So last week we had the 7th worst blizzard in Colorado history. No exageration. And now, less than one week later, we're getting hit again. It's crazy snowy out there, and the highway to Denver is a suicide run...
Sarah and Kiah spent the night with me at the hotel, and when we woke up this morning we decided to make the trip home. Partially to get Kiah back in his normal surroundings, and partially because our cell phones were to be delivered today. Well, we missed the Fed Ex person by a few minutes, so we'll have to wait till tomorrow for the phones. :(
Erina Kamata's little sister Mami has been planning on visiting us for some time. She flies in today. Yeah. Today. In the middle of a blizzard. Strangely enough, Denver International, where she was scheduled to fly into, is still open. Her travel arrangements are non-refundable, so she flew into Dallas this morning and was getting ready to fly to Denver when she called us. I stressed just how bad the roads were, and said I'd do everything I could to get to Denver to pick her up, but I might not be able to, and she might be stuck there. She was worried, but I said that she should try getting a flight to Colorado Springs from Dallas. She tried and called back to say that they wouldn't let her. I told her I'd start out right away for Denver, and we bundled up and went home. When we arrived, I was ready to jump back in the car and head up to Denver when we got a call from Erina. She said that Mami had gotten a flight to Colorado Springs, and that we could pick her up there! That was awesome news, as suicide missions don't appeal to me. Erina told me to check my email where she would catch me up on the whole story.
It turns out, that after I emailed Erina this morning with the suggestion for Mami, she called Mami and found out that they had told her "no." Mami was in tears by that point, and Erina told her to tell the American Airlines people that her grandma was in a coma, and that she needed to get to CS right away! I can't believe this girl! Anyway, Mami was too embarrased, and said she couldn't, but Erina insisted, she did, and they put her on the next flight to Colorado Springs! What an unbelievable morning!
So thanks to Erina's coniving, I won't be spending the night in our civic, half way to Denver buried in a snow drift on the side of the road... Mami won't spend the night in Denver International Airport... and Mami's grandma just might come out of that coma.
Peace,
Jim
Friday, December 29, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Blizzards and babies.
I just got home from work this morning. My first overnight at the hotel. We've fallen victim to one of the worst blizzards in recent memory. The winds have been the worst part here in the springs, with the drifts they produce. Highway 25 (the highway) has been closed from Denver to New Mexico, and the governor has declared a state of emergency in several areas.
I worked until 11 last night, and then went to my room. I stayed in our most humble room, known as a shower queen. Our queen rooms only have a shower, and do not have the bathtub. While 2 people might be cramped in the room, I found it to be perfect for me. I had a city view, and with the snowstorm, it was beautiful. It was hard to be away from the family for the night, but Sarah and I both felt that it was safest. About 25 of us stayed over, and were able to be up and at 'em this morning. I sent myself home this morning, and after talking to my boss who is working tonight, I probably won't have to come in tonight. The rest is welcome.
This morning, Kiah opened his first gift of the holiday season.
He really enjoyed the paper. Here's a picture of him wearing it as a hat. The gift was a present from one of our good friends Evan Wolfe who gave him a crunchy, squishy ball. Kiah likes it very much, and especially likes the tag.
Well, that's it for now. Peace out.
I worked until 11 last night, and then went to my room. I stayed in our most humble room, known as a shower queen. Our queen rooms only have a shower, and do not have the bathtub. While 2 people might be cramped in the room, I found it to be perfect for me. I had a city view, and with the snowstorm, it was beautiful. It was hard to be away from the family for the night, but Sarah and I both felt that it was safest. About 25 of us stayed over, and were able to be up and at 'em this morning. I sent myself home this morning, and after talking to my boss who is working tonight, I probably won't have to come in tonight. The rest is welcome.
This morning, Kiah opened his first gift of the holiday season.
He really enjoyed the paper. Here's a picture of him wearing it as a hat. The gift was a present from one of our good friends Evan Wolfe who gave him a crunchy, squishy ball. Kiah likes it very much, and especially likes the tag.
Well, that's it for now. Peace out.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Favorite songs
Well. About 5 years ago, Ryan, my best friend, and I were having a discussion regarding our favorite songs. I was hard pressed to come up with a list of fav. songs... albums are easy for me, but songs... there's just too many!
Well, anyway. 5 years in the making. I finally have my top 15. 10 wasn't enough, and 20 is too many. So 15 it is.
I'm going to start at 15 and go up to 1, giving my reasons. Please consider these songs required listening. I encourage you to purchase or pirate these, depending on your feelings regarding the record industry.
------------------------
Number 15. "Make you feel that way" by Blackalicious
This song is a fantastic feel good song, and that's not normally something you can say about rap. It has a great instrumental background with a soft trumpet and crackling record sounds, layered with a totally soothing vocal discussing things that make you feel good in life. From promotions at your job to winning your first fight. It's a song that seems truly made for driving down the road with the windows down in the summer. It's awesome, and it's my number 15 favorite song of all time.
Number 14. "Dynamite walls" by Hayden
Dynamite walls is a quinticential Hayden song. Gravelly, but not Tom Waits-y. Moving, but not weak. Slow but never boring... It's a classic, and should be highly revered by any who value this style of musicianship. It deserves my number 14 because of its excellent construction, seamless flow, and touching lyrics.
Number 13. "Let down" by Radiohead
This is a totally depressing song if you listen to the words. If not, you may find it to be wonderfully uplifting. Either way, the opening guitar is totally and completely unique. (Not to mention a fantastic ringtone for your cell...) Radiohead at their best in my opinion, and #13 on my list.
Number 12. "Sleeping in" by the Postal Service
Deathcab for Cutie has some incredible music, but as the Postal Service, they totally carved out a niche. There is no single band out there that plays this music. Sleeping in is never boring, always a great sing-a-long, and has a lyrical depth that completely catches the listener by surprise. It's a great tune, and my #12.
Number 11. "Inertiatic E.S.P." by the Mars Volta
The Mars Volta have what I consider to be the best drumming in rock music today. This song encapsulates their drum style. It is deep and flowing, with bursts of pure energy and passion. Sweeping melodies, and soaring vocals carry the intensity of this song to the edge. It is a must have. A must abso-freakin-lutely have for every drummer, and rock fan on the planet!
Number 10. "Ball & biscuit" by the White Stripes
I'll stop at #10 today. There are so many songs by the White Stripes that could easily be on my top 10, but I simply don't want any band having too prominent a place in the list. I respect their music so much, and feel that Jack White is everything that is right in rock today. His music is classic and new, aggressive and penetrating, with honesty, flair and a rock-n-roll spirit, the White Stripes' Elephant album was what I believe to be the best album of the new millenium. One song off the album that solidified it for me was Ball and Biscuit. It's so bluesy and real. The lyrics are unparalleled in modern rock. His swinging machismo is such a refreshing slap in the face to all of the superficial money/girls/fame rockers of the radio set. Here's to the White Stripes becoming a commercial success despite their awesomeness.
Well, anyway. 5 years in the making. I finally have my top 15. 10 wasn't enough, and 20 is too many. So 15 it is.
I'm going to start at 15 and go up to 1, giving my reasons. Please consider these songs required listening. I encourage you to purchase or pirate these, depending on your feelings regarding the record industry.
------------------------
Number 15. "Make you feel that way" by Blackalicious
This song is a fantastic feel good song, and that's not normally something you can say about rap. It has a great instrumental background with a soft trumpet and crackling record sounds, layered with a totally soothing vocal discussing things that make you feel good in life. From promotions at your job to winning your first fight. It's a song that seems truly made for driving down the road with the windows down in the summer. It's awesome, and it's my number 15 favorite song of all time.
Number 14. "Dynamite walls" by Hayden
Dynamite walls is a quinticential Hayden song. Gravelly, but not Tom Waits-y. Moving, but not weak. Slow but never boring... It's a classic, and should be highly revered by any who value this style of musicianship. It deserves my number 14 because of its excellent construction, seamless flow, and touching lyrics.
Number 13. "Let down" by Radiohead
This is a totally depressing song if you listen to the words. If not, you may find it to be wonderfully uplifting. Either way, the opening guitar is totally and completely unique. (Not to mention a fantastic ringtone for your cell...) Radiohead at their best in my opinion, and #13 on my list.
Number 12. "Sleeping in" by the Postal Service
Deathcab for Cutie has some incredible music, but as the Postal Service, they totally carved out a niche. There is no single band out there that plays this music. Sleeping in is never boring, always a great sing-a-long, and has a lyrical depth that completely catches the listener by surprise. It's a great tune, and my #12.
Number 11. "Inertiatic E.S.P." by the Mars Volta
The Mars Volta have what I consider to be the best drumming in rock music today. This song encapsulates their drum style. It is deep and flowing, with bursts of pure energy and passion. Sweeping melodies, and soaring vocals carry the intensity of this song to the edge. It is a must have. A must abso-freakin-lutely have for every drummer, and rock fan on the planet!
Number 10. "Ball & biscuit" by the White Stripes
I'll stop at #10 today. There are so many songs by the White Stripes that could easily be on my top 10, but I simply don't want any band having too prominent a place in the list. I respect their music so much, and feel that Jack White is everything that is right in rock today. His music is classic and new, aggressive and penetrating, with honesty, flair and a rock-n-roll spirit, the White Stripes' Elephant album was what I believe to be the best album of the new millenium. One song off the album that solidified it for me was Ball and Biscuit. It's so bluesy and real. The lyrics are unparalleled in modern rock. His swinging machismo is such a refreshing slap in the face to all of the superficial money/girls/fame rockers of the radio set. Here's to the White Stripes becoming a commercial success despite their awesomeness.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Music game
My friend Adam posted this on myspace. It's a game where you try to find all of the bands alluded to in this picture. I'm gonna give it my best shot, but if you see any I missed, let me know. (Click on the picture to see it bigger...)
1. Led Zepplin (in the air)
2. The B52's (in the air)
3. The Eagles (in the air)
4. The Pixies (in the air)
5. White Zombie (on the sidewalk)
6. The Postal Service (on the sidewalk)
7. Madonna (store window)
8. 50 Cent (sidewalk)
9. Guns and Roses (foreground left)
10. Alice in Chains (right side)
11. Queen (foreground)
12. Prince (foreground)
13. Sex Pistols (Queen holding)
14. The Eels (on street)
15. Gorillas (around buildings)
16. The Rolling Stones (on street)
17. Smashing Pumpkins (on street)
18. Matchbox 20 (on street)
19. Scissor Sisters (on street)
20. White snake (on pole)
21. The Police (background street)
22. Lemonheads (fruit stand)
23. Blind melon (fruit stand)
24. Blur (right side)
25. Beach boys (ride side w/ surfboards)
26. Garbage (on street)
27. The Cars (on street)
28. Television (In right storefront)
29. Radiohead (on street)
30. Red Hot Chili Peppers (fruit stand)
31. The Byrds (on street sign)
32. Black Flag (on corner)
33. Blues Brothers (with guitars in street)
34. Queens of the Stone Age (behind blues brothers)
35. Seal (in poster)
36. Korn (fruit stand)
37. Dead Kennedys (on left store)
...ok, I'm stopping for now. There are supposed to be like seventy-something.
1. Led Zepplin (in the air)
2. The B52's (in the air)
3. The Eagles (in the air)
4. The Pixies (in the air)
5. White Zombie (on the sidewalk)
6. The Postal Service (on the sidewalk)
7. Madonna (store window)
8. 50 Cent (sidewalk)
9. Guns and Roses (foreground left)
10. Alice in Chains (right side)
11. Queen (foreground)
12. Prince (foreground)
13. Sex Pistols (Queen holding)
14. The Eels (on street)
15. Gorillas (around buildings)
16. The Rolling Stones (on street)
17. Smashing Pumpkins (on street)
18. Matchbox 20 (on street)
19. Scissor Sisters (on street)
20. White snake (on pole)
21. The Police (background street)
22. Lemonheads (fruit stand)
23. Blind melon (fruit stand)
24. Blur (right side)
25. Beach boys (ride side w/ surfboards)
26. Garbage (on street)
27. The Cars (on street)
28. Television (In right storefront)
29. Radiohead (on street)
30. Red Hot Chili Peppers (fruit stand)
31. The Byrds (on street sign)
32. Black Flag (on corner)
33. Blues Brothers (with guitars in street)
34. Queens of the Stone Age (behind blues brothers)
35. Seal (in poster)
36. Korn (fruit stand)
37. Dead Kennedys (on left store)
...ok, I'm stopping for now. There are supposed to be like seventy-something.
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