

Rain drops on a plant, on our deck. I'm fascinated by the blue gray colors.

Times Square NY Celebration for Obama

2008-11-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

Just back from a few days in NYC, on business, and what a trip it was. I was lucky enough to be there over the election, when Obama was elected and as soon as I realized that he was able to be called the winner I jumped in a cab and headed to Times Square. I was stunned at what I saw. It was a sea of people, each and every one smiling. It was black and white, young and old all cheering chanting. Metro buses rolled by and drivers opened their doors and pumped their fist in joy, honking and flashing brights, cabbies and cab passengers cheering from their cars, young black men, young white men ran into traffic and gave high fives to every car. It was amazing to see us there. Not them, just us all together. There was no threats, no tough guys, no attitudes, no sad, nothing negative at all, just optimism polluting everyone to the point that we all crushed in close and watched his victory speech on any one of the many huge Times Square screens. All around you could hear people repeating, reading out loud, the words of his speech as they were subtitled on the screens. Whispers out of everyone's mouth totaled to all of times square chanting his words. It was cathartic, a release for the last 8 years of confusion and distrust. I stayed there, moving from corner to corner, until 2:30AM enjoying the moment, and only leaving as I needed to get sleep. NYC was out in full effect, and I was privy to a wave of optimism rolling across America. Pics to come later, the video below was not shot by me, but is near exactly what I saw.

Fresh As the Amazon

2008-11-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

We got more groceries delivered by Amazon.com/fresh, this week.

Fall Leaf

2008-11-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

This little Maple leaf is sticking up on it's branch, hanging on in the wind, in our back yard. It's from a sad little tree that I bought at Home Depot for $6. Hang on little buddy, Spring will be your time to shine.

Grin and Bear It

2008-10-25T10:03:00.001-07:00

I'm half way though the personal training sessions that Lindsay got me for my birthday. They're going great, but they kick my ass. I feel like this polar bear. It's good to go to someone that'll make you do exercises that you wouldn't normally do, but I'm finding it hard to work in what I know works for me, on my off days. Once the sessions are over I'll take what I've learned and mix it into my normal routine. It's been a good experience overall, and I'd recommend personal training to anyone now. It was a good birthday gift from Loo, for sure.

Seattle, Sunny Side Up

2008-10-22T00:30:00.001-07:00

Just before I left for work this morning, I snapped this pic of the sun.

But I Did Stay at Holiday Inn Express Last Night

2008-10-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

Speed Vest for Cyclists

2008-10-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

A Few Good Photos

2008-10-06T22:35:00.001-07:00

You Eat What You Touch

2008-10-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hockey Night in Seattle

2008-10-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Loo, with her new powers and influence (working at the Kent Events Center) got us some tickets to see the Seattle Thunderbirds play hockey at the Key Arena last night. It was a suite game. No really, she got us tickets in a suite with some of the other people from her work. Not only are they nice people, good to know she'll be working with a nice bunch, but the game itself was great. Double overtime with a shoot-out win by Seattle. Frankly, I don't know jack about hockey, but I read as much as I could in Wikipedia before we went as not to have to ask too many (dumb) questions (e.g. "What quater is it?"). Turns out that watching hockey on TV isn't nearly as good as it is live. It's easier to track the puck and watch the plays develop, the sounds of the skates, and of slapshots being fired off, are much better in person. Then again, most sporting events are better in a suite, but this one was exceptionally good. Hockey, you're on the good list now. I think I understand you.

Pergola, More Than a Funny Word

2008-10-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

I finished up the backdoor pergola today. There are a few more toe nails that I need to put in the beams, but because I was working in the rain and (strong) wind today I wasn't enthusiastic about getting the pneumatic framing nailer out or the tall ladder, but I did get the majority of it put together and affixed to the house. Like everything it was a good learning experience, and I enjoyed an excuse to build something. Next step, and the real reason for it's existence, is to fit the top beams with 2 sheets of clear Plexiglas to keep the rain off the back door walkway during the winter. Where does one buy Plexiglas sheets? Might also get some vines growing on it too, but that's still undecided. PS: You can get a good look at the fence gate in the second shot. I made it look like another panel as not to be disruptive to the eye. That's my Dad's influence showing. I can't wait to get some back door landscaping done, but that might have to wait.

American Haka

2008-10-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

This reminds me that America is still what I think it should be, somewhere. Aside from the inept and wrongly elected President, greedy wall street and a propensity to put troops in the wrong place (Darfur anyone?) our population of immigrants is our keystone, our investment in the future. That and it reminds me that Texas rocks.

Most Importantly...

2008-10-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

...Loo has a new job! A really cool one too. I'm proud of her, as usual. Check out her blog here to read all about it.

Flowers, For You

2008-10-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

For your enjoyment, a few snapshots I took while spending the afternoon at Volunteer Park, with Mom and Lindsay, over my Birthday last weekend.

Heat Flash. Getting Old, Or New Heater?

2008-10-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

So one more thing that we did recently? We bought that thing, above. We got a new gas heater for the house. The old one was suitable for the Smithsonian, as it was from what our home inspector said, 'just after the war'. That's WWII people. That's an old heater. We'd have kept it longer, but last year we limped it along after a a ton of blow outs, some learn as you go repair work and the realization that it was probably only 50 or 60% efficient. So we dropped the cash and got a new one. The new one is literally about 1/4 of the size of the old one. Heck we even ran a line for a soon to be installed gas stove while the plumbers were here, so we're ready for the cold and wet winter, and ready for kitchen appliance updates soon too. Here's the old beast:

Back! From the Fair

2008-10-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

It feels like forever, from the last time I blogged. I was 34 years old the last time I did, now I'm 35. That's a long time! Well, actually, my birthday came and went and busy has been the name of the game. Between Mom visiting, checking in with friends, and working on the usual house projects, I neglected the blog. Over the next few days I'll be posting a pic here and there to pay it back, in spades hopefully. Today's update...Cara & Brent (plus their awesome kids) took Lindsay and I to the Puyallup Fair. It was the first time I'd ever been, oddly. Loved it. Too much fun, too much to see, too much food. With all that food - you can watch me grow (round in the middle). This poor guy won't be round in the middle too much longer. How depressing would it be to have your butcher cuts drawn on your side?

What's That Buzzing Sound?

2008-09-17T23:59:00.001-07:00

How neat is this? It's a hornet's nest in a tree just a few houses down from us.

Saturday Recap: Been There Did That.

2008-09-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

What didn't we do on Saturday? After a night out on Friday, dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, we walked all the way up California Ave to Blackbird for drinks, discovering a few new places along the way we'd like to check out soon. Waking early on Saturday we headed to Alki beach to explore the low tide and marine layer fog before everyone else was awake. Our local West Seattle blog published a few of my pics (the ones here) that I sent in of the beautiful sea scape that morning in fact. The low tide made for some interesting views, especially the guy watching the ferry in ankle deep water 30 yards from shore. We grabbed some breakfast at one of our favorite beach front spots across the street, at Alki Cafe (where both of our moms have eaten with us) and watched a BBQ contest set up on the seawall and headed out for some errands. First to Home Depot to get a new bathroom cabinet, and then off to see good friend, and soccer master, Paul coach his Tacoma Blue Huskies soccer team at a nearby park. A late lunch at home, watching the last part of the Notre Dame vs Michigan football game, and then back to the action. I used the late afternoon sun to finish up most of the rock wall extension to the back gate with a concrete pour and some simple mason work (all the rock touching the gate is new, extended about 3 feet from the existing wall) and topped off the day trimming a bunch of low limbs out of a back yard tree. Lindsay made me my favorite pasta dinner...and like a wild man I fell asleep watching Saturday Night Live. Whew. Lots done. Sunday plans...nothing!

From A Different Perspective

2008-09-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Translated Rap Battle

2008-09-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

And now, for something completely different...kinda.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Matt Damon on Palin

2008-09-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not giving him credit because he's an actor, or famous, but because what he said here is what Lindsay and I have been thinking. What an insult to those that have spent a lifetime in selfless service to better their fellow citizen that someone no more qualified than the mayor of your town, anywhere, is selected to be the second best representative of the United States of America. I'm sure she's nice, and smart too, she's gotten herself far in life, but I wouldn't hire her where I work, and we're just retail.

My New Prius

2008-09-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

No, it's definitely not a Prius. But I could haul a Prius in it's bed if I wanted. It's the nightmare of Seattle eco-friendly liberals, (that'd be my wife and I) and it's all mine. It's my new Dodge Ram 4x4 long bed V8 truck. Yep, at it's very best this 4,600 lbs beast will get about 14 mpg, maybe 15 mpg downhill. So with gas at an all time high price is buying something like this insane? No, not when you do math. I sold my making payments on and too tiny to haul anything Toyota Tacoma, and had a few thousand dollars left over. I took $2,000 of that and bought the Dodge to haul stuff with. So with no more car payment on the Tacoma, and nothing but liability on the paid for Dodge so it's saving me money. Because I only drive about 5,000 miles a year (that's what I put on the Toyota last year) the difference per year that I'll pay in fuel for the (best case 20mpg)Toyota to the (assume 14mpg) Dodge is $429 more each year. I've already saved that much with the change in insurance and less one month car payment. Take that smug Prius driver! And no, I won't help you move. (Ok, I will. I love hauling stuff in the truck actually.)

Man in wheelchair robs Texas 7-Eleven of condoms

2008-09-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

DALLAS -- A robber rolled into a Dallas convenience store came armed with a bat and a knife. He left with a lot of condoms and an energy drink.

Dallas police Cpl. Kevin Janse said Friday that a man in a wheelchair entered a Dallas 7-Eleven Wednesday afternoon, rolled straight toward the cash register and beat it with a baseball bat until it opened.

But he didn't grab any cash. Instead, police say he stole 10 boxes of condoms and an energy drink before making his getaway Wednesday afternoon.

Janse says the suspect may have been homeless and was likely intoxicated at the time of the robbery.

Vern Fonk Rules

2008-09-06T00:47:00.000-07:00

If you stay up late and watch TV in Seattle, you know Vern Fonk (ok, Rob Thielke, but that's getting in the way of a good story) of Vern Fonk Insurance. He's one of the brilliant comedy minds of our generation. Really, there's not much I think is funnier. If you dare, check out some of his best ads here. Otherwise let some of my favorite Vern Fonks roll...

The Deligate from Alabama

2008-09-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

I shouldn't stereotype, but this pic of a Republican delegate from Alabama pretty much sums up what I think a right wing conservative white guy should look like. Call central casting, we've got our man.

iPhone vs Google Android

2008-08-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

You might not know what Android is right now, but you will soon. Google wants to take a bite out of the Apple and has been building their own mobile OS (rumored to be launching on the T Mobile network with the HTC Dream phone) that's supposed to be everything the iPhone OS is and more. Without getting too nerdy on you (too late I hear) check out this video to get an idea of Android's haptic (aka movement) sensative Google maps compass. Oh yeah! That's cool. I'll be one of the first in line for the HTC Dream for sure.

No More Booze for Indians

2008-08-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Unreal statistic here, published by the AP: "Nearly 12 percent of the deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives are alcohol-related -- more than three times the percentage in the general population". That's horrible. I don't know what to say about it, I don't know the solution, but if I were in that culture I'd really hope everyone in my family abstained from any drinking at all.

Public Art: A Sublime Waste?

2008-08-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Lindsay and I went to the park today to see a dance "collective" hop up and down and twitch in front of some chairs that bored people like us happened to be sitting it. When I found myself visually tracing the branches of a nearby tree instead of pondering the forced human movement happening in front of me it was time to go. No, I didn't care to stay and understand why they were taking bites of out the apples on the strings. Anyway, Lindsay and I have been through enough art school (just ask Sallie Mae) to know crap when we see it, but it did do good at some level and provoked a long discussion of public art and it's responsibility to guide and entertain rather than be aloof and privileged. the NYTimes has a brilliant and close to my heart article about a similar idea and how it manifests in public sculpture. Seeing the accumulation of Jeff Koons work, especially next to my old hero Richard Serra, made me reclassify him as a genius and not able to get enough of his public punk rock thought provoking spoon full of sugar makes the thought get across sculpture. Do yourself the favor and click through the Time's slide show of significant public art and take a stand yourself. Does Serra's wall deserved to be removed from outside an office? Does the fact that it effect the occupants, at all, give it value? Does "Puppy" insult the art world or draw viewers in in the same way that Wallinger's Jesus does - as a familiar, or owned figure larger than life? Public art, either the opening of the Olympics, or the graffiti on the bus stop...is it a requirement or a luxury?

Wood Burning Truck

2008-08-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

Following hot on the heals of the 1M mile Chevy, how about a little more auto weirdness? Tired of high gas prices? Looking for something a little more abundant? How about using wood to fuel your truck? There's a guy in 'Bama that's doing just that. No, it's not nuts it's good ole Southern ingenuity. Wayne made it work. Go Wayne go. Burn baby burn. (Bio-Truck web site)

1,000,000 Mile Chevy

2008-08-21T22:57:00.000-07:00

Would you be willing to pay $30,000 for a Chevy truck with 1M miles on it? So far no one else is either. Hop over to eBay (here) and place you bid on it before...um...before, nothing happens at all.

She's Back

2008-08-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Loo's almost back in town! That's her plane being tracked right here. I tried to tidy up the house, even did a little home improvement for her birthday (more later). Missed her a lot, so I'll be great to have her home again.

A is for Apple

2008-08-15T08:09:00.001-07:00

I took a picture of an Apple this morning. I kind of like it.
Can you tell that Lindsay is out of town and I don't know what to do with myself? : )

More Moon...Tonight

2008-08-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

I watched the moon rise over West Seattle tonight. I think it wanted to take a peak over the shoulder of the crane near the new Whole Foods construction site.

Talk to Me About Murphy

2008-08-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

No, not the dog. Murphy, the dog, is fine. Murphy's Law. I gave a speech at Amazon's HQ building this morning, and it was a bumpy ride. Picture a room with a great view (I took a phone pic out the window - see above) of 150 people and all wondering when the power will come back on. Then wondering why there's no coffee. As I plow ahead with my speech, pacing back and forth on stage waving my arms talking about content feeds, we get a back-up generator going, so someone runs up and sticks a lapel mic on me. Helpful for 3 minutes, then it starts cuting in and out with the generator's load. I bail on the mic and go back to arm waving style. Someone sitting on the front row stepped out of the room, and on cue his phone (that's sitting on the table conspicuously) starts ringing, loudly, right in front of me, thankfully after 5 or 6 rings his voice mail kicked in, but I struggled to keep my train of thought. So it might sound bad, but I liked it all in all. It's fun to go with the flow and make due. Much more fun than executing a task like a machine. After I was done 10 people came up to the stage and asked questions, my VP said that I looked like a "rock star", so look for me on iTunes soon. Good to have that speech behind me now, it was taking up a lot of my mind. I'm lucky that I get to participate in fun stuff like that, it makes life colorful.

Landslide!

2008-08-13T21:32:00.001-07:00

Amazing video. Just amazing to see so much move at once.

Pimp My Foot

2008-08-13T21:25:00.001-07:00

Lindsay and I were at the mall this weekend, and found this purdy shoe. We were stunned. I almost bought a pair just to pay homage to it. I even tried it on, not too bad really. All hail the pimp shoe.

Moon and Mountain

2008-08-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

Mt Rainier and the moon, as seen this evening from our porch.

6 Observations On Life

2008-08-10T22:23:00.001-07:00

I ran across this on the 'net somewhere today. Good stuff, so I'll share it:

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was Roman emperor from 161 until his death in 180.
Marcus left behind a corpus of writing which, despite it’s antiquity, offers us some truly timeless wisdom. Here are six lessons we can learn from his observations on life.

Lesson #1: We Are Responsible for Our Own Experience of Life

“Such as are your habitual thoughts; such also will be the character of your mind; for the soul is dyed by the color of your thoughts.”

Much has been made recently of the (so called) ‘law of attraction.’ Before ‘The Secret,’ a wealth of writers had tapped into the idea that what happens in our mind is the most important thing in shaping our experience of life. From Norman Vincent Peal’s ‘Amazing Power of Positive Thinking,’ and Joseph Murphy’s ‘Power of the Subconscious Mind’ to

Wallace Wattles ‘Science of Getting Rich,’ all were taking about a truth which Marcus understood so may centuries ago.

Viktor Frankl said that between what happens to us and our response to it, there is a gap, and in that gap lies our whole experience of life. Steven Covey, in his ‘Seven Habits’ called our ability to widen this gap ‘being proactive.’ It is the first habit of a highly effective person to cultivate an awareness that s/he is in control. To coin a phrase, life is what you make it.

Lesson #2: Everything Changes

“Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.”

I keep a sign posted over my desk at work. It reads ‘this too will pass.’ It is a reminder to me that, whatever I am experiencing in life, it will disappear and be replaced with something else. Only one thing is certain – everything changes. People who know this and tap into the natural course of change can be very successful. Let’s take one area as an example – the stock market. People who bought stock after the dot com crash, knowing that the market would rebound after such a dramatic fall, reaped enormous rewards. Those who sold when prices had become stupidly inflated and wildly disconnected from earnings, knowing that the market couldn’t keep on rising forever, also did well.

Clinging on to the way things were can be a source of great misery. The past is gone and it’s never coming back; the present is already changing. So why complain that things used to be better? There are opportunities if only we can see that change is coming.

Lesson #3: Live a Real Life

“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”

I recently picked up a copy of Felix Dennis’ book ‘How to Get Rich’ while waiting for a flight recently. It’s a great read – unlikely to make you rich I suspect, but full of wonderful observations. In the first chapter, Dennis (who is ‘one of the richest self-made men in Britain, according to the back sleeve of the book) tells us that one of the main obstacles to being rich is comfort – a regular paycheck, a pension, a nice title, stock options. In other words, people don’t want to risk losing what they have. In other words, they are afraid. They are not living the life they want because they are scared they might lose more than they gain.

In the British comedy ‘The Office,’ Tim is set to leave his dead end job and go to university when he is given a small promotion. This persuades his to stay at work because although, as he puts it, he has ‘rolled a three and could very well roll a six,’ going to university might not work out – he might end up ‘rolling a one.’

Taking risks is no easy thing, but when we come to the end of it all, shall we regret that we stayed too much in our comfort zone?

Lesson #4: Be Grateful

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

Marcus clearly understood that gratitude is an important commodity to possess. We take so many things for granted, and only when we lose them do we stop to think just how important they were to us. If you cannot sleep because you have stomach ache or you have injured yourself, you will quickly become grateful for a good night’s sleep!

Every day is a gift, and there are so many, many things to be happy about. We all have problems and we all suffer lack and privation, but why not focus on the good things we have? If you can read this, then you have had an education and you are probably rich enough to own a computer and pay for an Internet connection. Make a list of things you can be grateful for – you might be amazed at how long it is!

Lesson #5: Be Detached

“Receive wealth or prosperity without arrogance; and be ready to let it go.”

Felix Dennis, in his book ‘How to Get Rich,’ speaks plainly about the real meaning of wealth. It is nothing, he says. It isn’t real. Getting rich, he writes, is just a game. If we take the pursuit of wealth (or anything else, for that matter) too seriously, we are likely to fail. In the Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna says to Arjuna, ‘Plunge into the heat of battle, and keep your heart at the lotus feet of the Lord.’ He is saying, I think, that the battle of life is a game – we must play it with all our heart, but we must not be attached to the outcome. In this detached state, we can be ready and open to receive wealth or success. We can pursue these things with energy and passion, but if we cling to them, or pursue them as something of importance, they are likely to elude us.

Lao Tze, who lived seven hundred years before Marcus Aurelius, wrote

“Those who take hold of the world and act on it
Never, I notice, succeed.
The world is a mysterious instrument,
Not made to be handled.”

It seems that Marcus understood this paradox.

Lesson #6: All Is Well

“Everything is unfolding as it must, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so.”

In 1373, Julian of Norwich was suffering from a severe illness. Believing she was near death, she had a series of visions. In one of them, Jesus appeared to her and said, ‘All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well.’

The idea that things are unfolding as they should is a common theme in the mystical traditions of the world. Anthony de Mello, in his wonderful book ‘Awareness,’ writes ‘When you awaken, when you understand, when you see, the world becomes right…You’ll never explain it… Life is a mystery, which means your thinking mind cannot make sense out of it.’

The world looks like a big mess to me, but if we take Marcus’ advice, sit quietly, abandon our opinions, and simply observe, then perhaps we shall indeed see that ‘all is well.’

Fondue I Do

2008-08-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

I now own an official Kahlua fondue pot. It came with a bottle of Kahlua that I bought tonight. The fondue gift set box was on sale, $2 cheaper than the regular bottle on its own. Apparently I can be convinced to put cheap crap in my house for a $2 savings. But you know what's more distasteful? While looking for a picture of the set, for the blog, I found it on a site for www.jazzartsfm.com/auction.html as something to bid on. Ugh.

Kitchen Envy

2008-08-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

I want a new Kitchen. No, make that I'd like a new kitchen and Lindsay needs a new, wants a new, kitchen. I'm not even going to show you pics of the house, because as much as we love it the kitchen is original and not becoming. It's a big step to dump a ton of money into a kitchen and because we're both so frugal and downright practical it's not something we've taken any action on. Unless you mean drooling over models at Home Depot. Just when is the right time for tearing out a kitchen and putting in a new one. Wait! I don't even know where to start. All I know is I want counter space and glass tiles. Is that enough to go on?

Football Sunday

2008-08-03T19:58:00.001-07:00

I watched NFL football on TV today. What happened to the summer? I love football, so I'm happy to hear Madden, see the hype, and participate in the quintessentially American display of aggression and strategy, but are we really headed into Fall? I refuse to think that in a month it'll be September, that it'll be rainy season, that it'll be fleece and hat weather again. The good news is that it's supposed to get up to 90 this week so I'll get some of that baked in seasonal appreciation back, but I hear there's football this weekend too. Oh no.

The Alaska Trip By Loo

2008-07-30T20:43:00.001-07:00

There's no way that I could match the effort put forth by my lovely wife, documenting the Alaska trip, so I'll default to her. She put it together in 3 chunks, each eloquent and concise. Check them out with part 1 here.

Alaska Pics (249 of them!)

2008-07-29T01:06:00.001-07:00

Home Safe & Sound

2008-07-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

We clocked 2,300 driving miles, and a few more miles not driving, but still moving taking three ferries (Alaska, BC and WA) but all roads lead to Seattle and we're back home now. We'll be sorting through the photos, and getting back into the swing of real life for a few days. It was a great trip, and I'm thankful for the opportunity and thankful to be reminded that there is a great big world out there. Lindsay and I both realized that more interesting than our small trip was the realization that we are a piece of the travelers experience, and at any given moment there are a thousand people moving across our same route with bigger plans, farther distances to go, and more effort in their travel than our week and a half was. It was amazing for us, and we're both so excited that we did it, but the better feeling is the humbleness that we have, that travel should bring, that there is more to see, and much more to learn.

Not Home Yet...

2008-07-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

Still exploring Alaska, Yukon and BC on two wheels. Everything is great! My wife is my best friend and perfect travel buddy, the trip is so much better with her by my side. Tons of pictures and stories when we return later in the week.

Alaska Tomorrow

2008-07-13T01:13:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday, that means tomorrow we'll be in Alaska riding a motorcycle back toward Seattle. 2,400 miles of two wheel fun. Checking our list of details all day today, but on a bike it's a short list of what you need really. We'll update from along the route as we can, if not expect a mess of pics as soon as we're back. My mantra for this trip? I read in an article recently about 'riding your own ride'. Good advice, that's what we'll do.

Harley Davidson Aquires MV Agusta

2008-07-12T00:44:00.000-07:00

Interesting, but everyone saw it coming too. HD, after having a very bad sales year (market saturation and stale brand identity) has acquired the exotic Italian motorcycle brand MV Agusta. Details here. I've always loved the HD owned Buell motorcycle company, maybe we'll see something with design elements and technology that's more contemporary for a change.

Fencing is My Hobby

2008-07-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

Getting the posts mounted in the earth atop the little rock wall that's already in place (and overgrown with ivy, etc) was tough work. It's done, finally, and now I'm finally putting up the planks. Using the framing nailer is a reward in itself, as there is no other tool with quite the punch of a DeWalt framing nailer. Still need to clear more of that brush to reveal the wall more. That'll have to happen after Alaska. What do you think Dad? Prairie School enough?

Still Summer Night

2008-07-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

It's getting dark here about 9:20 now. Took a quick pic of the house across the street as the moon came out.

Fourth of July

2008-07-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

A few pics from the 4th of July at Cara and Brent's house. Food, fun, fireworks and kids. There was so much food, in fact, that we went back to Cara's house the next day to help eat through some of the leftovers. It was the 4th, but it was more like Thanksgiving, as it was an occasion to remind ourselves how lucky we are to have good friends and opportunities, like this, to do nothing and enjoy everything.

Picnic Sunday

2008-06-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

It's a warm one here in usually chilly Seattle, almost 90 degrees. We went down to the water across from Mee-Kwa-Mooks park, as the crow flies only 3,000 feet from our house (map here) and found a perfect picnic spot to enjoy the afternoon. A good day to count our blessings, this is the good life. PS That's Bainbridge Island across the water, the still snowcapped Olympic mountain range barely visible in the background - 45 miles away!

Driving Change

2008-06-28T11:28:00.001-07:00

Looks like the tiny Italina motorcycle company, Aprilia will be importing their 850cc Mana motorcycle to the US sometime soon. What makes this significant is this bike is CVT (transmission that doens't have to "shift" gears) and automatic (no clutch lever) unlike all other bikes, with the exception of the Yamaha FJA of course. Group this with the success of the Prius, and the electric Tesla roadster, and watching GM shut down it's truck manufacturing lines and it's another reminder that we're in the middle of a huge shift in transportation. The next 5 years will go down in the history books as filled with change. Anyways, the Aprilia Mana is a brilliant and more importantly bold machine that is helping pave the way for acceptance of new ideas in American transportation. You bet I want one.

Moto on the Mind

2008-06-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Some my say I'm obsessed with this Alaska trip...and they might be right. I've got moto on the mind. So does the wife - I'm in good company.

Museum Picture Sideshow

2008-06-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

Flight Time

2008-06-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

About 3 months ago Lindsay and I met an actual Rosie the Riveter, who we gave a ride home to from downtown late one night. Sweet old lady, and it was our pleasure to visit with a living part of WWII history. Many, if not most of the planes in WWII were built by our other neighbor, Boeing, and yesterday we headed to their Muesum of Flight to see their massive collection (Smithsonian sized). It's fascinating to see everything they have there and we didn't have enough time get to see it all. I've been really interested in Charles Lindberg's life story, after we saw his grave in Maui, and the museum has some great old artifacts of his flight to Seattle. There's also an Air Force Once that we toured, Blackbird spy plane, a concord (Did you know a concord stretches 5-7 inches when it's at full speed?), an amazing collection of WWII and WWI fighters, and we even saw one of the very storied AWAC radar planes that Regan sold to Saudi Arabia in 1981 amidst huge controversy. The collection is huge and very complete, and the people watching is great too, so we'll have to go back sometime and do it again.

Twice As Nice

2008-06-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

Did you know Seattle has double decker buses? Me either, until one passed me downtown a few weeks ago. Got a quick pic of it off as it passed. Neat eh?

The Best Beast

2008-06-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Took the Alaska bike out for a couple of long drives this week. That's a pic of the actual bike, there. Scott loaned it to me for a little getting used to. Took a few loops of Seattle on the first evening and on the second evening met up with JP at his place for a little jaw flapping about bikes and life in general. I'm used to the bike now and ready for the trip, and excited for Scott and his wife to begin their trip northward to make the whole thing that more real. It'll be an amazing moment, that first turn out of their driveway toward Alaska, I'm happy for them. We'll meet them, or at least the bike, in Anchorage on July 14th. I'm glad that I could be in the right place right time to take advantage of this and add another adventure to our life story.

Da Route, Da Home

2008-06-15T00:42:00.000-07:00

We got a great used tent this week, in preparation for any camping we'll have to do in Alaska, most importantly on the deck of the ferry for 2 days once we leave Skagway. We set it up in the front yard to test it out. If you look really closely you can see Mt Rainier in the background, just to the right of the neighbor's chimney. If you want to see the route we'll be taking, I've finally mapped out the route, on Google/maps here. We'll have to make some changes to the BC part, but for the most part it's on track and a good measure of where we'll be when. Exciting!

From Anchorage to Seattle with Love

2008-06-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

If you know the Seattle weather lately you'll understand that to get some warmer temperatures and sunshine we're headed to Anchorage. Almost not funny. It's been 50 and cloudy here for...ever.

Anyways, we are headed to Anchorage. It's a long story, but the short version is I found a guy on Craigslist who is riding up to Anchorage from Seattle on his 650 V-Strom (similar to the one in the pic above), and wanted to know if anyone could help him out, and have fun in the process, by riding his bike back down for him. That's where I come in. I gave him my responsibility resume, years I've been riding, bikes I've owned, etc then met him for lunch at REI. Not surprisingly we're a lot alike, recently married, in marketing, about the same age and most importantly we both can be relied upon and are very responsible riders. Seeing as we're both taking a risk that's important. IWe'll fly up and meet him in Anchorage on July 14th, and as they catch their flight back, Lindsay (aka super-adventure-kick-ass-wife) and I will depart from Anchorage to > Tok > Burwash Landing, BC >Skagway > Alaska Marine Ferry inside passage > Prince Rupert >Prince George > 100 Mile House > Seattle. Should be about 2,300 miles in total. Yes, we're a little crazy, a little nervous, but a lot more carpe diem so really excited mostly.

Death of Mole

2008-06-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

I didn't do it. Part of me, the primal hunter part, wishes that I did, but I didn't. Working in the yard this weekend I looked over and faced death. Death being a unexpectedly tiny mole. Ashes to ashes, I thought, so I dropped him and his cute digger feet into a hole in the front yard and buried him. Hoping it'll be a warning to other moles to stay away. Unless they want to help me dig fence post holes.

What She Said...Sushi

2008-06-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

I'll let the wife tell the full story of our hedonistic sushi trip yesterday. Sushi = yummy and healthy. I love a restaurant that 1. doesn't make you wait on the waiter 2. you can see what you'll be getting, and 3. that's healthy. Lindsay tells the story better than me here.

Scooter Loop Around the USA

2008-06-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

This guy is an inspiration. He's taking his 49cc scooter on a lap around the United States. The whole, amazing, thing is being documented on this scooter site. Keep in mind that he's Korean, so just stopping by the US and decided to see it ALL, and that he's on a scooter that's generally goes to a top speed of about 45mph, so he's driving many of his miles on the shoulder of the highways. He's doing it right now. At this very moment he's slowly rolling through parts of the US (see his Google map of progress here) that you, a life long resident of this country, will never even consider seeing. Again, what an inspiration. He didn't need a $20,000 German engineered touring machine with handmade body armor, he just got on his scooter and drove. I've done some hardcore stuff in my time, but this guy is a warrior.

Furry Accessory

2008-06-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

Really? Do you need to take your dog with you when you ride?

Too Fast! Ahhhhh!

2008-05-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

Best motorcycle helmet art ever. It's 5 time world champion superbike racer Valentino Rossi's own picture--of himself screaming. Makes perfect sense, when you take corners at 100 mph for a living. It's great to see professional sports figures with a sense of humor.

Sun Anyone? Anyone?

2008-05-31T14:52:00.001-07:00

I'm sick of the Seattle gray. I'm usually very tolerant, but summer hasn't been able to poke it's head out and the winter hangover is still in the air. Hear that Texas family? It's 59 degrees right now. So to tempt the summer in I went and looked at motorcycles today. Left a few drool spots on a Ducati Monster that I think I'd prefer to look at rather than ride thanks to an uncomfortable seat, and the Ducati ST4 always looks like a winner on paper, it just doesn't fit me so it'll stay at the dealer too. None of that really helped though. The sun still isn't out. Someone do something. Call someone, this is getting old. The pic is from The Long Way Down, which I'm trying to avoid for fear of getting the jealous of their Africa weather and BMW funding.

Yo, Nerd

2008-05-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's my eye in the picture. I'm blinking a lot right now. I'm trying to get used to the contacts I got today. It's only been a few hours, so I'm hesitant to make a ruling, but aside from the novelty of seeing well without glasses I'm not as impressed as I thought I'd be. I wanted a panacea, but because my Rx is mostly astigmatism I'm using toric lenses that feel out of focus more often than not. Of course that also could be the new prescription. When I've gotten a new pair of glasses in the past it's taken a week or two to get used to the change. Again, it's only been two hours, so we'll see what the vibe is on it next week. In the mean time I'll try and stop staring at stuff and blinking as I'm sure it's unnerving to anyone around. Best part so far? Watching TV laying sideways on the pillow - can't do that with glasses on. If it rains, and it will, I'm excited about walking in it with out the dirty windshield effect that glasses have. That alone might make it worth it in Seattle.

Fence Me In

2008-05-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

One portion of the fence is done. I'll cut the tips of the posts off later, when the rest of the fence (that'll be on the left side in this pic) is up. It went much faster thanks to Ben loaning me his framing nailer. I'm happy with the looks, and ready to get some landscaping in. This winter we'll transplant that Japanese Maple (left side) to the right side of the yard, next to the last fence post on the right, put in some new grass and call it good.

Gettin Dirty

2008-05-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

I climbed the ladder into the attic about 30 times today. I'm installing can lights, 4 of them on 2 circuits (there's one in my hand in the pic) running all new wiring, and installing a new 3 switch dimmer plate in the living room. With a waffle fueled burst of energy I tore apart the living room ceiling and made a serious mess of everything. Lindsay once again proved how amazing she is by just letting me go about my demolition with a smile and a "that's nice honey" here and there. The big hurdle is tomorrow when I run the new wires through the walls - wish me luck. Loo took this awesome picture of me in full handy mode. I love it.

Memorial Day

2008-05-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

The cemetery near us, here in West Seattle, is getting ready to plant hundreds of crosses on the graves of those that have served. I stopped to take this (camera phone) picture of a pile of crosses and remind myself (There for the grace of God go I) to pause for a moment and appreciate what Memorial Day is about.

Keep the Rubber Side Down

2008-05-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

While we were out driving between the garage sales here in West Seattle on Saturday we happened upon this scene. We drove up just seconds after the collision apparently, when I got out of the car the Vespa rider was still on his side on the ground. I took a pic after checking him out and helping unstick the bike from the minivan, and gave them my card in case they needed to get any follow up, but it was pretty clear what happened (Hint: following distance is important). The good news is that he wasn't hurt that bad, just scraped up a bit, but his scooter was trashed and I'm sure he's going to be sore for a long time. ATGATT, my scooter friend: All The Gear All The Time.

Fence Building: Step 2

2008-05-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

I got crazy last night and just before dark mustered the energy to dig 5 post holes, and even get in a trip to Home Depot for treated posts and concrete to set myself up to finish the eastern section of the back yard fence. Not sure how tall it'll be yet, just tall enough to block the view of the neighbor's garage. If the sun stays out I'll be able to concrete the holes in and possibly plan for adding boards by the end of the week. Little steps.

They Call Her Mellow Yellow

2008-05-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

It's not like big bird, or like a lemon. At first it was like a sunflower, but with the second coat applied (after an emergency run to Home Depot) our kitchen is now what's called "campground" yellow. I call it Santa Fe yellow, but most importantly we call it done. It's one more thing crossed off our long things to do list.

Pole Position Effort

2008-05-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to build a fence for, um about 5 months. I'll get to it soon. Ok, I'm intimidated by it, as it sits on a concrete wall and it was under a jungle of overgrown plants. So, this weekend I took one step in the journey of 1,000 miles and went to war with a section of the wall and finally got a post in. No concrete yet, but it's in there. Can you see the fence taking shape? Me neither, but it's a start.

Tom Wants to Be Your Friend

2008-05-04T19:45:00.000-07:00

We Love to Fly and It Shows

2008-04-27T21:12:00.001-07:00

Not much has changed. BTW, swiped this from my fellow ex Texan in Seattle blog, Clayton Barrel.

Car vs. Bike vs. Race Bike

2008-04-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Something for all you motorcycle fans...

Gabby Me

2008-04-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

I recalled an interesting Maui story today, one I almost forgot, about meeting Gabby Reece when we were there. Lindsay and I were looking to see if an Italian restaurant in a strip mall (everything in Maui is in a strip mall) was still open and parked so I could run over and see, but it was closed. As I trotted back to tell Lindsay this I passed a tall gal on the sidewalk (with baby in her arms) if she knew somewhere Lindsay and I should eat. She suggested the sushi place behind her, but we had just had sushi the night before, so that was out. We chatted about how Lindsay and I were just married (Gabby was very congratulatory), about our friend Cara's kid, about having kids, and that she didn't know any other place to eat, because she was from the other side of the island. Nice gal, for sure. About half way through talking to her I recognized, that she was Gabby Reece, and the surfer who was just talking to her before I asked her about the recommendation was her hubby Laird Hamilton. Gabby was really friendly - great island attitude. Lindsay pointed out that she was especially nice, and talkative, considering she was breast feeding her baby under a shoulder cloth as I stood there! Oops. My bad. Not being around women breast feeding very often I didn't get it and now I'm embarrassed that I was chatting with her while she was feeding her kid. Anyways, nice gal even with slow guys like me.

All That Money and No Brains

2008-04-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

Worst PR video ever. MSFT claimed that it was a joke when the press called them on how campy it is, but since when is Microsoft funny?

Mo' Maui, Mo' Memories

2008-04-17T23:35:00.001-07:00

When you take 776 pictures on your honeymoon it takes a while to sort through them. Until I get them all done here's a few more. The first is our beloved Jeep. A must when in Maui. Nothing is more fun or more forgiving. This was taken on the road to Hana. The other is a palm tree branch from a beautiful botanical garden we visited. More to come!