Things I Think I Thought I Knew I Guess I Don't Really Know

Tennis Ball

2012-01-28T08:24:00.001-07:00

I was late for work every day this week.

With my bike on the fritz and the icy roads making it tricky to push a stroller I decided to try an experiment: What if Skye and I just walked to school in the morning? (NOTE: Skye goes to daycare every day, but it's called Lit'l Scholars, so we refer to it as "school")

It turns out that 2-year-olds are really slow walkers. I think it's a combination of the tiny legs and the short attention span. Our path was never a straight brisk walk, but rather more of a meandering stroll.

I stressed a bit knowing I'd have to work through lunch to get everything done at the office and I envied my little daughter with no agenda or schedule to keep.

We made tracks in the snow, and compared the size of our shoe prints. We learned what kind of tracks dogs make and to stay away from the yellow snow. We stopped to stare at birds, clouds, airplanes, and mountains. We counted trees. We practiced our colors and the ABC's. We sang songs. We took time to pet some dogs and to scare away some cats. We talked about cars and trucks and buses and bikes. We enjoyed the smell of coffee and bacon. We huddled together to try and keep warm. We laughed.

On Friday Skye found an old chewed-up tennis ball about 2 minutes into our walk and decided it would be fun to kick it along the sidewalk...the entire way. I joined in.

I was REALLY late for work on Friday...and I didn't care.

I've got something in my eye

2012-01-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

My uncle Kim used to love to tell a joke that went something like this:

At the end of her tear-filled emotional talk in church a woman apologized to the congregation for letting her emotions get the best of her and struggling to get through her words, "I'm sorry for being such a big boob."
In an attempt to lighten the mood the bishop quickly took the microphone with an admission, "That's okay Sister [Johnson], we like big boobs!"

As much as I like big boobs as well I don't find it endearing to use that term to describe my own state of emotions. However it appears that today maybe some of Breck's pregnancy hormones may have rubbed off on me as my mental state has run the gamut.

This morning I left the house anxious to get to the office after a 4-day weekend. An exciting project awaited me on my desk and I needed to get to work.

As I arrived at the office I immediately noticed that I had received some mail while I was gone; I knew right away what it was: my test score. I debated waiting to find out the results until the end of the day but knew that I'd never be able to focus with that envelope glaring up at me. I grabbed some coffee, sat down, took a deep breath, and opened the letter.

The bold-lettered word FAIL stared back at me.

Not only was this supposed to be my last test on the road to my license, it was also my second attempt. Following try #1 I wasn't surprised with the failed results. After try #2 however, my confidence was high.

In disbelief and denial I quicky shoved the letter back in the envelope and hid it away in my drawer. I turned on my headphones, put my head down, and got to work.

Hours later I knew I needed to get out of the office so I headed to lunch. On the 1/4 mile walk I must have looked like a crazy person as I muttered frustrations and obscenities to myself. How could I have failed the test again? I was sure this was it, this was the end of the road; the beginning of a new chapter in my career. Was McDonald's really the answer? I piled on another bad decision to my not-so-great morning and walked in.

Following my less-than-satisfying lunch I was leaving the restaurant when I noticed the interactions of a father with his young (3 or 4-year-old) daughter. My thoughts immediately turned to my own daughter at home. Once again I looked like a crazy pereson to the observer who witnessed my tears as I walked down the street.

Why was I crying at the mere sight of a father/daughter lunch outing?

It reminded me of my motivation to continue the daily grind toward my goal. It reminded me that my life is no longer my own.

It reminded me that despite the persona that I may try to fool people into believing about me, deep down I'm really just a big boob.

Faking It

2011-10-31T15:17:00.001-06:00

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time (and I'm only halfway through).

Here's an excerpt from "Manhood for Amateurs" by Michael Chabon:

This is an essential element of the business of being a man: to flood everyone around you in a great radiant arc of bullshit, one whose source and object of greatest intensity is yourself. To behave as if you have everything firmly under control even when you have just sailed your boat over the falls. "To keep your head," wrote Rudyard Kipling in his classic poem "If," which articulated the code of high-Victorian masculinity in whose fragmentary shadow American men still come of age, "when all about you are losing theirs"; but in reality, the trick of being a man is to give the appearance of keeping your head when, deep inside, the truest part of you is crying out, Oh, shit!

For those of you who've posed the question "How are things going?" to me lately and gotten what appeared to be a cool and collected response like "Great!" or "Couldn't be better!" know that deep inside the truest part of me was crying out "Oh, shit!"

Mission Impossible

2011-09-19T13:42:00.001-06:00

We spent Sunday afternoon at the State Fair.

*Side note: For those interested, the State Fair is perhaps THE best place to do some people watching (well worth the $10 ticket) & coincidentally improve your self-esteem about your own appearance.

After being at the fair for at least 6 minutes we realize that we had come woefully unprepared with something to eat for our picky little toddler. Lucky for me, I was tasked with finding a suitable snack to calm the cries of my daughter. Here's the shopping list that my lovely wife armed me with:

- Fruit and/or vegetables

- Milk

Needless to say I spent the next 1/2 hour wandering hopelessly among the carnival rides, squeezing my way through the sweaty crowds, and holding my noise past the farm animals trying to successfully fulfill my fatherly duties.

Funnel cakes? Not even close

Deep fried twinkies? Um...tempting, but no thanks.

Chocolate-covered frozen banana? That's technically fruit...

Corn-on-the-cob? That might work, but the line is 1/2 mile long.

At last I returned with the spoils of my journey:

A strawberry-banana smoothie and a carton of vanilla milk.

Close enough, right?

Lyric of the Week - Just a Coincidence?

2011-09-16T23:10:00.000-06:00

Pastor Dave gave a message at church a couple weeks ago (you can listen/watch it here if you're so inclined; August 21st, 2011) where he spoke about how "there are no coincidences" but that everything that happens is orchestrated by God & is part of His plan for our lives.

"Dear God, I'm trying hard to reach you.
Dear God, I see your face in all I do.
Sometimes it's so hard to believe in.
Good God, I know you have your reasons"

As much as it's difficult to embrace the thought that you don't have full control over your life, at the same time it's such a relief to know that you don't have to have full control over your life. He'll take the reigns if you let Him.

Artist: Monsters of Folk

Song: Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)

Album: Monsters of Folk (2009)

Lyric of the Week - Times Like These

2011-08-15T10:43:00.002-06:00

Here are some words I wrote this past week following the passing of Grandpa O. They could use some music.

Do your thing, Paul.

Time waits for no one
As it swiftly passes by
Moments & memories
Holding on we will try

In times like these
Our faith is put to the test
In times like these
When Earth loses on of its best

In times like these
We must rely on each other
Gaining strength by leaning
On father, sister, mother, brother

In times like these we try
But words fail to express
Our feelings of doubt, heartache,
Of pain, loss, & loneliness

But if we are faithful
Have love for our lost friend
In time we will re-unite
Be together in the end

Title: Times Like These (2011)

*update*
Here's a rough-cut of these words put to music by my good friend Paul Timothy.

Lyric of the Week - Legacy

2011-08-05T14:18:00.002-06:00

It is amazing to think of the number of lives who have come into being as a direct result of you, grandpa.

"Down the middle drops one more
Grain of sand
They say that
New life makes losing life easier to understand
Words are kind
They helped ease the mind
I'll miss my old friend
And though you gotta go
We'll keep a piece of your soul
One goes out
One comes in"

It is only through the beautiful legacy that you have left behind that we are able to cope with such a tremendous loss.

I can only dream to be at least half the man you were. I'm proud to be one of those lives that exist because of you.

I love you Grandpa. I'll always keep a piece of your soul with me.

Wayne W. Ottley 1922-2011

Artist: Jack Johnson

Song: If I Could

Album: In Between Dreams (2005)

Lyric of the Week - Everybody's Got Their Own Everything

2011-07-31T20:09:00.000-06:00

I was listening to this song by Eddie Vedder this week and had planned to post it with no more explanation other than "Food for thought".

"It's a mystery to me
We have a greed with which we have agreed
You think you have to want more than you need
Until you have it all you won't be free

When you want more than you have
You think you need
And when you think more than you want
Your thoughts begin to bleed

I think I need to find a bigger place
'Cause when you have more than you think
You need more space"

I was then reading a blog written by an architect called think|architect in which the author highlighted a song called '41 Lawnmowers' by Billy Crockett which I think illustrates my thoughts even better. Click here to read it.

Artist: Eddie Vedder

Song: Society

Album: music for the motion picture Into the Wild (2007)

Bucket List

2011-07-27T13:43:00.000-06:00

I'm officially creating my bucket list.

Item #1: Ride cross-country (USA) on my bicycle (east-west-->maybe...north-south--> more likely)

The idea has been bouncing around in my head for a few years now and I've probably only verbalized it to 2 or 3 people. Today, however, after coming across a blog written by a married couple from Salt Lake who are currently a few months into a ride across Canada I was inspired to officially put my goal in writing.

This is not intended to be a solo tour; so now I just need to convince someone else to come along with me!

Lyric of the Week - I'm...sorry?

2011-07-22T09:46:00.001-06:00

"She's gonna be pissed when she wakes up for terrible things I did to her in her dreams"

Has this ever happened to anyone else? Just me?

Almost equally frustrating is when your spouse is mad at you for something you actually did do, however you have no idea what that thing is.

Being A Good Husband: 101 --> Always have a stockpile of "I'm Sorry" s at the ready. You're gonna need them.

Artist: Ben Folds

Song: Trusted

Album: Songs for Silverman (2005)

Lyric of the Week - Hip & Cool or just (C)old Hips?

2011-07-15T10:35:00.000-06:00

Even when I was 'young & hip' I don't think I was really young & hip but rather more like 'young & average'. Recently, however, it has become readily apparent to me that I'm now even further removed from the in-crowd and have become 'old & uncool'. Our recent trip to Lagoon revealed to both me & Breck that we must be getting older because we no longer dress in current fashions and we kept thinking to ourselves (& often out-loud to each other) that kids just seem to be getting younger and younger.

When I was in junior high and high school I -- like most teenagers -- felt like an adult; I knew it all. Especially after high school as I got into college I thought I knew what life was about and could anticipate what was to come.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

For those like me who have gained a few years of perspective it has become clear that it's not clear. As the name of my blog indicates, even my hindsight is not quite 20/20.

One thing I am sure of is:

"When we were your age we were older than you"

I look at kids in their late teens and early 20s and they're just that -- kids. I can't believe Breck and I got married when we were that young! Our parent's must have been crazy to allow that to happen. On second thought, they must have known what they (or we) were doing because that decision I made as a 'kid' was the best thing I've ever done in my life.

Are you listening, Skye? Even though you think you know what's going on, it's really your parents calling the shots. Listen to them.

Even if they are old with creaking knees and hips.

Artist: Gary Jules

Song: Barstool

Album: Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets (2009)

Lyric of the Week - Yours, Mine, & Ours

2011-07-08T14:37:00.001-06:00

As we were wrapping up a fun-filled holiday weekend spent with family I was overcome with emotion as I watched my lovely wife interact with our beautiful daughter and my loving family:

We spent the last few days of our trip with my family at our wonderful Croxford Cabin overlooking beautiful Bear Lake. As we were packing things up and preparing to head home I paid particular attention to Breck's attitude and emotions toward my family. Though I'm not sure why, I was anticipating Breck conveying a feeling of relief at the conclusion of our vacation and a sense of urgency to return home; to my delight and surprise I witnessed the exact opposite. All weekend I had observed from afar Breck's casual, comfortable, and easy conversations and interactions with my family and now although our bags were packed and the car was loaded and ready to go we both lingered, hoping to delay our long drive home. We lazily chatted with my family about nothing in particular and let the kids play together just a little bit longer.

As a continuation of our reunion from the previous weekend and because family was still in town visiting, a day trip to Lagoon was planned for yesterday. Even though I was stuck at work and couldn't go, Breck had no hesitations about taking Skye to join the fun with the other cousins. Yesterday evening after the girls returned from their outing I was treated to stories and photos conveying what a fun time was had by everyone; further emphasizing that I missed out on the party.

"In the door she's waiting, living up to every diamond in that ring.

Who am I to love you?"

Even though Breck "joined" the family over a decade ago and officially became a Croxford more than 9 years ago it is still such a joy to me to see how my family has welcomed her and loved her and equally a joy to see how she has embraced them as her own. There is no longer 'hers' and 'mine' but each of our extended families have become 'ours'.

I don't deserve such a wonderful wife and hope she never realizes she could do better.

Artist: The Samples
Song: Who Am I?
Album: Transmissions from the Sea of Tranquility (1997)

Lyric of the Week - Listen

2011-07-01T08:04:00.002-06:00

These lyrics require no explanation. Music can change the world.

"Hear a song.
You sing along.
The words...you identify.
You don't feel so alone tonight.
So rest your soul now,
'Cause music saves your life.

Artist: Ian Love
Song: Hear a Song
Album: Ian Love (2006)

Lyric of the Week

2011-06-24T09:06:00.000-06:00

After leaving the testing center last week on the verge of tears (okay maybe a few tears sneaked out; but no one was there to see it) because I had just blown another test, I was not feeling like it was "a wonderful world". Immediately upon getting in the car to drive...somewhere (I didn't want to go home) this song was playing on the radio:

"I see trees of green, red roses too
I see 'em bloom, for me and you
And I think to myself; what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue, clouds of white
Bright blessed days, dark sacred nights
And I think to myself; what a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands sayin' "How do you do?"
They're really sayin' "I love you"

I hear babies cry; I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself; what a wonderful world"

Thank you satellite radio for knowing exactly what I needed to hear.

Artist: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Song: Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World

Album: Facing Future (1993)

(Original song by George David Weiss & Bob Thiele and sung by Louis Armstrong; c1968)

Lyric of the Week - Dad's Day

2011-06-19T08:38:00.002-06:00

I missed my usual Friday lyric post because I was busy all day pouring concrete in my backyard (I'll post more about that when the project is done).

Then I was busy again all day Saturday taking a test for 5 hours in the morning and again working on the concrete patio project for the rest of the day.

So finally this morning, here's my lyric of the week:

Regardless of a few recent setbacks and struggles I still find motivation to continue onward. I still find joy daily.

How?

"Just the sound of my little girl laughing makes me happy just to be alive."

Thanks Skye, for making me a dad and giving me the most rewarding and fulfilling "job" I could ever want.

I love you.

Artist: Everclear

Song: Song From An American Movie, Pt. 1

Album: Songs From An American Movie, Vol. 1 - Learning How To Smile (2004)
THen

In the Morning

2011-06-16T06:42:00.000-06:00

Everyone in the house is sleeping peacefully when the alarm clock breaks the silence at 5:30 am. In the 2.4 seconds it takes me to shut off the alarm our two dogs have gone from zero to full-speed. They run around, jump in the air, pant loudly, and pace back and forth eagerly awaiting their breakfast followed by a quick walk around the neighborhood.

Rather than allow the dogs' high energy level to be infectious, I just find it annoying.

The reason for the difference in our morning attitude? While I busily get myself ready to head out for 8 hours at the office, Soda & Mel are preparing themselves for settling in to their beds for 8 more hours of sleep.

Lyric of the Week - Glass Half Full

2011-06-10T09:18:00.001-06:00

For those that follow my blog (probably just Adri) you may have noticed that the last few weeks (months?) of posts have had a bit of a negative tone. Not to worry; things are looking up. My current outlook on life has improved and can be summed up as:

"I'm almost perfect...some of the time"

That's positive, right?

Artist: Counting Crows

Song: Anyone But You

Album: Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings (2008)

Lyric of the Week

2011-06-03T15:42:00.001-06:00

I'm getting quite sick of people flaking out. If you say your going to do something then please just do it. If you can't do it, fine; just tell me that so I can make other plans.

"I don't know a thing about a thing that I am sayin'. All I know is that I tell the truth"

I don't claim to be perfect and I don't expect others to be either. What I do expect is for people to be truthful. Is that too much to ask?

Artist: Showoff

Song: Tell Me

Album: Showoff (1999)

Lyric of the Week

2011-05-27T10:51:00.001-06:00

Even though this last Wednesday, May 25th passed without much happening out of the ordinary it was actually mine and Breck's 9th wedding anniversary. I think we may have briefly said "happy anniversary" to each other during our normal morning rush as we headed out the door; no excitement or fanfare whatsoever. Admittedly I woke up that morning not even remembering the significance of the day and might not have said anything at all if Breck hadn't initiated the greeting. It's not that I don't/didn't remember that May 25th is our anniversary it's just that since we have plans for a quick romantic getaway this weekend I kind of had it in my head that today (Friday, May 27th) was our anniversary. For that reason I hadn't planned on giving Breck my usual hand-made card/poem until the weekend.

Not a smart idea I realized as Wednesday evening was winding down and we were getting ready to go to bed when Breck not-so-subtly mentioned she didn't get a gift or a card or any real acknowledgment of the significance of the day from me.

Oh, I...umm...

Though not a huge blunder this little incident can be added to the very long and ever-growing list of mistakes I continue to make; almost daily. But despite my many faults, shortcomings, and other various offenses my lovely wife chooses to remain just that: my lovely wife. She continues to love me and to take me as I am.

"I can't go back and I don't want to 'cause all my mistakes they brought me to you."

So instead of having regrets I'm thankful for all that has happened in my past because it has resulted in my present; and today is great.

I love you, Breck. Happy Anniversary.

Artist: The Avett Brothers

Song: All My Mistakes

Album: Emotionalism (2007)

Lyric of the Week

2011-05-20T13:38:00.000-06:00

As the title of this blog indicates: I don't know what I'm doing. That has never been more evident than this week.

Failing DIY projects. Failing test scores. Failing tasks at work.

"Wouldn't it be nice if we could live twice in just one life; and then we'd know what to do"

Maybe I'll get it right in the next life.

Artist: The Promise Ring

Song: Skips A Beat (Over You)

Album: Very Emergency (1999)

Lyric of the Week

2011-05-13T13:55:00.002-06:00

Despite the news this morning that we were awarded two new projects, I’m still feeling a little bit nervous about the uncertain future of our firm. At the end of next week one of my colleagues (and our firm’s senior architect) will retire. Last month two of our other architects left the firm (voluntarily) within a week of each other for supposed greener pastures. In December our longest-tenured architect at the firm decided to move on to bigger & better things; and last August one of our Intern Architects (& former classmate of mine) left to go work for his uncle’s architectural firm.

So if you’re keeping track that’s five architects in less than 9 months who have left our firm.

Is there something in the water? Is it the lack of windows in our office? Maybe it’s all the exposed denim insulation in the ceiling?

It could have something to do with the two across-the-board pay cuts we've received in the last year...

Just a thought.

I'm still here, but I have to speculate that I may be next. I can't help but wonder:

"Am I part of the cure? Or am I part of the disease?"

Artist: Coldplay

Song: Clocks

Album: A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)

Lyric of the Week

2011-05-08T07:14:00.002-06:00

Because this song was written by two brothers for their mom who raised them without their dad around there are a couple of lines in the song that are pertinent to my situation. However their love and caring for their mother is very evident.

Mom, because your one of the two people that actually read this blog I know you'll get this message:

I love you mom. You taught me how to love and care. You taught me kindness and respect. You taught me hard work. You made me into the man I am today (I hope you take that as the compliment it was intended) .

"Always, always and forever

I'm sitting here
I'm thinking back to a time when I was young
My memory is clear as day
I'm listening to the dishes clink
You were downstairs you would sing
Songs of praise
And all the times we laughed with you
And all the times that you stayed true to us

Now we'll say thank you
I'll always thank you
More than you could know
Than I could ever show
And I love you
I'll always love you
There's nothing I won't do
To say these word to you
That you're beautiful forever

Always, always and forever

You were my mom, you were my dad
The only thing I ever had was you, it's true
And even when the times got hard
You were there to let us know that we'd get through
You showed me how to be a man
You taught me how to understand
The things people do
You showed me how to love my God
You taught me that not everyone knows the truth

And I thank you
I'll always thank you
More than you could know
Than I could ever show
And I love you
I'll always love you
There's nothing I won't do
To say these words to you
That you will live forever

Forever and ever"

*NOTE: The recording I have of this song is from their album and is actually a secret song that plays after the last track. Because my audio editing skills are not up to par, I simply uploaded the entire file, so this week you get two-for-one on songs. Fast forward to the 4:43 mark where the Thank You Mom song begins.

Artist: Good Charlotte

Song: Thank You Mom

Album: Good Charlotte (2000)

Lyric of the Week

2011-04-29T09:58:00.011-06:00

"You don't choose the memories that stay with you all your life
You think you do, but they choose you, and then they hold on tight"

No offense other birthdays, but 29 was pretty great. Despite the sense of dread I felt leading up to entering the last year of my young adult life, things turned out okay.

Never before do I remember Breck planning ahead so far; going to so much effort; and getting so excited to give me a gift. I guess twenty-three was pretty great too -- my 'golden birthday' when I turned 23 on the 23rd -- when Breck gave me 1 gift each day of April (although I don't remember exactly what any of those 23 gifts were).

Yep, I am truly blessed. Even though I'm sure Breck would describe me as her pain-causer, she is my painkiller.

So I guess being twenty-nine is not so bad after all. It's thirty I have to worry about...

Artist: Jim Bianco

Song: Painkiller

Album: Sing (2008)

P.S. I want to learn this song on the piano, but can't find the sheet music. Anyone?

Lyric of the Week

2011-04-22T09:42:00.004-06:00

With my upcoming 29th birthday tomorrow I can feel the big 3-0 looming not too far in the future.

I feel old.

So it brought a smile to my face the other day when this MxPx song came blasting through my ear buds. Admittedly I don't listen to this type of music very often anymore as my musical tastes have mellowed a bit, so I would typically skip to the next track; but for whatever reason I let it play through this time.

I'm glad I did.

This song reminds me of simpler days. Days with few worries. Days when I only cared about listening to music and trying to impress girls. Now that I think about it, maybe things aren't so different today after all (although my target audience of girls has now been reduced to a limited few).

"Can I call you sweetheart, or even baby doll?
If I had your number, you'd be getting a phone call
Can I leave you a message on your machine?
Letting you know that you're the bomb and you blew up on me

Are you anxious to see me after your next class?
Do you care when I tell you; step around that broken glass?

Can I see you after you get out of school?
I won't even mind it if you treat me cruel
Take a ride on my Vespa; I'll take you home
I'll climb up to your window and read you a poem

Are you anxious to see me after your next class?
Do you care when I tell you; step around that broken glass?

I know that you beleive in the one true God above
And that's why you're waiting for your one and only love
Do your feet hurt? Did you fall from heaven?
'Cause you been running through my mind all day
My mind don't mind

I don't know what to say or do
I can't eat when I'm with you
Goodnight sweetheart I gotta go
And you won't come to my next show?"

Artist: MxPx
Song: Do Your Feet Hurt?
Album: Life In General (1996)

Lyric of the Week

2011-04-15T11:33:00.002-06:00

Because things have seemed out-of-sorts lately and not what I had anticipated:

"Maybe it's up with the stars

Maybe it's under the sea

Maybe it's not very far

Maybe this is how it's supposed to be

This is how it's supposed to be

Maybe it's trapped in a jar

Something we've already seen

Maybe it's nowhere at all

Maybe this is how it's supposed to be

This is how it's supposed to be

Looking forward as we rewind

Looking back is a trap sometimes

Being here is so easy to do

If you want to"

Artist: Jack Johnson
Song: Supposed To Be
Album: Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies (2006)

From Boy to Man (almost)

2011-04-12T21:40:00.000-06:00

As I opened the door and we were walking into the garage our conversation went something like this:

Aiden (age 6): So, this is your garage?

Preston (age 28): Yup

A: So, where's your chainsaw?

P: Um, I don't have one.

A: Well why not?

P: I guess I've never needed one

A: Oh, well I think you need to go buy one.

It became clear to me tonight after spending a few hours with a six-year-old boy that I've forgotten what it's like to be a six-year-old boy.
I've forgotten what it's like to be covered in dirt and not care; to ask questions about guy stuff like "which one's the strongest?"; "who can run the fastest?"; "which color is the best?"; "how much does that weigh?"; "is that the most expensive?"; and "which one is the biggest?"
I've forgotten what it's like to climb on a pile of dirt just because it's there; or to want to "build something" just because it feels like a manly thing to do.
I've forgotten what it's like to have the attention span of, well...a 6-year-old boy.

I don't know how it happened, but it appears that I've officially turned from a boy to a man; if I just get myself a chainsaw, that is.

Lyric of the Week

2011-04-08T09:58:00.003-06:00

"If you don't have someone to do it with it's not worth doing"

I've had this simple lyric running through my head the last few weeks as I continue to more fully understand the fact that I wouldn't/couldn't do the things I do daily without the loving support of my beautiful wife (that's supposed to be a compliment, by the way).

Then, earlier this week, I came across some writings by Napoleon Hill that helped me clarify in my mind exactly what I was thinking. Napoleon Hill, according to Wikipedia "was an American author who was one of the earliest producers of the modern genre of personal-success literature. He is widely considered to be one of the great writers on success. His most famous work, Think and Grow Rich, is one of the best-selling books of all time." Hill coined the term "Master Mind" and in his book The Law of Success defines the Master Mind as “a mind that is developed through the harmonious co-operation of two or more people who ally themselves for the purpose of accomplishing any given task.” Hill argues that a master mind can be formed between any two individuals but it has its greatest power when developed between and man & a woman (particularly if they are married):

"A man and wife may live together, accumulate a fair sized or even greater fortune, rear and educate a family, without the bond of harmony which is essential for the development of a Master Mind. But all of these alliances might be made more powerful and effective if based upon a foundation of perfect harmony, thus permitting the development of a supplemental power known as the Master Mind.
Plain co-operative effort produces power; there can be no doubt about this; but cooperative effort that is based upon complete harmony of purpose develops super-power.”

Admittedly Breck and I don't always exactly see eye-to-eye on things, but ultimately I believe we have "harmony of purpose" in how we run our household and raise our beautiful little girl.

Note to self: I'm so lucky to be where I am doing what I'm doing with the people I love.

The second line of the chorus follows with:

"To all my friends, it's not the end. The earth has not swallowed me yet"

Artist: 311
Song: Freak Out
Album: Music (1994)

Lyric of the Week

2011-04-01T13:21:00.003-06:00

The answer is "no" I couldn't have been anyone other than who I am or, as I posted here, chosen any other career path than I did.

"Could I have been
A parking lot attendant
Could I have been
A millionaire in Bel Air
Could I have been Lost somewhere in Paris
Could I have been
Your little brother
Could I have been
Anyone other than me
Anyone

He stands touching his hair his shoes untied
Tongue gaping stare
Could I have been a magnet for money?
Could I have been anyone other than me?

Twenty [eight] and so tired of life
Such a shame to throw it all away
The images grow darker still
Could I have been anyone other than me? Then I

Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy

I am who I am who I am who am I
Requesting some enlightenment
Could I have been anyone other than me?

Sing and dance I'll play for you tonight
And thrill at it all
Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes
But I'll work it out then I

Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy

Falling out of a world of lies
Could I have been dancing nancy
Could I have been anyone other than me?"

Artist: Dave Matthews Band
Song: Dancing Nancies
Album: Under the Table and Dreaming (1994)

Infecting Positivity

2011-03-31T09:13:00.000-06:00

Today what I do should be meaningful
Today what I do needs to matter
Today doesn’t have to be something huge
Just take what's good & make it better

I want to be a person with purpose
A thing that produces good results
Today I want to feel all of these things
Instead I just want to hurl insults

Don't Believe the Hype

2011-03-29T21:17:00.001-06:00

We got cocky!

Though we were always cautious when saying it, Breck and I continually boasted to anyone who'd listen about how well-behaved our beautiful baby Skye was.

In the back of our minds I think we both knew it couldn't last; but we held out hope until...

It came from out of nowhere.

A week full of tantrums and tears. Completely unprepared we were faced with inconsolable & uncontrollable, seemingly out of nowhere and for no apparent reason whining, crying, kicking and screaming. It appeared as though our perfect little 16-month-old child was having a premature case of the terrible-twos.

Though things have simmered down over the last few days I was still worried that Skye's "Day of Dad" today was potentially going to be miserable for both of us.
(Disclaimer: It wasn't technically an entire day as I did go to work; but "Morning & Evening with Father" doesn't quite have the same ring to it)
Our morning routine was fairly typical as Skye is used to Dad waking her up and his futile attempts at picking out matching clothes and brushing her hair. This morning, however, we cruised the 1/2 mile to school by bike instead of our usual route by foot.

It is usually Breck who pick's Skye up from her daycare so I was anxious that when Dad showed up she'd be less than thrilled. To my delight her eyes lit up as I walked in to the room a she came beaming toward me as I scooped her up and headed home for the evening.

My missing Skye had returned.

Our evening was filled with giggles and smiles as we rode our bike, walked to the store, played with the dogs, ate dinner, chased each other around the house, watched a tv show together, played with balloons, took a bath, read some books, ate a bedtime snack, and laid down in bed without so much as a squirm, wiggle, or peep.

Uh oh, maybe I shouldn't have written this; I might have just jinxed it...

Lyric of the Week

2011-03-25T13:06:00.002-06:00

I'm stressed out.

I (& many of those around me daily) have been in panic mode this last week as I speculate about my uncertain future.

These reassuring words help (sort of):

"It's not the end of the world. Oh no, it's not even the end of the day"

So while I was feeling optimistic about my extra time at home earlier this week (I finally trimmed our overgrown backyard tree so hopefully our poor garden can get some rays of sun this year) the last couple days of late nights (at work, ironically) and crappy weather have brought me back down.

Artist: Beady Eye
Song: The Beat Goes On
Album: Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011)

Lyric of the Week

2011-03-18T17:24:00.001-06:00

I sometimes complain that I'm always working to much. Suddenly this week I was told I can't work so much. Is that a good thing? We'll see...

"...When they've tortured and scared you for twenty odd years. Then they expect you to pick a career. When you can't really function you're so full of fear. A working class hero is something to be...

There's room at the top they are telling you still. But first you must learn how to smile as you kill. If you want to be like the folks on the hill. A working class hero is something to be..."

Artist: John Lennon
Song: Working Class Hero
Album: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)

Lyric(s) of the Week

2011-03-11T09:59:00.001-07:00

The new iPad2 is going on sale today. As much as I think I need it, I know that I don't. As John Mayer says:

"How come everything I think I need always come with batteries?"

This topic of wants versus needs has been on my mind a lot lately as I've been trying to strip away a lot of the unnecessary excess in my life. It was fitting, then, that while listening to music on my way to work one day this song sung by Jeff Buckley came through my earbuds:

"How many times have you heard someone say: 'If I had money I would do things my way?' But little they know that it's so hard to find one rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.

Money can't buy back all your youth when you're old; a friend when you're lonely; or peace to your soul. The wealthiest person is a pauper at times. Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.

When my life is over and my time has run out; my friends and my loved ones I will leave there's no doubt. But one thing's for certain when it comes my time, I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind."

Artist: Jeff Buckley (originally sung by Porter Wagoner in 1956) written by Joe Hayes & Jack Rhodes
Song: Satisfied Mind
Album: Sketches (For My Sweetheart the Drunk) - 1998

Artist: John Mayer
Song: Something's Missing
Album: Heavier Things (2003)

Lyric of the Week

2011-03-04T16:39:00.001-07:00

Although many things out of my control seem to be happening around me lately I'm continually reminding myself that if I want my life to follow the path I desire I have make a plan and steer the ship.

"Now you finally know that you control where you go. You can steer."

Artist: Missy Higgins
Song: Steer
Album: On A Clear Night (2007)

What's My Excuse?

2011-03-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Girls can blame sudden emotional outbursts or out-of-nowhere crying on "that time of the month" or pregnancy. I saw this commercial on tv the other day and a immediately had tears in my eyes. What's my excuse?

Luke Sky(e)walker or is it Skye Lukewalker?

2011-03-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

Her arms outstretched like Frankenstein
Determined; no sign fear
One unsteady foot in from of another
As parents' stand by and cheer
Skye can fly -- or so it seems
As she beams with smiles so proud
With those tiny toes now she goes
Wherever she's allowed
New freedom has come and soon she'll run
And jump, and dance, and play
The world is new and as you explore
Mom & Dad are never far away

Lyric of the Week

2011-02-25T10:12:00.001-07:00

I've been a little bit depressed lately. I'll be turning 29 in a couple of months so the big 3-0 is quickly approaching. I always planned to be a millionaire by the time I turned 30. I guess "planned" is not the correct word to use here. I hoped to have a million dollars in the bank by now. There was no actual planning involved and I suppose that is the problem. I've dubbed 2011 as "The Year of Attacking Debt" because lets face it

"I still owe money, to the money, to the money I owe"

In my attempt to be successful and realistic in this venture I'm accepting that my mortgage and student loans are going nowhere anytime soon. They'll be hanging over my head for many years to come (although I've got news for you Bank of America, I have no intention of living in my current home for 29 more years so you'll hopefully get your money back much sooner than the year 2040). So while I continue to pay the minimum payments on my student loans and mortgage for the time being I've got ambitions to "attack" some credit card and personal loan debt in 2011 and get some of those many monkeys off my back.

Now where to begin?

"Hey boss, can I get a raise...?"

Artist: The National
Song: Bloodbuzz Ohio
Album: High Violet (2010)

I Am Me

2011-02-24T17:32:00.001-07:00

I can't even explain how accurately this architect's description of himself matches my own thoughts and traits exactly. Guess that's affirmation that I'm on the correct career path :)

Lyric of the Week

2011-02-11T16:38:00.001-07:00

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday I wanted to find some words that would help me articulate my love to my Valentine. There are obviously countless songs and lyrics out there written with love as their inspiration. Thus, there are any number songs I could have picked to adequately express my feelings but I felt that these few lines summed it up with right amount of thoughtfulness and humor and describe almost perfectly the way I feel about Breck:

“Someone who’ll make me laugh – someone to be my better half – keep me warm under the sack – share with me my midnight snack”

Artist: Hayden
Song: Bad As They Seem
Album: Everything I Long For (1996)

Lyric of the Week

2011-02-04T10:57:00.002-07:00

I had a couple other lyrics in mind that I was going to highlight this week but this morning on my way to work I heard this tune by Nada Surf (yes that Nada Surf) and for whatever reason it resonated with me. Not that I have any specific weight I feel I'm carrying around at the moment, but it just felt like a good thing to remember next time I'm feeling weighed down:
"Maybe this weight was a gift. Like I had to see what I could lift"

Artist: Nada Surf
Song: Do It Again
Album: The Weight Is a Gift (2005)

Also see 1 Corinthians 10:13

I [heart] Hearts

2011-01-26T11:54:00.003-07:00

It started a few days ago while browsing through a box of saved items of Breck's that Colleen had been storing at her house. There was our wedding announcement/invite from our nuptials way back in 2002. Breck was examining its detail and remembering how she had hand-tied each ribbon on the cards. She also noticed a detail she hadn't remembered being there before (all the details seemed new to me as I had no interest or opinion at the time what the announcements looked like & I don't think I ever took more than 1/2 second to really look at them; if it didn't have our names on it I probably wouldn't have been able to pick it out of a lineup). On the background of the card was written LOVE; or more accurately

L O

Neither of us had remembered that the "V" was written with a heart (how cute!)

Since then it seems I've been seeing this display of love everywhere I look. It's not even February yet and already I'm being inundated with all things Valentine's Day. Every bit of advertising is colored with pink and red and covered in hearts. The word LOVE is plastered all over everything. Yesterday Breck and I were comparing the LYVE pattern she just sewed on a shirt for Skye versus the LOYE displayed on a Krispy Kreme ad I was drooling over (actually the "O" was a donut and the "V" was a heart-shaped cookie).

I've never been hesitant to vocalize my dislike (okay maybe not 'dislike'...how 'bout 'indifference') for this frilly holiday. I claim to loathe the cheesy Valentine card or the silly love song yet every year I find myself sitting down to write my own version of a sappy love poem. Why do I do this? They all tend to sound somewhat similar because really how many different ways can you say 'I love you'?

As this LOVEly season approaches I begin to anticipate what words I could write to my Valentine to express my feelings. I'm continually interested and amazed by song lyrics and occasionally write them down for future reference or use but they are disorganized, sporadic, and scattered in various places. I want to start a habit of writing down a song lyric at least once a week (its still January, so not too late to start a New Year's Resolution, right?) to post here so that I can remember and reference them later. Here's one I came across the other day:

"Some people wanna fill the whole world with silly love songs. And what's wrong with that?"

- 'Silly Love Songs' by Paul McCartney

This year, same as every year, I've got no money to buy her jewelry. We have no time to take a romantic vacation (and who takes romantic vacations after they have kids, anyway?). I may give her a gift as suggested in a PSA I saw yesterday: "Give the one you love something special this year for Valentine's Day: check yourself for testicular cancer". But who am I kidding, that's a gift for me as much as anyone else:) So although I feel that they may have lost some of their emphasis and charm over the years and are getting a bit repetitive (did I already say that?), I will continue to write Breck silly love poems every year (I wish I could write music...maybe some day) because I know she loves them. And what's wrong with that?

Happy 1st Birthday Skye

2010-11-29T19:43:00.007-07:00

November Sky
When you ask me why I do the things I do
Its so is easy, it’s because of you
Things have never been the same
Since that first second I said your name
If you want to know why
It’s my November sky

When you look up & see the clouds around
You’ll remember where my heart is found
Truer words I couldn’t say
Yesterday, tomorrow, or today
If there’s a reason why
It’s my November sky

When you see the look that is in my eyes
You’ll know its only truth, there are no lies
Each time the smile on your face
Takes me to a better place
There’s no question why
It’s my November sky

2010-04-23T20:26:00.002-06:00

Today I got to spend time with some of my most favorite girls in the world for my birthday: My lovely mother gave me a ride to work this morning and baked me some birthday brownies; I went out to a delicious dinner (The Copper Onion) with my beautiful wife and daughter; and I just got back from a walk to the park with my two crazy dogs. Life is good surrounded by all these beauties who love me.

2010-02-20T17:03:00.004-07:00

Me & my beautiful girls last weekend in sunny St. George. Good thing all of the houses in the Parade of Homes were way out of our price range, otherwise Breck would have tried to convince me to buy one. She's been desperate for some warm weather and this weekend just made her longing even worse.

2010-02-06T14:04:00.006-07:00

One project always leads to another.
I started with a plan to just finish out the laundry room.

Then I decided to tear up the nasty carpet on our stairs.

Now it appears I'm going to discover a dead body under this pile of asbestos in our crawl space.

2010-01-10T21:29:00.003-07:00

I won!
Here's Skye's cool new chair I won from Grassrootsmodern.com.

A photo of the two pieces of Skye's furniture she doesn't/can't use.

2009-12-28T14:16:00.002-07:00

Being a new dad it is amazing to me the things that now jump out at me as I'm browsing the internet; things that in my earlier days would have easily passed by without a second glance: deals on diapers, sales on strollers, and bloggers' advice on anything and everything related to parenting.
Here's an interesting take on parenthood I came across from another new dad who seems to take a little more of a tree-hugger tone to life than I do, but in my current quest to lessen my negative impact on the earth and leave behind a more gentle legacy I quite enjoyed his thoughts:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/10/ode_to_women_and_nature.php

2009-11-25T10:19:00.007-07:00

Today

Today there is sickness, today there is war

Today there is hatred, there are hungry & poor

Today in the world we find bitterness & strife

But the glass is half-full, because today brings new life

Today you were sent by God, down from heaven above

To parents ready to share with you no lies, just love

You were conceived with purpose, with meaning, & care

That your joys & your struggles, with us you'd share

We're your Mom & your Dad, through our life now comes yours

May you take it on an adventure through stormy seas & new shores

Grab life with both hands & enjoy every moment you're here

Don't be afraid to fall down, to have questions & fear

Each hurdle & boundary overcome makes you strong

Today may you breath life to live healthy & long

Pretty in pink, my blue Skye came today

Into my arms where forever you'll stay

Skye Harper Croxford

Born Tuesday, November 24, 2009 @ 2:28 pm

7 lbs, 14 oz., 21 in.

2009-11-10T11:34:00.003-07:00

Hey baby, your room is ready! After over 4 months of renovations (refinished wood floors, paint, new shelving, new door hardware, new furniture, new lighting, etc.) our nursery and home office are finally complete. Hope the baby recognizes it will occupy the nicest room in our house.

2009-10-31T11:31:00.001-06:00

Hopefully this will let our trick-or-treaters know why we're not home to pass out candy.

Nature Nurtured

2009-10-13T17:03:00.000-06:00

Nature Nurtured...We didn't get up to the mountains nearly as much as we would have liked this summer. Just look at our fat dogs as proof! Thanks, Josh, for your gentle reminder to appreciate the great outdoors. Although my daily work involves what could be perceived as destruction of the natural environment it is my constant goal to create things that exist in harmony with nature and hopefully even enhance it.

2009-09-23T21:13:00.008-06:00

We had a fun trip up the coast of N. California and Oregon following the Utes football team last week. Nine hotels in nine nights, but we saw some amazing things from the big city and big bridges of San Francisco, to the beautiful vineyards in the hills of Napa & Sonoma, to the scenic coast and beaches on the coast, to the giant redwoods of N. California, and finally to the breathtaking rocky cliffs on the Oregon coast. A great trip that I've wanted to take for years and am glad lived up to and exceeded my expectations.
see our other pictures here

2009-06-01T20:28:00.002-06:00

Don't worry if you're scared of the thunder & lightening. Mel will rescue you...just as soon as she gets the courage to come out from under Breck's desk.

2009-05-10T10:32:00.005-06:00

Can you believe it? Preston graduated! Now I must join the working world.

2009-03-22T18:26:00.012-06:00

A beard is the hair that grows on a person's chin, cheeks, neck, and the area above the upper lip. Typically, only males going through puberty, or post-pubescent males are able to grow beards. When differentiating between upper and lower facial hair, a beard specifically refers to the facial hair on the lower part of a man's chin (excluding the moustache, which refers to hair above the upper lip and around it). The study of beards is called pogonology. In the course of history, men with facial hair have been ascribed various attributes such as wisdom and knowledge, sexual virility, or high social status; and, conversely, filthiness, crudeness, or an eccentric disposition, such as in the case of a tramp, hobo or vagrant. In many cultures beards are associated with nature and outdoorsmen.

Who is that guy?

Anyone for some mutton?

The "friendly" mutton...

Merv the perv...

Forget being an architect, I could easily pass for a cop...
How angelic...

2009-01-14T11:35:00.003-07:00

And it came to pass...

2008-11-26T09:16:00.001-07:00

There's a man with an upside down head
His hair fell out one night while in bed
So he let his beard grow
So that no one would know
He's the man with the upside down head

2008-09-30T15:15:00.020-06:00

Summer is officially over! Breck and I took full advantage of our lack of responsibilities this summer, spent more money than we had, and it seemed like we were away more than we were home, but we had a great time:

After a month spent on the other side of the planet I returned in time to spend Breck's birthday party at Pineview Reservoir with friends. We love this lake.

We survived the rapids of the Snake River and chaotic "homemade" fireworks show at the Yates Family Reunion in Star Valley over the July 4th holiday.

A quick weekend was spent in the heat of Las Vegas to see Breck's favorite comedian John Hefron. (Mr. Hefron made sure to "keep [his] hands where we could see 'em" to avoid offending the husbands standing by).

No kids, no clubs, and no clothes? I guess we might as well drive a Harley up to Bear Lake this year.

Hey, there's my campground!

We can see the Lagoon fireworks from Chip & Colleen's backyard.

Aiden transformed into a power ranger at the Utah Arts Festival.

Isn't Paul the best? He invited us up to his Cabin near Oakley.

Always fun to spend time with the family. Croxford Family Reunion 2008 in Jackson, WY. I guess we forgot to get any pictures with the actual family. But here we are.

We always manage to find time for golf with Ty & Sue.

It's become tradition to see Jack Johnson in concert every summer. Hope he comes back next year.

Here's our new fountain in the backyard. Thanks for your help mom and dad!

Go Utes!

See you next summer!

2008-08-19T12:56:00.004-06:00

THE TREE

The tree is ART created by hand
Grown up from a seed that was put in the land
Whether put there by God, Mother Nature, or man
It's beginnings & ends are all part of the plan
The tree is LIFE from it's roots to the air
Giving freely it's shade & fruit it will bear
Doesn't discriminate or discern between rich man or poor
Gives to young & to old until it has nothing more
The tree is the MAN from a boy he has grown
Always learning from mistakes that he must atone
Trimming off dead branches to make room for the strong
To find the place in the world he'll belong

2008-06-25T14:30:00.003-06:00

Here's a link to some photos I took in Japan:

http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=418251214425928389/l=403620025/g=134834261/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Keep in mind that this was a trip to study architecture so there were a lot of attempts on my part to take artsy-fartsy architecture photos that most people probably won't enjoy. Also be warned that although I posted only about half the photos I took, this album still has over 800 pictures in it, so it's a big commitment to look through them all. Enjoy!

2008-05-27T22:57:00.002-06:00

Here`s a little excerpt from an ongoing poem I`ve been writing while in Japan:

...And now here I sit with a pen in my hand

Trying to comprehend this foreign land

Trying to define an undefinable place

As I try to navigate through Tokyo`s rat race

Mile after mile, new sight after sight

Hard to take it all in, try hard as I might

My feet still both have blisters & my back is beyond sore

But I`m even happier now than I`ve ever been before

Seeing all new places & learning all new things

Never been so nervous since that day we exchanged rings

And where is that ring & the girl its attached to?

Want to be here, right now in this place...but with you

So now I sit here listening to these machines as they spin

Thinking about where I`ll go & remembering where I`ve been

Trying to focus on the reason for this journey

Moving slow but at the same time in a hurry

What would other travelers think, what would they do, what would they need?

What can I grow out of my own traveling seed?

The rain continues to pour, a typhoon on the coast

Now we won`t get to see a building I wanted to the most

Work continues, pen to paper, try to focus as I might

My thoughts fall back to the giant sumo men I saw last night

My thoughts on the past & about what`s to come ahead

What thoughts have been thought, what ideas have been said?

The train moves to Nikko and there`s a stairway to heaven

As the journey continues through days nine, ten, eleven

We`ve seen the history of Tokyo & the present & future

I try to relate to my own home & family & culture

I want to take it all in, want to learn & to know

To apply to my work & make my architecture grow...

2008-05-16T08:17:00.002-06:00

Hello to all who are keeping track of me via blog,
Sorry I don`t have any pictures to post yet. It`s not that I haven`t taken any, but I just haven`t been able to transfer them to the computer yet. Tokyo has been amazing this week. We`ve been going non-stop and I haven`t hardly even slept (although that has a lot to do with the time-change I`m sure) We`ve walked over 30 miles around the city and my feet are definately feeling the effects so if anyone has suggestions on a quick-heal method for blisters I`m all ears. I`ve already worn the two different pairs of shoes I brought so maybe I`ll just buy some new shoes to keep moving the blister locations to other parts of my feet.
This has been an amazing experience so far and I`m sure it will only continue to get better.

Sayonara,

Preston

2008-05-08T13:11:00.003-06:00

In 2005 I paid $150 to attend the Utah Rider Education course where I was able to get the motorcycle endorsement on my drivers license I needed to finally Stop Dreaming, Start Riding (according to their motto). Little did I imagine that it would be a full 3-years later that I would again navigate the streets on a motorcycle. May 3, 2008, the dream came alive again:

Breck and I traveled to Southern Utah for the weekend to spend some quality time together before I head to Japan for a month. We both skipped out of work early on Friday and drove the 300 miles from Salt Lake City to Hurricane, Utah. We arrived just in time to settle into York & Annie's beautiful home, grab some pizza & beer, and lounge on the couch to watch the Jazz eliminate the Houston Rockets from the first round of the playoffs. We woke early the next morning as planned in preparation for a quick day-trip to Vegas, baby! This drive to Las Vegas, however, would not be just your average road-trip. This journey would be aboard a 2008 Harley Davidson Fat Boy. "In the saddle of a Harley-Davidson® Softail®, no road is ever lonely. Sunlight breaks through treetops to dance on chromed steel. The wind offers its constant stream of praise. And the world unfolds before you with open arms." I was admittedly nervous about not only riding a Harley for the first time, but traveling at 80 mph mere inches above the asphalt of the freeway navigating 100 miles through the desert with my hot biker babe riding on back. Despite my confession to Breck that I had never done this before and was a bit nervous, she had all the faith in the world that I would do just fine. We handed over our credit card & signed our lives away and were ready to go.

After some brief driving practice in the parking lot and through the surface streets of Washington, Utah, we traveled down the sloped freeway entrance, merged into the flow of speeding cars and loud semi trucks and were on our way. Zero stops and 2 hours later we enjoyed our moment in the spotlight as Vegas-goers' stared as we cruised the Strip atop our trusty steed. We made our way to our destination at the Tropicana Hotel to see BODIES: The Exhibition (http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/) on display -- I'll admit that this part of the weekend was mainly for Breck's enjoyment as cadavers and deformed fetus' are not really my cup of tea. Although I didn't have much of an appetite following our up close and personal journey through the human body, Breck convinced me that an In-and-Out burger would be just the energy boost I needed for the Harley ride back to Utah. She was right. After lunch we hopped back on our Fat Boy (mmm, a Fat Boy Ice Cream Sandwich sounded like a great palate-cleanser after that deep-fried lunch) with full stomachs and more confidence in my motorcycle-driving skills than I had had on that morning. The drive back was uneventful but relaxing and enjoyable. That evening we returned "our" bike back to Zion Harley Davidson with smiles and sunburns on our faces as proof of that days adventure.

Sunday morning brought another warm sunny day and a chance to golf 9-holes on beautiful Sky Mountain golf course before our 4-hour drive back to Salt Lake.

Possibly the ultimate American male's weekend getaway.

2008-03-31T21:35:00.004-06:00

It's official, I'm going to Japan! I'm incredibly excited that I will be spending 4 weeks from May 12-June 12 with some classmates traveling and studying architecture in Japan (this image is the most visited castle in Japan, Himeji Castle). If anyone has any suggestions on where to go or what to see, let me know. Also if you have any extra money laying around that you don't know what to do with, I've got a good way to spend it...I'm willing to wear a t-shirt the with your name on it the entire trip if you'd like to be recognized as an "official sponsor".

2008-03-24T11:23:00.000-06:00

I keep telling myself I'm going to keep a blog in order to keep in touch with family and friends. I've been saying that for years now as indicated by my initial entry in this blog in June 2006. I figure if I've got time in my "busy" schedule to spend a week cruising around the Caribbean with my beautiful wife and her family (Thank You, by the way, to Chip & Colleen for funding this adventure) then I certainly can find time to document my thoughts occasionally in writing. Let's hope it's not another 2 years before I have another thought.

2006-06-09T07:54:00.000-06:00

Hey, this is Preston! Does this thing work? I don't know how to post a blog...