Parks & Gardens

Last night I went and celebrated 'tone's upcoming nuptials with the boys at Stub Stewart State Park. Thanks to Luke who put it all together we had a great safe time.

One thing I learned on this outing was that Anthony doesn't like condiments. This was unfortunate for him. Let's serve up a cup of Mayo/Relish stuff... He didn't hold that down long.

Dinner was Chili. A random concoction of Luke's creation with the input of others whether he knew it or not. All of the ingredients were put into a Dutch Oven and then it was placed in the coals of the fire. Yummy.

After dinner and some guy banter and goofing off it became dark. Dark doesn't stop boys. We ran off to a nearby "field" and played some capture the flag. I am old. Period. That is what the game taught me.

We stayed in a few cabins for the night and left too early in the am. It was a vacation day and I was woke up before eight. That is wrong. So I packed it up and headed home.

That brings us to today. Our kids homeschool group had a field trip to the Japanese Gardens in Portland. It was a bit chilly for the outing but as good Oregonians we toughed it out. I love the garden. I just wish it was warmer so we could just sit and enjoy.

Here's a couple of my favorite pix from the day:

If this tree ever comes up missing I hope they don't check my backyard ;-)

Swing Set Protest

Today and tomorrow I am on vacation. It is nice to have a relaxing day at home to see what the family does while dad is away at work.

This morning Kathi was on the phone with a friend discussing the future of our backyard. The kids overheard her say that the swing set was going to go away. Shortly after they overheard this Brianna was at the table with a stick, some paper, tape, and a pen. A few minutes later I hear chanting in the backyard.

"SAVE OUR SWING SET! SAVE OUR SWING SET!"

Brianna had recruited Alex in the process. They both wore badges and held signs that read "Save our Swings".

I captured a couple photos and video before they knew I was there. As soon as they saw me they got louder and sillier. Owen thought it was a big game and was running around under thier legs jumping as if it was play time. I don't think he realized the seriousness of the kids conviction and love for the swingset.

The future of the swing set is in limbo. We'll see how far thier protest goes and if it sways the powers that be. Rumor has it they'll be recruiting the neighbor kids to join S.O.S.S.

Where's Waldo?

Okay menches check this - http://whereonearthiswaldo.wordpress.com - Melanie Coles, you Rock!

I love this idea. A 55' Waldo placed on a random rooftop to then be found on Google Earth. Yes. That is great. When I have a bit of free time I will look for Waldo.

Speaking of Google... This week during lunch one day I mapped Fullerton on Google maps and then turned on Street View and virtually drove around Fullerton looking at how our old stomping grounds had changed. Good times.

I love technology.

Friday Night Crash

Last night I was done. So done that I fell asleep during The Office. I think a week of poor, interrupted sleep caught up to me. The kids were outside with the neighbors and Kathi was on a walk so I came in and laid down with the puppy for a nap. We were out.

The opening of the front door woke up Owen and Owen jumping up woke me. After that nap I just couldn't muster the energy to stay awake.

I tried having a little Ol' South Fudge Pie ice cream by Umpqua for a bit of energy to stay awake enough to see the recorded shows. Didn't work.

I had no idea this bought of sleepiness was coming. On the way home I even picked up Revolver thinking that I would have an enjoyable evening staying up late to watch a flick. Nope. Plans failed. Sleep won.

Sleepy time is over now. Today I've got to get birds out of our dryer vent. The battle is on.

P.O.D. Is In The Hizouse

The new POD CD sits in my player and will remain there for a bit. It is good. Not their best but good. It is hard to beat The Fundamental Elements of Southtown and Testify.

This CD is a bit more mellow than Testify but the change is good. They do rock it up a bit later in the CD and mix it up a bit with Kaliforn-eye-a but overall the sound is more mellow. Sonny lost the dreads but his vocals are still strong. Some of the lyrics are weak and a bit poppy but overall still have the POD touch with the slang and poor grammar.

They tell stories, sing, play and rock. All good parts of a decent album that should be enjoyed by all.

Welcome back Marcos. It is good to have you back with the boys.

And while I write this I'll just say goodbye to Michael Johns you won't be missed.

AI Gone All Jesus On Us?

I just sat down for the night to relax, turned on American Idol, and they are singing Shout to the Lord. Did I miss something? What? A worship song? Wow. Interesting. It doesn't seem very pop or top 40 but oh well.

Shout it peeps. Shout it.

Book Recommendation

This morning I was reminded of a book that I read years ago. It is Replay by Ken Grimwood.

I highly recommend this book. It is about a man who dies at the age of 45 and goes back to relive his life over and over. Each time with the knowledge of his previous lives. He meets people over and over and runs into people that are experiencing the same thing. Each time he dies and goes back he uses the knowledge from his previous life to change his next. If you liked the movie The Butterfly Effect or Groundhogs Day you will love this book.

It is a quick and easy read and an enjoyable ride. Go forth and read, you won't be disappointed. You can pick it up off Amazon or Half.com for a couple bucks.

Music Recommendation

My neighbor lent me a CD two weeks ago and I haven't given it back. Don't know if I will. (Just kidding Chris) I'll be buying this one for sure.

The CD is Celldweller. Rockers hold on to your bandana's this CD is kick-arse.

Mix a bit of Metal with a bit of Electronica with a bit of Dance Beat and you've got Celldweller. I can't recommend this band (guy) enough. Go forth and purchase.

Saturday's Are Too Short

Today I didn't get to sleep in like usual.  Bummer.  I look forward to the one day when I can wake up when I please (Thank you Kathi).  Today however was the AWANA Grand Prix.  It is a pine wood derby that we do every year with the kids.  It started at nine so I had to get up and shower. By the time is was over (12:48) it felt like most of the day was gone.  Kathi had a baby shower and Brianna was going to spend the day at a friends so it was just Alex and I (and Owen).  Between keeping Owen from chewing up the house and/or peeing on the floor we didn't have much rest.  After a bit I got a little winded of that so we put him in the kennel and took off for an hour.  This may not have been the best idea because when we got back he was out of control wild with energy.  

Tomorrow is full of events and things to do so rest will be short also.  Then of course comes Monday.  Oh, the dreaded Monday.  

I vote that Saturdays get extended by about 10 hours.  I bet Ron Paul would do it for me.

Picture of the Day

There is a tennis ball back in the corner behind the couch so the little guy went to get it. A bit of commando crawling and he was in. The ball however proves to be a bit elusive.

Big Change #1

I was talking about change...

Here is the first big one. Meet Owen.
See Kathi's blog here for more.

It's Thursday

This morning I drove to work in the snow. Very cool (pun intended).

I love snow. To have it this late in the season was an exceptional little suprise.

There were a bunch of cars coming off side roads that had two to three inches of snow piled on the roof and hood. They must have been up in the surrounding hills.

By the way I will announce one "change" that is taking place today. I can't say right now but it is a fun one. And one that will surprise a lot of peoples.

New Toy

I bought this...
This being the Sig Sauer P232.

As perfectly described on Sig Sauer's website:

The SIG SAUER® P232 is our smallest and lightest pistol. Chambered in .380ACP and featuring a fixed barrel blowback action, the P232 is one of the most reliable back-up pistols available with a well-earned reputation as a rugged, accurate shooter. Its proven design of perfect balance, smooth contours and rounded, snag-free edges make it ideal for personal protection. It’s the pistol’s small size that makes it easy to carry concealed whether in a discreet holster, purse or on the ankle and yet the outstanding ergonomics of the grip design allow for comfortable shooting even in large hands. At under 18oz in the Blued version, the sleek single-stack P232 is a pleasure to carry throughout the day. No wonder it’s one of the premier off-duty guns carried by federal agents and law enforcement professionals today.

It is being shipped from Texas and I should have it by the end of the week.

Change is Coming!

I am not sure in what form but there is some change coming. Soon, I hope.

I've been at my current job for about 10 years. Maybe it's that..

I'm lopsided with one tattoo on my right shoulder. Maybe it's time for #2...

My Camry is celebrating 13 years on the road. Anyone got some cash I could have for an Acura TL?

My Buell has rested for 2 years. Maybe a sunny day is near...

We've lived in this neighborhood for 7ish years. Who knows...

Adopt a kid?

Something...

Anything...

I think change is coming.

Praying. Hoping. Expecting. Anticipating.

Happy Easter

This painting can be found on a cool website at www.snowwondrous.com.

Trace Adkins is one of my favorite people. He seems to be a kind, soft spoken gentleman.

I am not much of a country fan but I have enjoyed watching him play Celebrity Apprentice.

Cool Movies Are Coming

This is the time of year that my anticipation level is very high. The anticipation is for cool movies. I thought I knew about all of the movies coming out. Movies like The Dark Knight, Prince Caspian, Ironman, Speed Racer, etc. There is one that eluded me until today.



I know what you are thinking. The Hulk movie came out years ago and it sucked. As true as that is it doesn't diminish the fact that they've made another.

What makes this cooler is that it stars Edward Norton. Ed is awesome. I am as excited to see him play Bruce Banner as I am to see Robert Downey Jr. play Anthony Stark.

What movie are you anticipating?

A Bit of Randomness

Why don't women shave their arms?

Last night I had a dream that I was shopping for a hat, with Carol Burnett, for my nephew Ben.

In the dream I had shaggy bleach blond hair that looked like a fat mop on my head.

I'd like to win tonights lottery.

Work is a four letter word.

My dad's birthday card (which was a good one) is in US Postal limbo.

Friday is coming. (Isn't it Ashby?)

I cannot wait until Ironman is out.

This line is stuck in my head "Can I get a napkin please?" Thanks to this video.

Tribute

Sometimes being a dad helps me appreciate my dad even more.

Yesterday my dad celebrated his sixty *cough* birthday and is in his forty forth year as a dad.

Thank you dad for all the years of turning lights off after us.

Thank you dad for attempting to regulate our TV watching time.

Thank you dad for toting us around the country to sleep in tents instead of hotel rooms.

Thank you dad for working long hard days.

Thank you dad for taking us to church every Sunday.

Thank you dad for showing us how much you loved mom.

Thank you dad for not buying a car every two years.

Thank you dad for teaching me to ride a bike.

Thank you dad for for making us read the bible around the Sunday dinner table.

Thank you dad for taking us to your moms house.

Thank you dad for bringing home refrigerator boxes.

Thank you dad for changing your own oil.

Thank you dad for letting mom stay home with us.

Thank you dad for bring us gifts after your business trips.

and thank you dad for being a great Papa to my kids.

The older I get the more I see you in me and it makes me proud.

Love, your number one son.

Will The Real Badger Please Stand Up?

This is the guy.

The cause for much fun and frivolity in the office this week. What we learned is that even if you know it's around it can still startle you. We had a couple repeat victims in the bathroom today. We also learned that our bookkeeper can't pee with the badger staring at her.

There are certain people who can't be in on practical jokes. One of the bosses heard that I had it set up to get the IT guy. He (the boss) couldn't wait, he had to prompt it. It failed miserably. Even after I told him it wouldn't work and asked him not to say anything, he went ahead and said something. It went something like this:

Boss: "Hey IT guy, I've got something I need your help with in the server room." (first clue it'll fail because the boss has no business in the server room)

IT Guy: "Ok"

I know it's going to fail so I head downstairs.

IT guy enters the server room, where the badger is hidden mostly under his motorcycle jacket, as the boss waits outside.

IT Guy: "So, what did you need?" (he doesn't see it, because he's not supposed to until he grabs his jacket)

Boss: "Uh... well..." (oops, should have been prepared with an answer)

IT Guy: "So?"

Boss: "Hey Bonham, where is it?"

IT Guy: "Oh, are you trying to get me with the badger?"

I grumble as I walk down the stairs.

Later IT Guy admits that it would have scared him if he found it later.

Thanks boss.

When it comes to practical jokes, patience pays.

Badger Day

Without an audio recording there is no way for me to get this post right. It is truly a "you had to be there" post but I'll do my best.

Imagine walking into a bathroom and seeing a badger.


There has been a little practical joke war going on in the office between our receptionist and one of the guys in the warehouse. I'm not quite sure how it started but it has been fun to watch. I learned about it when I saw Warehouse Guy's clip board and noticed that it was decorated with puff paint flowers in pink & purple.

Today the war was escalated. I was holed up in the conference room for a good portion of the day. The purchasing guy took a potty break and when he came back he was beside himself. He told us that there was a stuffed badger in the bathroom that scared the crap out of him. We found out that the badger was placed in the bathroom by our receptionist who was the first victim of the cleverly placed badger. Mind you it is a real badger stuffed by a taxidermist not a stuffed toy.

Later I was in my office and heard this loud "aaaahhhh". It was my boss. He walked in on the badger. Ah ha ha. I about passed out from laughing so hard. I knew exactly what happened. Such a good little badger.

The badger was the talk of the day, as was the bosses "aaaahhhh" which he understates as a loud sigh. Well, I am here to tell you that I was one floor down and three offices away and I heard it.

If you aren't getting the funnyness of this that is because you had to be there.

Dinner In The Sky

Okay so check this out. My sister Mo sent an email out today with pictures of this event. Unreal. How would you like to eat here?

Click on the link above and check out the pictures page. Very cool idea.

If my quick in the head addition and currency conversion is accurate you would be looking at a $15,000 bill.

Brian's Needs

So I got this little game from Kathi who got it from Tracey.

Google you name plus the word "needs" after it to see what you come up with. This is what I need:

• Brian needs to workout! - am I on candid camera?
• Brian needs to communicate more effectively and stop being negative. - Get off my frick'n back! How's that for communication?
• Brian needs food, badly. - Uh, see the first need.
• Brian Needs a New Mac - But none of my cool software will work on it...
• Brian.Needs.A.Job - How 'bout that?
• Brian [needs stimulation] - That's a little creepy.
• Brian needs…absolutely nothing, he’s perfect just the way he is! - Yes! or no.
• Brian Needs More than the Regular School Year. - NO CHANCE!
• Brian Needs Love Too!! - Yes I do.
  
• Brian Needs to Wipe Again. - Eww!

I types them as I sees them.

House Plans

If I was to be able to afford to sit down and design a house for my family I would put in as many secret passageways & rooms as I could. I always thought this would be cool.

As a kid my grandma's house had a closet that had an entrance in the hallway and from a bedroom. It wasn't secret but it was still cool. We'd run through it and hide in it and scare each other in it.

I'd love to pull a book down on a shelf to open a secret passage behind the bookshelf. This secret passage would lead to a secret room that only we would know about.

Trapdoors would probably be an essential too. Pull back the rug and wa-la there it is the entrance to a passageway that leads to the shed.

Speaking of Old...

Tonight between 9 and 11 I will kick back and relax to the new Knight Rider. It will probably not be a regular watch but I thought I'd check it out for old times sake.

Old Bands are New Bands

Some of the oldies and goodies are coming back. I saw in the paper today that The Police will be in Washington with Elvis Costello for a live concert. I also read that the B-52's are putting out another album. R.E.M. has new music coming out on 4/1/08.

In the last couple years I've seen Queen (with Paul Rogers singing) and Guns & Roses (aka just Axl Rose and some other guys) in concert. Van Halen was in town a few months ago for a live gig. And I heard that Led Zepplin is doing a show in London (sans John Bonham of course). There are probably many more out there that are doing things but these are the ones that stick out in my head.

The news that I read that made me want to post this little diddy is this ---> EXTREME is back together and is working on a new album! Oh yeah! I know one house that will own a copy. Some of you may snicker but I loved these guys back in the day. Back in college I had hallmates that used to blast these guys down the hall for all to hear. I never complained.

Confession

I am loving American Gladiator!

I watched the original and I am watching the new one. As a matter of fact we watch it together as a family. It is totally kid friendly and my kids get into it. My daughter squeals when Titan shakes his thighs. The other night Brianna was at a friends house and was due home at 7 and Alex kept saying "I can't wait until Brianna gets home". So I asked him "Why? Because you miss her?" and he says "No Dad! So we can watch Gladiator." "Oh."

Favorite new Gladiators:

• Titan - His sportsmanship and postive attitude is great.
• Crush - She is a cutie who could easily kick my arse.
• Wolf - Duh! He is just too fun. I love his taunting.

Sunday night is the final and since we have church that evening we will be taping it. Yes I said taping! Get off my back.

Do you watch?

Driving Daze

I used to like driving. I may still.

Lately I just find myself just wanting to get there. I have a half an hour commute each way to and from work. In the past I thought of this as my time. I'd listen to music, podcasts, silence, pray, think, or whatever caught my fancy. Now it is greuling. I just want to get there.

Move out of my way you slow ass people I've got somewhere to get to.

I don't know why but I've got the driving blues. I let my wife drive now when we go places 'cause I just don't want to.

It isn't my car. I really like my car. Which by the way just turned 180,000 miles old. 150,000 of those miles driven by me.

I just don't know. Maybe someday I'll be able to use a transporter like on Star Trek.

November's Coming

If in November it comes down to McCain vs. Clinton or McCain vs. Obama I won't be voting.

Seriously.

It's no lesser of two evils or Democrat vs. Republican. It is same vs. same. Who cares. At that point it won't matter who wins. As much as they say they are agents of change they are not. They are all the same. Four years from now nothing will be different. Nothing. Except that we'll be four years older.

I am a huge proponent of the democratic system but I think it is getting a bit stale in the American political system. That is why I am supporting Ron Paul. Just because he is not in the lead I will not give up on him. Run Ron, Run.

Home Safe

Brrr! We made it home early this morning. Thanks Mrs. Villa for the ride, you are too kind.

After the red-eye a four hour nap was due.

Honestly not a single complaint about the trip worth speaking. I guess if I had to speak one it would be the lack of sleep due to my daughters sleep talking. She talked, shouted, and cried in her sleep. I never knew she was so bad.

We had a spectacular time all-in-all. The big island is a beautiful place with lot's to see.

The last day of the trip was spent at the beach playing and snorkeling before heading home to catch the last three quarters of the big game. The last snorkeling spot was my favorite. Lots of areas to explore with plenty of wildlife to see.

As much as I try not to think of it, tomorrow it is back to work. Yuck. I could get used to this not working gig.

Last Day

Today is our last day in Hawaii. We leave late tonight on the red-eye back to Portland.

Yesterday we went to the north end of the island to see the Waipi'o Valley but were washed out by the rain. The Hilo side got 18.5 inches in 24 hours yesterday. Below is a picture of the valley as far as we could see it.

We stopped by the beach were Lorretta Lynn's house is (or was since she no longer lives there). The kids played for a bit in the surf before we headed off to the market.

Big treats! The local favorite... shaved ice.
Our Hawaiian kids with Aunt Sue & Uncle Jim.

I gave underwater photography a try with a disposable camera. The results are less than what I expected. There is no focus so you get what you get, plus it is hard to aim the camera as you will see.

Here's Alex giving the thumbs up to snorkeling.
Here is the girl.
This is a small example of some of the fish we saw.
Here is Kathi & her mom with one of the many turtles we saw.

We have had a great time and are already planning our next visit. Well it's off to the beach for the last time this trip. Hopefully everone else will be focused on the big game and leave the beach to us.

Another Good Day

Guess what... we went to the beach today. Here it is. The kids played with mom and uncle Jim in the sand.


I had a rest after some snorkeling.

This is an example of Hawaiian graffiti. It is white coral on the black lava. You see it all along the roadside. People send out greeting and messages to others or just leave their names.
Here the kids are playing with poi balls before the luau we went to tonight.

Here's Kathi goofing off with the poi balls.
This is the pig being uncovered from the dirt oven it was cooked in. Brianna couldn't watch, she was afraid to see a giant dead pig.

The luau was quite fun. Due to the combination of darkness and a small camera I didn't get any photos of the dancers. I am sure Kathi is upset I didn't get a photo of the Samoan fire dancer. She was quite taken with him. She'll live.

I am sure tomorrow will bring another adventure.

Today in Hawaii

Today was a very busy day with lots of driving. We started out just about 7am and drove to the Hilo (east) side of the island. The first stop was Akaka Falls.

Then we stopped in Hilo for brunch at Ken's House of Pancakes. Yummy food. As you can see Alex was loving the hot chocolate.
After Ken's we headed out to Kilauea. We didn't see any active lava flows but the view was amazing. There were craters, steam vents and old lava flows that were amazing.
Some of us took naps in between stops.
We took a long drive on a curvy one lane road to take a short hike to see... well not much. We could have skipped this drive. It's a "you had to be there moment".
We hiked a lava tube.
We stopped at a black sand beach and saw a few sea turtles (Honu) sunning themselves.
The final stop was at the Kona Brewery for pizza and beer. Deliciouso!

Yesterday in Hawaii

Yesterday we went sailing to see some whales. And whales we saw. I don't have any pictures of them but plenty of video which I'll have to upload later. The tour was courtesy of Red Sail Sports who did a great job. If you come to Hawaii I recommend them. They didn't just show us one whale they took us around and we saw tons. Literally. Momma whales with there young, playful whales, slow moving hard to see whales, waving whales, etc.

Here are some photo's of the fam enjoying the tour.




This was the catameran that we were on.

Afterwards we hung at the beach and swam and snorkeled. Later that evening Kathi & I took Jim & Susan out for dinner at Huggo's. It was very yummy. I had the crab crusted Ono and the wasabi macadamia mashed potatoes. The atmosphere was open air and right on the water. Very cool. Very Hawaii. Portland could do the food but not the atmosphere except maybe in the summer.

It's rough when your day on the beach ends with a picture like this.

Hawai'i. I Recommend It

If you haven't been, you must come. They've got...

Great Coffee!
Interesting History!
Fun Wildlife!
Places to Explore!
Restaurants with Amazing Views!
And Tons of Places to Relax and Enjoy!