Coming home to some Love (Day 50)

Another great morning with uncle mark and scott, we went to Bud's place to check out the scenery from his 30 floor rooftop which is AMAZING and then went to DMK to for Lunch and had an AMAZING lunch and hopped on a plane back to LA.  What I'm grateful for today is love.  Meeting up with Momma at the airport, then headed to Kabuki to have dinner with the lovely Jon MacNeil and Gabrielle.  Lots of fun, lots of laughs, really great to see everyone happy.  Love all you guys.
Concluded the night with a drive down to San Diego for TRAINING CAMP!

Delicate Ears (Day 49)

Very relaxing day. But I'm grateful for the arts.  We just lazed around in the morning and then went to the movies to go see Captain America. Then another day at the Park Grill. Followed then by the company of david and Bud to watch the Chicago Symphony play at Millenium Park. So nice to hear music like that really heard and really appreciated by so many people.

Bro's Glistening (Day 48)

Arguably best time I've ever had with my bro Scott.  We walked around in the morning around the Apt. shopped a little got breakfast, shopped a little more.  Just really enjoying ourselves.  We talked a lot. Got to know scott a lot more and I just couldn't be happier. No doubt loved having Scott here on this trip.  Spent the rest of this day at the Art Institue of Chicago.  Can't lie, I love museums and this was no exception.

Supreme Comune (Day 47)

Today in Chicago we really made it count. Took a bus to downtown and did a TON of site seeing. Walking all over the place and really getting to see some of the beauty of Chicago's architecture and artists. We probably walked around 10 miles of downtown (no exaggeration) and saw some cool museums and photography and artists.  Finished the night again with dinner and rooftop hangout at Jon's. Love that place.

Dem Sneeks (Day 46)

After a few days off due to travel and illness, I decided to go out for a morning run in chicago.  Still definitely not feeling well, but went out there and booked it pretty good and really enjoyed being back out there. Ran along the lake, zoomin past people and just enjoying the run out there.

The day in chicago was completed by a visit to Market Days and a BBQ at Jon S's.

Making the trip (day 45)

Today i'm thankful for Generosity.  My mom loves, she woke up in the morning and made scott and I sandwiches and lunch for our trip to Chicago which my lovely Uncle Mark and Big Time David graciously paid for our flight out.  So stoked that we are able to have this vacation.  The day continued with a walk down Lake Michigan, picture taking, drinks and food at Pizza Rustica with Mark, Scott, David, and Jon S.  which was then concluded by a beautiful hang out on Jon's rooftop hangout spot.

Chicago is BEAUTIFUL

Thanks be given (Day 44)

Today my thanks are given to Lauren Evans. I'm grateful to God to have been able to only hang out with you but get to know you and truly enrich my life through you. I hope someday our paths cross again for more adventures and more fun. I love you.

Making the Stretch and Finding the Unreachable (Day 43)

Today court and I woke up early AGAIN, and drove to La Jolla Shores to hang out with the one and only Melissa! We ate breakfast had coffee and tea and sat at the beach and had a blast! These groups of people I feel are so sincere and can really make a heart feel alive again.  Lots of cool pics, visit my other blog Other Blog.

Platinum Zoo Members (Day 42)

I know what you're thinking and no, court and I did not upgrade our zoo passes. Instead we bought matching red crew neck sweatshirts and are going to put something witty on the back and every time we go add a zoo patch on the sleeve to commemorate or frequentness of the Zoo. So Fun! Oh ya btw we biked to the zoo, got a ride back from lauren and Sarah and then ate Olive Tree. Much much fun night!

WEEEEEEZZZEEEERRRR (Day 41)

Del mar race track with Alex, Lauren, Skyler, and Sarah. Weezer for $6. Can't beat it and love it. Some parts better than others but overall great night again. Enjoying some goo music, friends and all had more fun at In N Out back at in Loma. Good friends can be such a blessing.

Friends being Friends (Day 40)

Friday night man...oh my crazy. Cardey's got a friend who's a club promoter, for Voyeur downtown.
We all hung out, got a ride from the lovely Skyler Joe to PB, met up with the party bus, 10 bucks got us a ride to and from the club and in the club without a cover. STEAL! Just partied for a while listening to techno and then alex and I chilled around the club and downtown getting drug searched and adventuring.

Crazy weird night but nice to be with friends at the end of the day.

ALUMNI (Day 39)

Woke up and did nothing all day in diamond bar. Ate watched Spaceballs and TMNT and created our new freshmen time trial uniforms haha. revealed later. Race! fair race, went hard, loved it, 14:47, pot luck, great race, then BJ's afterward with the alumni. Met and spent some quality time with Jon's new girl who is awesome and overall GREAT!

PASTA! (Day 38)

The day before my Alumni race in Arcadia, but also for Lauren's SD list, we went to Divine Pastabilities to enjoy some deliciousness and carbo loading.  Love it! great time including a dance party back to the house with Cardey and a drive home to Diamond Bar with Alex. DOPE!

Ballpark blast (Day37)

Great busy day on another day off. Alex, Jackie and I took Magie back to dog beach. Chilled, went on another run with Alex, then sped off to the ballpark for the Padres Dodger game. Great time, we snuck into some better seats (kicked out of one place moved to another) and enjoyed laughter, great game and lots of cheering!

Livin the Good Life (Day 36)

Alex and I took the one and only Maggie puppy who belongs to Greg R. to Dog beach today. Grateful for fun, peace, and joy.  This was followed by a great run in sorrento with Alex and just relaxing the whole rest of the day/night.

Regeneration (Day 35)

After work in the morning. came back and solved some things out with my good great friend Courtney S. Things have been rough over the past couple weeks and this was us getting things out in the open. So heres to a great friend and making things right again.

One on One to Three with Me (Day 34)

My day off consisted of a great hill workout with alex, then an attempt with Lauren E. to grab some lunch at Hodads...failed, then moved down to Shades to grab a fantastic burger, and then beach time. Later joined by Alex for some rays and paddle ball.  Just a great day fun filled and great day off work.

Taking a Step back (Day 33)

Just a rough day. Woke up for work and Wednesdays are my 8 hrs shifts at the office and it just kills me sometimes. Long day on my feet, frustration with co-workers plus a short temper and my day was shot. Through my anger I tried to find something to sooth myself and I googled daily Bible verse and this is what came up. Made me kind of take the day a little easier and become much less stressed. Great workout and Finished off the night with a bunch of people coming over for some games and music (Demo Crew night). This salvaged my day. Grateful for God and for grateful for his magic. 

Sinless Bliss (Day 32)

One of the few days in which I can say I'm proud of my performance. And by performance I mean life. Granted I didn't do a whole lot or overcome and obstacles. I call today another success in the world of simplicity. Spent the morning alone, went to work, ran alone, and then spent the remainder of the night with a few roommates and again finishing off another trilogy. With the Mighty Ducks, D3.

I taste Mexican (Day 31)

Today like the last couple, nothing special. Worked, knocked out a stellar scenic 14 miler with Alex in Torrey Pines. Came home to now cooled, pretty spicy punch bowl of my homemade salsa watching the 2nd Mighty Ducks movie. Was accompanied that night by an old friend that pops in and out of my life from time to time. Elee B.  Greatful for simplicity. The nothing too crazy day and night that's just the ticket for a hard week of work. 

Flashback (Day 30)

Definitely had a rough morning at work. Skipped my run because a lot of discomfort in my shin. However, salvaged the day by a date with the roommates Alex B, Courtney S, and Brant J, watching The Might Ducks. Hmmm. Great!

Eclectric Summer (Day 29)

Such a great day of summer. Woke up and got Matt to Comic-Con. Came back had a very rough run with alex. Beach with Brina M. and Alex. Took a nap on the beach. That's what I'm thankful for today. Just peace and relaxation while Alex was studying math.

We moved on to Costco and met up with Kyle, and then Downtown for Comic-Con. Haha Alex and I were doing some serious people watching. snapping some pics with the new camera. Met up with Matt and  Cardey and some of her friends at La Strada on 5th ave. Came back to the house and spent the rest of the night at Sunshine Co. Little drama there but no big deal. Great fun. Vert eventful.

Randomization (Day 28)

Just kicking it today. Spent the morning hanging out with Court, went to work came back and ran. Then went straight the *Jell-O* with Alex. Fun stuff. Then my cousin Matt came down and we went down newport got tacos at south beach. All good stuff. Nothing special but good times.

Unreal. (Day 27)

Today, I made the decision, although not spontaneous and not without thought; to purchase the new Canon Rebel EOS t3. Boom, I supplemented that with the Tamron 18-270 lens and the 3 year warrant. Damn a good morning. So thankful for friends and family to really help me out here and truly help me progress in my hobby that I am so deeply passionate about. So to Nelson Photo, Mom, Grandparents, and others who may or have already helped with this gift. Thanks and I have so many on top of this to be grateful for you all.

Scavenge (Day 26)

Lots of stuff happened today. Not too sure what little thing I can pick up on to be grateful for. But I'm going to throw the whole day at you. Had a family friend come out to the house to install my old stereo in my new car in the 90 degree heat for me. That was a pain in the ass but Abel got work done. Watched the tour de france with big bro Jon. Drove home, ran, hung out with friends. Went to Cat Lounge to play shuffle board and watch the Giants play the Dodgers. Despite the Dodgers winde up loosing. So lots of stuff. No picture yet. But great day, just very tiresome.

Oh So Thoughtful (Day 25)

This day to be grateful is for my MOM.  Always thinking of me and my brothers and everything. Never resting and always wanting to make sure we are all set in anything that we do. This time, with her being sick and tons of stuff to do, she is trying to ensure that I have all kinds of school supplies. Haha, school doesn't even start for another month! Not to mention she had prepared me a care package consisting of a new dress shirt, mail, and all kinds of goodies. Mom. you're too good to me and I take advantage of it sometimes. Thanks and I love you.

Exploration at its Finest. (Day 24)

Late but great night with friends. Woke up after 2.5 hrs of sleep. Worked for 5 hrs. World cup soccer game (USA Women lost). Drive to Diamond Bar. Run with the brother and Ray. Fantastic Dinner with Mom, Bro and Grandparents. Umm what to be grateful for? Shooot everything?!

But today goes to a fantastic, short (76 min) but very difficult run with brother and Ray. Not too fast or anything but man it was awesome. The trails we were on were tricky and challenging at parts and great and steep/hilly on others. The views were spectacular (man I wish I had a camera) and the nature was flourishing. We ran in Hacienda Heights out of Ray's house and to the top of these nearby hills that overlooked what seemed to be 3 counties.  So sick. We passed by this i guess very resembling of a special spiritual tree that was cool as well as past a hidden Buddhist temple. So nice. Thanks Bro.

A Day at the Bases (Day 23)

Hot Damn what a good day. Woke up early for work, got back went on a fantastic run with Alex in the Sunset Park. In a rush following our run we got ready to go to Petco Park for the Giants vs. Padres game. SOO much fun, had a great time, rooted for Berry Zito chanting (Zeets Loves Unicorns!) because of a radio interview that he had as well as the poster that Lauren E. made for my boy Alex of a orange Unicorn with an SF tattoo on its rear end. The game was loads of fun enjoying it with Brant J, Alex B, Ryan E, Court S, Lauren E, Sarah C, Jesse C, Skyler A, and many many others. After the game re reconvened at our house for some fun and games as we were celebrating the visit of Sarah's cousin Jesse. I'm grateful for fun outings and a trust and love of friends to always know we are here as a family at the end of the day.

Sparks (Day 22)

After a frustrating morning waiting for a friend to wake up so we can have a good relaxing fun morning in Little Italy, I walked out the door alone and spent a few hours in L.I. by myself and my camera.  Good to finally get out there with my camera again and looking for that right angle to complete a perfect shot.  While I was down there I checked out a camera shop and got some good info. On the way back I turned on the radio, not sure how and why, but there was Christian talk about how this radio announcer gave his life to Jesus Christ and how slowly but surely he realizes the things changing in his life due to this change.  Further more, he continued on to explain how everything happens for a reason. I've always been skeptical to this train of thought but he had some good reasoning behind it. Although I am not completely convinced, it was nice to listen to someone who really enjoys his life and enjoys talking about the reality that happens when making the sacrificial changes that we as God's children need to all make.

Ups and Downs (Day 21)

At Penske I have my good days with customers and some bad days. Today was a good day with customers. I made a few great sales and few had some great encounters with customers that made my morning even better. I'm grateful and thankful/nice people.  This made my day granted it ended with frustration with a friend. I've come to realize that I need to pick my events, something are good to be done by myself and not count on anyone else while others I need friends to pull me out of the dump or to complete a good day or night.

Thinking Hard (Day 20)

I've been going back and forth on what I was grateful for today...I was stumped. Not a special day or night. Nothing new happened. Just worked, came home watched some ESPY's, skipped running, ate dinner played videogames and read my book.  Then I cam to the conclusion that I'm grateful for hobbies.  I spent a good deal of yesterday playing around with Google+.  Wasn't sure how to do anything on there but just decided to upload an album of pictures that I have taken.  Doing so brought me back to this project, back to my favorite current hobby, and to art.  This project I had intended to portray not only what I am grateful for but also what I truly love to do, and that is photography and making what I hope to be art.  However, with the busyness of my days with work and running, the events that take place lately in my life have all been evenings in crowded places or low light situations.  These outings put my camera and me out of reach due to the lack of a flash on my Canon AE-1 and the risk of breaking it.  So these pictures have all been from my phone. However, I hope to soon add a new camera to my list of gadgets soon so I can start trying to make these pictures a little bit more interesting and a lot more quality.  So this picture is just a picture that I really like and wanted to share again and hopefully inspire me to get out a do more.

Slipping into the Roll (Day 19)

With more work and more nothing. This is not very exciting lately. I'm kind of ok with that for the reason that running is going really well and I don't want to mess it up with late nights, so I have opted out of these events and chosen the relaxed route. Tonight I decided to sink back into the role that I love but for some reason don't commit myself to...Harry Potter.  Re-loved the book and again by reading some more and dedicate today to a clean self, a beautiful night, and my book...not to mention my box of Double Stuff Oreo's.

Intellect and Debate (Day 18)

After a long run my legs are bound to be sore, but to much of my surprise I was able to do a morning and afternoon run. The later part of my afternoon run with Alex in the Sunset Cliffs Park was filled with a Catholic Integrity and Christian belief debate/discussion.  Unknown to many, this is one of my favorite things to do, just talk to people and really learn their perspective and really dig deep into some controversial and intellectual conversation.  This not only was a rarity I didn't expect from Alex, it made my run more enjoyable and definitely makes my day to be able to discuss these issues and get away from the monotonous superficial talk and gossip this is so abundant in my life and around me.  Thanks Alex...again. 

Just Keep Running, Just Keep Ruuuunnning (Day 17)

Oh my, longest long run of my life! Had a great time, running the 1st 6 miles with brant and alex. After that just continuing the pace and running out with brant for another mile and a half. Then I split off for the rest of the run alone exploring new parts of Sorrento I've never seen before. Got to tell you, after 6 miles that place is just AMAZING! So instead of going out 8.5 miles I extended it another half mile out to just explore a little more and wound up running 18 miles instead of 17 for my long run. Felt great, just a 2 hour run wears on you and the last 2 miles were a little rough and the next day or 2 will definitely be tough. Thanks to these bad boys, my training partners, and of course God, I have the strength, the mentality, and the perseverance to finish this run. Thanks.

Kaput (Day 16)

After more and more long days at work, coming back and long days running. this living bit has grown tiresome on my body. I therefore decided to decline all plans for the evening and crash! And it was beautiful, had the house to myself for a few hours, hung out played some NBA 2k11, watched Scrubs, did some laundry and passed out. Partly to recover and partly to rest up for sunday's long run. Nonetheless, this is a simple pleasure that I have sometimes and require to have my own "me" time.  Glorious.
And this picture here is simplistic picture using my Fx effects camera on my phone of the place I spent most of my night...in my bed

Tom Petty @ The Harp! (Day 15)

The summer just never ends! Today at work my boss Mick lets me know he's going to be down in OB at the Harp with his band. I immediately perked up and asked, Band?  He proceeded to tell me about his Tom Petty cover band who has been together for a couple years and plays keyboards mainly and dables on a few songs with the guitar and bass.  Ya I love Tom Petty, so does my house so Sarah C, Lauren E, Brant J, and Alex B, all head out and hang out for a couple hours and dance and sing a bit to some good music.  They did work, ton of fun and my boss even bought Sarah and I a drink. haha.  So good!

Beachin and Combin (Day 14)

Another fun night. A little dancing, a little music, a little drama. But hey Beachcombers was pretty damn fun. The music was awesome, pretty darn inexpensive and I just loved the atmosphere there with some of my best friends, Alex B, Sarah C, Lauren E, Courtney S, Noelle S, and Jenay M.  Not much to say, I'm looking for the little stuff each day to be grateful for but as I continue to attempt to establish that eye, I'm going to keep logging the fun stuff we do each night...and it never stops!

Workin Rough (Day 13)

I have a wonderful roommate Sarah who has been putting up a couple of these Bible verses on our bathroom mirror for a couple weeks. I read them and reflect on them when I read them.  These kinds of things make me smile and happy to read, but this one I wasn't quite sure when and how it would impact me. But today at work I really broke down. It was a long day and people were being real jerks today. A little stress, lots of people (mostly angry today), and lots of multitasking which can take its toll.  Needless to say I broke down due to some of the inconsiderate people I dealt with today and just the taxing nature of my job at times. But coming home to this one, this is where it makes sense, this is when I needed to read this because right now in this situation I can honestly reflect on it and let work inside of me.

Day with the Buttweiler's!!! (Day 12)

Day off work and the Buttweiler's were in town? Oh it's a night out.  I had a blast with these wonderful people.  Morning run, next is roadrunner, got some el pollo loco and at the beach in OB, then it was happy hour at the Embassy Suites!! We hung out talked, had a few, then we wondered around looking for Bub's sports bar and wound up eating and drinking in the park outside Petco Park to watch the Giants game against the Padres.  Night ended wonderfully as we walked back to the hotel and got a $20 to get us back home in a Cab...we were short about 7 blocks.  So we walked the rest. haha
GREAT!

Independence Day (Day 11)

Does this picture sum up the evening? No.  Was it absolutely hilarious? Yes! haha.  What a great day, worked in the morning, ran with alex, then at Molly's for the rest of the night until we crashed at my place.  SOO Fun and lots of stories. Stood on the rooftop for fireworks, played games, got Tommy's, then to finish off the night, just some late night hang out time with Lauren, Alex, Megan, and Madi.
Madi had these baby shower plastic babies that she's been trying to park people with and this is how she got Lauren. hahah. Oh we laughed a lot. Truly blessed to know these people.

Cozy Up (Day 10)

Day 10, Lazy Day.  After a great night I took off for work in the morning, came back and took a NAP! Woke up to Alex B. overlooking me in bed (Creepin) and went out and nailed a 15 milers. Stoked and came back, called it a night early waitin for Sarah C. to get back from work to cozy it up as every bed in our house is filled this weekend. So this days to be grateful, is just for a laxed evening and cozy night.

Light it Up (Day 9)

BONFIRE! Large group of people here at the Saratoga having a good time out in the back yard under christmas lights and the moon.  Notable people are Sarah C, Greg R, Jeff S, Alex B, Mike P. Victor, Madi, Megan, Sarah L, and Molly S.  Just a great night playing some games and chillin around the fire. This is my kind of night! I'm just super grateful for friends and the willingness of our friends to have a good time no matter where we are or when.

Overload (Day 8)

Man, A lot to be thankful for this day! But in keeping with the theme of the project I'm going to pick one event/thing, and this one goes out to the great fairway and Ryan E.  He and I woke up and hit the range at a little executive course on Rosecrans. So nice to be outside and doing our thing, so much FUN! I was ahead by 2 going into the 9th hole and choked :/ no matter though because it was a blast.

Other events of the night include a great and very soothing dinner/conversation with my civil union partner Sarah C. Man we work well together, a little chicken parmesan with a cold beer and some orange slices! Definitely have to do this more often Sarah!

Then the night was concluded with a reunion with THE Justin A.! He's back for a couple weeks and then headed back out to teach in Hong Kong. Man the adventures this guy has been on it's ridiculous!  But he swung by my house then we rolled out to Downtown, met up with another great long lost friend Tiffany S. who showed us the way of downtown life! She was bartending at an artshow and so Justin and I hung out there for a while then the three of us hopped around a few different places and then ended up at the Knotty Barrel! J Man bought me this 4 for 7 thing, 4 samplers of beers for 7 bucks! Soooo Good! Crashed at Tiff's place and woke up 3 hours later for work! haha Man I'm blessed!

10 sub 60 (Day 7)

So this may not be a picture from our actual day but this is the man of the hour. Him and I, on the road after work, getting on run on up to SD river. Start out kind of quick, feeling good, 1st 4 miles are avg'ed under 6 min/mile.  Brant throws it out in the open to see if wanna keep this up for the next 6 miles. I'm down and we did. For the last 5 miles of the run we were throwing down about 5:45's, Just Killed the workout! Ran 10 miles in 58:06. First time for 10 sub 60 and it felt awesome. Great run Brant and stoked to have us in shape and ready for another great season! PLNU XC!

The Inevitable Return (Day 6)

Random photo, but still C.K. at Night. (got the idea)

With a healthy and running return of one of PLNU's greatest, Alex, Brant, and I waited till about 8 p.m. to catch up with Casey K. for a night run of about 7 miles. Fantastic! Ran at mission bay, chilled, loved it, ran well, felt great.  I'm just truly grateful to have been able to know this guy, let alone being the best training partner of my life and being near a guy who truly lives a life on the path towards God. This ones for Casey, great to see you and hope this can be a weekly thing

Del Mar Adventures (Day 5)

Thanks to a lovely new friend and summer roommate Lauren E. We got to enjoy the afternoon at an AMAZING beach house in Del Mar, California. This afternoon was spent with Alex, Sarah, and Lauren. Great day spent playing football, body surfing (attempting for me) and soaking in them rays. So much fun! So day 5 is dedicated to Alex, Sarah and without a doubt LAUREN!  Thanks guys, lets keep up fun summer.

Lazy Days! (Day 4)

Not much to say but I love my friends and my house. After a lot of running and a lot of late nights, I've been looking forward to this for a long time. Enjoying some T.V. time and some HP time

Healing (Day 3)

After a few tough days of running and a lot of late nights, my legs are TORN up from the floor up. So after we finished our long run, I threw out the idea to my best bud Alex on homemade ice bath. He agreed and we got it done, a duo in the tub (it's a running thing...not gay haha). This is to a great teammate and friend, Alex B. Good Laughs!

Uplifting (Day 2)

After getting about two and a half hours of sleep I woke up for work, grabbed my running gear, the 2nd half of my Cali Burrito and headed to work. Made a pit stop at the local 76 station for a fill up. The lady working this morning was struggling with the computer, it was a long night as she was busy with the OB street fair but I cracked a joke, she cracked a joke, we smiled and left laughing.  Great start to the day on what was a long morning due to a long night. 76 Station, you've won my business.

The Launch (Day 1)

Today is day one of the project 365 grateful. Super stoked. I'm doing this with my beautiful, amazing, funny, forgetful, ridiculous friend Skyler A. So that's what this day is for. For a great friend to share some amazing experiences and be grateful for an amazing upcoming year.  Thanks Skyler.  I love you.