travis' brain dump

Wow, the days this week are just dropping one by one. With that, it’s seriously closing in on my deadline of May 25th to finish some of my projects at home and work. Luckily the work projects are almost complete. Some things have shifted which has made my life easier with those, but the ones at home… well yeah.

I skipped working on the room last night seeing as how I was so busy with the car. Hooking up those water lines to the turbo took a little longer than anticipated due to some spacing issues. I had to pick up a new fitting this morning to switch the rear waterline from a 45 degree angle exit from the turbo to a 90. Stupid thing was hitting the firewall and making a little racket this morning. Now I just have to get the 45 out – which is going to be a pain. I may just cut it out to save myself the hassle of pulling the turbo off again.  *shrug* it was only $13 – worth the waste to save an hour if you ask me. All in all though the car seems to run a bit better with the cooling addition so hey, bonus. I think I’m going to need to take the car out and retune it though, lol. This turbo is a little different than my other one, however it’s not a huge difference so it shouldn’t be too hard.

My goal for tonight… prime the walls in that room before getting on FFXI and getting Rank 5. Andy will shoot me if I miss tonight so I better get on it as soon as I get home. Him and Ashleigh are coming up tomorrow for SG Friday and FFXI so he will have an opportunity to smack me if I don’t do this, lol. Have you ever seen Andy mad? Pray you don’t. LOL

Just over a week until Arwen’s birthday. I’ve got to get on the ball with some of that stuff too. Need to figure out the food and stuff for next week. Amanda is going to help out with some of that stuff, so I’m not too worried. She’ll be up Friday and volunteered to help out with Arwen’s cake and some other things, so I’m not actually that worried about it – it’s not all that bad. I just need to do some shopping for some stuff for Arwen. As long as I get this stuff I have to finish cleared out and don’t procrastinate it to the point it doesn’t get done, I will be quite happy. Gotta stop pushing stuff out, it’s such a bad habit. 🙁

Well, I’ve got some things I need to get finished up before I head out on some site visits this afternoon.

I got my license back… and it only cost me my soul… ROFL!

Actually I’m sure that good ole Uncle Greer will be calling in that marker one day and when he does, I better be prepared to do whatever it takes. LOL

I’m stoked right now… Oddly, despite the incident this morning I was still pretty cool and having a great time.. this makes for an AWESOME vacation story I tell ya. *whew*

Anyway, update complete… time to get back to the fun! yay!

However stolen that quote is, it’s quite honestly the only way to describe what it’s like here. I guess you could start off with saying this is most definitely what I needed. Today was the first time I have ever not looked at a clock to see what time it was or worried about some sort of schedule or time-frame. It’s as though time itself had been standing still all around me.

This place is amazing. The atmosphere is like no other I have ever encountered. In this little town, life is most definitely not like it is in any other place. The people are amazing here, simply amazing. It’s as though everyone knows and understands their purpose and works together to achieve it together. The company is absolutely amazing here. It’s like being part of one big family and I definitely think a few days just isn’t enough to fully appreciate all there is around me.

While on a walk today I noticed how quiet things were. You could listen to the wind in the trees, children playing and the occasional noise of a 4-wheeler ripping around town. But when those noises came and went, the sounds of silence and the feeling of peace was almost overwhelming.

A wedding reception this evening was absolutely amazing. I watched as the bride and groom were greeted by family members and friends and as those attending gathered together to enjoy and celebrate in this occasion. The music playing, the sound of little children (including my own) running around playing and dancing and the general feeling that everyone around me, related or not – were indeed one huge family. I stood, all amazed.

There is so much more to write, however I find that I want to leave this computer and go submerge myself further into all that is around me. I just wanted to let everyone know that I was okay and that I was having an incredible time. I am so grateful to be here.

One more day to go… It seems like this week has just been one of those that drags by like no other. I’m just glad I’ve had some help getting through it. I’ve been really stressed out the last week… you want to name it, I’m probably dealing with it… I think the killer was Arwen being sick for three days… nothing more fun than a child who won’t stop throwing up for 3 days. I’m just glad its over *crosses fingers*

My birthday wasn’t too shabby aside from the sick kid aspect of things. One of those birthdays with events that span a couple of days, which is kinda nice. Thanks to everyone for the phone calls, texts, dinner, gifts… very awesome. :) The highlight being dinner at The Fort and the new shirts. Thank you so much! 🙂

Well, I have to say that in keeping with tradition it’s time I do something for myself as well. Grills and Xbox 360’s don’t quite cut it this year. Actually it’s kinda nice that this invitation coincides with all the havoc going on right now in my life. I truly need this. For my birthday I’m taking some vacation days and I just got approval for them… This time next week I will be on my way down to Mexico! No cell phone, No work, No havoc, No drama, nothing stressful … just good times and good people. Hopefully a nice relaxed environment where I can recollect my thoughts and look at clearing my mind while enjoying the visit with some really cool people from the area while I’m at it… A big shout out and a huge thank you to the Johnson’s for letting Arwen and I invade their home and for having us down, I look forward to seeing you all. 🙂 The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for this!

I’ll post up some pics and such when I get back, don’t worry. I’m only going to be gone from the 3rd through the the 7th, so it’s not that long … I feel some good will come of this trip, I’m really excited. :) Hopefully it’s a chance to reset and be able to tackle things better when I come back.