... to boldly go ...

2001.09.11 - Never Forget

2010-09-07T13:23:00.006-06:00

Filmmakers James Hanlon and the Naudet brothers were originally filming Tony Benetatos, a probationary firefighter, on the New York City Fire Department assigned to Ladder 1 on Duane Street with the intention of making a film about the "probie's" experience. On the morning of September 11, Battalion 1 was called out on a gas leak, Jules rides with the Battalion Chief, Chief Joseph Pfeifer, to check it out. When a low flying plane flies by overhead Jules turns the camera to follow the plane and tapes one of only three known recordings of the first plane hitting the North Tower (Tower 1) of the World Trade Center (the others being a video shot by Pavel Hlava and a sequence of still frames taken by Wolfgang Staehle).

Jules Naudet captured American Airlines Flight 11 striking the North Tower.
The members of Battalion 1 that were investigating the gas leak were the first responders on the scene and Jules was allowed to follow the chief during the attempted rescue operation. Jules, Chief Pfeifer and several other FDNY Chiefs are inside the lobby of Tower 1 when Tower 2 is hit by the second aircraft and when Tower 2 eventually collapsed (Gédéon, meanwhile, is back at the firehouse, filming the reactions of probie Tony Benetatos and the rest of the firefighters as they try to deal with the disaster). The film gives various firemen's accounts of the events of the remainder of the day, from the initial crash to the building's collapse to the attempts to rescue survivors from the rubble.

Video - Kenya 2009

2009-09-15T21:15:00.001-06:00

Here is a short video of our trip to Nariobi Kenya in June of 2009. The team's video camera was lost, so this is scarce footage of the experience we all had. It was a life changing experience, to be sure.

Never Forget

2009-09-10T23:14:00.002-06:00

On September 11, 2001, filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet were filming a documentary on a rookie New York City firefighter when they noticed a plane overhead. That plane would hit the World Trade Center. The firefighter and the Naudets rushed immediately to the scene. The Naudets filmed throughout Sept. 11 and the days afterward from the firemen's perspective, as it became clear to them that this was the only known footage from inside the Twin Towers that day.

Part 1 of 4

Part 2 of 4

Part 3 of 4

Part 4 of 4

Mathare

2009-07-22T09:45:00.021-06:00

This has been long overdue, but I wanted to share my experience and feelings from my visit to the slums in Nairobi. The following is my journal entry from that night after visiting the Mathare slum and my thoughts after a few weeks of processing.

!! WARNING !! - the journal entry is long, so if you just want my reflections scroll down past the horizontal line. Or click here for the reflection

2009-06-17

Today we visited Mathare slums. I'm still processing alot of this and hope that journaling will help. God, please help me understand. We had armed guards with each team, not so much for to make us feel more secure, but because the church wanted to be sure - just to be sure. It was a great thought, but at no time did I feel unsafe. The Mathare slum is named for the Mathare river that runs through the middle of the slum valley. There is a hierarchy in the valley - the lower toward the river you are, the worse off you are. Gravity still applies in the slums, and the shit does indeed roll down hill. (the river also floods once a year)

As we descended down into the slum, led by Pastor Gideon, it looked as I had prepared for. We walked on refuse instead of concrete, rocks, or even dirt. Homes were made out of mostly sheet metal. Some folks had shoes, but most did not. The smell is probably one of the things that will stick and remind me of my experience whenever something in the future smells similar. The fire smell, in particular. From burning stoves to random burning of garbage that has a particular smell. And, of course, the smell of crap that we were walking and slipping on from the rain the night before.

There were also some sights I did not expect to see. The various livestock. Chickens, turkeys, geese, pigs and goats. All of which I'm sure helped to add to the waste lining every "street" and walkway. The various shops. Slum grocery stores, slum food markets, slum restaurants, and even slum motels. As well as a whole slew of primary school rooms full of uniformed students eagerly learning. These all added up to a community - just as diverse or complete as Greenwich Village, Beverly Hills or Castle Rock, CO - different, but a community none the less.

We visited five different families that the local church is helping. All mothers/grandmothers were infected with HIV/AIDS and were caring for multiple children. They live in various configurations of one room houses. About twelve by twelve feet was the norm. A couch or two. A sheet separating the beds from the rest of the space. A cooking area with a small pot/burner combination. Maybe one light bulb and a radio/TV.

Most of the people rent their homes month to month. Some own their homes. The ones that rent have trouble doing so. Homes are usually one mother or grandmother caring for the kids left behind when their child has died - usually from the effects of HIV/AIDS. That caretaker might have a business selling produce or washing clothes, but it is usually only enough to buy food and maybe pay for rent or school fees. Fathers are scarce, and if they do help provide, they are away from five in the morning to past eight at night if they are lucky to have been employed that day. School, food and housing - things that most of the world take for granted - are the big three needs these people face every day of their lives.

The fact that some do own their homes brought something else to light for me. The ones that we met that did own do so because their parents owned it when they were moved to the Mathare Valley. This means that these folks were born into this life and will probably die in this life passing what they have onto their kids that were also born into this life. Not that I contemplated such things before my trip, but I had a different notion that these poor were like the street people in the U.S. Born into regular families and just had a rough patch of luck. Squatting on the land that they occupy. I just was not ready for this reality. I know we have a cycle of poverty and generational poverty in the U.S. but not to this extreme.

This issue of ownership is about the only thing that differentiated the five households we saw today. And, to tell the truth, I felt relieved when I heard this twice today. See, if you rent and you fall behind on your rent the landlord will come remove your door until you pay. This is a frightening thought when you hear the stories of tribal conflict between areas of the slums. Or when you hear stories of little girls being raped because some tribal men believe that they can cure their AIDS disease by having sex with a virgin. If you still don't pay your rent the owner will come and remove sections of your roof until you pay. Another scary thought as those that are sick with AIDS are more susceptible to dying from the common cold virus.

When we asked what the local church, Fountain of Life (FOL), has meant to these few, they all responded similarly; that when needed, they help provide food, rent or school fees. Three things that, if taken care of, make for a content and happy family. These resources from the church do not come only if the person "joins" the church or even "joins" the faith. One of the other groups visited a man whose situation was similar to others. At the end of each visit, the visitors were able to ask questions to gain more insight and from his story it came out that this man was not a follower of Christ but had been receiving assistance from the church for some time. The church is now at capacity for the number of clients that they can serve - but they just see need, not additional numbers for their congregation. As it turns out, the group helped lead the man to Christ. He ended up joining them the remainder of the day and even helped another client with food that day and the next week as his business was one of buying and selling food. To me, this is a prime example of someone picking up the direction of God to "help the oppressed" and "defend the cause of the widow"

Just after our slum visit we all went to lunch in downtown Nairobi. It was a very nice place and you could tell we were dining with some of Nairobi's successful businessmen. I wonder what they thought of our shit covered shoes? I don't think it was purposeful by the team leaders to go to such a nice place right after our slum visit, but the contrast could not be more great. I had grilled talapia with fries, a coke, a chocolate brownie and a cappuccino. The price of which could have paid for rent, food and school fees for probably a week for one of the slum families we just visited. I even went further in my mind. How much could the $3200 I raised for this trip have provided the sixty families the church assists? How much could the other things I spend money on that I don't need but want go toward those much needier?

I don't think that's where I'm supposed to necessarily go with what I experienced today. To be honest, I don't really know what to do with all this new perspective. I do know that at dinner tonight it started to stir something in me that I'm hoping to flush out sooner than later. Again, I hope this journaling helps.

After dinner I was talking with Charles and just kind of going over "so, how did today go?" between us. And it hit me just like it's hitting me as I write this. The meal I just ate, some tortillas and ground beef served at the place we're staying - the meal that I really didn't think was all that great - in fact, I thought it kind of wanting ... this meal ... I didn't deserve it. I had eaten already at lunch. The families in the slums were far more deserving ... and why wasn't I demanding that we all stop eating and deliver, tonight, this ordinary meal to the hurting people we met today?!?!? ...

Righteous indignation - Rage - Sorrow. Probably not wrong feelings but not entirely productive. A need to sort these feelings out, that might be what's required right now.

Before embarking on this trip I asked God to use this journey, if for nothing else to change me. I hope and pray that that is where this is going.

Some observations so far:
- I need to be a better steward of the money and resources that God has given me
- Although I was shaken by what I experienced today, God did not wake up today, look at the Methare slum and go, "Whoa, what the...?" His story of love and redemption is not just my story but it is a story evident in those that live in the Methare slums and probably more so.
- I may forget the names of those that I visited today, but I hope not to forget the smells - and may those smells forever remind me of my experiences this trip.
- I can do more. And I hope God shows me how and continues to bless me so I may help bless others.

_________________________________________________
Reflections

So, that's what I saw and felt that day. It took actually coming home to start figuring out what it meant for me - and it didn't take long to start. The first day back at work I had the usual suspects pop into my office and ask how the trip went. After telling one coworker what a life changing experience it was, she dove right in with a follow up question.

"So, I know that you went with your church - how do you reconcile what you saw with your faith?"

POW!! - there it was. No sugar coating. No beating around the bush. To me, she was basically asking the question - why do bad things happen to good people. And in the process, I was able to answer my own issue of how ticked off I was that day in Mathare about the un-fairness of it all. I hadn't done much processing or journaling about it, so I really believe I had some help from above to formulate my response.

For the recent past I believe that God has been revealing a couple of truths about His nature. Whether thru a bible teaching, reading, devotional or conversation with other people He has helped me polish a couple of truths in my world view. The first is that everything that God has ever done - creating the world, bringing leaders to power, allowing folks to have cancer, making it rain yesterday - all of these things are meant to bring glory to Him in some way or another. He created us to fellowship with and to bring Him glory. Also, God is the source of love. He IS love. And every thing he does for us he does because He loves us.

Now, these are a couple of ideas that I have heard all my life growing up in the church. Maybe it took me growing up to fully realize their impact, maybe it took me going halfway round the world for their meaning on me. Maybe a little bit of both.

Reflecting on my time with the families in the slums of Nairobi - in light of these truths - I realize that I saw God's nature in the slums in a tangible and personal way. I saw God being glorified by the work of those in the church of Africa fellowshiping and helping those in need. I experienced God's love by helping those that help others and listening to the stories told by the "least of these". I saw Hope in the faces of the mothers/grandmothers. I saw Joy in the faces of the children living in those conditions.

So, who am I to question what is fair or unfair when God's purpose is fulfilled. He is glorified and His love is experienced in the slums of Nairobi.

Simply Amazing!

Update from Kenya

2009-06-16T09:41:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone.

Well, after 26 hours of travel, we made it safely to Kenya around 7 AM local time on Tuesday morning. A couple of bags missing from the group of 30, so not too bad.

Our team leader has tried to keep us awake the whole day today so we get on track in our sleep habits for the week.

We visited the church/orphanage today. What a great group of young boys. It's amazing to hear some of their stories and how Living Water Church is able to do what they do.

We got a primer for tomorrow, our first visit to the slums. Please pray for our group as it is sure to be an emotionally exhausting experience.

So far, it has already been an eye opener to see both the extreme conditions in which "normal" folks live here as well as to see God's love for people being shown through the Living Water Church.

Please feel free to pass this note along to anyone else that might benefit from these notes, or point them to my blog at StaceRiley.com

-----
Stace Riley

The Riley's are takin' off

2009-06-14T14:37:00.000-06:00

Hello journey partners.

We'll be heading to the airport in a couple of hours and I wanted to start an email string that I can hopefully keep up with while we are over in Kenya.

The following is a post I sent out on Facebook and sums up some brief thoughts on the trip.

___________

"In our last team meeting we discussed a section of the John Piper book, "Let the Nations Be Glad" in which there is a central idea. "Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is." Growing up in a church environment this was both old-hat and a profound new idea for me. If I can sum up what it is for me, it is to say that if the church were doing what it was made to do, to worship and bring glory to God, and doing it with the intensity that it naturally should, then missions would be a natural by-product of that. If we, as a church, gave the Glory to God that he deserves in all that we do, the mission field would be our daily lives and our sphere of influence.

I am anxious for the next few days and what God has in store. I do not know what to expect in a 3rd world country. I don't know if I'm going to be able to relate to folks that live on less than $1/day. I don't know how He is going to use this white man in a foreign land. And at the same time, I am at peace because I know that even if the only life God touches in Africa because of me - is me - that His purpose for this trip will be fulfilled.

Thank you all who have given both your resources and prayers to our journey to Africa. Please continue to pray for safe travel, health, and that God's plan work itself out beautifully."

___________

It is not too late to give to our trip as we will be needing funding until we get back. We have still not met our fundraising goal. If you would like to do so, head on over to WorldOrphans.com where you can still make a financial contribution.

Our team leader has a blog that he hopes to keep updated at Fallen-Scales.com and I will try to update my blog, StaceRiley.com as well.

Hopefully more to come.

-----
Stace Riley

God is in the slums...

2009-04-28T13:42:00.001-06:00

“God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them.”

Some might recognize the quote above. It might be no surprise that they were uttered during the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. What might be a bit surprising is that they were said by Bono, the lead singer for the band U2 as he challenged those in power in the government to get involved.

I don’t know how much of an effect it had on those people there, but it hit a nerve in me that has taken a while to define and to stir me to action. I knew Bono was a philanthropist. I knew he had the influence and wherewithal to put words into action. But I also saw that there was more to his story. I saw that, in all his fame and fortune, he is still just one man doing what he can.

Africa has been on my heart in some way or another for a few years now. We’ve done some work with World Vision and been on-and-off supporters of the ONE Campaign. This last year our local church decided to partner with a church in Nairobi, Kenya and we gave some to the special project fund. And when Jami went to the informational meeting about the upcoming trip in June, I thought, a nice idea, but probably not realistic. Since that night the nerve was struck again, the stirring began, we explored the realities, made the leap, and I believe that there is a purpose for me going on this trip.

Last night we learned a little more about what the trip might look like. We will visit the slums where we will help the local church to keep families together that are being severed by the HIV/AIDS problem that is rampant in those areas. We will help awareness of the local church as a resource for those in need and a place for children that are orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS.

We will be affected by what we see. God will use us in unforeseen ways. And I am looking forward to that. If asked the question, "why are you here, why do you care," I hope to answer "because I serve a God who cares" and to put those words into actions.

“Every era has its defining struggle and the fate of Africa is one of ours. It’s not the only one, but in the history books it’s easily going to make the top five, what we did or what we did not do. It’s a proving ground, as I said earlier, for the idea of equality. But whether it’s this or something else, I hope you’ll pick a fight and get in it.” - Bono

I ask that, if you can, partner with us in this journey.

Financially, this will be an undertaking. The cost of our trip is $6,400. We have several deadlines to reach with our funding; our next one being June 1, 2009 when we must have 90% of our funding in to World Orphans. Please consider donating by this date!

If you feel this is a journey that you could support we would appreciate any donation. You may send your support in numerous ways:

Our support code is ST7003RILEY. You will need this code for phone donations, on your check, and online.
BY PHONE: Call Terryll at 720.362.4880 and pay by credit card
BY CHECK: Checks may be mailed to:

World Orphans
ATTN: ST7003RILEY
PO Box 1840
Castle Rock, CO 80104

ONLINE: Secure donations can be made by visiting: www.worldorphans.org. From the home page, go to GIVE in the top right corner of the page and then go to ONLINE GIVING. Choose one time only & in-field ministry and special projects when you donate. Please note our support code ST7003RILEY in the memo box.

All your donations are tax-deductable!

Spiritually, we expect our time in Nairobi to be extremely emotionally taxing. We need your thoughts and prayers in preparation for our trip and during our travels. We hope not only to make a small impact in this part of the world but also that the trip might shape our world-view and affect our lives personally.

I will keep you all updated as I can.

Looking forward to the journey

--
Stace

Take the plunge...

2009-02-14T21:30:00.002-07:00

...sign up for a Facebook account and find me there.

This blog will stay alive, cuz I have my custom domain on it, but Facebook has my attention right now 'cuz it's so much more interactive.

Just do it!!

;)

Quick house update

2008-12-25T21:30:00.005-07:00

There have been many cries from family to have a glimpse of our new house.

We will have a much better one done when we are finished (if that day ever comes), but for now here's a quick look at our 4 month-and-counting project.

Add carpentry to my list of new skills

2008-11-01T23:54:00.001-06:00

Had a 14" space between the end of the cabinets. Vwalla!! New base cabinet & wall wine rack.

Vacation...

2008-07-30T15:11:00.002-06:00

I think today I had what alcoholics refer to as a moment of clarity...

We are on "vacation" for a week for my sister's wedding and although family visits are fun, they are usually jam packed and not very relaxing.

But as I watch my boys playing today, and in particular my youngest, Connor, I realized that these times are as much me being able to spend time with my own family as they are with extended family. Seeing Connor just simply explore the den at my sister's house was a blast and I found myself just soaking up the wonderment of a one-year-old.

God has been very good to me, and I got to thank him for his gifts to me today.

One of my favorite teachers...

2008-06-09T11:15:00.006-06:00

KULR8 Video

Kyle, my brother, was interviewed and you can catch a glimpse of me in the first picture of the slideshow about half way thru.

Godspeed John Haughey.

Future generations will be lacking without you around.

Stupid logic

2008-06-03T15:46:00.004-06:00

I recently saw a pin that read, "When Bush took office, gas was $1.46 /gallon"

If I am reading it correct, Bush's policies are responsible for raising the price of a gallon of gas from $1.46 to almost $4 in seven years. Now, I can comfortably say that I do not know all the ins and outs of the commodities market and the exact process for determining the price for a gallon of gas, but a look at comparable numbers for the price of a barrel of oil makes this argument absurd.

Gallon of Gas -
2001 - $1.46
2008 - ~$4.00
~ = 174% increase

Barrel of Oil -
2001 - $26
2008 - $135
~ = 419% increase

I must say that I am not the biggest ra, ra guy when it comes to our president, but this kind of stupid logic just grates on me as a level headed American. The president does not, and cannot have any direct impact on what price the gas companies can buy oil for and what price consumers pay for gasoline.

Grow up, people, and start living in the real world !

future southpaw slugger

2008-05-23T20:22:00.001-06:00

playin' at the ballpark

2008-05-23T18:47:00.002-06:00

A laugh for hump day...

2008-05-21T10:05:00.001-06:00

This one seems to hit you just after you finish watching it.

mmm mmm good!

2008-05-20T19:05:00.002-06:00

not to be out done

yum yum

2008-05-20T19:02:00.003-06:00

future soda jerk

For those that need a definition, click here

nyc

2008-05-05T20:18:00.001-06:00

nyc. as crazy as you'd think

Take me out to the ballgame...

2008-04-04T09:46:00.002-06:00

Even though they started playing on Tuesday, the Rockies are finally opening their season at home today. Their 1-2 start is kind of like the 0-4 sweep in the World Series last year - it really can be forgotten with a strong start this year and a strong start at home this weekend.

To quote the man with the greatest voice in show business..."The one constant through all the years...has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past...It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again."

Here's to peanuts and crackerjacks !!

Play Ball !!

And now... the rest of the story

2008-02-19T23:43:00.009-07:00

Sorry this has taken so long, but limited internet in Cabo and jumping back into the fire here at home are my excuses.

So, to pick up where I left off...

Thursday - mid day...

Shots from my morning beachside whale watching

Sooooo close...

Our resort from the beach

We headed back to the room for a siesta before the wedding event that night. Probably had a little too much sun mixed with not enough sun screen, but not too bad. The night over at the Pacifica was really great. Troy and Corinne know how to do it up right. Short, but touching ceremony, pictures on the beach (where the string trio followed us. :-) Some really good hours devours, a lot of high quality drinks and some very tasty burgers to cap off the night. Oh, and did I mention the FIREWORKS. So unexpected but so cool. Very fun night that I now have to somehow top because my wife has said her next wedding must be barefoot on the beach.

The beach beds at the resort that can be reserved

Scott and Velvet

The wedding party and guests

Jami is getting good at this photography thingy

Friday morning we got up fairly early to go whale watching with Scott and Velvet. Sad to say that it was more 'whale chasing' than really watching. The bohemeths just were not out playing too much that day and, honestly I saw them more abundant and up close and personal on the beach the previous morning. But, it was a nice boat ride and we got to see the famous arch from the postcards and got to see our resort from the ocean. After our excursion, we had a quick bite of lunch on the marina and then headed back to the room for another siesta and some room service before our party night at Cabo Wabo, Sammy Hagar's joint in Cabo. Lots of good classic rock, a few weird mixed drinks, and many great laughs with friends.

Our boat we went out on

Jami got some good tail shots

The well known arch

Our attempt at some self portraits on the beach

I SO wish I had the camera on the right setting, cuz I love this shot of my bride

Saturday required a bit of late morning snoozing, (see previous nights events) The only thing on the agenda for this day was some more pool time and a ultra fancy diner at a "One and Only" type establishment. It's the "C" restaraunt at the Pamilla. Look it up if you want more info, but the long and short is that it was a very nice meal with excellent service and the award for most expensive meal we've had. It was quite the send off for the trip.

Sunning at the pool

At the Pamilla resort

Sunday, we had breakfast on the patio at the Bistro and a hectic trip home that had us connecting in LA and rushing from our plane, thru customs, and back to ... THE SAME PLANE!! One shortly lost piece of luggage that appeared on the doorstep the next morning, (including one contriband cigar) and back to our kiddos that I had to wait until the next day after work to see. Sure did miss 'em.

All in all, we had a great time. The best part was just being away with nothing to worry about but where we were going to eat and how much pool time we could fit in.

Greetings from Cabo

2008-02-14T12:20:00.004-07:00

Well, it's day 3 and I finally am sitting by the pool with a Midori Colada and a wireless connection that looks to be stable.

We arrived without much fanfare in the Cabo airport Tuesday afternoon. Mexican customs was a breeze and we made it through the sea of taxi drivers out to our shuttle bus waiting patiently for us. The drive through San Jose del Cabo was interesting. The idea of infrastructure doesn't seem to move very far south of the border. Businesses, homes and cars seem to be made out whatever is available. But, as expected, the closer we got to the resort area of Cabo, things became cleaner and more modern. We rode in with a couple from Detroit who come down every year to stay with some friends that are down here a couple of months each year. (must be nice to be retired)

We're staying at the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach resort. Very nice, highly recommend. Thanks Troy and Corrine for giving us an excuse to come and the accommodations. The staff and folks here are very nice. You don't have to speak any Spanish, but they seem to like it when we try.

The first day we just got acquainted with our surroundings, met up with our hosts, and had a some very nice mexican fare at the Bistro on site. We turned in early to get rested for the days ahead.

Real Flamingos

Trying out the free web surfing

On Wednesday, we opted to take the "90 minute" sales pitch breakfast and resisted with great success. In return we got $300 worth of credit here at the resort. I had heard horror stories of sales pitch sessions from friends and family, but this one was as easy as I could have expected. We then headed into downtown Cabo to check the local scene. Pretty much as expected - very touristy and not much to draw two hum-drums like us. We'll venture out again on Friday with our whale watching trip and a visit to Cabo-Wabo with the rest of the folks. We then came back to swim in the Sky Pool at the top of the resort and watch the sunset that the resort gets its name from. We then dined at the fancy-schmancy restaurant. It's themed after Frida, the spanish artist that was made famous with Salma Hayek's movie a few years back. Good eats and then off to rest again.

Today we got up and headed for breakfast at the 3rd restaurant here and then a day of spa and pool time. Jami had a rock massage after breakfast and I headed to the beach to watch the whales and get some relax time in. Then Jami met me at the beach and we headed to the pool to get some sun, drinks and food. We'll wrap it up here and get ready for the nuptuals later tonight.

Ta ta for now.

More to come

Connor's 1 year video

2008-02-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Wow,

I have been really behind in the blog-o-sphere.

My regular readers have probably forgot that I even have a blog. Well, for those who have ventured to my thought dump, here is Connor's 1 year video that I did for his birthday party.

I'll be posting the DVD cover as soon as I get it finished.

For those interested, Jack's video is at the bottom of my blog.

Look for some posts in the coming days from our trip to MEXICO !!!!

Christmas Movies

2007-12-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

List from last year that still stands.

The List

I haven't seen any new good Christmas Movies since then.

Here's hoping...

2007-12-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

...for a white Christmas like last year!

Funny flash video set to one of my favorite Christmas songs...

Hmmm...

2007-12-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

SNL - Lazy Sunday

2007-12-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

This short from a Jack Black hosted episode of SNL was replayed tonight and we got a big kick out of it again,... so I felt the need to share.

Character quiz

2007-11-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Things like this usually do not appeal to me, but since the content was Firefly/Serenity based, I just had to see where I stacked up.

...apparently, I'm a chick. ;)

I am Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)

Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)		65%
Derrial Book (Shepherd)		60%
Wash (Ship Pilot)		55%
Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)		50%
Jayne Cobb (Mercenary)		45%
Inara Serra (Companion)		45%
Malcolm Reynolds (Captain)		40%
Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)		35%
Alliance		35%
River (Stowaway)		30%
A Reaver (Cannibal)		15%

Dependable and trustworthy.
You love your significant other and
you are a tough cookie when in a conflict.

Click here to take the Serenity Personality Quiz

To my forgotten audience...

2007-11-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

I'm going to throw my countless Sci-fi readers a bone here with a very cool site.

Jeff Russell's Starship Dimensions

This is really cool to see how different ships and stations in the various Sci-fi universe compare to each other.

Here is a version that is not as exhaustive, but still gives the big picture view of a lot of the more well known ships.

New Pictures

2007-11-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

New pictures of both boys can be found on their picture pages.

Click the pictures on the right to go to the albums.

Take me out to the ball game

2007-10-28T18:42:00.000-06:00

1st Ever World Series!!!

Grim outlook

2007-10-28T00:42:00.000-06:00

Hard to come on here and blog after the loss tonight. It's alot more fun after a win.

Game 2 - we had great pitching but couldn't buy a run.

Tonight - we score a few runs but our pitching gives up twice as many.

Hope Cook can give us a decent outing. Would be nice to have something to cheer for when we're there tomorrow night.

Deflated a little bit...

2007-10-25T20:47:00.000-06:00

After 8 days off the Rox finally played another game.

Result...

...a 13-1 shellacking by the Boston Red Sox in game one of the World Series.

Hopefully they regroup tonight.

Jami was one of the lucky ones to actually get thru online when the Rockies finally sold their home games for the series. We were able to get tix for each game, but opted to sell the the first set to pay for all three. So, if the series goes at least 5, we're going to two World Series games for FREE!! We're taking Jami's parents on Sunday and my dad and brother will come down for the game on Monday.

Things are not looking too good. 2-1 Sox in the bottom of the 6th. They've got to win one so that we can go to 2 games!

Very geeked out that I get to go to the game(s)

Go Rox!!!

A Little Perspective

2007-10-17T23:58:00.001-06:00

*** edit ***

Since this video story has been deleted from ESPN, here's a story from another columnist to put into perspective what the Rockies were able to accomplish before being swept in the series.

Rockies pull off the impossible, advance to World Series

***end edit***

I know this will have a bigger impact on you if you understand the numbers being spouted about Rockies history and baseball history in general, but just listen to how many times the word "first" and "in history" are used in this analysis of the Rockies historic run to the World Series this year.

- Inexpressibly Fantastic -

2007-10-16T16:08:00.000-06:00

Words fail me today. A picture will have to suffice. For I felt just like this last night.

The Rockies are going to the World Series ! ...

The Rockies are going to the World Series !! ...

THE ROCKIES ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES !!!

... That just never gets old :)

1 to go...

2007-10-15T16:17:00.000-06:00

And then the unfathomable will happen.

The Rockies will play in the World Series!!

Simply unbelievable.

I almost hesitate to write about this in fear that I might jinx them somehow, ... but I'll throw caution to the wind and forge ahead.

If you do not follow baseball or sports in general, I may not be able to dictate just how amazing it is for the Rockies to be where they are at right now.

The regular baseball season is roughly six months long. April thru September. 162 games. It usually takes at least 90 wins to get to the post season. That's just over 55% of the games played and should give you a perspective on the type of see-saw game baseball can be over that long haul.

Exactly one month ago, September 15th, the Rockies had a record of 76 - 72. Just four games above .500 and 4th in their division and 6th in the wild card. By anyone's analysis, they were out of it. If they finished "strong" they might get up to 3rd in the division and have something to build on for next year. To leap-frog five teams would have taken an unbelievable finish and some luck and help from other teams. To think of the post season was a long-shot. To battle their way to the World Series - a pipe dream!

21 games later - 20 wins later, ... dreams can come true.

One of the most surprising things is how the players are taking it. They act like it's no big deal. Like they expected to be here - and shame on those who counted them out.

It's going to be incredible tonight if they can clinch the pennant, and just unfathomable if they make it to the "fall classic".

Last night it was the trio of:

Matt Holliday getting things started with a shot to the left field bleachers. (hope this is the start of him heating up in the post season)

Josh Fogg filling the shoes of the "Dragon Slayer" moniker he's been tagged with.

And Yorvit Torrealba, a very unexpected hero, launching a three-run go-ahead shot into the night. (reoccurring theme here with the unexpected heroes)

The East-Coast bias is pushing back our starting time tonight, so the game might not be decided until the wee hours of the morning tomorrow.

Not that I mind, but I think it's starting to wear on my fellow cheering section! (read: Jami and Sherry)

Rollin', rollin', rollin'....

2007-10-07T00:43:00.000-06:00

...Rolling along!

I almost don't know what to write here. I want to describe my feelings, but I'm having a very hard time putting words to them.

Awesome! - Satisfying! - Unexpected!

Until we moved to Colorado 8 years ago, I don't think anyone could use the word "fanatic" to describe me. Growing up and living in Montana, there were no local professional sports teams to follow. If you were interested in them, you might follow the Broncos, Vikings or Seahawks because of all the major sports, football was the biggest in the area. A fan of those teams I was not. In fact, the Cleveland Browns being "my" team, I actually had quite a bit of hatred stored up for the Broncos when we moved down here. (see 1987 AFC Championship playoff game) And baseball, forget it. I could not think of a more boring sport.

But we were invited to a Rockies game in 2000 and about half way thru the contest I got so frustrated that I did not know the rules, that I made a conscience decision to figure this boring game out. What better way to learn than to watch regularly. This was a much easier task with a local team that had almost all of their games broadcasted on TV. Somewhere between that game and the end of the season I was hooked. Following the personal stories and the teams up and downs got me counting the days down to the opening pitch of the 2001 season.

In the ensuing seasons, the Rockies tinkered and tweaked their team trying to find the "right recipe" for success but never came closer than 4th in the division and only had 1 winning record in the 2000 season and came close to loosing 100 in '04 and '05. This team often was characterized as having a culture of loosing and, to tell you the truth, I think there's something to that.

I'm not sure how to react. This is the first time I've been a "fanatic" for a team that is making serious noise and a run at the championship after so many years of loosing. I'm in uncharted waters here.

Magical! - Exciting! - Hopeful!

Tonight the Rockies won at home to sweep the Phillies in the NLDS. Thanks to strong, strong pitching from Ubaldo Jimenez. The 23 year old pitching like the staff ace he is sure to become in the coming years.

Also another clutch late inning hit from another unlikely hero. Thanks Jeff for the high pressure base knock to win it.

And I have to post another picture of Todd. Love to see the passion, I'm right there with ya.

Up next, the Arizona Diamondbacks. It'll be a tough series that could go 7 games. I am actually more scared of this team than even the BoSox or Indians if we get that far.

Go Rox !!!

The Highlights

2007-10-02T14:44:00.002-06:00

In case you want to know how it went down last night.

Click here.

p.s. - I'm getting absolutely nothing done at work today.

Unbelieveable Journey...

2007-10-02T01:08:00.000-06:00

I was seriously kidding with my earlier post about the Rockies and their nice little win in the double header against the Dodgers. I hinted that they had an outside shot at the playoffs if they ran the table. It was more an opportunity to express my appreciation for the face of the franchise, Todd Helton, and comment on the rare glimpse of emotion from the usually stoic "throw back" player he is.

As it turns out, 15 games and 14 wins later, the Rox have done the improbable, if not the impossible. With help from outside to get in and the luck of a coin flip, they came through in front of a hometown crowd in a 13 inning mini marathon to secure their second post season foray and first in 12 years.

Like two middleweight prize fighters, they slugged back and forth - Rox up 3-0 with Yorvit's homer, Pads up 5-3 with a grand-slam from Gonzales, Rox up 6-5 with Todd's homer and some small ball, Pads tie it up 6-6 in the 8th.

To the 13th we go. Padres get a 2 run home run and move to the bottom of the frame with thier closer and future hall of famer, Trevor Hoffman. My tentative confidence moves to an attitude of defeat. It shouldn't. These are the new Rox. Better, Faster, Stronger.

Kaz lines a double to right-center. Tulo rips a double to left-center. 8-7 Pads. Holliday cranks a long triple off the aux-scoreboard. TIE GAME!! Of course they walk Helton to get to ... who? Jamey Carroll? The defensive replacement brought in to secure the lead in what seems like two weeks ago - oh, that Jamey Carroll. Runners at the corners, no outs, bottom of the 13th - JUST PUT IT IN PLAY!!!

He must have heard me. Shallow fly to right field - ball caught - Holliday @ 3rd tags - throw to the plate - head first slide ... did he actually touch home? ... WHO CARES, the home plate umpire called him safe - ROCKIES WIN !!!!!

Again, a moment to savor for the 10 year veteran who was climbing up the list of most games played without a post-season appearance. I think Todd made it a point to hug each and every teammate for helping him get to this point as the champaign flowed. As well he should - it's been a team effort all year with someone new stepping up each game. This time, Jamey.

A scene that Todd's been dreaming of for a very long time, I'm sure. Take it in. You've deserved this for a very long time. The fans had given up on you - Ownership tried to ship you off - The peanut gallery writers said you've passed your prime - and you took it all in stride, professionally, going out there every day, playing like you knew this day was coming. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Look out Philly, a hot team is coming to town.

Live to play another day

2007-10-01T00:20:00.000-06:00

My Rox are one day closer to a post-season run. Thanks to a lot of help from the Milwaukee Brewers the last two days, we're heading into a one-game playoff with the San Diego Padres tomorrow night for the NL wild card spot.

With momentum on their side, they should have a good shot at it. Hopefully it will be a blowout. I don't have much fingernails left after today's game.

Let's have this same scene tomorrow night.

Goonies of the Caribbean

2007-09-28T10:39:00.000-06:00

A mashup is when someone with too much time on their hands takes two different video clips and mashes them together to create something "new". Most of the time they are very choppy and only server to tickle the funny bone a bit.

This one actually was done rather well and looks like it might have had some professional work done in it with the editing.

Goonies Of The Caribbean - Funny bloopers R us

Good stuff

One step forward... one step back

2007-09-28T10:24:00.000-06:00

The Rox tromped the Dodgers last night 10-4 in a game that was much closer than the score told. What's scary about that is that the Dodgers had their rookie lineup playing because they have nothing to play for. Hopefully that hasn't softened up our lineup or pitching at all. We're going to need our "A" game tonight and througout the weekend against the Diamondbacks.

The long balls came out with Helton, Atkins and Hawper all going yard.

Keep it going, guys !!

Shhhh....

2007-09-27T12:58:00.000-06:00

4 games to go...

1 Back in the Wild Card...

2 Back in the division...

10 Games in a row...

Shhhh... ballplayers are very superstitious...

Thanks, Josh, for stepping up and keep this thing rolling...

Hungry for more

2007-09-26T10:01:00.000-06:00

It's been a nice little run. 9 in a row. Franchise records for most road wins and most wins total in a season. Legitimate National League MVP and Rookie of the Year candidates.

But I want more.

The Rockies have officially spoiled me with their little playoff push. When it started, it was just nice for them to play meaningful games in September and get a little hungry for it again next year. Now, it's turned in to a legitimate shot at the post season. Only one game back in the Wild Card with 5 left to play. Only 3 games back in the Division with 3 of those 5 against the leading Diamondbacks. They are still on the outside looking in, but what a view!

Tulo and Herges were the ones to step up last night. Thanks guys!

Go Rox !!

The beat goes on

2007-09-20T10:25:00.000-06:00

I don't know if hope springs eternal, but it certainly is springing up here in Denver when it comes to the Rox making a push for the playoffs. I still think they have a very steep road to climb to even have a chance at making the playoffs, but I'm sure stranger things have happened.

Another game, another two run home run from a lefty off a lights-out setup man. This time, it wasn't Mr. Helton, it was Mr. Hawpe, Mr. Brad Hawpe. Ripe from a 10-53 slump and an almost 3 week homerless drought.

Not as dramatic as a walk-off homer, but just as effective as the Rox squeeked out another W against Wild Card and Division rivals.

Keep it rollin', boys !!

Life support

2007-09-19T00:53:00.000-06:00

The Rox have to basically win 10 of their last 11 games AND hope that the Padres and Phillies simply play .500 or worse for the remainder of their games just to have a shot at the National League Wild Card spot.

Probably unlikely, but still possible.

But tonight marked one of the rare moments in my short stint as a baseball fan where I felt the rush of a late season victory.

Todd Helton has been the face of my team for as long as I've been following them. Lately, with declining numbers and a surge of young talented teammates, he's been relegated to the role of elder statesman. Still a great eye at the plate and a chance for another piece of hardware with his fielding this year, he had a chance for late season glory tonight.

With the Rox down a run going to the bottom of the ninth and down to their last out, the stage was set. Matt Holliday started with a single off one of the better closers in the game as of late. In fact, the Rockies didn't have even a single hit off him the five previous times they'd faced him. And then, we got to see the Helton of old. Correction, we got to see the Helton of old cranking a two run sky ball in to the crowd for a walk off home run in a "must win" game during the last couple of weeks of the season. The usually reserved veteran showed us just how much fun such a win can be. This picture will probably mean nothing in a couple of weeks when the guys are making tee times in Arizona, but it speaks volumes tonight to a fan who jumped out of the couch when the ball flew and scoured Sports Center to watch every repeat clip of him leaping into the crowd of teammates.
He's had the passion to win meaningful games for 10+ years and I think most of it came out tonight on his trip around the bases.

Go Rox !!

Never Forget

2007-09-11T12:34:00.001-06:00

future magician

2007-09-08T15:11:00.000-06:00

generation R

2007-08-28T08:46:00.001-06:00

jack & connor got their rockies duds on for the game on sunday...go rockies!

nana & da boys

2007-08-25T18:23:00.000-06:00

jack got some hairs cut today. him and connor climbed up into nana's lap and actually stayed still for a quick pic

A Tale of Two Houses

2007-08-21T21:16:00.000-06:00

HOUSE # 1:

A 20-room mansion (not including 8 bathrooms) heated by natural gas. Add on a pool (and a pool house) and a separate guest house, all heated by gas. In ONE MONTH ALONE this mansion consumes more energy than the average American household in an ENTIRE YEAR. The average bill for electricity and natural gas runs over $2, 400.00 per month. In natural gas alone, this property consumes more than 20 times the national average for an American Home. This house is not in the northern or Midwestern “snow belt .” It’s in the South.

HOUSE # 2:

Designed by an architecture professor, this house incorporates every “green” feature current home construction can provide. The house contains only 4,000 square feet (4 bedrooms) and is nestled on arid-high prairie in the American southwest. A central closet in the house holds geothermal heat pumps drawing ground water through pipes sunk 300 feet into the ground. The water (usually 67 degrees F.) heats the house in winter and cools it in summer. The system uses no fossil fuels–such as oil or natural gas–and it consumes 25% of the electricity required for a conventional heating/cooling system. Rainwater from the roof is collected and funneled into a 25,000 gallon underground cistern. Wastewater from showers, sinks and toilets goes into underground purifying tanks and then into the cistern. The collected water then irrigates the land surrounding the house. Flowers and shrubs native to the area blend the property into the surrounding rural landscape.

ANSWERS:
HOUSE # 1 is outside of Nashville, Tennessee. It is the abode of that renowned environmentalist (and filmmaker), Al Gore.

HOUSE # 2 is on a ranch near Crawford, Texas. It is the private residence of the President of the United States, George W. Bush

An "Inconvenient Truth"

Source: Snopes.com

This is in no way, shape or form, an argument against the ideas of global warming. It is also not a judgment on the lifestyles of either the former VP or the current sitting president. If they have the money, let them spend it on high energy bills or expensive "green" home upgrades. Doesn't bother me a bit. The global warming argument and conversation takes a lot more in depth thinking, study and analysis than an anecdotal story can provide.

Again, it struck me funny, so I thought I'd share

bling bling

2007-08-19T21:14:00.000-06:00

jami got a "r" to complete here letter pendant necklace collection

8 years and counting

2007-08-19T21:11:00.000-06:00

we went to dinner at le central for our annaversary. good eats

Funny thing happened on the way to work today...

2007-08-17T07:23:00.000-06:00

I saw a bumper sticker that for whatever reason struck me as hilarious. I laughed out loud a couple of times thinking about it.

-- FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING --

--------------------------

-- USE AIR CONDITIONING --

Perhaps you have to think like I do to appreciate this one, but I thought it was great

1st time 4 solids

2007-07-28T10:40:00.000-06:00

connor tried rice cereal for the first time today. he did pretty well

Vroom Vroom !!

2007-07-23T21:51:00.000-06:00

jack has plenty of kiddos around the cul-du-sac to play with. seems like they all have battery powered vehicles to race around.

big boy bed

2007-07-21T11:44:00.001-06:00

jack has officially moved to a "big boy bed". he broke it in with a jumping session before the bedding went on

news from the slacker...

2007-07-20T22:35:00.000-06:00

Sorry for not updating.

It's been quite busy the last few weeks.

After returning from Arkansas visiting Jami's family we hopped right back in the car and headed north to visit my family. Two days up, three days there, and two days back. It was good to break up our usual long, one day trip.

The time with family was nice and relaxing.

Then we came home to the realization that we needed to actually start packing because our closing day on our house was rapidly approaching.

I'd go into details, but they really aren't that interesting and won't make me feel any better about it. :)

To put it simply, moving sucks and I'm not looking forward to the next time.

We did finally sell our town home, and that definitely is something we thought might never happen.

The following pictures are from the reunion. There were a few families missing, so it would have been interesting to see how big the group could have been.

Jack on one of uncle Marty's horses

1st Generation - My grandmother and her siblings. (She's standing second from the left)

2nd Generation - My mother and her siblings and cousins who were there (She's standing fourth from the left)

3rd Generation - All of my cousins who were there

4th Generation - Jack, Connor and their cousins who were there

This is my grandma's family that were there

Here's the whole group who were there

Jack finally warmed up to the pool with his floaties and goggles.

Family "Vacation"

2007-06-29T01:41:00.000-06:00

This year we have the pleasure of heading south and north to see extended family...and I mean extended.

Last week we took off for Arkansas to surprise Jami's mother's parent for their 60th wedding anniversary. It doubled as a kind of family reunion 'cuz everyone was there. It was very good to see folks we hadn't seen in a while (and in mine, Jack and Connor's case - had never met)

The Yukon did very well on the drive. The comfort level outweighs the sound of the gas pump in my head (it's my coping skill,...leave it be)

I meant to use my gadget of a phone to update my blog, but there was no data service where we were. We got to take some professional type family photos, which was very cool. (thank you Josh) There may be more to come, but here are a couple.

It was very hot and I think we were lucky to actually get a shot without Jack squirming around too much.

This was the whole crew. From bottom to top, Mamaw and Papaw, Brenda and Kenney, Sandy, Ainsley and Jamie, Mom and Dad, the Rileys, Tate, Kathy, Ali and Nick to the left, Tony in the center, and Stacy and Josh on the right.

This next week, we are off to Montana to attend the Hostetler reunion and see most of the family on my mom's side. I'm sure it could get as hot, but sans humidity should make it more tolerable. :) I'm doubting the camera phone will work out there either, so y'all might have to wait for updates until we get back.

future agent

2007-06-17T19:25:00.000-06:00

connor in his fbi sleepy

pool time

2007-06-17T12:41:00.000-06:00

nana cleaver got a pool for jack this summer. very nice on a hot day

rally hat

2007-06-16T18:39:00.000-06:00

rally hat

train ride

2007-06-16T17:07:00.001-06:00

jack got to ride the lightrail to the baseball game tonight... very excited

' All too easy'

2007-06-14T22:24:00.001-06:00

heres a great one of connor. we'll see how this texting thing affects my grammer. ;)

Mobloging has begun

2007-06-14T16:27:00.000-06:00

Since I've gone a little overboard with my picture messaging, I'll utilize the wonder of technology and use my phone to update my blog.

Seriously, what kind of things will my boys be able to do in 20 years?!?!?!?!

Go climb a mountain

2007-06-14T13:18:00.000-06:00

Not quite a "Fourteener" the Twin Sisters in Rocky Mountain National Park is a nice hike that I'd recommend to anyone that wants to do a 14er that hasn't. Only 2400 feet elevation gain and peak at 11,400 vs. the 3000 and 14,000 needed to be classified as a true 14er. But it has a steady climb, some boulder fields and a scramble the last 100 feet to the top.

Great views of Estes Park and the surrounding areas, for sure.

(the pic was taken with my new camera phone - the LG enV)

Missing in action

2007-06-14T12:11:00.000-06:00

Absolutely no excuses for keeping you all in the lurch. I'll try and get back in your good graces before too long.

Where to start?...

The boys are healthy and the hospital bills are coming in. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Actually, they are not too bad, considering. At least that health insurance thingy is coming in handy.

So far, our house is still under contract. With such a long span between going under contract and the closing date, it still doesn't quite feel like we're moving yet.

My "new car" that I bought back in November of last year now has a new owner. I sold it so we could buy a car from Jami's parents. It's a lot bigger and should do us for a long while. I'm now driving the car Jami used to drive (hmmm, a bit of a trend there). So we are now a GMC family with the Jimmy and now the Yukon.

The day I sold the Sebring, we went down to Castle Rock to pick up the Yukon and on the way down the Jimmy lost about half the power in acceleration...Rewind to two weeks previous - I took the Jimmy in to the repair shop to fix the A/C and also had them do the routine oil change. When I picked it up I only made it about half a block and it died - THEY FORGOT TO PUT OIL BACK IN! They towed it back to the shop, filled the oil and sent me on my merry way with an open ended warranty for a year if anything went wrong...Fast forward two weeks again - They towed it back to the shop and called the next day to tell me they had an engine on order. It's taken almost two weeks, but I finally have my car back. The engine sounds a bit different, but that's one major component that I will not have to worry about for a long time. Maybe I can get another 100k miles out of it. :)

Started classes a couple of weeks ago. Taking a computer class, an accounting class and my physical education class - Golf! Maybe I can finally get rid of my slice! We'll see...

We've got a couple of trips to see family. Next week to Arkansas to see Jami's extended family and the week of the 4th of July up in Montana to see everyone up there. Gonna put some miles on the new car, for sure.

the process begins...

2007-05-14T13:33:00.000-06:00

Our house is once again under contract with potential buyers. Although usually exciting news, we are reserving our true excitement until the closing date, which is not until mid July.

We've been here before and had the buyers back out at the last minute.

Another reason for the low key attitude is that we will be unable to buy a new house right away. With the market in such a low state, we need to recoup some losses and rebuild our savings. Luckily we have the opportunity to move in with Jami's parents in the same metro area that we'd eventually like to buy in.

So, now begins the two month waiting period and then at least two more moves.

It's nice to know that folks don't want us moving too far away, but it's not as far away as you'd think. :)

Happy happy, joy joy !!

Checking in...

2007-05-10T13:27:00.000-06:00

As there are too many readers to count, begging me for an update on my blog, I'll drop a line here for ya.

"drop" __________________________________

Some big changes could be around the corner for us.

I'll keep ya posted...

Hospital visit,...again

2007-04-15T21:27:00.000-06:00

I guess it was time for Connor's monthly bug and trip to the hospital. Jami thinks her and the boys brought something home from the museum the other week. It started with Jack, then me, then Jami. We were all getting much better and thought Connor had dodged the bullet, but yesterday, he was running a fever and the doctors asked that he be taken to the hospital. He'll be there for 48 hours for observation to make sure that it is just a cold bug and not something more serious.

I now understand those parents who seem a bit overzealous when it comes to keeping sickies apart from their children. Hospital visits can quickly rack up the $$$.

Here's a picture of me and the boys just before they left for the hospital. (Notice how drained Connor looks. Jack,... well it is time for bed for him. :) )

Man vs. Woman

2007-04-10T08:55:00.000-06:00

Someday, I'll have to explain such things to both of my sons but this struck my funny bone as hilarious.

It's actually from a Photoshop contest on Fark.com that centered around a Smithsonian museum display of a Cold War submarine control room.

Ian McKellan on Extras

2007-04-08T22:44:00.000-06:00

Similar to my post to the Patrick Stewart on "Extras" post a while back, here is one with Sir Ian McKellan. Good stuff. I might have to procure some episodes of this show from across the pond.

A small tribute to a great friend

2007-04-05T08:45:00.000-06:00

Jami already mentioned this on her blog, but it's worth mentioning twice, at least.

We found a new home for our dog, Cooper, this last weekend. For some time now, Cooper has been less and less of a focus in our family. This could be for a myriad of reasons from our growing number of kids to the fact that Cooper was a very easy going pet that demanded very little of our attention - so, for whatever reason, attention was something he was not getting. After much deliberation and angst, we thought it better that he have a home that could be the home he deserves.

Jami did a lot of research and a lot of interviewing of families and found a family in Greeley that has had previous pugs and has one currently. We met them at a park up north and are sure that they will love Cooper and dote on him.

This was not an easy thing to do, and, like my wife, I have second thoughts about it all the time. Especially when I put together the following video. It's a small collection of pics of cooper from the time he was a pup to the day we said goodbye.

He is a great dog. Period.

...and I miss him.

Calvin & Hobbes

2007-03-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Although he may never see them on this site, these are for my father in law. He is a huge Calvin and Hobbes fan.

I'm still here

2007-03-13T16:52:00.000-06:00

Sorry to those who anxiously await every dotted i and crossed t that I place on this site.

Connor is off the oxygen and is doing great. Jami is starting to get a feel for the rhythm of two kids, but has yet to catch up on her sleep. Hopefully it'll come with time.

There are new pictures on both Jack and Connor's web albums. Check them out by clicking their pictures on the right side of this page.

At last...

2007-02-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

It was an interesting morning for me.

First thing, I talk to Jami and she relays that Connor did not do well early this morning on his test where they take him off oxygen and see if he can keep a minimum level of blood oxygen by himself. Her first words were, "we're not going home."

Very bummed, I prayed about it and simply asked God that, if it was in his plan, to let our son come home soon. About an hour later, Jami called and said that the nurse thought that something might have been a little off during the earlier test. She reset the monitor sensor and took his oxygen off to run the test again. At about 11 minutes into Connor breathing like a rock star, the doctor came in, saw how good he was doing and told Jami that it was time to go home.

Prayer happens.

We are now down at Jami's parents house. Connor is still on oxygen, so as many hands as we can have helping out with him and our 2 year old are more than welcome.

Here's a picture of him tonight.

Thanks to all of you who kept us in your thoughts and prayers. Keep posting comments, it does mean a lot to hear from you.

Starting to loose count...

2007-02-27T01:30:00.000-07:00

...of the days.

The boy just does not want to leave his accommodations. Hi-rise bed. Lots of visitors. Meals on demand (thanks mom). Cable television.

The lap of luxury for him, I guess.

Not so much for his mom. Broken down hide-a-bed. Too many roommates. Has to rely on others for meals. No Food Network.

Connor and Jami are staying at Casa de Children for at least one more night. He was officially diagnosed with RSV type 1 today, but that's what they thought it was and were treating it accordingly. He is just struggling to keep his blood oxygen levels up at a reasonable level on his own. So we tarry on.

Jack and I are getting some good father son time, but I'd rather it not be at Jami and Connor's expense.

The docs say that, minus the whole "low oxygen" thingy, he's getting better every day. I'm not sure if that's an oxymoron, but I'll make the stretch.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, prayers, and phone calls. Nice to know we are not an island out here.

Pictures - as promised

2007-02-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

This first shot is from Connor's EKG to check up on his heart functions. Not that he was hooked up like this the whole time, but it's still quite a shot for a 3 week old.

This next one is how he looks most of the time.

Jack came to visit the hospital, but couldn't see his little brother as he's just getting over the same illness himself and no kids are allowed on the floor Connor is on. The beads came from his great-great aunt Marolyn. She sends a Marti Gras King Cake every year.

And the beat goes on

2007-02-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's day 3, and it looks as though Connor is going to spend one more night in the hospital.

He's still doing pretty well, but drops his blood oxygen levels when off of oxygen. So, the doctor does not want him to go home quite yet.

I will probably take Jack home tonight so I can take him to preschool tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll be able to come get the rest of my family after I pick him up from preschool.

I wasn't just teasin' before, there will be pictures soon.

Updates...

2007-02-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest on our youngest.

Connor had a pretty rough night last night. Actually, he had a better night than his mother and I. We finally got admitted to a room around midnight last night. Mostly he was just congested and having trouble getting comfortable - but once he did, he slept pretty well. We're in a double room with another kid that has the same illness but is about 9 months old and didn't deal as well with the tubes poking into his nose. Hence, Jami and I did not get much sleep last night.

Connor's pediatrician paid him a visit this morning as well as the Resident and Attending doctors on shift today. The consensus is that he is doing pretty well. His breathing isn't labored. He's eating and sleeping well. Doesn't sound like he has any fluid in the lungs, so no pneumonia. His heart murmur has been categorized as an "Innocent Murmur". Probably no deformities, just that his heart sounds a bit different when moving blood around. All the docs say that it's most likely nothing to worry about - just something to keep monitoring. Probably will go away after the first year or so.

Now it's just a waiting game to see him kick the virus that is causing the illness and see him keep his blood oxygen levels up without the assistance of bottled oxygen. We'll probably be here another night and may have to take some oxygen home with us for him.

So, all-in-all, the outlook is good.

Thanks to all who have kept us in their thoughts and prayers. And a big thanks to our neighbors, the Hollenbecks, for watching Cooper during this. And, we can't say enough about what Jami's family does for us. Sherry took Jack as soon as Jami went to the Dr.'s office, and Stacy is spending the day with him today. If not for them, we'd have to be a split family because they do not allow kids, even siblings, under 12 on this floor. Jack wouldn't like it anyway. Lots of stuff that's "off limits" and cramped quarters.

I'll try and get some pictures soon...forgot my memory card reader

Just when you think you're in the clear...

2007-02-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

Jack got his appetite back on Wednesday and I've been feeling much better sans my voice. Jami has started the snivels but nothing too severe yet. We were planning a nice relaxing weekend down at the country house with Jami's sister, Stacy, coming into town to see her new nephew...

...but Connor thought different.

Jami took him to the pediatrician yesterday (Friday) just to make sure everything was hunkey-dorey. He'd been laboring a bit to breathe and was not in great spirits. After a few checks and rechecks of his oxygen levels, Dr. Bob ordered one family trip to Children's Hospital in Denver. He got his first ambulance ride(his dad hasn't ever had one) and second hospital stay in 3 weeks - the first one was to stage his entrance into the world.

So far, so good. He's been eating and sleeping as well as can be expected and has only needed minimal oxygen. Bronchiolitis is the official diagnosis. They say possibly a two night stay which will nicely coincide with his aunt's visit. (sorry Stacy)

Needless to say that the last thing that you want to see is your child hooked up to monitors and tubes. When Jami first called, it was very apparent that she was shook up about it. I thought I was handling it fine until I arrived in the ER to see him with his hospital mojo going on.

More updates to come...time to sleep...

Tanks

2007-02-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

This is a great social game. We spent many o' nights in high school trying to get enough money for "Big Bertha"

Bigger is better!

I guess it was our turn...

2007-02-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Well, both boys are sick and I've come down with something too. So far, Jami has dodged the bullet. Connor started on Monday or so with a very stuffy nose and a couple of high temperature readings, but nothing that quite qualifies as a "fever". Jack started coughing and chasing after his nose on Wednesday and had a 102 temp on Friday morning. He's since come down, but he definitely doesn't feel well. He hasn't eatin much more than a couple of bites the last couple of days and is pretty whiney. We're hoping he's on the down slope of the ride, though.

We've made our weekly retreat to Jami's parents house and hope not to share our germ friends with them.

Jack and Connor Pictures

2007-02-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

Check out the links on the right of the page for the latest pictures...

Day 2 - Connor James

2007-02-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

Check out the pics link in the upper right of my blog.

For those long Trans-Atlantic flights

2007-02-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

The next time you find yourself on a plane, sitting next to someone who insists on chattering to you endlessly, I urge you to quietly pull your laptop out of your bag, carefully open your screen (ensuring the irritating person next to you can see it) and click this link.

The day has arrived

2007-02-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

Connor James Riley made his debut in the theater of life today.

Born February 3rd, 2007 - 3:00 PM MST
8 lbs 7 oz - 21.5"

Mom and baby are doing exceptionally well. Jack thinks he's pretty cool, too. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Check out the link to his picture page in the top right of the blog

Sorry to be such a terrible father and not get these out sooner. More to come...

LOL!!!

2007-01-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you have to be a Star Trek fan to enjoy this one, but my friend Joel sent me this pic.

It brings a tune to the mind. "What is love, ... baby don't hurt me..."

checking in...

2007-01-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

Wanted to check in so that my blog doesn't collect dust.

No baby yet, for those who are in the know. Feb. 5th is the official date, and it looks to be working out that way.

In other news, the warm weather might finally be upon us.

Sad.

We've had, like, five or six weekends in a row with snowfall and it reminds me of my childhood. Even if it wasn't exactly like this in reality, it's what I remember. Weeks of snow that used to pile up so high, we could make snow forts that we could walk through. - OK, so I was only 3 feet tall...

I'm with Velvet, snow is good!

Top Christmas Movies

2006-12-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a list of my favorite Christmas movies. I don't know if I could rank them properly, so for right now it'll just be a list in no particular order.

Mixed Nuts - The events focus around a crisis hotline business on one crazy night during the Christmas holidays.

This movie does not populate many other top Christmas movie lists and is even shunned by others. I am a big Steve Martin fan and love the dry character humor found in this movie.

Christmas Vacation - The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

This might be my favorite movie of the season. It has all the usual calamities of a Griswold family vacation but takes place at their house. My favorite line - "It's good, it's good!"

The Ref - A cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve.

This is a very dark, dark comedy that makes the list because it is set around Christmas and not necessarily about Christmas. Denis Leary's rants are what make this movie.

A Christmas Story - Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940's.

This movie tops most lists - and for good reason. It has the laughs of a dysfunctional family mixed with the authentic memories of a child with a specific gift in mind.

Die Hard - New York cop John McClane gives terrorists a dose of their own medicine as they hold hostages in an LA office building.

This is another that makes the list because it takes place on Christmas. It also stars one of my favorite actors. I'm not alone, either. Lots of other lists have this one on them.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - A grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville.

The original animated is definately a classic, but I must say the remake with Jim Carrey has all of the charm of the original with some great additional story elements.

Scrooged - A cynically selfish TV executive gets haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.

This is a great remake of A Christmas Carol that is a little darker and a whole lot funnier with Bill Murray playing the miser in need of a look at his past.

It's a Wonderful Life - An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would had been like if he never existed.

A Christmas tradition, pure and simple. Definitely my wife's top Christmas flick.

Elf - After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity

This one makes my list because, although it had a predictably sappy ending, the ride getting there is a very, very funny one.

Home for the Holidays - After losing her job, making out with her soon to be ex-boss, and finding out that her daughter plans to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend...

This is one of a couple of non-Christmas holiday movies on my list. Directed by Jodie Foster, this movie has some great moments and was largely overlooked when it came out. Rent it and watch it sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas for a bunch of good laughs.

A Christmas Carol - Scrooge is a miserly old businessman in 1840's London. One Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of Marley, his dead business partner. Marley foretells that Scrooge will be visited by three spirits, each of whom will attempt to show Scrooge the error of his ways. Will Scrooge reform his ways in time to celebrate Christmas?

The 1999 version is my favorite. Mostly because I think Patrick Stewart is an unappreciated actor that shines in his version of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - The Mailman decides to answer some of the most common questions about Santa Claus, and tells us about a small baby named Kris who was left on the doorstep of the Kringle family (toymakers).

This is my favorite of the stop animation classics.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles - A man must struggle to travel home for Thanksgiving, with an obnoxious slob of a shower ring salesman his only companion.

Another Thanksgiving movie that makes the list 'cuz of Steve Martin and John Candy. Again, one to watch in between the holidays.

Home Alone - An eight year-old, who is accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas, has to defend his home against idiotic burglars.

Watching a 8 year old get the best of a couple of bungling burgulars is good for some laughs. This one also has some heart-tugging moments.

Polar Express - On Christmas Eve, a doubting boy boards a magical train that's headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus's home.

I didn't catch this one when it first came out, but will definitely put it up there with the great Christmas movies that capture the wonder of the season.

The Santa Clause - When a man inadvertantly kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.

Cute and predictable, but funny enough to watch at least once. :)

Miracle on 34th Street - When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.

Great classic that renews the belief in Santa.

Charlie Brown Christmas - Repelled by the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of Christmas.

This one I grew up with and scoured the TV Guide to find out when it was going to be on.

Lethal Weapon - A veteran detective is partnered with a young detective with a suicidal death wish.

Again, a non Christmas themed movie that takes place around Christmas. Take a break from the others with this one or Die Hard. :)

These are only movies that I've seen, so there may be some left off.
Let me know if I left your favorite out.

Blanket of White

2006-12-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

Today the snow finally ended. We got somewhere in the neighborhood of 30+ inches in 30+ hours. Jack did much better this time in the snow. Last time, he really didn't do well with falling and getting snow on his gloves. I made him a little trench to walk through and he helped dig our cars out of the snow.

Too much fun

2006-12-18T23:49:00.000-07:00

First, think of an animal, vegetable or mineral and then head on over to www.20q.net and find a computer that can read your mind.

A coworker brought one of these in and I was absolutely dumbfounded that it could deduce what I was thinking about with the obscure questions it was asking.

feel like gaming

2006-11-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

I've got this tickle that I must tend to...

For the last couple of days, I've had an itch to get on my computer and loose myself in a game. Before the arrival of the little clone and going back to school, I used to get lost for a spell after Jami went to bed.

I think I might have to dust off some of them and polish up the old skills. (it does involve hand-eye coordination) :)

it's gobble gobble time...

2006-11-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Destination: Billings Montana

We're heading out tomorrow to be with my family over the Thanksgiving holiday. Takin' the new car so I can test it's road-worthiness.

We borrowed a DVD player so hopefully we can keep Mr. Jack occupied during the 8-hour drive. Jami is not looking forward to having to sit in a car for that long being 7 months along now.

And, to get you in the mood...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JsILdSZf-0

Happy Thanksgiving

New Wheels...

2006-11-18T01:28:00.000-07:00

As I said before, we bit the bullet and bought a new car on Thursday. (Well, it's new to us, anyway) Jami drove my old car to work a couple of weeks ago and noticed that it started a little hard. She then noticed that it had over 130k miles and got a tickle in her brain that I needed a new car. (who am I to argue?) It started just to get me into something with much less miles. Then she spots a couple of 2002 Volvos with just under 50k down in the Springs that would up our payment, "just a little" and would be worth the stretch because they are a step up in quality.

I made the trek down to Colorado Springs intent on picking one of them up. Problem was, I stuck to my guns and would not go below our agreed on monthly price. Discouraged and bitter with the new attitude at dealerships to actually price their cars at their lowest price and not "haggle" much at all, I decided to go with a "broker" for a change. Really, there are no true car brokers anymore as the state of Colorado has mandated that they be associated with either a bank or a dealer. Anywho, Pops got me in touch with a fellow from their Sunday school class and I let him do the leg work. With our requirement for low miles and a limit on what we could spend, there were few options. I found two Chryslers, a PT Cruiser and a Sebring, that fit the bill. One was a quirky change of pace and the other was keeping with the status quo (silver sedan basically equipped) I test drove them on Wednesday night but needed the stamp of approval from my better half. Originally was going to wait until Friday, but didn't want to loose them to another buyer. So I split from work a bit early on Thursday, met the family to test drive the cars again, and had myself a new set of wheels before class that night.

Again, it's a 2005 Chrysler Sebring Touring sedan. All your basic amenities - AC, Cruise, V6, ...and... only 21,500 miles. Got an extended warranty to take me up another 4 years and 76k miles. I am actually quite impressed with the ride. Great highway power and a VERY surprisingly powerful stereo (always a plus in my book) Here are a few pictures that the dealer took

Figured this was as good a place to show it off. :)

Recent Happenings

2006-11-16T23:47:00.000-07:00

Well there's a few things going on... I'll mix the good with the bad...

We've been a part of a church plant for the last several months. We had previously been a part of a home church that had run its course and almost coincidentally shortly after received a door hanger informing us of a new church that was going to do things differently. Its name, in fact, was DCD or Doing Church Differently. The primary mission was to create a safe place to experience God and impact our community around us. The gatherings started out small and had a rough time growing much. This happened for a myriad of reasons and in the end we can no longer function as a church like we have. The world we live in requires the use of money for many things to function and that's the one thing that our church is lacking. This Sunday will be our last time meeting together as a "church".
We will sorely miss our church. We found a group of like-minded individuals committed to living life together in a way that strives to be "real" and to live out the commandments given to us as Christians. Who knows were we are to go from here, but the small group that had formed out of the church has agreed to press on and continue our fellowship and learning the things about God. I'm sure that some will find other churches to devote their time to, but it is my hope that some form of this group continues on. I think the purpose of the small group is the same whether we all go to the same church or not. Actually, I think that bringing different perspectives from different bodies of believers could be a very healthy thing.
Anywho, I belief the spirit of doing church differently will soldier on for those of us who are temporarily churchless and that this is all somehow in God's master plan.

On a lighter note... My car was getting up there in miles. 130k+ So we broke down and got me a much newer car. I'll post some pictures of it later. It's a 2005 with just over 21k miles, so it should do us for a while.

We found out this week that Jami has Gestational Diabetes, which means she is going to have to watch her diet and check her blood daily with one of those little prickers. You can read more about it on her blog, scrappyjami.blogspot.com
If your of the praying ilk, please keep her and our coming boy in your thoughts.

I also noticed that I had a post on here about us having our house on the market. Wow, that was a while ago. Since then we'd taken it off the market and put it back on after the days reset on the counter to give it some new life. We really want to take advantage of this great buyers market, but the flip side is that first we have to be on the sellers side desperately trying to sell our place. We've had some steady showings and some interest, so we'll keep our fingers crossed. We'll probably take it off the market before Christmas and put it back on sometime after the baby's born in late January.

Stace's World Class Rock

2006-11-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

Here's what's been on my iPod recently. I finally took the time to sift through the plethora of songs that I have and even find some gems.

Set it on shuffle and I've got my own radio station. Let me know if I've left anything out.

Title	Artist
Open Up Your Eyes	Tonic
Who Do You Love?	George Thorogood & the Destroyers
Friday I'm in Love	The Cure
I Will Follow You into the Dark	Death Cab for Cutie
Kryptonite	3 Doors Down
A Horse With No Name	America
Linger	The Cranberries
Times Like These	Foo Fighters
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes	Paul Simon
The General	Dispatch
Crash Into Me	Dave Matthews Band
Fat Bottomed Girls	Queen
The Joker	Steve Miller
Purple Haze	Jimi Hendrix
Little Miss Can't Be Wrong	Spin Doctors
Girl	Beck
Real World	Matchbox 20
Wonderwall	Oasis
Little Green Bag	George Baker Selection
Good People	Jack Johnson
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet	Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing	Chris Isaak
Seven Nation Army	The White Stripes
Glycerine	Bush
The Distance	Cake
You Can Love Yourself	Keb' Mo'
Interstate Love Song	Stone Temple Pilots
Hook	Blues Traveler
Meet Virginia	Train
Blue Sky	Patty Griffin
Breakfast at Tiffany's	Deep Blue Something
Steal my Kisses	Ben Harper
Iko Iko	Belle Stars
Lola	Kinks
Ramblin' Man	The Allman Brothers Band
Chain of Fools	Aretha Franklin
A Common Disaster	Cowboy Junkies
Lady	Lenny Kravitz
Saturday Night	Bay City Rollers
Satellite	Dave Matthews Band
Sultans of Swing	Dire Straits
All Star	Smash Mouth
Change the World	Eric Clapton
Glory Days	Bruce Springsteen
Drive	Incubus
Roll to Me	Del Amitri
Fortunate Son	Creedence Clearwater Revival
Blurry	Puddle Of Mudd
Stay (Wasting Time)	Dave Matthews Band
Hanging By a Moment	Lifehouse
Mrs. Potter's Lullaby	Counting Crows
The Horizon Has Been Defeated	Jack Johnson
I Try	Macy Gray
Rebel Rouser	Duane Eddy
Been Caught Stealing	Jane's Addiction
Life's Been Good	Joe Walsh
Blinded by the Light	Manfred Mann
Bang Bang	Dispatch
Upside Down	Jack Jackson
Into the Mystic	Van Morrison
Basket Case	Green Day
Semi-Charmed Life	Third Eye Blind
Multi-Family Garage Sale	Land of the Loops
Diamonds in the Coal	The Badlees
Time After Time (w/Sarah McLachlan)	Cyndi Lauper
Found Out About You	Gin Blossoms
You Don't Treat Me No Good	Sonia Dada
so far away	Staind
Taylor	Jack Johnson
So Much to Say	Dave Matthews Band
Save Tonight	Eagle Eye Cherry
Criminal	Fiona Apple
Peaches	Presidents of the United States of America
Angels	Elliot Smith
Thank U	Alanis Morissette
Turn The Page	Bob Seger
I Did It	Dave Matthews Band
Hotel California	The Eagles
Man of Constant Sorrow [Band Version][Take]	Dan Tyminski, Soggy Bottom Boys
Put Your Records On (Acoustic)	Corinne Bailey Rae
Leaving on a Jet Plane	Chantal Kreviazuk
Counting Blue Cars	Dishwalla
Under the Bridge	Red Hot Chili Peppers
Eleanor Rigby	The Beatles
Better Man	Pearl Jam
Piano Man	Billy Joel
In The House Of Stone And Light	Martin Page
Lightning Crashes	Live
Clocks	Coldplay
The Weight	The Band
She Talks to Angels	The Black Crowes
Stay	Lisa Loeb
Photograph	Nickleback
Hooked on a Feeling [From Reservoir Dogs]	Blue Swede
Going Back to Georgia	Adam Duritz & Nanci Griffith
Stuck in the Middle With You	Stealers Wheel
Smokey Joe's Cafe	Robins
Smoothie Song	Nickel Creek
Pick Up the Pieces	The Average White Band
Black Horse and Cherry Tree	K.T. Tunstall
It's Alright	Big Head Todd & the Monsters
Get Out the Map	Indigo Girls
Walking With A Ghost	Tegan and Sara
Grace is Gone	Dave Matthews Band
Groove Me	King Floyd
All for You	Sister Hazel
You Sexy Thing	Hot Chocolate
Folsom Prison Blues	Johnny Cash
Bennie and the Jets	Elton John
That's All	Genesis
Infinity	Willy Porter
Loser	Beck
Bitch	Meredith Brooks
Drift Away	Uncle Kracker
Rock On	David Essex
Rain King	Counting Crows
Flake	Jack Johnson
Blackbird	The Beatles
(Don't Fear) The Reaper	Blue Öyster Cult
Sex and Candy	Marcy Playground
Jungle Boogie	Kool & The Gang
Curbside Prophet	Jason Mraz
King of the Road	Roger Miller
Every Morning	Sugar Ray
Papa's Got A Brand New Bag	James Brown
Green Onions	Booker T. & the MG's
Dry the Rain	The Beta Band
Weapon of Choice	Fatboy Slim
The Impression That I Get	The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Right Here, Right now	Jesus Jones
Down Under	Men At Work
Broken Hearted Savior	Big Head Todd & the Monsters
burn one down	Ben Harper
Daughters	John Mayer
I Gotcha	Joe Tex
Sunny Came Home	Shawn Colvin
Tripping Billies	Dave Matthews Band
Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Fly	Johnny Rivers
Jimi Thing	Dave Matthews Band
This Love	Maroon 5
Let's Get It On	Jack Black
No Rain	Blind Melon
Shine	Collective Soul
Hella Good	No Doubt
Time	Hootie & the Blowfish
You Don't Know How It Feels	Tom Petty
Mr. Wendal	Arrested Development
Black Water	The Doobie Brothers
Home	Marc Broussard
What I Got	Sublime
Going Up the Country	Canned Heat
Sitting, Waiting, Wishing	Jack Johnson
What I Am	Edie Brickell
Mandolin Rain	Bruce Hornsby & The Range
Smooth	Santana
Coconut	Harry Nilsson
Baby's Got Sauce	G. Love & Special Sauce
Take a Picture	Filter
MMM, MMM, MMM, MMM	Crash Test Dummies
I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)	Stevie Wonder
Boom Boom	Big Head Todd & the Monsters
For What It's Worth	Buffalo Springfield
Santa Monica	Everclear
Flood	Jars of Clay
Keep Your Hands To Yourself	Georgia Satellites
Barely Breathing	Duncan Sheik
Soak Up the Sun	Sheryl Crow
Solsbury Hill	Peter Gabriel
One Headlight	The Wallflowers
Everyday	Dave Matthews Band
Little Lilly	Widespread Panic
Stacy's Mom	Fountains of Wayne
Life is a Highway	Tom Cochran
1979	Smashing Pumpkins
New Sensation	INXS
What's the Frequency, Kenneth?	R.E.M.
Live and Let Die	Paul McCartney
Sunshine	Jonathan Edwards
Someday	The Strokes
Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World	Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
No Matter What	Badfinger
Smells Like Teen Spirit	Nirvana
American Pie	Don McLean
Love Shack [12" Remix]	The B-52's
Closer to Fine	Indigo Girls
Please Don't Tell Her	Big Head Todd & the Monsters
Roxanne	The Police
Bittersweet Symphony	The Verve
Use Me	Bill Withers
Desire	U2
If I Had $1000000	Barenaked Ladies
Heaven	Los Lonely Boys
Your Body is a Wonderland	John Mayer
Far Behind	Candlebox
Ants Marching	Dave Matthews Band
There She Goes	The Boo Radleys
Something to Talk About	Bonnie Raitt
The Middle	Jimmy Eat World
Jung at Heart	Master Cylinder
Breakdown (Ft Jack Johnson)	Handsome Boy Modeling School
What Would You Say	Dave Matthews Band
Heavy Things	Phish
Red Red Wine	UB40
Are You Gonna Be My Girl	Jet
Everything You Want	Vertical Horizon
I Hear You Knockin'	Dave Edmunds
Time Has Come Today	The Chambers Brothers
Girlfriend	Matthew Sweet
Son of a Preacher Man	Dusty Springfield
Sweet Home Alabama	Lynyrd Skynyrd
Low Rider	War
Pinch Me	Barenaked Ladies
Diamonds On The Inside	Ben Harper
Eye of the Hurricane	David Wilcox
Fall Down	Toad the Wet Sprocket
We'll Be Together	Sting
South Side	Moby

checking in...

2006-04-13T15:28:00.000-06:00

Wow, it's been a while since my last post. Sorry to my peeps for not keeping you up to date. LOL. I had to use the word "peeps" 'cuz a co-worker pointed out how "white" that sounds. I don't usually use the word, 'cuz I'm already hip and don't need to show off the lingo. :)

I sent this to my little sis, who posted it on her blog, but I thought I'd do it here, too - for posterities sake.

Patrick Stewart on 'Extras'

I sent this to Casidee, because she is in the 'extra' business and also had been brainwashed by yours truely into becoming a Star Trek fan. I don't know if she would consider herself a Trekkie, but I got her hooked nonetheless, so she should have appreciated that Patrick Stewart was in this clip.

Speaking of my little sister, check her out at www.casidee.com

She's been down in L.A. for almost a year now and has been getting decently steady extra work but wants to "really" act. She describes extra work as basically being moving wallpaper for the principle actors. I thought that was a very descriptive intro into what she does right now.

I also noted that I hadn't updated our house situation in a while. Our contract fell through due to our buyers backing out two days before the deadline. They gave some bogus reason that really made no sense and more pointed to the fact that they just got buyers remorse. It could have been devine intervention in that the house we were going to buy ended up back on the market with some pluming issues listed. So, who know, could have been for the best.

The boy turns 1 in five days. Wow, did that year go by fast, or what? We're planning a little shindig the weekend after. Nana and Papa are comin down and we get to use that as an excuse to go to a Rockies game. WooHoo. ...no, really, it's for Jack...

I'll try to do better next time.

Missing my boy

2006-03-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Jami and Jack flew down to Alabama last Saturday for Jami's sister's wedding this coming Sunday. I don't fly down until this Friday and I'm finding that that's just not fast enough.

The first couple of days were great. Ran some errands, saw movies that only I would enjoy, slept in... But then the house just seemed quiet. Even with Cooper there, it's just not as fun.

So, i'll go about my business for two more days and then I'm off.

2006-03-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

Writing a paper for school. Synthesis paper... Not fun. I'm not a writer. I married an English major, but none of it has seemed to rub off on me.

saw a funny video today forwarded to me by Steve.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6415770050655464328

Maybe you have to be in the computer business to think it's hilarious, but I laughed out loud for a bit. So, pretty funny.