Outdoormaniac Monte

The boys are back in town

2008-03-23T20:24:00.002-04:00

So, I've changed jobs, companies, states and states of mind. there's an update for you, pika.

Midland is cold. Midland is drab. Midland is my hometown. Midland is a known quantity.

Change is inevitable. Change happens. Embrace change.

disconnect and self destruct

2007-10-01T21:51:00.001-04:00

Hello, how have you been? everything here is special.

's been a while, what has happened since my last posty? done did dalmac, rode sloooooooooowww, but made it, at this point in time I think that's good, it's a tipping point between competition and enjoyment, maybe some day I'll get more competitive about the ride but not now, you fothermuckers, watchin the trees, grass, corn and water go by is just right.

So, been reading about WWII lately, a more graphic read than I have read before, from the infantry perspective, about what the 'grunts' were experiencing vs what was reported to the American Public, in consideration of Sun Tzou, I guess it all makes sense, only give the information the public can relate to and don't shock them too much, with negatives or reality, kind of the art of the dance of communication, convey the message you need to, to further the cause, keep them do re mi coming in etc.

The FF team is not doing so great this year, didn't have a great draft, had to sit by a whining pos at the draft, his wife shudda been there, she runs the team, cause he has nothin.

The boys team is doing ok, 1-3, which is better than I expected, they lost a lot of speed from last years team. My son is playing middle and outside linebacker, making a lot of tackles, having fun, it is all good.

No travel right now, the company is tightening the belt, expecting some challenging times in the future, no problems for me, I'm in a cannot frickin lose situation, like to travel, love to stay home.

Got the new Foos disk, pretty good, gotta have a few more listens, looking forward to the Puscifer disk, and Serj's disk, lots o'good musak to catch soon.

Hoop has been ok lately, the gym raised the rate so not as many peeps are showing for the run, but we'll weather that storm, I hope.

gotta run, see all y'a'all. PO
Midnite Monte.

Wake up, it's time.

2007-08-11T19:41:00.000-04:00

I just gotta say, it's all good, everything is rolling right along. We seem to be in the sweet spot right now and boy does it feel good. Gotta work hard to stay here, cause it's good.

I have been lucky enough to ride about 200 miles in the last week as training for the upcoming DALMAC ride, I am starting to feel good about the challenge of 350 miles over 4 days, third year I've done this, so I know what to expect, but the trepidations surrounding my conditioning, or lack thereof always give me a case of the heebies, just prior to the event.
Got a new rider or two in our "crew" this year, trying to recruit one or two for next year, even though I am an introvert I still enjoy the pleasure of the pain involved in Dalmac, and sharing that with new riders to the tour.

S and M, Bondage anyone?

The corporation I work for has decided that it's time to cut back on expenses for the year, a usual activity for Fall, thus I may not have to go to Asia for 2+ weeks directly after Dalmac, kind of bittersweet, on one hand my son is playing football and I'll miss 3 weekends of his games (he's a team captain) and all of the college/pro games to watch with my son, on the other hand I do enjoy travel, especially to Asia, I have many friends in Japan and China and look forward to catching up with them, so I guess from one perspective, I cannot lose, either way it goes I am doing good.

Gotta say, I am really liking the new VR disc, it's very good. Not liking the new Qotsa disc as much, and the new SP isn't good, but that's just my opinion, and you know how they are. "0"

Usually try to title any post with a line from the music I am currently listening to, this one is a Foo Fighters line from "Razor", either disc that it's on is solid, In your Honor or Skin and Bones, like em both.

I didn't yet mention the most exciting news, my old friend the Creative MP3 Zen Player is back and in full effect. Finally did some reseach on the hard drive form factor and found a replacement, installed myself, re-installed the firmware and upgraded the software, works sweet, what a way to make an old man feel like he is still usefull in this world, did the whole freakin (props to the kicker) thing myself. I love it.

My new fantasy football team name in Re-peter cottonbrain, trying to work in a few things here, first, I am defending league champ so I wanna Repeat. Next one of my favorite things to do is hassle a guy at work named Pete, thus the mis-spell of the Repeter's, last I think Pete's an Idiot, thus the cottonbrain, kind of a rip off of cotton tail but also a bow to cotton headed ninnymuggins from the movie Elf.

I don't think Pete's smart enough to get all of that, but we'll see, a couple of year's ago he called me a "Pickle Smoocher", which instantly became my team name. When all of the ideas spring from one well of stupidity there is risk, but given the level of stupidity we are talking about, I think ideas will spring from the well eternal.

I am spent, PO Monte!

Stop me so I can begin

2007-06-12T22:19:00.000-04:00

Sweet, sweet summer, leaves on the trees, grass in the yard, light late, it's a great thing.

Just finished up a successful season of little league baseball, finished with a four team tourney, all considered the boys over achieved, we played hard, had fun and won a lot of games, a good season in my book, as the head coach, I have to say it was a lot of fun, getting to know the assistant coaches and the boys.
Next up Pee-Wee football, I am considering coaching this as well, although my abilities to coach football are limited, and I have some travel scheduled in September and maybe October.

Mt. Biking season is in full swing, been riding the local mt bike track with my 9 yr old son every weekend, we have gone as far as 8 miles, planning another 8-10 this weekend, never thought he'd like it, but there he is every weekend begging to go again.

Work is hectic, but who isn't busy? No sense whining like a girl about that, take your medicine like a man, I say.

Been playing a bit of hoop, running and biking, need to take the boy trout fishing again, I missed steelheading this spring, first time in 15-20 years.

Had to break down and buy a new vehicle, Buick Rendezvous 2003, seems nice, hopefully I'll get my money's worth out of it.

Fantasy Football is just around the corner, almost time to relinquish the championship trophy and come up with a new team name, I think I may have one that mixes a little bit of everything I like in a name, we'll see if it stands the test of time.

Got my "official" Dalmac acceptance letter, better start riding!

That's all the excitement you can handle for now, PO Monteeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

In the Belly of the Beast, I can't lie

2007-05-10T20:39:00.000-04:00

so...

so.....

so.. how?

I hope.....

shit, I don't know!

yeah, that really bugs me too.

I don't know. what are you thinking

yes, why do you ask?

I never thought about it that way, but you could be right.

yep, fur sure.

oh yeah, I like it like that.

PO Monte.

Fell on Black Days

2007-04-07T22:26:00.000-04:00

Man oh man, have things been great lately? You can't say that very often can you? So here's what's been on, got back from Spring Break in Floreeda, which was a lot of fun, did Wet and Wild, Universal and Seaworld. I got to indulge in a few coasters, at Seaworld, Kraken is awesome, at Universal, Dueling Dragons and and The Hulk are da bomb, my fave was the Hulk, because, when you are riding up the hill to the first downhill, you know sittin there slowly rising up "chunka, chunkachunka" of the chain drive all of a sudden you accelerate up the hill to 40mph into a barrel roll and an upside down dive into multiple loops, just a cool ride, the only one that I've been on that does that. What stunk about it was the fact that I had to ride alone. The really cool thing was, really short lines for many of the rides, I think the walk through all of the mazes was longer on most of the rides than the actual wait in line.

Kids had fun, we rented a house from an ex co-worker, had a pool, was close to everything, worked out great.

Flights went smoothly, no delays, no problems, all in all enjoyable, I think next year the wife and I are going somewhere a little more private sans kids, but we say that every year, so we'll see.

Next week the wife and I will be heading out to San Francisco, about a week out west, my wife has never been out there, so it will be fun. I have a class in SF then a plant visit lined up, flying out of San Jose, some driving around the south bay, it'll be good.

Mourning the loss of an old friend right now, my Creative MP3 player passed from usability this past week, one too many drops finally spelled the end, now I am shopping for a replacement, the Toshiba Gigabeat is looking good, mp3 and viddy o is a real winner on those trans continental flights, gotta get my 15% coupon from the lap top purchase and it'll all be good, smoov, jackson.

News from Dalmac. I'm in and so are alla the riders that got sent in on my envelope, god am I looking forward to that, black sabbath made an album called Heaven and Hell, and it describes that ride, I cannot wait.

Weather here sucks, snow on Easter? Who's the practical joker?

Hope 's'all good where ever you is, were, gonna be.

That's it. PO Monte.

Lookin for a life to call my own

2007-03-05T03:11:00.000-05:00

Been diggin Beck lately, kind of rock, kind of funk, cool lyrics with meaning. I like all of his albums, 'specially the last two.

Traveling again. Japan, Korea and China, now I am in Seoul, Korea, waiting for a flight to Shanghai, sitting in the Korean Airlines Prestige Lounge, sipping Heineken.

Have to say my favorite destination lately is Japan, just a cool country, the people are very friendly, food is awesome and nommunications suit me fine.

Went out one night to the Ginza district of Tokyo for Sushi, Sake and Karaoke, great time, great experience, Thanks Michy and Naka-yan.

Spent a night in the Fukui Prefecture recently at the Grandia Housen, highly recommended to everyone, more traditional Japanese than I have been exposed to, Fukui is on the East side of the islandand is mostly rice fields surrounded by mountains, the views are spectacular. Then there are many hot springs, which are not to be missed, very relaxing after a day in the office, or a long night of nommunications.

Sounds like I'll be back in Japan several times this year, training, investment opportunities to look after. Hoping to take the family...

It's been 9 days on the road and I have another 4 to go, next time I get an itch to travel I'll have to try and remember the empty feeling it leaves me with....

So as far as expensive cities go, I think Seoul may have a leg up on Tokyo, you can't fart in Seoul for less than $100, which is 91,500 Korean Won at the exchange rate I paid in the hotel.

It snowed in Seoul today, didn't like looking at that, reminds me of what I am going home to.

Waiting with breath o' baited for news on the Dalmac accepted rider list, if I don't get in it'll be another bandito year, but those other guys I sent in with me in the envelope may be SOL.

Oh well, that's about all I got for now, maybe I'll get energetic and post again on this trip, but maybe I am just teasing.

This rollercoaster ride's a lonely one.

2007-01-14T19:18:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year 2007. Hope all is sehr gut in your nape of the neck.

Regarding the Title, it doesn't have to be, unless you want it to be, or can't change your ways. Or, I suppose, have an illness which forces people to shun you, or maybe you just like it like that, sometimes.

That's how I feel, I think I might be sick, sometimes the world is great, other days everyone is wrong, including me, maybe I'm bipolar?

More likely, I don't deal well with the ups and downs of life, medication is such a cop out to me, that's what we ferment things for.

But that's not a cop out, right? Legal, non-prescriptive medications are morally just, fine. Even if they aren't we certainly are conditioned to believe so, the slope is slippery here. I have been known to partake in said medications, in excess sadly, and have no desire to curtail the slide, but on the other hand the little outdoor maniac on the left shoulder says, it's not good for me, adds inches to my stomach muscle, damages the liver, both my maternal grandparents died of liver failure due to excessive alcohol abuse, and paternal grandparents families had problems with the same demons, but I am a proud Scotsman and hard it be for a wee draught to pass me by without a small taste or a large one for that matter. So, like everything else in life, I know it's bad and I have little or no self control to stop, I like it too much!

So much for the self illiteration/illumination, tis a sad story.

Got a new job, still trying to figure it all out, another trip to Asia coming up, I'll post some more pics upon my return.

That's all, I'm spent. P.O. Monteeeeeee!

Don't cut out my paper heart, I ain't dyin anyway

2006-12-09T22:37:00.000-05:00

Fantabulous day here, you? Hope it was great. Did the hoop coach thing this this morning and the popcorn/cookie delivery boy thing this afternoon, after a healthy dose of santa like activity for the most important mom in our lives, we had a great day.

Winter is here, Santa is coming, the hype is on, gotta give, give, give.

Watched ELF with the kids tonight, pretty good, my kids liked it.

So, I didn't enjoy hoop very much Friday, three items caused my temporary dismay, one; I was out late at a local brewery, two, I ate too much salty pistachio, last I had to play against a kid twenty years younger than me, who played in University, he kicks my ass every time, wish I'd taken care of him twenty years ago when I held, him as a newborn,just kidding, it's the way it's supposed to be, I've realized that and am just happy to be un-sedentary.

So, is it possible to truly change ones self? How can you tell? Isn't it really a judgement call based on feedback from others? I suppose that if you haven't seen someone in a long time they may think you have really changed, but does someone who sees you every day feel the same way? What are people's judgements of who you are based upon? Should you be concerned about what people think of you? In a corporate world we are taught to accept and learn from feedback both spoken and un, but doesn't chasing the corporate ideal take you farther from who you are and closer to something you swore you'd never be? So here lies the crux of the matter you can sell yourself for positions, power, fame and more pay, or you can starve, or achieve less than controlling your destiny or both. At least that's the way the anachronistic, Jello Biafra, John Lydon, Joe Strummer fan in me feels, it's a real conundrum. So can you improve yourself, or maybe a better question is, can you afford not to?

So probably going over to Asia at least twice again in 2007, gotta get those trips planned or they'll get planned for me and I don't want that.

Merry Christmas and PO Monte!

Please forgive this selfish question.

2006-12-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

God what a flippin glorious day, slow day of computer operation and coffee abuse. Come home to a manically hyper squad of kids, and a sick wife, gotta love it.

Tomorrow is hoop again, which is sweet in my imagination and book for that matter.

Did I mention I saw Borat? It is good, see it, I gotta check out Ricky Bobby, as Sacha is in that as well.

So last night I got to go ringing the bells at Walmart for charity, made some observations about people, looked like there were three types of people, those who donated, those who just walk by and keep their eyes averted, and those who smile and wish ringers a Merry Christmas, kind of wierd about the averted eye types, like they are ashamed, of something, but I am not sure what?

Last thought, I have this recurring thing I think about whenever corporate leadership changes, another school year passes, a load of people get on a plane and fly off somewhere, I am driving down a highway with everyother freak trying to get somewhere as fast as I can, we're all just like waves washing up on some beach, might move some sand, not a lot, probably not a noticeable amount to any passerby, but after 15000 waves of similar types and energy maybe we can make a noticeable difference. To me this speaks to the inability of individuals to influence, lead large meaningful changes, it takes a large concerted effort by many like minded peeps.

So, paradoxically, how does one person or small group make change so effectively? Is it preparation and opportunity coming together in a perfect storm? What about the person who realizes the opportunity and makes the most of it?

Pretty heavy I know, but whilst sitting in airports, this is where my little pea brain goes....

So, my football team made the playoffs, that's good, gotta play the god awful muthafuckinest hard team in the league, they got LaDainian and so I am a decided underdog.

Next post I think I'll talk about personal improvement and meaningful personal change, is it perception or can it truly happen?

PO MONTEEEEEEEE!

Leaving all these opportunities behind

2006-11-27T22:21:00.000-05:00

Nice warm day and evening, not too common in these parts at this time of year. Played b-ball today at lunch, someone scratched me and I bled and bled and bled. It's been a while since that happened. My Fantasy football team is doing much better, looks like I'll be testing the waters of the fantasy playoff run, fun, fun. It has been very enjoyable again this year, I enjoy the competition.I think my son and I will probably play in a league or two next year.

Christmas is coming up, and then a long cold winter, looks like another trip to Asia in the spring, not sure where yet. It'll probably be Shanghai, or maybe Tokyo?

Got a big corporate event coming up soon, lots of work going into that, couple of dinners coming up, those are fun, Christmas shopping, never get enough of that.

Boys basketball team is doing well, we have practice again this week, and a game on Saturday. We always start very slowly, but come on strong to win in the end.

Spring Break planning is on going, we have a house in Orlando reserved, 5 bedrooms,private pool, owned by a co-worker, since we did Disney last year, we'll hit Sea World, MGM Studio, the beach and maybe Disney, taking Grandma and Grandpa, it is going to be great.

Went and saw Borat this weekend, 23 thumbs up, it's good. Want to see Accepted next.

When is the new Velvet Revolver album coming out? Here's hoping it's sooner than later.

PO Monte.

This tedious path I've chosen here

2006-11-22T21:56:00.000-05:00

Buenos Noches.

Thanksgiving, what are we giving thanks for? This year? Ever? Do you ever really think about it? Every now and then, but it really tends to be in the moment, happy for basketball, kids, wine, tv, etc. But in the big picture, what is it? Life? Money?

100 years or 85 or 65 isn't enough to really understand what it is we should be thankful for? As the kid in us all matures, different things come into the scope of vision, but aren't those things really only important based on where we are in our life? SO, back up three steps from there, is it the legacy you'll leave behind? Kids, endowments, savings accounts, what's it all about? A question we must all face up to, squarely.

So maybe, it's about enjoying yourself in the moment and ensuring a legacy for someone else whether they're close to you or someone you never knew. But isn't enjoying ourselves in the moment what we're all good at? So many contradictions, juxtapositions, no wonder we're all frozen in indecision.

Loads of emotions coming up with all of the holidays, memories of past good times, less than good times, expectations about how this dinner, morning, evening, appointment, meeting should go, disappointment when expectations aren't met. In personal matters how does one disguise disappointment regarding personal expectations about expectations for the sake of others dignity, humility, self respect, here is a particularly hard balance for me to strike, I expect so much, and truly believe it can be done, but feel disappointed when expectations are not met.

Nuff o' dat.

Work good.
Family getting better every day, my dad is getting better every day, I struggle with understanding where he is mentally and where I hope he is....

Hoop awesome. You know how you get in something you like and it becomes such a part of your life that you don't even have to think about it, you know it's like the basis of one of your happinesses. I can't imagine life without b-ball, the games, the personalities, the competition. Whatta great thing.

Monte PO!

Feeling eternal all this pain is an illusion

2006-10-17T21:42:00.000-04:00

Here is what is up with me.

Fantasy Baseball Team. Rools. My friend Kirby and I won our league, a real scene stealer, great job of day to day management Kirb, you the man, thanks for letting me tag along, 'twere a great ride.

Fantasy Football Team. Drools. The draggins are starting to show signs of wilting. Still 4-2 (and just beat Kirby's team) but there are some holes developing in the lineup.

Biking. Rocks and Rools. Did Dalmac again with my dad, it was a whole lot of fun and a lot less painful when you know what to expect, looking forward to next year.

Family. Partly Cloudy, but sun is breaking through. My dad had a major accident about a month ago, and is lucky to be alive, after one week in ICU and three weeks in the hospital, he is out and the bones are a healin. We are still worried about his brain which took some damage in the fall but we are hoping for the best. Daughter turns 6 tomorrow, she is growing up quicker than I am comfortable with,gues the runt pills aren't working. Son's football team just completed a 6-0 championship season, I was very proud, he isn't a real physical kid, but he tried hard and enjoyed every minute of the year, ended up playing nose tackle and played every snap on defense over the last 4 games, great experience for himand the rest of our family, now starts basketball.

Work. Somedays you are the windshield... You know how it goes, some days good, some days bad, try to keep a level head, smile and act like you are happy to shovel all of the defecation they throw at you.

Fishing. 4 days of salmon fishing with one of my oldest friends, caught enough fish to make it enjoyable, next year Sty, bring some polarized glasses.

Hoop. Still playing, still lovin it, anything else need to be said?

Muzak. Beck's new cd is good, Black Stone Cherry and always TOOL.

Travel. Cool with chance of snow. The company is cutting back on travel, budgets are being cut, so little or no travel for me as of late, did go to Vegas for 2.0 days in early October, can't say I was blown away, can you say tourist trap?

Learn to Swim see you down in Arizona Bay

2006-07-14T23:00:00.000-04:00

So, I do all this work posting all of my witticisms and bloody brilliant observations and I get absolutely no frickin feedback, pretty rotten, I know we have a love/hate relationship and all but couldn't you just give a little bit for this anarchy lovin republican?

Just got back from California, first time in the state, gotta say it's nice, and brown, very little green in the hills above San Francisco Bay, felt like fall not summer.
Especially when we went up into San Fran, 25 degrees cooler than in Palo Alto, overall trip was good, made a lot of good contact for another project, and got to see the process in question running and all.

Next up Elizabethtown, next week. Then I have a break from travel until end of August.

Prior to San Fran trip,had a two week vacation to Northwest Meechigan with my family, no phones, no 'puters, just food, sun, beach and beer, had a great time, cannot wait to do it again.

Got a family reunion coming up, my fathers siblings and all of their kids and their kids, should be a blast, planning to camp out in the yard at my dad's summer home.

On the agenda are fishing, golf, lots of beach and sun, Michigan doesn't have a lot of warm months and when you get to summer, goddamn it's sweet. Gimme some more of that, Junior!

After a three week hiatus, got back to the hoop today, god,I am a fat slob and out of shape, but it was fun, we won some games we shouldn't have.

While on vacation, I had the opportunity to swim along ways out into Lake Michigan, out where I couldn't hear all of the people on the beach, about 15-20 ft deepand just float there for 15-20mins, what a great relaxing break, gotta do that again this summer.

Biking update, I am so busy I haven't got even 100 miles in for training for Dalmac this year, the good news is there is still time to get some seat time and miles,but with the travel and vacation it is going to be difficult, wish me luck, I am not a Bandito this year, so I have to make the ride. I know I can,I know I can, I know I can.

That's all for now, keep the helpful hints flowing in like wine.

PO Monte

Lost in the wheels of confusion.

2006-02-18T18:44:00.000-05:00

Sitting in the airport, Detroit. Just flew in from Belgium and are my arms tired, ha ha.

Finally completed the around the world trip, lots of flights, lots of eating out, lots of drinking, not bad for awhile, but not good for a long time either.

So here is the surprise of the day, my flight from Detroit to MBS is delayed, probably will get cancelled soon, I will be pissed if it does, I could have driven home, but, that's the way it goes.

I am really looking forward to seeing my family again, it has been too long. Next week we go to Disney World and then I have another business trip to Japan in March.

Had a good trip, met lots of new people, and made a lot of good progress on the project. Alsohad a discussion with a few people about next jobs, could be sooner than later, but we'll see...

Had an interesting evening in Brussels, I was tired and ready to come home, so I stayed at a hotel near the airport and ate dinner in the hotel bar, it was fine, additionally I had the great pleasure of drinking lots of good Belgian Beer,kind of remember going up to the room and passing out, kind of...

I'll insert a picture of Japan for you to marvel at

These dogs are curled up in a little ball.

2006-02-03T17:20:00.000-05:00

What is on this weekend? It's colder than shit here, the wind is blowing through the windows of the hotel. Google says it's 7 F here, with the wind chill, it is colder than that by quite a bit, but they don't report wind chill in Korea.

Got here Wednesday evening after a long flight, from Minny apple less through Tokyo.
Jet lag is tough to deal with, Seoul is 14 hrs ahead of home time. Screws up my sleeping and my appetite, typically don't eat dinner for 3-4 days after arrival. Yesterday I had all day meetings with HR for Asia in the business, really nice person, great ideas it was excellent to meet with him. Then I walked back to the hotel and had a couple of Korean beers, and sampled the potato wedges and calimari rings off the "wonder hour" spread, came back up to the room, and watched a little football on the telly and went to sleep. Another problem with the trip is you cannot get a real good night of sleep, I think I woke up 5 times last night, had a hard time falling back to sleep every time, but I did sleep until 6 am, yesterday it was 5 am, so I am getting close to turning the body clock round.

My team starts arriving today, should be very good to start seeing everyone.

The entire block is hotels and offices, I heard yesterday that most days the population of this city block is higher than Midland County, pretty cool.

I'll attach a picture I took of Seoul from my hotel room, I should get out and look around a bit more today and tomorrow. I also need to do some shopping for souvenirs for my children and wife.

I am going to get up and around now, get a work out, clean up and have breakfast. You know I love hearing from you so keep the threats coming.

PO Monte

Why you act crazy? Not an act, Maybe?

2006-01-07T22:36:00.000-05:00

Got a recommendation from a co-worker to watch "Extras" from BBC2 telly, Finally found it, same guy as on the BBC Office, it's fookin hilarissing, I highly recommend it to everyone, only one season so far, seems they're working on a second, and recently have signed an agreement with HBO to do a US version, which makes ense, since it's written by the same guy who wrote the BBC version of the Office, another fookin great show, so I attached a link to Ricky Gervais's web site, watch the bears shorts, they are great as well.

Feel like Tommy Lee, sitting here on Saturday nite, drunk and watching headbangers ball, Same Old Situation, made a great chicken vindaloo this evening, very spicy, put about half an onion and a whole load of pepper in it, the wife and I both greatly enjoyed.

So earlier this year my wife and I had a run in with a mother black bear and her three cubs at the Rifle River Rec area, pretty exciting, I had another close call with atypical Meechigan Fauna this week, seems I was driving to work at dark thirty on Wednesday, far ahead in the road I saw something run across the road and thought to myself, that didn't look like a deer, when I got closer, I saw what looked like a large dog in the field to the east and then one of the same things ran in front of my car, good thing I had slowed, or I would have tagged a coyote, pretty cool seeing them in the neighborhood. This happened less than a mile from mi casa. Lots of wildlife in the area we have seen a fox and many, many deer, guess now we have to keep the pets inside.

Travel plans are changing as well, going to Korea, Japan and Belgium, not the UK as originally planned, now I get to see northren Kentucky in early March.

That's about all I can think to expound on for now, love ya all, keep the hate mail coming.

po monteeeeeee

Where the bones are bleachin

2005-12-26T21:54:00.000-05:00

Christmas season, what a great time, kids got everything they ever hoped for, playstation is a big hit with my son, I imagine every parent who has a 7 yr old son and gives them a playstation/gamecube/xbox has to drag them from it, so it's a good thing, right?

All in all it has been a good Christmas, kids are as crazy as ever, wife is as friendly as ever and things are just frickin peachy.

good friend of mine and his wife are supposed to have a baby this week, their fourth and they are on par for age with me, now I got kids at 5 and 7, I cannot imagine diapers and naps again, well naps maybe, there are some good things that can get done during naps, but that wa syears ago, now my life is full on 16 hours a day.

So, this isn't a paid advertisment, but Mucinex kicks ass, or should I say snot?

I spent the 23rd in bed with a terrible cold, have been steadily getting better, tried Mucinex today and spit up about 15 pound worth o' green and brown snot, breathing much easier now, thanks!

As for me, I didn't ask for much for Christmas, I have everything I ever needed, except a keg of Sierra Nevada/Arcadia/Bells/Old Peculier/Brains in the fridge and a tap but who's asking for the moon? I didn't get the velvet ball pouch that I asked for, no ball gag or velvet handcuffs either, so looks like it'll be the same old 2006 as 2005. So there go my Greggy dreams!

Peace to all and PO Monte!

On the verge of buzzdom

2005-12-03T20:47:00.000-05:00

Sittin here, at the puter, buzzed again, Corsendonk, good shtuff. Saw Harry Potter and the bunglet of fire with my son this afternoon, twas ok, not great not terrible.

Watched Eyes wide shut last nite, always have liked Kubrick, plus all the nude shots of Nicole Cruise would make any Greggy chubby.

So my mom is sick in a St Petersburg, FLA hospital with Pnuemonia, kind of wierd, she's been in since Thursday, I have talked to her a couple of times, seems like she's getting better, but they aren't letting her out, maybe that's not a good sign...

Here's a thought, airports are a huge waste of time, however they are a necessary evil, people need to be herded like cattle to one spot to get on a tube with wings, then fly to another airport to hurry up and wait at the next gate, it sucks, it sucks, I can't believe how much time is wasted sitting and waiting, very frustrating.

Been getting a lot of static at the office lately, seems deadlines for three projects are coinciding and everyone wants their stuff done as far ahead of deadline as possible, which I can understand, but with three entirely different groups asking for data, analysis, presentation, documentation, conclusions, recommendations and communication at the same time, I find it hard to understand why people can't be a little more understanding and patient, I haven't missed a deadline in a long time and will not miss one in this sudden downpour of demand. Guess you have to prove it everyday...

On the flip side of that bitch, I suppose, it's my responsibility to effectively communicate my workload and manage expectations, problem is I feel like I am whining and I hate whining so, deal with it I will.

Had fun today at my son's hoop game, I am the team coach and am having a blast with the boys, we have practices for an hour once a week and one game a week on Saturday's, seems like the boys make huge improvements every week and most everyone has a lot of fun at every game, I have two great assistant coaches working with me, it just is fun.

That's just about it for now, I am gonna keep stokin the buzz, watch football and the ball. PO Monte.

Get bent, I don't like you.

2005-11-18T22:22:00.000-05:00

So, becuzz I know you all been reading my poetic attempts at communication on life, here I go again on my own. So, how you been lately? Me, pretty good, but you know how it is, work? ok? kids? pretty good? Wifay? OK.

So I am looking at a round the world trip in January/February, either Korea, Japan, Wales, Belgium or vice versa, couple that with a European tour in Jan/Feb and were talking instant upgrades to First class. Gotta get some hotel points and more frequent flyer miles, we are going to do the Super Bow MVP thing and go to Sea World this spring break.

I think I may have revealed this evening, which might not be such a bad thing, all those fluxin haters, need to understand what I am thinking, but taint easy.

Just watching Crank Yankers, makes me happy, very funny stuff.

Well, I drank too much tonight, god Belgian Beer is good and strong, gotta have more.

enough. PO Monte.

I'm movin my legs, hell yes.

2005-11-14T22:34:00.000-05:00

Well, here I sit in Atlanta, quite a place, although I must say after Belgium and Shanghai in the last couple months flying away from home and landing in a place where English is the native language is a bit strange. Down here for a work presentation, gotta talk for 3 hours tomorrow morning, I cannot seem to kick the cold/bronchitis/pneumonia I caught in Shanghai in September, soit could be tough.

My fantasy football team took a shit when the lo priestess and to went and got themselves hurt/suspended, still won this week with no kicker. So that's a good thing, altho I have little or no shot at the playoffs, which sucks.

Thanksgiving is coming quickly, and you know what happens after that, Christmas every spoiled child's dream, and mine are expecting plenty, and if I have anything to say, they'll get most everything they want.

Been listening to the new Beck CD and the Gorillaz a lot lately, Fall out boy still sounds great too.

Starting to discuss a job change, and possibly a move to Europe, could be one of three places, Belgium, Germany or England, it will be a huge change for my family, but my wife and I think the opportunity to see so much culture and history will be an excellent eye opener for my kids. So, tune in again soon for news to follow.

Since Winter is rolling aroundto Michigan, probably won't be doing too much outdoors for 5 months or so, then back to biking, running, walking etc. In the meantime there is hoop, and loads of travel coming up. I think I'll be going to Korea in JAnuary 2006, followed by the UK, then the UK and Belgium in February. So lots of fun for me.

The kids have a hard time understanding where I go when I am away, especially when I am away for 2+ weeks at a time, I think this is short term assignment so, I hope it will not have a lasting effect.

Gotta run now and get sleep for I have a big day tomorrow. Sure love all your support, keep the letters rolling in....

PO Monte.

God save the queen

2005-11-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

So, it has been a frickin long tme, are you glad I am back? Oh yeah, you never read anything from me, oh well, my loss?

So much has changed since I last talked, been to China (Shanghai) been to Belgium (Ghent) and will be going to Korea followed by Wales soon. Lots of work travel, good projects, lots of fun, rewarding, important work is leading me to many different places in the world.

The bike trip? Did it, rode from Home to Mt. Pleasant to Lake City to Central Lake to Mackinac, it was a frickin blast and I will be doing it again.

CArrying most everything you need on a bike for 80-100 miles per day is difficult, but when you ride into Mackinac, the reward of realizing you have made it is out of your mind.

I had a very small tent, a small pad and a sleeping bag, one change of clothes, a pair of pants, and a jacket, the last morning waking up in Central Lake at 5.15 and putting on cold wet clothes was a bitch, but some of the down hills between Central Lake and East Jordan were worth it, 40 mph on a bike, while the sun is rising over the hill is a great feeling.

China was a great trip, I am assigned to lead a group of sales people, 4 Chinese, 1 Japanese, 1 Korean, and 1 Brazilian, and 1 Mexican, on a very significant six sigma project. We worked very hard in China and played hard as well, Shanghai is a very westernized Chinese city, I could see us living there, altho Europe is a better bet.

My wife and I went to Belgium for one week in Early November, we stayed in Ghent, but visited the North Sea at Oostende, drank many awesome Belgian Beers, and did some excellent networking. What a cool town Ghent, saw an absolute masterpiece, the Van Eyck's Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Almost made me want to go to church, almost.

I am tired and tired and tired, going to Atlanta for three days on Monday. Maybe I'll have time to write more then. See ya later. PO Monte.

Back to the Remedy

2005-06-21T21:06:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I was an active writer, lots going on and some computer hassles which have kept me busy. Every time I update McAfee virus software, nothing works for a week or more, the "seamless" transition from one version just sucks bad.

Work is slow, I got a couple more projects, but they are kicking off soon so not a lot of activity, just organization, planning etc.

Working out has been pretty good, riding my touring bike to work a lot, about a 22 mile round trip, so that's good mileage when I can do it 2,3,4 days a week. Prior to about two weeks ago, I had been having trouble with flat tires every time I rode, thought it was snake bites, so I went into a local bike shop and once we talked a while, we determined it was the spoke holes not being covered and quickly wearing holes in the tube. So I retaped my rims and no problems, until 6.30 am this morning, when I hit a large rock and had a flat, the guy I was riding with had a spare tube and we were able to fix it up in 15 minutes or so, rode to work no problems. It kicks my butt when I ride to work, play hoop at lunch and then ride home, sleep comes easy those nights.

Pistons are on playing the Spurs right now, not even watching the game, it's 3-2 at san antonio, don't give 'em much of a chance, pretty fair weather fan, but that's how it goes.

So, I have been listening to the new Seether album lately, it's pretty good, but it kinda sounds like a lot of other stuff out there, I have been having a hard time finding any new stuff that is different than everything else, but isn't screaming or rap rock, not very fond of that.

Started reading a Burroughs novel "cities of the red night" must say, I am enjoying, he's a different author than I've read, but the story is interesting, I will enjoy seeing how it ends.

I guess that's it for now, staying home again this weekend, unless it's really warm then we'll probably do a day trip to North Michigan for a beach day. Was supposed to spend Friday with a couple of co-workers riding trails in Gaylord area, but they sissied out on me, or planned other things, whatever.

Monte PO.

Killin yourself to live?

2005-06-01T22:22:00.000-04:00

So, long time no talk, although judging by the large amount of traffic and comments, I'm writing this as a self exploratory exercise anyhow, sentiment is the same for an audience of one or one million.

Recap of weekend, went south to Manchester to stay with the lovely Debbie and her husband Rob, at their beautiful new house, had a great time, kids played with their children quite well, drank mucho beer, it was all in all a very relaxing weekend, I can only hope that they feel the same about coming to stay with us, it was a very nice visit, only one negative, the drive is too long...

Got out and rode the local trails on Monday, little rain made for great conditions, completed a 9 mile ride, including the 2 mile road ride there and back in about 1.5 hr. Been doing a bit of running and walking in the evenings and lunch too, Summer always brings out the itch to burn calories in the great outdoors, plus with the upcoming tour of lower Michigan, it has to help, right?

Tomorrow I am going to ride my bike to work, abnout 10 miles each way, should be perfect weather. I hope to do this 10-20 times this summer. This weekend is the anniversary (13 yrs) we are going to Petoskey for a night, should be a lot of fun, I am looking forward to it. The parents in law are going to take care of the kids, very nice of them.

Tonight was my son's last baseball game, all of the school and spring activities are drawing to a close, school will be out in a week, next fall my daughter enters Kindergarten. Times they are a-changin.

At work we received new computers, my changeover from old to new is not going smoothly, tomorrow I have to update a presentation for a VIP on Friday, so I am hoping everything will work out tomorrow.

That's it for now. PO Monte OUT!

So, I've been thinking...

2005-05-24T23:14:00.000-04:00

Well, here I am back writing my thoughts down for anyone who might happen by, watch out, if you dare read, some of the general slackerness I have been oozing of lately, might rub off on you.

So here is what I have been thinking about, I really want to ride the DALMAC Bike tour with my Dad this summer, if you don't know what it is, check the link on the right, short and sweet, it is a 4 day 330 mile ride from Lansing to Mackinaw City. Stop in various towns along the way, camp on school grounds. My dad is 66 and I don't know how many more years he'll be doing this ride. Problem is, I am having trouble finding time to ride, either on my touring or mt bike. So I have been running, ran tonight about 6 miles roughly 60 miles ytd, playing basketball on my lunch hour, walking when I am too pissed to run, but I just don't know if it will all be enough. Here's why it is scary, my dad doesn't believe in paying for rides or runs on public roads, we call it Bandito'ing, and have proudly banditoed quite a number of public events. The Bottom line is we get no SAG, which means if I can't keep up, I am on my own, no one is going to pick me up and bring me up to the day's stopping point, but hey I am a big boy should be able to do it, just the fear of the unexpected.

So, I am trying to get in shape (better) to make this trip easier, one way or another. In about1.5 weeks both of my kids will be out of school and that means I should be able to play basket ball three days a week, I am planning to ride a bike to work some days in the summer, and weekend biking should help. Additionally, I have planned three day trips for some co-workers and I to ride some new mt bike trails in Michigan, each trip rides two trails, one in morning, one in afternoon, before returning home. Hope it works out, I am really looking forward to it.

Kind of a sad day at work, one of our group (J to the C) is moving on to a new job, good for him, but as a group we have worked together for nearly 5 years, you sure learn a lot about a person when you see them every day for 5 years.

Change is good though, I have a feeling that there are more changes coming in the group. The good side of the coin is that a couple of us placed a small wager earlier this year on just this topic, I won a 40 oz. That's good. The bad news is, for the year I am down by many beers, "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all!"

My mom got some bad news the other day, seems she bought a trailer in Florida in a park that rents the land the trailer sits on to the owner, well the land owner sold out to a developer for $45 Million and my mom lost a lot of cash, too bad for her. Sounds like she is going to have to start looking for a new place to live next winter, if she can afford it.

I got drafted into playing in the area outdoor summer basketball league, preety neat thing, it has been around for almost 20 years now, when I returned to the area after University, I played and our team won the first year end league tournament, since then I have played on and off, but with the games being late Sunday afternnon and early evening, and having kids it is getting very difficult to play, I'll give it another go this year, it's free and the guys that drafted me don't have any expectations about my ability to make games.

Funny how your activities change over the years, in College I played baseball, was good enough to be drafted, still hold several records for pitching the baseball, now if I even think about playing baseball, my shoulder hurts, on the other hand, I'll play hoop all day, if possible. In High School I played basketball and was recruited to play both sports at smaller schools, but for a slow, no jumping white kid,it just didn't seem like a good thing to do, now I wish I had played both, I was invited to walk on at State, just didn't have the desire, then. That's a good lesson, I think I have learned that one. Although check back, my little pea brain just isn't quick on the uptake.

Well, it's getting late and I have expounded enough for a nite, PO! Monte.

Back from the Northwoods

2005-05-22T21:46:00.000-04:00

Well, we arrived back from the Notheastern Michigan camping trip safe, sound and all in one piece. We had a great time with some excitement, as well.

The wife and I were bringing in some miscellaneous items from the truck on Friday evening around 10.30 pm, it was a beautiful night, nearly full moon and a clear sky, so there were actually shadows on the ground, both kids were asleep in the cabin and the screen door was closed, we started hearing some loud noises coming through the underbrush. Well, wouldn't you know it that those noises were three black bear cubs and their mother, who proceeded to sit in front of the door effectively cutting off my wife and I from the children. Well, the three cubs played around on the picnic table and the fire ring, climbing trees, and rolling around, while the mother walked back and forth, including quite near (2 ft) to the truck where my wife and I jumped when we saw the 4 bears come into the clearing. We watched the bears for about 5 minutes, the cubs were large in the 40-60 lb range and the mother seemed big, but you know how your eyes lie in the darkness under a bit of stress.

Kids never woke up, thank goodness for small favors, and were never any wiser to what happened, until we told them in the morning.

To make a long story short, the rangers at the rifle river rec area knew about the bear, they tagged her in the winter, but this was the first time she had been seen at a cabin/camp site. We did not leave food or garbage outside, and they didn't seem to be searching for food, kind of felt like they were out for a moonlight stroll, as it sure was beautiful night.

So enough for that excitement, back to the office tomorrow. Planning to take next Friday off, as we are going to the Ann Arbor/Jackson area next weekend to visit friends. Will stop by a brewery on the way down, and load up on some growlers, should be fun.

When am I ever going to ride my bike? I am starting to worry quite a bit, weather is good, I need to start logging miles, if I am going to ride the Lansing to Mackinac ride at the end of the summer.

Drank a bit this weekend, bottle Cab Sav and some beer, nothing extreme, and after the bear experience I'm glad, I wasn't all fluxed up.

Not too much music either, my kids really like the new Green Day cd, so we listen to that a bit.

Bugs were hatching on the river, and the trout were pretty active, took a walk friday evening before Bears and watched (in the moonlight) some trout eating, wished I could have wet a line, oh well.

Trying to figure out the summer vacation plans, would love to go up to the Sleeping Bear Sand dunes this fourth of July, not sure if that'll work or not.

That's it. PO Monte, Out!

Are you Happy?

2005-05-19T22:19:00.000-04:00

hello. hope anyone who might pause here, finds reason to stay, read, enjoy, smile, crinkle a brow, return, share, whatever gets your beer a head, your hammer a nail etc...

Here's a bit (but only the tip) about me.

I was born and raised where I now live, I am married with two kids. I graduated from college with a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering. Made it through college with minimal bills by earning a full ride scholarship and now work where my parents worked.
My wife and I have built two houses and have no plans to move from where we now live.

My only sister was recently married for the second time and while I don't enjoy a close relationship with my little sister (3 yrs younger) family is all you got sometimes so I try to fight the good fight and recently have been communicating more frequently with her.

I love being outside, biking, running, hooping, walking, fishing, sitting around a campfire and shooting the breeze, don't matter, I enjoy the outdoors.

Additionally, I love beer, wine, and rock and roll, more on this whenever I feel like expounding.

However with two kids of 7 and 4.5 it is difficult to do some of these things to the extent I desire. So, along with other things, like work, family, etc I forthwith proclaim this blog a place to express my joy, frustration, hysteria, paranoia, stupidity, fear, dislikes, likes, miscellaneous thoughts, bewilderment, dimentia, and whatever else I determine is appropriate for this space.

I must say that a couple of my co-workers and friends are also expressing themselves via this anonymous vehicle of thoughts and feelings, and my contemplation of the possibilities of this media both made me pause in taking the figurative pen to paper and also drew me like moth to porch light. On the other hand, they ain't the only reason I choose to try this, and they might never know so there you go...

So, here's what's on tap for the weekend, my wife and I are taking the kids camping in northeastern michigan, leaving tomorrow and returning Sunday, hopefully we'll find some morels but more likely beefsteaks which also go good on a hamburger or in scrambled eggs.
I don't think I'll be so selfish as to take my mt bike and ride while on vacation with the kids but if my wife were to query why I wasn't you can bet that'd green light the sitch. Probably won't take a fly rod either, maybe the vise and tie up some bugs, but either takes my time from my wonderful children, so probably short hikes, swimming, and snuggling with my 4.5 yr old daughter are on tap for me, which is just fine.

So, from the title of the post, which loosely references the new Mudvayne single, you can get a flavor for what I have been listening to lately, additionally, My Chemical Romance, The Used, The Killers, Audioslave, A Perfect Circle, Tool, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, The Clash, the Dead Kennedys, Deftones, Led Zeppelin and always Black Sabbath. Always looking for new music, across all styles, to listen to.

Right now I am watching the Pistons vs Pacers, sure is a good game, I am cheering for the Pistons, but a good game is better than an easy win, in my book.

Hopefully, I'll have this much energy in the future to post, but who knows, I am unpredictable.

Thanks for sharing. PO Monte