The Drive-In

The last two Fridays, I got to go to the drive-in with some friends and I loved every minute of it. I rediscovered all the thrills of the drive-in a couple of years ago, when we took Doc for his farewell. I remember going a couple of times when I was younger, but now it is a summer tradition. I love to watch movies and hang out with friends so it is the perfect balance. You can’t approach going to the drive-in the same way you would if you were at a cinema. I think it is more comparable to watching a movie at home. If you are pretty serious about seeing a certain movie, then I would recommend the cinema, because the environment is controlled. At a drive-in you never know what is going to happen, but that is what makes it fun.

• A double feature for $7 dollars and kids under 11 are free.
• The pre-movie music is old and vintage and a little corny.
• A drive-in is a social activity. You get there early, set up your spot, gather the chairs around, get out the food and drinks, and then talk. After the first show, more talking. In fact, you can talk during the show if you have witty comments to make. It is like a beach setting. People can get creative with their space, and sitting situations. My favorite is the armchairs in the back of the pick-up.
• Bad movies are tons better at a drive-in. The history of the drive-in was all about bad movies or b-grade movies, but your expectations are to have a good time with your friends and not to see high art. By the way, in the last two weeks I saw: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the War of the Worlds, the Island, and Fantastic Four. They were all perfect drive-in movies. I am not saying that these were bad movies, but the fit the drive-in aesthetic perfectly.
• You can count on noise interruptions. At some point in the night, the train will pass by and the airplane will fly over.
• You can count on other problems to arise. Sound problems with the audio followed by a chorus of cars honking for the projection man to fix it. What I thought was a cool special effect in Fantastic Four turned out to be the film melting on the projector. After about a minute we were up and running. Someone may want to leave during the middle of the show and shine their lights on the screen which drowns out the color. But I cherish all these little annoyances, because they are all laughable and enhance the overall experience.
• They have one of the best snack bars I have ever seen. Totally old-school.
• At some point during the second show, the old man will come on over the intercom to announce that the snack bar will be closing in 10 minutes and then 5 minutes. When he does this, he mutes the sound of the movie. Classic.
• Enjoyment of warm summer nights under the moon.
• Always wondering why some people would park all the way in the back.
• The ability to bring your own food in. We have brought pizza, chips, popcorn, cookies, candies – all sorts of junk food and coolers of pop. Throw it all together and then share with your friends.
• And (for Dash’s sake) the best part is the vintage snack ads during intermission. He loves the dance of the hot dog and hot dog bun.

Those were some slices that I just thought of. I am sure there are plenty more. All of the these added together with some good friends create a pretty good time.

Me and Doc on Holiday and Doc Holliday

A couple of years ago, Doc and I went on a church ski trip to Aspen. Three days of skiing and then head back home the next morning, but that didn't happen. The night before we were to leave, there was a huge snow storm west of us. This snow caused an avalanche in front of the mountain pass that we were to go thru.

The leaders got together to try to plan out alternate routes and await information regarding the state of the mountain pass. There were no options; we were stuck. WHAT FUN!! Unplanned events. I had to call work and tell them that I was stuck in the snow storm and would not return back in time. FUN! I left the same message with Vernal and Goose who was 4 months at the time. NOT FUN, but what can you do?

We were staying in Glennwood Springs and we were not affected by the snowstorm at all, in fact the weather was brisk in the low '50's. The leaders were trying to figure out what to do with everybody (there were about 50-60 in the group): another day of skiing, snowmobile riding, trips to walmart for snacks and games, go to a park and picnic, etc. I was dicided that since most of the kids didn't have extra money that we wouldn't go skiing and that we would just hang aroung the motel for the day.

Most of the group was content hanging in the game room playing games all day. I have never had the desire to play 6 hour world domination games. One guy brought his x-box, so there were a group of teenage boys who didn't see the light of day. We were not so content to stay put. Doc is a great friend, always up for an adventure (once he get's up-he's a little slow in the morning.) We were going to explore; sadly, no one else took us up on the offer.

We remembered that Glennwood Springs had a quaint little downtown as we drove through it earlier, so we headed that way. It was a nice walk, maybe a little to warm for our jackets. The sun was out and the mountains surrounded us on all sides. There downtown had all sorts of interesting mom and pop shops from bookstores, to adventure sport stores, coffee shops, clothing, restaurants, night clubs. We even found a place that made authentic Italian gelato
that we enjoyed on their outdoor patio as we watched the locals go about their daily life. We even saw some of the hippie/granola crowd protesting with signs across the bridge as the war in Iraq just began.

Later, we found signs that lead to a mountain hiking path. The signs said that this was the path to Doc Hollidays tombstone. So we went up. Soon we were high over the town. Looking over cliffs, we could see how far away we were from where our motel was. Perspective is always fun. We kept going up and sure enough we stumbled upon an old graveyard. It was amazing looking at the dates and to see that people lived 25 to 40 years. It was also sad to see a common mother and infant grave side-by-side. (Thank goodness to modern medicine!)

It was funny to see Doc Holliday's grave. People left little gifts, but it was all about his gambling-shooter persona. There were cards -spades, clubs, diamonds, and hearts- scattered around. A small bottle of Jack Daniels laid empty in front of his tombstone. There were also jewelry, bullets, and maybe some lacy undergarments.

Needless to say, I think Doc and I came away with some good memories (even if we weren't playing x-box all day.)

relief is on the way

fyi...
Check out those lows...

The Muuuundays

“Somebody has a case of the Muuuundays”

Sorry, this quote is still fresh in my mind from watching Office Space with my coworkers last Thursday. (We closed the office a little early, set up the movie and had snacks, beverages, and lots of laughs. The Partners also admonished us not to get any ideas.)

Anyway, Mondays are not fun. I should use my Sunday nights better to prepare myself for Mondays, but I don’t, because technically it is still part of the weekend. The problem is that we have an 8:00 staff meeting every Monday morning and they start at 8 SHARP. If too many people walk in a few minutes late, we will be reminded – “everybody, try to make it on time next week.” How is that for pressure on a Monday morning?

This is what helps me fight the Muuuundays:

• Shave Sunday night. I usually don’t shave during the weekend. If I do it Sunday night, I can shave minutes off of my “gettin’ ready time.”
• Wake up with the mindset that I need to get ready quicker than usual. This helps me not take such a long shower and doddle in front of the mirror. Focus on the essentials- brush teeth, set hair, put in contacts – anything else would pluck away time.
• Plan “Work Outfit” ahead of time. Whether it is the night before or in the shower, it is nice to have a game plan of what to put on or else I’ll stand and stare into the closet. You don’t want to get hung-up!
• Grillin’ Monday. During the warm months a couple guys at my office organize lunch on the grill. They usually grill 3 Monday’s a month. If there is no Grillin’ Monday, preparing one the night before is a nice idea (doesn’t always get done.) Having to prepare a lunch in the morning will eat away the minutes.
• Slim Fast Shake for breakfast. Just pour the milk, add the powder, and shake so I can make a fast break to the car.
• Pray that traffic is on your side. When you are in a hurry, you don’t want to get in a jam.

Any other day, I don’t mind being a few minutes late.

hot hot heat

EXTREME HEAT OR EXTREME COLD
Given a choice, which weather temperature is worse?

Neither is ideal…let’s face it; they are both miserable. I have always sided with the idea that I could handle the EXTREME HEAT better than cold. Although, the last few days and the days to come are giving me a reason to reconsider my position, because of the heat wave we have been experiencing in Kansas City. With temperatures in the 100’s, being outside is pretty miserable.

But a strange thing is happening…I think I am starting to develop a tolerance to this heat. Adaptation is taking place. I am an 8-5 office boy, so it may be minimal compared to an asphalt worker's tolerance. I am sure that I could also develop a tolerance in the bitter cold climates, but hopefully I won’t have to test it. (I remember winters in South Dakota.)

I will stick to my position that EXTREME HEAT is better for its relief factors:

1. Shade – getting out of the sun is a big help.
2. Breeze – in the shade on the skin reduces temperatures.
3. Sweat – the body’s natural A/C.
4. Water – never tasted so good nor felt so good.
5. Night – when the sun is down it always cools off.

My nightly walks these last few days have been awesome. I love warm summer nights…there is a certain smell of summer that takes you back to when you were a boy playing catch with your dad until well after sunset when mom calls you to the porch for watermelon as we listen to the voice of the Royals on the radio and quiet down when # 5 comes to the plate. Warm summer night are filled with music – from outdoor porch parties to the rhythmic drone and hum of cicadas. Then there is the gorgeous breeze as she flirts with you – some moments she acts like she is interested and then she pulls back to show that she’s hard to get. But those moments when she caresses, you dream they won’t end. (You won’t see that on TV, kids!) -Did I mention the full moon the last couple of nights?

what's next to your bed?

Nightstand, bedside table, desk - we all have that special spot next to our bed.

In college, I always had a design professor who would play these mental games....draw a picture of you favorite place growing up as a kid....what is your favorite sound on campus....what is your favorite room in a house....where is your special space? The idea is to get to the human element of why we like things and how we can incorporate that into architecture or design in general.

I just came to the realization that my table next to my bed is one of my favorite spaces in my house. This one little space is all about me. It is my personal space, which is hard to say about the rest of the house now that we have a full blown family. I share a bedroom with my wife - the normal thing to do. Both boys have their own little room. The family room has a little bit of everybody-books, movies, TV, games, toys, wooden train table, etc. The kitchen is functional for preparing and serving food. The Dining and Living rooms are more formal for entertaining guest, but will have the occasional toy lying on the floor.

The table next to my bed has a lamp, an alarm clock, a stack of books that acts as a reading queue, my 500+ cd collection in my closet all shrunk down into my handy little ipod, headphones (I listen to music as I drift asleep,) and nifty little drawer filled with all sorts of knick-knacks.

I am curious to know if everyone has a stack of books next to their bed. I looked over at Vernal's bedside table and she has a stack too. My two and half year old has a big pile of books next to his bed.

I am always curious to look at someone's music collection and book collection. I haven't always been a great reader like my friend Darwin, but now I am at a time in my life when I have more time to read.

My stack has books read, reading, and yet to read:

White - Ted Dekker
Searching for God Knows What - Donald Miller
The Ultimate Hitchhikers Guide - Doglas Adams
Bono in Conversation with Michka Assayas
The Wide Window - Lemony Snickets
Perspectives (a lifeguide for 20somethings) - Colin Creel
Simplicity - Mark Solomon
Bible

inventory of summer music

A friend (acquaintance) of mine from New York sent me an email last week. He knows that I am a music fan so his question was simple: “By the way, listening to any new music?”

That is the one question that I love to answer and talk about. BB (who has good taste in music) and I have had many long conversations about our enjoyment of music….and I am sure that we probably bore Dash, Dust, and Darwin when we get going. Doc can handle a lengthy conversation on music also.

Anyway this is the new music of my summer, so far:

Sufjan Stevens – Illinois
Erin Mckeown – We will become like birds
Bill Mallonee – Dear Life
Bill Mallonee – Hit and Run
Bill Mallonee – Friendly Fire
Billy Corgan – The Future Embrace
Joy Electric – Workmanship 7”
Coldplay – X&Y
Elkland – Golden
Starflyer 59 – Never Play Covers
Starflyer 59 – The talking voice vs. the singing voice
Over the Rhine – Drunkard’s Prayer
New Order – Waiting for the Sirens call

phantom glasses

(I think most of my friends don’t wear glasses, so I don’t know if they’ll be able to relate.)

I think I split my time wearing glasses and contacts about 50/50. I love my glasses. They are a dark brown plastic and I have had them for about 5 or 6 years. I have been wearing them for a long time and I am used to the feel of them on my face. Being plastic, they don’t have the little rubber grippers that hold to your nose. Since it is just plastic, they often slide down my nose a little and I push them back up with my forefinger.

The weird thing is on days when I am wearing contacts; I often get the phantom sensation that my glasses are slipping down my nose and I will try to push them back up – but nothing is there…..spooky! And this usually happens during social situations…..nerdy!

# 50

50

According to my post count, this will be number 50 for me.
It all started with a little "Hello" on March 31, 2005.
...a little experiment for my soon to be dark roaming spaniard friends...
I didn't have much to say at the time, but look at me now (3 1/2 months later)...up to 50!

The Taste of Summer

Every season has a flavor and I have realized that the flavor for the summer for Vernal and I has been the Root Beer Float.

We usually get ourselves a treat on Friday night for the two of us to enjoy after the kids have been put to bed and as we get ready to watch a movie. It feels like our choice for the past six or so weeks has been a 2 liter of A&W root beer and vanilla ice cream. The combination is magical.

Last night wasn't Friday, but we still had leftovers, so I treated myself.

Long live the Root Beer Float.

Group Night at Starlight

Last night our office had a group activity at Starlight Theatre for dinner and to see Jesus Christ Superstar. This was my first out-of-office function with my co-workers and their spouses. It is always interesting to see what type a person one pairs up with. (So this is your wife…)

I love going to Starlight. The setting is just magical –the Romeo and Juliet towers, the brick architecture, the fountains, the courtyard, the trees, the greenery, the open air theater, being their with your lover, and then being taken into a different world of singing, dancing, and my favorite scene of warming ones hands by fire lit by logs or in a trashcan in a street. I’ve noticed this scene quit a bit in musicals, like the poor people in Annie, or a Christmas Carol, and even Jesus Christ Superstar – to name a few.

We had dinner at the Applause club located just east of the theater across from the fountains. We found the section where our group was eating and made our introductions. The main principal for our firm has a daughter who is good friend with Vernal’s sister. So, they had a bit to talk about and then he invited us to join them at their table – they just happened to have two seats upon. I tried to using my best table manners and chewed with my mouth closed.

It was a very nice evening and everything was paid for by the firm. The show was good; the food was good. Our office will be adding new rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms and all sorts of other rooms in a new building at the location of our eating area with-in the next year or so.

A Day Out With Thomas

It all started a little over a year ago…that is when we first watched a DVD that Goose got for Christmas earlier. That DVD was a Thomas the Tank Engine video. Judging the book by its cover, I, at first, dismissed this whole Thomas thing because the trains looked a bit cheesy with their faces on front of the engine. But soon I was introduced to these simple stories about human behavior and the wonderful Island of Sodor. These videos have a gentle rhythm and innocence comparable to the original Winnie the Pooh or Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Goose was hooked. What boy doesn’t love trains? The original American Romance – I was hooked too. (Meaning it wasn’t annoying like Barney or Teletubies.)

I had a plan…I am not a fan of junk toys that are good for a week then break and get collected in a box. The plan was…Goose’s 2 year birthday was coming up in November and I would coordinate with all the relatives to give the Thomas wooden toys as a gift. I had tasked my dad with the job of making a train table and I would design the layout of the track and paint the top. Sure, you could buy pre-designed track layouts and table tops, but that would take all the fun away from me. It was a hit and to this day he still loves his wooden train table and wooden trains. I am a fan of the wooden trains myself. There is something about wood that is classic, there is something right about the feel of wood in a person’s hand.

So that brings us to this weekend for an event called “A Day Out With Thomas” hosted at the Midway Rail in Baldwin City, Kansas. We were pretty excited to take Goose. He love trains and train rides. We had our tickets for the whole family to ride in passenger coaches that were attached to a real life-size Thomas the Tank Engine. All the kids in our shuttle bus gasped with “oohs and aahs” when Thomas came into view. The train station was alive with a festive atmosphere. There was the depot and an outdoor pavilion along with tents set up for magic shows, storytelling, train tables, temporary tattoos, and of course merchandise. Balloons were in the air and the moonwalks were held to the ground. The fire trucks were even there for another bonus and the backdrop was set by a huge grain silo. And the kids…the kids where everywhere!

The time came for our ride; we walked up the steps past the conductor and found empty seats next to a window. As we rolled out, we passed a few old diesel engines, went through a wooded area, and then onto some farmland. Goose just about had his head out of the window the whole time as I am trying to keep him inside. It was a hot day, but with all the windows open; we had a nice breeze coming in. The trip reminded Vernal and me of all the train rides we took in Europe and the enjoyment of watching the land pass by. Overall it was a fun day, but more importantly, Goose had a good time. We took lots of pictures and video to later re-live the experience. When we got home, everybody took a two hour nap – we were wiped.

HI MOM and the loud talker

The loud talker....every office has one (or maybe a few.)

When they get on the phone their voices rise to an uncomfortable level, especially if it is a personal call.

This one guy cracks me up; he is maybe 45, has a loud raspy voice, and his mom calls him all the time. I think she is mental or has some problems. Anyway, he answers his phone loudley and says "HI MOM." Then, he instructs her on something: "DID YOU LEAVE A MESSAGE."

He has been gone this week and I have learned that, much to the delight of my co-workers, I can imitate his "HI MOM" phrase. Some people were rolling in their seats (because no one has talked about his HI MOM before and were glad that others thought it funny), and some people thought he was back early from his trip.

Oh boy, what fun at the office at the expense of others. I hope this isn't considered gossip or being mean. I really like the guy; he is an interesting character and he'll talk your ear off, loudly.

Live Strong Bracelets.....

....it is funny to see grown men wearing these like they are taking part in some high school fad of staying cool.

First off let me say that I have nothing against Lance Armstrong and his bracelets to raise money to fight cancer. I just find it odd that so many older men are getting behind a fad.

Some of the older men at our firm have days when they dress up by wearing slacks and a tie, but on days when they are going business casual -the more sporty look, like I might be going golfing later- they will wear there live strong bracelet.

Why?
It's bright yellow. It's a rubberband. It's cheap....And if nobody was wearing them, I doubt they would pick that out to wear when getting dressed in the morning.

I don't think they wear them to make a statement about fighting cancer. I think it has become a symbol for men to identify with a desire that says "I am sporty. I am adventurous. I am outdoorsy. I still have the fight in me. I am a man." Lance Armstrong fought his battle and has proven to be winner (and I believe he has a good lead in the tour de france, right now.)

Bill Mallonee and the Vigilantes of Love

Last night BB and I went to Davey’s Ramblers Uptown Club to see Bill Mallonne and the Vigilantes of Love. It was the perfect setting; the bar was a dive. Davey’s was covered in old posters, broken records, bumper stickers, and antlers above the stage. The room was dark except for a few neon lights above the bar, the one yellow spot light above the stage and the Jesus candles (the kind you find in the Mexican/catholic section of your local grocery store next to the bulk-size salsa) on Bill's merch table. The room was maybe 25 feet wide by 100 feet long with about 40 or so people in attendance. Bill and his band were at the back end in a sort of makeshift stage with uneven ceilings, wood paneling, antlers, and a women’s and men’s room on either side.

Bill announced he just turned 50. I tried to picture my dad just three years older as a musician touring the country playing to a small but loyal fanbase. (I guess he does that every morning in Sunday School.) The two other guys playing with him looked even older. The band was not concerned about their image as I think they realized they will probably never make it big and be on the cover of Rolling Stone. Nor do their fans care; it is the music that keeps me coming back. Bill was playing an acoustic guitar and harmonica, the bass player had a five string fretless and the other guy was playing a lap steel guitar and mandolin. It was definitely an americana, alt-county evening.

I said Davey’s was the perfect setting and I believe it is because of the atmosphere and the people. I have seen Bill play in Christian coffeehouses- too clean, too crisp, no smells, clean air, everybody nice. But his music is not like that. His music is like the dirt under your fingernails. He is a great wordsmith and he tells great stories through his songs. His music even quieted down a group of rowdy guys who were having fun with their fake Scottish accents, sitting in a booth near the front door. Soon they were all turned around and applauded every song. His songs are an honest look at people and their need for redemption. They are an honest look at himself and his need for redemption. There is always an element of hope, but it is not packaged up in a nice three point sermon, rather it is the candle’s dim glow of Jesus in that dark, smokey place.

There was a line he sang that resonated off the walls and stuck with me through the night:

what if it's for a purpose
what if we used our battered faith
they say God He doesn't make junk
and Jesus never makes mistakes
He has never given up
on anything that He has made
He will chase you like a lover
right through heaven's gate

4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

FRIDAY:
My half day at work. I met with Darwin for lunch one last time at LC's BBQ. I can't begin to describe how amazing my beef sandwich was. Later in the afternoon, the family went swimming. If I am not mistaken I believe this was Turkey's first time in a pool. Vernal had plans that night. I put the boys to bed and then watched THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE.

SATURDAY:
Ran errands to prepare for FAMILY DINNER that took us to Sam's Club....got the smiley faces again on our receipt. Made trip to Coldstone creamery - they were giving away free sample and a chance to win ice cream for a year; we didn't. Made trip to Hy-vee to pick up smaller item stuff not needed in bulk quantity and then made trip to Werner's German/Scando meat market to pick up some polish suasages - the best in town. Later, Goose and I went to a park and hiked through the woods. After the kids were in bed I made a trip to Best Buy and Borders to look at music. I came away with the new Erin Mckeown cd - We Will Become Like Birds. Vernal was tired and went to bed; I watched FINDING NEVERLAND and loved it. Johnny Depp is great and certain scenes had me in tears.

SUNDAY:
Went to church - Sunday School and then the service. I was talking to my brother-in-law who plays bass and his brother who plays drums and my cousin's husband who sings in the background right before musical worship began and they were daring me to join them on stage and play the bongos. I don't know how to play the bongos nor keep a beat. Their bongo player was in Mexico. A lot of people were gone on vacation, so why not. I was up on stage with a sheepish grin; it was great fun.
The first Sunday of the month, all my family in town get together for a big FAMILY DINNER. We take turns hosting at our homes. This month was our turn and we decided in the spirit of the Holiday to do an all American cookout picnic. We were at Antioch Park near the new playground. We grabed 4 picnic tables to put together and grilled burger, sausages, and hot dogs. Everyone brought salads, chips, sides, watermellon, desserts, and drinks to make a picnic right. We played some bocce ball and then had a waterballon toss game that turned into all out fight until the balloons were gone.
That night Vernal and I watched HOTEL RWANDA. Wow, we are lucky. The movie did a good job in showing the atrocities without exploiting them.

MONDAY:
I got to sleep in until 9:30. (Thank you, Vernal.) Took it easy. Vernal had plans for lunch and a movie with her sisters and mom. I got the boys down for a nap and read a bit. The main plan for the day was watching fireworks. We decided to go to Corporate Woods. They always put on a good show and is a fun festive atmosphere. I like crowds of people, cheesy cover bands, and carnival vendors. We brought our chairs, blankets, and some snakes. We also ran into a group from church...(good thing that I wasn't wearing my short cutoff shorts with a pack of candy cigarettes rolled up my t-shirt sleave while holding a luke warm ice tea in a clear plastic cup all the while getting a temporary tattoo on fire safety from the firemans booth.) I would hate to make someone stumble.