Contacts Again

I broke my "unbreakable" glasses the other day so I decided to try contacts again. It is a little pain in the butt, but there are definitely more benefits than annoyances. Flipping upside down should be a lot more fun without worrying about my glasses flying off. (I didn't get to try them out this past Thursday class because the snow was nastier than I felt like driving in when I didn't have to. ) My prescription is stronger than my glasses, so the world is strangely clearer and I don't have any frames in the corners of my vision. One of the more exciting implications is that I will be able to use a monocle at my wedding. I already own a top hat, cane, gloves and a tux (all in white) that I think will look great with some purple and gold accent pieces to match the colors of the wedding.

Wedding Planning

There is still so much work to do!

Zamboni?

I took a class on driving a Zamboni today. It was awesome. I have only ice-skated twice in my life and I have no interest in hockey. Ashley signed me up for the class as a Christmas present after reading about the class in the newspaper. An excellent gift.

Cake Tasting

Ashley and I did our first cake-tasting yesterday. It was strange to go to someone's house for something like that, but the lady had everything you could think of for a wedding available to rent. I liked the cake, but I like most cake. Ashley did not like the cake so much, and was not impressed with any of the designs. All in all, it was an awkward situation for everyone involved.

Ready For Adventure

I got a new pack for Christmas and some cash that I used to buy some equipment to put in it. I upgraded my tent and sleeping bag, and got some cooking equipment. There are enough things I can eat without cooking that I don't really need to take a stove with me, but it is a nice little option. I bought a left and right bag so that Ashley and I can zip together, so that will be a nice option. I also got some cool shoes that will be awesome for climbing dunes. They have individual toes and feel like being barefoot but protected. I'm pretty excited about all this.

Suspenders!

I have been looking for suspenders for a while, to no avail. (Note: I don't like to buy stuff online.)  I finally found some, but they were annoying holiday ones with shot glass holders attached. It took a while to get those things removed, but it was worth the effort. Without further ado, I give you...... MY SUSPENDERS!!

Click on past the break to see a tastefully cropped photo of me in suspenders and underwear.

I've been there, and I am glad to be where I am now instead.

Below is a response to a FaceBook note that a friend wrote about wondering what to do with his life after getting his degree. For those who don't know, I also have my degree. I remember it being a strange and trying time. Here is the response: 


I don't suggest it for everyone, but working retail allows me to define myself by what is important to me and not by what I do for money. I am an expression of my faith and my interests, which sometimes cost money to pursue. I fund the pursuit with a retail job where the corporation could easily replace me, but where I am free to make relationships with individuals that are all unique and irreplaceable. Most importantly to me, I don't take the job home with me. My phone is set to not even ring if they call me.
Now, on the other end of the spectrum, I have also worked in a field that I do define myself by. Working as a martial arts instructor was rewarding and I was proud to tell people that's what I did. To this day, people are still more likely to call me "Chuck" than by my real name at my retail job. Why do I no longer teach for money? Because the compromises you have to make will cause you to almost hate something you were once passionate about. Working with kids especially, you have to tailor the class to their interests, and not necessarily to what would be the best for them. If they are lazy and don't want to do the hard work, they will quit and you are out of a job. The same applies in any other field with the types of customers specific to that field.
(Friend), keep reaching for the things you love in this life. Nothing can stop you and it doesn't matter where the money comes from.

After The Break

Ashley just took a picture of me in my underwear and suspenders. I told her it wouldn't work on Facebook, but maybe after the break in a blog.

Wait, why did I do that?

I just worked from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM. My brain is mush.

Today's Project

Today I started prototyping for a magic effect involving a nice box like the one you see on the left there. The inspiration for the effect comes from one I saw performed on Sunday at a social for my S.A.M. assembly. Without going into how it works, I was able to work in an extra effect that the original would not be able to do. Without factoring in the cost of tools I used to alter the box, my entire cost was under $7. I will have to start with a new box for my finished piece because I made a couple mistakes, but this one is still functional. I decided to flame distress the box to give it a more interesting look than the plain wood it started as. I do NOT suggest you try this at home, kids! Maybe not even some of you adults. Basically, I took a torch to the thing to make it look more rugged. I am pretty happy with the results.