Day At The Beach

Saturday's weather forecast called for a ton of rain, so I had given up on making a trip to Pinnacles for some rock climbing. However Saturday's actual weather turned out to be rather nice, so my friend Dani called me up and invited me to the beach with her, Wendy and Jessica. We went to "Taco Bell Beach" in Pacifica and enjoyed a fine dining experience gazing out the picture windows towards the crashing surf and packs of surfers while enjoying our burrito supremes. We then enjoyed a little stroll down the beach and up to the top of the bluff to watch the waves roll in. Having some lovely subjects for my new camera was a bonus too!


Dani


Wendy

My New Camera

My new camera arrived today. No ready, willing and convenient subjects besides these two plaques I received today at work.


Ice Climber Award
"In recognition for achieving the highest level in The North Face 2007 sales club."


2007 Never Stop Exploring Award Nominee - Palo Alto
"Nominated by the store management team for his passionate pursuit of personal and professional goals that exemplify The North Face core values."

Yosemite

Getting ready for some extreme x-country skiing in Yosemite!
(l to r) myself, Jay, Sara, Kristine, Annette, Liz, Rich, Steph, Dave and Dave


The reward for our efforts:
A grand view from Dewey Point


Sunset on El Capitan, as viewed from the shuttle bus back to the valley floor.

Hot showers, a quick nap and a frolicking wake up call from the ladies kicked off our evening activities. The Curry Village buffet was way too crowded so we trekked over to the Yosemite Lodge food court for some decent and inexpensive food. After scarfing down some grub we decided to entertain ourselves with a spontaneous game of "Egyptian rat screw" until we got booted from the cafe - presumably because it was closing time, not because of our riotous laughter. So we moved our card party to a small corner of the Curry Village Lodge where wonderful dance music was conveniently provided by the neighboring family reunion. After much "Nertz" we were again vacated from the premises, again due to closing time. But before actually leaving, "Big Johnny", the night janitor, provided two more hours of colorful entertainment with stories of growing up in gangs on the south side of Chicago, resulting in various scars and a piece of lead still lodged in his foot, and other adventures that led him to working in Yosemite for the last seven months. The funniest of these stories being that of his grade school nemesis, Wanda, who regularly stole his lunch money by threat of a serious whoopin!

A Visit To The Dentist

I went to the dentist today. It's been a while. I was kind of nervous. Not from anxiety of sharp objects being wielded within the confines of my mouth or fear of high speed drills wreaking havoc upon my precious enamel. In fact, I have never felt anxiety or fear while laying supine at the mercy of a masked professional trained in the use of sharp objects. No, my nervous state was caused by the fear only that a cavity might be found. Mind you, I haven't been feeling any pain or discomfort that I understand might be associated with cavities. But then to be truly honest here, I really have no idea what a cavity feels like. Hence my fear that one might be found. I would hate to break one of my few perfect records. At least this particular perfect record.

My New Mountain Bike!

...well okay so technically it's a used mountain bike but it's in beautiful condition. It's a 2004 King Kikapu by Kona, a cross-country, full-suspension setup that probably cost about $1800 new. I picked it up for approximately $79.99 plus tax at the local Goodwill. Yeah that's right. It was missing pedals which is why it was so cheap...maybe?!?!



Today was it's inaugural ride with crappy donor pedals from my old Giant Yukon, which I bought new in Oklahoma City at the start of my mission for about $200.