DON'T DO THIS

In case any of my fine readers are curious, there is a HUGE difference between 2:30:00 and 2:30 when selecting a microwave time setting.

One cooks your oatmeal perfectly and one does not. Especially if you were to walk away after setting the time.

Feast your eyes on (what was supposed to be) my breakfast. Bet you've never seen steel cut oatmeal that looks like this.

The positive? Although my wing of the office filled with a bit of smoke, the fire department didn't make an appearance.

(At press time, the Marketing Department still smelled awful)

Watch that timer.
As you were.

NEW BOOTS

I've posted about the boot search. I posted that I found the "perfect" boots. I lied about finding the "perfect" boots. I found a new set of boots - even more perfect than before. My wife bought me these perfect boots for my birthday.

Guess what Monday?!?!?! New boots comin' at ya! BAM.

And, they're breaking in nicely which makes me, and my feet, happy.

As you were.

BUSY

A lot has happened since my last post...since most of the people who read my blog know me, this shouldn't be news. But dear readers, I feel bad for not writing. This isn't a long post, I've only got a few minutes until the Little Dude wakes up, but I wanted to let you all know we're alive and doing great.

Here are some pictures to tide you over until the next time I write...and don't you worry, I have a lot to write about.

Just met the dude. He seems cool. In all seriousness, a happy and healthy baby boy. 

Here he is practicing his old man face. It's just a matter of time 'til he's yelling at people to get off his lawn. 

It's hard work going to the Dr. for a routine check-up. A clean bill of health was achieved. 

His first time at a bar and grill. Doubtful it will be his last.  Also, my birthday. 

Not positive, but if I had to guess, he is pooping. 

TEST...JUST A TEST

Don't worry folks, I'm just testing some stuff.

As you were.

GET YOURSELF ONE

While I don't think our votes really count (this is a post for another day), I do believe it is vitally important exercise our right to vote.

So, as soon as you're done reading this fine piece, get up and go vote. If nothing else, you'll get yourself a nifty sticker.

As you were.

GLOBAL WARMING: MADE UP BY LIBERAL MEDIA

The scientists and climatologists are at it again. This time they've added fake data to a map.

It's a good thing global warming isn't real. You can learn all about this hoax, which many believe was started by the liberal media, here.

And before all of you nay-sayers tell me that science proves it, that we can look at historical data and prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the world is heating up faster than ever...let me ask you this. How much do you think these scientists paid media outlets for the opportunity to publish this non-sense.

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, the sciences have a long history of throwing their money around to get what they want.

Personally, I believe these nerdy decision makers should take a good look at how major corporations navigate the current system.  They do a great job of  balancing lobbying and helping the government create policies. How the government allows these corporations and special interest groups to create policies that help as many citizens as possible and not just those with financial interests in the company is simply amazing. Why can't these science groups do the same thing rather than try to scare everyone with fake claims?

So what if ice-caps are melting faster than ever before. Who cares that tropical storms are happening at an increased frequency with more force. Don't be fooled by all these scare tactics made up by the Left.

How great would it be if science, and those wanting to prove that global warming was real, were trying to help Mother Earth and humanity as a whole rather than trying to sling a few more AC units? I bet if we dug deep enough, we'd see that the major appliance companies are the ones bank-rolling these scientists.

And don't get me started on the "data"...who do you think controls all of it. You guessed it. Scientists. Never-mind that it's published and has been for years...that you could look back at documents from the last 100 years and see for yourself. Ever heard of Photoshop?

Why wouldn't academia and nearly all self-respecting scientists cook (see what I did there) the books to support their claims? Can't you see this is one big ploy to control the behaviors and actions of our citizens? I think this is one gigantic conspiracy and a social experiment. Damn scientists.

If you hadn't figured it out by now, I'm kidding.

Hopefully none the people reading this are stupid enough to think it's fake. Sadly though, the older I get the more I realize most of the people I deal with on a daily basis are stupid. Which makes me hate a lot of the people I deal with on a daily basis. But that's a whole different post.

Enjoy the earth while you can...soon it will be too late.

As you were.

ELK HUNTING RECAP

To say I had a great time on my elk hunting trip would be an understatement. I'm having trouble putting just how much fun (and how important) this trip was into words. 

What I can put into words is how grateful I am for being provided the opportunity to tag along. It had been a while since I've been on an adventure and I was starting to go stir crazy. 

I was most definitely the outsider of the group. But I was treated with such hospitality and openness the "outsider" feeling quickly faded away. I couldn't have asked for anything more and am hoping to have the opportunity to go on future hunts. Time will tell. 

This trip seemed to provide me with more than fun. There was almost a therapeutic aspect to it. The lack of cell signal (for the most part...one ridge-top had a signal); the beauty and quiet of the woods; and the need to sit very still all allowed my mind to slow down. For those of you know know me (which is nearly everyone reading this), sitting still doesn't come naturally for me (Nor does quieting my mind, for that matter). I really think the two are related. 

The longer I sat still in the woods, the more my mind quieted. This allowed me to get back to neutral and relax. Then a really cool thing happened. On the second morning I was focusing my binoculars and the moment the view became clear, something deep, deep inside of me clicked. I had the realization that I would be a good dad. (Up until this time, I wasn't 100% sure of this despite being told by numerous people). I can't tell you how relieved I was. 

Every time I've done an endurance race, there has been a moment during the training that something clicks and I realize I'm going to finish the event. It might not be pretty, but at that moment, and all moments going forward, I know I'll be crossing the finish line. 

I had been waiting for something like this to present itself in regards to the impending fatherhood. And, honestly, I was getting somewhat nervous that it hadn't happened yet. But sitting in the woods, and having that "click" was one of the best moments I've experienced in a long time. I couldn't stop smiling. As cliche as it is, I felt like a million pounds had been lifted off my shoulders. I honestly think I was sitting up straighter. 

Just as I know the race might not be easy, or always pretty, I know I've got what it takes to get it done. 

So, the fact that we didn't get (or even see) an elk means almost nothing to me. Looking back, this trip was all was all about hanging out with good people, connecting with nature, refilling my positive energy stash, and having the realization that everything is going to be OK. I wouldn't trade that for all the elk in Colorado. 

Now, here are some pictures to make up for all of the words up top. 

As you were. 

Scoping out where to camp

We found a spot

To say we were "roughing it" would be inaccurate.



A heater and some of the most comfortable chairs I've ever sat on...
Or at least they felt that way.




More camp. We were living like kings.

First hunting spot. Only a few minutes from the campsite.

On top of Buffalo Ridge

A mighty hunter (not me).

Near the top of Buffalo Pass

I saw a tree fall over from this spot

Panoramic shot from a spot where I sat in the cold.

Same spot as above. Different angle.