Loeswick.com

It’s my Break

admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:48:28 +0000

California has a law that employees can’t work more than 6 hours without taking a half hour break. My coworkers often dread this practice, but I take my break everyday I work. I clock out, set my timer, so that I’m not so focused on the time, and proceed to go through my habits of rejuvenation. I start by gathering my silverware and tray at the self serve salad bar. I make my salad, get my water and enjoy a healthy meal. Sometimes that’s all our bodies need to get back to 100%. After my meal, which typically takes 10 minutes, I leave the cafeteria. This is important to my practice, because I’ve found if I stay in the cafeteria I’m often sucked into to gossiping with co-workers. This sounds horrible, but it’s true. And if I engage in that behavior I actually feel worse than I did before I went on break.

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So once out of the cafeteria I sit. I sit outside in a lawn area, with a pretty view, and no one around. I pull out my book, which is actually on my kindle app on my iphone, and I proceed to read. I read for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes. When my timer goes off, I know I get to go back to work.

I don’t come back enlightened, but I sure feel a lot more relaxed. Sometimes too relaxed, I start yawning! So, it’s helpful to consciously bring up the energy tempo once I hit the floor. I look forward to these breaks.

And it’s important to do these things habitually. Building strong healthy habits, takes stress off the brain, so that you can rejuvenate yourself in the middle of the day. I try to build habits doing the simplest things, so that each time I do them, my brain gets a break from stress. Jim Lohr, The only Way to Win, taught me that by using these strong habits, you can decrease the amount of stress you have throughout the work day. His study of tennis athletes lead him to these findings. As they walk to the line to serve, they tap their shoes with the racket twice, spin the racket, and bounce the ball, habits that help them refocus and clear the mind. The irony is that that athletes train to perform at 100% for a total of maybe 45 minutes game-time, whereas the 9-5 worker must perform at their peak performance level 40 hours a week! Who ends up having the more stress?

That’s why I feel the zen of work seminar is so important. We need healthy ways to deal with work.

The Boat down the River

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:48:17 +0000

I recently got my car keyed…bummer.

The morning I found my car keyed I remembered the fable that Joko Beck told, about her boat getting hit by another boat. When she thought there was someone else in the boat, she responded with anger and resentment. When she looked again, there was actually no one in the boat, so she patched her boat, and proceeded down the river.

That’s what I’m trying to do. It hurts so bad when I hold onto anger and resentment for the person that did this malicious act, but when I strive to just patch my boat and move down the river, I’m set free. It’s a test of mindfulness, to set my mind free of the resentment and just continue down the river.

I sat today, for only 15 minutes, with my mediation music going, when I got up, I felt refreshed and in a state of gratitude and peace. The music is still going on my phone as I write this post, so is my state of mindfulness and peace.

Stuff or Saving?

admin — Thu, 02 May 2013 22:51:38 +0000

The minimalists.com had a good post on the weight stuff can have on you. It can keep you working at a job you absolutely hate, because you want to maintain the house you bought, the expensive car payments, the debt you’ve created for yourself on your credit cards (plural)! I don’t know where kids fall on that spectrum of stuff, but those guys are expensive too! But i think they fall more under the category of important relationships in one’s life.

When I rolled up to the beach today and one my friends questioned if my car is rental or not? I was a little perplexed. Then I realized we gain a lot of our self esteem through our vehicles. My Ethnic studies teacher in college once stated that poor people spend a larger percentage of their income on their automobile for the feeling of self worth they get every time they set foot in their vehicle. So I took in the interesting comment from my friend and realized that my self worth doesn’t lie in a car anymore (because it has at times in my life) But at this current point I’m saving for bigger, longer term goals, that will keep money coming in, rather than just going out.

Saving is an art form. My Grandpa Fritz always said, it’s easy to make money, but hard to hold on to it. My Mom’s parents were good at saving money. Raising a family of 6 you’d have to be. At the end of my Grandma Terri’s life, they found out she had $200,000 in her account. Mostly from my Grandpa Tony, because he saw the sense in buying bonds and having patience for them to mature. My Grandpa worked in a beer bottling plant, and my Grandma worked for the post office. They weren’t rich by any means, but knew the value of saving. It doesn’t matter how much money you make it’s how much you SAVE.

Long day…lots of surfing

admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 05:22:12 +0000

Woke up this morn early 545 am, drove down the pool and swam with my Pops. I was venting to my Dad, about my life. He told me he wanted to get all fatherly on me and start lecturing and giving advice, but instead he told me I’d figure it out, I always do. I thought damn that’s some of the best parenting you have ever given me Dad! Truth be told, when I’m allowed to explore and figure it out on my own, I always do. Lessons become ingrained when they’re learned, with blood, sweat and tears. Those are the ingrained lessons you miss out on if you’re parent is too overbearing.

I long boarded the Jetty this morning. I love it, because I know exactly where the waves are going to break, because I grew up in those Jetty Rocks. I was a little Jetty Rat! So the affinity I have with the spot is uncanny. Man I wish it was anywhere else in the world at times, but it could be a lot worse!

I worked today with a woman I haven’t had full conversation with in about 2 months! I wrote her a letter a while back letting her know what was making me uncomfortable, where my boundaries were at, and what hurt me feelings. Ridiculous right?! But it worked magic. This woman has issues with everyone in my entire restaurant. She’s consistently rude, inconsiderate and confrontational to everyone she works with. Except me now. The only awkwardness that occurs is the fact that there’s silence between us when we’re working. I thank God for it, it’s easier to focus on work now! She’s also a good worker, obeys all the rules, so she’s super predictable and dependable. I turned one of the potentially worst work relationships, into one of the most productive all by writing a letter about my feelings. FEELINGS

Surfed after work at my local break. Launched a dozen airs trying to re sprain my knee. I did however land a bunch of good airs. I really want to start getting filmed again. I gotta find someone willing to film for dinero. Craigslist here I come.

It’s not all about me

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:13:39 +0000

Today I helped a friend. I actually helped two friends. To me that’s good progress. Good self sacrifice while still maintaining what makes me happy. In between helping others I was also able to make my life work today.

When I awoke this morn I heard the broken toilet draining. That sound of it refilling for no apparent reason annoyed me to no end. After a healthy breakfast (of course, the most important meal of the day) I took care of some not-so-pleasant work related stuff. I’m so sick of co-workers crossing my boundaries that I took it upon myself to put up some healthy boundaries, straight to the HR department. I didn’t criticize the guy that I brought to their attention, instead I simply stated he was making me feel uncomfortable, and had crossed my boundaries even after I had put them out there.

After that delivered a thank you letter to my friend’s Dad for going to bat for me, trying to get me a career with his company. I think he’ll really appreciate and it’s the least I could do after he leant me so much of his time. While I was at my friends house I had a great conversation with my childhood friend. I try not to pass judgement, but instead, I try to relate to what he saying. He’s such a good dude.

After that ran the beach, biked the trail and spent the rest of the day working with someone looking to better themselves. I passed on what was freely given to me. Then videoed my friend/mentor as he kite boarded out front. I’m editing a video for him now, so he can show it to his friends (no EGO).

I also finished this toilet project today for my folks. Feels good to have closure on that project! And at the end of the day I felt really good. Sometimes it pays to have it be ALL ABOUT YOU.

Coping with Stress

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:24:00 +0000

Sometimes after a long day, it’s hard to keep you head screwed on straight. I’ve learned it’s always better to keep your mouth shut though. Lately I’ve been writing a lot of letters about my feelings. Mostly work related, because at work is where my character defects run rampant! I’ve found through the years that during the most stressful times, is when our guard slips down and we engage in some of the behaviors we’re not proud of: lying, cheating, stealing, lashing out in anger, etc. So I’ve developed healthy coping mechanisms.

One coping mechanism is taking full advantage of my breaks. California law allows us a 30-minute break, and two 15-minute breaks. It’s important to take these, because it could be the difference between insanity and sanity. On my break I like to find a safe spot away from it all, where I can take my shoes off, and read my book. It’s important to do something that completely takes your mind off the tasks at hand. It gives your body and mind a chance to recuperate.

Then fill your body with nutritious goodness. None of this Coca Cola, candy, and crap food.! But good balance nutrition supplemented with healthy snacks throughout the day to help prevent crashing blood sugar. The 15-minute breaks are a little trickier. But if they’re law mandated…Take one at the beginning of the shift and after. You owe it to yourself to take these breaks.

We’re all creatures of habit. The more habit we form, the less our minds have to stress and think. Therefore through a healthy practice of habits during work, you can prevent stress and tension. Therefore you’re able to focus on more important tasks, and you create some space of peace within your mind.

Another coping mechanism is to just breath deep. Especially in stressful situations.

Work

admin — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:54:45 +0000

The fun of work. Some work just sucks less than other work. That’s the only difference in work. When I’m doing an especially horrible job, covered in scratchy insulation vibers, crawling under a house, saw dust falling on my face, I realize this is about as bad as it gets. The next day I’m doing the waiting tables gig and people are astounded that I work such long hours. Compared to crawling under houses; standing on my feet for nine-hours talking to people is a walk in the park.

I think this is an interesting metaphor to life: you can’t have the good without the bad. Life’s like the tides, sometimes it’s low and sometimes it’s high. So, when experiencing the lows, realize that this too shall pass, and brighter days will be revealed.

Doing the right thing…Around Money and Relationships

admin — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:14:57 +0000

When working for money…, because I can’t think of a time when I wasn’t working…for money…there always comes a time where the carrot in front of you is dangling and you’re doing whatever you can to get it, so much so that your vision is blurred and you’re pushing whatever is in that path out of the way, in order to claim your carrot/money/next-materialistic-possession. When you recap on the day, was it worth it, walking over the backs of others, squirming through your workplace in order to make a couple of extra bucks. Is it a hard work ethic that pushes one to act this way, or just slimy greed?

On a completely different note… on the opposite side of the spectrum of life, which is women (do women and money go together?) Maybe they’re more closely related than we think? I was led to believe that in order for a healthy relationship to develop between a man and a woman, the man must shine as a provider. And in our society now-a-days, by providing we mean making money, having a stable income, benefits, a house, and assets. For a long time I thought this maybe what love is. Maybe that’s why I’ve been some how evading it for so long. If the money is flowing, everyone is happy and it’s easy to make a relationship work. What I found tonight after talking to an individual who’s relationship/marriage was completely on the rocks after the decay of his finances, is that true love stands the test of; when money is tight and when financial stability is not there. That’s when you know it’s true love; when the support and companionship is unconditional.

Which draws me back quite sequietiously to my first point about money. There is a relationship between money, stability, and women. With spirituality as the basis of this triangle, all will be well. When spirituality is applied to making money, there is no feelings of guilt, greed, shame, remorse or anger. Instead the spiritual principles of integrity, honesty, patience build a strong foundation, so that you can continue working and living. Living a life of virtue, seeking light rather than darkness.

Left with nothing…but everything to gain.

admin — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 06:41:50 +0000

What I’ve learned over the past 6 months of no money and no “Honey”

I’ve learned that there’s two areas in my life that I struggle with and that’s relationships and finances. Without those two worries in my life, I’m a pretty care-free person.

But that’s where the work starts. Especially around finances. It’s never worth sacrificing what you believe to be the right moral thing to do in order to get ahead financially. At work you’re presented with these opportunities constantly! That’s the downside of work…or the benefit, because there’s constant opportunities to continually do the right thing.

I’ve learned what real friendship is. I’ve learned that sometimes, listening is the best thing you can do to develop a relationship of worth with someone.

Birthdays are a special time for most people…especially for people with friends. I’ve found the most unselfish, most fulfilling thing you can do when it’s someone’s birthday, is to throw them a birthday and put a lot of thought and effort into it. It’s a form of service and the best way to show a friend that you do care about the friendship.

Materialism is the best way to lose yourself. There have been instances in my life that I have had everything I’ve ever wanted, “The sweet apartment, the truck with 20s on it, all the surfboards I could dream of, etc) and it all didn’t make one shred of difference. In order to find yourself, you must lose everything. This may not be true for everyone, but this truth was made self evident to me. Once life was boiled down to the bare essentials, it becomes clear what is necessary and what’s not necessary. I found my car (something of previous huge self worth) to not be that important. What I found to be important was working on my spirituality (writing, reading, helping others) and staying physically fit (running, surfing, working out). Relationships are highly important too, because in selfish thinking we tend to isolate, and try instead to find solace in the things we buy.

Working on spirituality is like a working out your muscles in the gym. The more you do it the better your muscles look and feel. And when you’re doing physical exercise…and spiritual practices, you’re succeeding in both fronts of life.

There’s a few more facets of life that are really rewarding, And that’s passions, service and relationships. But most of those I’ve already touched on. Service is one of the harder ones for me, but when I was regularly volunteering on the surf team, I felt like a contribution to the small town I live in.

Everything gets provided. No matter if what you need is there or not, the world will support you. Trust goes a long way in the future, if you have trust, you’ll have less fear. You can make plans, but they’re better done in pencil. If you wanna make God laugh, make plans. The only constant in life is change, the better prepared you are for change, the better prepared you are for life.

Just wanted to apologize…

admin — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 22:09:58 +0000

I had no idea about malware infecting a web site and having it be harmful to viewers?! Didn’t think that was even possible. There’s some bad things out there on the web, and I learned a lot from this cute little webisode made by Bluehost and Malware protection.

So I did all the updates necessary to make my site, less susceptible to malware. This now makes is safer for computer users to visit my site. It seems unimaginable that a site like mine could possess something like that on it. But if you don’t keep up your software updated on your site, I guess it gives hackers enough reason to get in and corrupt your site.

How to make a Day Count

admin — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 06:13:42 +0000

As I pontificate. Since I’ve been back from my worldly travels I’ve been confronted with the idea of getting another Job. And not just any job, but a Career! Along with that idea of a Job comes the general stressors that most people experience: the dreaded manager or boss, the customers you deal with and the co-worker disputes.

I sometimes catch myself thinking, “I’ve done too much personal work to be where I am in life.” But the truth is, I’m enjoying life so much more now that I’ve done so much personal work. I’m literally the poorest I’ve ever been in the last 10 years or so, and I could not be enjoying life more.

Don’t get me wrong? I’ve been focusing on getting a job. I’ve always been a hard worker and lately 5 job interviews a week has shown no more profit than sitting on my a$$ would have. I guess I’ve ruled out possible outcomes by doing the footwork, but getting a job outside of the restaurant business takes time and patience. These are two things recent college grads lack, but my family has graciously made it possible for me to practice both these qualities during my job search.

It feels at times, working for cash, is like putting a giant sign on your forehead that says I will do the shittiest jobs you have. So I’ve been landscaping 8 hours a day and recently got offered to crawl under some ladies house to re attach her insulation. Seriously?! I’m all for hard work, but this is just getting ridiculous.

After reading the Minalmists (www.minalmists.com) I’ve been focusing my energy on:
1.) Health,
2.) Relationships,
3.) Passions,
4.) Growth
5.) Contribution
…and viola! My attitude continues to transform from doom and gloom to happy and sunny. And it was all just a matter of getting my priorities straight.

My knee is tweaked right now (My MCL is torn) and usually this is a very delicate matter for me. Often associated with situational depression. But this time around, I’m surrounded by good people who love me (Family and Friends), and I have other hobbies (Passions “gym,” “biking”).

Yesterday I woke up breakfast (Health),
as I let it digest (Health),
I read my book (Growth),
then road my bike to the gym through town, (Health)
trained (Health),
talked to a good guy I grew up with (Relationships)
at the gym in need of help, he didn’t take it when I offered but the point is I offered (Contribution),
then flew back to the house because I realized I was going to be late for Yoga (Health)
in the City (Yoga to the People)
I made it to the class, just in time (found parking which is never an easy task in the city. I made it to Yoga, but my cousin and his girl (Relationships) did not!
They waited, we met after and had lunch on Haight at Down to Earth (Health).
Seen my buddy up there (working hard) and chatted him up about this vid we’re going to put together of his skating, surfing and music (Relationships, Passion “video editing” and Contribution).
Later I raced back to town to get to work helping my buddy re-pot his orchids

Re-potting orchids is a science

(300 or so of them!) worked for 3 hours, hosed off, had a bite and we went off to meet friends and help a friend in need. (Relationships and Contribution)
It was a good night, lots of conversation, lots of spiritual awareness (Growth) and love.

When you break down a good day and wonder why it’s so good, it has to do with hitting the five main points of a healthy and fulfilling life.
1.) Health
2.) Relationships
3.) Passion
4.) Growth
5.) Contribution

Innersection

admin — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 03:30:31 +0000

I’ve been developing my surf video over the last year. I finally got enough clips to submit my part to Taylor Steele’s video edit contest www.innersection.tv
You have to get the artist of your song to sign a waiver, so I emailed Eligh

Yeah brother

His manager wrote me back no prob, all I got to do it give them a mention at the end of the vid. So I plugged him fat at the end of the vid. I love the message and I’ve been listening to the Living Legends since was 16 years old. It’s cool to see their music evolve and concepts evolve with maturity. I really relate to the music and it’s carrying my message. I wish I wasn’t so inhibited by my editing ability, but over the past year, self taught, I’ve progressed a lot. I love the media arts and keeps me inspired.

When I get back to HI on Monday I’m sending that form to his manager and we’ll see what happens?! This has always been a dream of me and it’s been so fun pursuing it! Surfing is my passion and expression, it’s great to finally have something I can be proud to call me segment. I was hoping to get some more clips, but all the clips in the world won’t suffice my appetite. It’s good enough and sometimes that all you can be grateful for. I loved every minute of the journey. Sometimes the anticipation is better than the actual thing. My good friend the Eric “The Zen Gangster” Punker once wrote in one of his raps, “…And ometimes I think it will never amount, to the expectations that I put into my head, But you gotta build a frame before you can take a step.” That’s the truth. A million mile march begins with one step. Expectations are just predetermined resentments. That’s why I try to never have expectations, so that what ever shows up on my plate of life, is neither good nor bad it just is.

Persevering even in the Most Difficult Situations

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:08:15 +0000

The way I see it, is the more people you talk to the more interesting your life will become.

So, I’m sitting there at Yoga Barn café in Ubud, Bali. I was eating my lunch and was pleasantly finishing the rest of my garden burger wrap and pita chips with hummus when this gentleman asked if he could sit down. Early I had made light hearted chit chat with him and his kids as they overlooked the courtyard from the side of my table. This time he asked to sit down next to me, so he could keep an eye on his kids while he drank his cappuccino.

We got started in polite conversation and then when I asked about his wife, he politely responded that the woman teaching the Yoga class right now was not his wife, but his girlfriend. They had been dating 4 years, previous to that he had been married to a woman who had died of Leukymia.

He told me his 14 year old boy was strong through out the process of his mother’s death. After his Mom passed, a few months later was the tenth birthday of his boy. As the Dad, tried his best to put his best foot forward, he began to tear up and mumble that if only his mother were here to see this. It was at that point the young boy slapped his own Dad’s face and told him, “But she’s not! Pull yourself bloody together! I’m only going to turn 10 once!” As he told this story to me I could see the tears welling up in his eyes as he thought of his boys inner strength.

The view from the coffee shop Kafe, overlooking the courtyard

The father was shocked out of remorse and realized his son was right. The Dad realized he needed to move on. He later found a lovely partner that was strong, beautiful and supportive of his situation. He told me after his wife’s death, he had to resume all the functions of an adult: being a Dad, going to work and finding another relationship, etc. The love for life that his son had, showed him the light that he had failed to see. Up to that point he was being consumed by the remorse of the absence of his life partner.

He left with cordial comments and wished me a good life. His cappuccino had all the foam still resting at the bottom of cup. His cup was still half full.

So Much Happens in a Week

admin — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 03:52:41 +0000

Went on an epic boat trip with the boys. I was bind folded on the trip out there so I have no idea where we went, what the spots name was and was instructed to inform inquiring minds that it’s in North Sumatra, Banyacks.

Photographer: Koman

Koman is good at anything he does, look at this shot he got! He's never shot surf photos in his life!

4 Guys and three Crew Members

It was a classic trip. One of the guys had 25 years knowledge of Indonesia, so that definitely helped with finding waves. The ship crew was three guys: Oni, the Captain, who frankly didn’t do a whole of lot except drive the ship, Salim, “the cook” who I made so many special requests to that by the end of the trip I didn’t feel bad slipping him forty bucks for his trouble.

Salim in the Kitchen, that fit one person and produced more fish steaks that I have ever eaten in one week!

Then there was Koman, who could fix anything and basically did anything and everything that needed doing. He fixed my sunglasses with a file and fishing line when I sat on them and obliterated them to pieces. Then when the big boat drove over a fishing net and it got stuck in the prop he dove down and cut it free, he also drove us on the dingy to and from the break, finally he took pictures from the channel of us surfing with my camera. Everyone on the boat loved this guy!

We all Loved Koman

Being on a boat for five days and then getting off was a righteous experience. At one point we were close enough to this island to swim to the beach, so I jumped off, swam to the beach, and started running the white sand beach, all of sudden the sand looked like waves were rippling through it, it was pretty unexpected and I just kept running. The motion of the boat is more comfortable, than the stillness of land after a while.

The waves on land made for an intense beach run

My days consisted of morning coffee, hopping on the dingy and motoring out to the break, hopping in the water sometimes before light and then surfing until I got hungry. Wave the boat down and get a ride back, eat breakfast, do some meditation, writing, reading, fishing, have a little workout on the boat (which the boys thought was hilarious, that I’d go to the front of the boat and do some stretches and crunches) then when we were ready surf again, have a huge lunch, then surf again or fish if it was blown, then dinner time before dark, usually all the fish fillets of Wahoo, Mahi Mahi or Tangerree. We had enough fish to feed an army!

Jim, Brad and Marcy...Classics

When I got back from the boat trip, the surf was still good. I watched the sun set over Padang Padang and did some meditation and stretching. Went out to a nice dinner with friends and called it day. In the morning I woke up at 445 am and the Indo boys at my place were still up from the previous night still drinking Bintangs. A couple Boogies came by in the morning dark and told me they were going to Keramas (one of my favorite spots) but I told them I was going to hit Padang Padang at light, cuz there was waves yesterday. When I got the beach suited up at light, I watched from the beach and it was FLAT…So instead of getting frustrated I sat and meditated on the beach (I do a lot of meditation, Bali has brought it out in me) then then as I opened my eyes it came to me that I needed to ride my moped to Keramas 30 km North and get some video clips.

So I packed up and even though it wasn’t dawn patrol I still mished it anyways. As I was driving down, at the first glimpse of coast, it was pumping, really big! When I showed up and hour later, it was going off! A lot of guys out, but I didn’t care. I wanted the photog to film on my camera but he filmed on his and then sold me the clips later, so it all had a way of working out, exactly as it was supposed to be, absent of my will. I paddled out, and it was in such a strong mind state.

Another Boost

I surfed, came in I pounded some fresh Mango, banana, nuts went right back out. The video guy didn’t video because he said it was bad light, but my friend shot photos. Then on a dreaded turn I threw out my MCL in my knee (it was a good turn though!) Ha! 4 more days left in Bali, it’s all good. Not bad for 4 1/2 months of traveling, to finally get an injury that I have to nurse. It didn’t stop me from ending my session with a couple more good ones.

The one that ended my session

When my session was all said and done, I packed up and bounced back to town. On my way back I was debating whether to fill my half tank or not at the gas station. I was contemplating it…and I pulled in the middle of a cross walk, a cop came waking over to pull me over. When the light changed I ignored hime and went full throttle, usually that works. I went full throttle for a while, but at the next light the cop was right behind me on his Ducatti speed bike, clearly I was outmatched. I pulled over and I told him his bike was “Bagus” he laughed, he told me I was getting away. I told him yeah I know, he finally took my bribe and I still had a enough money to get lunch at Cafe Moka. The cop and I were both satisfied customers. Indo is a different place! Casual high speed cop chases and bribes are norm.

I wonder if this is even viewable on my blog?

EliminatePackaging.org

admin — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:16:02 +0000

I’m working on putting a web site together for this nonprofit. I put together a trailer for my friend here in Bali Jim Allison. It’s a good idea, supports the environment and saves shoppers money. The problem is attracting the right investors. Hopefully the documentary movie I’m producing will lead to some change. And if it doesn’t…then I got great experience editing a whole new genre I’ve never had experience with before. I usually edit surf videos, so this one was a little different.

This is just a rough draft, yesterday I shot a ton of good traffic footage at the circle of confusion (as it’s formally known as) so I’ll be adding those clips soon.

Other than that I’m excited about my boat trip on the 18th, should get some good waves, and I’m going with a positive group of guys. Got two new boards coming for it too, a 5’6″ and 5’11″. I airbrushed the 5’11″ yesterday with spray paint, as 8 Indonesians looked curiously at me. When I was all done and pulled off all the masking tape, I was given “ooes” and “ahhhs” from them as they stirred excitedly, they said it looked “Bagus”, I thought it looked good too, but sort of ninja turtle looking colors. I didn’t know the green paint I bought would be sparkly green…As Ivy (a legendary HMB shaper) once said, “sometimes the boards with the worst airbrushes work the best!” Hopefully this is true.

You gotta barge here in Bali

admin — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 07:37:16 +0000

You gotta barge here in Bali when you’re driving a car. At least that’s what I’ve found out. I have a car for another week and it’s really wearing on me. I’ve been missioning it to Keramas (1 1/2 hours) away each morning, surfing, then doing Yoga at Ubud’s Yoga Barn, then back to Seminyak to hang with friends. By the end of the evening I’m so tired, I can’t do anything buck flop down on my bed and close my eyes. I’ve been hitting a lot of traffic lately, but I have great audio books to keep me company. Traffic doesn’t seem as bad when you’re listening to Eckart Tolle’s thoughts on enlightenment. What’s interesting is that for the most part I can conceptualize the audiobook in my mind, but when I hit a critical juncture my thoughts completely overpower the conceptualization of the audio book. It’s like a temporary somatic nervous system overload, and the thoughts are unintelligable, they’re more gut instincts and feelings.

Yesterday I started off my day with a Yoga class overlooking Bingin beach, from the cliff the view was absolutely breathtaking. The rooms there are spectacular also. One room I got the tour of is completely designed out of driftwood with a tree in the middle of the room. It’s nice. Finished the class with partner Yoga, screw that stuff, I thought I was gonna wrench my back and destroy my vertebrae. Yoga is a delicate practice of self awareness to your own body, and should never be overpowered or overstretched by a partner. Never again

After Yoga had breakfast with friends. Mango Tree is the spot, I always meet the same guys there and there’s always someone interesting to talk to. The thing about these travel destinations is that everyone has all the time in the world to talk story, not like the states at all.

After Breaky went for run down the Uluwatu Gym, it’s a fun little gym, which I usually have to myself, so paying $3 for a day membership is definitely worth it in my book. After gym and some meditation, I packed up and went for a 2 1/2 hour drive up to coast to Keramas. When I arrived it looked terrible, but I had faith and went out. I ended up having a great 1 hour session by myself, it felt like the REAL Bali. There was only villagers collecting God knows what on the beach and me surfing. As the sun set behind the palm tree hills, I wrapped myself in the warmth of me towel, and felt absolute love for the moment. Not a bad way to end the day.

The view after an afternoon surf

I drove into Ubud, had a fabulous meal for $8.50, an all you can eat healthy buffet at the Yoga Barn. Had dinner with some entertaining people and then went upstairs for the complimentary movie. We watched Colony (A Bee documentary) sprawled out on yoga mats and cushions, the place was beautiful, I liked the movie for the cinematography. A girl sat right in front of my view as I lay on the ground, when she turned I gave her the peace sign, and readjusted to the side so I could see the screen. Change what you can, accept what you can’t. At peace with myself, at peace with the world just as it is.

I’m aslo producing this documentary on a futuristic idea of a packageless super market. My friend here in Bali, Jim Allison, is spearheading the movement. I’m really excited about it. It’s a different edit than I’ve ever done before so, it’s been a good learning experience. Once again a student of the Universe. We’re never done learning.

Dang Padang

admin — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:38:39 +0000

This day was so unbelievably crowded (60-100 guys) but it was so good that I had to go out! I got a couple of insiders, because the peak was a battle for waves. Even if you were to hypothetically get one, the locals would burn you. So my strategy worked out just fine. Just picking off the ones that no one wanted. I was happy with them though.

Had a good sesh out at Padang the following. So today I just hung tight and took care of business. Ran around a little this morn, until having breakfast at Cafe Moka, my favorite cafe in Bali. Then off to chill with friends. Ran to the Uluwatu gym after, and had a work out for $3. Then gave my hommie a ride to the airport in his car, so now I have a car for some time. It’s pretty wild driving in Bali. No rules…no problem. Went shopping on my way home, for stuff for my empty apartment. Got a fan, and some cooking stuff (the homestay is new, so it has absolutely nothing in it!) I’m just grateful it has a bed. I stopped at my boy Jim’s house on the way home. He gave me good fan to borrow and I booked my boat trip with him and the gang. We’re going to Bornio or somewhere. It should be good, he was showing me pics of the fish, waves and the boat. Something to look forward to. Never been on a boat trip before and this one is with just four guys. Pretty superb.

After Jims got lunch at Cafe Moka, salad with sashimi ahi on it. As I was eating, a pack of 11 Venezuelan girls walked in, so i chopped it up for bit. Pretty funny pack of women. They knew my Venezuelan friend Zueh (sway)

Got home just in time, to meet up with my friend Morgan. We bombed it on scooters for 50 minutes in heavy Kuta traffic on the freeways. Made it safe to the Brazilian Ju-Jitsu studio. He talked me into training and I got my ass handed to me for 2 hours. I haven’t been that sweaty in a long time. I couldn’t get enough fluids into me when it was all over. We all met for dinner after at this little hole in the wall sashimi and grilled fish place. It was 8 dollars, for Ahi grilled, veggies, 2 drinks, a bowl of fried rice and miso soup. The fish was phenomenal! Fun hanging with Morgan, but having a 6’5″ 220 lbs friend choke you out, will leave you with a sore throat at the end of the day. But it was definitely a fun change of pace!

Now retiring for the evening so I can wake up early tomorrow and dawn one of my favorite waves on the island: Keramas. Bali is such a strange place, but there always seems to be something to do!

kind of made it out

Airs…they are versatile

admin — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 07:52:59 +0000

This day was sooooo bad, surprised I got a clip?

this was a 1-2 foot day...

A piece of writing

admin — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 07:03:22 +0000

An Ode to SURFER

I recently read an article in SURFER written by “ “ In it contained a jaded point of view of a surfer, addicted to the beach, and blaming his lost potential on the sport we’ve all come to hate and love. He made a valid point, that as surfers we are forsaken to do be half as productive as the working stiff, but in turn, we are given a much more valuable gift…the gift of a daily dose of mortality as we hurl ourselves over yet another ledge of a wave. That little rush we get everytime we surf, is what people seek on a regular basis by watching movies, going to theme parks, making money and thousands of different ways. With surfing we get to detach from the stresses of life, responsibility, work and the never ending TODO list.

Are we more productive without surfing? I can go back to many of my most productive times in life, and yes, these were times when I was not surfing. Usulally due to an injury, because that’s about the only thing that will keep me out of the water. I was working harder than ever, saving money, not spending it on leisure time, surfing equipment, and travel. But when I look back on my life during that period, can I remember explicit details that make me content? Hell no! 40 hour weeks, a mortgage, but money in the bank. If you’re living for today, and surfing gives you that appreciation, than it is time well spent, not wasted. If you can open your garage and basque in the memories that our wonderful sport has provided, even for a moment, than you have what the working stiff dreams of, a reprieve from the day to day manatony. And the best part is you have the ablilty to enjoy the feeling of making new memories today.

As we get older, there comes times when just staring at the ocean is as invigorating as when we once jumped in and tried to dominate it. The feeling of invincibility, conquering fear, and becoming in tune with something much stronger than your will, the vast ocean power.

So next time you drive or set foot into your favorite parking lot of your home break, feel the release of the days pressures and look to it more as a place of salvation rather than distraction. If there’s pressing matters to attend let them subside for the 45 minute window you’ve allotted to check the surf, life’s short, do what you love, feel no regrets, because we mustn’t stare at the past as if trying to alter it, but rather, glance at it, and let the good memories nourish your soul.

And when the solice of the days sessions is over, be grateful for what we have, different than the normal working stiff. Be glad that our youth was spent, being the very culture we as groms became enchanted with, as we stenciled waves on our binders and the surf brands that we identified with. Take what you need from our sport’s industry and leave the rest. We all have an affinity with the water, or we wouldn’t be surfers, right? Believe that it’s a gift and could be taken away, but the fact that everyday we get up, we have the control over our life, to check the surf, put on a wetsuit and jump into the beloved mother ocean, feel that blessing as the water washes away the stress of the day, of life, of relationships, and at times our own bitter thinking.

BBQ Indonesian style

admin — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:58:53 +0000

Yes please...I would like one barrel

Just had a great day in Indo. Went for an early morning sesh out front at Ulus, then came home made a big bowl of oatmeal with banana and coffee. Then rode my moped with Chelsea on the back to meet up with friends at 10 am at a Nusa Dua restaurant. We got a ride there with a friend who talked our ears off about life in Bali for the past 7 years from a Westerner’s perspective. It was absolutely fascinating. He was also recovering from a complete ACL reconstruction he had just got done in Bangkok. Both American ex patriots have Indonesian wives. It’s a pretty common thing here in Bali. We chilled at a secluded beach and watched beautiful lines roll in as we bronzed the day away. Went to the grocery store where we purchased mango and watermelon. We went back to our friends house and he gave us a ride to our other Jim’s rental property, our friend who was having a bbq. Jim rents vacation properties here and invited us over to a bbq at one of his homes, he had hired staff prepare the meal and we sat and talked and ate into the evening. For dessert they cut up our fruits for us, they were a nice addition. All the bbq was health oriented and we all talked good health, eating habits, juicing, and antioxidants as the night progressed. The moped trip home took a half hour and was cold, so it was pleasant to finally come home. Good day here in Indo!

Had an amazing day in Indonesia

admin — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:33:20 +0000

I’m not even surfing right now and I’m still enjoying myself immensely.

Went out to eat last night with friends we met here. We went to a popular restaurant and Rizal Tanjung was chilling out. Rob Machado, strided in too, it was pretty much a scene in a quite village, that usually shuts down after 8 pm. We ended up going to an Italian restaurant and our new friends (this cool fam) had their 67 year old father visiting, and he was a riot! He was a hard core German, Contractor, that lived in Santa Barbara. He lives on his seven construction clients, because they’re incredibly wealthy and always have projects for him, he says “What recession” His son, is 40 and is also a contractor here in Indo, creating a multi million dollar Villa. Indo work, is a little different, everything is a litte tougher out here in Indo.

Today I woke up, worked out a bit, hopped on my Moped and road for 30 minutes to a McDonalds where I met my other friend Jim. He’s a Floridian, but has spent three decades here in Indo. He’s completely fluent in the language and it’s quite a site to hear him communicate with locals. He’s a buyer for international buyers. So he took me with him as we visited shop after shop.

We met another guy over here, that owns a local surfshop, a jewelry business and a sunscreen business. Him, his wife and three kids have lived out here for 20 something years. He loves to free dive, and showed me a pic of him next to a 65 kg, Tuna, he shot on his recent dive. 30 meters down! The thing was bigger than him! He surfs good too. We’re going to his contest he’s putting on this weekend down at Canguu.

So fun here. The only down side is the traffic, littering and pollution. Trash fires is the way the locals dispose of their trash, so it’s pretty nasty. But Indo is Indo.

Selfy

Our pool across the street, epic place for meditation, writing and just refreshing.

The dog's name is Poppy!

Thought these things came in sets of threes?!

admin — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 08:51:32 +0000

First I broke my board and bruised my butt (went right through my board)

Next, I got raked over the bottom at Padang Padang on my last wave.

Then I got stabbed in the back by my surfboard’s fin.

I took a day off from maim and destruction to recuperate.

Then today as I’m going to check the surf on moped, I get the bright idea to tap the breaks, to skid out my tires a bit in the gravel, my moped instead decided to lay down on it’s side, smashing me. Pretty cut up, bruised hip, but learned a valuable lesson. Don’t mess with motorbikes, they are DANGEROUS!

Over breakfast…Over American College

admin — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 02:50:50 +0000

Over breakfast I was talking to these two German guys. They were telling me how in Germany at 16 they get out of high school and then are implemented into a vocational training program/internship. It’s beautiful, because once they are trained they go into a management position in that field.

At 25 this guy has already accrued good money, quit his job as a manager of a renewable energy plant and is now traveling the world on his savings.

When I have kids, I’m sending them off to Germany for school, or finding something similar in the U.S. The problem is the U.S. doesn’t really have anything like that designed. College has become so unspecified that it’s easy for most graduates to get out of school without a defined career. I think it’s important to let kids know that having specific skills is invaluable when graduating college and then looking for a career. What do you have to offer the company?

Keramas

admin — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:31:58 +0000

Surfing Keramas with a couple guys out has its advantages

PEACE…kind of an oxymoron when you write it in all caps

When landing an air today…I landed it…on my butt…right through my board. Snapped my favorite stick!!! On a one foot day at Keramas…well actually there were some sets, but that’s what Surfline predicted. It was a good sesh til that point, but that board lasted me longer than any other board I’ve ever had! I’m getting another Setsu.

Not the one I broke my board on

It\’s weird I did a turn like this at Montara a while back…and while I was doing this one i flashed back to that Montara turn…weird huh?

Very similar I\’d say…almost same airbrush too

THis little dog loved Chelsea. Ran all the way up and down the beach with her.

Agrarian culture

Touched down in Uluwatu today. After a fun filled day of surfing Keramas at light, then back to Ubud with my driver, Katatuwi, then off for breakfast with Chels, then we caught an awesome massage, scrub, bath (first time for me) then another bite to eat at Kafe in Ubud, the best food in all of Indo, mostly because it’s Americanized health food, with a helpful staff, all finished before 330 pm, to get picked up by our driver.

We drove to the hotel we were going to stay at…except when we asked to stay we found that the hotel was not ready for…guests? It was brand new…the bed was still in the plastic new. I shook a long broom in the corner that was used to dust corners, and a cloud of dust erupted from it, but it wasn’t actually dust, it was a cloud of mosquitos…Needless to say we didn’t let the door hit us as we bolted out of that place.

On to Uluwatu. Luckily on our way down I purchased a new Sim card for my Indonesian phone i purchased last trip. Called the hotel owner in Uluwatu and when we arrived an hour and half later, the the key was already in the door. These are the nicest bungalows I’ve ever stayed at. Been a long day, but walked to get food, just around the bend, the restaurant had a nice wait staff, cheap prices and a huge selection of food. i ordered and they told me they’d bring it to my room. I’m sold on this place, nicest stay I’ve had yet.

Tomorrow surf!

Sunrise

Got a guide today

admin — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 11:04:29 +0000

Ketut…Probably the most common name in all Indonesia. He owns the hotel we’re staying at. He just retired from the Indonesian military in 2010! 34 years of service. He didn’t recommend it. He said it was BAD. I don’t really know exactly why, but he didn’t recommend his kid to do it.

Anyways Ketut was our driver today. He thoroughly enjoys his job. We went to the beach, I surfed for a while. Surfed Keramas by myself for about an hour, until I got tired and went in. It was onshore, but the swell was still coming in and made for some good turns and airs. Can’t wait to dawn it tomorrow, with Ketut and Chelsea.

We went to a Hatha Yoga class first thing in the morning. I’ve never done this type of Yoga, and they post warnings that this class is really intense, electrified and different. But we thought we’d try it. It was like doing Yoga with people with Tourettes! There was popping noises, humming, groans, Comanchee Indian calls, and people would periodically twitch and have seizure like moments. Awesome experience, can’t say I’ll be back for that class. Then after those same people are all sitting in the Cafe, just chilling nonchalant like normal fully functioning people. What a way to chill out I swear?!

On my way to the upstairs Yoga facility. Whoever designed this place had some serious loot!

This is the view from the Yoga studio. Pretty captivating

After Tourettes class I returned the car I rented…that is a whole other story. Apple Green Mini van, probably one of the scariest driving experiences of my life: finding a gas station with no gas in the tank, a parade that caused dead stop traffic and street signs and maps that didn’t coincide what so ever! Where’s the GPS Indo?! Oh yeah third world country…but damn it’s beautiful. Every time I see a rice paddy farm, I’m completely transfixed and a wave of serenity washes over me. They are truly beautiful sites.

Me standing amongst the chaos as we filled up for gas and watched a parade go by, only to get stuck in gridlock traffic 5 minutes from now

We drove around and checked out a variety of Villas and hotels on the Eastside of Bali. The prices ranged from $20, 50, 120 a night. We’re gonna stay at the middle one, because it has a pool, the surfs close, and it’s an area of Bali that has barely anyone at it right now. It’s the off season, but the waves are still consistent, fun and especially uncrowded.

We came back to Ubud tonight, I went to the Indo gym, and then ran home on the streets at dusk, trying not to get hit by mopeds and vans, and stopping only once to ask for directions. For the evening we’re having dinner at a westernized cafe, here in Ubud, that has some of the best Raw, Organic, healthy food, I’ve ever experienced in Indonesia. Last time I came here, I lived on fried rice and Ramen. This is a different experience entirely!

Say Hello to my Little Friend!

Made it to INDO

admin — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:12:36 +0000

I was pretty happy to get out of Australia’s cold…

Loving the warm tea, or it's probably coffee...addict

However not everyday was cold in Australia. Byron Bay, laying out soaking up rays before the breeze, blew in.

Chelsea diving in

When we finally arrived there was complete madness, to be expected I guess?

The hotel we booked is superb. Just had an epic breakfast, gonna swim and then head to the beach for some waves. The swell seems to be good in Kuta, yet to see the beach, the early morning walk was so heavy with mopeds, that we didn’t want to walk on the side of the road anymore.

Off to Ubud a little later. Can’t wait!

The…WICK Flick – The Final Edit

admin — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 06:43:43 +0000

This one I’ve been working on for the past year. The song is driving Chelsea nuts at this point. But I’m pretty pleased with the final product. It’s got clips, from Hawaii, Cali, Mex and Oz. I uploaded a low-res edit of the video, because it’s hard to find a strong internet connection while traveling. But I’ll upload a high-res as soon as I get settled.

This is something I’ve always wanted to do, is to put together a full movie, show casing my surfing. I’ve always been held back, because I didn’t think I’d be able to do it good enough. My expectations were too high, but by letting go of that fear of not quite living up to my expectations, I was able to finish this project, and accept it as “good enough.”

I guess this is true for a lot of things in life. You just gotta go for them, without expectations and cast fear aside.

The Chelsea Show

admin — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 06:29:31 +0000

I’ve come to realize that I’ve been on the Chris Show for far too long and it’s important, especially in a relationship to do things that your partner wants to do. Here I am absolutely loving the things I wouldn’t normally do. i think that’s one of the best things about being in a relationship is getting to experience new adventures, because the other person likes to do different things. I’m very grateful.

When sharing anything you can’t help but to feel better, but to share an amazing day such as this, is too good.

Hiking in Oz

admin — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:27:04 +0000

We went on a hike to through Corrumbin one day. It was really relaxing. It took all of 30 minutes. Today we made up for that mini hike and did a four hour long hike in about 3 hours! Man I was beat after! Chelsea was unfazed.

Goldie…Snapper?

admin — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:14:41 +0000

Snapper

Good Times. This day was really high tide Snapper, really offshore, good swell still pumping, not that many locals out, just a lot of people. But still managed to tucker myself out getting wave after wave after…Good times, finally came in, when it was feeling more like a slalom course than a surf session.

At Snapper

All Psyched up for the Gold Coast

admin — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 03:35:37 +0000

Just booked my trip for the Goldie. It’s my first time and I’m really looking forward to it.

Then from there we’re going to check out Byron Bay.

Then from there we’re headed to the Great Barrier Reef for diving (Chelsea’s Dream)

Then off to be organic farmers and live and work on a farm somewhere in Australia.

Pretty Unreal! Can’t wait. But for now, we’re enjoying our time in Bulli, with our friend Timmy!

Positive Affirmations

admin — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 04:08:39 +0000

My buddy Ray psyched me up before my surf as I suited up. You’ve surfed Waimea, Mavericks, Pipe, go and get em out there! That was like being Mike Tyson or Mahamod Ali for a moment. I paddled out to Gnarloo with the confidence to pack some major barrels. The first wave came, I turned and pulled right into a 6 foot closeout! I shook it off, paddled back out determined to get an even heavier barrel and make it! I surfed about 8 waves, one spit me out, just in time to make it under the close out and sneak out. It was a good session but only made possible my some great words from my mate. It makes all the difference to have people have faith in your ability.

Early Morning

This morning was so memorable for me. Timmy and I walked up at light, about a mile from our camp, we walked with boards and wetties in hand. When we rolled up, there was the most beautiful sunrise behind us and the set was absolutely pumping with only 4 guys out!

We surfed, and while paddling out I looked at TImmy and said I want to sit deeper than everyone else, but I don’t want to piss anyone off. He told me, “I reckon if you put your name on it over there, no one’s gonna say anything!” in his Australian accent. That was enough for me, I paddled over there with new found confidence and waited patiently alone past the pack. Finally a bomb came barreling down the reef, I turned, took off late, pulled in behind the curtain and looked out the crowd from inside the barrel. The barrel grew inside, and let me out clean and standing tall, skipping from the speed I had accrued in the a barrel I stood proud and tall, pumped a few more times and got another barrel on the next section. Paddled back out and told Timmy, I think I put me name on it. It was priceless.

It just goes to show you that through the littlest positive affirmations a lot can be achieved. I just need to find out how to talk to myself that way and I think I’d be able to accomplish a lot more!

Back from the West Australian Bush!

admin — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 09:44:59 +0000

The view from our house

What a trip. Scored some great waves, spent some good time with friends and relaxed for almost two weeks here in Australia. Everyone kept asking me how I liked it, it was my first impression of Australia, because we came straight here, and it was awesome! The water is warm, the people are (mostly) friendly and the waves were world Class!

Snap!

Now it’s time to go explore the other side of the coast (Woologong) try to roust some work, and explore some different towns in Australia.

the bluff

Swell is here!

admin — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:53:19 +0000

Gnarloo…West Australia

Everything I thought it would be and some. We hit it during one of the best swells of the season. The only problem is it’s during a school holiday, so every grom and family is here surfing and the crowds are insane! But this morning we pulled up to epic Tombstones, 6 to 8 foot walls of crystal clear blue, barreling lefts, triple barrels were standard.

Ray was dying, because the day before he popped out his shoulder and can barely lift a pot off the stove. So he filmed. I was really grateful for the footage he did take, but it was nothing compared to my honey’s footage. Chelsea sets the bar pretty high.

I was surfing on blind faith, because it was my first session out at this place. But it was easy enough to pick off a couple especially on my Bret Board 6’ 8” ft pin tail. It was made for ledgy left barrels. I’d just pull in try to stay high in the barrels and some of them delivered and spit me out and I was able to pull off unscathed.

It’s good being out here with the boys, but I miss the gf at home.

WA Gnarloo

admin — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 11:57:18 +0000

Day One

After traveling for hundreds of kilometers we finally pulled up to a picture perfect WA left hand reef break, flawless conditions, crisp off shores and a little frothing pack of West Aussie boys. We paddled out and surfed the inside dreainers, all the waves were ours if we wanted them, My shoulders were exhausted by the end of the session from so much paddling. Good times, there was this one guy (old guy with a beard) but he was wearing a helmet with a go pro camera on top of it, and one go pro camera on the nose of his board. He was classic, then he went surfing, switch stances out of the barrel, one footed rides, the guy was an absolulte legend in his own mind. It was pretty read to see. He was going mental…in his own sort of way. I was so stoked surfing with him.

Got to AUS

admin — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 05:07:04 +0000

It’s been quite a trip to get to AUSTRALIA, but we’re here.

Chelsea almost got denied at LAX, for not having a VISA.

The flight over was 14 hours, but felt so short, it was a really entertaining and good flight.

Finally uploaded this video…

Stoked!

Una mas día en Peurto….me amo puerto

admin — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 18:12:16 +0000

After a short trip to Chicahua, we realized what a good thing we have found here in Puerto Escondido. Dan’s Cafe everyday is the hang out. It helps that we know Dan really well, it’s got a great pool out back, the people in the Cafe are all our friends and the fish tacos are to die for (actually all the food is amazing.) Yesterday when he came back, we about bought the cafe out of food (195 pesos) and ate like Royalty.

It’s an awesome community of friends we’ve developed in a show time and we’re going to miss this place. Someday I hope to own some land here. We looked at some land the other day, but it was a little overpriced. Plus I gotta make some money first!

Now I’m going into town to buy some new headphones at the Macy’s type store i don’t even know what it’s called. Then off to the gym (Blue Gym) then hangout with friends, then an afternoon sesh. Good times!

But after talking to Australians this morn, we have our hopes pretty high for making money and living in Woologong in AUS.

Back from Chicahua

admin — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 20:47:08 +0000

Waves were fun, accommodations were the bare minimum (no toilet seat really shocked Chelsea) but the family we stayed with was really nice. The Mom had apparently saved up enough money owning a restaurant and local store she was able to buy this resort. The 20 year old son was Stoked! His name was Ulysses. He took us across the river each day in his Lancha to surf the secret spots. On the way back we paid our bill for food, which was a whopping 650 pesos for two days, but it was for the experience as well! From there we hopped on the back of a truck through a cactus field, then to a small boat through a lagoon, then we took a taxi to a huge van that somehow jammed 18 people in it, with my surfboard in the aisle! Finally back to Puerto, and took one more cab to our door step!

Launching a few at Chicahua

Chelsea…Need I say more

admin — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:07:04 +0000

She likes to Snorkel

[fgallery id=5 w=240 h=320 bg=ffffff t=0 title="Chelsea"]

Puerto!!! Small Kine…

admin — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 22:42:35 +0000

They're all glorified closeouts!

This is one of the latest webisodes I created the other day. It’s always fun right out front of our apartment at Zicatela. Lately I’ve been getting mobbed by Mozzies in my room and at my class. I’ve never been bitten more than this trip. They are the craziest little Mosquitos, I go to battle with them all day long! The only time they leave me alone is when I’m in the water and walking around town sweating my ass off. It’s hot in Mexico!