4th of July Rafting Trip

Rafting the McKenzie River this 4th of July with "the usual suspects" had to be one of the brighter idea's that we've had....in a long time/ever. It was an all around great day, one that will go down in the history of All-Time Great Days.

Everyone (including those non-water lovers among us) had a great time.

There are some GREAT stories from the trip, I can't even begin to remember them all.

• Our guide (who's name I forget) called Gal out for not enjoying his description of how to measure the volume of water that passing through a given river at a given time & appearing grumpy - a ballsy move on his part "Let's put our hats, sunglasses, and Allison's bad attitude in the dry bag" (Love you Gal!)
• Spending 5 mins. talking Emily into doing the "trust paddles" with Zeb, only to have the guide toss them both into the water.
• Unsuccessfully trying to flip our boat (what was her name?) and then laughing hysterically and driving our guide crazy as we tried to get back into the boat.

Feel free to comment on your favorite stories of the day, because I'm probably forgetting some good ones.

The following sequence of pictures is Emily and I "riding the bull" and getting soaked. TOO MUCH FUN.

Favorite Quote of the Day (used repeatedly, best when said in thick hick accent):

"America! 9/11! Never Forget! NASCAR! Woooooooooo!"

Pic of the Day 2007...McGraths

Here it is - the last pic of the day, 2007 edition. Here's hoping for more in '08? Keep up the voting for your favorite sign. Poll closes Aug. 1.

Pic of the Day 2007...Burger King on 9th

Common - Finding Forever

I think I found a CD to replace Elliott Yamin (well, Elliott will never be replaced...never. But you know what I mean.) It is Common's latest - or soon to be latest - release, Finding Forever. VH1. com is streaming the full CD (which will be released July 31) on their website this week. Check it out here if you're into this type of thing.

Holla! ;)

Pic of the Day 2007...Unknown Location on 3rd Ave.

Pic of the Day 2007...Napa Auto Parts

Pic of the Day 2007...Oregon RV

Pic of the Day 2007...The Inkwell Home Store

2 for the price of 1: Pic of the Day 2007...McDonalds

Pic of the Day 2007...University Market

Pic of the Day 2007...Play It Again Sports

Who voted for University Market? I haven't even posted that one yet!

Pic of the Day 2007...New Condo Building on the Waterfront, Rooftop

UO Baseball?

Late last week it was announced that UO will be reinstating their long absent baseball program. They are planning to hire a coaching staff sometime this fall and begin competition by the 08/09 season. While I think this is awesome news for UO (I wish they had baseball when I was there! and it is a great sign for college baseball when programs around the country are being brought back, instead of being cut)) I can't help but think that they are being somewhat diabolical. It just seems a little sketchy that right on the heels of back to back national championships in baseball for OSU that UO wants to get in on the action. The conspiracy theory goes a little something like this:

UO people just can't stand to see too much success coming from up north so they decided to get back in the game and try to steal away a portion of those in-state recruits who are finding OSU so appealing.

Now I'm sure that OSU will still have the recruiting edge for several years to come, but on the other hand there will always be those kids who will get sucked into the whole Nike Evil Empire thing. Some rumblings around the rumor mill (okay, just Zeb and I making jokes) say that Uncle Phil may even have it in the plans to construct a miniature Safeco Field in Eugene to woo future athletes. Complete with lifesize swooshes.

Maybe I'm just being a hater? But I propose that in the first civil war meeting once UO baseball gets on it's feet, the very first pitch of the very first UO at bat we throw a bean ball. Nothing like stiring up an old rivalry to get competition going. I'm calling for it now! Keep your eyes peeled spring of 09!

Pic of the Day 2007...Bank of America

Pic of the Day 2007...Crystal Lake Storage

Pic of the Day 2007...The Fruit Barn - Highway 34

Pic of the Day 2007...Highland Bowl

Pic of the Day 2007...The Storage Depot

Pic of the day is back again, I guess that's what happens when you win back to back national championships. Some venues are the same, some have changed, but they're all delightful. Enjoy!

Late Pass Wednesday: Robin Ventura VS Nolan Ryan

We're finally back & it was a great trip home! It might take me some time to get back to blogging regularly, gotta get back in the swing of everything and all. Damon is out here with us for the next 2 weeks, so look forward to pleanty of good stories "You, Me & Dupree" Styles.

Great news, the pic of the day feature from last summer is back, and I also have some great 4th of July rafting pics and stories coming up for you.

Until then, if this doesn't bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will.

Those Crazy Office Monkeys are Back!

We keep this delightful magnet on our refrigerator at home. It shows every possible office monkey emotion (click to view a larger image, it's even better close up) and includes an additional magnet to stick on top of it, which allows you to choose your mood of the day. My personal favorite is "apathetic". Which one is your favorite?

By the way...Today I'm feeling EXCITED! (see top left corner on the office monkeys) At 5:00PM today I will officially be on vacation & shortly there after headed back to Oregon! Yay! Can't wait to see you guys!