Ethan doing pushups...

Yehaw!

I think I've checked the UPS website about 40 times in the last week. Becky and I finally purchased a digitial camera. We realized that the only pictures we have from the last few years are those that have been forwarded to us from friends. So last Wednesday we took the plunge. Got a great deal on a camera on Ebay. I felt a little axious about going that route, but the guy had 99.9% positive feedback and over 7,000 transactions, so I was reassured.

So it takes 7 days for a package from New York to reach Beaverton via UPS ground. That's a long time...thus the multiple visits to the UPS tracking website. By the way, I now hate Hodgkins, Ilinois. That was the name of the town that last saw my camera before it arrived in Portland this morning at 4 am. For the last 5 days all the website told me was "Departure Scan: Hodgkins, IL, 1:33pm, Aug 25." I'm going to cancel my vacation to Hodgkins.

So now I'm sitting here...waiting the 90 minutes for the battery to charge. Then I'll try to sneak a little pic up here for your viewing pleasure!

Woohoo! Stay tuned!

PB

It's customary after I ride my bike to work for me to take a shower. I feel it's a good thing for me and for my coworkers. Normally, the gym and locker-room are quite empty when I arrive. Today - different story. As soon as I entered the doors, I saw a hundred people milling around the lobby speaking in a language that I didn't understand. Luckily, "excuse me" works pretty well accross language borders when you've got a flashing headlight and you point to where you want to go. After I navigated the sea of foreigners, I headed for the locker-room. Before I could get undressed (halfway actually...), "scuze me...you work dis?" A short European man points to his combination lock. I tried to explain the turn to the right to clear the lock - clockwise to the first number - counterclockwise past the first number to the second number - and clockwise directly to the third. The last number was 31 and I had my thumb over the 1, so I went to three and it didn't work. Great teacher. So I explained it again, but they guy looked at me blankly.

The lock was open, anyway, so I handed it to him and told him to keep the little piece of paper with the combination on it. Good luck buddy!

A few more guys (in various stages of undress) acosted me on the way to the shower (now fully undressed - with a towel, thank you) and asked for assistance. After the shower, I came back to my locker and saw little groups of 3 showing each other how to work the little machine. I'd like to think I inspired that learning. You know...like a candle light session? One lights the other and so on....

One more naked man asked me how to work the lock, and after I showed him, I asked where he was from. "The Netherlands," he said.
"But we are all European's...from all around. We are here for the Hood to Coast race. This morning we have a...how do you call it [yes he really said that]...wake up run."

I said...that's not how I call it...but good for you. No that's not what I said.

Now I'm at my desk.

Interesting morning.

PB

Inspired by Jim and Eric, I've recapped the year in blogs. Except...I don't have any fancy titles, so I had to go back and read them all. Yikes

Cliché beginning
¼ of the Timberline Trail – 6 hours
Resulting sunburn and Ned Devine
Rush Hour
Nyquil Hangover
80 (8 over par)
Body “sculpting”
“Thank You”
Golf with Jim’s friends
Biking to work with Eric
REI gear sale
Carson head fake and LOST at the Marr’s
Carson MICHAEL
Pjaks and Third Day
LOST season premier letdown
Timberline replacement plans
Golfing on a bad knee
Blue Screen of Death
Sasquatch
Freaky toe tendon
Oh sweet…Beans / free golf
REI Gear Kharma
Sleep
White Jimmy Hendrix
Getting ready to Ski
My friends the Posenjaks
Meekness
Foosball!
Maximus the merciful
Harry Potter w/Steph
Death to Anna Lucia (hopeful)
Florence with Becky and Turk and JD
Jim is better at basketball video games
Canned Food = Lift Ticket
Half-Life 2
Skiing 2-for-1
Make up the Etymology
Shower surround / Cooper Spur / My Cuz
Digging for lost gloves
Part 1 – Cooper Spur recap
Part 2 – Cooper Spur recap
Part 3 – Cooper Spur recap (including Charburger)
Intramural Basketball
Speculating on the gender of baby Marr
Prepping for the Oregon Cycle
Recapping the Oregon Cycle
Friday afternoon BBQ
Coca Cola Zero
Thankful for…
Golf Rain Gear
LOST season 2 recap
Golf…again
Appendix to Roy’s “Great Sunrises”
Tiger does really bad
I want to be writer
Father and Son in Alaska
Irritation Avoidance Glasses
Alaska in Photos

PB

How about some pics...

Safety glasses.

It seems on every power tool there is a little warning sticker that says, "do not operate without adequate eye protection." That's good advice. But I think they should be called Safety / Irritation Avoidance glasses. Last night, I was trimming the arborvitae in front of our complex. I felt very domestic. After I had sheared off the bulk of the overgrowth, I went back to fine tune the job. Then these little dusty fibers of foliage came raining down on my face. I was not wearing my Irritation Avoidance glasses, so I got a bunch in my eye. Then I was irritated.

But all is well today. Hopefully now the garbage man can see down the street when he pulls out.

PB

You know that movie plot...the adult son and his father go on an adventure and finally reconnect...and make up for all the lost time they spent hating each other...and then they scream at each other and the son is all, "I just wanted you to love me!"...and then they get in a dangerous situation...and then they work together and get to safety...and then the son says "I love you, dad!" and the dad says, "I love you too son!" You know that one?

Well next week, I get to go on such an adventure with my Dad. Omitting, of course, the screaming, just-wanted-you-to-love-me's, and (hopefully) dangerous situations.

I think I'm one of those fortunate few who got to grow up with my dad. And not just with my dad around, but with my dad being involved. I couldn't have asked for more attention. I've never felt overlooked, ignored, or less important than anything.

So, on monday, we leave for Alaska - to the land of the Pipeline, Supertramp, and Denali. Such a rich and wild place...and I get to share it with my dad.

PB

So...Lindsey called me out on my lack of blogging. If you're like me, you peruse your friends' blogs daily - not really expecting to find anything new - and you're pleasantly surprised when a new post is...posted. It's kinda like when I go to my parents house and open the fridge. I'm not really looking for anything to eat, and I'm not expecting to see something I really want to dive into...it's just what I do when I go over there.

We'll today, my friends, you happened upon a MilkyWay Midnight in the butter dish.

Here's my catch 22: I want to be a writer, but I don't have anything published. When you want to get published, they ask for samples of your published material. Anybody see a problem with that? Yeah, me too. Along the same lines, I'd love to write for my current employer in some capacity. On Friday, I'm meeting with the director of our employee newsletter. For those who know my employer, you can imagine it's not your standard copy-machine-published company newsletter. So it's a job worth aspiring to. When we set up the meeting, he said, "feel free to send me your writing samples." "Feeling free is not the problem, sir." I just don't have anything extremely impressive to give him. No huge credits or accolades in this baby portfolio. So today, I've given myself the task of compiling (and probably writing) a few niblets of my work that will waft eau de peaby in his general direction. Actually, I gave my self that task last night, but put it off till today. (Maybe that's why I'm not published?) I think I would be a good fit, but obviously it's not my call at this point in time.

So, I'm off to the races. I'll be here for a while. I'm afraid if I go home the couch will call my name instead of my muses.

PB

Yikes...bad weekend in professional golf for the Bunches and the Posenjaks.

Tiger didn't even make the cut!

Then Phil double-bogey's the 18th when a par would win outright.

Sad...sad...sad...

I don't know which is worse!

PB

Appendix A to Roy's Best Time of Day blog.

Today, my father, my brother-in-law, my friend and I will be golfing at one of the nicest courses in Northwest Oregon. Two outings ago, I had one of the worst rounds of my recent golf career (not an actual career...just a figure of speech). In stark contrast, my last outing was literally the best round of my life. I would sincerely be satisfied with a compromise. Anywhere inbetween will be fine!

"The more expansive links-style layout features undulating native grass mounds, distinctive shape, judicious bunkering and formidable greens with short grass surrounds."

I love the game of golf. I think on Sunday, I realized one of the reasons I like it so much. Sure, I would enjoy it if I went out by myself - because there are moments of pride when you accomplish a feat that, though completely possible and even plausable, so often seems to elude your grasp. But even in the midst of one of my personal greatest golf days, I got to celebrate the accomplishments of my friends, and that's what I love the most.

Two in particular:

I won't lie - Eric was not playing very well most of the day. But then on the 8th hole, from 90ft away, he pitches (golf pitch, not baseball) the ball toward the green. Two bounces on the dancefloor and an arching roll bury the dimpled sphere in bottom of the cup. Here's my progression of comments: "Nice ball...looking good...curl, curl, curl....IT'S IN THE HOLE...yeaaaaahhahaha!!!!"

Then Jimbo - a fairly standard day for him. He had some nice shots - a few pars, a few bogeys. Then on the 7th hole - a par 3 (take note of that number). Par is defined as follows: "A number assigned to an individual hole and to the full collection of holes on a course that represents the expected number of strokes it should take to play each hole." Jim hits this beautiful soaring tee shot that lands about 15 feet away from the pin. Eric and I were nowhere near...both off the green. After we made our attempts to get close, Jim steps up and drains his birdie putt. 2 strokes folks! You're supposed to take 3...nice bird!

So today, I'm excited because it's a nice course, and it's FREE! But mostly, I'm looking forward to the many mini celebrations I get to have with my friends.

PB

Last night's episode of LOST wrapped up an interesting season 2. And when I say "interesting," I mean it in more of "are you kidding me" way than an actual interest capturing way. Sure, it had its moments, but in general, the lack of plot development and the focus on non-revelaing backstories almost drove me crazy.

However...I was thouroughly satisfied with the last few episodes, and as intended by ABC, I'm extremely interested in what's going to happen next season. Eric and I had a discussion a few weeks ago about television - specifically "appointment television." It's sad, I know, but there are a few shows that I actually think about during the week and I look forward to those days because I know I get to watch it that night. Anywho...

Mike's take:

Jack/Kate - will totally get together, but they (previews) said there would be some development last night. NOT!
Sawyer - liking him more (as long as he doesn't try to come up with any more nicknames.)
NotHenry - totally knew he would be the leader of the Others.
Locke/Echo - are they dead?? Who knows. I have a feeling they are not, but it would be admirably gutsy of the show to kill them off.
Charlie/Claire - glad they got together - now hopefully Charlie will stop whining all the time.
Desmond - goodbye.
Libby - I have a feeling we'll see her more in flashbacks.
Michael - I think he'll have second thoughts and come back to help. He needs to redeem himself.
OTHERS - No big surprise that they weren't hillbilies. Still wonder if they are Dharmas or Dharmees.
Penny - woh!! Contact with the outside world. So the good news is, this is not Purgatory, or another dimension - they are actually on an island (in the actual world). That's a totally new develpment that will no doubt cause much more confusion and less plot development next season. Whoopee!!

PB

As previously noted, I am golfing today.

Also worthy of mention, the blue sky of the last few weeks has been usurped by armies of clouds - and not the big white fluffy kind. These gray clouds have instated a tyranny of gloom and rain. Yes, it's coming down hard today. I will not, however, succumb to their forces. They are powerless to deter me from the golf course.

I guess this can be a continuation of the my "thankful" list. I'm thankful for gear. All kinds of gear that I've accumulated over the years which allows me enjoy myself outside even when the conditions are not favorable. Today I will be implementing the umbrella, storm fit jacket and pants, watershield shoes and a gore-tex hat. With these items in place, I can play an entire round with dry hands, head, and club-grips even though the skies may attempt to drown me.

Bring on the rain. (which reminds me of one of my favorite country songs: Jo Dee Mesina's (with Tim McGraw) Bring on the Rain)

PB

I have nothing insightful or witty to say today. So I'll just post some things I'm thankful for:

-We're going to the Posenjak's this weekend
-My wife makes me laugh
-My wife is hot
-I'm golfing tomorrow and Friday
-I ran 3.5 miles today with no knee pain
-I have two awesome nephews (and another on the way)
-Jim got a job at Nike
-I've got a job
-I get to play and sing worship music all the time
-We got to barbeque at Eric's on Saturday in the sun
-I've finally mastered my "swing plane" ('mastered' is used loosely)
-Lost's season finale is on Wednesday
-I'm going to Alaska with my Dad in August
-Memorial Day (no work...and "memories" of course)
-I don't have anything planned tonight
-I have awesome friends

PB

2 reasons to post today:

1) Eric called me out on my lack of blogging (with some extremely intriguing - if not necessarily factual - statistical analysis).

2) To spite him, I bought a can of Coca Cola Zero. He said he wanted to try it...so I beat him to it! HAH! (Unless he's already tried it...then my gauntlet throwing was in vain).

PB

Let us toast to the joys of sunny Friday afternoon BBQ's. Nevermind...I don't have any sparkling cider or champagne handy. But I'm raising my empty hand...litetrally...I'm typing with one hand right now...

Okay, enough with that silliness. But seriously, what a great afternoon. My boss's boss' boss decided it was a great day to celebrate our corporate successes. And indeed it was. Burgers, hot dogs, gardenburgers (I ingored the third...), and some relaxation in the sun. We all thoroughly enjoyed the few moments in the sun (I'm a little pink) and then headed back to work. Herein lies the inherent problems with a Friday afternoon BBQ. I don't want to work right now.

I just want to go outside again and play golf, or swim, or ski, or Frisbee, or nap, or bicycle, or hike, or eat, or rollerblade, or dance...i mean jog, or raft, or geocache, or climb, or swing a bat, or throw a ball, or shoot some hoops, or slip-and-slide, or surf, or play golf, or play golf, or play golf, or play golf. Anything but work. And guess what - my boss just emailed and told everyone to go home and enjoy the sun.

Good Bye!

PB

I can't believe it's taken me till 6 pm on Tuesday to write about an incredible weekend. Jim previewed our intended endeavors as "hitting for the Oregon cycle." An apt metaphor. We definitely got a handful of this state's outdoor activities.

Saturday (our base hit) started well. We woke early...in fact, I woke up sharply at 5:20 - 15 minutes before my alarm was set to go off (that doesn't happen to me). Because I was really early and because I am a nice guy, I stopped at Starbucks to pick up my vanilla latte and an Americancano [sic] for Jimbo. We drove to the mountain, happily anticipating our adventures. Arriving around 8:15, we had to wait a while before we could mount the lift. 9:00 am came soon enough, and we met up with my buddy Brian from work. The three of us hit the slopes hard. The snow was a little thick, but nonetheless, a brilliant morning of skiing ensued. At lunchtime, Brian departed (season pass holders can do that) and Jim and I met up with Trent and Dakota. We immediately dragged Trent to a double diamond. He fought the hill like a champ and made some great turns. After a few runs together, the boys took off, and Jim and I squeezed a few more runs out of our exhausted legs. I skied the two most difficult runs I've ever seen. Even though my turns were labored and clumsy, I quite enjoyed the exertion. Jim, of course, skied like an elf (let me clarify...with the grace of a "Legolas" elf...not the Keibler kind) and made quick work of the daunting runs.

We rounded first with a great (and spicy / cheesy) meal at the lodge. The road to second was a little rocky. We made our way down Hwy 26 toward the forest road that would take us to Bagby Hot Springs. About a 1/4 mile down the NF 42 we encountered a problem. The road was covered in about 4 ft of snow. Apparently, the recorded message saying the road was open had been voiced last summer. Nice work Forest Service phone message lady. Undaunted, we revised our plans and rerouted. Rather than driving back to the mountain, through Estacada and Salem, we chose the longer but more scenic road through Redmond, Sisters, and Detroit. I had forgotten how much fun road trips could be. We saw Smith Rock, the Crooked River, a scary old Native American, and some beautiful wide open land. We talked about big porches facing the east, college memories, friends, food, faith, worship and many other important topics. Our hot springs double turned into a road trippin' head first slide into second. Finally, pulling past the golf course at 10 or so, we found a nice open area off the side of the road and pitched the tent for a stand-up triple.

It was chilly night, and Jim and I discovered the need for a little extra air in the mattress on a cold night. But the sound of the river, and the mere fact that we were sleeping outside cause us both to remark that we loved camping. Even on the side of a dirt road, with the occasional obnoxious cars grumbling by, it was better than sitting on the couch (I did kinda wish I could watch the Masters. But (congrats Posenjaks) Phil won anyway...so nevermind).

The home run (jack, dinger, bleacher creature, clout, moonball, poke, round-tripper, salami, the big tomato) was a good one. Ill-advisedly, we returned to Elkhorn Valley. This course has eaten more golf balls that all other courses combined. There are so many trees and creeks and lakes and ravines and anthills, that any stray ball disappears forever. However, Jim and I wisely ditched the scorecard in the garbage at the first tee box. I must say, despite all my competitive inclinations, I was still able to enjoy myself fully. We had a few rocky holes...both of us lost a ball here and there. But when you're not keeping score, the only shots you remember are the ones that could be on CBS Sports some Sunday afternoon. And we both had a few of those. Lest the fish start growing, I'll let those beautiful shots inhabit our memories. And I'll propose this challenge to anyone who appreciates this state as much as I (and Jim): at some point in your life, cram a week's worth of Oregon outdoor activity into about 30 hours.

It's well worth it.

PB

It's time.

I'm leaving. This weekend will be great. I consider myself a fairly even-keel guy. Not too easily riled up, and not too often melancholy. But I've noticed a pattern recently. On Monday, I was extremely slothful and sulky. Tuesday through Thursday I was my normal self. Today, I walked around my team area in plaid shorts and totally gangster jacket with platinum tags, chipped a "almost golf" ball up and down the hallway, and tore down the wall between my cube and the next. I feel giddy and excited, and I actually can't believe I'm sitting here typing instead of.............

woohoo!!!

I'm done before 5 today...Unbelievable. However, I have a basketball game at 5:30, so there's no point in going home. So...blog-o-rama!

Today will be awesome. We will find out what version of offspring Jim and Steph are having. It might be the boy version, and it might be the girl version. The best news is, it will be awesome no matter what!

Good things about a boy: *Add one more to the clan of young men who will Oneida rule the Pacific Northwest REI Gear Sales. Two words: blitz kreig. (sp?) *Jim will have a little man to teach about Creation and speaking to the animals. *Steph will get to pour out her motherly instincts while she tends to scraped appendages, bruised bones, and missing teeth.

Good things about a girl: *You can't say too much about 3 little boys all fighting for the attention of one beautiful little girl. *Jim will have a little angel to protect and coo over. *Steph will get to lavish her in all the bows, ribbons, and other pink things she's been waiting to deploy.

There are many more things I could say, but the best thing is...Jim and Steph will be amazing parents, and we all get to share in the joys of their child. I can't wait to meet the new baby!

PB