From Mike:
Well, it’s that time of year again; the weather is getting colder, the traffic is getting suckier, and the stores are getting busier. Suffice it to say, Kelly and I are as busy as ever gearing up for the holidays. I love this time of year. I always have. This is somewhat embarrassing, but I remember sitting in my room as a kid listening to Christmas music in July! I guess the fond memories and the joy that this season brings makes this my favorite time of year. Kelly, on the other hand, still can’t believe the radio stations are already playing Christmas music…she refuses to listen to it until December 1st. Although Kelly isn’t into the post-Halloween Christmas spirit, she is not totally without some yuletide cheer…she has already begun her shopping and bought Christmas cards! I realized something funny the other day as Kelly and I were writing our annual Christmas letter: Isn’t the Christmas letter just a blog on fancy paper that you mail to people? For those who already document their daily lives online for everyone to see, technology is ruining that particular part of this wonderful holiday! Oh well…everyone likes getting mail, right?
Kelly and I recently volunteered for The March of Dimes at their Signature Chefs event in Denver and Boulder. This is pretty much the coolest event to volunteer for, ever. Anywhere from 15 to 20 of the top restaurants in Denver and Boulder come to each event and make a variety of delicious gourmet food for the attendees. People pay $150/seat to attend, but since we are volunteers, we get everything for the price of a few hours of our time. It’s quite a trade-off. They also hold several silent auctions for goods and services donated from companies across the country. Everything from massages and golf clubs, to hockey tickets and Vegas vacations are available to bid on while you walk around the ballroom filling your belly with some of the most delightful dishes you can imagine. Suffice it to say, Kelly and I left with a full stomach, and a sense of satisfaction knowing we had helped premature babies across the country.
On a much darker, drearier note, Kelly and I went to the dentist last week for a cleaning. As usual, Kelly came out of there with a clean bill of health. I wasn’t so lucky. For those of you who don’t already know, I absolutely HATE going to the dentist. Recently, I haven’t left the dentist without a laundry list of expensive work that needs to be done to that stupid part of my face. This time, it was my wisdom teeth. Apparently I need them out since they are, in the dentist’s words, “all messed up.” He even told me that they were so impacted, that he didn’t even trust himself to take them out, so he referred me to a specialist. I read somewhere that your wisdom teeth are really close to a major nerve in your face, and if they accidentally sever that nerve while removing them, one entire side of your face could be paralyzed…forever!! How jacked up is that?? I don’t know about you all, but I like my face the way it is. Not to mention that people say it costs upwards of $3,000 to get them removed…*sigh*
This weekend, I’m going with my friend Ashley up to Jamestown with a group of high schoolers for a weekend mountain retreat. It’s been so long since I last worked with the youth group that I’m a little nervous, but at the same time, I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a spiritual mentor to them and help them grow in their walk with Christ. It will be a weekend of reflection and meditation as we spend quiet times surrounded by God’s amazing creation. Please be in prayer that these kids will walk away from the retreat with a renewed faith, and a deeper relationship with their Maker.
Kelly, for some reason, suggested that I write something about our cat, Zora. I sat here for the longest time trying to think of something interesting to write about our chubby little feline, but not a whole lot has happened with her…she’s as fat and lazy and mean as ever. Despite her oddities, we still love her.
That’s all I can think to write now. I hope you all are blessed and well. Until next time!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Playing catch up. . .
From Kelly:
Well not much is going on around here. And at the same time, it seems like a lot has happened!!
For Halloween Mike and I went to a few different parties. I was dressed as a bee and he went in a prisoner's costume, but for some reason kept telling people he was a "married man". Not sure what that was all about. . . :) We saw some pretty good costumes throughout the night-- lots of girls dressed as Sarah Palin, a John McCain, a girl dressed as Carrie that was actually really really scary, and our friend Justin wore skin tight shorts and went as Michael Phelps-- that actually may have been scarier than the Carrie costume!
Then, as you know, just one week ago the country elected BARACK OBAMA!!! YAY!!! We went to Carter's house to watch the election results with some friends and enjoyed watching the numbers roll in as we chowed down on some pizza and caught up. Of course we were very happy with the results and I was especially moved by Barack's speech. Regardless of your politics, this is such a huge leap from even just 50 years ago to see an African American family in the white house! What an historic moment. Which is why. . . we have decided to go to DC to join in the inauguration festivities!!
Since we have a bunch of friends that live out there anyway, we thought this would be great time to go visit and witness history in the making. Well actually, we probably won't get to see the actual history being made-- tickets are really hard to come by for the actual inauguration-- but we will sure have fun joining in the festivities! Mike is leaving on Tuesday, though, before the deed is done-- just to make it clear that he's still an independent ;) Plus, Tony's coming out from San Francisco to meet up with us so that's an added bonus!
Ok well Mike's done doing the dishes, so it's time to go beat him at Phase 10. Have a great rest of your week!!
Well not much is going on around here. And at the same time, it seems like a lot has happened!!
For Halloween Mike and I went to a few different parties. I was dressed as a bee and he went in a prisoner's costume, but for some reason kept telling people he was a "married man". Not sure what that was all about. . . :) We saw some pretty good costumes throughout the night-- lots of girls dressed as Sarah Palin, a John McCain, a girl dressed as Carrie that was actually really really scary, and our friend Justin wore skin tight shorts and went as Michael Phelps-- that actually may have been scarier than the Carrie costume!
Then, as you know, just one week ago the country elected BARACK OBAMA!!! YAY!!! We went to Carter's house to watch the election results with some friends and enjoyed watching the numbers roll in as we chowed down on some pizza and caught up. Of course we were very happy with the results and I was especially moved by Barack's speech. Regardless of your politics, this is such a huge leap from even just 50 years ago to see an African American family in the white house! What an historic moment. Which is why. . . we have decided to go to DC to join in the inauguration festivities!!
Since we have a bunch of friends that live out there anyway, we thought this would be great time to go visit and witness history in the making. Well actually, we probably won't get to see the actual history being made-- tickets are really hard to come by for the actual inauguration-- but we will sure have fun joining in the festivities! Mike is leaving on Tuesday, though, before the deed is done-- just to make it clear that he's still an independent ;) Plus, Tony's coming out from San Francisco to meet up with us so that's an added bonus!
Ok well Mike's done doing the dishes, so it's time to go beat him at Phase 10. Have a great rest of your week!!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Who’s ready for cold weather?
From Mike:
So, I was in Target the other day and was walking past the Halloween section of the store, and noticed that not only do they have their shelves stocked with an array of costumes and candy, but also Christmas lights and tree ornaments…that’s just ridiculous. Christmas is over two months away people! Let’s get one holiday over with, and then move on to the next one. Oh, and what happened to Thanksgiving?
For the past few weeks, I’ve been waking up at the usual time to go to work, except instead of being greeted by the bright, beautiful sunrise, I awaken to total darkness. Is anyone else a little distraught by this? Kelly was absolutely right when she told me yesterday that it is literally ungodly to wake up and get ready for work when the sun hasn’t even risen yet! If God intended us to be awake that early, He would have made the sun rise earlier! Along those lines, since the sun hasn’t even risen enough to heat the earth when I leave for work, I have had to scrape the frost off of my car for a week now…which is always very upsetting, and usually indicates the onset of winter. I’m definitely not ready for that.
Kelly came home from San Francisco yesterday and had all sort of stories about great food, gorgeous scenery, and fun times she had with one of my groomsmen, Tony, who is apparently “living the dream” out there.
I guess I should get back to work now…I have a riveting online acquisition class to take, and am looking forward to napping through 80% of it. ;) I hope you’re all doing well and are being blessed richly. Until next time!
So, I was in Target the other day and was walking past the Halloween section of the store, and noticed that not only do they have their shelves stocked with an array of costumes and candy, but also Christmas lights and tree ornaments…that’s just ridiculous. Christmas is over two months away people! Let’s get one holiday over with, and then move on to the next one. Oh, and what happened to Thanksgiving?
For the past few weeks, I’ve been waking up at the usual time to go to work, except instead of being greeted by the bright, beautiful sunrise, I awaken to total darkness. Is anyone else a little distraught by this? Kelly was absolutely right when she told me yesterday that it is literally ungodly to wake up and get ready for work when the sun hasn’t even risen yet! If God intended us to be awake that early, He would have made the sun rise earlier! Along those lines, since the sun hasn’t even risen enough to heat the earth when I leave for work, I have had to scrape the frost off of my car for a week now…which is always very upsetting, and usually indicates the onset of winter. I’m definitely not ready for that.
Kelly came home from San Francisco yesterday and had all sort of stories about great food, gorgeous scenery, and fun times she had with one of my groomsmen, Tony, who is apparently “living the dream” out there.
I guess I should get back to work now…I have a riveting online acquisition class to take, and am looking forward to napping through 80% of it. ;) I hope you’re all doing well and are being blessed richly. Until next time!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
City by the Sea
From Kelly:
Well, as I write I am sitting with my feet up in a big comfy chair, looking out over the bay bridge and San Francisco bay. There are sailboats, blue skies, and palm trees-- and someone is playing the violin. Boy, do I feel lucky to be here!
So far the trip has been pretty great. My boss (Misti) and I arrived yesterday, dropped our stuff off at the hotel and then went out to do a boat tour of Alcatraz Island. I had done the tour before, but it was still cool to see and to hear the stories I had since forgotten. The weather was gorgeous and the views from the island back to the city were beautiful. After the tour we had dinner at a restaurant right on the water and ate as we watched the sun set behind the golden gate bridge. It was very romantic. . . :) I'm so lucky to have a boss that I really do get along with. We have become great friends over the years (I worked with her before at another company, so I've known her about 4 years now) and so far we have been getting along really well on this adventure.
After dinner we came back to the hotel and I was ready to crash. However, our friend Tony lives here in the city and invited me out to have a drink with him. I decided I just couldn't resist checking out a little more of the city, so I ventured out-- and I was so glad I did. Tony, Michael (Tony's friend), and I had a great time talking and laughing at this cute little place by Tony's house. I even tried a new drink! Don't ask me what it was called, though it did involve egg whites.
Hanging out with the boys gave me a twinge of wanting to move to a different place and experience some new things. I wish Mike and I had the flexibility to be able to pick up and move, but then when I think of all our ties and I realize that's just not a possibility for us. We both have jobs that we really shouldn't leave, we have so much stuff we'd have to store/move, and we have a house that's just not sellable in this market. Still, I feel like the world keeps moving forward without me and that the glamourous life is somewhere else. I guess what I really need, though, is to just stop buying into the myth of the grass being greener on the other side.
Today Misti and I had breakfast in the hotel and then worked our booth. It was a pretty good time. I got a ton of freebies from the other exhibitors, so that was a bonus. I even got one of those cool aluminum water bottles. The guys sitting around us were pretty cool, too, and in our downtime we had fun joking around with them. Lunch was amazing. They had 5 different food stations and in the center was a chocolate and waffle station. I swear I'm bound to gain at least 10 pounds on this trip!
So, now I am trying to keep my eyes open just a little bit longer (staying out until 2 on a work night was just not one of my best ideas), and waiting to go to dinner with Tony this evening. I'm so anxious to get outside! It's so beautiful and people are out and about. Looks like fun!! I'm sure my energy will perk up once I get going.
Anyway, I hope you are all doing well that that your grass is plenty green where you are. Talk to you soon!
Well, as I write I am sitting with my feet up in a big comfy chair, looking out over the bay bridge and San Francisco bay. There are sailboats, blue skies, and palm trees-- and someone is playing the violin. Boy, do I feel lucky to be here!
So far the trip has been pretty great. My boss (Misti) and I arrived yesterday, dropped our stuff off at the hotel and then went out to do a boat tour of Alcatraz Island. I had done the tour before, but it was still cool to see and to hear the stories I had since forgotten. The weather was gorgeous and the views from the island back to the city were beautiful. After the tour we had dinner at a restaurant right on the water and ate as we watched the sun set behind the golden gate bridge. It was very romantic. . . :) I'm so lucky to have a boss that I really do get along with. We have become great friends over the years (I worked with her before at another company, so I've known her about 4 years now) and so far we have been getting along really well on this adventure.
After dinner we came back to the hotel and I was ready to crash. However, our friend Tony lives here in the city and invited me out to have a drink with him. I decided I just couldn't resist checking out a little more of the city, so I ventured out-- and I was so glad I did. Tony, Michael (Tony's friend), and I had a great time talking and laughing at this cute little place by Tony's house. I even tried a new drink! Don't ask me what it was called, though it did involve egg whites.
Hanging out with the boys gave me a twinge of wanting to move to a different place and experience some new things. I wish Mike and I had the flexibility to be able to pick up and move, but then when I think of all our ties and I realize that's just not a possibility for us. We both have jobs that we really shouldn't leave, we have so much stuff we'd have to store/move, and we have a house that's just not sellable in this market. Still, I feel like the world keeps moving forward without me and that the glamourous life is somewhere else. I guess what I really need, though, is to just stop buying into the myth of the grass being greener on the other side.
Today Misti and I had breakfast in the hotel and then worked our booth. It was a pretty good time. I got a ton of freebies from the other exhibitors, so that was a bonus. I even got one of those cool aluminum water bottles. The guys sitting around us were pretty cool, too, and in our downtime we had fun joking around with them. Lunch was amazing. They had 5 different food stations and in the center was a chocolate and waffle station. I swear I'm bound to gain at least 10 pounds on this trip!
So, now I am trying to keep my eyes open just a little bit longer (staying out until 2 on a work night was just not one of my best ideas), and waiting to go to dinner with Tony this evening. I'm so anxious to get outside! It's so beautiful and people are out and about. Looks like fun!! I'm sure my energy will perk up once I get going.
Anyway, I hope you are all doing well that that your grass is plenty green where you are. Talk to you soon!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Ah, Voting
THE POLITICAL VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG ARE SOLEY THOSE OF THE AUTHOR/SPEAKER AND DO NOT REFLECT THE VIEWS OF ANY OTHER MEMBERS OF THIS HOUSEHOLD.
From Mike: So, is anyone else torn between the two major presidential candidates this year? Sometimes I wish I was not unaffiliated so I could just vote straight ticket and be done with it.
Kelly and I received our mail ballots on Tuesday, so I was mulling over everything I’ve heard Senators Obama and McCain say during this seemingly endless election season and discovered that I agree with aspects of both party’s policies. I honestly have no idea who to vote for! I agree with McCain on the economy, abortion, gay marriage, and the power of the federal government, but I agree with Obama on the Global War on Terror, immigration, the environment, and that Governor Palin was the wrong choice. Also, I agree with McCain on healthcare reform, but I agree with Obama on the elimination of preexisting conditions. Not to mention the fact that Kelly would probably divorce me if I didn’t vote for Obama. Seriously, I think my brain has exploded trying to weigh the two candidates. Who would’ve thought that voting could be this difficult?? I mean, it’s not like I’m electing the leader of the free world or anything…
Okay, enough about that. Let’s move on to more important matters: Halloween. Kelly has decided to be a bee for Halloween. Initially, I was going to be a beekeeper, but then Kelly suggested that I be honey…hehe, nice double meaning, right? Yeah, well, that idea got scratched because Kelly later decided that it was too cutesy. So it’s back to being a beekeeper. Maybe I’ll put fake blood on my suit and be a dead beekeeper, because being a regular one just reminds me of myself in high school…minus the braces and the saxophone.
I like Halloween, and not just for the candy (even though last year someone told me that I was too old to trick-or-treat), but also for the pumpkin carving! Our friend Beth is having her annual pumpkin carving party where we all go out to the pumpkin patch to find that special orange globe of jack-o-lantern goodness and attempt to show off our artistic skills, or lack thereof. I’m glad the party is going to be a held a little closer to Halloween this year, because last year the trick-or-treaters that came to my house were greeted by a smelly rotten pile of mushy orange skin with an unintelligible pattern carved into the front of it. Although I was the only house whose pumpkin did not end up smashed in the middle of the street the next morning…
Kelly is leaving on a business trip to San Francisco this weekend and won’t be back until Wednesday. Although I am jealous that she’s going, it means that I can do pretty much whatever I want while she’s gone! I fully intend on temporarily reverting back to bachelorhood as I fill the weekend full of video games, football, and unhealthy eating. Kelly, being the wonderful, nurturing wife that she is, reminded me that there are carrots, celery, bananas, fish, chicken, salad, and healthy leftovers in the fridge, and that I have no excuse to eat pizza the whole time. Haha, it’s amazing how well she knows me. As much as she may not believe me when I say it, I am going to miss her SO much!!
That’s all I can stand to write now, so until next time! I hope you’re all having a great week!
From Mike: So, is anyone else torn between the two major presidential candidates this year? Sometimes I wish I was not unaffiliated so I could just vote straight ticket and be done with it.
Kelly and I received our mail ballots on Tuesday, so I was mulling over everything I’ve heard Senators Obama and McCain say during this seemingly endless election season and discovered that I agree with aspects of both party’s policies. I honestly have no idea who to vote for! I agree with McCain on the economy, abortion, gay marriage, and the power of the federal government, but I agree with Obama on the Global War on Terror, immigration, the environment, and that Governor Palin was the wrong choice. Also, I agree with McCain on healthcare reform, but I agree with Obama on the elimination of preexisting conditions. Not to mention the fact that Kelly would probably divorce me if I didn’t vote for Obama. Seriously, I think my brain has exploded trying to weigh the two candidates. Who would’ve thought that voting could be this difficult?? I mean, it’s not like I’m electing the leader of the free world or anything…
Okay, enough about that. Let’s move on to more important matters: Halloween. Kelly has decided to be a bee for Halloween. Initially, I was going to be a beekeeper, but then Kelly suggested that I be honey…hehe, nice double meaning, right? Yeah, well, that idea got scratched because Kelly later decided that it was too cutesy. So it’s back to being a beekeeper. Maybe I’ll put fake blood on my suit and be a dead beekeeper, because being a regular one just reminds me of myself in high school…minus the braces and the saxophone.
I like Halloween, and not just for the candy (even though last year someone told me that I was too old to trick-or-treat), but also for the pumpkin carving! Our friend Beth is having her annual pumpkin carving party where we all go out to the pumpkin patch to find that special orange globe of jack-o-lantern goodness and attempt to show off our artistic skills, or lack thereof. I’m glad the party is going to be a held a little closer to Halloween this year, because last year the trick-or-treaters that came to my house were greeted by a smelly rotten pile of mushy orange skin with an unintelligible pattern carved into the front of it. Although I was the only house whose pumpkin did not end up smashed in the middle of the street the next morning…
Kelly is leaving on a business trip to San Francisco this weekend and won’t be back until Wednesday. Although I am jealous that she’s going, it means that I can do pretty much whatever I want while she’s gone! I fully intend on temporarily reverting back to bachelorhood as I fill the weekend full of video games, football, and unhealthy eating. Kelly, being the wonderful, nurturing wife that she is, reminded me that there are carrots, celery, bananas, fish, chicken, salad, and healthy leftovers in the fridge, and that I have no excuse to eat pizza the whole time. Haha, it’s amazing how well she knows me. As much as she may not believe me when I say it, I am going to miss her SO much!!
That’s all I can stand to write now, so until next time! I hope you’re all having a great week!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fall Hike
From Kelly:
Yesterday we went up to Estes to go on our annual fall hike! We were a bit concerned when we rolled into town to find ourselves in the middle of a rainstorm complete with lightening and all. But, we decided to try to wait it out by going downtown to do some shopping. We killed some time in the shops (I bought a cute little candleholder for Halloween). And then we got some ice cream. By then, the sun was out and it was 70 degrees again so we decided to head up.
The hike was 1.7 miles up to Gem Lake. Though there was a lot of elevation gain, it was a pretty good hike. We saw lots of gorgeous leaves, of course, and a some pretty cool rock formations as well. The lake was smaller than expected, but absolutely gorgeous and all in all it turned out to be a pretty awesome day!
Yesterday we went up to Estes to go on our annual fall hike! We were a bit concerned when we rolled into town to find ourselves in the middle of a rainstorm complete with lightening and all. But, we decided to try to wait it out by going downtown to do some shopping. We killed some time in the shops (I bought a cute little candleholder for Halloween). And then we got some ice cream. By then, the sun was out and it was 70 degrees again so we decided to head up.
The hike was 1.7 miles up to Gem Lake. Though there was a lot of elevation gain, it was a pretty good hike. We saw lots of gorgeous leaves, of course, and a some pretty cool rock formations as well. The lake was smaller than expected, but absolutely gorgeous and all in all it turned out to be a pretty awesome day!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Mike makes his second mark...
What's up everyone?
I guess it's my turn to relay the details of our busy lives to you all. Here goes:
For some reason, it feels like Kelly and I are busier than ever! Now that Kelly is working full time, it seems like our evenings are getting cut shorter and shorter as we both have to wake up early. Bedtime has been strictly enforced since Kelly likes to sleep and needs her full 8 hours...i'm usually partial to falling asleep at my desk, so I try to get at least 6 or 7 hours, but this 8 hours thing is great! I had no idea that staying awake at work was possible! :P
Kelly and I bought a three-month pass to the new Erie rec center at it's been a real motivation for me to get off my butt and work out once in awhile. I forgot what it's like to actually be "in shape," and i'm slowly working towards not passing out on the treadmill after 3 minutes of jogging. ;) Suffice it to say, we're both looking forward to getting and staying healthy!
Kelly and I went to Oktoberfest last Friday and met up with a few friends. We spent the evening drinking beer, eating funnel cakes (yum!) and chatting. The Rockies' last home game happened to be that night, so they put on a fireworks show that we got to watch. Then, this past Friday, I guess we didn't get enough "bier", so we went back to Oktoberfest. :P I broke down and bought a 44 oz. stein that will probably find its way into a box in the crawlspace later. ;)
I don't know if I mentioned this in my last post, but I recently became the treasurer on the board of directors of a start-up nonprofit organization. We plan to build Christian schools in Kenya, and all along the eastern coast of Africa. Obviously, we want to start small, so we're trying to raise money to build the first school in Kenya right now. Please be in prayer for our organization, Building on the Rock, as we continue to organize the corporation and plan our fundraising activities. Thanks friends!
I guess that's all for now. I'm sure I forgot to mention a lot of things, so i'll let Kelly fill in the gaps later. :) Have a great weekend!
I guess it's my turn to relay the details of our busy lives to you all. Here goes:
For some reason, it feels like Kelly and I are busier than ever! Now that Kelly is working full time, it seems like our evenings are getting cut shorter and shorter as we both have to wake up early. Bedtime has been strictly enforced since Kelly likes to sleep and needs her full 8 hours...i'm usually partial to falling asleep at my desk, so I try to get at least 6 or 7 hours, but this 8 hours thing is great! I had no idea that staying awake at work was possible! :P
Kelly and I bought a three-month pass to the new Erie rec center at it's been a real motivation for me to get off my butt and work out once in awhile. I forgot what it's like to actually be "in shape," and i'm slowly working towards not passing out on the treadmill after 3 minutes of jogging. ;) Suffice it to say, we're both looking forward to getting and staying healthy!
Kelly and I went to Oktoberfest last Friday and met up with a few friends. We spent the evening drinking beer, eating funnel cakes (yum!) and chatting. The Rockies' last home game happened to be that night, so they put on a fireworks show that we got to watch. Then, this past Friday, I guess we didn't get enough "bier", so we went back to Oktoberfest. :P I broke down and bought a 44 oz. stein that will probably find its way into a box in the crawlspace later. ;)
I don't know if I mentioned this in my last post, but I recently became the treasurer on the board of directors of a start-up nonprofit organization. We plan to build Christian schools in Kenya, and all along the eastern coast of Africa. Obviously, we want to start small, so we're trying to raise money to build the first school in Kenya right now. Please be in prayer for our organization, Building on the Rock, as we continue to organize the corporation and plan our fundraising activities. Thanks friends!
I guess that's all for now. I'm sure I forgot to mention a lot of things, so i'll let Kelly fill in the gaps later. :) Have a great weekend!
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