Viva La France

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to do what I have done because of my bicycle.  Never did I think I would be able to go to Europe to ride, let alone twice in a year.  Having the chance to go to France for the largest event and see a little bit of the country was beyond my dreams, and thankfully the wife gave me the go ahead on this. I mean how often is it that you get a paid for trip to France? Yeah, not too often.
To be honest, two weeks before I was in Oklahoma for the grands, and having France coming up, I guess it took pressure off the grands, and I was able to do ok at that race.  Making both mains and being up front for most of the races made me feel good about things.  The two weeks that I had in between were a complete blur.  We opened the business, had work, kids, and life to take care of before I left for another six day trip.  I was excited but also pretty nervous for some reason, couldn't quite put my finger on it, but tried to stay positive.
Our first day in France we were in Lyon.  The third largest city in France.  It was really cool and I appreciated the age of the city.  Everything was super cool and old.  I compiled a small list on my phone to remind me of what I wanted to write about.  So lets get into that.

BTW this is going to be a long post.

First of all, I didn't go through customs to get into France.  Nope, just walked straight into the country.  That pretty much blew my mind.  But hey, I sold some stuff so it was all good. (jokes)
We almost died on the freeway.  Our tour guides were trying to talk to us and would look back over the seat to make eye contact, taking his eyes off the road.  Its all good, I think you need to do one thing that scares you each day.
There was graffiti everywhere, and it did not suck.  Amazing, huge art pieces everywhere you looked.    At times I did think that it was a bit over kill, but I was in awe of some of the pieces.  The traffic and streets in Lyon were gnarly.  Super small, and traffic was super bad.  I was amazed how these people drove on streets like that, and there would be no way that my truck would fit on those streets, or parking spots.  Driving on cobblestone roads was rad.  For lunch we went into an old tavern and on the menu was horse.  So I ate horse.  Sorry mom.  After lunch we walked outside and there was a christmas festival going on, there were mini horses there, I apologized to them for eating their brother.
I saw some adults on scooters.  I laughed at them.  It was freaking freezing the first day in Lyon.  Raining and fog, and Felicia and I were not prepared for it.  We didn't want to complain though, because we figured this would be our only day to see some stuff.  We had a great lunch, and then found out that most French people don't eat after 2PM.  Ummm, anyone that knows me knows that wasn't going to work out very well for anyone.  We were lucky though and all hangry crises' were averted.
We went to the most popular cathedral in Lyon.  It sits high up on a hillside overlooking the city, and is massive.  Cool, old architecture and streets around the building, just made it feel so cool  and old.  When we walked in I was in awe.  I had only seen pictures of such places and just couldn't believe i was there seeing such a place in person.  I started walking in when I noticed the holy water basin.  A large 4' by 3' basin made of marble and on the basin there were the words "In Hoc Signo Vinces"  I was taken back and instantly loved the place more.  In this sign you will conquer are words that I have tattooed on me and it means so much.  Very cool to see that.
I had a great chat with our guide Dorian about all things political in French.  The government, the welfare system, the taxes, free healthcare,  handouts, free educations, and gasoline.  Umm 10 bucks a gallon anyone?  No thanks. Dorians girlfriend walks one hour each way to work just to save money.  Buying a house is super hard, and banks don't just loan out money like they do in the states. It was pretty interesting to hear what he had to say on all these subjects and France is actually in a pretty bad spot.  They need to figure some of that stuff out.
Speaking of free Health care, Felicia crashed on day two and we spent 6 hours in the ebola stricken hospital in St. Etienne.  It was horrible.  The service, attitudes, and overall experience confirmed my opinions about socialized medicine.  Barry bailed on me 2.5 hours into the experience and got to go back to the hotel and sleep.  He was passed out on the chairs and needed sleep.  Sleep for me was pretty much non existent this trip.  Something that I just chalked up as the experience.

Typical rolling hills with cool old buildings and houses on top of them.  Houses stacked on the sides of hills, and the ever so typical euro apartment living.  I did love seeing the houses with actually shutters that they close every night, not used just for aesthetics.
We kept going to the track too early.  Dorian thought we would like to be there the whole time, but it sucked and on the first two days they didn't have the heat on in the building.  It was so cold in there that we would leave and go over to a Mcdonalds type place and just sit in there because it was warm. Barry decided to pack super light for the trip and was forced to buy some some socks.  He is an athlete for Oakley, and wanted some Oakley socks.  29 euros later, or 44 bucks, he had one pair of socks.   He was pumped though and thought it to be totally worth it.

Speaking of Barry.  He and I were on the same wave length the entire trips.  We knew what the other was thinking, and kept talking about what the other was thinking.  We talked about how people are bought together that are meant to be friends.  Having Barry there made the trip for me, and Im glad to call him a friend.  I worked on educating him on all things coffee, and when I got home I sent him a french press, so he could enjoy a proper cup of coffee.  We also took a morning and went to the craziest museum I have ever seen.  So much random shit, it blew our minds.  I couldn't believe some of the displays, and wouldn't let my girls see that stuff.   While at the track Barry never got anytime to himself, he is a complete rockstar.  It was great to see him never tell someone no when they wanted a picture or autograph.  He is what being a professional athlete is all about and the fans absolutely loved him.
Everyone smokes, and it sucks.  Our pit was by the door and smokers would leave the door open and smoke would just pile into our pit.  lame.  I consumed more second hand smoke than I ever have.  I hate it.  I also ate more bread in that short six days, than I have in the past two years.  I wasn't impressed with the food at all.  The coffee is straight euro, so thats just espresso.  It was alright and helped with the lack of sleep that I had.

As far as the race goes, it was nuts! I have never witnessed such a crowd and the enthusiasm they had for the event.  Lazors, lights, stages, music, fog, smoke, fire, dancers, it was so much more than a bike race.  They advertised on the radio, TV, newspapers, and billboards.  They made this such a big deal, and the French didn't disappoint.  There were so many people there, no seats left, and the standing room only was completely packed.  That shit never would have happened here, fire code wouldn't allow it.  The track was the gnarliest track I have ever raced on.  I was told that it was going to be difficult, but Im pretty lucky to have grown up in Utah where we don't just race, but also ride bikes on jumps, skateparks, and have fun.  So I was looking forward to a hard track.  They were so creative with the jumps, and sizes, elevation changes, and turns.  It was so cool.  My favorite feature was the off camber roller out of the last turn, so fun to get wicked on.  I didn't jump anything until race day.  I had a crash on the pro jump on Friday and my mental game was shot after that.  I just couldn't find my groove and had a bit of a mental breakdown that night.  I called the wifester at 3:30 AM my time, couldn't sleep, and pretty much had an anxiety attack.  Talking to her when I am away always helps, she helps me keep things in perspective.  She completes me.

My race day was Sunday.  We had 30 minutes of practice, and when I got to the top of the hill for my first practice lap, I said screw it, and pinned it first lap.  I jumped everything first lap, and that set me up for how I would approach the day.  I love the UCI format of racing and makes me stay in race mode the whole time.  I relaxed and enjoyed the moment.  I enjoyed the experience and welcomed the stress.  I was able to put it together every lap, and didn't lose a lap all day.  I had first gate choice going into the main and chose one.  Behind the gate for the main I told myself that I could win this, and did just that.  Had a great gate, and tried to check out.  I didn't have the smoothest lap but kept it together.  Knowing how the French ride, I was prepared to get blasted in every corner and thats what happened in turn two.  A guy had taken his foot off the pedal and cut the corner and drilled me.  I was ready for it.  I had lowered my center of gravity and had a solid base.  As soon as he came into me I placed my elbow under his arm and started pedaling and lifted him off and over.  Still in first I hung up a little on a jump down the last straight but was able to squeak out with the win!  I was in shock, and still as I write this can't believe I won.

I wrote Devin and told her I couldn't believe it, and she replied with "I can believe it."  I lost it and broke down.  She never waivers in her support and Im so damn lucky.  The award ceremony was cool and I was asked to give my jersey to hang in a babies room of a fellow competitor.  He brought his pregnant wife down and I gave her my flowers and gave him the jersey I was wearing,  We took a photo and I told him to remember whats important as I showed him the back of my number plate and the photo of my girls.

The last night, Barry and I had an awesome dinner and we stayed up all night so we could sleep in the plane.  It didn't work for me, but it was all good.  I carried my trophy on the plane with me, I felt kind of funny, but oh well.  It was so good to get home to my girls waiting for me at the airport.

I have been so blessed to enjoy this journey.  Thank you to all the support me and make all of this possible.  Without you I am jacks empty coffin.

Photos to come

The plunge

Well, after talking about it for what seems like forever the wifester and I have decided to finally bite the bullet and start our own business.  We have decided to go ahead and Start a bike shop.  Ageless Racing will be the name and we will be a trackside vendor tacking care of the tracks and riders in Utah and Wyoming.  We are pretty excited and have really learned a ton over the past two months of working through licensing, vendor set up, the banks, and of course the trailer.
I designed and had built a custom trailer, but this process has been a pain in the ass.  When I ordered my trailer they originally told me 3-4 weeks.  Monday will be the 8th week and still no trailer.  We have product in the garage just waiting to get stocked and make it all come together, but the damn trailer manufacturer is a slap ass.  Frustrating to say the least.
We got set up with Rockwell Watches which we are really excited about.  Rockwell has been a sponsor of mine for the past three years and this is a great way to promote them even more.
Pretty lucky to have such a great partner with the wife, skies the limit!

Other than that things are good.  The grom and G2 are growing well.  So awesome to have such awesome kids.  Damn lucky.  The weather has finally turned for the worse.  Im not so pumped on that.  Makes the old bones hurt for sure.

Heard a remake of this song today, sang it to G2 and she loved it.  Darius is the man.

hope

I hope this guy is genuine, because I think he is awesome!

Smile, its only a Monday

Late night

I wish I could soldier on past the 10 PM hour just so I could watch Jimmy Fallen.  Oh well.  Thats what youtube is for.  This is a little old, but still so good.

behind the lense

Sometimes I hop behind the lens and snap a few photos.  These are a few from my last camp in Chula Vista this past week.  Enjoy.  But really I don't care if you do or don't.

I miss summer already

Here I am in Chula Vista for the 4th and final camp of the year and I am already missing the summer. I was just browsing through some of my photos on this computer and it just makes me happy with the things that we got to do before summers end and the arrival of G2.  But not one to dwell on the past and things that I can't change, I have really tried to help the wifester a bit more now that we have another gremlin.  By helping, I mean that I have been taking the grom with me a lot more.  She is like my little shadow and I absolutely love it.

This past weekend were local races right by the house and I asked if she wanted to go.  She did.  She rode and played with friends non stop.  She also raced, which was rad.  On her last race she came up to me and said, "daddy, Im going to go slow"  I laughed and said ok.  On another one of her laps one of the other kids knocked over a cone in the last corner, my daughter being her mothers child, stopped, got off her bike, and went over and picked it up.  So classic.

So like I said, Im here in Chula.  Working with Olympic hopefuls.  Seems to be a great group of riders this go around and we have some pretty awesome rider coaches helping.  I opted for my camera rather than bike today, and was happy about that.  I also did some personal testing and am happy where I am at with my fitness.

I took the grom with me to Canada for their National championship and to be honest I was so excited to have her with me.  I had her a custom hoodie made with the GT wings so she could support her daddy, and her extended family.  She was was so excited to go along, especially when she knew that her Dr., Ethan, and Brighton were coming along.  To say that both of us were excited would be an understatement.

 


The last time she was on a plane it didnt work out so well.  But this time we changed it up a bit and she did excellent.  It didnt hurt that we got bumped up to economy comfort for a little more leg room.  Not that she needs it as you can see, she fits just fine sideways in the plane.  She was awesome on the plane and even some people mentioned how well behaved she was.  My favorite line was when she asked "is it time for blast off daddy?"  Warms the cold void in my chest just thinking about it.

This was us just before went went over the border.  She was so excited to be in Canada, she said it was so cool and didnt want to leave.  That was until I reminded her that mommy and Remster werent there.  Then she was ok with going back, but said she wanted to go to Canada again.  I loved having her there with me at the races.  "Good luck daddy, go fast, and win"  Hahahaha, oh little grom, I have already won.

Usually when I travel to race I dont step foot in a swimming pool, but this time I did, twice.  In fact, I was the only dad in the pool.  We swam and lauged and made splashes and waves and she loved it.  To see her smile is the best.  While at the track she was everybodys best friend.  Everyone wanted her to come with them and she spoiled rotten by everyone.  I also knocked out my first braid attempt.  She was pretty proud of her daddy for doing her hair.  When it was time to leave the track and head back to Seattle I strapped her in and within two minutes she was out.  She played so hard for 2 1/2 days that it was a total black out for the drive.

She woke up and we were in Seattle.  The mini van we had was awesome and if I ever decided to completely lose my manhood I would buy the lincoln Town & Country minivan, it was awesome and hauled ass.  It was seriously awesome to have her with me and if I get to travel and the wifester allows me, shes coming with.

love her.

more music

Love me some lucero

The following song was a song that was on my worlds playlist.  I listened to this song over and over before my races to just stay calm and kick it.  I would listen to it while I warmed up and cooled down.  It just put me in a good spot.  Such a great tune.



During one my of my leg redo tattoo sessions Nate had Lucero on for the entire session.  It was awesome.  I can appreciate most of the music, hope you enjoy.

Tuesday Tunes

Well its 10:03 and Im wide awake.  I have so much going through my head, so I though I would try and listen to some music to calm me down.  I stumbled upon these guys, pretty good tunes.  Probably won't help me fall asleep though, but its all good.



So much on the horizon, pretty exciting stuff.  Stay tuned, we will share soon enough.

Week one

 Uncle Zach and I finally talked the wife into letting us buy the above motorcycle for the grom.  He and I might be a bit overly excited about it, but its going to be awesome!

 So heres proof that she is mine.  I mean, sure she came a little bit later than the original due date, and I was gone during the "time" but with the picture above, no DNA test will be needed.

When dads shirt doubles as a blanket, life is good.

From one has been playing soccer for a few weeks now, and by play I mean run around and then bail off the field to find some shade.  We really don't care if she wants to play or not, but she just looks so damn cute in her uniform that its hard to not want to go.  For brief moments she likes to play, but there are two kids that are 5 that for some reason got put on her team which is in the 3 and 4 year old league and just run field on the other kids.  Its part of sports that I hate, and it makes me hate their parents.  They think its cool that their children are ball hogs.  I guess the skipped the principle of sharing in whatever world they were brought up in.

I did find it cool that I had a connection with her coach.  Small world.  He responded with "I knew there was a reason why I liked Hadley so much."

Picture day with the Hawks.  They were all so well behaved for the pictures.  Pretty awesome.

 We hit up the Aggie game versus Wake Forest.  Of course the grom was pumped that Uncle Zach was coming along, and she was so hopeful that she would run into her homie Big Blue.  When she saw him so was so ecstatic.  She just ran straight to him, anyway she could, she was going to get to him.  He is always so great with her.

 I am such a fan of college football.  However, when they start paying the players, I will no longer support it.  I can't believe that these guys that are treated like royalty, pretty much have everything they need on campus, school, food, housing, clothing, books, all paid for, yet need to get paid?  I just don't get it.  I think if they pay em, make em pay for school and books then.  Freaking entitled pansies.

 Went for a ride today.  I was going to ride from our house to the in-laws, but I guess my tubes had other plans.  I didn't sweat it too much. I found a plot of shade, made a call, and hung out.  A pair of roadies past me, but didn't bother asking if I needed help.  A guy in a subaru did stop and check on me, he was super cool and I thanked him for making sure I was good and that it meant a lot.  Its the small things folks.

Who doesn't love spandex?

G2, Gromsquared, Remi Leigh Harmon

September 7th 12:32 AM, the wifester walks into the room in which she hasn't slept in at all over the past three months and says, "we're having a baby".  Up we were.  We didn't actually leave to the hospital until 5:41, as she wanted to labor as much as possible at home.  Packed my bag, grabbed the wifes bag, groms bag, car seat, and then grabbed the gromlin out of bed to take her to the grandparents house until baby came.  I may have driven pretty quickly to the hospital, no way was I about to catchers mitt a baby on the side of the road. I may have been over reacting, but I have a very fragile memory and scar easily.  Anyway, we arrived at the hospital just before seven AM, parked on the 4th level, took the stairs of course, and went to the area where they check.  I will save all the numbers and stuff, but lets just say the wifester wasn't quite ready.

 Off for the first walking session, keep in mind the chicka was having contractions every three to four minutes at this point, lasting about 1 minute each.  For the following three hours we walked halls,  the round about out front of the hospital, and the stairs to the landing pad.  Well Jackie and I didn't walk those stairs, they looked hard, and I was tired, I was only 6 cups of coffee in at this point, so energy was low, ha.  Poor wifester, it was such an ordeal.  We went and got checked again and she had made very little progress.  The decision was made to go walking some more, due to the fact that they won't admit a laboring women until the reach a five.  So more walking.  This time, contractions were coming about every minute to minute and a half, and were ruthless.  45 minutes later we were getting admitted.  six hours later (17.5 hours total), a birthing ball, a bath, a much of hip and back pushing, the wife was spent.  She had been up fighting for so long and the contractions were so hard, she couldn't fight the fight any longer. She was falling asleep, passing out is more appropriate, between contractions.  It was excruciating to just watch someone that I love go through that.  She looked over at me and said "Im done."  Epidural time.  She had wanted to have this grom the same way we had grom numero uno, all natural, but it just wasn't in the cards.

The anesthestialogist came in and did her job.  She had the personality of a rock, like a rock under water, cold water.  She did here job.  It was about five or six more noticeable contractions, and then for some reason everyone left the room.  I can't quite remember why everyone left, but they did and it was just Dev and I.  I was sitting so I could watch the heart beat and contraction monitor and I could see this new life enter her face.  She lighted up and was smiling.  We sat and talked for about fifteen minutes when her most awesome mid wife came back into the room.  Heather the mid wife, you deserve your own post, but just know we think the world of you.  She went to check the wife one last time and in doing so, halted very quickly and said, we're having a baby!  That's right, the epidural was exactly what was needed.  She had been fighting her own body, and just needed to relax and let it happen.  Finally!

6:27 PM, Remi Leigh Harmon entered this world.  I was a bit more aware during this birth unlike Hadleys.  I was way anxious for number one, but for number two a bit more ready I guess.  I still didn't look downstairs, (I scar easy).  but as soon as she came, she went to the corner with the pediatric team to ensure she had nothing down in her lungs, she then let out the scream we were all waiting for and I was right there to grab her.  They handed her to me to give to momma, holy shit, what an amazing experience. I was so overwhelmed, yeah I cried.

The wife is absolutely amazing.  She fought so hard and so long, (that's what she said), but in the end the result that we wanted was here.  The wifes willpower and determination never ceases to amaze me.  To see her go through what she went through without any assistance is something that I will take with me and draw from on days where I think Im being a sissy.

I'm completely smitten.  I love being a dad to little girls.  I love them so damn much.

Worlds Trip

I guess its time I got around to writing this.  Holland was pretty cool, for what we got to see of it.  Pretty much Amsterdam, and Rotterdam.  We saw some windmills of course, and then we saw a ton of graffiti.  As in, if there was a canvas to be painted with Graffiti, it had art on it.  I like graffiti, but dang.  The food was european, so you know, runny eggs, and small coffee.  I went to get a to go cup of coffee one morning and they didn't have any, so they just gave me the mini coffee cup to take with me and told me to bring it back.  I lost it, go figure.

This worlds trip was going to be a different one for me.  Instead of traveling by myself, I was traveling with the USA team and staff.  I was asked to be a coach for the Challenge staff, which is a great opportunity and one that I was really looking forward to.  I was also racing, so to say that I was busy, is an understatement.  I guess I really never understood how hard the coaches work when they are at the worlds.  I was wrong.  These guys work 16-18 hour days, non stop, running around, herding kids, getting the logistics down, and taking care of the smallest of details.  I definitely appreciate what they have done for me in the past.
So to racing.  It was awesome.  I felt great on both bikes.  I went into this worlds more confident than years past. My coach had me ready mentally, and of course physically.  As my girls dropped me off at the air port my wifester looked at me and said "I have a good feeling about it this year".  That was all I needed to hear to calm the nerves and look forward the journey ahead.  Before I get too far, I want to say that I enjoyed the journey much more this go around.  I took everything day to day and had so many victories along the way.  Not just on the bike, but in all aspects, training, life, work, family, everything.  It has been so awesome.

So 20" was going well for the most part.  I had won all qualifiers, and my 1/8th final.  Sitting in a good spot in my 1/4 final a rider behind me lawn darted straight into my back sending me over the bars and ending the run for that bike.  I was a little bummed but as I started to leave the track I realized my pants were shredded and actually started to fall off.  I just started laughing and told myself its just a bike race.

Cruiser.  This was actually the first time that I had even ridden my new cruiser.  I did one 90' sprint on it right after I built it up, and then packed it into the travel bag.  I felt great on the cruiser and won every lap going into the main.  Holy shit I made the main!  haha, felt so good to finally be on the gate for the main, and especially having first gate pick.  I knew I would be racing Kelvin Batey from Ireland and he normally races elite, so I knew which gate he was going to pick and intentionally picked the gate directly to his outside.  I didn't want him to cut me off, so I picked 4 and he picked 3. Gate went down and I snapped him.  I started to move over on him, but didn't finish moving all the way over and made a slight mistake on the triple going into turn one.  I got pushed high and came out in 4th.  I battle a bit for 3rd, but ended up 4th.  4th in the world doesn't suck.  So pumped.

Coaching.  Wow.  what an incredible experience.  For the morning session I was put in charge of the 7 and 8 year olds.  They were so awesome, and did great.  we put 3 riders in the main event for the 8 year old boys.  So proud of them.  The afternoon session I would get my 15-16 year olds.  I have been working with this age all year at the training center in Chula Vista, so it only made sense that I was over these riders.  What an incredible group of riders.  Some of the riders had some bad luck and didn't make it to the mains, while others did.  One of my riders, Bubba G had terrible luck in his first and second rounds, going into the third round with 11 points, meaning he would have to win his third round to advance.  I got to him after second round to find him hysterical.  He was defeated, and down, and I knew we had to correct the problem.  I took him outside for a good 15 minutes, to get some air, get rid of the negativity, and reset.  He did just that.  He went on to not lose a single lap after that, and eventually becoming the world champion in 15 boys!  I just got goosebumps writing that.  I was so nervous for my riders that I couldn't even go in the stadium to watch.  I just waited at the finish line.  As Bubba crossed I was freaking out, he zipped past me, to a skid, turned around and opened his arms.  I ran straight to him and hugged the shit out of him.  Kelsey Van Ogle, known to me as KVO had a little bad luck, but made the main.  Watch for this girl to shred it up next year in Junior women.  My boy Ryan Pettigrew, petty, killed it and ended up third.  Huge for him and he is stepping it up with his training and commitment.  Im calling this boy for the upset in 2016 and making the olympic team

After the challenge I got to work with the juniors and elites.  I was in charge of the girls and they all killed it.  My boy Seanny G, who you would consider my little brother, did amazing.  Especially considering that he had broken his wrist four weeks prior and had surgery three weeks leading into it. He killed his mottos, and going into the main, I was confident that he could do it.  Sean has amazing efficiency on a bicycle and he is one of the smallest dudes on the gate.  In the main down the first straight he got bumped by a giant from Norway but didn't falter at all.  He popped out in second and was pulling the leader the whole track.  With a 26 second track he just didn't have the time, but he finished 2nd, so freaking awesome!  Im damn proud of sean on and off the track.

9 days in Europe is a long time to be away from my girls.  I can't even begin to tell you how much their support means to me.  The FaceTime, the notes, the shirts, the messages, its all just so incredible and without them this would mean nothing.  It was great to come home and have my from hug the the hell out of me.  So amazing.

To all my friends and family, and supporters that sent the countless messages, texts, pics, tweets, posts, you guys are awesome.  Im happy with everything, but then again I was happy before.  If you're not happy without it, you won't be happy with it.

Love you all, thank you so much for making this experience a reality!

 This bottom left photo sums it all up.

Bangarang

I will get around to recapping my trip to The Netherlands, but for now I want to pay a little homage to a man that lost his battle with depression today.  Robin Williams.  My heart goes out to him and the struggles that he and his family have endured through his fight.  This is a tough subject for me as this disease has hit close to me a few times.

The news hit earlier and it bummed me out briefly.  Then I really started thinking about it.  See growing up in the town of 1200, some of my best friends were the movies that we could rent at Single Stop or the movies that my parents would buy us.  We occasionally would watch movies at my grandma Geri's house as well.  She was quite the movie buff, and Im pretty sure that is another thing I got form her.  Most movies would get watched over and over, and sitting there today thinking about it, I realized that some of the most watched movies had Robin Williams in them.  Hook is one that comes ringing back like a flash.  I didn't realize it at the time, but one of the principles that I live by is what that movie is about.  Retain the spirit of youth.  Man, its so good, so many good moments in that movie.

"Bangarang!"
"It is you Peter!"
"Bad Form"

Another all time class would of course be Dead Poets society.  Thats entirely too much for this situation though, at least for me.  But "Oh Captian my capitan."

A clip from the classic, and one that screams truth on many levels.

Good will Hunting, damn, so many classics.  This guy was a stud.  The cool thing that I was telling the wifester about tonight is that he brought so much joy and entertainment to my childhood, and some of the animated characters that he has done voiceovers for, he also brings joy to my daughters life.  Thank you RW, for the awesome memories.  I hope you can rest easy.

Home

Logan.  The place where I consider home more than any other place.  I seriously love Logan.  We were so lucky to have lived there for the amount of time that we did.  So many awesome things happened to our family  when we lived there, I met the wifester there, we had the first grom there, and have meat and made so many awesome friends there.
Last weekend when I was in Pittsburg my good friend Nate sent me a text just to see how I was doing.  It got me thinking that we for sure needed to go up there.  I wrote the wife and we booked a room and made plans to spend the weekend up there.

The minute we pulled into the valley my heart got a little heavy.  I miss it there.  The simplicity of life.  The friends.  The view.  The sunsets.  Everything.  We stopped by our neighbors house, we miss them so much.  They were absolutely the best neighbors ever.  So awesome, that I just automatically hate our current neighbors.  They have no chance.  I then went to the tat shop to see Nate and the boys, while the wifester and grom walked around the sidewalk sale.   We got a room at the Hampton and went and did a little swimming, the lil one starts swim lessons tomorrow, so swimming should go a bit smoother from here on out.  She loves the water though.  After I walked over to Village Inn and grabbed us some pie.  Eh, whatever.  Walking back I was astonished at the amazing sunset.  It just seems like I don't get to appreciate them as much nowadays as we did when we lived there.

Woke up early and walked over to Starbucks for my Americano.  The air had a crisp feel to it.  I love the air up there when it is clean.  Even in the dead of summer, the air had a coolness that you only feel in the Fall down south.  We hit up Campus for a walk and it was perfect.  Not one other person on campus, it was all ours for the hour that we were there.  One little moment sticks out in my head as I sit and type this.  In front of the new library there are amazing flower patches. and the grom stopped riding her bike, sat it down and went over to pick the flowers.  It just makes me think that we need to take more time to appreciate the small things.  We can learn so much form kids. Love her.

I so very much appreciated my weekend with the girls.