Un millon de estrellas

And it only takes a moment
To step outside and let the rain
Kiss your pain away
And surrender it to the sun
Cause the world is still spinning around
So cease the day
Cause you have come so far
Watched a million frowns turn into smiles
Lost all track of time
Felt the energy of a million stars

It's like that

Today is just one of those days, a magical day. Certainly it's one of those days that you wish you could relive over and over again; a serendipity in time that you wish you could freeze and stare at, long after it's passed. These types of days don't happen often but when they do they strike a chord deep inside of you as if to let you know - hey wake up, you won't want to miss this.

So as our day grows longer and we begin to dwell in the afterglow, Karen and I look forward to more magical days ahead of us. Oh, and I will definitely be buying a lottery ticket today. You just never know.

Science Lesson

Static electricity can be fun when you have the right kind of company and Teagan fits the bill.

oops.

Let this be a reminder to you all. Never mess with coolant system in your car until the engine is cold. Even then, I would wait some more.

And for those of you Audi A4/S4 owners, the coolant elbow under the air intake piping is known to fail. Needless to say when it does, I suggest not having body parts in the neighboring area.

Being thankful is a state of mind

This year has been interesting. Most of my resolutions managed to survive to a respectable July/August time frame. I have tried to spend more time leading a life of awareness. I've found that it becomes easy to fall into routines and repeat bad habits. Maybe these are all symptoms of getting older and finding that your comfort zone becomes more of a rut, and sometimes you find comfort in that. All I know is that when I make myself uncomfortable I manage to move closer to the things that I want to bring into my life. It's motivating but certainly takes a bit of getting used to.

I think that this year above all other years I have come to understand the true value of friendships and family alike. Both of which seem to share similarities. It is a curious thing when you realize that both of these take on a new and nobler meaning the more you open yourself up to their influence. The mere fact that someone else on this planet is willing to take the time to get to know you and find the intrinsic value that you have at your core is a powerful thing. Something that transcends the mere time spent together but something that increases in value as the relationship deepens and takes root, far below the surface details of our lives.

This year I have found the desire to invest in friends and family in a more meaningful way and I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the results. I just hope that what they're getting from me is as valuable as the things I'm getting in return.

I've been thankful for the things in my life for a while now but I've definitely been humbled by friendship this year. It's funny because it seems that every time I come to a deeper realization I always wish I had figured it out sooner. Maybe that's why we're held accountable to pass on life lessons to the generation behind us.

If you get a chance this Thanksgiving, take a moment and really take stock of the things you can thankful for, I'll bet you'll be surprised or even reassured once you start listing things out.

This week's funny

"Jesus never tapped out."

The great pumpkin comes to town

My favorite holiday has always been Thanksgiving. In spite of that fact Halloween has always run a close second. Having been raised as an SDA the love I had for All Hallow's Eve was always frowned upon or sadly, used as a reminder of how any allegiance to the holiday usually meant taking a stand against your faith. Seriously people, I just wanted the candy.

All these years later it turns out that Karen's favorite holiday is the venerable "day of the dead". For months before the actual date Karen's excitement builds and more decorations are purchased. Plans are made we do our best to celebrate all the fun things about the seemingly dark celebration.

This year we enjoyed all the costumes, the company of friends, the trick-o-treaters, the full moon and our newly introduced "movie under the stars". We screened "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and the venerable classic - "Ghostbusters". In her usual manner Karen must have taken a hundred pictures that will continue to push the space boundaries of our home NAS.

It was another great night of memories that we hope to continue for years to come; Karen is already planning the upgrades for next year.

Our little one

One of those days.

So winter's come
And summer's fall
Time is just a whisper
In a waterfall

Forever now
Forever now
Every road I wander
Brings me back here
Next to you

Be still my love
And close your eyes
Don't say a word
No hows or whys

Everything I need, within me
All the dreams I've dreamed, are true
And all the starry skies, inside me
When I'm next to you

from there to here

I remember the day we brought home our first television. I was 9, my brother was 7. It was a warm summer Sunday filled with all the activities that made up what my mom termed as "the first day of work". Sundays were always busy, the only measurement of the passage of time that we had were marked by the activities we finished; laundry, dishes, cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, followed by weekly excursion to the market. Breakfast would mark the start of a race that would end sometime around 3pm when my brother and I would finally be able to play outside with our friends.

On this particular Sunday our normal chores were interrupted by an impromptu trip to our local Salvation Army. My brother and I enjoyed visits to this store more than the market and definitely more than shopping for clothing. We would be able to lose ourselves in a repository of treasures neatly organized and made as presentable as possible. Every item possessing a story of some sort, waiting for someone to come by and extend it's life for a while longer.

My brother spent most of our time in the toy section always trying to find something that we could take home. The trick was being able to find the 'grab bag' that had as many pieces of whatever toy you intended of getting so you weren't missing something crucial or necessary to make it work.

By now we were about half a year into our current school year and the thing that my brother and I were beginning to notice is that despite attending an SDA school, there was a lot of television watching by our classmates. Apparently, the supposed rules of the faith were only enforced in our home. This hard line stance by my mother was always an issue of contention but without the support of my father, this was a battle not even worth suiting up for.

Due to the lack of media penetration in our home my brother and I had started to spend time in the furniture section of the store. Every time we went we would run there first and see what new models of televisions there were, secretly hoping one of them would follow up home. After dropping many an unheeded hint to my mom, we figured it was a lost cause, but we were kids - relentless is the word, right?

On this particular trip my mom had disappeared and after two quick trips around the store we were unable to find her. My brother and I headed back to the toy section just to make sure that we could be found. We waited for a bit and finally my mom arrived to gather us up. Surprisingly, she didn't have any packages with her but we didn't mind because by now we were pretty hungry for lunch.

When we arrived at the station wagon we noticed there was a large piece of furniture in the back. Curious to see what it was my brother and I ran to check it out. When we saw what it was I think we just stared at it as if we were witnessing a miracle right in front of us. Believe me, the burning bush didn't have anything on that Zenith.

When we got home that day everything was pretty much a blur until we got the television plugged into the wall. It was black and white and there wasn't a remote to be found but hell, it worked. When it popped and began to show the picture it pretty much made up for the time my bag of army men was missing all the tank platoon soldiers and my general.

The first show we watched together was "The Mummy". We watched it while eating a sandwich and drinking a glass of coca-cola.

The day was a good day - no chores, a less than healthy meal and the promise of regularly scheduled programming coming directly to our house. A brand new world opened up and I let it all pour in.

Now as I enjoy a fairly decent LCD television and surround sound system I can't help but remember that day with fondness. I'm also reminded that sometimes I would sell my mom short as a child growing up. Hindsight is a beautiful thing if you can learn from it. Despite the compromise my mom made that day I still can't help but thankful for the effort she made to bridge the gap between what we needed and what we wanted.

It didn't seem like it at the time but life was good. I'm sure of that now.

Some things are meant to last.

Karen and I were able to share a special moment with some friends of ours tonight - The renewal of wedding vows. Many times we forget about how big of an accomplishment it can be, how through the years you've managed to weather the tough times and hopefully nurtured and supported each other through best moments of your life together. In a world that prides itself in it's cynicism it's nice to know that you can make it if you try.

I was touched by the vows because as I listened to them I was given a brief glimpse into secret corners of a relationship that we're still getting to know. The words were honest and carefully crafted to reflect a deep and pure love and hearing them recite them to each other made me smile.

Today, our friends celebrated 10 years together and while Karen and I officially celebrated seven years together we look forward to 10 and 20 and beyond.

I know that sometimes it's easier to focus on the things that don't work, but I know that if you put in some time and effort you can reap incredible rewards. My advice? If you have someone special in your life, take the time to have fun, remember the things that brought you together and with any luck the years will be easy and pass quickly.

As for our friends. we wish them the best from the bottom of our hearts. I just have a feeling that they're doing really well all on their own.

Happy Anniversary S&N!

"It's just a hole in the ground."

Yes, I've never been to the Grand Canyon. Through no fault of my own, there were never any "Suclla Family Vacations" that ever stopped at the ol' GC. Mostly, those only got as far as Las Vegas - yeah (my dad is a fan of the "City of Lights"). So yeah, 40 years into this gig I've finally experienced the grandeur that is "The Canyon".

I didn't know what to expect, having only seen it in post cards or in magazines, but I must say that they don't compare with it live. It is definitely worth seeing and going to the bottom is an experience as well.

Though we were only able to spend one day there I saw enough to make the trip worth it and I will definitely get back there again to see more of it. Who knows, maybe I'll get brave enough to view it via the Skywalk, just maybe.

That time again

Both of us knew what we were looking for when we met. For the most part is was a list of things we knew we didn't want in a relationship. Through the years Karen and I have managed to keep the promises we made to each other all those years ago. Officially we celebrate our 7th year of marriage today.

As we look back over where we've been we're thankful to the fates for bringing us together. We look forward to many more years together - traveling, laughing and enjoying the time that we share even in the most mundane things we do together. I'm blessed - I will admit that.

So, today I am reminded of the promises we made to each other and I am given new energy to make sure I'm doing my part.

Fan-Frakking-Tastic

First there were rumors. Just whispers that Galactica would be reborn and reinterpreted. Then the rumors became truth. Starbuck and Boomer, girls? Cylons looking like humans. No dagget!? I can't say that I was a fan from the get go. What I can say is that even though it took almost an entire season for me to warm up to the idea of a remake, I eventually fell for Battlestar Galactica - Hard.

I watched the finale in concentrated silence trying to glean every last last bit of information to piece the mystery together. The culmination of 4 seasons coming to a close in a different, and almost non-climactic way.

The past 4 seasons have represented, in my opinion, some of the best television drama offered to date. Most certainly, in the SciFi world. As I watched the universe of BSG develop and the characters deepen I was reminded that sometimes you can find some shows that are worth spending time on.

And now, it has come to an end. All the plot twists, revelations and cliff hangers have all been laid aside and I'm left having to part ways with one my favorite shows. I will miss everything the mythology had to offer and I look forward owning this series on Blu-Ray.

Even if you're not a SciFi nut like myself, you could see what the hype is all about and rent the pilot episode. Maybe you'll get drawn into our universe as well. So say we all.

Racers, start your engines.

The past couple of years of the "Celebrity Pro Race" have been mired with not so celebrity level entertainers. While always entertaining, it doesn't motivate you to attend the celebrity race or care about the results. This year the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach has upped the ante and wrangled some bigger names.

I love going to the Grand Prix and I'm looking forward to it this year. If I can work some of my contact magic maybe I can find myself back in the paddocks with 'Neo'. Whether you're a race fan or not, the Grand Prix offers a good time and hopefully there won't be too much of a damper from the economic hiccup we're experiencing. It's definitely worth it to see and hear a race car rip down the straight away at 200mph.

I'll see you at the races.

40 is the new 20..?

Forty years on this planet is a pretty good number. Especially considering I've never broken a bone or been in trouble with the law. As I look back at things to try and find meaning I see that sometimes the memories are just that; small treasures to remind you of where you've been. Maybe, under better circumstances they are pointers to a new direction or a safety net for things that shouldn't be repeated. I have some good, some bad; most are funny but they all serve to remind me that youth is a state of mind - now if I could just let my body know, that would be great.

I remember the day I graduated high school very vividly. The day seemed to linger and then almost stop. The day felt like it should - a milestone of age and accomplishment ushering in a new time in my life when the things that I coveted the most were now solely, my responsibility. I remember the harried memories of final preparations, of speeches and assurances from friends and acquaintances alike - we would always remain friends. So much back then was heightened by the clarity of youth and the naivety of a life less experienced. From the time I squeezed my girlfriend's hand and took my seat during the ceremony, all the way until Paula was falling asleep in the crook of my arm on the way back from Disneyland, opportunity spread out before me like the distant horizon on a never ending road trip.

College came and went. Fanfare - not so much. It had been a different experience but I had persevered and come out on the other side. None too worse for wear I looked forward to the opportunity to try my hand at life and continue to deepen the relationship I had with my first wife. I had found myself in college, in as much as you can do in your '20s and it still seemed that I couldn't move fast enough for my liking. Sherry and I looked forward to a life together. With some effort and a little bit of delayed gratification we could see the distant framework that would be our reward.

My first wedding is less vivid but there are things that I recall. I remember having no money being tempered by love and the hope of the future. Always feeling like no matter how much we worked we would always fall short of things financially. We vowed to focus on each other and togetherness became our mantra. Those first years of playing house were valuable and to this day I don't regret any part of it. It is through the specs of my early '20s that I have come to appreciate my '30s.

Of all the things I wish I could remember less of - the divorce. To this day it feels like it was an event that would never end. Besides abandoning the medical field it is the only other time that I feel smaller than the events of my life. The only other time where I feel out of control. Time marches on and it soon becomes something that is behind me and not all around me, though by now the feeling is a small consolation in light of everything that it will cost me.

Now, I find myself with not so distant memories. I live in a world where I almost can't remember a life without Karen and partially wonder what things would have been like if I would have met her sooner. If I were asked, the best way I could state things would be that we just "fit". On one of our good days you really can't tell where each of starts or ends. Even when things are a bit off I know that I couldn't do any better and the thought of her love makes everything better. In a stage of our lives when every story or anecdote should be filled with the names of our children, we're reminded of the promises we made to each other and how we're meant to live on without the promise of children. Behind our smiles we look forward to all the years we have left with each other.

Has it really been 40 years? I'm hard press to deny it, but I know it's true. The last part of 39 was  marred by the death of a friend, some minor back issues and the probability of having to put Daisy to sleep. Spiritually, I have slept walked into the 40 and for that I feel ashamed of. I work as hard as I can to make small and meaningful steps toward redemption and I have to admit a certain negligence in this area of late.

While I don't know what's in store for me I proceed now with a renewed mindfulness. I look forward to creating more memories and re-dedicating myself to some type of meaningful service. I am rejuvenated by a presidency that wants to hold us accountable for own development and the things that we can contribute to those around us.

I wanted to thank all my friends for their well wishes and for their continued friendship. I count myself lucky to have been blessed as much as I have so far and my friends are a big part of the measuring stick by which all things are evaluated in my life.

Here's hoping for another 40 years. Cheers to you all.

j

When sleep is not enough

One of the things I enjoy is the ability to stay up late and sleep in whenever I feel like it. Seeing as how we don't have kids this type of behavior is more the norm than an indulgence. Sometimes we tend to overdo it and Karen and I pay the consequences for it. When this happens I'm more than happy to spend some time catching up as it were - welcome to the nap.

Now, I know that napping has taken a bad rap in the past - maybe it's even seen as a waste of time, but you might be interested in finding out that napping may not be the sign of a slacker after all. If you're a defender of the faith - here's a little more ammo for your argument. Use it whenever necessary.

The fast and the not so furious

98 mph on the straight away, four wheel drift on the deep sweeper. There's nothing better than getting an apex dead on and I had more good than bad this time around. For those of you who are even the least bit curious about pushing your car to its limits, find a driving class, get yourself a helmet and have a little fun. Better yet, find someone to lend you the car - that always works the best... Thanks Audi.

A little history

I must say that part of me thought that we would never elect an African American to the presidency. I wasn't cynical enough to think that we would elect a woman before the other, but sometimes I had doubts about both. Each decision would have it's own implications and maybe it would signal a milestone, or better yet, a trend in our society to look beyond embedded stereotypes and discrimination.

I think that most of my friends know where I stand on most issues and though I tend to be more left than right when it comes to personal freedom I still understand that in most cases true common sense must prevail. I think that common sense and a little bit of luck is what will make the difference for all of us. I will admit that I helped make this event happen by casting my vote towards Obama and yes, aside from his political viewpoint and record (or lack thereof), I just needed a change; a serious change. Now, I can't say for sure that McCain would have continued the failed policies of the previous administration but I couldn't take a chance on the shared ideology.

I thought the race would have been closer and I was quite surprised that when I returned from voting this evening that they were already declaring Obama the winner. Looking at the result maps and overlays of color indicating the progress of each candidate some things did strike me as ironic. Louisiana has criticized the republican administration for not acting quickly during Katrina and has continued to make it's frustration known to the world. Yet again, they voted Republican - Really Louisiana? Republican!? In any case - It's over now and I look forward with hope. Hope that if Barack Obama delivers on even 1/3 of his promises that we'll be better off. I know that everyone doesn't agree but I don't think anyone can make things worse. Don't even get me started on our current administration. Suffice to say, "Presidency, Fail".

Congratulations Senator Obama. May God and common sense direct you to your greatest accomplishments...

If you don't get rain - travel...

This year we finally took up my Brother-in-law on his offer to join he and his wife on their yearly trip back to Maine. We spent a week in a lake front house enjoying the turning of the leaves and the tranquility of a slower paced lifestyle. Maine is beautiful and the allure of cheaper real estate is tempting but I think the winters would be a bit much for our Californian body thermometers... The one thing we did enjoy is all the wet weather. Seeing as how it hasn't rained in our home state for over a year it was greatly appreciated.

Doesn't get any better...

This was the view we were forced to stare at from the living room while staying in Seaside. It was rough but we managed to endure.

iWoes

From the moment after Steve's words lingered in the air during the keynote speech, I knew I wanted one. Mind reeling with the possibilities, I held my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop. What about the price? Who will the carrier be? As the moments wore on the situation worsened. If price wasn't the only barrier to overcome there was also an issue with the carrier. I immediately set a max amount of what I was willing to pay for the newest glimmer of tech joy from one of my favorite companies. When it was obvious that the new iPhone was to exceed my $400 ceiling and that the main supplier of the line would be AT&T my heart sank. Oh well, not for me.

After vowing that I would never return to AT&T (actually, Cingular), I decided to wait until other companies decided to enter the foray and try to deliver the same golden promise that Apple would be putting in the the hands of the few over the coming months. So, I have been patiently waiting for the device to be improved and a new carrier to be added. Well, one of those things happened...

I have had my iPhone 3G for 4 weeks now. I came by the phone through work so I have not had to endure the monthly costs but I have lost the phone number that I have had for the past 8 years. Well, I guess you can't build a democracy without eliminating some native people, right..?

My experience with the famed gadget has been bittersweet. I imagine that it can be compared to dating a super model, or at least the stereotype of sorts. While the iPhone shines as a beacon of what a communications device should be - intuitive, intelligent and adaptive - it also serves as a reminder that sometimes you can't be everything to everyone. In all my experience in the IT field and after owning more than my fair share of gadgets I would have to say that the 'phone' part of the iPhone equation is utter crap. Never have I owned a product that has worked so miserably and without apology. In the past 4 weeks I have been a victim to slow speeds, lock-ups, restarts, usb connect/disconnect issues, horrible reception, no reception, SIM problems, charging issues, syncing problems and of course the famed no service error. Out of every phone that I've had to date (I've had 13) this phone has worked the worst.

Like the metaphor, the iPhone is beautiful and when it works (with WiFi and no less) it is a thing of magic; web browsing, RSS feeds, movie trailers, calendar, e-mail, games and my venerable iPod make this the singular fusion of technologies. Of course, the entire experience is tainted when the phone acts up and refuses to cooperate for even the most mundane of tasks - being a phone.

As I continue to struggle in a relationship that I know I should stop, I continue to be persuaded to give it just one more chance. Now, with update 2.1 around the corner I have a small glimmer of hope. Who knows maybe my gadget mistress will see the light and realize that we can co-exist happily together if it just decides to uphold it's part of the bargain. Then again, maybe I'll just wind up getting an Ocean... only time will tell.

[ winamp is currently decoding: Armorous in Bauhaus Fashion by The Faint ]

Overwhelmed

Karen and I have been enjoying the Olympic coverage over the past week. We have settled into a routine of catching all the highlights and moving forward to the Finals whenever possible. I'm still of the opinion that if God was an IT Geek he would have created the DVR - Long live Time Shifting! In spite of being able to jump to the specific time frame during the competitions there is still a lot (emphasis on A LOT) of programming to watch. We have four HD channels spewing out coverage for a grand total of roughly 30 plus hours of programming per day... Enough to make our DVR choke on the previous programming that we had archived. As we sift through things we still find ourselves staying up late to watch the finales of our favorite events. Needless to say that we have been dragging in the morning. Getting up to work is now a mind over matter struggle that I'm fairly certain I'm losing.

In order to compensate I've been experimenting with different types of meditation techniques that involve certain types of sounds and musical patterns. While it doesn't seem to work for my overall fatigue I have been experiencing some interesting side effects. Very chaotic, yet lucid dreams and acute awareness of spatial relationships. My martial arts training has been going exceptionally well the past two weeks and for now I'm continuing to pursue this almost dream like state that I find myself in. Even the trip there is becoming an addiction. Believe me there is nothing more overwhelming than being enveloped by sound, feeling your heartbeat and ultimately your entire consciousness being synchronized to the pulse of the universe at large. This is probably why I gravitate towards electronica. There is no better experience than the right DJ, playing the right song, synchronizing your heartbeat to everyone around you in a never ending anthem of pulsing high hats and bass.

Time is standing still while I sleep and I'm enjoying the ride...

[ winamp is currently decoding: Magic Love by Bent ]

Hanging with the 'Brittster'

One of the highlights of this summer has been being able to spend time with my niece, Brittany. While I've felt guilty about stealing her from her mom all this time (well, maybe not a whole lot), I've had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs. She has been the consummate companion to concerts, dinner, the cinema and the dojo. It just makes me wish that she still lived here in SoCal. In spite of the funny looks I get when we're out and about together I've had a great time being a part of her world.

It's hard to believe that she's a senior in high school and that she'll be off to college next year. It seems that only yesterday she was running around groovin' to the musical stylings of Britney Spears and NSync. Now, as I teach her to drive a stick shift and borrow music from her infinitely more sophisticated musical tastes, I am proud of the young woman that she's become and everything she has yet to accomplish. As her time here comes to a close I hope we can cram a couple more things in before she gets inundated with school and being 'a senior'. At least that will have to do until we can chase each other down a snow filled slope on our snowboards this winter...

Revolution of the Heart

I will never be able to say that I liked Howard Jones immediately. At best I considered him to be, yet another one hit wonder of the era. Likeable pop for sure, but not a strong a player like Duran Duran. My exposure to Howard was through my girlfriend at the time who had taken a shine to him from the get go. Needless to say I knew that I would have to listen to him for at least as long as we dated...

Back in the '80s I was an avid record collector; frequenting the likes of Hyde Park corner, Moby Disc and other venues that would feed my vinyl fetish. As my interest grew for the music of time so did my interest in HoJo. I began buying 12" Singles and putting them to tape for my girlfriend (of course, this was before RIAA). I bought myself a copy of Human's Lib and singles for "New Song" and "What is Love?" and spent the next 24 years cultivating a deep appreciation for the artist with the funky hair and classical piano training.

Like all young fans I joined the fan club, read and clipped articles, bought posters, purchased every single, EP and LP on both vinyl and silicon and have attended every concert that Howard has performed, save 2. We have some history...

I began writing his parents in the late '80s in hopes of being able to write him directly at some point. At the time his parents were handling the fan club and occasionally I would get a response back. Eventually I would be able to correspond with him direct with the advent of the Internet...

Last night Karen and I got to enjoy Howard performing in my favorite format: Electronically. Over the years Howard has expressed his feelings about carrying a lot of equipment around, traveling around with a lot of additional band members and wanting to keep his carbon footprint small. I respect his views on things but I've always loved seeing him perform his music with keyboards more than the piano. With the exception of the Peace Tour the last 9 performances I've seen have been acoustic so I was more than happy to travel to San Diego to hear him jamming with Robbie and his electronic wizardry.

It was a fabulous venue and it was an incredible concert. Each song was reinterpreted and even the singles he sang from Human's Lib took on a new life and relevance. We couldn't stay for the end of the second set so I could add yet another autograph to my collection but I got to revel in the music of the night and incredible dinner on the way home.

We couldn't get tickets for his 25th anniversary concert in England but one of these days I'll make it over to see him in his native soil. For now I will wait for the next album and continue to enjoy the vast collection of music he's left us with over the years...

Yazoo - Reconnected

It wouldn't take any effort at all to ramble on and gush about the concert last night. When it comes to music, I think that the only way you can relate to some things is by having common interests and experience. So, for those of you who didn't listen to K-ROQ during "British Invasion II"... suffice it to say that the Yazoo show was a smashing success. On par with some of the best live shows that I've paid money to see.

For those of you who lived, breathed and ate the likes of Depeche Mode, Erasure, Ultravox and Eurythmics, last night's show eclipsed any expectation that I ever had. In spite of the anticipation and conjecture Vince and Alison delivered a show that captivated my love for their music in a new exciting way. As Karen noted - it sounded better live than it does on CD and the new arrangements that Vince created brought new power and life to the old stand-bys and classic hits.

The highlight for me was of course "Too Pieces" and "State Farm" - two of my most favorite tracks. The concert lasted just under 2 hours and we heard almost everything spanning their two album releases. It was a perfect night. The only downer was that I couldn't bring my SLR to capture the fun and had to suffice with our bite size Cannon.

Our thanks go out to the Alison Moyet fan club for our tix and for Vince and Alison for giving me the concert highlight of this year.

Countdown

After waiting for 26 years I will finally get to experience Yazoo, live on stage tomorrow night. In my usual preparation I have been a Yazoo whore for the past couple of weeks - enjoying one song after another, an endless run of singles and remixes. There is something raw about the music and it reminds me of the first Erasure album in the way its stark keyboard riffs propelled the careers of Andy and Vince beyond what anyone thought Vince would be able to endure as a group.

Suffice to say that there is a giddy anticipation in the air as the hours count down. The best part of the week is that Karen and I will find ourselves seeing Howard Jones on Saturday night and with a bit of luck we may be able to sneak a dinner or snack with him before the show. Though I keep in touch more with his parents than with him these days, its always nice to be able to see him when he comes to town.

I will make sure that I have camera in hand so I can capture the events as they unfold. Now I just have to make sure I don't get hit by a bus before Sunday...

Story of my life

Once in a great while you find something on the web that rings true. In those small moments you realize that some part of you has been revealed to the world in a very clear and succinct way. Being a member of the IT fraternity some of the things that will make us laugh (e.g. Tech based "inside jokes") most people won't understand or it will just confirm that we tend to wear our geek badges proudly...

While we understand that the general public has no clue and further, no interest in the work that we do behind the scenes, I'm sure that some of you have been the "Sales Dude" at one point or the other. For now - enjoy this video clip and yes, I will admit that the clip reveals parts of my career in this field during my glory days at Ingram Micro. For good or for bad - "it is, what it is"...

[ winamp is currently decoding: Eastern Bloc by Thomas Dolby ]

Flickr-icious

Pics from deep in the jungles of Costa Rica are being posted... Check 'em out here...

Costa Rica

Not much to report, mostly because I'm tired... but I thought I'd post a little something before I pass out.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country that will give Tahiti a run for its money. The vegetation is so lush and in spite of the humidity the weather has been pleasant. With so many microclimates it has been a blast going from the heat to the cool to the moist air and so on. In true Bobak fashion we have hit the ground running and I'm just keeping up with Karen's family - especially the kids.

We have already enjoyed a canopy tour and a trip down the rapids and this trip has only just begun. After a full day I'm beat. We haven't done much site seeing but I'm sure we'll be spending every moment soaking in the sights and the culture. From what I can see so far - this is a trip I would recommend for anyone...

He who controls the spice... Controls the Universe

Looking back it seems kind of ironic at how we all complained so much when we thought that gas would be going over $2. What I wouldn't do to bring that pain back into my life. The other day when I filled up my tank it cost me $64. Now, I'll be the first to admit that while it's expensive there is very little that we can do - I mean, I'm not going to stop doing things... Well, I might be a little more conscientious about some trips but I still have to get to work, lunch, shopping and of course the occasional night out with friends/family.

Karen and I have noticed that we're now planning multiple stop trips and we definitely try and combine as many destinations into one outing as possible. On the horizon, if things get worse we might have to think outside the box and consider getting something that would serve as a daily beater - we'll see.

One could argue that my choice of new car is probably not the best choice based on the current climate but I've made my bed and I'll take the hit and lie in it. It's a comfy bed, if nothing else... and I am enjoying the hell out of my new ride. Even I have my limits though, so I'm not opposed to down grading to something that will take less of a bite of our income.

About the only upside that I see is that as far as traffic is concerned my two most hated groups of drivers are now off the road - the no-incomes and the fixed-incomes. Traffic on the freeways on weekends is like traffic circa 1999; its almost worth the gas hike. There's still enough of us in the 'middle' out there that are still on cel phones or reading or not paying attention but it's nice not to share the road with the young and old alike. Just my opinion of course.

We'll just have to see how things go - while Karen and I are feeling it like most we're lucky in some instances that we don't have the added cost of raising children. The way I figure it, I'm just diverting the money that I would quite possibly be spending on athletic gear and braces on the rising cost of fuel.

How much more of this can we take? Well, I guess we'll just have to find out. Time will tell, but it's sad that the biggest priority that we think the new administration should have is reducing the price of oil and gas. Hopefully things will change for the better in the near future...

SF in the Spring

It seems that our anniversary always has a way of sneaking up on us... Maybe we're not paying attention but I think we're just having too much fun to notice. This year we didn't have a big trip planned so we did something low-key and took a drive up to "The City" to visit my cousin and our friends Josh and Susie.

We stopped at Splash's to get some of the best clam chowder in the world and then drove up to Cambria to enjoy one of our favorite vacation spots. There is nothing like listening to the ocean at night and falling asleep to the sound of the waves on the shore.

We spent the rest of the trip driving up the coast, taking in the sites and enjoying our impromptu road trip. Once we were in San Francisco our trip became one meal and shopping excursion blending into the next one. Josh and Susie took care of us and we were introduced to a bunch of new eating and drinking venues which included an old world speakeasy.

Before we knew it the trip was over and we had to head back home. The trip was a lot of fun and the Audi was a perfect companion for the long miles.

One more year under our belt and we're still having fun... As soon as I get the chance I'll update Flickr with the all the visual goodness.

[ winamp is currently decoding: Coyotes by Jason Mraz ]

Dia de las Madres

There has only been one woman in my life that has stuck with me through the thick and thin. Someone who has been there at my best and at my worst - serving as my greatest cheerleader and most scrutinizing critic. If I were to take a look back over my life I would have to admit that my Mom has always been the first one to devote her time and energy.

Some of the greatest gifts that were given to me by my mom were the firm belief that I have value, the ability to find and make my own choices for my spiritual well being and the desire to find the good in everyone. Through her example I have been able to understand that all things work out in ways that we can't predict and sometimes it's best if leave them alone, no matter what the consequences. Now, that's not to say that my mom doesn't have her faults but through her dealings with me I have come to understand that forgiveness is something we should all have more of in our lives. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have a good disposition...

As I get older I find that those quiet moments of epiphany happen more often and invariably they will take me back to some kind of life lesson that has been passed on to me from my mom. Through all the successes, achievements, heartaches and embarrassments I can always count on my mom to empathize with me and see me through it.

It hasn't been an easy job, I have been capricious, stubborn and defiant and through most of it I have turned my back on the one thing that she holds dear - organized religion. In spite of my wanderings she still loves and hopes and of course continues to invest - much to my surprise.

Maybe its one of those things that I will never understand. Maybe things would have been different had we had children but I think that you can never really understand the love of a mother until you're one yourself...

As I continue to make something of my life and as the torch of dealing with me is passed on to Karen I can't help but be thankful. Thankful for the life lessons, the chats, the countless meals, the never ending job of cleaning, the chauffeuring, the reassurances and for the never ending hours of time and love that were invested.

On this mother's day I am reminded that I love you mom. I hope that every day I take the opportunity to be a tribute to you (and dad of course) and all that you've done for me. I may stumble now and then but I am making the best of it - I promise...

Fight Club, the IT way

The irony of training in the martial arts is the old adage - "I train so that I won't have to fight". While this mantra always serves as a lofty ideal there will come a time when you're forced to defend yourself or you can get away with using your skills on a willing participant. While there are a myriad of unofficial 'fight clubs' all over the nation this one strikes close to home. Of course, maybe not the face cave in part or the red welts, but there is a visceral response to the possibility of testing your mettle. While wives may not approve of this type of behavior I think letting off a bit of steam every once in a while is a good thing. Maybe this would work for some people and maybe not so much for others. I invite you to take a look at what happens when IT Geeks get it in their head that Halo and Quake aren't enough. As always the first rule of engagement is never to speak about the possibility of getting your ass whooped...

[ winamp is currently decoding: Don't Know (Treasure Fingers Remix) by One Hand Loves The Other ]

S4 Unveiled

After a 12 year relationship with BMW I have switched camps. I think in retrospect this decision is due to age more than any issues I ever had with my beloved M3s. Some of you know that Karen and I were hoping on having children and my choice of cars were taking that into account. So, with the possibility of an impending baby, the gear that comes along with them and our love for the whole fishing / camping / snowboarding trifecta, it looked like my next car would turn out to be an SUV.

I have been test driving cars for the past 7 months, patiently waiting for a spark to kindle my fancy, hoping that there might be a small chance that I would at least fall in 'like' with something that didn't carry the hallowed 'M' badge. I have been behind the wheel of an all-road, an LR2, LR3 and the Range Rover Sport. I have also flirted with the likes of the X3, the X5 and Q7. In between some of the more practical choices I was trying to make I broke down and spun the wheels on a Ferrari Mondial, an M5, a Lotus Elise (front runner in this category), a Porsche Boxster and 911 and the e46 version of my venerable M coupe.

Somewhere along the way of this crazy journey Karen and I found out that we wouldn't be having children and the whole car thing got put on the back burner. So we pondered our plight and I waited - and I waited... That waiting finally came to an end 2 weeks ago.

After spending two minutes behind the wheel of the S4 I knew I had found the replacement for my current set of wheels. And the best part is that in a sea of metallic grey and black you will never mistake which Audi is mine...

The lost '80s - Found

One of the best things about the current interest in all things of the ‘80s are the reunion concerts. Arguably, it can also be one of the worst. I would say that any opportunity to see some of the bands from back then is a great opportunity to meet new people and relive your past with a bit of nostalgia.

Last night we were able to experience the musical ?stylings’ of lesser known, almost “one hit wonder” groups. Well, with the exception of Flock of Seagulls and possibly Dramarama.

We would have snapped some pics but our camera got confiscated at the entrance to the venue so that put a damper on any type of picture taking. The concert was held at the House of Blues in Anaheim and it featured Gene loves Jezebel, Flock of Seagulls, Real Life, When in Rome and Dramarama.

As has been our experience at this venue in the past, the mix was bad and the sound was definitely louder than it should have been. But in spite of all the technical difficulties it was a great night. Especially when the entire crowd was belting out the lyrics to “Send me an Angel”.

For those of you interested in these types of concerts there will be a great line-up at the Gibson Ampitheatre in August. This concert will feature ABC, Belinda Carlisle, Human League, Dead or Alive and Naked Eyes. Other than the Yazoo concert in July - I can't wait...

[ winamp is currently decoding: Dance With Me (Paul Van Dyke Mix) by Alphaville ]

Ah the memories

Gil, this one is for you...

If it's not one thing...

My ISP recently sent me an e-mail that informed me that there were some "upgrades" that were going to be performed on my site... Well as usual in the IT field this means - "You will be experiencing problems shortly". There are never any upgrades without some kind of fall out. So here I sit with a blog client that isn't able to post pictures anymore. If you're reading this... then my ISP has come through.

(Update: My ISP took the time to fix the issue - I really do like them. I've had few problems but they've addressed all of them in a quick and relatively painless manner. If you need some really good hosting services give 'em a try.)

In other news, for the first time ever in my experience with Ticketmaster I was able to get incredible seats for the Yazoo concert. Never before has a "Fan Club" presale worked out to my benefit. I must say that this time it almost (and I stress almost) makes up for all previous debacles. I will be at the Yazoo concert on the Thursday night - In the orchestra section, off center in the sixth row. Needless to say, I can hardly wait for July...

39 is the new 26!

and some days I almost believe it...

As most of my friends are eager to point out to me I am now on the brink of another decade of life. While getting older has never really been an issue with me, this one does seem to take on a life of its own. I'm not sure how I'll feel turning 40 but 39 seems to fit just fine. I've had a good run up until now each decade becoming successively easier as I continue to try and work out the kinks. While altruistic patience continues to elude me I'm definitely better at version 39.0 than I ever was at 26.5...

I spent my birthday this year sans Karen in a storm, on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain. I didn't plan it that way - having booked my trip four weeks in advance I totally forgot that my niece and I share birthday weeks now. While I feel terrible missing her first birthday shindig but it couldn't be helped and at least now I'll make sure that I'm around so we can share celebrations together.

For a snowboarder a winter storm and powder conditions are one of those things that makes your chosen hobby embrace you in a way that spring conditions can never match. I can't say whether or not it becomes a spiritual experience (surfers may still have the claim on that one) but it comes pretty damn close. At minimum its damn fun.

We were on the mountain 'til we couldn't go any more and then we went back up again. My x9i totaled a 21 mile run (including lift travel) with my top speed coming in at 44 miles an hour.

I was bummed the top of the mountain was closed but the day was incredible in spite of that.

So this year is my 'power' year and I'm going to try and make it great. The number 9 is a powerful number and this year I am a power of 3, and a multiple of 3. In some cultures it is a trifecta that will bring you great luck, wisdom and enrichment. I just hope that it brings good health and personal insight. Maybe this year will be the famed lotto year - the possibilities are endless.

For all of you who sent your well wishes, both verbally and electronically - Thank you. I appreciate it all and I am humbled by the sentiment...

PS. Having left my travel camera home, the pictures here are being "borrowed" from their respective photographers. A thank you goes out to them for taking the time to add to the Flickr community...

[ winamp is currently decoding: Michael Jackson (Calvin Harris Remix) by The Mitchell Brothers ]

To boldly go...

Its no secret to my friends that behind my love for conspiracy theories there lies a passion for all things Science Fiction. Having grown up in an era that proliferated the idea of the colonization of space, its no wonder. There wasn't a week that went by in my youth where I didn't wonder what distant planet James Kirk would beam down to or what types of aliens the crew of Moon Base Alpha were going to encounter. Ultimately it would be Star Wars that would solidify my love for space travel and create a curiosity to unravel the mysteries of 'The Force'.

Now, I'm not as hardcore as true fans but I can hold my own in a verbal show down and I share a love and appreciation for the technology that I hope we develop some day.

So, for those of you who share the same predilection then you'll appreciate this. The known universe, Star Trek style...

[ winamp is currently decoding: Dreaming (Club Mix) by OMD ]

Penny for your thoughts

My friend Heather commented that I hadn't posted something in a while... She was right of course, but it was interesting that what she said took me off guard. My blog has always been a creative outlet for me and sometimes I forget that some people actually "read" it. I know, "build it and they will come", comes to mind. When I look over the history bar I'm amazed that I've been writing for the better part of 5 years. Well, commenting at any rate. I know that sometimes the content ebbs and flows but so does life, right?

Sometimes you just need that subtle kick in the pants - Thanks Heather... This post is for you.

[ winamp is currently decoding: Ullyses by Dead Can Dance ]

Voting, it does a country good

You did get out to vote, didn't you? I know I'm not one to talk, my interest in the government borders on straight out apathy but even I realize that a chance to make some changes around here only comes once in a while. With that said I'm sure some of you are realizing that I didn't vote for the Republican party. I guess only time will tell who will eventually lead this country for the next four years.

I have found that with age comes a certain air of responsibility and sometimes even guilt. We really are not good stewards of this planet, we move forward without concern for others and sometimes we're even willing to give up freedoms and rights without question. Wouldn't it be better if we didn't have some weird manifesto leading the politics of this country? Nowadays the rhetoric of "God leading this presidency" brings back to mind the ethos of "manifest destiny". Sure it worked, but at what cost? I know there are some things we can't change right away and there are some things which for better or worse should be left alone. But there are also things that we have a responsibility to change. The more we realize that we're connected to each other the more we come to understand that policy and politics should not dictate basic truths.

Even if you didn't make it out for the primaries spend some time doing some homework and make sure you get the vote out come November.

I need more hours Scotty...

There are some days in life when it seems like you have all the time in the world. Each hour running slowly into the next - of course, this usually never happens on a vacation. Then, there are other days when it seems that you can't fit life, much less errands into a single day. This month seems to be a month of the latter...

Now, don't get me wrong, at this rate it'll be my birthday in no time at all but the prospect of being 39 is certainly something I have paused to think about recently. With that said, I am not one of those people that is freaked out by getting older - I am the first to admit that the current version of Jeff is a lot better than the 1.0 model I was in my adolescence. I have no regrets and as I look back on my history I understand that everything has been a step on my journey to the here and now. With that said, the old saying is true, if I had a chance to do it all again, I would only do it if I could take the knowledge with me.

In spite of the fact that I feel time slipping through my fingers I'm still  looking forward to next great adventure. After all, age is just a state of mind - right?

[ winamp is currently decoding: That's Love That it Is (12'' Mix) by Blancmange ]

Two days in Mammoth - AKA Drunk Guitar Hero

Some last minute ideas work out better than expected... A late night trip to Vegas, a second movie on the heels of the first... For we who wait for snow a last minute trip to worship at the altar that is Mammoth Mountain is always a great idea.

With only three days of planning some co-workers and I set out on the 11 hour pilgrimage. Feeling good after securing lodging and taking a Friday away from work we all packed clothes and gear into our respective cars and set out.

My friend Dana and I had en epic day on Friday, everything from finding parking when we needed it to finding seats in crowded restaurants during the late night rush. The snow that day was great and even though we only boarded a half day it was a great start to a new season.

Once the rest of our group showed up on Friday night we got down to business at Roberto's and began some serious imbibing. After we all had two Jack & Cokes and two Cadillac Margaritas we headed off to the condo to get our game on. Take it from us, Guitar Hero is a lot better when the world is slightly out of focus...

Saturday was just as good as Friday - just longer. By lunch I was pretty beat and in usual form I was making some sloppy mistakes afterwards. We managed to keep it going 'til closing and that came not a moment too soon.

Sometimes it seems a little silly to drive all that time when we have local mountains not more than an hour and change from home but there's something appealing about a real road trip. Between Schat's, Mahogany Smoked Meats and pizza at Giovanni's, it's a trip worth making. Not to mention that the snow is better, even when there's 12,000 people around during the President's Day holiday.

Last but not least, my trusty Suunto X9i captured all the action. Here's what a Banzai run to Mammoth Mountain looks like through the eyes of Suunto and Google Earth...

Bonjour 2008

Christmas is over and I'm back at work - after 11 days off I almost forgot I had a job. I almost didn't take the time off because Karen has been short staffed at the store but I figured I needed a serious break away from work. Of course, being off was a great excuse for getting out to the snow and breaking in my new Burton gear as well as playing the living crap out of my new XBox 360. Yes, Karen was kind enough to get me my new toy all the while I have been hemmin' and hawin' about the purchase for months now. In typical Karen fashion I now have a deluge of XBox accessories and gear and I have been having a blast playing Halo 3 with my nephews all the while chattering with them over the headsets. Playing 'til late and getting up late and sprinkling some movies in between everything was a perfect way to spend some time away from the old grind. Best of all I didn't touch a computer the entire time I was on vacation so I really got the benefit of being "unplugged" for a change.

The only downer of the whole thing was Karen got the flu over the New Years so we stayed home but we had a blast playing Lego Star Wars - The Complete Saga until the wee hours of the morning.

Now that the new year is underway I'm going to continue my pledge to do one useful thing a day, seeing as how it worked out so well for me last year. Matter of fact, last year was the most productive I've been in a long time.

So, for those of you want to meet me in some distant battlefield - look me up. What I lack in skill I'll make up for in witty dialogue...

[ winamp is currently decoding: Love Comes Again (Original Mix) by DJ Tiësto ]

Fire, Wind, Water & Snow

Things have been decidedly "out of sorts" here in California. As most of you have seen on the television, we have had some major problems recently. As the fires and wind become a faint memory for those of us who weren't directly affected by them I can't even begin to imagine what the victims of the fires are experiencing. Its bad enough to lose your house but dealing with the insurance companies on this type of claim is definitely adding insult to injury. Even worse when we find out that a handful of the fires were set deliberately. The air is finally starting to clear up though I'm still finding ash around the house in the strangest places.

Though we weren't directly affect by the flames we still managed to know of people that were dealing with varying degrees of fire damage. The fire came close to a friend's house, my ex-wife's parent's town and my manager's house. Unfortunately, we also had some friends of the family and a training partner from my dojo lose their homes. For all of you out there that have experienced loss in one way or another I'm sorry that you have to deal with the situation. I hope that things get better as time goes on.

On a lighter note... in a continuing pattern of restless weather we have experienced record heat, and unexpected visit by the Santa Ana Winds, a 1/2 day of rain and of course, I'm still waiting for the snow... My usual restlessness for all things snowboarding are now magnified due to a 60% off sale opportunity my company had with Burton. After an $800 shopping spree which included new boots, bindings, jacket, accessories and a myriad of tuning gear, I am more than ready for this winter season. With any luck our visit to Colorado for Turkey day will yield a day or so in some fresh snow or groomed trails - I'll take either.

[ winamp is currently decoding: Light (feat Sandy) by Benassi Bros ]

Old stand-by's and new friends

Karen and I have been trying to prune down some of the television that we watch. You know, kind of "hone" it with a bit of surgical accuracy... I guess we try and do that every new fall season. We enjoy watching television but we're aware that if we let it get out of control we'll never leave the comfort of our sofa - and trust me, its oh so comfy there. So, after hoping for the best and preparing for the worst we made some picks.

Jeff (Conspiracy Theorist, SciFi Nut and Cable Series Whore)

Bionic Woman - You know I had to at least check this out.
Journey Man - In my opinion a better Quantum Leap than the original.
Californication - Mulder and gratuitous nudity? I'm in. No, really - I dig the clever prose too...

Karen (Chick Flick aficionado, Lover of the sitcom and defender of reality TV)

Men in Trees - Didn't this show die once already?
Kid Nation - I still don't get this show but it is pretty funny.
Color Splash - Her vote, her man, David Bromstad is her new home improvement hunk.

So there you have it - our new picks. They join our previous line-up, of which we're still waiting for the LOST season premiere... Here are our 'favs' in no particular order:

How I met your mother
LOST
CSI (Vegas, of course)
Heroes
Dexter
Weeds
Big Love
The Unit

[ winamp is currently decoding: No Time To Chill featuring Little Brother by 9th Wonder ]

Flickr Affair

After so much procrastination I am finally getting my Flickr account filled with pictures. Over the next couple of weeks I will be updating it with some of the picture we've accumulated over the years. For those of you who are curious, you can check 'em out here.

Mad World

I remember with clarity most of the events in my life when my parents did something to embarrass me. I also remember there were times when it seemed that all adults were a bit "off". Usually these types of outlandish behavior would occur at venues where music was being played. The offense, clapping of the hands and wild gestures, usually accompanied with singing... Things got even crazier when they would turn to me and want me to join in. I didn't get it. Didn't they realize they were all crazy?

Well, apparently its a disease that comes with age. Flash forward 20 years and I would have to admit that I have this bug, and so did most of all my peers in attendance at the Tears for Fears concert.

Little did I realize that my straight brethren could boogy down as good as the predominantly gay crowd at the Erasure concert. Who would have thunk it. Here we were a crowd of 40 something's, all dancing, singing and waving our hands in the air.

I didn't realize it at the time but TFF had a lot more memorable hits than I could remember. With a great opener put on by Gary Jules, who is mostly what you would term an Indie Folk Artist on an acoustic guitar, the night only got better from there.

Once TFF took to the stage everyone stood up for the next hour and a half as they recanted their musical history to one of the most excitable crowds I've ever been with. It was a show worth catching. As the night wore on I had to ask myself - has it really been 20 years? Are the anthems of my youth relegated to the easy listening stations on my radio dial? Who knows for sure - right? That night we rocked it like we did back in the day... those heady days of crazy hair, accent makeup, excessive jewelry and the feeling that the night would never end. Hats off to you Roland and Curt, you haven't lost the mojo.

[ winamp is currently decoding: Lifted by Eurythmics ]

All that glitters is not gold

sometimes its just Andy Bell...

 

One more album, one more tour. After all these years, this band continues to entertain Karen and I. Its definitely a good time and the crowd's energy never fails to stir everyone into a frenzy.

Margaret Cho was on hand and opened up the Erasure part of the show (I can't remember the opener band) with a rendition of "My Puss" and then the festivities started. Covering a lot of their newer material (i.e. Light at the end of the World), Andy and Vince also plucked a good sampling of their previous material which now spans more than 20 years. The show had one wardrobe change and the intermission was filled with "Jacques Cousteau" a B-Side single from "Boy".

I'm bummed that Karen was out of town attending a CHA tradeshow but I'm sure that there will be more albums and more tours. My friend Janett and I had a lot of fun and its always a great people watching venue.

As of now, I'm setting my sights forward to next week to the Tears for Fears concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre. I never got an opportunity to see them in their hey day so I'm really glad that they're back together and touring. I'll let you know how that goes - next week...

One final note - seeing as how Karen was out of town, our Canon was traveling with her. Not wanting to get our D70 mixed up in all this craziness I traveled sans camera to the concert. The lovely pics you see here are courtesy of Christine1127.

[ winamp is currently decoding: Pharoahs by Tears for Fears ]

There's no place like home...

but Europe comes damn close.

Its taken me a while for the details of our trip to The Netherlands and France to sink in. What felt like so many disparate events when we were overseas are now a seamless timeline full of things that make us smile, laugh out loud or reminisce with a longing to go back.

The Netherlands is a beautiful country and in spite of only being there for just over a week I can say that I got to experience a fair amount of it. Karen's family took us in, and I must say we were treated like royalty. It was wonderful being led around from one point of interest to another and I enjoyed seeing everything immensely. Karen and I had such a great time and it was even more special because we were able to share the experience with family that we don't see all that often. Now that we are back home I definitely miss some things that began to grow on me. The Dutch people are very progressive, outgoing and friendly. There wasn't a time when I felt out of place - other than not speaking the language - and after spending some time in Copenhagen, Holland is yet another area that Karen and I could see ourselves living in.

In contrast, France (in my opinion) lives up to its hype and then some. This country should definitely be on your top 10 list for travel. In spite of having no real expectations or over romanticized ideals about it, Paris left me breathless. There was little that I had to overlook in order to enjoy myself and it seemed that there was an endless list of things to enjoy. We did our best to take in as much as possible but we still only managed highlights and to our chagrin we never made it to Versailles because of a roof leak in our apartment and dehydration episode on my part. Believe me, there are very few places that offer as much as Paris and yet, you always have the opportunity to just sit down in the park, in a cafe or by the seine and take a break from the world around you.

Spending our 5th wedding anniversary between both countries was a great pleasure and even though we're booked until 2013 as far as vacations go, I'd still like to find a way to get back and spend more time there. As Karen and I begin to make plans for our trip to Peru next year, we are still basking in the glow of our vacation.

I never used to be much of a traveler until I met Karen and now I really wish I would have started earlier. For those of you contemplating traveling abroad - do it. Its a great experience and its never a bad idea to realize that we share more than we think with our neighbors overseas.

[ winamp is currently decoding: DVNO by Justice ]

Yankee Doodle Dandy

Karen loves fireworks... so, by proxy, we love fireworks - get my drift? In spite of my "being over" fireworks (mostly due to 3 summers of Videopolis) I still enjoy a good fireworks show but it takes a HUGE finale to impress me. Yes, I know I'm jaded but I'm willing to admit it. So, in the spirit of seeing a good firework show we spent the day at my brother-in-law's house in good ol' "Surf City" and waited for the night time festivities to begin. After spending a lot of time anticipating the show it turned out to be rather anti-climactic. Between the smoke from the other beach city efforts and the marine layer... most of the show was hidden from us behind a big cloud cover. Needless to say it was the best fireworks show I've ever heard.

All in all, it was nice to have a day off in the middle of the week but it just threw me off. Its not like you could commit to any revelry because of having to go to work the next morning. So, about the only thing that it really did was reinforce the idea that we need shorter work weeks in this country. I mean really - 5 days people!? How bout 3 day weekends? Anyone? Beuler..?

Karen and I had a fun day hanging with the fam but Karen could have used more bright lights in the sky. With me being a "hands on" type of guy, we might have to be personally involved in our fireworks show next year.

[ winamp is currently decoding: Ooh La La (Benny Benassi Remix Extended) by Goldfrapp ]

Still alive and kickin' in Amsterdaam

After getting a whirlwind tour of Holland by family, I am just enjoying a few minutes of the internet while we're out and about in Amsterdaam. Even after a few days I have to admit that I'm an addict to the net and can't seem to function without it. The only killjoy is that I haven't been able to find unlocked wifi around here which is so different that back home. For those of you interested in the details - our friends across the pond use WPA so I can't even hack the signal... go figure.

Anyways, Karen is telling me that we have to go. We're having a blast and tomorrow is Paris - I can't wait. Hopefully our French cousins will have open wifi - I guess we'll see.

Talk to you all later...

Where is Jeff?

I haven't completely disappeared from the face of the planet but things have become very crowded in my already limited bandwith... Most of the high level items will go away in about 5 days (impending vacation and my first trip to France) but there's always things to stay on top of. For those of you who want to be bored, or those of you who love lists, here's a rundown of my "Top 5 things to do" of late:

1. Learn French for trip (books and CDs are helping but I miss listening to music)

2. Prepare for colo move at work (this is a welcome item but entails a lot of planning. Plus, I'm not looking forward to moving 35 or so servers and miscellaneous hardware from LA to Irvine)

3. Deploy new EMC SAN and Fiber Switch at work (this is also a good thing but entails a lot of work and planning)

4. Study for the July CISSP Test. This is always on the back burner though I should definitely study more if I'm going to be serious about my first attempt at this test.

5. Get current car ready for sale and apply for loan for next car. My next car - what I am currently dubbing my "compromise car" will be a new Land Rover LR2.

Now as time seems to get away from me the only thing I'm focused on is packing and cramming some more French so I can at least get to the bar, the bathroom and back to our apartment. I'm looking forward to our trip to France and Holland and I can't wait to take some time off from work. Seeing as how I didn't get out to the slopes this past winter this will have to make up for it.

So, that's it in a nutshell - if I can borrow a wireless connection from our apartment in France then I'll post pics as Karen takes them and update the blog with varying details of our trip. And if any of you out there know of good eats or views while we're in our respective countries shoot me an e-mail and make some recommendations - I'm all ears...

 

[ winamp is currently decoding: Next To You (Steve Hillier Version) by Bebel Gilberto ]

One more

this past year was a year of surprises. a year of lost things found. a year of raucous celebration and quiet reflection. if i would have had to make serious guesses as to its outcome i couldn't have been farther from the mark. usually when life wants to throw me a curve ball i head for the dugout, this year i got to enjoy getting beaned by couple of strays on their way in.

i dare not complain about ol' number 37 because it was good to me, so i look forward to 38 with anticipation and a renewed faith that everything will work out in spite of my crude attempts at shaping my own destiny. If there is anything i'd like to change this year i hope i can make bigger strides towards opening myself up to change, fighting my propensity towards cynicism and making myself more available for the service of others. lofty goals i know, but small steps are better than sitting on the couch while life happens to you.

if this last year were a film who had just received an award, my speech would go something like this:

"i'd like to thank my parents for believing in me in spite of my many lapses in judgment during my youth. i'd like to thank my family on both sides of the fence, for their love and support - it definitely makes life worth the struggle. I'd like to wish "mad props" to my niece and nephews for making me feel young and for keeping it real. to my friends, my most sincere "thank you" for filling my year with laughter and unforgettable memories... and finally, to the one person that loves me the most on this silly planet of ours; there is nothing that i could say that would cover it all, so all i can say is thank you for another incredible year - i hope that i complete you the way you complete me..."

Teagan Jae

Some things you think will never happen - that's not to say that my brother had resigned himself to a life of bachelorhood but having kids always seemed to be something that Jerry had on the back, back burner.

Foward to today... My niece was born this morning at 9:08 am. She was 7.5 lbs and a very nice 18.5 inches in length. In my opinion, and I am definitely biased - she is beautiful...

And now as she continues to grow older Karen and I look forward to sharing so many things with her - personally, I can't wait until I can go snowboarding with her, help her learn the piano, race cars, spar with her in the dojo and travel the world with her...

She will be accomplished and self sufficient, and no doubt, an avid scrapbooker...