Stay classy San Diego!

Back on TV again today and this time on Fox 5. Fox news is a loose operation but at least they like putting Chris on TV. Check it out.

 

Hello Cleveland!

Last night we stepped into the way back machine and went to Foreigner at the Belly up. I really wasn't sure what to expect so I was completely blown away to see them completely going for it. It had everything you would expect from aging 80's rockers. They poured themselves into tight pants, blew out their hair, and turned up the amp's to 11. We couldn't help but laugh most of the night and spew every Spinal Tap reference we could think of but I'll admit, they rocked. It was a good time and if they head to your town, I'd recommend checking them out. It will not disappoint.

Here's the only picture I got that wasn't blurry, it's from my phone but you get the point.

Say What?

I'm really excited to be making this change, I've gotten a new job, which I'll be starting on Jan 4th. Tomorrow is my last day at my current job. I'm ready for the new challenge, ready to be on the wholesale side of the retail business but what I'm most excited for, a far shorter commute! I mean let's be honest, 60 miles one way was a long way to be commuting every day for the last 13 months. One thing I definitely learned while on the road for all that time, books on tape aren't as easy as they seem. You definitely have to pay attention and listen while also paying attention to the road. Trust me, you'd be amazed at how many times 20 minutes go by before realizing that you haven't heard a word of the book. So I've got the rest of the year off, I'm back to house husbandry for a little while. I already have a list of projects that will be getting started on Saturday and I can wait to get going at the new gig.
On a side note, while thinking about making this change and my start date I realized an interesting and sort of scary fact about myself. As I turn 30 on January 2nd I'll be entering the 4 consecutive decade of life without collecting a paycheck. I'm not sure if that's something to be proud of or terrified by, but either way, I'll be ready for that first one by week 2 of 2010.

You serious Clark?

Since everyone that was here for Thanksgiving left that Saturday, we got after it and went and got our Christmas tree that Sunday. Of course, once it got home it didn't fit in our stand. I'll take any excuse to get out the Sawzall so out it came and I went to town on the trunk. Trimmed it down pretty quick and up the tree went. Luckily when I cut the netting no windows were broken, no furniture broken. There wasn't a ton of sap and we haven't had a squirrel come flying out. All in all, we're nothing like the Griswald's, but I will say, our neighborhood represents when it comes to exterior illumination. The bar has been set and I'm now in the hunt for all ridiculous lighting and Christmas related characters I can find. What out Clark, I'm gunning for you!

You nod your head and I'll hit it!

Since family was in town for the week of Thanksgiving, what would we naturally spend 99.9% of our time doing? House work, that's what. Since our bathroom overhaul we've been without a mirror hanging over the vanity. Luckily the closet in the bathroom is two huge floor to ceiling mirrors. You really don't realize how nice shaving over a sink is until you spend 4 months cleaning shaving cream from out between your toes.
So job #1, get the mirror on the wall. Chris and I got it pre-cut so it would fit better than it used to, then we decided to frame it and glue it on. My dad spent Monday figuring out a good design for the molding and then staining it. Wednesday it was time to get that thing on the wall. Not too tough, some liquid nails on the back, screws and glue on the wood and voila, no more shaving cream on my toes! Check it out, I'd say it looks pretty good!



Job #2, We didn't have any light over the dining room table. This wouldn't be a problem generally but with 10 people eating Thanksgiving, we figured they would like to see what they were eating. It was time to replace that horrible light/fan that didn't work. Lamps plus came through with a great chandelier and up it went. Little does everyone know but it was just under 24 hours before Thanksgiving dinner before we actually had light. What an improvement?!



Oh, just a note on the picture of the light and table. I'm sure you're wondering about why the end of the dining room table is round and lower at the end. Well, we had too many people for our main table so we brought the kiddie table in and Adam and I held that bad boy down all through dinner. Nothing like eating at the kids table at the first Thanksgiving in the first house you own!

Adam with Callie in the background


Packed house!


1 week later and I'm having a Turkey/Stuffing/Cranberry sauce sandwich for dinner. Best part about having dinner at your place......LEFTOVERS!


It was great having everyone out to the house for our 2nd Thanksgiving in California. So much fun, so much work done to the house. I learned a ton about electrical work and plenty about what we should really do when re-doing the kitchen. Thanks for all the help, kitchen advice, food, fun, gardening, The Santa Clause, wine, kitchen advice, gorgonzola crackers, golf, banana bread, snacks from the plane and did I mention kitchen advice?

I'm Ron Burgandy?

Everyone's favorite Mutt employee was recently on the news here in SD. Check her out talking about gifts for you pets for the holidays.

Now that she's been on, that makes two members of the family on the news since moving here. Adam was also interviewed after finishing the marathon. Guess I need to figure out a way on there, maybe I'll streak a Charger game or even a golf tourney at Torrey Pines. You'll all just have to wait and see what I come up with!

More Turkey Day Activities

The weather on Thanksgiving here was amazing, 70 degree's and sunny, another beautiful day in paradise. Since it was so nice and because the waves were small, we decided we'd go out for a surf. Adam lives in NYC and doesn't get out too much, he's still at the beginning stages of learning. He's at that point where he can paddle for the wave, catch it but then the last and most crucial step eludes him, standing up. This is the hardest, so it's not too big a deal. I know the frustration he feels out there just on the verge of riding his first wave. Don't worry, next time you're here, I can guarantee we'll have pictures of you riding.
One other benefit to surfing following up the Turkey Trot is the appetite you work up. I think we both managed to eat enough to kill a horse!

And we're off, water was crystal clear and pretty warm for November


Me headed right


Catching one together, Adam going about to pop


Aaaaannnnd down


Anyone seen a 23 pound turkey we devour?