11 Inches Later...

I bet you assumed Erik was tackling this post as you read the title. Many of you knew that I have been growing my hair out for a few years with the intent to donate it the night before I turned 30. Needless to say, I could not make the final stretch to May, and the time had finally come...the hair HAD to go. I was not about to turn back, even though I experienced a million different emotions. The 11 inches that I had cut off will be donated to Locks of Love. It is one of the most selfless things I have done, and am proud to say that I did it.

Below are the before and after pictures. You would think that since I lived with the head of blonde mess each day, that I would have recognized the actual length. I guess since I don't see the back of my head on a regular basis, I just didn't pay attention much.

BEFORE the cut....

The final look is....

As you can see, it was definitely time for a change, and I could not feel more sassy! Not to mention it is much easier to style!

Leaving on a Jet Plane!

I thought I would give a brief post before I head out to Baltimore for the week. So far in my short traveling joerney's I have been to Portland OR, Austin TX, and Phoenix AZ. In a few more weeks I will be in the west coast all the time so I feel some of the best is yet to come.

While in AZ we had a day off to do the tourist thing so we went to the Sedona Mountains (http://www.sedonavision.com/tours/index.htm). Posted some of the pics above. I hear that while I am in Baltimore this week we will be taking a trip south to do some business and also do some site seeing in our nations capital. Also, as I was about ready to board the plane in Austin I noticed a group of guys who looked like they were having a lot of fun. Eventually one them walked by me and I noticed his jacket said "O.A.R. Crew Member." Somewhat familiar with the band (http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?artist=1218145&vid=65596), but not enough to recognize their faces I immediately searched the internet to confirm their faces. I already knew they were playing in town the night before, so it just made sense.

Gotta run....hope everyone is doing well!!!!!

3 Years Old and Growing

How old is Kaden? As Kaden would say....I'm (see below)

Kaden has made it to the official 3 year mark. It is safe to say that he is slightly spoiled. His actual birthday is January 13th; Erik and I took Kaden, Grandma, Lil Papa, and Auntie Nikki out to Red Robin to celebrate! The food was great and the facial expressions were priceless. He definitely enjoyed being the center of attenion (what 3 year old doesn't?).

Kaden also had a fantastic birthday party on January 17th. His Papa Daryl (Erik's dad) was able to come in town for the festivities! Cars was the theme of the party, if you cannot tell from the pictures below. He was fortunate enough to share this day with the following family members: Mom, Dad, Grandma, Lil Papa, Papa Daryl, Aunt Mary Beth, Greg, and Ashley.

Kaden's first big boy bike! You'll never guess what is on it...Cars! He also got Cars toys, Thomas the Trains "buddies," as he calls them, educational reading/activity system (being the teacher that I am, I enjoy it as much as he does), tool man kit, learning laptop (gotta love the learning toys), a Spongebob digital camera (takes real pictures), and many other things.

Clarification

Per last post, wife is no longer for sale! However, I do need a place to live. Any suggestions?

Interior Concepts

Its been a couple weeks since Kristy and I have been able to do any more updates to this site. I know that I stayed pretty busy between the Holidays, family in town, and trying to wrap up as much of the honey-do list before I headed back to work. I was out work for just shy of three months (it flew by). Although not receiving a paycheck is never fun, it was a nice time off. I haven't really had any time off like that since since I started my first job on my 16th birthday, so the break has was nice. Furthermore, as mentioned I got a lot done around the house, spent some quality time with the panpooper (Kaden), and even got to spend a bit more time with gramps/Big Papa (Kristy's grandpa/Kaden's Big Papa) before he passed away.

One of the things I have not done too well on over the last three months is update a lot of people about my status on my job. In fact, I feel as thought I almost went into hiding a bit or slightly lost contact. This was not my intention, for I do plan on reaching out to all of you soon, but I was finding that I had contacts or friends wanting to have dinner, coffee, or get to together just to talk. I guess once I found the job that I was looking for there was some peace just to sit back and enjoy family time.

Anyhow, those that do not know I have accepted a position with Interior Concepts (http://www.interiorconcepts.com/) out of Spring Lake. The company is 4.6 miles away from home. I will be serving as their West Coast Regional Sales Manager. Yes, west coast means north and south of Colorado on over to California. You can even throw Hawaii or Alaska in there although trips to those states may be very rare. Simply put, my job is to develop a stronger relationship or build new ones with individuals who currently sell our product or do not know yet that they want to. Once the relationship is established or a sale is made my my job is to handle that transaction along the way to insure they remain satisfied and come back for more product. As I am still in the early stages of training (2-3 months still ahead) I cannot say how blessed I feel to actually be a part of this company. They have a specialized product, good people, my skills will transfer out quite well, and a lot of potential for growth and success!!!!!!

Ideally Kristy and I will like to get a new post on here at least once a week, but sometimes life can be difficult. Kaden turns three this coming Tuesday (1/13) so I am quite certain we have some good pics of him on his birthday.

Some random thoughts:

• Heading to Chucky Cheese's tonight with Kadens girlfriend Emma.
• Kadens Papa Daryl/Grandpa (my dad) will be coming to town next weekend.
• Kristy and I both started our Master classes back up again this past week. She is taking some sort of math class & my class is on International business.
• Have I mentioned I am back to work. Although, the break was nice, I probably would have started to go crazy soon.
• Watching as much football as possible, I love football especially during the playoffs.
• Wife for sale, anyone interested?

Talk to you all soon. Have a powerful 2009!!!!

Some Favorites....Merry Christmas!

What the Elf?