REIGNSonerlandia:

Engaged...

2012-02-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

Not engaged...

Not yet...Wait for it...

Engaged!

This post is waaaaaaay delayed! For those of you that haven't heard the word...Megan and I are engaged! Woot woot! I know most of you are thinking...It's bout freaking time...I couldn't agree more definitely long overdue...

It was a beautiful New Years Day...We hopped in the bug and cruised down to George's on the Cove for a little soup and a few cocktails, then we headed on down to Victoria's Secret for a little bra and hoodie shopping. After that we hopped back in the bug and cruised up the coast a bit found a parking spot near Coast Boulevard Park. We trekked out onto the tide pools and were enjoying the view and the wonderful weather and bam...Engaged. After we regrouped and made a few phone calls we stopped on into London's West End Pub for a celebration cocktail and a bit of nostalgia.

Then we threw the bug into overdrive and hit the road home to watch the Giants play the Cowboys. For the record the New York football Giants have yet to loose a game since Megan and I have been engaged! You are welcome Giants fans!

New Years Eve...

2012-01-31T12:20:00.000-08:00

Welcoming in the New Year with a few cocktails, friends and family! Happy New Year! 2012...Whoa.

!!!___UPDATE___!!!

I forgot these two photos...The girls at the end of the night...All partied out!

Christmas Day...

2012-01-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

Always a party at the Fordice Household on Christmas Day. Got to see all the regulars and a few faces that I haven't seen for quite some time! Great to see everyone...The holidays seem to fly by faster and faster every year. The look in the dogs eyes are saying...Okay guys, That's enough partying let's get to bed!

Caden...

2012-01-31T12:17:00.000-08:00

We got a chance to stop in and see my Grandma and Mom during the holidays...While we were there my cousin Ashley was in town with her baby boy Caden. He was hamming it up for the camera and for Megan!

Christmas Eve...

2012-01-31T12:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas time was here...and it flew by! It is always great to see and bee surrounded by family during the holidays!

Wolfsen's Meat & Sausage...

2012-01-29T19:15:00.000-08:00

Wolfsen's Meat & Sausage in Gustine, CA is a place that my family has always wanted to stop by but the stars have never aligned. My Pops had a chance to stop in a few weeks before Christmas and he was immediately itching to get back. Aaaaand now I know why! Absolutely amazing! 60 different kinds of sausages and a ton of different smoked meats and Jerky. My shopping list included Spicy Hawaiian Pepper Sticks, Pepper Sticks, Smoked Tri-Tip, Jamaican Jerk Sausages and Irish Beer Bangers. The only thing I have left from my trip are the Irish Beer bangers and everything else was stellar! I am hoping to make the trek to Wolfsen's a yearly Christmas tradition! For proof of all of the deliciousness that is Wolfsen's I have attached an image below...

!!!WARNING!!! The image below may cause drooling and or hunger! !!!WARNING!!!

Jamaican Jerk Sausages with a homemade grilled onion, pineapple, cilantro relish that I whipped up...Mmm Mmm Mmm!!! I wish I had photos of the leftover BBQ Tri-Tip sandwiches we made...I am getting hungry.

Introducing Keefer James Patrick Pierce...

2011-12-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

8 lbs. 9 oz. healthy baby boy...He is absolutely adorable! Congrats Kerry and Martin!

CIF San Diego Section Division I Champs...

2011-12-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

Nice work Jordan and Poway on destroying Vista!

Happy Belated Birthday Holland...

2011-12-19T17:10:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving...

2011-12-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

Martin + Fire + Oil + Turkey = Recipe for disaster or recipe delicious?

Announcing Mr. & Mrs. Cook...

2011-11-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

Becki and Patrick tie the knot! The weather was blustery and rainy a few days before...The day of the wedding...Not a cloud in the sky. The layout was phenomenal the decor was perfect...A great reflection of a fantastic couple!

It was great to be surrounded by all of the family and friends in town for the event. A great group with some amazing personalities! It was awesome getting to meet all of the new faces I met as well as seeing some of the very familiar faces that I don't get to see as often.

Congrats Becki and Patrick!

B & P Rehearsal Dinner...

2011-11-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

Becki and Patrick's rehearsal dinner was a full party rolling into their big day! All of the family and then some in one place...Great food with an amazing view! The Ocean View Villas were awesome! It was really cool to see the place in it's vacation minimal decor compared to the next days dressed up wedding attire.

Introducing Bebop...

2011-11-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

Ozzie and Sean have taken the plunge into adding a pup to their family...And they picked a cute one!

Bebop came over for a little meet and greet with the girls the day after Halloween. I think Whiskey was still a little hungover...She wasn't too sure how to handle all the ankle biting. Aaaand Lucy had NO idea what to think. He is a playful little guy with a ton of energy! It is awesome to see him running around at full speed...He gets those short little legs moving! Reminds me of someone else I know...Minus the big ears.

Excited to have a new addition to our circle of friends with dogs!

I can't wait for him to get all of his shots so we can hit all of the fun dog spots!

See you soon B!

Sunday Funday...

2011-11-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

After James and Mary's wedding we snuck away for a fun filled day of Lunch, Cocktails, Monterey, Carmel, Cocktails and Point Lobos State Reserve. It was so great to be able to spend the day with my folks...It has been too long! We love you guys!

A Few Random Travel Shots...

2011-11-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

Just a few highlights from our travels up to the Central Coast for James and Mary's Wedding.

Sights From The Holly Farm...

2011-11-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts about The Holly Farm was the fact that we got to stay on the property for four nights. It is an amazingly beautiful oasis in an already wonderful area. We got in a little pre-partying, an engagement party, the wedding itself and some post partying! I am ready to go back...come to think of it...I didn't really want to leave.

Thank you again James and Mary! And an extra special thanks to all of the Eggleston and Henry Families for taking such good care of us!

Announcing Mr. & Mrs. Eggleston...

2011-11-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

James and Mary have made it official! The day couldn't have been any more beautiful...The weather was absolutely AMAZING! The venue...SPECTACULAR! The Holly Farm was absolutely 100% wonderful...The venue...The staff...All AMAZING! Thank you Holly Farm!

Aaaaand thank you James and Mary for allowing us to be part of this very special milestone in your lives! We had a blast! Thanks for having us!

Halloweeeeeeeeen...

2011-11-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

I am having a hard time pooling all of my photos together. Some are on my laptop...Some are on my home PC...Some are on my work PC...Some are on my cameras...First World Problems.

So I am going to just go out of order here...Becki & Patrick and James & Mary Wedding/Party pics to follow soon!

The Saturday before Halloween we had everyone over for a little potluck costume party...I don't know about anyone else but I had a blast! Everyone's costumes were awesome...Food and Drink were a plenty and we fit in two solid games of Left, Center, Right. Congrats to Jeff and James!

I am already looking fwd to next year!

Lack of Updates Apology...

2011-10-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Life has been pretty hectic as of late...No complaints really...Just full speed ahead with plenty of good times! I have a LOT of images to post...but not a whole lot of free time to make that happen. Here is a little teaser from Point Lobos State Reserve...One of my favorite places on earth! I was lucky enough to visit last weekend with a few of my most favorite peoples on this earth!

I will have more for you in the very near future!

Casa Guadalajara...

2011-10-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

All of the Pierce kids under one roof...For the first time in over twenty years! Casa Guadalajara took care of us and boy did they have their hands full!

Vending Machine Mustache Mayham...

2011-10-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Bellies full of Pho + A pocket full of quarters = Vending machine mustache fun!

Photo Drrrrrrrrop...

2011-10-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

Murphy yawn...It has been a while...

Megatron and Hollipeño...

Whiskey enamored with a PBS special about Brown Bears...

Bunch of salad eaters...

Mexican Train Dominoes...

Mexican and Dominoes...

If you look closely you can see the bug terrorizing 5 freeway...

Dinner after a day of bachelor debauchery...

The past few months have been a whirlwind...I have been really slacking on my moment capturing. Speaking of moments...Stay tuned...Lots-O-Pierce/Cook Family photos on the horizon!

Football Sunday...

2011-09-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

It is so nice to have football back...I feel like my Sundays are complete again. Saturday we swang by Bisher's in Poway to pick up a Pork Shoulder....Pretty stoked on that place. They had a few things in the meat counter that I definitely want to go back and give a run for their money...errr I guess a run for my money.

Seasoned up the pork butt Saturday afternoon...Vacuum sealed it...Tossed it in the fridge to wait it's turn in the slow cooker. Tossed it in around midnight and pulled it out around noon on Sunday. I feel like I now know what being tortured is like...The whole house smelled amazing all day! Pulled the meat out...Shredded it up and tossed it in the oven to get a nice crunchy carnitas texture going on. I am pretty stoked on how it turned out...Next time I'll use a little less cinnamon and add my cilantro a little earlier in the slow cooker...and maybe add a little lime while I am at it.

Laid around on the couch for the morning games, enjoying the free preview of NFL RedZone. Eh...I think I enjoyed it...It was nice to see highlights but it was almost a little too chaotic. But I still enjoyed it. Then we showered up and cruised down to OB to Damien and Angelina's to watch the afternoon game and knock back a few tacos.

After the game we cruised down to the backyard for some quality bag tossing and a few more frosty beverages. It was a pretty solid welcome back to the NFL. I missed you old friend. Damien and Angelina...Thanks for having us over!

Kayaking - Mission Bay...

2011-09-12T15:21:00.001-07:00

Friday Afternoon Meggy and I took the kayak down to Mission Bay for our first trip on the water together. Beautiful day out! We launched from Ventura Cove then paddled over to Santa Barbara Cove and enjoyed a frosty tall CL Smooth.

Once we got that all situated we cruise back by Ventura Cove under the Mission Bay Drive bridge towards Bonita Cove and made a u-turn back to Vacation Isle for a few cocktails @ Paradise Point's Barefoot Bar & Grill. Docked the kayak...Had a few cocktails...Enjoyed the view and then hit the water back to Ventura Cove to load up and call it a day.

Super stoked that we have the option to do that now...Great way to spend the day!

Power Outage...

2011-09-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Minding our own business at work last week and all of a sudden...Darkness...No power. There is quite a bit of demand for electricity when using computers...So that kinda slowed down the progress on any work. We stuck around a little while expecting it to pop right back on like it normally does. After about 45 minutes of sitting around in a dark office we got cut loose. By that time so had everyone else in our little tech triangle. It was bumper to bumper just getting out of our parking lot...not to mention all of the traffic on the side streets and freeways.

We decided to go walkabout and see what we could see. Karl Strauss - Closed - Terrible business decision...Places like that should embrace helping out their neighbors in a time of need. So we cruised down the hill to the liquor store - Closed - I get that one. If looting starts...They usually get jacked first. We were just about to leave when we remembered they have a back door in the alley. We snuck our heads in and told them we needed two 18-packs and we had cash. Pro-Tip: Liquor Stores love cash. Success!

Once we got back to work we immediately sought out higher ground...We set up on top of a hill with a view of all possible routes of invasion. We had a swarm of humongous spiders protecting the East and a poodle to fend off anyone that made it through the initial guard post.

We wrapped up all of our liquid refreshments while waiting for traffic to finally die down and then we all hit the road. Every man for himself. I made it home with out too much trouble. Got home and Megan had the house all decked out in candles and was enjoying a frosty beverage in the backyard.

Megan and I cruised over to our neighbors to see how they were holding up...They were hanging out in the driveway reaping the benefits of Mike's Snap-On truck and all of it's power options. Before we knew it we were blending up margaritas and grilling sausages in the driveway. We had a great time!

I'm not going to lie...I liked having the power gone for a little while. It was fun hanging out with everyone and it was also a good little wake up call on how dependent we are on electricity and the power company.

Big Day...

2011-08-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time coming...but today was the day.

Joe and I both cruised our rides into work! Woot Woot!

We picked up his ride yesterday @ Hot Rods & Custom Stuff after they finalized a few finishing touches on the clutch and transmission.

Super stoked on Joe's ride...It is freaking beautiful. It didn't really seem like it had been that long since we were sand blasting the frame @ his dad's shop. Then we did the math...It has been that long. Crazy to look back at the starting point to where it is now...Awesome!

Congrats buddy! Glad to see all your hard work pay off...Stoked to see you on the road!

I am going to need a significantly large head start or a really strong tail wind to keep up with him once he gets her all broken in.

New Hobby...

2011-08-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

She's yet to see the water...but she looks ready. We decided to take the plunge and purchase a tandem kayak to add to our arsenal of adventure van accoutrements. Found her on Craigslist up in Costa Mesa, CA. Saturday, I tossed all the girls into the van and we hit the road. Pretty smooth sailing only one bit of dog vomit...Which turned out to be a bit of a blessing. I learned scrubbing the van's carpet with a damp rag will remove all of the animal hair...It worked way better than our vacuum specially designed to remove pet hair...That didn't to a very good job of removing pet hair.

Vanning Pro Tip: Scrub carpet with a damp rag to remove pet hair.

We handed over the cash...Strapped her to the roof rack...Cruised over to the Newport Aquatic Center to check out all the people out kayaking and enjoying the day on the Upper Newport Bay. Then hightailed it to find some food and a cocktail...ASAP. We decided on Avila's El Ranchito in Costa Mesa...Dog Friendly on the patio...Awesome Mango Margaritas and some of the best salsa I have ever had...and I have had a lot of salsa. That was just the starters...The main courses were pretty freaking solid too. I'd go back.

Hopefully I'll have an update with the kayak actually in the water and not just in the grass or on the roof rack...Soooon...Hopefully...

Sneak Peek...

2011-08-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Becki and Patrick invited us along for a little sneak peek of their wedding reception location. The Ocean View Villas right next to Sunset Cliffs. Awesome location...Great views...Super excited for them! They have the villas rented for a few days so the wedding party and family can chill out and enjoy some down time before the party time.

Stoked for you guys! Can't wait to see the place all done up for the party!

Vintage Travel Trailer...

2011-08-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

They are back in my brain...I can't help it. I want one. I do.

Hair Metal...

2011-08-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

New York Dolls, Poison and Mötley Crüe?!? You can't go wrong with that!

San Diego Zoo...

2011-08-18T16:11:00.001-07:00

It had been a while since we have been to the Zoo...Meggy just re-upped our passes so we were ready to roll. Good times! If you haven't been to night time zoo...you need to go check it out!

Bug Update...Number Twenty One...

2011-08-15T17:25:00.001-07:00

STOKED!!!!

Interior is all buttoned up...Brakes freshened up...Motor tuned up...Aaaaand she is roadworthy!

It is a great feeling! Don't get me wrong there is still more to be done. In the very near future...Finally wire up the stereo.

After that everything else is fluff...Expensive fluff...That will all come in due time. I want to drop the front end, Upgrade the front to disc brakes and add a roof rack...Aaaand that'll pretty much take it where I had envisioned her from the get go.

For now...We are just going to cruise the heck out of her! And so far we are doing a great job!

Joe snapped these shots from the back seat on the way to lunch...Super roomy back there!

Patrick's Bachelor Party...

2011-08-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

Once we got back from Cabo I had to settle back into reality...Don't worry...It was only for a few days, then it was right back to vacation mindset! This might be the first year in a long time that my tan isn't a farmer's tan. Patrick had rallied me to attend his bachelor party on Catalina Island...Avalon. I couldn't say no to that one!

Super stoked on Catalina...I can't wait to take Megan. I feel like that it is going to be a regular spot for us to visit. I had never been...Really cool little town with a ton of life. I was expecting really snooty, tons o money, hoity toity...but it wasn't like that at all. Don't get me wrong...There is a ton of money there...but it is a very well balanced place. So many different people all enjoying this little slice of awesomeness.

Patrick's group of buddies were a riot...Great group of guys! Made me think of and miss all of of my knuckle-headed friends...You all know who you are!

I don't even really know where to begin. It's a quick drive up to Dana Point...A quick little ferry ride over to Avalon. You stroll from the ferry right into town...Luggage in-tow. Bars, shopping, beaches all packed into a tight little area. There is just so much life...Even early in the morning...People cruising around, grabbing coffee, securing their spots on the beach for later, chilling out...super cool! Oh yea...and the golf carts...They are everywhere...Electric vehicles, golf carts, some lifted, some customized...I have never wanted my own golf cart or electric mico-van more in my life! I am really going to have to hit a significantly large jackpot in the California Lottery.

We had a nice little two bedroom house with a TV that only had one channel. The back patio was a perfect arena for some quality beer pong and general debauchery. That was our home base...From there everything was a nice little walk away. Loved that...walking everywhere!

One afternoon we did up a little kayaking out to Frog Rock. Cruised through the harbors, checked out all the bad ass boats...Stopped off at a little rock beach enjoyed a few frosty Coors Lights and headed back to return the kayaks. We had a few casualties along the way but we all eventually made it back in one piece. I defiantly have the kayaking bug...

It wasn't all hard hitting action sports, Kayaking and Beer Pong. We got in some quality R&R...Beach time @ Descanso Beach. Descanso is a private beach on the island...with a full bar, restaurant and plenty of friendly waitstaff to keep you toasted and your belly full.

One of my favorite spots of the trip...So much of a favorite that we hit it up twice...The Sand Trap. Outdoor restaurant/bar...Happy Hour everyday from 2-7. $1 Tacos & $2 Beers. Your choice of soft or hard shell...all the fixings...You can't go wrong with that! I definitely got my monies worth both times we visited The Sand Trap. I kinda felt like it was golf giving back to me after all of the terrible times I have been in sand traps.

Had a great time! Thank you, Patrick for the invite and thank you to all your boys for setting up the event and partying down. I have to ask...This wasn't a one time thing, was it? I vote we make it a yearly event!

Cabo San Lucas...

2011-08-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

We had a blast! I feel like vacation is the lifestyle I was destined to be a part of! Dreams Resort Los Cabos was fantastic! We took full advantage of all of the resort's conveniently located bars. My favorites...The two pool bars...Swim up bars with stools right in the water. It doesn't get much better than that! Aside from torturing our livers we soaked up a lot of sun and did bunch of relaxing...I feel like we did a really good job coping with all of the relaxing that we had to tackle. One of the lessons I learned was that I need to have a hammock in my life full time. I have known that...but somehow it had slipped out of my memory banks. Operation: Acquire Hammock is in full swing.

We met an awesome couple from Canada, Greg and Natalie, they were getting married at the resort. Aaaand have since been married, Congrats guys! This post is a little past due...Since we have been back Greg and Natalie had a few days stay in San Diego on their honeymoon tour up the CA coast. We got a chance to hangout with them for two of their nights here...Great people! Hope the rest of the trip was fantastic! Great to meet you guys!

Cabo San Lucas itself...Meh. Your typical touristy Mexican city...I am glad we checked it out but it wasn't all that impressive. The allure of the all inclusive at the resort had me spoiled. One of my favorite spots we did check out was a bar/restaurant called "The Office". That place is an awesome little hub of excitement right on the beach. I highly recommend it...Thanks for the tip, Steve!

For now...enjoy the photos! I have a few relaxing videos to post...Once I get off my butt and fire up some video editing software. I will keep you posted.

<<<<----UPDATE---->>>>>

Here are the videos...Enjoy!

The early morning view from one of our suite's balconies.

Early morning...Laying in bed...Listening to the waves roll in...FANTASTIC!

Clouds and Light Painting...

2011-08-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

Last month I walked out into the backyard to some awesome clouds. So I set up the tripod and snapped a few long exposure shots. Once I knocked those out I decided to try out a little light painting using my iPhone as the light source...as you can tell I was all hopped up on my lady and how fantastic our life is.

Writing in cursive backwards is pain in the butt...And a little bit of a brain teaser after a few beers. I could have just written it out normal and flipped the image but that would have been way too easy. Pretty stoked on the end result...ready to try it out some more.

More Photo Booth Fun...

2011-08-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Meggy and Summer stopped into a photo booth the other day...Freaking great photos! Nice work ladies!

Sharkeez to Sharkeez...

2011-08-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Since I am still playing catch up...Here is another update from July...Sharkeez to Sharkeez. We started off in Huntington beach...With a rally from Tom Warner and a huge mob of peoples we beach cruised it on down to Sharkeez Newport Beach had a few and cruised back up to Sharkeez Huntington Beach. There were a few pit stops here and there...Other than that...Beautiful weather...Lots of laughs...And way too many drinks! After we finished up the booze cruise we checked into our hotel and wandered around to two of Huntington Beach's shadier establishments...Walked through the JIB drive-thru and called it a night. The next morning we headed north to devour some
Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. After our bellies were full we strolled down to Dixie to check out their goods. Cool little shop...Worth checking out if you are in the LBC.

The craziest part about Dixie came to us a few weeks later. Joe was watching a Vimeo video about living life, not taking things for granted and some other life lessons...Which I can't seem to track down at this moment.

So...He sends the video over to me and says, "Hey, Isn't that the dude we just met from Dixie?" Sure enough it is. Then I go to look at more of his videos. It instantly clicks with me...I now remember where I had seen this guy. From a video I had watched on the world wide interwebs. It is one of THE saddest videos I have EVER seen. I had watched this video a month or so before...I came home and told Megan about it...I told her NEVER EVER to watch it...It is way too sad.

Long story short...The video is about this guy having to put his dog down. Super sad...I am going to leave the link here. But I do not really recommend watching it...I got super chocked up at work while I was watching it. Had to step outside and regroup. It's bad.

Again...Maybe it is just a sissy dog owner thing...but this is rough...Good luck...

Last Minutes With Oden

Hopefully my dogs will never pass...I am WAY to attached to those two knuckleheads.

I didn't really mean for this post to take such a somber turn...No more of that!

Hootenanny...Update...

2011-08-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Last month I posted. a few pics of a car show/concert that Meggy and I attended called Hootenanny. While we were there a photographer for the OC Weekly asked if he could snap a photo of us. The title for the slideshow was cracked me up..."Pin-up gals and tattooed dudes convened at the Oak Canyon Ranch for this year's Hootenanny." Here we are in all our Sweaty/Greasy/Pin-up gal/Tattooed dudes/OC Weekly Glory.

Cabo Teaser...Part Two...

2011-07-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

Joe had his photos from the trip...so I highjacked them. Still more photos to follow! Teaser number two...Enjoy!

Cabo Teaser...

2011-07-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

We made it home safe and sound from our trip to Cabo...and had a blast! That whole vacation thing is fantastic...I highly recommend it! More updates to follow!!!

For now...Just a teaser.

Two panoramic shots from the balconies in Meggy and I's room and one from the beachfront of The Office looking out at El Arco del Cabo San Lucas taken by Dr. Joseph Shedd.

Kids Update...

2011-07-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a photodrop in a while of all my random iPhone photos...Here is one with ALL of my babies...Enjoy!

Murphs ready to take the bug for a cruise...

Murphy pretending to be comfortable...

Whiskey's favorite spot...Lucy is starting to learn how nice it is...

Megan teaching Lucy how to dance...

Whiskey teaching Megan how to dance...

This is the spatula that Meggy uses to keep me in line...

French fry stache @ Station...

Sleepy Whiskey after a hard day @ Morley Field...

Sleepy Lucy after a hard day @ Morley Field...

Majestic Murphy after a hard day of doing nothing but loving our new couch!

Kit Carson Park...

2011-07-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

James had a few work buddies heading up to Kit Carson Park in Escondido for some Disc Golf. We cruised up and tailed them with our group. I dig the course...I didn't think I was going to at first. The first three holes are in a barren wasteland that looks like a perfect breeding ground for venomous snakes to lash out and grab a hold of your calf with their humongous fangs. Luckily for us...That didn't happen. It quickly rolls into the grassy tree covered area of the park...Much better. Different types of terrain, Some tricky holes, Some long, Some short, water hazards and it's free...I'd go back.

Towards the end of the course there is a sculpture garden, Nike de Saint Phalle's Queen Califia's Magical Circle...It was pretty freaking sweet!

Speaking of magical! Megan was rapidly perfecting her hippy toss...We've got quite the little disc chucker on our hands now!

After a solid round of disc golf we cruised up the next exit to try out Hacienda de Vega...Ay dios mio! Sign me up!

Liquid Aloha Festival...

2011-07-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Apologies...Sorry for the lack of updates. That being said...Here we go...

A few weeks back we attended the end of the Liquid Aloha Festival @ Liberty Station just in time to check out "The Dirty Heads." I had checked out their album and I dig a few tracks...Buuuut...See them live and it is a whole different experience...Great live show! Tasty beers and Megan's favorite purchase of they year...Her brand new JammyPack!

The Birthday Girl...

2011-07-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little lady turned a year old today! She is still just as sweet as the day we brought her home...Such a lover! It is amazing how much she has came into her own element and personality within the last month or so. She is all about playing fetch, all about it! Before she would just chase and hassle Whiskey. Not anymore...She is all up in the mix.

She is looking really good. All of her undercoat has been brushed out...but mostly shed in the kitchen and living room. She had been sick a few weeks back and lost a few pounds...she is starting to put a little weight back on...Not like her meatball sister....But she is getting there.

Happy Birthday, Lucy Bear!

Hootenanny...

2011-07-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday Meggy and I loaded up the Fit and hit the road north for Hootenanny. Twas a warm one...Fortunately for us there were enough shade trees, ice water soaked bandanas and ice cold Tecate to help keep us cool. The venue was pretty sweet...Nice big grassy area with a decent amount of old shade trees...and some high wire misters strategically placed...For just a hint of cooling off. The car show was a little lacking...but still cool. The line-up was a fun one...Big Sandy, MoJo Nixon, Bad Jacks, Swinging Utters, Royal Crown Revue, Supersuckers, Reverend Horton Heat and Dropkick Murphys...Can't go wrong with that! My ears are still ringing from Dropkick...

Morley Field...

2011-07-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

Joe's nephew Austin was in town over the 4th of July weekend. We took Friday off and did up Morely Field for a little disc golf in the morning and some Lolita's for lunch...Great little day! Perfect way to kick off the holiday weekend and I got a little sun started on my torso...It has been a little while since that thing has seen the sun.

Kenan Deacon James Choy...

2011-06-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

On the way back from checking out Joe's car we swang by Jimmy & Jessica's to say hi and to meet their newest addition...Mr. Kenan Deacon James Choy. Who was 3 months old to the day. Super cute little guy! Congrats guys!

Joe's '56 @ Armando's...

2011-06-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

Monday we bailed work early and headed North to San Jacinto to check out the progress on the interior of Joe's Bel-Air. The shop is called Armando's Rod & Customs...Great guys...Super knowledgeable...And they do GREAT work! They had the carpet, the headliner, wood for door panels installed and the seat foam ready on the front seat. So far it was looking awesome...and it's still a work in progress. Super stoked for Joe and all his years of hard work...It's going to be sweet seeing this thing rolling down the street...Can't wait.

West Coast Kustoms Santa Maria Car Show...

2011-06-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

On our way home from SLO we stopped off in Santa Maria to check out the West Coast Kustoms Car Show...It was a little thinned out being Sunday afternoon and all. But there was still a pretty decent turn out. Ron and Kathy Shedd had cruised their coupe down for the show with their good buddy Alan and his ride. Glad we got a chance to stop in and say hi!

Avila Beach & The Madonna Inn...

2011-06-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

Long over due...

A few weeks back we cruised up the coast to Avila Beach Golf Resort for the California Festival of Beers. Becki rallied us to join them for Patrick's birthday...along with their friends Ryan, Tessa and her dad, Bob. Since we were in the area we decided to shack up @ The Madonna Inn...Awesome place! The service was a little lacking, the door keys never wanted to work and the bar closed @ 11...What bar closes @ 11?!? Other that that I'd say it was pretty solid...I'd go back.

The California Festival of Beers was kinda...Meh. TERRIBLE shuttle set-up and a bunch of college kids doing dumb ass college kid stuffs...I am getting old. As a kid in college who had $75 to spend on a beer festival that only lasted four hours? Not I. Don't get me wrong...Tons of beers to choose from...A beautiful day right by the water...We made the most of it!

After the festival we cruised back to The Madonna Inn for some poolside margaritas then freshened up and headed to downtown SLO for some dinner and drinks. Great little town. I wish we had a few more days just to hang out and explore. Next time!

Bug Update...Number Twenty...

2011-06-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

I got the interior all wrapped up this week. It had been a while since I have been able to take her for a drive and I was all fired up to take a few hot laps around the neighborhood. Hopped in...Fired right up...Went to slap her into gear and. "Grrrriiiiinnnnddddd!" It didn't want to go into gear...Then I remembered when she was getting rewired they tossed in a new clutch cable for me...It would shift into gear just fine when parked but not while the motor was running. After wedging myself all the way under the rear of the car a few times, breaking a bulb in my flashlight and a few turns of the wing nut and we were back in action.

I just need to wire up the stereo and get her idling a little better and she'll be ready for some cruising! And then she just needs to sit a bit lower and I'll be stoked!

David Schorn = Metal...

2011-06-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

If it has something to do with Metal...You can guarantee that Schorn will be there! And then you add San Diego sports on top of that...Watch out! Sunday Schorn rallied a group to join him in a suite in the Western Metal Supply Building @ Petco Park. AWESOME! A beautiful day, amazing accommodations, great people and the Padres pull out a win...You can't go wrong with that!

After partying it up in the suite we decided to stop into Tivoli for "A" drink. Which turned into a few more then "A"...As you can see. Whirlwind weekend...I was excited to get back to work so I could sit down...and not have to drink anymore. I am over that now...Ready for the weekend again.

Party With Marty...

2011-06-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

If you think this photo is blurry...You should have been there!

Happy Birthday, Martin! Saturday turned into full on party day. Disc Golf, Hamiltons, Our house, Green Flash Brewery, Ballast Point and back to our house. I don't know about anyone else...But I sure enjoyed myself.

Amtrak...

2011-06-02T15:56:00.001-07:00

I like our new Board and Brew BRO-MAN-Tic walk along the cliff/train tracks tradition.

Up and Down...

2011-06-02T15:54:00.001-07:00

Before we went to the Civic Theater to see Mama Mia...We stopped into Downtown Johnny Browns for the fastest basket of fries, popcorn and cocktails that we have every had...super efficient!

Del Mar Lunch...

2011-05-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

^^^ Click on the image above to see it in all of it's full size glory...Thank me later. ^^^

Andrei and I stopped into Board and Brew for lunch and then walked on down to the water to remind us why we live in San Diego. That ocean thing is pretty amazing! Every time I head down to the water I ask myself...

Self, Why don't you come down to the water more often? Every time you do...You ask yourself the same question. But you rarely ever come back. Why, Self, Why?

Maybe this year...Maybe.

The Sweetest Kitty You Will Ever Meet...

2011-05-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

Look at that sweet little face...Look at it!

Murphy was extra lovey this morning. A little scratch under the chin and on the nose pretty much turned him in to a big, cuddly, purring, lover cat.

Wayne "The Train" Hancock @ The Shakedown Bar...

2011-05-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

Last night we cruised down to The Shakedown Bar to see Wayne "The Train" Hancock and The Cactus Jacks. Great little show...Always awesome to see Wayne. Glad to see he made it over the Arizona border this time with out any issues.

Birthday Tattoo...

2011-05-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

Meggy stopped into see Chad for a simple set of brass knuckles that turned out to be an amazing set of brass knuckles! Another awesome job by Chad.

Happy Birthday Meggy...

2011-05-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

Meggy's birthday was this past weekend...The big 2-7! Happy Birthday, Mama! I love you! You are more and more beautiful everyday!

Meggy was on the hunt for a pair of gold heels for Matt & Samin's wedding. She never found them...but she did find all of these along the way...

Saturday morning we did up a little West Coast Tavern for brunch. I highly approve of the place...and I will be back. I am seen here enjoying the "Hair of the Dog" - That would be a tall PBR and a side of bacon...Like I said...I will be back...

While Megan was getting ready for the wedding I snapped a few cell phone pics of Lucy showing off her hops. She loves to catch the ball off the bounce. And then get rid of it ASAP before she feels that wrath of her mean littler big sister. I gotta set up my camera and grab a few more of these. Speaking of my camera...I really need to stop being lazy and take that thing with me.

Bug Update...Number Nineteen...

2011-05-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

Got my shoes shined up and new soles on my feet.

If you need new tires I highly recommend you hit up Lynn @ Discount Tire Miramar. Lynn is a busy dude, but he handles his stuff. Super stoked on that guy...He put in some solid leg work tracking down exactly what I wanted. Thanks, Lynn!

I had wheels off the car for a while now...I had the front end resting on ramps...it was about 8 inches off the ground and I have been super digging the stance. Slapped the wheels back on with the new tires and new hubcaps...which looks fantastic! Buuuut it is just TOO damn high. I told myself I was going to put off the front end dhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrop for a while...but I dunno...It NEEDS to be dropped.

Hopefully I will be able to get her out in the sun and shined up real soon!

Sooooon....

Bug Update...Number Eighteen...

2011-05-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to getting the rest of the carpet installed and I slapped in my bamboo parcel shelf too. Stoked! I still have to wrap up the seats. Hopefully my tires will be in this week...maybe next week...and then we can take this girl for a cruise.

Speaking of Mother's Day...

2011-05-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

I tried to rally the Girls and Murphy to give Meggy her Mother's Day gift. Lucy was ready to go...handing out tons of kisses. Whiskey hopped up on the couch and did a whole lot of talking...then tried to lure Lucy off the couch so she could bite her ear. Lucy wasn't falling for it...She was in full on lover mode...You usually don't have to ask her twice for kisses. Murphy wasn't quite as excited...he was way more interested in naps...And he did a great job as always...Resting up all day that way he can run around the house like a wild banshee at night.

New Tattoo...

2011-05-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

What better way to follow up a "Happy Mother's Day" post than with a "Check Out My New Tattoo" post!

If I have learned anything about Mothers throughout my years...It is that Mothers absolutely love tattoos. Especially on their children.

Chad knocked this one out for me on Saturday...Another solid job!

Happy Mother's Day...

2011-05-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated Birthday, Stevie...

2011-05-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Forgot I had these photos on my phone. Happy Birthday, Steve! Looks like you are enjoying Chicago!

Just Gunna Leave These...Right...Here...

2011-05-05T12:42:00.001-07:00

Our new Easter tradition. I don't really know what to say about this one...except for it was amazing!

Bug-In 36...

2011-05-04T12:00:00.001-07:00

We cruised up to Fontana to check out the Bug-In 36 VW show. I am Not going to lie it was a little weak...I think have been spoiled by going to Del Mar Goodguys and The Grand National Roadster Shows as of late. It was still cool to see. Pretty much cruised the show...contemplated buying a roof rack...bought a used glove box door instead and hit the road back south with a little pit stop in Temecula for lunch.

Pet Carrier/Speaker Box...

2011-05-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

I would like to start this post by apologizing to Dr. Christopher Lewis...I really wanted to build this with you...buuuut...I am sorry...I got antsy.

So I have been researching rear speaker options for the Bug...and I noticed a lot of people have been adding an vintage suitcase with speakers mounted in them for a rear audio solution. I was going to run that route...then I ran across a post on Etsy for a vintage pet carrier and thought...that would be perfect!

Aaaand here she is...I haven't hooked up the stereo yet so I don't know how amazing my handy work is yet...but I will keep you updated.

REIGNSonerlandia's Quotes of the Weekish...

2011-04-28T15:37:00.001-07:00

"What is eggplant?" - Random Chick reading the menu @ Corner House Cafe & Pizzeria

"Just checking for rigor mortis." - Joe

"You are never going to learn anything if you keep running your mouth." - Gabriel

"I didn't feel like vomiting until I looked at your face." - Mary

"I guess ultimately America IS a big melting pot." - Megan

"Sooooo...Do snails...?" - Mary

"UGH! I HATE R. Kelly! Buuut I f*cking LOVE R. Kelly!" - Megan

"I always get chorizo in my hair!" - Jamie

"And after a hundred or so mighty wacks..." - Peter

"I have fourteen plates!" - Megan

Bug Update...Number Seventeen...

2011-04-26T12:04:00.001-07:00

I have been making some solid headway on the bug. A few weeks back I took her in to see Sam @ California Pacific/J-Bugs for a full rewire. Sam is on his shit...Knocked it out in no time flat! I can't say enough about how thorough this guy was. I wish everyone was as competent at their job as he was. Every electrical component is working again...and every bit of wiring is brand spanking new. Super stoked!

After I got that back home I started on the interior. I have the back of the car completed. The dash is in place with all it's hardware, new steering wheel and horn ring installed, RetroSound stereo installed, RetroSound dual voice coil speaker and mounting bracket installed, carpet along the door sills and under the front seats completed. I just need to wrap up the glove box, fiddle with the stereo a bit more, finish the carpet in the front of the car and wrap up the upholstery on the front seats and the interior is good to go. And maybe add a Bambus Rack...Probably add a Bambus Rack.

I had been wanting to get the wheels sand blasted and powder coated for some time now. But I wasn't really ready to fork over $200 just for powder coat...New not stock rims are around $380. So I was thinking about giving them the same treatment I did the van's wheels. Joe was taking a trip up to the M-E-R-C-E-D for the weekend and offered to sand blast and prime my wheels for me at his dads shop. They turned out awesome! I started painting them this week...so far so good. New tires and she'll be ready for some driving. More updates hopefully soon! Getting closer...

And this is my new side project/audio solution for the rear hatch of the bug...Vintage pet carrier. Keep and eye out for that soon too. Etsy is awesome! And dangerous.

Saturday...

2011-04-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon we cruised over to the Judge Household for Wyatt's 4th birthday party. I got a few pictures of Chris, Cory and Maddie in the bounce house...but no photos of the birthday boy.

In the evening we met up with Becki and Patrick and cruised out to Buju Tattoo's grand opening celebration. Great turn out...Awesome to see so much support for Buju, Briana and Adam. Stoked for you guys!

South of the 56 Sighting...

2011-04-26T11:53:00.001-07:00

Ryan, Andrea, Megan and myself did a little lunch and brewery hopping this past Friday. Lunch @ Callahan's, A stop off @ Ballast Point for some Sculpin IPA on Nitro and then a quick stop off @ Hess Brewing with a visit from Dr. Cory Rank. Good times guys! Ryno...Good to see you buddy. I forgot to tell you...I check your blog everyday.

Buju Tattoo Buttons...

2011-04-21T11:33:00.001-07:00

Buju Tattoo Buttons galore...200 of em. Buju Tattoo's grand opening is this Saturday. Once I saw the flyer for the opening two things happened...I remembered I owned a button maker(that has been collecting dust) and I knew they needed buttons. I hit up Briana for the original flyer artwork and massaged it to work for the button format. I am stoked on how they turned out.

I have never really put this out there before buuut...

If anyone needs any 1.5" buttons made hit me up. They are super cheap to make and I am more than happy to knock them out. I can do as many or as few as you would like...If you need custom artwork I can do that...or I can just slap your image on there. I can deliver them or toss them in the mail. The process is pretty fun...and it's nice have a tangible object at the end of a little bit of work. Hit me up if you are interested and we can get some going.

Ahhhh...Tangible object. That just made me want to rant a little...Sooo here we go...

I need to get my hands dirty...I need to build and make things it's a very big part of me and it's crazy how much it gets me going...Mentally, Physically, Emotionally...I love to build stuff. From scratch, from Ikea, a puzzle, lists, recipes...etc. I dunno it is just a very big part of my being and who I am. I never really realized how much I need that to be a part of my life...but I do. I have the creative bug super bad right now.

I do have a few things in the works and it has been nice. The VW Bug interior is getting tackled more and more every day. I've got a pretty solid plan in place for a rear speaker solution in the Bug...Super excited to show that process off...I am pretty stoked on this idea. Knocked out some buttons...that was fun. Got a few little projects in the early stages with Dr. Booriakin. I have been drawing a bit more. My aerosol finger is getting itchy...I think I might have to build a temporary wall in the backyard to get down on...I know I have a few people down for that one.

After all that being said...I feel like I need to leave this here...

Pops,

I would REALLY REALLY REALLY like to thank you for all of that! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Thank you for ingraining all of those qualities into me. Allowing me to create, supporting me the whole way and showing me how to do so much awesome stuff. I was working in the garage this past weekend and I got to thinking about current spot in life and being me being adult-ish now and looking back at everything my Pops did to make my life as amazing as it is...And it blows my mind. Busting his ass working all day, picking me up from school, lugging a full teams soccer gear to and from practice/games, coaching, dealing with kids, parents, referees, leagues and me...for YEARS! And that is just a small part of it... archery, shooting, hunting, fishing, bicycles, involving me in his projects, teaching me how to do things for myself....The list goes on and on...Totally awesome!

My dad has always been my idol and my hero...Always. I love that man with all my heart!

Thank you, Pops.

->Neil