A Stroll Down Memory Lane

I was taking a stroll down memory lane and decided I would share some pictures with you....



This was our first Christmas that Etusko and I had with each other in Oregon. I can't get over how small our first apartment was! What a hot mama :)



Oregon does not get that much snow, but this year we had a lot! I remember almost everywhere was shut down. Even school!!!





Then came Dexster! I was helping my parents spruce up their cabin in Colorado, and I found Dexster. We almost did not get him because he was brown and white. We made an excellent choice!



The next few pictures are of our loving son Jacob! He has been a blessing in our lives. Etsuko's dad was really sick, but as soon as he found out he was going to be a grampa, he became healthy! I could not imagine life without that little guy!













It seems like life passes soooooo fast. It is always nice to stop and look back at what you have accomplished. It just seemed like yesterday that I was getting out of the Navy. That was a scary time! Then came college... 4 long tough years. 6 years later, I have a good job, a great family, and memories to last a life time!

Memorial day

Finally!!!!

Etusko and Jacob are back. I think they are almost back to same routine. Jacob has gained a lot of confidence since returning from Japan. He knows a lot of Japanese. He understands English but replies in Japanese.... We went to my parents house for Memorial day. Jacob had a lot of fun with his cousins. It has been a real treat to have my little boy back..

This weekend I made some real progress on the backyard. I almost called a professional in.... Almost! Thanks to my brother-in-law.... He talked me into doing the rest myself.

I have been reading a lot of Dave Ramsey over the last couple of days. He is a personal finance professional. The book is called 'The Total Money Makeover'. The info in the books is nothing new, but the books has a way of motivating you to pay off bill as fast as you can! Etsuko and I live pretty conservative, but there is low hanging fruit that does not need to be there.

Our goal is to accrue a million dollars as fast as we can (10 years or less). It is a lofty goal, but it is attainable.

Smoked Porter

I got another brew yesterday..... It is going to be a smoked porter. I have never used any type of flavoring, so this should be interesting. Etsuko comes back on Thursday! Man, it has been a long time.

I haven't gotten much done on the backyard. Last week I started feeling pain on the left side of my body. I saw the doctor yesterday. He said that he does not think it is heart related.... He thinks it might be a slipped disk in my neck. I am still waiting for the results.

I Got Tagged!

Here is a little insight into me!

1. What is my current obsession?
- I love to brew beer.... I have a kegerator, special beer glasses, and I go to the home brew store at least 2-3 times a month (a little creepy).

2. Which item of clothing do you wear most?
- White teeshirts (don't ask why!)

3. Whats for dinner?
- Hmmmmmmm... Tonight, I will most likely have a sandwich. Dinners get better when Etusko comes back from Japan.

4. What are you listening to?
- Hip Hop, Country, a little Rock.... I also like talk radio (anything from politics to personal finance).

5. Say something about the one that tagged you?
- I hope you don't expect a home brew anytime soon :)! By the way it was my brother in law that tagged me.

6. Favorite vacation spot?
- I haven't been there in a while, but Japan has to be my favorite vacation spot. I also like anywhere that is sunny!

7. What am I reading right now?
- Charlie Papazan "The Joy of Homebrewing", Dave Ramsey "The Total Money Makeover", "Leadership and self deception" (Probably pretty boring for most of you).

8. Five words to describe myself.
- Good looking, Composed, Laid back, Competitive, and Traditional

9. Guilty Pleasure
- Really?! You think I am going to let you in on that secret? hmmmmmm....

10. First spring thing to do
- Install grass in my backyard.

11. What do I look forward to?
- My IPA (for you none beer drinkers that is Indian Pale Ale)

There you have it!