On the heels of my fantastic post 2010 resolutions in review I give you my 2011 resolutions. It's a smaller list this year but I still need to work on my 2010 anyway.
1. Get in Shape. Of course it's on here. Seriously I'm getting up there in age better not add weight to it.
2. Find a new location for Portland Men on Sports. TVCTV will be shutting it's doors in the first half of 2011. We'll still film the show with our own equipment and TVCTV will still broadcast it. We need to find a new location or a few different locations. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
3. Finish writing Private Dics. Private Dics is a webseries that a friend and I have been working on for what seems like 2 years. We have a few episodes written but need to finish the first season story arc. Then of course comes the actually production. I'll settle for having it written.
4. Win the Roofball World Championship. If you know me then you know I love to play some Roofball. I've won the US Open and the RFA Cup leaving only the World Championship off my resume. Not only would I complete what I like to refer to as the COW (Cup, Open, Worlds) I'd be the first player to win all three tournaments. Problem is I only get one shot at it a year. Good news is I don't have to wait long it's 1.30.11.
12/29/10
12/27/10
2010 Resolutions in review
Before I get to my 2011 resolutions I wanted to review my 2010 items. Good thing keeping up with the blog was not one of them. I've have opportunities to add to it but I'm a lazy lazy person, lets just say I'm busy.
1. Get in shape. Fail! Did I get a new gym membership? Yes. Did I used it more than 20 times during the year? No. Bummer for me. You'll see this on the 2011 list I'm sure. It's getting time I get serious about it. No need to carry around extra poundage.
2. Place in a Roofball Tourney. Win. I wanted to finish in the top 3 of a roofball tournament this season. I lost in the second round of the World Championship and the US Open. BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT I did place in the RFA Cup. Did I say place I meant win. Yeah I won my second Roofball Tournament and need only to win the World Championship to be the first player to win all three tournaments.
3. Finish video projects. Even? Not sure how to grade this one. I finished one project and was very pleased with it. I worked on the Portland Raiders for months. I did not get as much accomplished on the webesode idea as I wanted.
4. Take Portland Men on Sports to a new level. Fail! While PMS is still alive and kicking, it is what it has always been. We did get a short segment from NYC but it's getting stale.
5. Redesign bookieproductions.com. Fail! If you saw the site last year you saw the site this year. Blah!
6. Start Mini-Golf league. Fail! This went no where in a hurry. Mid year I thought about starting a pitch and putt league but we'll have to wait until the weather turns.
7. Start looking for new house. Even? We looked throughout the year, still not ready to buy. Unless you see something...
1. Get in shape. Fail! Did I get a new gym membership? Yes. Did I used it more than 20 times during the year? No. Bummer for me. You'll see this on the 2011 list I'm sure. It's getting time I get serious about it. No need to carry around extra poundage.
2. Place in a Roofball Tourney. Win. I wanted to finish in the top 3 of a roofball tournament this season. I lost in the second round of the World Championship and the US Open. BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT I did place in the RFA Cup. Did I say place I meant win. Yeah I won my second Roofball Tournament and need only to win the World Championship to be the first player to win all three tournaments.
3. Finish video projects. Even? Not sure how to grade this one. I finished one project and was very pleased with it. I worked on the Portland Raiders for months. I did not get as much accomplished on the webesode idea as I wanted.
4. Take Portland Men on Sports to a new level. Fail! While PMS is still alive and kicking, it is what it has always been. We did get a short segment from NYC but it's getting stale.
5. Redesign bookieproductions.com. Fail! If you saw the site last year you saw the site this year. Blah!
6. Start Mini-Golf league. Fail! This went no where in a hurry. Mid year I thought about starting a pitch and putt league but we'll have to wait until the weather turns.
7. Start looking for new house. Even? We looked throughout the year, still not ready to buy. Unless you see something...
12/17/10
A Vegas Thanksgiving
I'll make this short since I haven't updated the blog in a long time. Wait does the make sense? Like I have to ease you back in to it?
Anyway for Thanksgiving we made the trip to Las Vegas to spend the Holiday with Bree's family.
We got in town on Wednesday and checked into our hotel room at the Luxor. We spent most of the evening at Bree's aunt's place. That night Bob and I did some gambling.
On Thursday we went to Bree's aunts house again and hung out for a bit. Of course Thanksgiving means football so Bob, John and I hit up a bar until dinner was done. After dinner and some family time we went back out to the casinos. I played in a 33 person poker tournament and won. A nice $400 profit.
Friday Bob and I spent 12 hours in a sports bar watching college football. GO Ducks!
Saturday we took the kids to the Mandalay Bay Aquarium. They seemed to love it. Riley sprinted from one exhibit to the next.
Anyway for Thanksgiving we made the trip to Las Vegas to spend the Holiday with Bree's family.
We got in town on Wednesday and checked into our hotel room at the Luxor. We spent most of the evening at Bree's aunt's place. That night Bob and I did some gambling.
On Thursday we went to Bree's aunts house again and hung out for a bit. Of course Thanksgiving means football so Bob, John and I hit up a bar until dinner was done. After dinner and some family time we went back out to the casinos. I played in a 33 person poker tournament and won. A nice $400 profit.
Friday Bob and I spent 12 hours in a sports bar watching college football. GO Ducks!
Saturday we took the kids to the Mandalay Bay Aquarium. They seemed to love it. Riley sprinted from one exhibit to the next.
8/5/10
Resolution Reveiw part 3
Continuing with my resolution review, we have two updates.
3. Finish video projects. Currently I have four projects that are in various filmed stages and a very ambitious project in the conception stage. I'd like to finish the four and really concentrate on the "yet to be reveled project."
As you can see in a prior post, I have finished the long awaited "Video Wizard." This completed one of my four projects. In fact I've actually added to that number and now have a huge whiteboard in the office detailing all the video related projects I have going on. I'll keep you updated on the next few.
7. Start looking for new house. I guess 1500 square feet and 3 bedrooms are not enough for us. Bree and I are planning on having another kid. We are thinking we need more space. It's a big purchase and the kid is still aways away, but towards the end of the year it's going to be time to look.
While Bree and I have not decided to put our house on the market or talk to Realtors we have been keeping our eye open. We're looking for a place on the west side with a minimum of 4 bedrooms. Newer the better as we don't want to spend much time remodeling.
3. Finish video projects. Currently I have four projects that are in various filmed stages and a very ambitious project in the conception stage. I'd like to finish the four and really concentrate on the "yet to be reveled project."
As you can see in a prior post, I have finished the long awaited "Video Wizard." This completed one of my four projects. In fact I've actually added to that number and now have a huge whiteboard in the office detailing all the video related projects I have going on. I'll keep you updated on the next few.
7. Start looking for new house. I guess 1500 square feet and 3 bedrooms are not enough for us. Bree and I are planning on having another kid. We are thinking we need more space. It's a big purchase and the kid is still aways away, but towards the end of the year it's going to be time to look.
While Bree and I have not decided to put our house on the market or talk to Realtors we have been keeping our eye open. We're looking for a place on the west side with a minimum of 4 bedrooms. Newer the better as we don't want to spend much time remodeling.
8/1/10
Yaki-MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
A couple of weekends ago Bree, Riley and I headed up to Yakima. Our friend John was in a play "Something Funny Happened on the way to the Forum" and we thought we'd check it out. As a bonus Yakima is about half way between Portland and Bree's parents place, so we invited them out so they could have some Riley time.
Riley was a great kid the entire drive. We got to Yakima and found our hotel. Shortly after Bree's parents showed up and we decided to go swimming at the pool. As Bree was walking into the pool with Riley she seemed to slip and fall. I ran over to her and she told me to take Riley. Riley was fine but Bree's back had seemed to go out. A couple of weeks before this her back was acted up but it seemed to have gotten better. Needless to say this put a damper on everything. Bree was able to make it to the hotel room and get dressed for dinner.
We went to Bob's Burgers and Beer. Pretty good burgers, huge portions and Riley liked her grilled cheese. Bree was able to sit through dinner with no problem, but was not able to move much. We took her back to the hotel and she got in bed, and unfortunately was not going to be able to go to the play. I was a bit late getting out of the hotel so I just punched up the theater on the GPS and headed out. I got to the theater and it looked closed. I then realized I had pulled up the wrong theater, I did a search for another one and it was 4 miles away.
Once I got to the theater I went to the box office to get my tickets. Of course I was late and had to sit in the back, luckily there was not a large crowd and I was only in the 12 row or so. The play was great, very funny and John was excellent in it. After the play John and I went out to eat. We tried Abby's but they were closed. One of the only places we found open was Red Robin.
Riley was a great kid the entire drive. We got to Yakima and found our hotel. Shortly after Bree's parents showed up and we decided to go swimming at the pool. As Bree was walking into the pool with Riley she seemed to slip and fall. I ran over to her and she told me to take Riley. Riley was fine but Bree's back had seemed to go out. A couple of weeks before this her back was acted up but it seemed to have gotten better. Needless to say this put a damper on everything. Bree was able to make it to the hotel room and get dressed for dinner.
We went to Bob's Burgers and Beer. Pretty good burgers, huge portions and Riley liked her grilled cheese. Bree was able to sit through dinner with no problem, but was not able to move much. We took her back to the hotel and she got in bed, and unfortunately was not going to be able to go to the play. I was a bit late getting out of the hotel so I just punched up the theater on the GPS and headed out. I got to the theater and it looked closed. I then realized I had pulled up the wrong theater, I did a search for another one and it was 4 miles away.
Once I got to the theater I went to the box office to get my tickets. Of course I was late and had to sit in the back, luckily there was not a large crowd and I was only in the 12 row or so. The play was great, very funny and John was excellent in it. After the play John and I went out to eat. We tried Abby's but they were closed. One of the only places we found open was Red Robin.
I got back to the hotel and Bree was sleeping. We got up the next morning and had breakfast with the in-laws. Bree was still very stiff and once we got on the road she told me that she might have to go to the emergency room once we got back into town. I was trying to get home as soon as possible and of course a cop caught me for speeding. $113 later we were back on our way. As we approved Portland Bree called the advice nurse and she told us to go to the urgent care. Riley and I dropped her off and we grabbed something to eat. Bree called and we went back to pick her up. The doctor told her that it was a flare up of her syatic nerve, and not a disk.
So while it was nice to see the play, John and the in-laws, it could have been a more relaxing weekend.
7/30/10
Video Wizard
This past week I finally finished up a short film I've been working on called "Video Wizard." A friend of mine John Beital wrote the script in "5 minutes" according to him. We shot his parts last June, and then I shot the other actors (Loren Wertz, Michelle Powers and Jacob Nixon) in July. But I flaked out after that and didn't do much with it until about a month ago when I got Sam Garr to do the voice over and I created the graphics. Anyway here it is, hope you like it.
6/14/10
Continuing my resolution review
Last month I starting reviewing my resolutions I made at the beginning of the year.
2. Place in a Roofball Tourney. Last year I made three semi's out of three events. One game away from a top three finish each time. This year I'd like to get back on the podium. First chance is 1.31.10.
Sure my first chance was in January but I failed to get out of the second round marking my lowest finish ever. This past weekend I participated in the 2010 RFA Cup. The middle event on the Roofball calendar. This is also the newest tournament. The World Championships and US Open have been played since 1999 while the RFA Cup started in 2007.
I’ve been slammed lately and only had one chance to throw the football around and wasn’t feeling very prepared to play. I drew the 16 spot, meaning I’d throw first in the 6th game of the opening round. Throwing third in my game was Steve Stupey. A relatively new player in the game but his worst finish had been third and he had won the 09 US Open. I knew I was up against a good competitor, but I told myself it doesn’t matter I just need to play my game and I’ll make it to the next round.
I played my game quite well recording a 48 and advancing to the second round as the number 3 seed while Steve took a wild card spot. In the second round I posted a 31 with an over, not great but still good enough to win my game. This put me in the semi-finals, one step away from my goal of a top three finish. Steve Stupey was in my game again so I knew that it’d be tough, I beat him once before, can I do it again? Well we ended up tied at 44. We had a through off and he won, so he got the game and automatically advanced to the Cup round, while my 44 was good enough for the wild card spot. This guaranteed me of a top three finish. At that point I had lot of confidence, which I needed because once again I was going up against Stupey and Buddy Emmons. Emmons was the defending champion and has three titles to his name. Stupey and I raced out to large leads while Buddy got off to a slow start, he knew he need some large points but kept coming up empty. Meanwhile Stupey and I continued increasing our lead. The final score was once again tied with Steve and I at 44 and Buddy at 14. Steve and I advanced to the Championship setting up our fourth game together.
Steve won a throw off to have the right to call the coin flip. He called tails and it came up heads I chose to go second. Both of us got off to a slow start but Steve got an around to take a small lead about half way through. I let the ball fly on my next throw and watched as the ball bounced over the house surely resulting in an over and costing my 5 points. But then a miraculous thing happened, the ball came back on the front side of the roof and went around the poll giving me a huge turnaround. The throw was later called the "Hand of God around" by Roofball Founder Adam Willis. This gave me the lead. I was up by one, I had two throws left and Steve had one. I knew that this was the time to put pressure on Steve. I let the ball sail and hit the post and collected the ball giving me a seven point lead. Steve had to have an around in order to take the lead. He sent a high arching shot up to the roof but it sailed over giving him a minus five. My last throw was of no matter. Final score 38-25.
Yes! I had not only met my goal of a top 3 finish I had won my second Roofball Championship. Bree and Riley were there cheering me on. Riley was sporting a Bree made Roofball shirt that said “Daughter of a Roofball Champion.”
2. Place in a Roofball Tourney. Last year I made three semi's out of three events. One game away from a top three finish each time. This year I'd like to get back on the podium. First chance is 1.31.10.
Sure my first chance was in January but I failed to get out of the second round marking my lowest finish ever. This past weekend I participated in the 2010 RFA Cup. The middle event on the Roofball calendar. This is also the newest tournament. The World Championships and US Open have been played since 1999 while the RFA Cup started in 2007.
I’ve been slammed lately and only had one chance to throw the football around and wasn’t feeling very prepared to play. I drew the 16 spot, meaning I’d throw first in the 6th game of the opening round. Throwing third in my game was Steve Stupey. A relatively new player in the game but his worst finish had been third and he had won the 09 US Open. I knew I was up against a good competitor, but I told myself it doesn’t matter I just need to play my game and I’ll make it to the next round.
I played my game quite well recording a 48 and advancing to the second round as the number 3 seed while Steve took a wild card spot. In the second round I posted a 31 with an over, not great but still good enough to win my game. This put me in the semi-finals, one step away from my goal of a top three finish. Steve Stupey was in my game again so I knew that it’d be tough, I beat him once before, can I do it again? Well we ended up tied at 44. We had a through off and he won, so he got the game and automatically advanced to the Cup round, while my 44 was good enough for the wild card spot. This guaranteed me of a top three finish. At that point I had lot of confidence, which I needed because once again I was going up against Stupey and Buddy Emmons. Emmons was the defending champion and has three titles to his name. Stupey and I raced out to large leads while Buddy got off to a slow start, he knew he need some large points but kept coming up empty. Meanwhile Stupey and I continued increasing our lead. The final score was once again tied with Steve and I at 44 and Buddy at 14. Steve and I advanced to the Championship setting up our fourth game together.
Steve won a throw off to have the right to call the coin flip. He called tails and it came up heads I chose to go second. Both of us got off to a slow start but Steve got an around to take a small lead about half way through. I let the ball fly on my next throw and watched as the ball bounced over the house surely resulting in an over and costing my 5 points. But then a miraculous thing happened, the ball came back on the front side of the roof and went around the poll giving me a huge turnaround. The throw was later called the "Hand of God around" by Roofball Founder Adam Willis. This gave me the lead. I was up by one, I had two throws left and Steve had one. I knew that this was the time to put pressure on Steve. I let the ball sail and hit the post and collected the ball giving me a seven point lead. Steve had to have an around in order to take the lead. He sent a high arching shot up to the roof but it sailed over giving him a minus five. My last throw was of no matter. Final score 38-25.
Yes! I had not only met my goal of a top 3 finish I had won my second Roofball Championship. Bree and Riley were there cheering me on. Riley was sporting a Bree made Roofball shirt that said “Daughter of a Roofball Champion.”
5/6/10
Resolutions in review
Back on 1.4.10 put down 7 resolutions for this year. I figured that I'd check on these to make sure I'm doing what I need to do. Here begins a 7 -part series in which I'll review each of my resolutions and see where I'm at. Can you believe that a third of the year is already over?
1. Get in shape. Ah yes what I expect is the most common resolution and one I've made many a time before. That being said it's time I get serious about it. Since Bree became pregnant I've been putting on the pounds, she ate and I ate. The thing is she had the kid stopped eating so much and lost it, I on the other had have seemingly increased food consumption and decreased physical exercise. No gym and more, no working out, not even much Wii. Currently I'm playing basketball and volleyball weekly, it helps but for the most part reminds me how out of shape I am. Anyway the plan now is once those sports are done, get back to the gym.
Well I had planned on stopping Basketball and Volleyball in early March, but the teams wanted to keep playing so I kept playing. But the good news I have joined a gym, just over a week ago, I've been going but the best thing I've done is eat better. I've lost 5 lbs in 11 days. Softball is also gearing up and it looks like I should have some physical activity 6 days a week for the next month or so. Once basketball and volleyball are over with I'm going to concentrate on golf. I'm trying to establish a handicap.
1. Get in shape. Ah yes what I expect is the most common resolution and one I've made many a time before. That being said it's time I get serious about it. Since Bree became pregnant I've been putting on the pounds, she ate and I ate. The thing is she had the kid stopped eating so much and lost it, I on the other had have seemingly increased food consumption and decreased physical exercise. No gym and more, no working out, not even much Wii. Currently I'm playing basketball and volleyball weekly, it helps but for the most part reminds me how out of shape I am. Anyway the plan now is once those sports are done, get back to the gym.
Well I had planned on stopping Basketball and Volleyball in early March, but the teams wanted to keep playing so I kept playing. But the good news I have joined a gym, just over a week ago, I've been going but the best thing I've done is eat better. I've lost 5 lbs in 11 days. Softball is also gearing up and it looks like I should have some physical activity 6 days a week for the next month or so. Once basketball and volleyball are over with I'm going to concentrate on golf. I'm trying to establish a handicap.
5/3/10
The Losers
Saturday night I watched the new movie "The Losers". The movie is based on a comic book by the same name. The plot is simple and something you've seen before and will see again, shortly in fact as the upcoming "A Team" movie. But that's not really the point here, it's an action comedy movie so the plot is of no concern, it just moves the story forward, giving opportunities for action seances and one liners. And that's where this movie delivers.
The action seances are fun and entertaining. The first part of the movie plays out like Call of Duty Modern Warfare game. While the second part is more like a Mission Impossible...well mission. The comedy is left to one character for the most part and he does a heck of a job with it.
I'll give the movie a 2.
4-See it at the theater at all costs.
3-See it at the theater during a matinee.
2-Rent it.
1-Watch it with the girl/guy your with that really wants to, and you are desperately trying to impress them.
0-Burn the movie (whatever form) if you ever come across it.
The action seances are fun and entertaining. The first part of the movie plays out like Call of Duty Modern Warfare game. While the second part is more like a Mission Impossible...well mission. The comedy is left to one character for the most part and he does a heck of a job with it.
I'll give the movie a 2.
4-See it at the theater at all costs.
3-See it at the theater during a matinee.
2-Rent it.
1-Watch it with the girl/guy your with that really wants to, and you are desperately trying to impress them.
0-Burn the movie (whatever form) if you ever come across it.
4/23/10
Kick-Ass
Last week Philipp and I went and saw Kick-Ass. Kick-Ass is based on a comic book and centers around a normal everyday high schooler who decides to become a super hero named of course Kick-Ass. Kick-Ass goes from rescuing lost kittens to putting his life on the line protecting people he has never met before. One of his heroic attempts is filmed and he becomes an Internet sensation. This leads him to meet other hero's who are much more adept at crime fighting.
I'll forgo telling the rest of the movie and just let you know what I think. It's a fun movie, heck a blast even. It's nice to see a movie like this come out with an "R" rating and not a PG-13, which it could have easily been dumbed down too. But it would've lost a lot and I mean big time. This movie has tons of violence in it but it is played out like a comic book and gets you laughing and energized. Each fight scene seems to be filmed in a different style. Very creative.
If you're feeling like have some fun check it out. I'll give it a 3 on my scale.
4-See it at the theater at all costs.
3-See it at the theater during a matinee.
2-Rent it.
1-Watch it with the girl/guy your with that really wants to, and you are desperately trying to impress them.
0-Burn the movie (whatever form) if you ever come across it.
I'll forgo telling the rest of the movie and just let you know what I think. It's a fun movie, heck a blast even. It's nice to see a movie like this come out with an "R" rating and not a PG-13, which it could have easily been dumbed down too. But it would've lost a lot and I mean big time. This movie has tons of violence in it but it is played out like a comic book and gets you laughing and energized. Each fight scene seems to be filmed in a different style. Very creative.
If you're feeling like have some fun check it out. I'll give it a 3 on my scale.
4-See it at the theater at all costs.
3-See it at the theater during a matinee.
2-Rent it.
1-Watch it with the girl/guy your with that really wants to, and you are desperately trying to impress them.
0-Burn the movie (whatever form) if you ever come across it.
4/4/10
Movie day
Bree's sister was in town this week visiting, and provided a babysitter. On Saturday Bree and I finally saw Avatar. We tried a few months ago to see it in 3D. But we never got around to it until this past weekend. Of course by this time the movie is not in 3D anymore, so we had to see it in 2D.
Now Avatar is a very formulaic movie, and at time it seems to be based on effects alone, but I have to say it hits on a wide range of emotions. Heck Bree even cried through most of it. Can Cameron write? Sure if you mean from a technical aspect. Are their holes? Sure, but this movie goes beyond your normal summer blockbuster. It has a lot more than you would think. Beautifully shot, a new level in film making and effects was achieved and a new high mark was set for the box office. This movie will have a ripple effect both good and bad on movies for years to come. Honestly it reminds me a lot of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Now I saw five out of the ten films for best pictures and while I enjoyed some of the others more than this film, I would say this is the best all around film I saw, just above District 9, and yes that includes The Hurt Locker.
On the Derek's rating system it'd give it a 4. Remember this movie is a game changer, much like Star Wars, Jurassic Park and The Matrix. I'm sure your not familiar with the Derek rating system since I'm just making this up now. But 0-4 is the range.
4-See it at the theater at all costs.
3-See it at the theater during a matinee.
2-Rent it.
1-Watch it with the girl/guy your with that really wants to, and you are desperately trying to impress them.
0-Burn the movie (whatever form) if you ever come across it.
Now Avatar is a very formulaic movie, and at time it seems to be based on effects alone, but I have to say it hits on a wide range of emotions. Heck Bree even cried through most of it. Can Cameron write? Sure if you mean from a technical aspect. Are their holes? Sure, but this movie goes beyond your normal summer blockbuster. It has a lot more than you would think. Beautifully shot, a new level in film making and effects was achieved and a new high mark was set for the box office. This movie will have a ripple effect both good and bad on movies for years to come. Honestly it reminds me a lot of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Now I saw five out of the ten films for best pictures and while I enjoyed some of the others more than this film, I would say this is the best all around film I saw, just above District 9, and yes that includes The Hurt Locker.
On the Derek's rating system it'd give it a 4. Remember this movie is a game changer, much like Star Wars, Jurassic Park and The Matrix. I'm sure your not familiar with the Derek rating system since I'm just making this up now. But 0-4 is the range.
4-See it at the theater at all costs.
3-See it at the theater during a matinee.
2-Rent it.
1-Watch it with the girl/guy your with that really wants to, and you are desperately trying to impress them.
0-Burn the movie (whatever form) if you ever come across it.
Later Saturday night Shaun and I went to see Hot Tub Time Machine. I had heard nothing but good reviews going in. The funniest comedy since the Hangover is what I heard. While that sounds good, you have to realize that the Hangover hasn't been out that long. So you have to ask yourself what else could have come out between now and then. Well no matter, it is a pretty funny movie, is it as good as The Hangover? No, but it doesn't try to be. Does it take itself seriously? No, and that's why it works.
The movie does not waste time in transporting the main cast back to 1986, and that's a good thing. The set up takes hardly anytime and you get right into the raw good stuff. Raunchy might be the best word. There are some great one-liners and one good running gag involving the bell hop's, played by Crispin Glover, arm.
On the Derek's rating system it'd give it a 2.5. Check it out.
3/30/10
Pendleton, it's a hell of a town!
This past weekend Bree, Riley and I drove out to Pendleton to see some of the in-laws. We chose Pendleton because it's pretty much int he middle of Portland, Boise and Kooskia.
We were planning on a 4 hour drive, but even with a stop in the middle we got there in about 3 1/2 hours. Riley was good the entire time. We arrived in Pendleton with plans to meet up with the family at a Mongolian Grill for some lunch. However once we arrived we found the grill to be shut down. So we decided to hit up a Mexican joint close by. Bree and I spent our time eating and chasing Riley around the restaurant, luckily they were not busy and she did not cause any mess for anyone.
After lunch my brother-in-law and I went to play some golf at the Casino's course, Wild Horse. Before the game began we decided to place a friendly wager. The loser would have to place a $20 bet on the roulette table for the winner. The bet had to be placed on one of the "third" sections. Bob started kicking my butt from the first hole and did not really let up. Luckily for me we only decided to play 9 holes, however I still lost by 14 strokes, ouch!
After my embarrassing loss we headed to the Casino so I could pay up. I hit the ATM machine for $40, hey if I'm going to gamble I'm going to gamble for me. I got to the table and had to slip in right next to the wheel. there was a rather large lady taken up a couple spaces. The dealer asked me if I'd like to have half chips meaning instead of $1 chips my chips would be worth $.50. This allows me to place more bets. I guess $40 is not what it used to be. I put Bob's $20 on the second third. And put down a few chips of my own. I forget what number came up 5 or 9 I think, anyway Bob lost his money. I had a bet placed on the first third and doubled up that bet. I proceeded to bet for the next 20 mins or so. I got told by the Bit Boss twice not to lean or stretch oer the wheel. Finally after the large lady moved, he made the table slide down so I could sit in a proper position. Before I slide down I asked Bob to pick a number, he picked 24 and I could not reach it so I put it on 14, of course 24 came up, felt bad about that one. The dealer changed out and we kept playing. I was right around $20 win I placed a $2 bet on 29 and a $4 bet on black, and yes I thought about Wesley Snipes as I did it. Anyway, 29 hit and I was up big. My $2 bet turned into $70 and my $4 bet turned into $8. Or at least I thought that's what would happen. Once I won I told the dealer I'd like to cash out. She started with my bet on 29. Remember I was playing with half chips, but this was a new dealer and did not realize that. I knew something was off when the first chip she pulled was black as in a $100 chip. She pushed a total of $144 my way thinking that my $2 bet was a $4. While this is going on I was still trying to figure out how I'd won that much in my head. She then took the chips I had on black and the chips I had left and asked a second dealer to help the second dealer realized they were half chips and corrected the issue but never mentioned anything to me about the $144 I had already gotten. I took the chips walked to the cage and cashed out. I'm now considering myself as one of the few who has taken a casino. Yes I did it for all the little guys!
We met up with the rest of the family at the hotel. They were all in the swimming pool. We marched in told them the news only to have Bree say "Dinners on us!" After everyone got out of the pool and got dressed we headed to Hamleys Steakhouse. It was supposed to be a pretty nice place, of course I spaced on packing any long pants and donned a pair of basketball shorts, t-shirt and slip on shoes. I walked in to find a lot of cowboys, hats, jeans and cowboy boats. Oh well I thought I have Riley and she'll keep the attention off my attire. We waited for about 10 mins and got a table. After ordering we were sitting around and talking. I was playing with the Riley and noticed a familiar looking face behind Bree. This lady had an uncanny resemblance to Julianne Moore. After staring a bit to long I'm sure I decided it was her. I asked Bree is that Julianne Moore sitting behind you? Bree turned and looked, then turned back to me and said "I believe it is." She seemed to be eating with who I assume are her children and husband. Dinner was good and everyone enjoyed their meal. Which was good since we did pay the entire $154 bill. So long house money.
The rest of the weekend went well. We hit the Casino once again, this time I lost $40 and Bree won $8. The next day we played at a park where Riley climbed a bunch of stairs, then we had lunch at Abby's. We took off for home with one extra person my sister-in-law Amber who is spending her spring break with us.
We were planning on a 4 hour drive, but even with a stop in the middle we got there in about 3 1/2 hours. Riley was good the entire time. We arrived in Pendleton with plans to meet up with the family at a Mongolian Grill for some lunch. However once we arrived we found the grill to be shut down. So we decided to hit up a Mexican joint close by. Bree and I spent our time eating and chasing Riley around the restaurant, luckily they were not busy and she did not cause any mess for anyone.
After lunch my brother-in-law and I went to play some golf at the Casino's course, Wild Horse. Before the game began we decided to place a friendly wager. The loser would have to place a $20 bet on the roulette table for the winner. The bet had to be placed on one of the "third" sections. Bob started kicking my butt from the first hole and did not really let up. Luckily for me we only decided to play 9 holes, however I still lost by 14 strokes, ouch!
After my embarrassing loss we headed to the Casino so I could pay up. I hit the ATM machine for $40, hey if I'm going to gamble I'm going to gamble for me. I got to the table and had to slip in right next to the wheel. there was a rather large lady taken up a couple spaces. The dealer asked me if I'd like to have half chips meaning instead of $1 chips my chips would be worth $.50. This allows me to place more bets. I guess $40 is not what it used to be. I put Bob's $20 on the second third. And put down a few chips of my own. I forget what number came up 5 or 9 I think, anyway Bob lost his money. I had a bet placed on the first third and doubled up that bet. I proceeded to bet for the next 20 mins or so. I got told by the Bit Boss twice not to lean or stretch oer the wheel. Finally after the large lady moved, he made the table slide down so I could sit in a proper position. Before I slide down I asked Bob to pick a number, he picked 24 and I could not reach it so I put it on 14, of course 24 came up, felt bad about that one. The dealer changed out and we kept playing. I was right around $20 win I placed a $2 bet on 29 and a $4 bet on black, and yes I thought about Wesley Snipes as I did it. Anyway, 29 hit and I was up big. My $2 bet turned into $70 and my $4 bet turned into $8. Or at least I thought that's what would happen. Once I won I told the dealer I'd like to cash out. She started with my bet on 29. Remember I was playing with half chips, but this was a new dealer and did not realize that. I knew something was off when the first chip she pulled was black as in a $100 chip. She pushed a total of $144 my way thinking that my $2 bet was a $4. While this is going on I was still trying to figure out how I'd won that much in my head. She then took the chips I had on black and the chips I had left and asked a second dealer to help the second dealer realized they were half chips and corrected the issue but never mentioned anything to me about the $144 I had already gotten. I took the chips walked to the cage and cashed out. I'm now considering myself as one of the few who has taken a casino. Yes I did it for all the little guys!
We met up with the rest of the family at the hotel. They were all in the swimming pool. We marched in told them the news only to have Bree say "Dinners on us!" After everyone got out of the pool and got dressed we headed to Hamleys Steakhouse. It was supposed to be a pretty nice place, of course I spaced on packing any long pants and donned a pair of basketball shorts, t-shirt and slip on shoes. I walked in to find a lot of cowboys, hats, jeans and cowboy boats. Oh well I thought I have Riley and she'll keep the attention off my attire. We waited for about 10 mins and got a table. After ordering we were sitting around and talking. I was playing with the Riley and noticed a familiar looking face behind Bree. This lady had an uncanny resemblance to Julianne Moore. After staring a bit to long I'm sure I decided it was her. I asked Bree is that Julianne Moore sitting behind you? Bree turned and looked, then turned back to me and said "I believe it is." She seemed to be eating with who I assume are her children and husband. Dinner was good and everyone enjoyed their meal. Which was good since we did pay the entire $154 bill. So long house money.
The rest of the weekend went well. We hit the Casino once again, this time I lost $40 and Bree won $8. The next day we played at a park where Riley climbed a bunch of stairs, then we had lunch at Abby's. We took off for home with one extra person my sister-in-law Amber who is spending her spring break with us.
2/22/10
The weekend that was
Looking back at the past weekend I gotta say we had a good mix of relaxation and productivity.
02.20.10
We started Saturday off by hanging around the house and playing with Riley. Around 11 we went to watch my niece play volleyball. She was in town for a tournament. The place was packed and there was no room to sit. Bree found a place next to my Brother and fam. Riley and I walked around and tried to stay our of peoples way.
That afternoon we went to Hannah's birthday party. Riley had a blast playing on all the foam padded toys and getting to interact with a bunch of kids outside of daycare.
After the party we headed back to the courts to spend some time with my Brother & co. We hung out for a bit and then we headed home.
I got fancied up (long sleeve shirt) and headed downtown to film an award dinner for a work event. Bree and Riley went out to dinner with the visiting relatives.
The work event was pretty nice. We got to award some hard working families some prize money.
02.21.10
I got up, played with the kid and then did some vacuuming, hung some stuff on Riley's walls and put up some new curtains up for her. We then went swimming. Riley did well as normal. Afterwards we went to the Cheesecake Factory with the Welters.
02.20.10
We started Saturday off by hanging around the house and playing with Riley. Around 11 we went to watch my niece play volleyball. She was in town for a tournament. The place was packed and there was no room to sit. Bree found a place next to my Brother and fam. Riley and I walked around and tried to stay our of peoples way.
That afternoon we went to Hannah's birthday party. Riley had a blast playing on all the foam padded toys and getting to interact with a bunch of kids outside of daycare.
After the party we headed back to the courts to spend some time with my Brother & co. We hung out for a bit and then we headed home.
I got fancied up (long sleeve shirt) and headed downtown to film an award dinner for a work event. Bree and Riley went out to dinner with the visiting relatives.
The work event was pretty nice. We got to award some hard working families some prize money.
02.21.10
I got up, played with the kid and then did some vacuuming, hung some stuff on Riley's walls and put up some new curtains up for her. We then went swimming. Riley did well as normal. Afterwards we went to the Cheesecake Factory with the Welters.
1/29/10
What's happin'
We're gonna make the update about work short. Nutballs would be a good word to describe it. People at work ask me how I'm doing, and I try not to stare at them or laugh. I just say hanging in there.
Last weekend we had some visitors. Bree's sister Alex and her husband Bob, flew in from Boise for a few days. We hung out around the house and hit some restaurants. Bob and I played some video games and while Bree and Alex did some shopping around town.
Monday I played some basketball and stunk it up but we still won so I didn't feel too bad. Thursday I played a volleyball game, we lost, that's not the worse part though, the team was lost to was a bunch of crybabies. Just irks me losing to a team like that.
My mom was in town for a workshop and spent the night with us. Riley took to her quickly which was nice.
Last weekend we had some visitors. Bree's sister Alex and her husband Bob, flew in from Boise for a few days. We hung out around the house and hit some restaurants. Bob and I played some video games and while Bree and Alex did some shopping around town.
Monday I played some basketball and stunk it up but we still won so I didn't feel too bad. Thursday I played a volleyball game, we lost, that's not the worse part though, the team was lost to was a bunch of crybabies. Just irks me losing to a team like that.
My mom was in town for a workshop and spent the night with us. Riley took to her quickly which was nice.
1/16/10
Another week
Monday 1.12
Played basketball Monday night and won. It was a good game to win too, decent team. I had 11 points and some boards and assists.
Wednesday 1.13
Scott invited me to the Blazers game. He has season tix in section 108. A bit nicer than my normal seat. The game was nice, Blazers beat the Bucks in a route. Something the Blazers needed.
Thursday 1.14
Played in a volleyball double header. We won both games, somehow. We played out best games as a team. It was very exciting to see us play so well.
Played basketball Monday night and won. It was a good game to win too, decent team. I had 11 points and some boards and assists.
Wednesday 1.13
Scott invited me to the Blazers game. He has season tix in section 108. A bit nicer than my normal seat. The game was nice, Blazers beat the Bucks in a route. Something the Blazers needed.
Thursday 1.14
Played in a volleyball double header. We won both games, somehow. We played out best games as a team. It was very exciting to see us play so well.
1/12/10
The weekend
Saturday 1.9.10
Bob was in town celebrating a birthday. He was going to tour the Man vs. Food Portland version. I met him and some other friends at the Stepping Stone Cafe and got some grub. I had the bacon avocado and cheese omelet.We then headed to the studio to film the 45th episode of Portland Men on Sports. Loren and I left after we taped the first segment. Martell Webster was signing autographs at the near by Fred Meyers. We got there and got in line only to be told that Webster had to leave at 3 and that we most likely would not get up there in time. We debated weather we should leave or not and while we were still talking about it we were told that we were the cut off point. We got up there and Loren introduced us and told him about the show and reminded him that he follows us on twitter. Loren had him sign some autographs. I was going to get my pic with him but I thought why not ask him to record a small vid for the show. I asked him to say "Hi I'm Martell Webster, and your watching Portland Men on Sports." He said sure and and did it. Check it out here. What a cool guy. After that we went back and finished the shoot.
I headed home and gathered the family. Next we met Bob and co at Salvidor Mollys. It was packed so Bree, Riley, Jake, Barb and I sat together and chowed down. I had the Cuban sandwich. We still got to see Bob eat the Balls of fire. He did it, but had to slow down after a quick first bite.
Bree, Riley and I headed home for the night as the group continued to Voodoo Donuts.
Sunday 1.10.10
Not too much happened on Sunday. Just our normal stuff. I watched some football, we took Riley to swim class and hit the grocery store.
I headed home and gathered the family. Next we met Bob and co at Salvidor Mollys. It was packed so Bree, Riley, Jake, Barb and I sat together and chowed down. I had the Cuban sandwich. We still got to see Bob eat the Balls of fire. He did it, but had to slow down after a quick first bite.
Bree, Riley and I headed home for the night as the group continued to Voodoo Donuts.
Sunday 1.10.10
Not too much happened on Sunday. Just our normal stuff. I watched some football, we took Riley to swim class and hit the grocery store.
1/9/10
Get with the times
Wednesday 1.6.10
Work, work, work. After work I picked up the kid and headed to Jake and Barb's. Bill and I helps Jake move some of Barb's office supplies to their place. Bree showed up and help watch Riley and Bills two kids. Afterwards Barb cooked us dinner and we hung out a bit.
Thursday 1.7.10
Thursday night I had my first volleyball game of the year. We played well, and hung in there but lost the deciding game by two points. Bummer man.
Friday 1.8.10
After work I was supposed to film another episode of Portland Men on Sports. However Philipp offered Loren and I two tickets to the Blazers game. We switched the show from Friday to Saturday and headed over to the game. I must say watching the Blazers beat the Lakers in person is a neat experience. Unfortunately the Laker fan sitting two seats away was bit annoying but nothing that a Blazer dominated game can't cure.
Work, work, work. After work I picked up the kid and headed to Jake and Barb's. Bill and I helps Jake move some of Barb's office supplies to their place. Bree showed up and help watch Riley and Bills two kids. Afterwards Barb cooked us dinner and we hung out a bit.
Thursday 1.7.10
Thursday night I had my first volleyball game of the year. We played well, and hung in there but lost the deciding game by two points. Bummer man.
Friday 1.8.10
After work I was supposed to film another episode of Portland Men on Sports. However Philipp offered Loren and I two tickets to the Blazers game. We switched the show from Friday to Saturday and headed over to the game. I must say watching the Blazers beat the Lakers in person is a neat experience. Unfortunately the Laker fan sitting two seats away was bit annoying but nothing that a Blazer dominated game can't cure.
1/5/10
Dailyish posts make a comeback.
I'm trying to get back into the blogging groove. I used to keep a daily blog, but that died in a big way in early 09. I'm not sure I'll be able to put up posts daily, but I'll try to get most my randy exploits down.
Friday 1.1.10
Had the day off but there was no sleeping in for me. Bree still had to work, so I was on Riley duty. Jake and I had plans to go shopping for a new golf putter, Bree's Christmas present to me. I had to keep Riley up so I didn't have to wake her up from a nap to go. She was a bit fussy, until we got to the golf store, when she sat in her stroller and played with some golf balls. Once we were out of the store we realized she still had one. Little thief.
I got back home put the kid to bed and settled into watch the Ducks dominate the Buckeyes. Unfortunately that did not happen.
Barbara and Jake stayed over to play some games and have some dinner once Bree got home.
Saturday 1.2.10
Carla came over to watch Riley so Bree and I could go see Avatar. We got to the theater and the line was out on to the street. By the time we got to the ticket counter we were told there was only a few seats left and that we would most likely not be able to sit together. We decided to watch Sherlock Holmes instead. I'll put up a review of the movie at some point, but my quick ruling, good.
Sunday 1.3.10
We took Riley to her swim lessons. She had a week off and seemed to miss it. Every time I'd set her down on the side of the pool or the steps she'd just dive right back in. She also started blowing bubbles, very cute. She's now a 6 witch means she can go under water up to 6 seconds before signaling to come up. Basically you dive them under water and when they are ready to come up they will kick. She's doing very well.
Sunday afternoon I had some Volleyball practice. We scrimmaged against a team that had not played before and it showed.
Monday 1.4.10
After work I picked up Riley, who saw me and walked to me smiling the whole way, it was very nice.
Bree got home and we had dinner. After witch I went to play a basketball game. We lost in overtime. I played ok 13 points a couple assists and rebounds.
Tuesday 1.5.10
Tuesday was double duty for me, after gig #1 I went to Lake Oswego to film the City Council meeting. Luckily Jake was there and we kept each other entertained. I tried to keep up on the Blazers game on my phone, but it died with four second left the Blazers down by one and Bayless on the line with one free throw to shoot. I had to wait another 20 mins to get to the car and find out he missed and they lost, drag.
Friday 1.1.10
Had the day off but there was no sleeping in for me. Bree still had to work, so I was on Riley duty. Jake and I had plans to go shopping for a new golf putter, Bree's Christmas present to me. I had to keep Riley up so I didn't have to wake her up from a nap to go. She was a bit fussy, until we got to the golf store, when she sat in her stroller and played with some golf balls. Once we were out of the store we realized she still had one. Little thief.
I got back home put the kid to bed and settled into watch the Ducks dominate the Buckeyes. Unfortunately that did not happen.
Barbara and Jake stayed over to play some games and have some dinner once Bree got home.
Saturday 1.2.10
Carla came over to watch Riley so Bree and I could go see Avatar. We got to the theater and the line was out on to the street. By the time we got to the ticket counter we were told there was only a few seats left and that we would most likely not be able to sit together. We decided to watch Sherlock Holmes instead. I'll put up a review of the movie at some point, but my quick ruling, good.
Sunday 1.3.10
We took Riley to her swim lessons. She had a week off and seemed to miss it. Every time I'd set her down on the side of the pool or the steps she'd just dive right back in. She also started blowing bubbles, very cute. She's now a 6 witch means she can go under water up to 6 seconds before signaling to come up. Basically you dive them under water and when they are ready to come up they will kick. She's doing very well.
Sunday afternoon I had some Volleyball practice. We scrimmaged against a team that had not played before and it showed.
Monday 1.4.10
After work I picked up Riley, who saw me and walked to me smiling the whole way, it was very nice.
Bree got home and we had dinner. After witch I went to play a basketball game. We lost in overtime. I played ok 13 points a couple assists and rebounds.
Tuesday 1.5.10
Tuesday was double duty for me, after gig #1 I went to Lake Oswego to film the City Council meeting. Luckily Jake was there and we kept each other entertained. I tried to keep up on the Blazers game on my phone, but it died with four second left the Blazers down by one and Bayless on the line with one free throw to shoot. I had to wait another 20 mins to get to the car and find out he missed and they lost, drag.
1/4/10
2010 Resolutions
Sure it's a couple days late but hey the blog is being used now. Below are my 2010 resolutions in no particular order.
1. Get in shape. Ah yes what I expect is the most common resolution and one I've made many a time before. That being said it's time I get serious about it. Since Bree became pregnant I've been putting on the pounds, she ate and I ate. The thing is she had the kid stopped eating so much and lost it, I on the other had have seemingly increased food consumption and decreased physical exercise. No gym and more, no working out, not even much Wii. Currently I'm playing basketball and volleyball weekly, it helps but for the most part reminds me how out of shape I am. Anyway the plan now is once those sports are done, get back to the gym.
2. Place in a Roofball Tourney. Last year I made three semi's out of three events. One game away from a top three finish each time. This year I'd like to get back on the podium. First chance is 1.31.10.
3. Finish video projects. Currently I have four projects that are in various filmed stages and a very ambitious project in the conception stage. I'd like to finish the four and really concentrate on the "yet to be reveled project."
4. Take Portland Men on Sports to a new level. I'm not sure what this really means. I just feel that we could be doing so much more with the show. We have some plans for some commercials (dang add more stuff to #3) and our Twitter followers are growing ever so slowly. I'd like to get it to the point where it's something to be admired and not something to do.
5. Redesign bookieprodctions.com. The site is very generic and has no interactivity. I'd like to make it more "showy", looking to take some Flash classes, heck that might help.
6. Start Mini-Golf league. Some friends and I want to start a mini-gold league. Nothing big just us going around to different courses, keeping track and awarding a trophy at the end of the year. Just some organized fun.
7. Start looking for new house. I guess 1500 square feet and 3 bedrooms are not enough for us. Bree and I are planning on having another kid. We are thinking we need more space. It's a big purchase and the kid is still aways away, but towards the end of the year it's going to be time to look.
1. Get in shape. Ah yes what I expect is the most common resolution and one I've made many a time before. That being said it's time I get serious about it. Since Bree became pregnant I've been putting on the pounds, she ate and I ate. The thing is she had the kid stopped eating so much and lost it, I on the other had have seemingly increased food consumption and decreased physical exercise. No gym and more, no working out, not even much Wii. Currently I'm playing basketball and volleyball weekly, it helps but for the most part reminds me how out of shape I am. Anyway the plan now is once those sports are done, get back to the gym.
2. Place in a Roofball Tourney. Last year I made three semi's out of three events. One game away from a top three finish each time. This year I'd like to get back on the podium. First chance is 1.31.10.
3. Finish video projects. Currently I have four projects that are in various filmed stages and a very ambitious project in the conception stage. I'd like to finish the four and really concentrate on the "yet to be reveled project."
4. Take Portland Men on Sports to a new level. I'm not sure what this really means. I just feel that we could be doing so much more with the show. We have some plans for some commercials (dang add more stuff to #3) and our Twitter followers are growing ever so slowly. I'd like to get it to the point where it's something to be admired and not something to do.
5. Redesign bookieprodctions.com. The site is very generic and has no interactivity. I'd like to make it more "showy", looking to take some Flash classes, heck that might help.
6. Start Mini-Golf league. Some friends and I want to start a mini-gold league. Nothing big just us going around to different courses, keeping track and awarding a trophy at the end of the year. Just some organized fun.
7. Start looking for new house. I guess 1500 square feet and 3 bedrooms are not enough for us. Bree and I are planning on having another kid. We are thinking we need more space. It's a big purchase and the kid is still aways away, but towards the end of the year it's going to be time to look.
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