Time flies...

Can I just say that I HATE cliches.... I really really do. BUT I also have to say that I cannot believe my brother turned 18 last Sunday... time really does fly by. I can remember playing barbies with him and his extremely round body ironically dressed up as a pumpkin for halloween. He had super white hair and a bull cut and chubby cheeks. He honestly was a super sweet brother and still is. It just blows my mind that he is growing up and making decisions about college and life and WOW... on a more sad note... I was trying to remember my 18th birthday just 3 years ago and I can't remember a thing about it. I have such a bad memory.. I guess its good Clifford has gotten me into writing on here! 

Fa la la la la

Happy Birthday Brynn! We took to the streets and hit our first karaoke joint just off Sandy last night, the very classy Ambassador lounge. These guys are serious about their karaoke with two lounges for singing, a computerized system in which you can reserve your spot online, and a huuuuuuuge neon sign right smack dab on the side of the building sporting a man and a woman singing their hearts out. Unfortunately we couldn't stay around long enough  to test our chops at singing our favorite BSB hits but hey it was late.Really fun to get out and see everyone and we are so grateful that the state has gone smoke free in bars. Now if only they would make a point of regulating the cost of drinks because no way in heck does a bottle of Henry Weinhard's finest Root Beer cost three and half dollars! They literally rob you blind right in front of with a flick of your signature. Oh well, it was all about the experience.

Found this video through Gizmodo as we closed the night and as we close upon the close of this first decade of the 00's this will easily make anyone from our generation feel instantly old.





Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas time

I think one of the most exciting things about Christmas is giving presents. I love to see the face of the person I give the gift to, hoping that when I passed through the store weeks ago that I had indeed picked up just the right thing. To this end with Brynn I have been bugging her to open different presents throughout the month but as a staunch "it's supposed to be a surprise" advocate I've made little head way. Granted there has been some progress, such as taking her to the Spoon concert for her birthday (due to a lack of over 21 shows playing that would be worth going to) and that same night I was able to get her to relent to accepting her new pea coat (which was the worst because I felt so bad all this winter having bought it and she was going to work in thin little hoodies in sub freezing temperatures, but hey I tried)! Finally as a pseudo birthday present (her family came up on Wednesday) I got her to indulge in a playing little New Mario Bros Wii. To this end I think I can say that this Christmas so far, so good.
I got a raise this past week which buoys our spirits as this Christmas has brought the realities of  what poor college students should live like. We had been living fairly comfortably off the savings of a year of just plain hard work but as little expenses ate away our pile of Uncle Scrooge gold, budgeting and personal finance has really come front and center into our lives. Thankfully we have jobs in which we earn a healthy living and are doing the things we need to do (educating ourselves) in order to further our economic means. The Lord has been good to us. On the flip side with the added income I have been delegated new tasks to work on whilst under the employment of SoccerPlex, none which has me working with kids more than I do. It's a sad trade off as I think I understand that perhaps now is not the time for me to lead the Kids Play program but I will continue to develop my skills in order to illuminate the different qualities I have to offer and maybe it will lead me in a different direction. I owe a lot to my experiences to my jobs at the YMCA and Salem Indoor Soccer. When Jimmy took over the SoccerTots program I got an insiders look at what it is like to learn the ropes and take over a program, that in my opinion pretty successful considering some of the circumstances that hinder Salem Indoor. I think what I really got to see with Jimmy and Vernon (and really the whole staff there) was what the look of real dedication to their jobs and clientel. This is something that has rubbed off on me and has really allowed for me to rise so quickly in the eyes of Jessica and Trent at SoccerPlex. I know that everything will sort out in the end and I am so grateful for all that I have, especially a beautiful wife who I love so much. What a great season we are in where the yuletide cheer can bring us all a little more happiness in our lives. Merry Christmas.

The weekend and pizza

I love Mississippi Pizza. They offer some of the best pizza in the city (though like a lot of the specialty shops they are grossly expensive, twenty one bucks for a pepperoni when you can get a cheese from Rovente's for a mere eight) and one of the most eclectic lineups for entertainment choices. I know that throughout the week they offer karaokee (at least they used to as I have some firsthand knowledge), quiz shows, and a spelling bee but every once and while bands sneak in there to play shows. This is is what (for me) Portland is about. Any night of the week is open (once Brynn has her birthday) to go out and enjoy the sounds of the city. What makes these dulcet tones better are when your friends are the ones producing them as you can take pride in their sublime skills (yes you do detect a hint of jealousy). On a night usually reserved for work, Brynn and I found ourselves with no commitments and at the Atlantis Lounge (part of Mississippi Pizza) listening to Canoe (or half of). I got to know Matt and Sofia back when (there were part of "If bears were bees")we were in the branch and with interest have been able to follow them (as much as one can with the whole mission thing, exile in Salem, etc) so it was good to reconnect with them and what they have been up to. They played a wonderful set, trying out a few new songs and I think that Brynn and I agree that Matt's voice is one that would lull you to a sweet dreamy sleep. So glad we went after a year of quiet (last concert was Mason Jennings in Eugene).
Speaking of returns to old haunts, Sunday saw a special event occur that may happen only once in a lifetime. A papal eclipse. While I was sharing my feelings of gratitude Frank (acting Pope) entered the Vatican creating the ultimate line of power during the Vatican's Thanksgiving. After years of plans, dreams, backstabbing, wars, and empty promises (roller coaster in the front yard, anyone?) it was good to be back among friends giving and receiveing a little love (also known as Marion Berry pie and just about every delicious food that I could stuff in my mouth), the Vatican will always have a special place in my heart.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving my peeps. Perhaps a leftovers potluck this weekend?