jbp - tubing down the american river ah yes, a great summer time activity in sacramento: tubing down the american river from surise blvd to goethe (pronounced gate-e) park. for jer's bachelor party we threw in some inflatable objects, jumped aboard and headed down stream. I had tons of fun and enjoyed the relaxation of slowly moving down the cool river water among the scorching summer heat. I could barely walk down from the parking area in my bare feet, which is saying a lot because i think i have fairly tough feet. good times... Also later night activities included a trip to Cal expo to check out the horses for jer's party.
¶ 3:56 PM0 comments
water, it's what i do...I remember when I first started working for water resources i really wanted to know all there was about the water in california and why in the heck we were sending it down south. So one of the first things i did when i started working here was read a lot of the book, Cadillac Desert which describes some of the politics, etc that went on into getting water through califonia. Very interesting. Since I have been working here now for some time I've been able to see some of the engineering side and see the large structures and figure out that aspect as well. Every once in a while i'll start some discussion about the infastructre, nerdy i know, but very interesting. I've got a lot of stuff here to learn from, people, projects, documents, books, etc. very intersting.
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picnic in the park So nancy brought tyler and i some awesome lunch out at the park by work. you gotta love teacher vacation and someone who can cook!
¶ 12:41 PM1 comments
7.25.2005
Growing up during the advent of video games!!Growing up during the advent of video games is probably the coolest thing that could have happened to a young boy. I feel like video games have progressed with my generation and of course we are the best at them... there are so many games i can remember playing when i was young. a waste of time you say? hmm, maybe, but now i could probably beat you at anything that requires any bit of hand-eye coordination... i read too, i played outside, but video games were fun then. They have lost a lot of their appeal to me now though, the learning curves have greatly increased with the new generation of games, ten times as many buttons to push and 3D, ah yeah baby!! Video games i remember liking: R/C ProAm (Nintendo), Super Mario Bros (SuperNES), Pong (Atari and still on my calculator), Street Fighter (Arcade), Combat (Atari), Star Fox (SuperNES), Zelda (Nintendo), Contra (Nintendo), Top Gun (Nintendo), Descent (PC), Halo (X-Box), Bond (Nintendo 64), NHL Hockey '97 (Genisis), Wayne Gretzky's Hockey (Nintendo 64), Mario Cart (Nintendo 64), Golden Axe (Genisis), Sonic the HedgeHog (Gensis), Archon (Comadore 2400), Time Crisis (Sony Playstation), DDR (Sony Playstation), Spy vs Spy (Apple?), Oregon Trail (Apple IIc), Number Munchers (Apple IIe), Flight Simulator (Apple IIc), Tekken (Sony Playstation), Off Road (Arcade), X-men (Arcade), Tennis (Nintendo Gameboy), Metroid (Nintendo), Duck Hunt (Nintendo), Mike Tyson's Punchout (Nintendo), Tron (Arcade w/ joystick)
¶ 3:10 PM0 comments
7.17.2005
Ramso & Emily's Wedding
Ramso met Emily going to med school at USC. For you romantics out there, here is the sweep you off your feet, love at first sight story. I think basically the first time they met they knew, I mean just knew. None of us knew, that's for sure. But I think 12 days in of knowing each other, there may have been plans of weddings... What was really cool was that tyler knew both of them from separate instances and situations and after hearing about it, thought 'hey, yeah, they would be perfect for each other', which is saying something because tyler usu has an uncanny knack for relationship thoughts. I think they met in Feb of 2005 and were married July 17, 2005. What I really remember about the wedding in Danville was that I had cut my big toe on the propeller of talky's boat while wakeboarding and had done some pretty good damage, and then on my way over to the wedding I think I had left my shoes on the top of my car and driven off unknowing and lost the pair. I did visit my coworker in Danville and borrowed his brown shoes (I had black pants, etc, big deal...) and then basically walked around the wedding the whole time in my socks because my toe hurt so bad.
the heat and fruitSome of the things I truly love about CA is the dry heat and the good fruit here in the summer. You just can't beat it. One of my favorite things to do is go out at lunch time, play some vb, sweat until my entire body is dripping and eat some good peaches, netcarines, strawberries, or grapes. There is just something emensely satisfying about it. I don't worry about all the stickly juices getting everywhere and as long as i eventually find some shade it just feels so good to cleanse via sweat... Call me wierd, think i'm strange, but heck i really don't care. I love feeling the beads of sweat form along my back and slide down my rib cage. and grabbing a ripe peach ripping it open, tearing out the pit, eating it half by half, observing the colorful insides of the meat and the cool smooth texture...
¶ 12:33 AM0 comments
7.11.2005
my boot and board does anyone think i have wakeboarding on the mind? what to do next???
get up you pansy me attempting to wakeboard...i'm starting to get a little more comfortable out there, i really need to watch some more people who are good do a few tricks. i need to be careful though, my skin will soon turn to leather and my brain to water... the sore neck, shoulders, ankles, and back are worth it, for sure, i'm a glutton for pain, as long as i'm getting better!
in the saddle my morning ride... looking down checking my speed, heart, distance. thinking about nothing, then thinking about the cars passing me by, then thinking about everything, can't beat it. oh and don't try and pass me!
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my grandma and me my grandma and me, she is the cutest grandma ever, i love her!! It had been way too long since I'd been down to Turlock to visit. After paying a visit to the cemetery with her, i still can't fathom all that she has been through; losing her husband (my grandpa) and then her 3 sons (my dad and his 2 brothers) in the span of 8 years. She's got some of the most amazing stories though. She even lost her dad when she was 3. Growing up in Belgium during the WWs and then coming over to america with my grandpa and not even knowing how to speak english!! From what i can gather, she could fly on the ice skates. I'm really glad to share a birthday with her each year.
¶ 5:40 PM0 comments
when i wake up what i see when i wake up in the morning. Isn't that sad, i see 2 things that tell time when i first open my eyes. i think time and money seem to dictate our society too much, i'd like to say i try to stay out of their control, but not always, not always...
¶ 5:40 PM0 comments
7.10.2005
Friends and FamilyI definitely think those around me have an influence on my life and what goes on in my life. I just wanted to take a quick look at those around me... I know there's so many more, but these are a few for right now.
¶ 11:07 PM0 comments
FriendsRelationships in my life have always been so important. And the more I go through life and experience things the more I know how much those close to me mean. Below are some pictures and thoughts I've put together recently. If you're not up here, it definitely doesn't mean you're not important in my life or anything to that effect. This is just a little piece I've put together, just smile if you're looking at those here. =)
Craiger I've known craiger for quite a while. from the days of youth soccer, hand ball in jr high, hanging out at the yee house, MJ nights, and so much more. Craig's definitely a portagee at heart and loves his linguisa!! Craiger has such a deep side and is always searching for more. You may not know this about craiger, but he has his poetical side and if you give him a book to read be ready to talk about it becasue chances are he'll have read it by the time you remembered you gave it to him. One of the things that has always impressed me about craig is his sincerity, I don't believe you will find a more sincere and caring person. One great memory with craig is our trip up to seattle: passing through crater lake, bend, trout lake, mt st helens, crazy driving in the back roads, seattle and the cruise home. Also, the whole Asian Craig thing in SD with greek and the boys!
Pauly Paul, P-Mully, Paulina, another Turlockian and former roomie. Paul and I lived together in davis for 2 yrs before he chased his now wife down to SD. Paul transfered up to ucd in the fall of 2001 and I've definitely seen a lot of change in him over the years. If he has any low marks in his years of college at davis he can blame them on me for sure. I had already finished my college degree when he moved in and my job was substitute teaching in davis. When i didn't feel like working i would stay at home or find something fun to do. And of course if I needed somebody to do something with i would grab paul and make him do it with me. he had numerous days i would try to make him play hookie from school or school work. 'what's an hour, you can make up an hour easy/it'll be a quick game of star craft/we'll just go throw the disc real quick/you wanna go for a run/come on, it's too early for bed/you name it... I also remember playing soccer with paul in elementry school, peeing in ditches, whatever you do in turlock... Paul is seriously passionate about his beliefs, politics and god. He is also a die-hard romantic. Paul definitely has a thirst for knowing what it is he believes and wants to share what he learns with those around him. Paul is also another very competitive character and will play basketball till his feet need a new layer of skin. Some good memories of Pauly are: - the 2 yrs living together - our trip up to seattle - our trip over to DC: 4 days of non-stop information, visual and political overload!! - his marriage to Ann
Patrice Patrice, Pat-rice, resse There's a lot to say about Patrice and all that she means to me. Some of my first memories of her are: - seeing her at the hotel in Santa Barabara during an ultimate tournament with me half way naked in my pjs (what's new?) - getting a ride to ultimate practice from her as she spotted me riding my bike in the rain. - salsa dancing at the grad with our inovative and ultimate dance moves. Patrice has a serious compassion for those around her and has one of the biggest hearts I know. Anytime I think of her, she has a smile on her face and is ready to do anything with a good attitude. Patrice has definitely challenged me with emotions and understanding. What I mean by that is that she made me realize that I do have an emotional side and that I'm not as understanding as I could be towards other people in general. Sometimes I have no idea how she thinks or what her thought processes are, but the more I've gotten to know her the more I'm able to understand her and appricieate her perspective. She has the most positive outlook on things and constantly challenges me. I could get a call from her at 2 in the morning and we'd still talk for hours. Love ya girl!
Trev-Dawg I met trev my first year at UCD, back in '97, on the racquetball courts. From the very first day i met him i knew we were going to be friends. trev was so upbeat and ready to play some rball. He soundly beat me right and left handed but was pretty nice about it. of course once i got a little better the trash talk never stopped. a quick pinch shot, a little foot shuffle and a taunting later: 'uh-oh, somebody's closer...heheheh' and the game was on. that year in rball was tons of fun. Fatty, the Predator, dawg, nationals in arizona, coco, ah coco. whether it's softball, basketball, ultimate, soccer, floor hockey, rball, vball, tennis, squash, wiffle ball, innertube h2O polo, football, trampoline, bowling, lifting, horseshoeing, croqueting, bocheing, skiing, snowboarding, hanging out on the beach, shuffleboarding, pool, ping pong, starcraft, halo, heroes (go ahead and take my turn...), poker, settlers, mo-nop-oly!, trev is always a good time. if you're not competitive you best get to getting food ready cause you'll be out of any game in the blink of an eye with this guy!! trev is also one of the sharpest (mentally and whitwise) guys i know, and he'll let you know it too. =) lots of good physics and philosophy topics of conversation. trev and i are also business partners in the game of real estate, which means i trust him emensely. hu-hut
Jarrod J-rod, another Turlockian and former roomie. Jer and I shared a room our sophmore year at davis. the room was just big enough for us to fit in there, between his double bed and my garganuan desk, it was a tight squeeze. The foot of both our beds literally touched, if either of us was making noises in our sleep we could easily kick the other person to let them know. I've gotten to know Jer in an number of different aspects. We first met at church in grade school or jr high. we went to mexico with the church all through high school. we went to africa together in the summer of 2004. we've been in a bible study together now for maybe 5yrs or more. we've seen a lot of close friends get married and soon, I'll see him and Brownyn get married! Jer definitely has a very logical mind and is very methodical in his approach to things. He is very well informed and very caring at the same time. Jer is also super competitive, loves NFL football and sadly to say, the dodgers as well. Trev and Iwill forever call him Double-I, hu-hut!!
Peter Panos-Ellis I met peter in college maybe in '99 or 2000. peter has so much personality and generous with everything he has. he inspires culture into me and i love getting calls from him telling me that he's at a greek party, opa!! he always knows that whatever he does has a direct impact on what he will be doing. he also always wants to have a good time and have the people around have a good time as well. his stonegate house will forever hate me for never losing a game on their home court ping pong table. peter's a blast and I know I'll always be friends with him throughout the years.
Julie I've known Juile since before I was born probably. Our families have hung out forever. Juile had to put up with me for 3.5yrs after i moved in to her pad in davis. her brother moved out and i moved in. julie is probably the most super athletic girl i know and also probably the most soft spoken about it, well unless she's coaching you i suppose... she has one of the coolest and most mello dogs i know, nali. julie is still jealous about nali and i. julie took off on a trip somewhere and left me to take care of nali. i told julie that when she came back nali would be sleeping with me. normally i wouldn't say that was that big of a deal when talking about doggies, but nali is seriously attached to julie in every way. nali layed on julie's bed for 7 days straight, pouting, waiting for julie to come home. when nali finally realized julie may never come home (actually the night julie was due back) she crawled into bed with me. when julie got home, nali was so upset because she thought julie had deserted her, that she stayed with me. =) i'll always remember davis, nali, spanikopita, mousee-ka-ka, pizza, the garden, the chickens, and the simpsons!!
Kev Kev, Bro, probably one of the most easy going and fun guys I know. Kev is the one that pushes me to keep doing things. When we are together there is no stopping: if we go wakeboarding, it's for all day. Skiing, it's non-stop. Biking, you'd better bring some food. Hiking, get your running shoes on. Tennis, be ready to do push ups between games. Kev is a great guy and a blast to be around. A very good friend and neverending adventures!
Shelton Shelton, one of the most spontaneous guys and fun guys to be around. Don't look for patience when you have to make a decision, shelton wants an answer and wants to be having fun. He will make you think about what you're doing and ask why you aren't having a good time. If dogs and their owners are supposed to have similar personalities, I will just say he has a dog with tons of energy that will not get tired out while doing something. Can throw the disc like no one else, plays a pretty mean game of ping pong, and an even meaner game of bar golf. If you ever want a sundae from McDs he'll hook you up!
Tyler Tyler, T-Money, T-Metro, Savage, Double-X, yeah baby!! Tyler grew up in the bay area and absolutely loves it there. I grew up in the central valley and can't imagine growing up anywhere else. Tyler is our fashion expert, no one knows how to layer like this guy. I've gotten to know tyler through church and various other activities and he's been a roomie for about a year now. Tyler always wants those around him to be happy and he also analyzes everything in his life. Tyler definitely brings the life to any situation. I'm still trying to figure out how this guy thinks, but I'm starting to realize, I don't really need to. I do know that rules are like the plague to him, so if you tell him to do one thing he'll do the oposite, unless you are expecting him to that is...hmmm. Great kid, glad I've gotten to know him over the years. Good memories in tahoe, biking in berkeley, friends weddings, San Diego (Escalade baby!). If you ever want to talk, tyler will ablige.
currently living in sac, ca. working for water resources. went to ucd in civil, grew up in turlock, ca. there is a lot to say about me, i am constantly redefining myself everyday. i think the things i do define who i am on a certain level. although the more i communicate and interact with others the more i find out about myself. i can be completely happy without interaction with people though. when i run, when i bike, i am completely in my own thoughts, sometimes i just pay attention to my surroundings, other times, my mind is going a million miles a minute. sometimes i have such a big picture perspective, other times i will really focus on something specific. i'll keep living, learning, experiencing...