bean

Mr. Bean's Holiday
Never thought a funny movie could make me so anxious.

Pedro @ Home

We left Paris Christmas morning; It took 13.5 hours to fly home to LAX. Basically (with the time change) we got to have an extra long Christmas day. Adjusting to PST has been difficult but we are getting there. It seems like our neighborhood is deserted. Typically we go "somewhere" between Christmas and New Years so it seems a bit odd to be home. Yet...I am glad to be. Time to switch back from trying to speak French to Spanish.

We need to get out today, visit with some friends and get some chores done.
Tonight, I hope to get all of us down to the cliffs of Corona del Mar to watch the sunset.
There are two beaches. Big Corona and Little Corona. In the summer, both beaches get over run with tourists. People show up in the morning and stay into the night. Frankly I feel that the beach access should be restricted in the summer to allow the local residents a chance to enjoy the beach without 20 thousand people on it. Anyway this time of year we get the beach to ourselves.

Au revoir!... errr... I mean Adios!

Merry Christmas

View of ET from room

George V

We are arrived back into Paris yesterday afternoon for our final two nights of the trip.
It is Christmas eve morning and we are hanging out at the hotel. We leave tomorrow (Christmas morning) for LAX. Cool thing is when we get back home it will still be Christmas.

Up until now the Hotel room's have all been comped on Marriott points.
Not any more :). We are staying at the George V. We were upgraded to suite and have a view of the Eiffel Tower from our room (s). The suite (condo) has two levels and my guess is it's about 1500 sq ft. As I type this I am sitting at a beautiful desk watching the sun come up over Paris. The church bells have been ringing on the hour and the city is (oddly) quiet. It is simply phenomenal and an experience that we shall never forget. I could not have dreamed a better ending to such a wonderful trip.

Going away (especially to another country) always gives one the opportunity to reflect on their lives. Of course, The trick is to come home and have the conviction to see through the self imposed changes. yea, yea... Pete thanks for the insight.

on the more shallow way of thinking...
My mind has started to turn back towards home. I miss my dogs (big time), I miss my Family, I miss our friends, I miss 70 degree weather, I miss Burritos, I miss In and Out, I miss Football, I miss my Bed, I miss running (everyday), I miss the USA.

Germany

Last night, we arrived into Munich. As we marched to the Hertz car rental lot I began envisioning an awesome Audi or a perhaps a Mercedes. I am afraid not. It's some kind of Diesel 4wd van type vehicle. Kim's summed it up best, saying it reminded her of the Motor Home from the Movie stripes. Remember the Em-50? pretty funny.
This morning we find ourselves in Kaufbeuren.
We are staying at Jennifer's Parents second house. It is nice to be embraced. Only thing is the house was originally built in the 1600's so the ceilings are low. Thus far, I must have hit my head 10 or 15 times, ouch.

Jennifer skated with Kim. Jennifer's husband Richard still skates. Jennifer's Mom is a coach and Richard's Mom (who is here visiting from NY) is still a coach.

SO...We are planning on going to the ice rink today and also to do some sightseeing. ( I will update later).

Latest update Dec 19

Entry dated Weds the 19^th at 630AM

Dec 17, Kimberly’s Birthday 40^th :

Everyone was tired and slept in. We did not get out of the Hotel until 12:30.

We then spent the afternoon at Montmarte (thanks for the recommendation EZS). It is a hill that looks over Paris and is full of street artists. It was cold. 35 degrees and they were still out there. We walked around had some hot wine and headed back to the hotel in the early evening. For Dinner, I decided to switch gears and put us into a restaurant that was a trendy instead of traditional. I made reservations at “Georges” on top of the Centre Pompidou. It was spectacular. Lovely food, atmosphere and the view was phenomenal. A great day.

I am going to avoid the daily entries from this point on. It’s difficult with the connections here at the hotel and frankly I will end up turning this blog into a daily log book. There will be more but only highlights (condensed).

Here is the skinny – Today we will hang out near the Champs Elysees. Tomorrow we head to Munich. I will update again from Germany.

Before we left on this trip I a had been working out every day. Since we have been here I have not even seen the Gym. That all changes in about ½ an hour. I feel the need…big time. Wish me luck.

Paris Day Three

Day Three

We took the Metro to Saint Chapelle. Some of the grounds were being renovated but the main cathedral was still open. What struck me was the beautiful stained glass that went up over 60 ft high (all the way around up to the ceiling). It was a short visit and then we bopped over to Notre Dame. This was my second time to Notre Dame and it was about the same for me. It is an enormous cathedral. It literally takes 20 minutes to walk through (without stopping very much). It was Sunday; so Mass was being held. They funnel the tourists around the outside of the pews and around the back of the Alter (like a big horse shoe). It was a bit odd to pass by the Alter while communion was being held. I gave a short prayer and shuttled on with the crowd. My favorites: seeing the girls light the candles and watching the lady outside being inundated with pigeons.

At about 2 PM, we left Notre Dame we crossed over the bridge to Ile de Saint-Louis Island. This was the highlight of the day. It is a hidden gem (if there is such a thing in Paris). We did a bit of shopping and then stopped in for lunch at de Flores. Our table was situated in a room that was only about 12X20. It had a bathroom in the back and we shared it with four other families. It was intimate... but the food was fantastic. Mackenzie loves to sing… She went to the bathroom and forgot how small the place was and started singing. When she walked out… we all clapped. It was pretty funny.

Everyone was a bit tired so we went back to the hotel for some rest. Lastly we went out last night to the Plaza Hotel and the girls did some skating.

Paris Day 2

We changed our minds and decided to take the Metro to the Louvre instead. I have been to Paris many times but I had never made it there. Wow, It is phenomenal. Oddly, What struck me more than anything else was the architecture, it is breathtaking. Everyone has to go to the Louvre at least once in their lifetime. Winter time makes for less crowds...It was really quite nice. In the summer it can take up to an hour to get a glimpse of the Mona Lisa. We strolled into the room and were in the front of the crowd in 2 mins. As I expected (and have read) it is a special painting but there are other paintings that surround her that are breathtaking. The gallery has soaring ceilings that are about 60 ft high with some paintings that are 30 ft tall.


As we left the Louvre we decided to brave the cold and walk back up the Champs Elysees. The street is lined with trees that are decorated with beautiful light blue lights (for miles)...It is spectacular. After a late dinner we made our way to the top of the Arc de triomphe. The view from the roof top looks over all of Paris. The city of lights with Christmas added ...makes for lots of lights :)

Paris Day 1

Day one

Walked along Seine and had dinner at Chez Francis. Kimberly and I had been to Chez Francis 12 years ago. It is your typical French café / Restaurant with wonderful Jambon and pomme frites. What makes this café so special is that the foot of Pont de L’Alma bridge and has a picture perfect view of the Eifel Tower. 12 years ago I sat outside at 11PM smoking cigars and drinking scotch. This time of year it’s a bit too cold for sitting outside at night, I am 41 years old (almost 42) and the girls don’t like seeing me smoke… c’est la vie .

Arrived in Paris

Bonjour. We arrived in Paris yesterday (fri) afternoon. Everyone managed to get a little bit of sleep on the flight over. After we arrived, I was very proud of the girls for managing to stay awake until the early evening. Though marching around in 33 degrees tends to keep you awake :).

It is now Saturday morning and I have found my usual lobby coffee spot and wireless connection (though getting the connection took some time). I am up and ready for action with 11 hours of sleep. The girls are still sleeping.

We are in Paris at the Marriott Champs-Elysees until next Thursday then its off to Germany for a two night to visit with Kimberly's best friend and family. Can't remember the name of the town (will post it later) ...It is just outside Munich. Then back to Paris for our final two nights Dec 23, and Christmas eve at the Four Seasons. We fly home Christmas day.

Today's main event will be a visit to Musee d'Orsay. I will write about it this evening or tomorrow morning. Time to get going .

Madison's skating schedule

Madison has a new directing coach and the hours have changed a bit.
Monday 6 AM Aliso Viejo (South of Newport -15 mins drive
Tuesday 7 AM Aliso Viejo
Weds: Off
Thursday 7AM Aliso Viejo
Friday 7Am Aliso Viejo
Saturday 7 AM Yorba Linda (East of Newport 25 min d rive)
Sunday Off.

So here I am in Yorba Linda this morning. I like this rink. The early stroking class only has 12 girls in it and the free style is pretty light. No surprise ....It's freezing in here. Definitely one of the colder rinks.

Toad Suck

My colleagues recently had the pleasure of meeting with a customer in Arkansas. This particular customer is a modern day version of Gemco.

Anyway on the drive in you pass through the town of Toad Suck.
One has to be wondering about the founding fathers of TS. How on earth did they come up with that name? Shrug, Sum it all up with ...its odd.

Thanks for the photo Niel, did you get me a tee shirt?

Breathe

Blog on the weather or perhaps blog on about some silly wish list, how about the latest family quest? All good but something new.

Breathe in and breathe out. Oxygen on the brain is a good thing.

Do people really look like their dogs? Where did that come from anyway?
What about cats? I guess people don't look like cats

Woodside backyard: Smell of pine trees, horses, fire, dogs, flowers. a strange combo but I miss it.

Sit in reflection: SF Fort Point, Half Moon Bay, Yosemite valley floor at sunset.
High on life: Horseback above Kennedy Meadows during a thunder storm.
Eze need I say more?

Friends since 8 years old. People are always surprised to hear that. Is it unique or odd?
Probably both. Are we odd or is it everyone else?

Enuf

p.s. yes ib sober

It's over

Sunday to Sunday: 3 days of helping present at a DCA boot camp, 3 days of training on solution selling, dozens of partner meetings, several partner dinners (one lasting 4 hours)...Makes for one very, very tired man.

On Saturday night (after the usual closing rah rah rhetoric from management) they brought on a guest speaker. Motivational speaker Dan Clark . Anyone that talks about common sense and moves away from the traditional deliveries speaks to my soul. I have always felt that the key to success is connecting and building relationships with people. I have always used this type of approach. I don't try to pretend to be something or somebody else regardless of whom I am trying to connect with. I stand with conviction and I always will.
Needless to say ...I enjoyed his presentation)

I left the hotel yesterday morning at 430AM to catch a 600AM flight. On my way through the court yard I noticed a big crowd chatting. Could they be waiting for a bus to the airport? Nope, It was the young crowd from the UK still up and partying from the night before. You can always count on the Brits to find a way to keep the party going. As I passed through the crowd; I couldn't help but to thank god for giving me the strength and sensibility to go to bed early the night before.

I was upgraded on the flight home. I sank into the cushy seat and slept for most of the flight.
It's good to be home.

Orlando

After a long break its back to Traveling again. Leaving today for a week of meetings in Orlando (the fast food wasteland)... My goal on the drive from the airport is to count the number of McDonalds. bye for now

Wish list

Odd wish list
1. My version old glory has been many places and seen many things...The time has come. A flag pole that doesn't twist in the wind and a new flag to go with it.







2. Metal detector.
Yes that's right; Can you picture me down at the beach. Tube socks up to my knees, Bandana and a large straw hat. there be gold in them beaches ...I can feel it. I will have the last laugh on this one.








3. A lifetime supply of Paraduxx.

For those feeling a wee bit more on the more realistic side of things...a bottle or two will work as well.







4. Weeks worth of racing cars ...Here ..


5. Once graduated .... An Aston Martin with a full tank of gas.

Kibitzer?

(Kibitzer) I heard it again today, NO it wasn't in reference to me...It was a colleague.

It is one of those words that I occasionally hear and that have never taken the time to truly understand. Until now.
*In any case, I strive to never ever be referred to as a Kibitzer.
In my book, it's a nice way of calling someone a cheating, meddling, un solicted advise wielding buffoon.

kib·itz·er

1.	a spectator at a card game who looks at the players' cards over their shoulders, esp. one who gives unsolicited advice.

2.	a giver of uninvited or unwanted advice.

3.	a person who jokes, chitchats, or makes wisecracks, esp. while others are trying to work or to discuss something seriously.

Big Ben from County Hall and Big Ben

Dad, I know you will appreciate this. A great photo taken by my good friend Martin. One of the webs original bloggers. A true Brit that has somehow found is way to Utah read more here. And of course a shot of my buddy Bentley ...also known as "Big Ben".

We are ok

Thanks to all of you that have expressed concern. The Santiago fire moved south and spared Irvine and any potential threat to Newport. We continue to have smoke but the wind is almost gone. Change is in the air and I can feel good weather coming. Fire status is here: oc register.

Difficult times; We have good friends in San Diego that have been evacuated and one of the skating coach's from the rink ALMOST lost his house up in Arrowhead. *** 9/27 Correction the house in arrowhead was spared :)

smoke pic

I took this shot right after the fire in Irvine broke out last night... Fire is now 8000+ acres and the smoke continues. So far it has not jumped into any of the large parks in Irvine. So we are safe.

Fire in Irvine

Last night at 6pm a fire broke out in the hills of Orange and Irvine. It is about 5 miles from here but the wind is driving it directly towards Irvine and Newport Beach. The smoke is thick and the ashes have fallen throughout the night. I hosed down the roof late last night and will be going out to do it again this morning. Hoping the air attack kicks some ass today.

This map is from late yesterday. According to the news this morning the fire is stretched all over the rattlesnake res area and south on limestone. The wind is SW which is directly towards Irvine's natural reserve and Newport's back bay.

yup- Fire

well that didn't last long...Malibu is getting hit. FIRE

Santa Ana Winds

So much for the cold temps of Winter...Its that time of the year again...Santa Ana Winds are kicking in. The winds can get dangerous but its no Tornado. Now Fire... That's the scary part. Let's hope the nitwits take the year off from playing with matches.

On the brighter side of things; This week we will be reaching into the mid and upper 80's - Time to hit the beach :).

weather changing

fall is upon us here - the heater actually kicked in last night...burr it was got down to a whopping 69 degrees in the house.

Most of the people that I work with are either based in Boston or Provo, Utah. Understandably...They do not exhibit much sympathy to my situation. All kidding aside it is hard to fathom living anywhere else. Visit the winter wonderlands of the US ...ok. Live in them, sorry no can do.

Mentioning Provo reminds me of something. On a sad note;50 engineers from our development team were let go this week. Outsourcing development to our Bangalore office is the culprit. It just doesn't seem fair but at the end of the day the cost is considerably less and the quality is on par. Man that sounds cold. And why in the hell am I talking about work on my blog...

Im out.

Campland the result

Well it was another memorable Indian Princes
s event down at Campland. I had a feeling we were in trouble when I heard someone mutter around the camp fire on Friday night " Sure glad it didn't rain" ... Ah yea, thanks. We woke up to a muddy campground and a dreadful morning of never ending drizzle. The girls all kept their spirits up through the wet morning activities...then Finally around noon on Saturday the clouds parted and it turned into a beautiful afternoon.



I took some of the afternoon to just hang out with the other dads . Playing Bocce . Don't be fooled our version is through trees, down cart paths, under motor homes. It's all good fun! Another tradition...Gary asks everyone to bring two bottles of their best Wine for wine tasting in the afternoon. Always a stellar event that ends up lasting into the evening. Who on earth brings nice bottles to these things? I can see a $50 bottle (maybe) but we have people cranking out the $500 bottles. I always noticed the crowd gets heavier when the expensive bottles start getting opened. It's like they come out of the woodwork. Anyway we ended Sat night with a guitar sing along and I really enjoyed spending the time with Madison and Mackenzie in my arms. Most requested song ...anything high school musical...of course.

























Mackenzie Saturday morning

Madison Saturday afternoon.

Indian Princess - Father Daughter event

Once again its time for the annual Indian Princess kickoff down at Campland in San Diego.

The migration begins today at noon. Madison has a skating competition tonight and will be joining me and Mackenzie Saturday morning.

This year I have been given the adult drinks and cigar chores.
1 Keg of Stella, A 5 gallon drum of Cadillac Margaritas and and endless supply of Ice, mixed with luggage, chairs, sleeping backs, cigars, bikes, razors and other items are all slammed into the back of the SUV - ready for take off.

Remove all the fluff and at the end of the day I really enjoy IP because of the time I get to spend with the girls. This is their final year. We know all of the ins and outs and are really excited for the trip.

Adios!

the door bell rang and a load of paper was there.

I tried to relax in the living room this afternoon. The table was set for 30 minutes of just Dad time; the girls doing the homework and Kim out shopping.

Then it started...

The non stop parade of loiters sticking and dropping cards on my front door. It won't be long before they are out their waiting for me to leave the house. You know... kind of like the scene as you try to walk down the street in Vegas. When that day comes we will be moving to a gated community.

For now they stick business cards, flyers, papers all over the front door. I don’t need a gardener, a massage, a housekeeper and I don’t want my address painted on the curb. I don’t want to change religions and I will never work with a Real Estate agent that goes door to door.

Gotta go I hear the dog barking… Gee I wonder what they are dropping off now?

G' Friends & wine - ~Carrie the blogger~

We had friend(s) over last night minus the Husband (bus trip). Kim and Carrie chatted up while I surfed the net and opened wine. While all that was going on the kids dressed in black and went out for a neighborly tee pee. They did a good job of hammering the house next door. I couldn't bring myself to look at John this morning as he went off to work. I went for the old phony important cell call trick and gave him a quick wave :)

Anyway Carrie is a fantastic writer and I showed her a few things about blogging. She hasn't wasted any time ...check it out over at http://themommuse.blogspot.com/.

cheers

Mackenzie Tennis and Madison Skating.

Z is still playing Tennis and doing very well with it. We have a membership at the NBTC (1/4 mile from the house) and Z is taking semi and private lessons. Z and I also enjoying hitting together...It won't be long before she is kicking my butt.

Madison is still going with her Skating - Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday - She is up and ready to go for her ice time and lessons before School 6am. Madi has a group of coaches but is under the direction of Mr. Nicks. It is going well - She has mastered all of her single jumps and is now working on her axel.

I am very proud of both them ...I will post some new pictures.

Hi....

Wow a year since the last post ...Are you kidding me?

Life has been good and sometimes it has been hard. My Mum passed away a few weeks ago shortly after her 83rd Birthday. She never really recovered from a stroke last November and is in a better place now. We are all exhausted from the entire experience and ready to get on with life.

Summer is over...:( Madison and MacKenzie start School in a couple of weeks and we plan to soak up Socal and enjoy life. Every Sunday we enjoy going to our favorite beach Crystal Cove - Just no other beach like it in California. Great beach.

We are staying home until Dec then its off to Paris for Kim's 40th! All of us are looking forward to it (cept the dogs).

Speaking of... Emma is now 12 years old and hanging in there and Ben is two in November. Ben is all boy (90 lbs) and I love every minute of it.

I need to update the my photo website as well...look for some changes there in the near future.