Out the side

This past Sunday, Lyd and I went for a short little hike to celebrate Earth Day (woo, round!).
I wanted to go out on I-90 to Otter Falls/Lipsy Lake, but that was about 8.5 miles round trip (which half of us didn't feel up to making). So instead, a Danskin told us of a place out yonder in Goldbar called Wallace Falls, which was a hike of varying distances, we chose to take the middle road (the high road was a bit farther...).
The hike had some nice trees, and the middle falls had an excellent view of a tall fall (lower falls didn't have a very good view, so go the extra quarter mile!).

Sorry this post was open-ended, I got cut off posting (and didn't know it had posted!) before I was done. So there you have it.

The Truck

I thought that since my truck was finally named, and I finally took a picture of it, I would post!

Due to a misuse of grammar, my truck has been dubbed General Neutral (or Newt for short). I suppose if enough people would like to hear how that came about, I could share.

This picture is actually when I was at work on Camano Island replacing some batteries on a Harley Davidson golf cart.

So now everyone can see and read!

Five star!

Tire

I'm a golf car mechanic.
Need help with one?

Zoom!

Well Super...

So I had my whole post written out, and then blogger misinterpreted a left arrow in my text as HTML and erased half of it.

I'm good, my truck is dirty, the library summons some obnoxious people to itself, camping this weekend.

That's my summary.

ALOHA

Happy New Year!

Whoopie, 2007!
Everyone have a good year.
Was your breakfast as good as ours? We had Abominable Pancakes, Eggs Scram and a tower of bacon (yum!).

Auld lang sine.

Locksmith

For those who don't know, I've been in Arizona since Monday visiting my mom, sister and step-dad and learning locksmithing from Calixto.

You could say I'm a bit of a locksmith now.

In the last five days I've learned how to take different locks apart, how to take them off and put them on doors, how to re-key, master key, pick locks and a few other things. I'll be coming home with a few tools, so give me a call if you need some help :).

I think that's my update for now (been awhile, eh?). Maybe I'll even post again before I leave :o.

Ho, ho, ho.

Camp Seabeck

I suppose you might be thinking to all yourselves "Selves, why has it been so long since Bruce has posted? He used to update so frequently..."
Well, I can tell you that it's mostly because I don't have consistent internet and I don't make it to the library much. As a matter of fact, I'm lucky I can be posting at all! I happened to find a wayward signal from somewheres nearby, so I am quite taking what I can.

As you can see from my above picture and title, I went camping at Seabeck this last weekend with the Hitchmans, Andersons...ens...uns? and Justin. Almost certainly, most who read this will have shared the encounter, but I will highlight:
Lyd and I got to the party Saturday late morning, a bit before lunch. All food was delicious. Justin killed a squirrel with a stick (his trap and my cocoa artillery were to no avail). Sleep was surprisingly warm. Much fun was had, many pictures were taken.

I have to close now, as I wouldn't like to lose this connection and have no post at all! So I bid you adieu until next millenii or whenever I post.

Touchdown Seahawks!

PS- Work is going well. I've been at my current site in Monroe for about three or so weeks now. I miss traffic coming and going. It's an early start (6:30), but that means an early finish (3:00)...unless I put in OT (which has happened). As an answer to prayer, I might actually be moving on to this company (SD Deacon) once their contractual obligation with CLP is over (if they hire me within six months of my time with them, then they pay some mumbo-jumbo to CLP, etc, etc). I really like the guys I'm working with, the times, and even the place isn't so bad (no traffic, though a bit out of the way).
OK! No more!
BAH!

Ka-chow! Ka-chow!

Yeah, I'm still alive. As a matter of fact, today Jason and I began moving into our new apartment. Shoot me an email if you need my NEW address.
I've been enjoying my new job. It's nice, hard physical labor. I'm usually pretty worn by the time Friday rolls around and ready for the weekend.
Speaking of weekends, just this morning I went to the Garage Sale and REI Alderwood. Basically, it was a zoo at open. But, I did still manage to find some awesome deals (they usually are at this thing, you just have to get to it before someone else does!). Today I picked up an REI Talus 30, a Half Dome 2 for Jacob and a pair of Merrell shoes. It was only 12 for the pack and 18 for the shoes, plus I got 10% off for being an REI member! Yeah, total score.
I think that's about all I've got for now. Looking forward to living in my new place and getting used to the real world (and all my new, shiny real bills...).
Hope all of you out there are doing well!

Vive le revolution!

Returns

Since Moi didn't say so, I suppose I'll share with the class that I have a new job as well! I have recently come under the employ of a one CLP Resources. Tomorrow is my first day (I was interviewed and hired last Wednesday) and I'm going to a site up in Everett. I'll be drywalling and taping up there and who knows what else. Once done there, I'll get redeployed (if you will) to another site.
I recently moved in with Jason at his condo and will be staying there until he, Oscar and I move into the apartment we put a deposit on today before the end of the month.
I think that's about all that's new in my life. No internet at home right now, but I might try to get to the library every now and then to check email and blogs.

Great googley moogley!

He lives!

So as it turns out, I'm still alive!
There have been no more Moira Mondays because, due to my new living situation, I no longer have my desktop set up. Additionally, we interns no longer have internet at home. Thus, here I be at the library.
Posts will now be fewer and farther between.

I am nearing the end of my internship here at Sambica and am approaching a new stage of life. I think it's called the "real world" or some hullaballoo like that. If all goes well, Oscar, Jason and I will be getting a three bedroom apartment in Lynnwood on 204th. I am most definitely excited about it. Life is in bloom and I am pleased to have been blessed with so many opportunities at this time in my life.
Perhaps I will be able to post more next week to update the masses on what's happenin.

I don't have much else to say. I just decided to post since I had internet :). But, I forgot to bring my books to return, which was why I was coming in the first place :(.
Oh well...

Oh happy day...

Timeless

I have a lot to post about from this weekend. Too much, in fact, to take the time to mull over it all now and get it online.
However, I shall certainly do my best to get all my latest news up and running sooner than later.
In the mean time, I'm going to celebrate a belated Moira Monday. I was gone all day yesterday, away from my computer, so I couldn't get a picture up for viewing and reviewing. So, here we have what should have been from yesterday:Ooh, frisbee... Now we will all wait with bated breath for Moi to 'splain.

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

Fear...

So I want to post something nice and sneaky, but I can't think much of what that would say at the moment. Instead, I just won't post on that topic :).
However, I think (if I can remember) I might start posting a picture from the vast collection that has found its way to my computer onto ze blog each monday (again, if I remember).
{Edit: Just thought of something sneaky: video games just So got beat!}
Today, we start with something like-a so!
[Baleted!]
[Edit: I deleted a picture of Tash that may or may not have been embarassing, hence the baleted]
Do-over...Perhaps something a little more random and less incriminating...
We now find Moi somewhere in Europe with some girl on her trip there during school last year! Yay Moi! Please, 'splain...

Everyone keep your eyes open for Moi's thoughts on her latest picture each monday.
Adios, folks.

Sanks, mang.

Tally Ho!

So I'm back from Arizona, safe and sound. If you ever feel the need for a heat-stroke, just look up AZ, he's always good for it.
Saturday I helped dig Patches' grave (our long time family cat, had him for at least a dozen years, died just a few days before I came down), got a new hat and helped move some stuff from storage to home. Sunday was dia del madre; I picked her up a copy of Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller. Yesterday was pretty much just sitting around not doing much. Watched some tv (one of five channels), read some SfGKW (I have a copy myself from Jenny) and just generally anticipated coming home.

The flight to Phoenix was quick and smooth. I slept until the beverage cart came around, had some ginger ale, then read some Searching and lo and behold, we were there. Unfortunately, the return trip was not so nice. I was a bit tired, but wanted to read, so I picked up Backpacker and WIRED magazines for some mindless reading. Too bad almost the entire trip was turbulent, making me sicky from reading. Luckily there was nobody sitting between myself and the window guy, so I had some extra room to lay my head down on that middle tray-table. I ended up getting a little rest and feeling better with that, but kind of wonked out my shoulder in the process (I believe from having it overextended for so long with the pressure of my large head atop). After feeling better, I was able to just kind of rest the rest of the trip away (that might sound odd...). I was, however, rudely awoken part of the way through our descent by my tray-table falling up my arm whilst in a near dream/near alertness stage. I was startled, at least.
All in all a good trip. It was good to see mom and Emma and Calixto and the puppies (yappy as they may be, the are some cute dern dogs). Perhaps I shall again go.

Also, Sunday night whilst watching the Survivor finale at Brett and Myrna's house (did I spell her name right?), I received a phone call from a one Lawrence Rafferty. When I first looked at my phone, the name said "Kris Rafferty" (look, that's just what I put her in as, because just Kris got confusing since I know a guy with said name). I had to debate if I should answer, but considered that if such a phone were calling me, it must be of some import. Matter of factly, it was! Lawrence called to make some small talk, then asked for me to be a groomsman in his wedding!
YAY! I was certainly happy to say the least. Plus, it was just good to catch up with him a bit. So if you want to see Bruce in a purple shirt and white tie, just come on out to Lawrence and Kris's wedding, July 2 (well, if you were invited, anyway...).

I think that's about all the exciting news for the weekend.
Thanks for reading, hope everyone is doing well in their places in life. Spring is in bloom and it's a wonderful time!

Yeah, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about, it almost being summer...

It Comes But Once A Year

Happy Birthday Rachel!
Yes, you've turned a whole DAY older! Isn't that thrilling!?
Hope all is still well in Japan. You should come visit my blog some time :D. But of course, you hopefully will after I post a comment on your blog to get you over here to see this post.
Muahahahah!...and stuff.

Domo arigato, miss Mukai-boto

Gabba Gabba Hey

I think a few of you might understand what that is :). Or at least the context from which I grab it.

Been a while, as it always is. This week I'm in the kitchen and house sitting for the Guinns (whom I have sat for before). I'm just a few minutes from heading to the kitchen, so I figured I'd share a wee bit.

I'm still waiting and praying about the summer, whether to move on from camp or to stay for another go of it. I still need to talk to some people.
I got my computer back last weekend (sanks Moi), and that's fun. I can finally play games to waste time! Hooray!

Jenny's home. Oscar's home. Moi's (still) home. Life is good.
Except we need Lawrence to come back to rest home! Gah!
But that is neither here nor there.
Oh, and I found graduand at dictionary.com, so Matt was right :(. Durn Canucks. But, that's ok. It did hurt my brain though to hear it over and over, even if now I know it is a real word :).

Braise

Return of the Jedi

Been awhile, eh?
I've been on a bit of a road trip...trip. Two weeks ago was down to Portland for a day with Lyd, this weekend was cross-country from NC back home with Oscar. Yeah, I drive alot. Don't worry, I have a support group.
Since I didn't take time to yet, I think now will be the time for the sharing of the pictures from both trips. First up is P-town, followed chronologically by the cross-country trek.

Zoom zoom...

I don't have any pictures of me from the trips, so you get to see Lyd instead...Well, there's this one...But we don't talk about that one...

No Tax

The first trip, one week ago(ish), was Portland! City of...whatever they're the city of! The original plan was to ride the Amtrak down there, but the day Lyd found out she had the day off from work, tickets went up $12 each way! So, we instead decided to drive our own selves down there and save us some money and time (trains aren't fast...).
Our first stop was North 23rd Avenue (or something like that, I don't remember exactly). It was a decently longish street lined with independent shops and boutiques. They definitely had some cool stuff around there, including phone poles on the street corners absolutely Covered in staples and scrap paper from so many flyers being put up. I can't imagine what Seattle would look like if we had wooden poles on corners like this...
After a stop at Powell's City of Books (which is awesome), we proceeded to Lloyd Center; it's a big mall. We didn't really go in many stores at all, we basically just walk around the entire place then left :). On our way back to the Max (an above ground subway, you might say), we stopped for some sitting time in this little park. I found a ladybug on the bench we were going to sit on.
I also saw a cool tree from where we were sitting.
In all, a brilliantly fun trip. It was an excellent break to just not think about work at all and actually relax for once! There will definitely be a return trip...

I'm tired, let's ride the street car back...

"Your three is broken"

Being chronologically sound, the second trip was our XC excursion (that stands for cross-country).

After flying out to Charlotte on Thursday, we hit the road Friday morning at about 4:20am. Our first destination was Wichita, Kansas to visit Oscar's brother Jesse and to help install a transmission in this here truck. Well, we made it to about 100ish miles outside of Wichita before the serpentine belt and power steering pulley gave out (one first, which proceeded to incapacitate the other). No nearby auto stores had the pulley for which us to by (grammar intended), so Jesse was going to come pick us up. Then Jesse decided he was just going to bring out a truck and trailer and we would load up and just take the car back to Wichita and fix it out there (more places to find the part there than in Emporia). Jesse comes, we drive across the street to Wal-Mart to buy some straps to secure the car.
Jesse's truck won't start. We spend the night in the parking lot.
Saturday we get a tow to a nearby shop, they get us running, we make it back to Wichita and don't turn the truck off until necessary. We find the pulley at a junk yard, get a new belt and we're in business.
Day three; Sunday; we leave Kansas in our dust and head north, to home! Somewheres betwixt Kansas and Wyoming, I found this young robot on a gas station door. I liked it, so I took a picture. Fuelman!
This is I-90, just after crossing the Montana/Idaho border on the way home Monday. Yay almost home!

We made it back on Monday around 2pm to Sambica. I think we figured around 3000 miles (mas o menos) and 43ish hours for the trip.

E

A Fabor For Roy-O

Long time no see. Where have you been? It seems like it has been ages since I've seen you last!
I think quite a bit has happened since my last post. For starters, I fly out to North Carolina Thursday to drive cross country with Oscar. Lyd and I went to Portland this last Saturday; pictures coming to both blogs.
I made it through March and getting my credit card payed off with the whole alternator hoopla and God is continuing to provide for me.
I can't think of anything of consequence on my mind at the moment to write a good post about, so I think this shall be all for now.
Expect pictures soon.

Pretty woman, walkin' down the street...

Holy Grail

I have found it. My own holy grail right here at camp.
Recently I've been itching to get outdoors more regularly. The medium that happens to have come upon me is backpacking.
I've been looking into bags, stoves, compression sacks, utility tools and the like, trying to see what it would take to get me on my first adventure. Right now I am currently in the possession of one mummy bag (it's no superlight, but it'll definitely hold up in the temperatures we get around here). But hey, it's a start.

Until I found it...

My holy grail...

Andy asked me to bring a box filled with topo maps from the 80s and junk like that to the "wilderness shed." "We have a wilderness shed?" was my reply. He told me where it was. I did a couple other errands before arriving up in the area he was telling me of. But, by the time I got up there, I had already completely forgotten why I was going. Coley asked me what I was doing, I said I honestly had no clue, but Andy had told me something about the door to the right of the accomodations closet, so I went on to scope it out.
I try the first door, it doesn't budge. I try the next door it opens.
I don't recall actually hearing the Hallelujah Chorus upon this discovery, but in retrospect, it seems it would have been appropriate.
It turns out the 'wilderness shed' is basically camping gear for about 40-50 people! Oh discovery of all discoveries! There are internal frame packs, sleeping bads, sleeping bags, tarps, tents, stoves, climbing ropes, ice axes and salt packets! Jimminy Christmas!
Last night I went in there exploring some more. There are several types of bags. First, there is one Kelty Ridgeway (the only recognizable name), which was of course too small for me. Next try was the Mountain Equipment Co-op bag. Again, a real bag. Again, too small. Up next were the Jansport bags. The last ditch effort (but hey, a bag's a bag). First of them were the ones with the color I liked most, a grey/yellow/black combination. After I fenagled with it a bit, I came up on the size tag. "Small." No luck for me. My next try was a blue Jansport bag, labeled regular with the stitching "Rockies 90." I donned the bag. Amazement came over me! Never before in my life had I actually worn a pack where the hipbelts bore the weight of the bag (as is supposed to happen). I had never felt comfort like this when wearing a pack! I had finally found what I was looking for! I brought the pack home and opened all the pockets and hung it upside down above our space heater to air it out.

Yesterday after my initial discovery of the shed, I asked Andy if I was allowed to use some of it, he said "yeah, and 40 of your friends? Just ask before you borrow any." He also said he was going to see if we might sell them if they weren't going to be used for another couple years, probably for $20-25 a pack; I told him I would buy one for sure (even more so now that I know one fits!). Now I would just like to get a small compression sack for my sleeping bag (and maybe some clothes) to keep those nice and dry when I hike and a small stove (like the MSR PocketRocket). If you're ready to go hiking then let's make a date and hit the hills!

And a Kelty brand Noah's Tarp 12