The Theule Family Blog

Prices Review: WipEoutPure Online Game Code - Full Game Reviews

2010-08-25T22:43:00.001-07:00

WipEoutPure Online Game Code - Full Game Reviews .

WipEoutPure Online Game Code – Full Game

Control one of 8 sleek Anti-Gravity race craft loaded with state-of-the-art weaponry.
Race through 12 new tracks as well as 4 classic Wipeout runs!
Play against up to 8 people via PSP Wi-Fi play!

In the year 2197, only 2 things matter- Victory and Survival. Pilot the most advanced race craft ever built and battle for complete domination of the FX300 Racing League. The original Anti-Gravity racer has returns with signature Wipeout physics, a high energy soundtrack, and all new features that only the PSP system can provide! The Future of racing is now in the palm of your hand.

Rating: (out of reviews)

List Price: $ 15.99

Price: $ 15.99

Popularity: unranked

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Brady and Bishop

2010-08-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

Big basin state park

2010-08-17T21:56:00.001-07:00

Decorating Ideas

2010-06-28T16:11:00.001-07:00

Think Local This Summer!

Summer is here, and at OneSource Home Solutions, we offer you a great selection of products to make your home look and run better! From shutters and shades to insulate from the summer sun, to storage systems for your closet and garage, we have a dynamic range of solutions. Visit our showroom to see the dramatic effect our products can have on your living space! Check out our website, onesourcehomesolutions.com, where we keep a constant update of recent projects! When you're looking to get your house ready for summer, we hope you'll contact us!

Decorating Ideas - Summer ISSUE 2010

Great Rebates on Popular Styles

Shape sunlight in beautiful new wayswith the intelligent design of Hunter Douglas window shadings and sheers. Enjoy summer savings June 1 through August 15. Contact us for all the details.

$100 rebate per unit on Luminette^® Privacy Sheers
$50 rebate per unit on Pirouette^® Window Shadings
$50 rebate per unit on Silhouette^® Window Shadings

* Manufacturer's rebate offer valid for purchases made 6/1/10 - 8/15/10. Limitations and restrictions apply. Ask us for details.

Opportunities for Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency - up to $1,500

Enjoy big energy savings at the window with some of our most energy efficient products and you may also qualify for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $1,500. Purchase any qualifying energy-efficient Hunter Douglas products within the following collections:

Duette^® Architella^® honeycomb shades with certain
fabrics and options*
LiteRise^® TrimKit (for use on certain Duette^® and Applause^®
honeycomb shades)*

* For tax credit details and restrictions and a list of qualifying products, ask a salesperson or check out the Manufacturer's Certification Statement and FAQs at hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit. Hunter Douglas and its dealers are not tax advisors. Consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation and ability to claim a tax credit related to the purchase of qualifying Duette^® honeycomb shades with Architella^® fabric.

Your OneSource Home Solutions Team:

Sales:
Karen Libby and Shon Michele

Operations and Scheduling:
Tim Waechter

Owners:
Chad Theule and Sean Cheney

If you've been dreaming about decorating your outdoor living space, you're not alone. Those long, hot summer days are the perfect time to escape your house and enjoy the outdoors. Think of your backyard, deck or patio as an additional room.

Outdoor decorating isn't just about barbeque equipment; it's about beauty. Think ahead to create an outdoor living space that reflects your personal style.

Spend an afternoon checking out what's new. Outdoor furniture and accessories come in more options and styles than ever before - much of it suitable for use indoors too. In fact, consider making some changes in rooms that face your outdoor living space for perfect coordination. Add pillows and rugs to match your outdoor décor and window fashions that make the transition from indoors to outdoors seamless.

Whether you choose wicker and rattan or teak and stainless steel, we hope you make plans to enjoy your outdoor "living room" this summer. We can help.

Add A Touch of The Tropics This Summer

Tropical is hot. We're not talking about the temperature near the equator; tropical is hot in terms of decorating style. Summer is a great time to add tropical accessories to your home décor for a sense of fun. You can put the accessories away in the winter, and bring them out again next summer for a refreshing change.

Add tropic motifs in the bedroom with a hand-painted batik comforter. Or purchase pillow covers and a splashy rug for your living room.

Add natural materials to your décor. Hang reed matting on your walls, place sisal rugs on your floors or install bamboo flooring for a relaxed atmosphere with texture and interest. Think about natural materials and the play of light when you select window fashions too - with woven wood shades, custom wood shutters, wood blinds.

Install a slow-moving, lazy ceiling fan. Hang Hawaiian art in natural Koa wood frames. Place tropical-scented soaps and candles around the house.

After you create your own tropical paradise, sink into the comfort of a bamboo lounge chair, mix yourself a pina colada, and enjoy the summer!

OneSource
3982 Short St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
805-548-0110
info@onesourcehs.com

Visit;
onesourcehs.com

today to learn more about us.

Celebrate summer with instant updates to your décor

Buy accent pieces in summer yellows, greens and oranges for a tropical look - or in cool blue and white to create a feeling of calm.
Install new sliding glass doors, French doors or windows to bring the outdoors and indoors into harmony.
Order translucent window coverings that let in the outside light - Hunter Douglas Silhouette^® Window Shadings and Luminette^® Privacy Sheers may be the perfect choice.
Buy a bold outdoor umbrella to create a roof over your head on hot summer days. Many styles and fabrics can add dramatic visual interest and color, even when viewed from indoors.
Recover your indoor furniture with outdoor fabrics. If they're suitable for outdoor use, they're probably child-proof, pet-proof and party-proof too. And you can move some furniture outside during the summer to enjoy the great outdoors even more.

Did you know?

In decorating, the classics always work. Many interior designers are seeing a new interest in the classics - not just traditional furniture and fabrics, but also the classics from the 1950s and 1960s, also known as mid-century or contemporary. It's becoming popular to mix and match traditional and contemporary classics for an eclectic look. Think about resurrecting a classic look for your next decorating project.

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One Source Home Solutions | 3982 Short St. | San Luis Obispo | CA | 93405

Monterey bay aquarium

2009-03-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Sweet ride with Kyle today

2009-03-07T15:21:00.001-08:00

Brady and his siblings....

2008-02-28T20:42:00.000-08:00

We just passed the 48hr mark with Brady. I have been trying to hideout with him for a classic daddy nap and finally was able to this afternoon. He laid down on my chest and settled down for a good 30 or so minutes. So sweet it is.

Here are some pictures that Nate took today. He wasn't thrilled to be in a picture with Brady just yet but he is coming around.

Other highlights from the day: took the boys to get haircuts, visited a friend in the hospital, checked in on a couple of work related projects, and got to hang a bit with Nate one on one.

Brady Valen Theule

2008-02-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce the arrival of Brady Valen Theule. He was born just 80 minutes or so ago - February 26, 2008. He weighs 8lbs 3Oz and is 20 inches long. We are pirating an internet connection from some college apartment next to the hospital. We praise God for his infinite grace and blessing.

More pics are forth coming!

Time

2007-06-15T22:01:00.001-07:00

keeps on ticking into the future. i was reading the plethora of blogs that have emerged in our little world and decided to look at the last time i had posted. i knew it was a while but i did not have any idea that it had been an entire year. blogger made me actually reclaim my own blog because it had been so long.

i am typing with both hands but throwing the whole caps thing out the window for now as the wrist continues to heel. it has been 12 weeks since my pride cometh before the fall - literally. that story will be kept for another post.

to my kids who are our main audience for this blog - i apologize for not "journaling" here as much as i once intended to. as a way to catch up somewhat - here are some of our family highlights from this past year.

our first mountain bike ride in slo with the martin's during our first weekend here - arranged by sean
building our worn out play structure with the cheneys
going to avila barn for u-pick
riding the bob jones trail
camping at lake lopez
camping at laguna seca for 2007 sea otter classic
the 2007 super bowl party at the gibsons - who won? who actually played?
learning what it means to be part of a giving church - the meals were such a blessing
family reading through ralph moody book series (not done yet)
a few great meals out on the town with friends - sans kids
not washing the cars every week (something i did for almost 10 years before moving to slo)
crazy meals with lots of theule kids
lots of messes after those meals - big messes
hiking bishops peak
getting a dog and naming him bishop

these are the first 15 things that came to mind. this has been a tough year for us in so many ways and God has sustained our time together with such great memories. i am looking forward to whatever comes from His hand in this year. kind of feels weird to be doing a news years post in june......but that is what i get for not posting for the past year.

SLO - So sweet it is!

2006-06-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

We knew SLO was a special place but we are even more encouraged having been here only a few weeks. It's been a wild 6 months since our first chat with the Cheney's about opening up a biz in SLO. Since the 31st of December of 2005, we put together a biz plan and a few "IF THIS HAPPENS WILL CONTINUE PURSUING" lists. Well, all the items on the lists starting falling in place and now we wake up finding ourselves back in SLO - after a 11 year gap from my college years here.

We've started http://www.onesourcehomesolutions.com and we're settling into our new surroundings.

Thanks to the many of you who have provided insight and counsel and caution along the way. And thanks to those of you in SLO who have already made us feel so welcome here.

Our highlights to date include some great times with the Tim, Susie, Sage, Eden, Zeke, and Hakken who live 7 doors down. Saturday crepes, Sunday night dinners, and the occasional "drop-ins" have been treasured times! Zeke going big on the bike with no training wheels! Hiking Bishop's and running Felsman's loop. 5:30 AM Friday mountain biking rides with new friends (the SLO MTB scene is sweet). Hanging with The Cheney's and The Martin's.

We miss our friends in San Diego and San Ramon and look forward to hosting you in SLO. We figure it is exactly halfway and we are planning on lots of visits. You know who you are (Steffens, Smith's, Gleaton's, Moersch's, Hyde's, Ericcson's, Carvacho's, McCrea's, McCloughan's, Lequient's, Bescancney's, and Family).

Q. What else did God make?

2006-02-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

A. Pizza

Yes, God made pizza...what else did God make Nate? "Cake"

This was our 2 year old's response to the question in the shorter catechism that we were reciting tonight in family worship. Nate was classic tonight. He can barely sit still during our after dinner time together. It is good to see him a last answering at all. Even at 2, he gets the question and answer format. Lately we've been going around the horn in a rotation. Kyle is so eager it is hard for him to hold back the answers when the Julianne and Nate have their turns.

God made all things is the correct answer.

Zillow.com - Your Edge in Real Estate

2006-02-09T23:09:00.000-08:00

Zillow.com - Your Edge in Real Estate

Ok, this site is more than amazing. I hope they keep this open and free.

You can enter in your address on the front page and up comes the valuation of your home....no personal info to enter.

Crazy.....

What is Web 2.0

2006-02-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a great write-up by Paul Graham about Web 2.0.

"Another place democracy seems to win is in deciding what counts as news. I never look at any news site now except Reddit. [2] I know if something major happens, or someone writes a particularly interesting article, it will show up there. Why bother checking the front page of any specific paper or magazine? Reddit's like an RSS feed for the whole web, with a filter for quality. Similar sites include Digg, a technology news site that's rapidly approaching Slashdot in popularity, and del.icio.us, the collaborative bookmarking network that set off the "tagging" movement. And whereas Wikipedia's main appeal is that it's good enough and free, these sites suggest that voters do a significantly better job than human editors."

Check it out if you want to see where the Web is going....

Free Fun on the Web

2006-02-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

Ok parents...here is one for you. Check out this cool tool on a rainy day or before a long car ride.....
Free wordsearch generator - From Teacherly.com

Papua New Guinea - Notes for Sunday Sermon

2006-01-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

Today in church we were challenged by a missionary from Papua New Guinea. I feel very compelled write out some of the key points so at least we have them as a reference. It was the type of sermon that rocks your world and it certainly did ours.

Papua New Guinea has 869 languages without a Bible. Stories about people wanting to know the truth but no one to tell it. Long boat rides to neighboring islands in dangerous seas to visit various tribes. What does it mean for me to present my body as a living sacrifice...as said in Romans 12:1-2. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will"

We come into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing. Life is short. Eternity is forever. There are millions of people in the world who have never heard the gospel. In Papua New Guinnea, the issue is not about lack of money, tools, resources - it's about lack of people to teach, preach, and share the gospel with others.

We were struck by the simplicity of life as talked about by Phil (the missionary) and yet thrown right back into the culture of consumption. He shared with us about his monthly supply runs (his version of going to the store). Juxtapose that against our after church reality. Within 10 minutes after church, we stopped at Target, threw down $45 for some birthday gifts, snacks for the kids, and a sweet new nerf football (that was my impulse purchase for the day). 15 minutes after that we dropped Kyle off for a birthday party and the rest of us went to Pete's Coffee for muffins, hot chocolate, and coffee (killing time between having to pick Kyle back up). All the while, Julie and I were having this surreal experience - reflecting deeply on the sermon. Life had to go on. We are usually mindful of such tensions and we were definitely realing today - we live in a culture and a physical locale that is very difficult to habitually live and think upstream,counter-culturally. We are told to work to buy to want to have to get to spend to consume to deserve to win to acquire to collect to play. I don't know who really "tells" us things thing but that is the pattern. I see it already in my kids and that scares me so much. They want more more more. And they are learning that from us. In subtle, sometimes even direct ways, we are modeling that for them. What we think and what we do are so often different. Arrghhhh. Now I'm getting frustrated typing this. The truth hurts sometimes.

So I blog here today hoping that will be a way to get down in writing what is usually a passing thought surpressed by life's many tasks and responsibilities.

To revisit another day.....

Media Diet

2006-01-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

I was listening to a backlog of Podcasts from 43folders.com and one was entitled Media Diet. The concept here of taking time out to reduce the media inputs in one's life. I realize now that since our move to SF, our decision to go no TV has really had a positive impact. Again, major credit to the Tim Theule Family (my brother) here as they have been modeling this to us for years. We don't hardly miss prime time anymore. I do have the occassional ESPN withdrawal. We're finding other ways to decompress in the evenings and the kids are way better for it. Also must say that Tim and I both had this modeled to us growing up a bit as TV was either not present or highly restricted throughout all growing years that I can remember.

Breakthrough on the baseball field

2006-01-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

Something incredible happened today. In a curious way, I think it is related to GTD and the mental readiness I seem to now have to engage in what I am doing when I'm doing it. Today it was practicing baseball in the soggy field with Kyle. Before, our attempts at practicing were a bit frustrating. For both of us. I would be a bit too hard on him and he would show some disinterest and even water up a bit. Of course, sometimes I would be even tougher and then the spiral downward.

Not today. Today, we really connected and I was all there for him. And he was all there to have fun and learn. He, like me, thrives on affirmation. I think most boys do but Kyle is in the upper range. Today, I was able to give that. It was awesome. I wasn't thinking about his performance (which was great) nor was I thinking about what I had to do when we were finished. I was all there.

I am not sure how this relates to GTD but I know that I have been more productive this past week because I am documenting my open loops and even doing some of them. So today, Saturday, I was able to totally focus on him and somehow that influenced by attitude towards the him and the practices.

Kyle - someday you will read this blog and I want you to know that you did great today. You are so fun to hang out with. I loved when you hit the apple that I pitched today and it splattered everywhere. We had a good laugh after that, remember?

Until next time...

David Allen Getting Things Done: Time and stress management... how to be more productive and get the most out of your time and life

2006-01-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my brother, I am head down into GTD. For the first time in a really long time, I'm manging my "stuff" and "open loops" pretty efficiently. We'll see if it holds up (I think it will). Today I actually felt better mentally and had free time time relax and engage fully with the kids when I got home.

David Allen Getting Things Done: Time and stress management... how to be more productive and get the most out of your time and life

Check it out!

Donut Lady

2005-12-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

There isn't supposed to be eating on BART which is now a 50 minute portion of my daily commute to 575 Market St. Well "donut woman" did not seem to care. This morning, I boarded the 5:45am train with iPod in ear - listening to a bit of ESPNRadio, Slate.com, and my brother's latest sermon. Donut woman, perfectly able but still sitting in a handicap seat, first proceeded to put her whole face on using one of those little pocket mirrors. That was pretty funny to watch. With no fewer than 15 people sitting within 10 feet, she spent at least 30 minutes applying her make-up. And then she pulled out a paper towel which she carefully put across her lap followed by an unopened package of powdered hostess donuts. I had the feeling this was a routine. Opening the package alone added to the number of onlookers and starers. Those who may have chuckled at the make-up segment were now more curious. Above her read a sign NO EATING. One by one, she pulled out each of the six donuts. The first 3 she ate whole. The latter 3 she ate in two halves. After each bite she carefully wiped her mouth with her fingers and then her fingers on her napkin. There was quite a rhythm to the process. The lady directly beyond donut lady in my line of sight was appalled and annoyed. I was merely a bit baffled at the performance. To top it off, she washed the donuts down with a plastic bottle of regular coke. Yuck. My stomach became a bit queasy and I had the sudden urge to work-out. A couple of hours later, somewhere around 9:00ish, a co-worker in the office dropped a box of donuts on the corner of the table for us to share. No, I did not partake.

This is the probably the weirdest BART musing I have thought about sharing but I'm sure now I'll be attune to more.

Control

2005-11-07T21:58:00.000-08:00

What is your definition of control? What area of your life do you manage so tightly as if that brings some sort of happiness and sense of order? For me, it used to be the ability to keep one of our cars nearly spotless from week to week. I lost that ability when we moved to the SF area a few months back. Slowly that became less of a possibility. It still drives me crazy but I am managing.

This week I am getting a dose of single parenting as Julie is down in San Diego. For me control this week was going to be define by keeping the kitchen clean. I did not bite off the whole house - just the kitchen. Somewhat unconsciously, I set out to keep this area the a safe haven from the rest of the house that quickly has become one giant mess. As a side note - Nate threw about 500 pieces of blocks, dominos, and counting dice over the balcony into the living room. I was tending to the back yard and came back into find Nate looking down murmuring, "Oh oh daddy. I made mess."

After managing through the bedtime ritual without much a fuss at all, the evening tiredness started to sink in. You know the feeling. The mountain of to-do's still awaits but that carbo-loaded dinner has your body in a downward spiral. My eyes were heavy. My brain was in rationalization mode and I was all but ready to call it a night when I remembered the kitchen. I snapped out of it and proceeded to hammer out the kitchen. Moving from counter to counter, I was setting a record pace when suddenly I lost control. I opened the fridge and the teriyaki chicken (still in its marinade) dropped off the top shelf onto the floor upside down. That was the beginning of the end and now I'm off to bed - kitchen still a mess - and no temporal feeling of control. Just tiredness and recognition that even this little incident is reminding me that my thirst for control can only be fulfilled by reliance on God - my creator, sustainer, and comforter.

How do you teach the concept of quality to a 6 year old?

2005-10-30T18:26:00.000-08:00

I sent the following emai to Kyle last week. Not sure where the blurb on quality came from but it has been a theme in our house (at least between him and I). I think I may be bringing a bit of my work home with me in a weird way. I am realizing more and more the difference between something that is done with quality versus something done with mediocrity. Kyle - when you read this blog remember that doing everything with quality will set you apart from most everyone else - in all things ----soccer, reading, lego building, biking, and learning the Faith.

From: "Chad Theule"
Date: October 20, 2005 8:24:54 AM PDT
To: "Chad Theule"
Subject: Kyle ...the best lego builder in 1st grade

Kyle,

I am so glad that you are my son. You are such a smart and good and fun son. I was looking at your lego creations this morning in my office and I wanted to tell you they are awesome! How do you come up with such creative designs?

Have a great day and do everything with quality – the best you can.

See you tonight.

I love you.

Your dad – Chad

32:40

2005-10-30T18:25:00.000-08:00

Shaved nearly 8 minutes in about 10 trips up Mt. Diablo - on the bike.

Thought provoking quote

2005-10-30T18:20:00.000-08:00

We attended Christ Community Church in Walnut Creek this morning. Inside the bulletin was this quote.

"We have become a generation of people who worship our work, who work at our play, and who play at our worship."

I thought about this most of the day today. I diffently work at my play (riding Diablo is work). I sometimes get so enthralled with work it may appear as if it is all consuming (not worship though). But I don't play at worship. Anyway, thought this reflects our culture quite accurately.

McCrea Family Update

2005-10-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

Last week Julie's sister Valerie was diagnosed with liver cancer. Here is a link to the update blog. This has been a tough year from them and the Sloan family. Our move to the SF area seems very untimely right now. We continue to rest in God's providence and to Him be all glory. From His hand comes all things.

http://www.mccrea.blogspot.com/

40:16, Dinner with new friends, and reviving pizza...

2005-08-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today I hammered up Diablo to the Ranger Station in a time of 40:16. It was grueling. Hot, dry, and longer than I thought. Someone at work mentioned his time of 38 to 40 minutes and I had to see if I could come within range. I think I can shave off a few minutes in future trips as I now know what to expect. The best part of the ride was Julie and the kids meeting me up at the top. We hiked around Rock City....a natural area of huge rocks and caves. Defintely one of our highlights since the move.

Last night we had dinner with Todd and Christina. Julie and Christina met through email and a local community web site when both our families were preparing to move here. They were so gracious to have us over and it was very fun to relax and enjoy new friends. We were thankful for the time together and look forward to getting to know them better. Its a bit uncanny how much our families have in common.

We're resurrecting some version of pizza port up here. I'm not certain who the "we" is yet but I'm trying to find a night that will work. The commute throws a bit of a kink into the planning but I'll make it work.

Time to get ready for the week. Kyle starts first grade tomorrow and Julie's parents are coming on Thursday. We're looking forward to their visit.

San Francisco Daly City Train Now Boarding

2005-08-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

Today we took the whole family to see dad's new office at 575 Market Street in downtown San Francisco. Kyle was a bit concerned about taking BART under the Bay but he absolutely loved it! Nate thought it was great to be in a train on a track instead of pretenting with his trains at home. Julianne fiddled with my fingers as she sat in my lap but she probably did not know that I was noticing. She's so tough and precious at the same time. Downtown was fun. We walked to Powell Street to check out the Apple store and then to Union Square. From there we taxied to Pier 39 with what seemed to be the entire vacationing world. Finally we made a long and leisurely walk back down to the Embarcadaro. My favorite part of our day talking to Kyle about "the city" as he calls it. He likes the idea of "the city" for some reason. He is growing up so darn fast I can already see the years slipping away. After naps we had our first visit and dinner with our new neighbors. Tu and James were gracious and fun to be with. We are looking forward to the Lord's Day tomorrow. We'll be worshipping at an LCMS church in Danville - Messiah Luthern Church.

P.S. Susie - the pic at the Apple store was taken with you and the SLO school in mind. I can just picture the garage set up like this someday. Or some other engaging setting.

St. John

2005-08-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

St. John in June was unforgettable. Had to post one pic. Our 10 years of marriage were celebrated there! Aunt Char and Michael were gracious and very to fun to be with. Thank you again if you are reading! Can't wait to go back someday.

Working Man

2005-08-16T20:53:00.001-07:00

Long time no Blog. We've been in the SF area (East Bay) for 12 days now. I've been in the office for 7. The move was all a blur and this is starting to feel like home. Well sort of. Julie is at a book club gathering already. We're video conferencing with family. Really amazing technology. The reality of the commute is worse than I thought. Listening to good sermons and podcasts on the way in. That makes the commute a bit more pallatable.

Today I arrived downtown SF (2nd and Market) off the Montgomery Bart Station at 5:45 AM and was listening to the second song on the Rush Chronicles album. You may remember the song, "Working Man". I would have to edit the timeline a bit to be more accurate with my situation here. I don't feel this way yet but I could see where, if I am not careful, this could be way too fitting.

Words and music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

I get up at seven, yeah
And I go to work at nine
I got no time for livin’
Yes, I’m workin’ all the time

It seems to me
I could live my life
A lot better than I think I am
I guess that’s why they call me
They call me the workin’ man

They call me the workin’ man
I guess that’s what I am

I get home at five o’clock
And I take myself out a nice, cold beer
Always seem to be wond’rin’
Why there’s nothin’ goin’ down here

It seems to me
I could live my life
A lot better than I think I am
I guess that’s why they call me
They call me the workin’ man

They call me the workin’ man
I guess that’s what I am

Well they call me the workin’ man
I guess that’s what I am.

That's not what I want to become...

Frazzled

2005-03-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

From March 22nd....

It is raining. Again. We are headed to SLO this weekend. Looking forward to camping in the trailer near Tim, Susie, Sage, Eden, and Zeke. Visit to Quebec, last week, was productive. This week I've been downtown San Diego at a conference all week. Out and back each day. Julie is holding down the fort and seems to be hanging in there. Tonight the kids waited up for me as I came up around 8:00. It felt great to be missed and wanted. Days are long. 12 hours of work at least. Seasonal we hope.

From March 29th

Just finished Tostadas...my favorite meal. Getting ready for another short trip to SF tomorrow. Interviewing some candidates. Camping in Pismo over Easter weekend was FANTASTIC. We really enjoyed the time together. Highlights include hanging with Tim and Susie and the cousins, a very glorifying Easter service (Psalm 22), an epic campground. 3 days felt like a week. Only downside was getting through LA traffice to and fro. Kyle and Sage were jumping bonzai from the sand dunes. Wow...we produced a lot of laundry for 3 days. Christ is risen Indeed!

Friday Night

2005-03-11T20:44:00.000-08:00

Spring cleaning time. I am ready to shed the winter skin at our house. Mostly that means trying to get rid of the dust, dirt, grime, clutter, weeds....that have accumulated and get this place in shape. I get so crazy when things are out of control so I have decided to do something about it. Replanting, deep-cleaning, scrubbing, trashing, weeding, repainting, repairing..... But, I have a plan. I am even planting, for the third season in a row, an herb garden in the back yard. I am just taking one day at a time. Plugging away at my long list of "to do's" I have even taken it upon myself to learn to repair our household mishaps.

Tonight I got under my bathroom sink and unscrewed the thingy that is broken that is suposed to plug the drain. I keep nagging at Chad to fix these types of things, but he really is not into it. Chad does lots of things in our home that many guys don't do, so I guess I can do some things that many women do not do. Plus figuring out what is wrong and learning how to fix things myself makes me feel quite accomplished.

Tomorrow is Home Depot day and the window guy is coming at 10:30. Progress comes slowly here, but it comes.

Spring is Coming

2005-03-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Julie started tearing up the backyard today. I think we will be Home Depot bound this weekend. 30 minute bike ride around La Costa. Jammin' to U2 iPod playlist. Not long enough but still good release. Ride started with Kyle and I around the trails. He made the short steep hill for the first time today. He was stoked and I was too!

Nate will not fall asleep tonight. Rare for him. I have been up there 4 times. Julie is on her way up now. Yoga is paused. She's been trying Yoga lately. I'm tempted and have tried it once but it is so different from what I do all day I can't quite hang. I guess that's the point.

Finished a big project at work today that has been lurking for awhile. Feels good to be done.

Off to Quebec again Sunday for next week. Starting to get mentally prepared for the travel and trip. That's always a taxing trip. I need to "get" from my colleagues there...sort of like going to the gas station once a month or so.

Off to do clean up the messes that seem to be everywhere ...and then we'll watch Aprrentice for an hour.

Procrastination

2005-03-09T21:25:00.000-08:00

I would like to procrastinate less and execute more. I have so many piles on my desk and in my head it is ridiculous. Does everyone feel that way? I do the must do's in a given day but the monkeys on the back do not go away. Is this a "season" or cycle or is this a pattern I need to break out of?

My favorite activity today was sitting on the floor and watching / helping do his wooden puzzles.

My least favorite activity today was having to say NOT NOW to someone that we were talking to about taxes and financial planning. Timing was not right.

At dinner, Julianne said, "Smile dad. Are you happy?" She has this amazing way of getting me to relax and laugh. Unfortunately, she can be quite a manipulator as she said this after I had just warned her for not obeying at the dinner table.

Julie and I had a nice evening together talking about our 10 years of marriage. Time flies. She really does know me and loves me inspite of all my weaknesses.

Chad

Today, March 8th 2004

2005-03-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Weather: Cold and cloudy until 2pm, sunny for two hours, and then clouds came back in.

Julianne started first day of her new pre-school. Kyle had a great day at school and played with neighbor boys Austin and Brandon in the afternoon. Nate and I went for a early evening bike ride on the cruiser. I have the makings of a cold and do not feel great but still managing. Late fire at work interrupted dinner. Julianne and Nate are not great eaters right now. Big bummer for Julie as she loves to cook but does not like to be a short-order chef. I thought about a bike ride all day but never went on one. Maybe a spin tonight in the garage.

Maverick's Surf Contest

2005-03-07T22:37:00.000-08:00

I can't claim to be a surfer but I do have a closet interest in big waves. Check out these picks.
Surfline | WEST SIDE STORY.

Superfriends and Office Space

2005-03-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

Cousin Matt - thanks for reading my profile and referring me to this great mashup. Had to Blog It! for others to see. Office Space

Enjoy!

Time to go to Pizza Port....Dada

2005-03-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

For the past 8 years, we have been frequenting Pizza Port in Carlsbad on Monday nights. I am guessing we have been to Monday night pizza more than 350 times. "We" has changed over the years. This all started when my brother Tim and I lived about 45 minutes a part and Carlsbad was close to the half way point. Monday's was our night to connect and we were very much committed to Mondays. Then when he had his first daughter, Sage, that gave us even more reason to connect. I miss those times with you Tim. For most of the past four years, Monday's has included Jeff and his children (Sierra and Jude). Jeff wins the prize for consistency having never missed a Monday that I can recall - despite my sometime hectic travel schedule.

Monday's and Pizza Port are automatic. Kyle, Julianne, and Nate have grown up eating sausage pizza and drinking lemonade on Monday nights. I remember the good ole days when Julie used to pack vegetables for me to give the kids before they called our name for the pizza. There have been at least five Monday's that ended with me scrubbing the "throw up" from the car or the stairs. I guess the wicked combination of pizza, vending maching candy, and Starbucks hot chocolate all within 2 hours does not always sit well with the growing stomachs.

The routine has rarely if ever changed. A few renegade attempts have been made to change or mix in a new venue but we always seem to find our way back to Pizza Port. We park in the same spots, order the same food, walk the same walk, climb the same trees, scoff at the karoke near Coyote Grill, spill a drink at Starbucks nearly every Monday, and play in the same courtyard fountain .....yes, each and every Monday. I leave at 5:15 each Monday and return home around 8:15.

My Grandpa used to go to the coffee shop everyday with his buddies. I remember envying the friendships he had and often talked about--many sustained through the committment to routinely meeting together. They probably did not talk about this or...certainly did not blog about it but they were onto something. He had friendships that spanned 60 years. That's pretty amazing.

Monday nights and Pizza Port have mostly been about a time for my kids and I to connect. Something they can count on and look forward to. Over time, Monday's have become a time for me to routinely and mundanely connect with my friends, too.

There is something a bit sad about my reflections on Pizza Port. If I had a nickle for every person that has made a comment that went something like "wow, you guys are really brave" or "what, is it mom's night out?" I would probably have enough to pay for all the pizza and beer we have consumed. Why does the concept of dads spending time together with their kids seem like such a rarity?

Mahna Mahna.....As in Muppets

2005-03-05T01:05:00.000-08:00

If you have ever seen the Mahna Mahna clip you'll really appreciate this
Original Video. We have been known to bust out as a family randomly with a few "mahna mahnas" from time to time. Couldn't resist to share.

Bad Circulation and other Musings

2005-03-04T18:50:00.000-08:00

Musings ....I have very bad circulation in my hands. Even now after typing all day, my hands are cold. I sometimes run them under water. Today my head is pounding. Probably because I'm a camel and don't eat as often as I should. Last year about this time I tried to regularly drink my body weight in water ounces but never quite perfected the pace of consumption. I clean the garage when I am about to loose it elsewhere in personal, home, or work organization. There is something therapuetic or sanative about that for me. In our family room I prefer it to be dimly lit to mask the hammered carpet. We actually have a set of reset lights in the kitchen / farmily area that does not work and I have no plans to fix them even though this tops Julie's list. I'll loose that battle in time. When I sleep the covers have to be heavy despite how hot it may be. Something about the weight is extra comforting. Probably has to do with the circulation again. Thanks to my mother's wisdom (her first but not certinaly the last mention in our blog), I am trying to run and empty the dishwasher each night before turning the lights out.

These are random oddities about me. I don't know why I'm really blogging about them. Perhaps this is an oddity too. What is odd about you?

Wrestling with my son...sons

2005-03-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight a light-bulb went off in Kyle's head. The other day I went to pick him up from an after school karate class and the instructor was teaching them about their center of balance. Before bed tonight, we were all lying around the loft and he came up and pounced on me and then I saw him trying to figure out keep me pinned down using his center of balance. He was actually really doing it and then we had this back and forth battle going. It was an awesome time to connect without the distraction of a toy, the computer game, or even practicing baseball. No impediments to the bonding time.

I had one of those moments where it was man to man with my son. He was tense and yet excited at the same time because he was actually beating up on dad. It must have felt good to him and it sure made me smile. And then out of no where, little Nate came bounding over the top of my head. He has no fear and wanted to be part of our little wrestling match. Fun time.

For those of you reading this post who have insights on how dad's can connect with their son's, comments welcome.

8:15

2005-03-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

It's 8:15pm. Usually the magical time when kids are tucked in bed and the dishes are done. The time when i take a deep, thankful breath for a little quiet freedom. Sure there are messes still to clean up and laundry to sort, but for a little while, until my eyes get too heavy, i can do what i want. But, what is it lately about 8:15? My three year old daughter julianne thinks it is time to get up. "i need a drink of water." "i need to go potty." "i need another drink of water." up and down the stairs i go a little more frustrated each time. Now don't get me wrong. I am as patient as they come. I love my role as mom. My kids are an amazing delight. But as anyone with little children knows, there is a little longing for the freedom and relief that comes each night when all the little ones are nestled in, teeth brushed and fast asleep. Not julianne though. 8:15 at night her little mind is still going and scheming, "how can get downstairs one more time to see my mommy?" i guess i should be flattered by those big blue eyes of my daughter that wants one more snuggle. But, boy do i still look forward to the last trip up the stairs.

Posted by Julie....before we were both contributors to our family blog.

Interesting Mom Blog

2005-03-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

This is a great blog by a homeschooling mother. We enjoyed the keen insights and reflections. today's lessons: Battling the Demons

The Day in Review

2005-03-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

It is 6:00 pm already. Julie describes her day as "mom land". Our children are in the habit of saying "mama". Not mom nor mother but "mama". When I enter the room from what Julie has labeled by gopher hole (a.k.a. office), the kids in chorus yell "dada" with their hands in the air. This is one of the simple pleasures of our lives.

Work today was crazy but fun and productive. Trying to figure out ways to build community at work. Considering the use of a blog through SharePoint when we launch that internally.

We are planning our summer trip to St. John. It is the year of our ten year anniversary. Flights are expensive at limited. Trip is slated for June.

Time for dinner (shrimp quesadillas) and some catechism. Kyle is memorizing John 20:31..."But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Julianne just asked me, what is "blogging". She is 3 and I find that a funny comment to end with.....

21st Century Reformation

2005-03-02T22:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a blog I want to keep handy for future reference. 21st Century Reformation

My Brother's Blog

2005-03-02T22:05:00.000-08:00

Here is my brother's blog that I referened in our first post

life together

Our first blog - This year is going so fast

2005-03-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

It is Wednesday night. It is official. We are now blogging. It is already March 2005 and we have yet to journal as we said we would when we made our usual new year committments. Other committments for the year if you are wondering including reading one book per month, reconnecting with old friends, and remembering key dates of loved ones like birthdays. Topping the list is memorizing key answers to questions in the Hiedelberg Catechism as a family. The not so good news is that I can't remember which questions after 1,2, and 21, and 26. I'll have to look that up later.

Some of our musings these days include what does it mean to really work to live versus live to work? How can we really connect with each of our children on a more regular basis? How to build true community with our friends and neighbors?

I have my brother Tim to thank for getting me started with blogging. As with many things, he continues to spur me on to new creative ways to connect. Always an insipiration Tim! I hope I continue to reciprocate.