Mental Foreplay

Politically Minded

2012-01-30T10:48:00.001-07:00

If you are at all interested in politics and government you can now follow my thoughts on twitter @I_Am_The_People. You can also consult my political blog at, www.presidentcalebreeve.blogspot.com

If you haven't seen or heard yet today see what the Obama Administration is doing to the Catholic Church? Click the link above to find out.

Odor O Meter

2012-01-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

So there I was...

I was in the restroom the other day and the foul smell of feces got me thinking. I started wondering if there was some sort of scale or chart that registered smells; or if there was some sort of order to odor. You know how light is right, with its wavelengths and only some of it is visible to human eyes and all that?

Same with sound...some tones (wavelengths) we hear, others we don't. There is a range. The picture below doesn't really make a lot of sense unless you are smart. hahahaaaaa!

Even with taste, your tongue, certain areas of it taste different things. one section is for...well here's a picture. Makes sense right?

So my thought was: I wonder if smells are the same way. Things that smell good have similar characteristics like audible wavelengths. I had to do some research...and by some I mean hardly any. Come to find out there are 2 main theories that try to explain why and how we smell.

1. The Shape Theory of Olfaction - The Shape theory of smell states that a molecule's particular smell is due to a 'lock and key' mechanism by which a scent molecule fits into olfactory receptors in the nasal epithelium.
2. The Vibration Theory of Olfaction - The Vibration theory of smell proposes that a molecule's smell character is due to its vibrational frequency in the infrared range.

So...I guess all my studying has been in vain because we aren't sure what causes us to smell things good or bad.I would like to see something graphically displayed. Four quadrants with dots? I don't know what it is I want but now I am intrigued with the idea of being able to look at something and understand the smell spectrum.

Happy Monday!

Sea Glass Hunting

2011-12-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is but I find hunting for sea glass all kinds of soothing. I think the waves crashing, the sun shining and the focus of the search all add to the experience. I like being alone, canvassing the sands.

The beach down the hill from my mom's house in Carmel is especially good for hunting.

It isn't a super popular beach. It doesn't bode well for swimmers or surfers. The sand isn't fluffy and soft. In fact it is just a bunch of little pebbles.

Bare feet are easily agitated because of its course nature. I don't know if it is location or what but there is sea glass all over this beach.

When the light is right and the motivation to get a little sandy and maybe a little wet from the escaping tides is there you can really make it happen.

Apparently, yellow sea glass is a rare find so I was happy to come across that little gem. I think the blue pieces are especially pretty. The color is so soft.

Needless to say I am grateful for the small opportunities I have now and again to get out there and have some time for a little hunt. I get to find these fun little reminders of the past but also relax and take in the beauty of the world we live in. It really is something to behold when you look at it with the right eyeballs.

Memorabilia

2011-12-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Wow. Nostalgia. I decided to open a box that has been in my closet for 3 years pretty much untouched, hidden behind laundry hampers. In this box I found old pictures, documents the prove I am an Eagle Scout, my mission call to Virginia, and several drafts of a letter to a girl that never were completed. I remember sending a letter at some point, but these didn't make the cut. As I re-read them it reminded me why I am not yet married. I am still searching for another girl to feel that way about. It just hasn't happened.

I remember this letter. I went through a lot of paper. Finally I typed it up just the way I wanted it and THEN wrote it down. She had been in London for 10 days so I didn't really talk to her at all during that time. Plus she lived 1300 miles away. The distance was terrible and I was totally insecure but I loved her more than anything or anyone in the whole world.

Here are some excerpts from the best unsent version of the letter.

October, 2006
Girl's Name Omitted,

"I could write a 1000 letters and not say what I want to say. I could let this pen bleed it's ink and not be able to put into perspective my thoughts, fears, hopes and feelings I have that involve you.

I have tried to write poems, texts, emails...nothing is sufficient. I wish you were in my arms as you read these words. I wish I could see your face, watch your reactions, look in your eyes as these words are taken in.

This, our situation, is the hardest thing I have ever endured. I would have given up days into it because it is so hard. But it is you. Anyone else, anything else, it would have been over. But it is you. The pain in waiting, the that you may not feel it, the wondering, questioning...it is agony. But it is you so I endure. I wait, For You. And then it happens. A text, a call, a message and all of my fear, my doubts, my anxiety, they disappear.

When we are together it doesn't get any better for me. Its easy, fun, affectionate, romantic. Being with you is the pinnacle. So when we are apart I have nowhere but down. I soon realize that the feelings we have when we are together fade. You go back home. You are away. You get off work and you go home to your family. You have your friends. Other guys are there chasing you. There are so many distractions in your life and I wonder if you ever think of me. I wonder if I am a priority.

Meanwhile, I come home to no one. I don't have any real friends here yet and then I wonder if I have you. You are the focus, you are my distraction. At work, soccer, softball, socially, you are the focus. It is so opposite for us. So I write letters, sends texts, leave messages. I open up and let you into my mind, my heart. I offer my feelings to you and I wait. Hoping that the moments come, where for a flash, I become your focus, and you call."

So These Other Blogs...

2011-12-11T22:42:00.001-07:00

I have a couple other blogs you can take a look at if you have a little time and want to get into who I am a little more.

A Poet of Sorts is a collection of the poems I have written over the past several years. They are in alphabetical order not chronological order as to avoid people knowing who they are about.
HEre are a couple recent ones.

Sometimes
That Man

I also have a political blog where I talk about my views and run for the Presidency in 2016. I just posted about Mitt Romney's proposed $10,000 bet to Rick Perry. You can find it here at Caleb Reeve for President.

So go for it. Go read a little. Enjoy.

What The Monkeys!

2011-12-02T16:02:00.001-07:00

"I saw a banana on the ground today. A whole banana. I thought to myself, I could totally eat that banana because it comes in a protective sheath. It made me think more about bananas and conclude that they are the best fruit." -Caleb Reeve

I figure I ought to back that up with some opinion.

1. Bananas communicate better than other fruits. For instance. Ripeness. If a banana is is green you know its not ready. If it is brown than you don't wanna eat it. Clear, straight forward, matter of fact. I love that about bananas. See, on the other hand, oranges are pretty much orange even after they have gone bad.
2. Banana laffy taffy is the best flavor.
3. It comes in a protective sheath. If a banana falls on the ground before you peel it you don't have to worry about it. Still good.
4. You can bake bread out of em. The best fruit bread around.
5. They have mini versions of themselves.
6. They taste good in cereal.
7. Monkeys love them.
8. People actually slip on the peels which makes them funnier than other fruits.

I mean what is this ISH when we get down to it? bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

The One.

2011-11-28T11:54:00.001-07:00

Does the feeling of loss ever go away? After the The One gotaway, and the next One came along and things worked out the way it was supposedto the first time, does the pain still reside? Are there questions later? Arethe memories of the First faded with time? I’m asking.

Deconstructing Crushes

2011-10-20T00:31:00.001-06:00

Crushes are a strange thing. I don't fully understand them. Its like they are ethereal, ghostly; like nothing is ever SUPPOSED to happen with them even though you want it to. (Was that the correct usage of a semi-colon?) Like, 'What the... I have a crush on that girl for some reason.' It comes out of no where and you end up totally defenseless against it.

What I think is strange about them is there is always more to it than just being attractive. There is always a +1. It doesn't have to be anything huge. Most times what sets off a crush is something subtle, almost intangible, these whimsical attributes that you just can't grasp or quantify. Maybe being based on so little is the reason they happen so easily and often but are constantly fleeting.

I have gone through hundreds of crushes. Some repeatedly, I will get a crush on a girl months apart but all I have to do is see her and its happens all over again. Others it happens just for a single day and for one reason or another it just goes away. I find it interesting that I haven't ever stopped getting them and sometimes they surprise me because of how different they are. Some are on local ladies. Some are famous singers, actresses, or celebrities of some kind.

The reasons for the crush are superficial and based on next to nothing. Maybe I like how her character on TV is written or she has awesome dimples or a sexy voice or cool hair or big eyes or maybe she is like no one you've met before and is intriguing or she's in a band or really loves her work.

With a crush I expect nothing to ever happen. I am content with the crush. I want to act but when I really noodle on it I realize that it is simply a crush and it will never go anywhere.

But sometimes...when it comes down to the meat of the issue, all i want is to have a crush on a girl that has a crush on me. Hopefully I can figure it out from there.

Women Crushes - Preface

2011-10-01T13:10:00.003-06:00

1) Let me first say that I have awesome taste in women.
2) As I prepare to write this I don't know how I am going to do it with out sounding desperately shallow.
3) I don't really know how to narrow it down either. Do I mention only famous women or the actual girls that I want to ask out? I didn't really have any local Man Crushes.
4) Maybe if someone decides to read this blog and comments I will go with their suggestion. Or maybe I let ask the question on Facebook and go with with The People decide....

Man Crushes

2011-09-15T11:22:00.000-06:00

Man Crushes

So I thought about it and made the decision to post this list because there was simply no good reason to NOT post it.

Tom Brady. I don’t know if I have to do much more explaining than just mentioning his name but I will. He’s rich, famous, the best at what he does, he’s handsome, he has 3 rings and plays for my favorite football team, he has a supermodel wife, and he’s not flamboyant...maybe a little. I like that he took less money for his football contract so the team could put better talent around him. He could have gotten $12 mil/year but took $10. Classy.
Lenny Kravitz. I don’t know what it is about this dude but every time I see him I think, this dude is as cool as they come. I don’t really know much about him. I like his music and from what I can tell he has maaaad style. I saw him perform on VH1 Storytellers and he slayed it. Dude is just somehow the epitome of coolness. See? Who does that!?!
Justin Timberlake. Singer, Actor, Comedian, Dancer. He’s the guy I am ashamed to like but admit to people that I am ashamed to like him. I make no secrets of it. Two things that did it for me, when he made fun of Ashton Kutcher on SNL and when I saw him accept an award for Prince at the Golden Globes. I thought, I like this dude. That was the beginning. Then he brought sexy back and I was like, CURSE YOU TIMBERLAKE!
Barack Obama. I don't like this dude because of his politics by any means. What makes this a man crush is how someone can so fully and completely fail at his job, make no sense in fiscal matters and somehow people are still all over him like he is the answer to all their problem. If I had some of that ObamaSwag, think of what I could do with life. I could be the worst father in the world and women would still want to have my babies. I could blow every save as a relief pitcher and still get paid Mariano Rivera money. If you think about it, what is not to love about this dude...besides his presidency? Vote for me instead! See what I'm about.
Chris Carrabba - Creator and lead man for Dashboard Confessional. For some reason this guy's music speaks to me and I play his songs more, significantly more than anyone else. He's got this connection with his fans that runs super deep. And I have seen him eye sex the ladies and I've watched as they literally melted. I have never seen another man with such a power. It is one I wish I possessed.

Hair-Volution

2011-08-14T22:39:00.000-06:00

So the title doesn't really work but the pictures start at the end of April and go to today. Sometimes when I feel like I can't control anything else in life I use my hair as a scape goat. Last year I shaved it completely bald, just to see what it was like.

I must say, people make assumptions about you when you take some liberty with style. But the control and the choice made all the styles and the fun I had with it a joy. My hair hadn't been that long since High School.

And it is back to what ever this is. I will work out the kinks as it grows.

QR Codes

2011-08-10T13:04:00.002-06:00

Is this awesome? The answer is yes, it is. If you don't know what it is then me get you up to date. This is a QR Code. It contains information on it like a bar code. Your smart phone, with the right app, Barcode Scanner or Google Goggles, will read it and give you the option of taking you to a link. So, follow me on facebook or check out my resume. Just a snapshot away!

Facebook

Resume

Culinary Wonder Works

2011-08-02T10:45:00.002-06:00

I like to cook. It is fun for me. I just can't afford it, my wallet or my waistline. But there are times when watching the Food Network or at the store and I get inspired to do something. More recently I have been the fortunate one to reap others harvests. A few people in my neighborhood have been grow herbs (pronounce H please when reading.) Now and again I will go poach some fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary and make it happen.

For instance this bruschetta you see here was made with fresh basil, oregano, and thyme. The onion was from the farmers market and the tomatoes were vine ripened. The baguette was purchased when the bread was still warm. Fontinella cheese on top and mozzarella on the bottom. I hit it with a little Spanish olive oil and some balsamic. Magic.

I made this caprese salad with some fresh mozzarella, basil from a neighbor and fresh tomatoes. It is one of the best appetizers (or meals) when you do it right.

I had this salmon filet and didn't really know what to do with it. Why not some fish tacos? Why not. I had the tortillas and the avacodo, I just needed to figure out how to do the fish. I cubed it up and spiced it with a variety of spices. Paprika, Chipotle, and a little Cayenne. I had to cool it down with the sour cream but it was delish!

I love ravioli. I think it is my favorite type of pasta in the world. Actually I am sure it is. Ravioli has so much versatility. Its like a pasta version of a crepe. Lobster ravioli is right at the top of the list when it comes to ravioli stuffing. I have made my own ravioli in the past...but that was when a roommate had the kitchen aid attachment that I didn't get. wink wink. This lobster ravioli was from Costco, a fine purveyor of foods. The sauce on the other hand was a caleb exclusive. A cheesy, tomato alfredo. I have never made alfredo before so this was a bit of an experiment. It turned out great.

The fish. A rainbow trout. We caught about 50 and kept 5. I have a buddy that works at this cheese farm that has a private pond. It is up past Kamas. These guys, Gold Creek Farms, make some of the best cheese I have ever had! Check em out if you feel the need. But the pond is loaded with rainbows. Taylor Irwin caught this beast and we had to eat it. I stuffed it with some lemon, oregano, salt and lemon pepper. We wrapped it in some foil and grilled it up.

I don't have pictures for some of the other delectable meals I have made recently. There were some Talapia fajitas, butternut squash risotto, and I made my own red sauce a few weeks back. I made a lasagne out of some of it and I have one in the freezer ready to be destroyed. I am pretty sure that somewhere along the way there were a couple of batches of cookies that people would kill for.

Birthday Wishes!

2011-06-04T22:36:00.004-06:00

***UPDATE***

I would also like a metal detector, you know, one that beeps when there is metal around. I don't want a crazy-fancy, next-gen, state-of-the-art one.
__________________________________________
I thought that maybe if I actually ask for something for my birthday there is at least a chance of getting something. We will see if this works. Below are a set of links that take you to different gifts I would like to get at some time in my life. Check it out!

Kitchen Aid Pasta Attachment

The Essentials Books from Williams-Sonoma (I have the Essentials of Roasting)

A Few T-Shirts

My lists are never very long and hardly practical or affordable, that is why they are wishes!

Check back in case I add to it! :)

Just a Random Post

2011-06-02T10:05:00.006-06:00

I often have these random thoughts, or what I would consider random, but to you may be perfectly normal or absolutely space cadet sci-fi. But I figured that I would take a few minutes to share some of these thoughts with you. I mean, my blog is called Mental Foreplay. I should get you thinking a little bit right?

1. I often think about who the first person was to see a lobster and decide to eat it. Who in their right mind (and maybe that is the answer) would look at a lobster and think, "you know what, I bet that thing is delicious. If I boil it and dip it in melted butter I may be on to something..." What were the circumstances around that discovery? How desperate was that person? How hungry? Or was that person just an adventurous eater? And how come that didn't happen with Giraffes?

2. Here is a list of people that are just cool, Period.
* Lenny Kravitz - dude just has mad swag.
* Warren Miller - homeboy has been making ski and snowboard movies forever and he has kept it real the whole time.
* Justin Timberlake - I hat to admit it but the guy is hilarious and he brought sexy back.
* Mark Cuban - He owns the Mavs, they just won the Championship and he loves his players and his franchise.

3. Adding to the bucket list:
* Have a single that makes the Billboard charts. If its not lofty what's the point right?
* I also want to get scuba certified. That can go on my birthday post as well should you want to sponsor my scuba certification. :)

That's all I got. It felt like enough to make a post. Love you!

Girls are Dumb

2011-06-01T08:43:00.000-06:00

So here is the deal. I see this super babe tonight at Applebee's. I caught her checking me out a couple of times, something I am totally OK with. Maybe she is looking at my ridiculous hair cut. Either way she was looking. So I get this idea in my head as follows:

Write her a note. Clever, witty, direct. "All I know is, You look like angels sing and I can do 20 push ups. ♥ Caleb" There is a picture of a stick figure doing push ups and her counting them off. Classic. PS Call me with my phone number. This note comes to her when her bill comes, already payed for. She shows it to her friends and they all giggle. I give her a nod of the head and raise my glass and smile. She smiles and returns the toast.

She gets up and sings her karaoke song with her friends. I get up and introduce myself and talk to her for just a brief moment. She is a little reserved, she says thanks and gets ready to leave with her friends. As she leaves I give the "call me' sign by poking my hand and making a phone.

Perfectly innocent and fun.

So here is my question, why isn't she ever going to call or text me? And the reason is because girls are dumb. Most girls I assume wouldn't ever call a guy if he gave them his number. Not because they don't want to call him but because it is a man's job to get her number, call and make the first move. Here is the problem with that, THAT WAS THE FIRST MOVE. Duh.

If I were to ask her for her number, she probably would have given it to me. Most girls give a guy their number, even if they don't want you to call or HOPE you don't call. Maybe he texts her a few times and she doesn't respond. Maybe he calls and leaves a message. Maybe you answer and the guy, that she doesn't even like but has her number now, asks her on a date. Maybe she lies and says something to avoid it. Or maybe she says yes even though she'd rather not. I don't know why they do that...probably because girls are dumb.

My point is, if I put in some effort to be creative, fun, unique, not creepy and you like it, call me. That's why I gave you my number. There is no shame in it. Its the right move. Ladies, take some notes. If a guy gives you his number it is because he wants you to call him if you are interested.

I understand that maybe this particular girl maybe didn't like me. I know that's not always the case and girls don't call out of principle. Don't be dumb.

Tuesday on Antigua

2011-05-31T09:28:00.004-06:00

I woke up a bit earlier than usual because we had some business to handle. I met up with Drew, Cazzie, Robb and Jim for a quick breakfast and headed for the town to find a cab.

We jumped in a van and headed to a golf course. We all rented clubs and carts and started off. This course was pretty fun or maybe it was the company, probably both.

We basically had the place to ourselves and that's always nice when you play in a 5-some, something I have never done before.

There was a lot of elevation on these holes which provided for some lovely views.

We joked and played and rode around the course without a care in the world, including our scores. I think I beat out Jim by one stroke to win the match...though weren't really playing against each other. We played 9 holes and decided to call it quits at that point so we could meet up with the others over at Darkwood Beach.

Darkwood is a beach I visited last time I was on this island with my family in 2006. Its a gorgeous white sand, calm watered beach. The best part about it is that there aren't any people there. Well, hardly any.
The water is warm, the sand is soft and there is a little place that serves food from hot dogs to ribs. This day was particularly interesting because a man named Timmy Love, a supposed reggae star was filming a video on the beach. It was a small production, not enough to ruin the peace and tranquility of the beach. It was just enough to keep you entertained as he repeated "I am the Greatest," about a million times. I found this link to give you an idea of what we are dealing with. The video isn't out yet but when it is you can bet I will post it so you can get a better idea of where we were.

We met up with our ride back to the ship. His name was Rough Neck. This was the same driver we had back in 2006. I had talked to the cabbie that took us to the golf course and to Darkwood whether he knew Rough Neck. He did and I arranged it so Mr. Neck would come pick us up. My friends were a little hard on me for making such a big deal but it was a fun little moment for me.

Sailing out of Antigua is a beautiful thing. The island claims to have a different beach for every day of the year. As you sail away you can see many of them. We drifted off into the sea. Ate another fabulous dinner. Our server Ali figured out at some point that he should just start bringing out a few extra main dishes and extra desserts. It was the beginning of the end.

The Next Day

2011-05-10T15:25:00.005-06:00

So I mentioned that we spent the day at Trunk bay on Easter Sunday. We spent that night at dinner talking about the good old days, rehashing stories we've told a hundred times but still tell because they are still funny and everyone has a different take on what exactly happened.

Monday we arrive in St. Maartin. This island has a French side and a Dutch side. Most people decided to go to the beach and hang out. I had different plans. I walked out the gate and found myself some suspect looking fellows that said they would take me to a place to rent a scooter. This of course is after they asked me several times if I had everything I needed to "party." So one guy yells at another guy and he runs off for a minute. He comes back in a little red car and tells me to get in. Why not? He drives me a few minutes away to a scooter/atv store where I get my rental on. I spent the day driving around the island taking in the sights and sounds and beaches that Maartin and Martin had to offer.

The first beach was right by the airport. It felt like you could jump and touch a plane that was landing. It was pretty cool. I came across a bus and while driving a scooter snapped this picture because I found it surprisingly enjoyable. (there are no train tracks on this island.)

I drove most the rest of the island at that point just checking the different roads and vistas. There were some gorgeous beaches.

I stopped at a beach on the French side called Orient Bay. It was a clothing optional beach. I found a little spot away from everyone and got into the water and shed my trunks. Let me tell you that skinny dipping in the ocean is quite liberating.

On my way back to return the scooter I crested this hill and if I had a camera other than my cell phone I would have been able to capture the beauty of this place. There was a little shack on the top of this hill right off the road where I relaxed for a few minutes and drank a Coke. This shack had 2 men "working" there. One was laying in a hammock and the other was just chilling out behind an old tattered ply wood counter top. Dudes just living with out a care.

I got back to the ship a little burned on the arms but all in all in good shape. We hit up dinner, went to a show and everyone followed me to the karaoke spot. I had expressed my intention and excitement to sing. So I submitted my song and got called up. I gave a rousing rendition of "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye. The people on this cruise ship had no idea what I was bringing to the table. As the song, progressed the crowd swelled...and swelled. I put on a show the best I could. I sang an encore song. "That's What Friends Are For" by Dion Warwick and dedicated it to the 6 married couples I was cruising with. I got the crowd really excited and they sang the chorus with me the best they could. I loved every second of it.

More to Come!

Friends and Cruises

2011-05-05T11:38:00.004-06:00

Friendship is a strange and glorious thing. When it is right and true and real, nothing can top it. I joined up with some old friends for a 7 Day cruise around the Caribbean last week. I spent grades 6-12 with most of these guys. The roots run deep. I haven't seen some of them for 10 years.

And Yet...

I can get on a boat, sit down with these dudes, whose lives have gone 6 different directions over the last 15 years, and its like we haven't missed a step. I find it fascinating that though we haven't spent more than a handful of days together in a decade or more its like nothing has changed in our love for each other. We're just good and its great. It is simply amazing and wonderful.

There were 13 of us on this Celebrity Cruise.

Six of my best friends and their wives and me! One of the great things about the group, besides the wives all somehow being great friends, we were all perfectly fine going out as a big group or individually. It was a great dynamic.

Besides the reminiscing with each other we had a great time. How can you not when there are perfect beaches, perfect weather and delicious dinners 2 entrees at a time.

The first day we cruised into St. Thomas. Most of us took a water taxi over to St. John and visited the lovely Trunk Bay.

A place full of beautiful water and snorkeling. It was gorgeous. This is a stock photo and it was at least this nice.

I'm gonna break this vacation into pieces so I can have a better reason to blog over the next few days. So come back soon and catch up with the next few days of the cruise.

Kicking the Bucket...List

2011-03-05T10:49:00.002-07:00

There are few things I would like to do in my life; some of them sooner than later. I haven't fully figured them all out but but I have come up with a few that I am confident enough to write down and make official. I may be doing this wrong because I think some of these things may be unattainable and just wishful thinking but If I did them at some point in life I would be really happy. So feel free to help if you have any hook ups in any of these departments

In NO Particular Order:

Go Helicopter Snowboarding
Be on TMZ
Throw out a First Pitch at Fenway Park
Run for Public Political Office
Own and cook at my own little restaurant
Host a Radio show
Slap a grown man in the face
Visit Lake Como in Italy
Own a boat
Attend the Superbowl
Drive a race care at a proper track
Create an APP designed for Apple and Android

I haven't ever had a list like this before so I can't say I have knocked anything off of it before. But I have to start somewhere and I think this is as good a place as any.

Your Thoughts? What's on your list?

Greater Than Less Than

2011-03-01T10:26:00.002-07:00

People sometimes ask what is your favorite...thing. I usually find myself stumped. I don't know if that is because I don't want to box myself into liking just one thing or because I like to change my mind. I have favorites, don't get me wrong. What I have more of is PREFERENCES. There are definitely things I like more than other things. If you were to give me a choice between two I can choose one. Here are a few.

BMW > Mercedes
Adidas > Nike
Baskin Robbins > Cold Stone
Cookies > Brownies
Nestle Quik > Hershey's Syrup
Crest > Colgate
Braun > Norelco
Pink Floyd > Beatles
Football > Baseball
2 Pac > Biggie
Dr. Dre > Diddy
Lord of the Rings > Harry Potter
Edward > Jacob
Aniston > Jolie
TMZ > Entertainment Tonight
My Music > Your Music
Right Ankle > Left Ankle
Southwest > Others
Costco > Sam's Club

I don't feel bad about not having a defined list of Favorites. My preferences will do just fine. And maybe, just maybe, if you give me enough preferences I will eventually find something that trups everything else and I will have a favorite. But for now I will stick to things I prefer.

Me, A Romantic?

2011-02-14T09:16:00.002-07:00

Yeah duh. If you know me at all you know I have this giant soft side (and I'm not talking about my body.) I don't know where it came from exactly. I could take a few guesses. It could be genetic, or being the only boy growing up around 4 of the greatest sisters in the world, or maybe that I am a Gemini...I don't really know. What I do know is that I have embraced it.

I have never been one to shy away from feelings. I write poetry. (It makes Krista cry sometimes :) ) Its one of the ways I cope with my emotions, mostly loss or hope. So on this Valentine's Day I am pulling a poem out of the vault called Vows to a Queen. Its squishy and soft and about a woman I hope to meet one day.

♥A solemn vow to Thee I make eternally this day
My declaration of love to Thee, a Queen
A promise to Thee in unity
For time and all eternity
In thy absence, My Sweet
My heart will long for Thee
My eyes will feast on Thee in Thy Presence
My devotion to Thee is not only in word but deed
Through life and immortality
Thou wilt find, Thou wilt feel, and Thou wilt know
That it is Thee forever
I will cherish in my soul
Together we are Whole
My heart, my breath, my love, my life
Is Thine, my girlfriend, my fiance, my wife. ♥

Tech 2.0.1.c3

2011-01-19T08:46:00.001-07:00

When I blog I want it to be something special, something worth reading. Not simply an update of what has been happening. That seems so redundant and uninteresting.

Technology has gotten to a point where you can catch me on any number of different media. Lets take a look at the list.

Phone/Text: You can probably find it online if you need it or don’t have it.

Blog: You’re here. But did you know I have a total of 4 blogs? Check it out!

Mental Foreplay - www.creeve.blogspot.com
A Poet of Sorts – www.creevepoems.blogspot.com
Caleb Reeve for President – www.presidentcalebreeve.blogspot.com
Caleb’s Resume – www.creeveresume.blogspot.com

Twitter: @calebreeve It also feeds to this blog on the right side of the page. This is a good way to get my daily updates and see what’s up in my life. I post on it nearly daily. So come follow me on the Twitter.

Facebook: /calebreeve You know what FB is and what it does. I don’t need to explain it to you.

Skype: CalebReeve you can video chat with me if you’d like.

Instant Messenger: I think I am on Yahoo and MSN. Probably search Caleb Reeve and you can find me.

Email: I have a couple. If you got em then lucky you! Haha.

My Space: calebreeve this is something I don’t use any more but the account is active and I check it maybe once a month.

All of this, it is overkill, no doubt about it, but it is how life is today…for some of us. Now, I don’t use Skype or Instant Messaging or MySpace for the most part. MySpace is a dead medium as far as I am concerned. IM is on FB and Skype. Skype, there really aren’t that many people I know that use it. I think it is an up and coming technology that is really cool but it isn’t utilized.

What is super crazy about life today is that there are always new ways coming along to help access and share this information and open lines of communication. My phone, the HTC G2 from T-Mobile does pretty much all of them. It can chat, get on Twitter and FB. I can take pictures/video on my phone and send it to my blog, FB, or Twitter...or all 3. Did anyone see The Office episode where Ryan creates WUPHF? Here is a link to the episode. http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/wuphfcom/1261100/.

Life is actually like that these days. Some people may take issue with it. I am fascinated by it and I happen to be OK with it.

My Withering Leg

2010-12-07T13:13:00.006-07:00

I just wanted to thank those of you who helped with the Tipping Bucket last month. If it was a re-post of my blog or a small donation to help a bucket tip and some needy people get some help. It is a great organization and you should check back often to see if a project comes up that you’d like to support. You can also submit your own project should you feel so inclined.

Yesterday, I went in to the doctor to get my cast off. It had been 6 weeks of casts and I was prepared to get a boot and take it slow. Come to find out that I need to take it even slower. They put me in ANOTHER cast for ANOTHER month. THEN I get a boot after that. This is a walking cast, so I am a little bit more mobile than previously but it is still annoying. I knew the recovery was going to take forever but jeez…my patience is wearing thin. Luckily there isn’t softball or soccer to tempt me.

Plus the cast and the screws and the motionless joint all help out. Oh and hopefully there will be a leg left. I am a man with the leg of a 6 year old boy.

I finished up a new poem. Let me be more specific, I posted it. It’s been on a pad of paper for a bit and finally it became something I was able to finish. Sometimes.

I am consistently bad at consistently blogging. It seems like my journal says some similar things. More than anything I think I just don’t take the time to make it happen. I watch too much TV. My life is full of that. There are other, maybe even better things I could do my bounty of down time and yet…

The Tipping Bucket

2010-11-03T15:59:00.003-06:00

I friend of mine, Sara Joy Pond, (she's in my ward and my FHE Co-Chair) created this non-profit organization a couple of years ago and has a tremendous opportunity to win a grant from Pepsi. But I/She needs the help of friends of friends and family. I am trying to help.

Check out this video as well.

What is Tipping Bucket?

Tipping Bucket is an organization and website that allows everyday people to get involved and help fund projects (for as little as a dollar.) This month they are working to win a grant from Pespi as part of the Pepsi Refresh Project to help build the organization and help more people in more places.

Tipping Bucket projects LITERALLY heal the sick, cause the blind to see (funded over 500 cataract surgeries in Uganda over the summer,) the lame to walk (through prosthetic limbs,) and allows people to submit projects and ideas that will allow them to help themselves and their communities.

What Can You Do?
As part of the competition you have the opportunity to vote everyday during month of November, in 3 different ways.
1) Sign up at www.refresheverything.com/tippingbucket it requires you to have an account but you won't get spammed.
2)Go to www.tippingbucket.org and submit a vote using facebook.
3) Text 104182 to 73774 (PEPSI)

You can vote each day using all 3 methods and I encourage you to do so. Please copy and paste this and post it to your blog or send an email out to your friends if you think this is a worthy cause.

Every vote (like every other drop in the bucket) makes a difference. Join me in making these dreams a reality. Spread the word, add your drop. Thank you so much!

Here is the link to the video in case you would like to send it out to some people ot use it in your blog. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QENLyV_Sdkw

2 Weeks

2010-10-22T10:33:00.003-06:00

So! I'm currently dosed up percocet. This has been a more regular occurrence. Two weeks ago I had to pass a kidney stone. Not a pleasurable experience. I only passed one and there are 2 more in each kidney that may make their way out of my system. I named this one Peter or Cephus. That stone put me out of commission all week. The worst part about it was when the pain set in I had just stuffing myself with a variety of sushi at Happy Sumo. There's nothing like puking up $25.

I spent the week in bed when I wasn't in the emergency room or at the urologist's office. So after a brutal cycle of not being able to hold anything down because the pain or trying to take the pills on an empty stomach and not holding it down Peter passed away. I have him in a little plastic bag in my bathroom.

A couple of days ago I went into for an ankle fusion surgery. It has been a long time coming. I have been avoiding it for months. Originally it was scheduled for August but I was having too much fun in the summer. Well, the day came. This was a massive, brutal surgery.see what I mean? I'm working on getting some more views. Its crazy that the body can recover from this sort of thing. I'm on day 3 and at the moment I feel pretty good. I had some better sleep. In fact, I keep dozing in and out as I write this. Its taken me so long!

My mom is here taking great care of me. I appreciate her love and kindness. I'm sure I'm not the best company at times since all I do is lay in bed but she loves me and I know it. I will try to keep you posted as things come and go. I have a couple of good stories I want to share but not right now. Peace and love!

California Road Trip

2010-09-20T10:41:00.005-06:00

I had to get out. So I did. I took a small group of friends with me in my new Jeep back to the Bay. It started on a Thursday, we drove through a snow storm in Nevada. But after a long 13 hour drive we made it to Carmel where we stayed at my mom's place. Its a magical little house. The view is never disappointing and the weather, which usually is, was not at all.
James, Rachel and I spent Friday playing on beaches. We first roamed the Carmel River Beach just below the house. We then made out way down the coast to Pfeiffer State Beach. That's James running with some kelp. We got in the ocean and froze, James nearly to death.

Saturday we picked up Brady at the Monterey Airport and went to the Aquarium. It was a little disappointing because their deep water tank was closed. No sharks or tuna. Sad. We left the coast and headed to a place called The High Life in San Jose. It was a restaurant James saw on Man vs Food. All BBQ, it was delish.
The Red Sox were in town playing the A's so we went to the game and had a good time, though the Sox lost. (they were playing their B team essentially.) After the game we left for Alamo and spent the next couple days. Sunday we went to Church and then made a run to the Oakland Temple. Kara and her family came over and had lunch Sunday afternoon. I love her.

Monday was a day into the City. San Francisco is a great city. Somehow we ended up on a double decker sightseeing bus. I got the "locals" discount aka Free.99. Keith was our tour guide and he let me do some guest commentating. He liked what I was doing and offered me a job. We will see what happens with that. We drove through Golden Gate Park (bigger than I thought) and ended up at the beach. There were some kids playing soccer so Brady and I joined and played for a few minutes. We also found a great little park with some nice views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tuesday came and it was time to drive back to Utah. All in all it was a welcomed trip. I think all of us involved had a great time. I want to thank my mom and dad for being so hospitable and letting us crash at your places. I love you both. Thank you x3.

The Real San Francisco Treat

2010-09-13T23:21:00.001-06:00

We found this little park in the back of a residential neighborhood and got a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the late afternoon. It was a perfect end to a fun day in the City.

Carmel by the Sea

2010-09-10T11:16:00.001-06:00

The sun was dropping fast but I was able to get a quick shot of it before it went down.

I Could Be a Chef.

2010-09-03T16:37:00.000-06:00

I got a little chef-sie on it. Pan seared, macadamia nut encrusted ahi tuna steak, cooked medium rare, on wild rice and topped with a freshly made tropical mango salsa. Its really good.

Naming my Baby

2010-08-26T22:01:00.003-06:00

I have found that getting my new vehicle has caused me to dig a little deeper and has brought about new challenges in life that may prepare me for some kind of relationship one day.

For example.

1) I have, a good word for it is coasted, the past couple of years in a job that, while I have been there, enjoyed and learned, but found myself under employed and just getting by. The car has caused me to seek better, more lucrative employment and bring about a new grown spurt my marketing career.

2) Number One has caused me to realize that this car is my new longest relationship. I have a 75 month commitment thrust upon me, which I don't mind because it has caused me to get my butt in gear. (one of the big reasons I decided to purchase)

3) Because of #2 and my new found commitment, I have to take good care of it. I realize that this is here for the long haul and I need to treat it right.

Most importantly, today I took it on a little mini-expedition in the hills behind where I live. (Its full of dirt trails that wind their way about. Now in light of #3, I was being very careful not to over exert us.) But I found out during this off road rant that my vehicle is a Girl! I found myself saying, "oh She does so well!" "She drives like its asphalt."

This brings me to my point...I have to name this girl.

I'm not yet sold on any of these names and something may just come to me one day. But so far, here are the ones I have kinda narrowed it down to and the reasons why.
*Bianca, which means white, is also the name of one of the moons that orbits Uranus. Plus you can yell, 'Come on B!' and its OK.
*Faith, I will need some in order to keep her.
*Hannah, I like the name and if you can get past Montana, the Hebrew word "Hannah" has many meanings and interpretations, including "beauty" and "passion" both are qualities she possesses.
*Victoria, named of course for victory, and being a Goddess back in the day. Plus, she's a vampire, Queen of England, a Beckham, and this cute blonde girl I used to know that played soccer.
*Serena, they are built the same way, solid. Plus, the Williams sister is often wearing white on the court.

Let me know what you think. There is a picture below in my last post so you can see her. She looks like an angel in the sun light. She's got every possible option, she's fully loaded to say the least.

*

A NUUUUUUEW CAR! (Bob Barker Voice)

2010-08-19T22:22:00.003-06:00

The News!

First of all, I bought a new car. Well, SUV. I painfully and reluctantly let go of my beloved Subaru WRX. Part of it due to necessity, I'm getting my ankle fused and pushing a clutch isn't really an option during the recovery process. The other reason was because it had 115000 miles and I was going to have put a bunch of money into it.

There it is driving away...

I put the car up on KSL and had 3 offers in less than 24 hours, all prices I was happy with. What happened is the car salesman I work with when buying new cars for Centurion Security heard I was in the market and found me a new ride. He put the heat on me big time and I totally caved.

I ended up with a deal I couldn't say no to and an opportunity to push myself to advance my career. Its a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado with every single option available. Remote start, sunroof, navigation, dvd, bluetooth, a/c plug, iPod connectivity, 5.7 liter Hemi V-8, reverse camera, and probably some other stuff I am forgetting. Its white and beautiful and I love it. Now I just have to figure out how to pay for it. That's my motivation. Get a better job, make the payments...its all good. I'm scared and excited.

The other crazy news is that a guy I was trying to serve divorce papers to had committed suicide in the house. Luckily I wasn't around when it happened, nor was I there when the cops rolled up. I want to tell you more about the story but not tonight. You have enough.

A Few of My Favorites

2010-08-11T01:11:00.002-06:00

A List? Why Not?

Top 5 Movies
Back to the Future
Transformers
O Brother Where Art Thou
Real Genius
The Count of Monte Cristo

Top 3 Artists
Dashboard Confessional
Eminem
Pink Floyd

Top 5 Played Songs on my iTunes (Since December)
Water and Bridges – Dashboard Confessional
I and Love and You – The Avett Brothers
Falling Down – Ben Jelen
What I wanted to Say Was – Dashboard Confessional
Gravity – John Mayer

Top 5 TV Shows (on TV)
Psych
House
The Mentalist
NCIS
TMZ

Top 5 Video Games
Golden Eye – N64
MarioKart – Wii
MarioKart – N64
Call of Duty – Modern Warfare – Wii
RC Pro Am – Nintendo

Top 5 Video Games songs
Excitebike
Tetris ----> cooler version
Super Mario Brothers ---> cooler version
Spy Hunter
Mike Tyson's Punch Out – Bike Interlude

Night Mind Games

2010-08-09T02:32:00.001-06:00

Its night time. My mind tends to race at this hour. I have trouble turning it off. I have the craziest thoughts on nights like these. I never remember any of them clearly. I think there should be more Mental Foreplay in your lives.

Tonight though, instead of letting my mind race aimlessly, I have spent probably the last 2 hours looking over my blog, rereading many of the posts. Since I joined the world of blogging in 2005, this is my 192nd post. I am so glad I decided to start a blog. In the process I have learned something about myself: I am amazing. In so many ways I am amazing!

I don't know if anyone really reads this or looks forward to reading my posts. I found myself laughing at myself, how I write things. I wish you could read the words the way I want them to sound. There are gems in these posts. I love them. I am so happy I have them.

I am in this blog. You can find me here. If you have questions, search the posts. They have Me written all over. If you have a question for me that still needs answering, simply comment and I will respond. I will happily answer any question that is asked in sincerity.

Summer Time!

2010-08-01T08:50:00.003-06:00

I postponed my ankle fusion surgery that was supposed to happen in 4 days. It happened about a month ago, on the 3rd of July actually. The day was so enjoyable and fun that I convinced myself I could put off the surgery for a couple more months in order to have a little bit more fun.

Everything has been going according to plan...except the part where I forgot that it meant being in more pain. Its manageable I guess. The most frustrating part is not being able to execute what my mind knows its been able to do in the past.

For example, I was trying to play softball a couple weeks ago and while I am still good enough to hang in there and handle my business, my range and mobility have suffered irreparable damage. My brain says, you got that grounder to the left or that pop out foul ball and then I go to take a step and a flood of pain and I can't get there. My my responds much faster than my body can. I still have a great arm and solid bat but I can hardly run the bases and I become a liability. Its probably the most annoying thing about the situation.

All in all though I really have been enjoying myself. Provo in the summer is actually more fun than you would expect. Real Salt Lake games, fireworks displays, rope swings, camping, fire pits, grilling, playing catch, giant water slides, golf, road trips, summertime movies, parties, and the list goes on. I am going to try and live it up before I have 4-5 months of recover from this impending surgery. I don't know when the date is yet but probably looking at October. So there is still some time and I look forward to it, in pain or not.

Its a Celebration!

2010-06-28T09:19:00.005-06:00

I celebrated my 31st birthday on the 18th with a BANG! It started off with a breakfast at my house at 730am with a bunch of people. We are eggs and bacon and waffles and orange slices in preparation for the USA World Cup match where they came from 2-0 down to tie the match and almost win. It was great.

The rest of the day was filled with more World Cup soccer, a little bit of work and then we got ready for the party. Here is a picture of the flier we passed around to hype the party. At Applebees Karaoke on the Tuesday before the party, a friend and I performed a rousing rendition of Coolio's Gangsters Paradise as further party promotion. It was awesome!

Yes, it was a 90's throwback Hip Hop party. Back to the songs of my high school dances and the Golder Era of Rap.

I have a buddy, shout out to Clayton Carter, that is a DJ and has all the equipment one would need to toss it up properly. Somehow, through a girl in my ward, we were able to secure a venue that was more than perfect. It was a warehouse in an industrial area just a couple miles from my house. This means no cops and plenty of room.

As we set up and the music was pumping through the speakers I got really excited. Everything was set up and at about 1030 people started coming. Then more people and more people! At the peak there were probably about 130 people in there.I was wearing my old high school football jersey to commemorate the celebration. I even gave my other jersey to an old Monte Vista High School alum, Katy MacDonald.
Hot babes and bangin music made the night unforgettable and something that I will probably try to do again later in the summer.
I also got a gym pass, just like I asked for! Thanks to my sisters and mom for taking care of me. I've been to the gym twice already! I'm making it a goal to get there and exercise at least 3 times a week. I can't say I love going but I am aware of the benefits and so for the sake of skinny I will go. Plus, it was an investment by my family and I am not going to waste their money.

So thank you to all who attended the party or gave me birthday wishes throughout the day. It was one of my most memorable birthdays ever!

Birthday Wishes

2010-05-28T09:14:00.004-06:00

UPDATE:

I hope I don't get 15 Clappers since its the only affordable thing on there...hahaha.

* I would like the USA to beat Solvenia in the World Cup that day.
** iTunes, Costco, or other gift cards are always welcome.

My Birthday is coming up June 18th and I usually don't have any idea what I want...except I do this year! The only problem is that I feel bad asking for stuff, especially when it is expensive stuff. So that is why it is just a wish list.

1. The MyTouch Slide from T-Mobile. My phone is almost 2 years old and it is time for an upgrade. Its probably not something you can buy for me because I am sure I can get a better deal by talking with T-Mo myself.

2. The Clapper/Smart Clapper. I used to have one for nearly 15 years but it shorted out on me last year and I haven't gotten a new one yet. I miss it so much!

3. A Gold's Gym Membership. Let's face it, I'm fatter then ever I need to get my weight loss on. I'm also as broke as ever and can't afford a gym pass on my own.

That's all I got for now but check back in case I figure out some other things. :)

Songs from the Past, Presently

2010-05-13T14:17:00.004-06:00

I was just listening to some songs off the old iPod and I find it amazing that a song can bring a specific and often distant memory to the forefront of the mind. So with that inspiration I am going to rattle off a few song that, every time I hear them, bring me to some place or some person somewhere in the past.

Lydia O – Milkshake – Kelis I don't know how this came to be but with out doubt Lydia pops into my mind. Maybe its the video... On occasion I will send her a text when it comes on.

Brooke T – Right Thurr – Chingy I was waaaaay into this girl and during that time period this song became popular on the airwaves. At times when we were together we would hear this song and just dig it together and laugh at the lyrics, “Gimme what you got for a pork chop, she threw it at me like I was short stop, twerkin in a fatty girl halter top, then she backed it up for and let it drop.” IT still makes me laugh a little when ever I hear it.

Brooke Reeve Sampson – Look Away – Chicago On some ski lift when I was about 8, Brooke and I were alone on the lift. This song was a smash hit but our comedic genius and maybe somewhat inspired by Weird Al's brilliance and popularity came up with alternate words to the chorus. “If you see me walking my dog and it goes poo-pee on me, run away, baby run away. Because the smell is so intense, it will drive you into a fence, run away, baby run away. Don't come near me, I don't want you to smell me this way.” Amazing I know.

Kacie C – Groovy Kind of Love – Phil Collins Kacie was one of the first girls I actually REALLY liked when I got home from my mission. She was a local Orem girl that had some sort of spell on me. I once took her to the top of Squaw Peak on a date and watched Gone in 60 Seconds on a laptop in the back seat of my Jeep. Maybe influenced by Jim Lee's Tactics of Awkwardness (he should write a book) it was my goal to NOT make out with up there. And I didn't! I don't know how this song and this girl came together but there you have it.

Nicole S – Dusk and Summer – Dashboard Confessional I have posted about her in the past and specifically mentioned this connection before. The story can be found here and the poem inspired by the song here.

Sara B – Saints and Sailors – Dashboard Confessional Sara was a girl from back home around the way. She was a few years younger than me and went to a different church ward and school. We never really got acquainted until after my mission. She came out to Utah and I fell for her. She inspired several poems after I felt she made me feel like I was only the guy that was there to get her acclimated to the area. She had a hold on me though. “ You smile like a saint but you curse like a sailor and your eyes say the jokes on me.” That's how she was and I loved it.

Dalee M - Freak Like Me - Adina Howard, This song comes on now and again on my iPod and this one time it came on and a wife of one of my best friends heard it and was totally singing along and told me how she and her girls used to love this song back in the day. What makes it memorable is that I never expected her to have that background in music. I think is surprised her hubby too. Either way its funny to me and it deserves to make the play list.

Family Trips – Milli Vanilli, George Micheal, Abba's Greatest Hits Volume 2 and Eric Carmen's Make Me Lose Control. Family vacations took place regularly at my house and so many times music was involved in the car ride. Milli Vanilli was on a road trip to Bar Harbor Maine. George Micheal was the 1988 Reeve Family Reunion in Missouri. We'd sing all his songs that came on the radio (which was ALL THE TIME), we didn't complain, just sang along. Abba, there isn't a specific trip in mind but needless to say it traveled with us on more than one occasion. Make Me Lose Control was Branson Missouri...maybe 1988 again. I remember hearing this song on a tree covered winding road on the way to Silver Dollar City (had to look it up).

Shout out to the internet and youtube for making it so easy to link to these songs. I was watching War Games last night (1983) and research was so HARD! We have it so easy these days.

Random Humor on the Trip

2010-05-07T10:58:00.004-06:00

The ferocious FeMullet was spotted at the Atlanta Airport on my way home and I had to take a picture of it.

This was from a bar outside the Emirates Stadium Underground stop.

And this is the layout of one of the Barcelona Airport Terminals. HA! Its like an Austin Powers joke waiting to happen.

And to continue with the theme for a moment more. This is something that belongs on the Jay Leno show headlines segment.

This was a motorized sweeper that the Barca Airport.

Okay, this doesn't look funny from here there is a story behind it. This is another monument to Christopher Columbus. When we walked by the next day someone had hung a poster on one of the doors of this monument of a Native American with a headdress and everything saying something to the effect of, "you stole my land." Funny because if the 2 weren't paired together there is no humor.

On the tour bus we saw this sign. Apparently you either have to have an entire burger or no burger, just make sure its not a partially eaten burger.

This sign, a few blocks outside of Neu Camp Stadium, is awesome because of its blatant message. Its not saying DON'T play soccer, but that it is inevitable, so be careful.

I thought this was random...why they gotta be naked with the bull? What's the point?

This was great. In the middle of the street at a stop light these two guys got out of their cars to yell at each other. Nobody won and it didn't come to blows but the bus we were on had enough and blasted them with his air horn. You love to see a good argument now and again.

This was supposed to be a picture but I accidentally took video. Either way it doesn't need an explanation of why its funny. The 'oh no' at the end was realizing it was video not a still. Then I forgot to take a photograph of it!

Trip: Barcelona

2010-05-07T10:36:00.006-06:00

Our first night and the next day it rained and was cold. It was our first bout with foul weather and after 12 days you'd expect to run into some. We were fortunate however because the rain stopped when we boarded yet another tour bus of the city. I'm telling, this is the way to go. You get to see the city get off the bus when you are interested in something and then get back on when you are ready to roll out.

One of the first stops we made was Gaudi's (Gow-dee) Sagrada Familia. This dude Gaudi was a modernistic fool. He's one of the famous architects that has several “important” works around the city. This one below was one of them. It echos the waves of the ocean.This one in particular, the Segrada Familia he never finished. He died in 1926 with it only partially finished. What makes it interesting is that it is STILL unfinished. He probably didn't get around to finishing it because it is a monstrosity. The church/family that owns it uses the money from ticket proceeds to work towards its completion. Personally I think is it a disaster. I don't see what his vision was. Maybe when it is complete I will have a better idea. But for now there are cranes everywhere working on this thing. Here are some pictures to let you decide.

With the wet weather impeding our adventuring, we stuck to the buses. Circling the city here and there and seeing the sites. The Olympics were here in 1992 as some of you may remember. We drove past the Olympic Stadium and several other venues. They laid it out in the hills on the west side of the city. Lovely views of the city from up there.

When the soccer tickets were purchased for the Barcelona game the match was scheduled for Wednesday at 2pm. My dad was tooling around on the interwebs and learned that the time had been changed to Tuesday at 8pm. We lucked out because it would have been a big let down to show up and learn that we missed the game or come across some highlights on the news. So that news cut our day a little short but in a good way.

We got to Neu Camp, home of FC Barcelona, current leader of the Spanish La Liga. We walked to our seats and found that they were under the 2^nd level. This was perfect because if the seats were 3 rows closer we'd be sitting in the rain for the entire game. Instead we stayed completely dry. Another little blessing for us. Neu Camp is an 89,700 seat stadium built in the 1950's.

Barca played Tenerife and won the game 4-1! What a site to see the fans, who were more involved than the Madrid fans, cheer on their players. Here is a video of the first goal that I happened to catch on tape.

Messi with 2 goals, Bojan, and Pedro rounded out the scoring for the home team. What a game!

We took the subway back to the hotel but first stopped in at the local McDonalds. Its good to see what foreign Micky Dees have on the menu. Spain features a burger called the NYCrispy. I had been singing and making jokes about it since Madrid, again to the chagrin of my father. The NyCrispy has bacon, crispy onions, tomatoes and cheese with a bun that has cheese and bacon bits baked into it...I know it sounds good, AND IT WAS! It didn't stand a chance. I wanted to sing more!

The next day the weather cleared and we were off to see the city in the light of the sun. We wandered to the old part of the city and went into I big church but we left because it was being bombarded by high school kids and we decided it was time to leave. More walking aimlessly and to be honest I started to get a little bored. I had done a lot of walking over the past 2 weeks and my ankle was hurting badly. We did find cool street that was divided by a giant pedestrian boulevard. Street performers, newsstands, and even pets, bunnies and birds! I convinced my dad to get on another tour bus and take a tour of the ocean front. This is where the Olympic Village was back in 92. I got close to the Mediterranean Sea, saw the beaches and wanted to jump in.

We journeyed back to the hotel because I was exhausted physically and it was still only 3pm. After a siesta, my dad and I got together to talk some business. I am looking at starting a business and I just need some direction. Who better than a venture capitalist? That's what they do!

Dinner and packing and sleep. The morning came with breakfast and a sad goodbye. Followed with 22 hours of travel from door to door. Safe and sound I finish this from my chair in my room. What a trip! It was so fun! Lots of memories and I am glad there are blogs and pictures to back it up. I hope you enjoyed the journey with me. Thank you Dad, I love you and I am more thankful now than before I left.

Trip: Madrid - Day 3 and 4

2010-05-03T15:47:00.007-06:00

Sunday was a lovely day in Madrid. We got a late start because I felt like it and some strategy. I knew that we had a limited amount of things to do and a certain time frame to do them. So we left and went to The Prado Museum.

We saw “masterpieces,” (I put it in quotes because I think rating something like a painting is totally subjective and most times I have a hard time agreeing) by Valasquez and Goya and Bosch. It was lovely, though it became a bit redundant because most of the paintings were of people. I don't know these people. However, there was this sculpture that was absolutely amazing. I risked arrest, since cameras were off limits, to bring you the picture. Amazing right! In person, you can hardly tell that the veil over the lady is made from stone. I swear you could walk up and pull it right off like it was cloth. IT was my favorite piece in the museum.

We roamed the museum for a good 2-3 hours until I had absorbed all the 'culture' I could. We then proceeded to get on a Tour of Madrid bus. You know I love them. This one wasn't as good as the others because we had to listen to a recorded voice instead of someone giving us all the details and inside information. This was bland and mundane but it gave us a broader view of the city.

When that was done we got ready for the Real Madrid game. We navigated the subway with relative ease (mostly following the crowds). We arrived to the Santiago Bernabeu ready for action and boy did we get it. In the end we had 5 goals. 3 for Madrid and 2 for Osasuna. The 2^nd and final game winning goal from Cristiano Ronaldo came in the 88^th minute. Awesome.

The crowds here were different than the English crowds. Less cheering and WHOLE LOT more smoking. Here in Spain apparently they haven't made smoking illegal...anywhere. We have been to several restaurants with people smoking in them. Its annoying.

After the match we walked to a different subway station because the stadium station was packed. We had a good little walk and made it safely back to our stop. Then nearing 11pm we found a place to eat. Pans was then name and its basically a Spanish Subway.

This morning we packed and headed to check out the Palace. On the way we stopped at the Museo del Jamon, yes, the museum of ham. Its actually not a museum but a walk in eatery featuring...hog. I made up a song and couldn't get it out of my head. I think I embarrassed my dad when I started singing “The Museo del Jamon.” hahaha it was funny...to me.

As I sad, the palace was closed but I snapped a few pictures while I was in the neighborhood.

There are something like 2400 rooms in this place. You don't realize how big it is until you start walking by it and 10 minutes later you're still getting past it. Look at the picture below and see if you can find the men in it. That should put it into a better scale. Unfortunately, for the 2^nd time the palace was closed, this time because of a private party or ceremony or something.

This threw our plans off because now we had 5 hours to kill with pretty much nothing to do. The cinema was closed, we shopped a little, walked a little, and did our best to waste some time. This is a shot of a street leading to the Plaza Mayor. Thought it was cool. We finally stopped and ate out in the Plaza de Santa Ana. At the plaza they have these little Asian people that come up and try to get you to sit down for a massage. “Massage?” They go to the point of touching you and rubbing your shoulders. “Massage?” Some lady followed my dad for a good 20 steps rubbing his shoulders before she decided it was a lost cause. This time I saw them coming and started massaging his shoulders before the could get to us. They got the picture and I laughed about it.

In between courses some random lady comes by and pokes our uneaten Spanish omelet and asks if she could have...as if we were gonna eat it after she touched it! So we gave her a bit of our food and she put it in a plastic bad and just walked off.

We ordered some pallea, I think that's spelled correctly, its pronounced pie-ay-yah. The waiter said it would take 30 minutes and it took about an hour. It was REALLY good but we had to eat and run at that point. We got to the hotel and nearly missed our ride to the airport on some timing mix up. Luckily we got there 3 hours early thanks to the travel agent's desire to cover her butt. 3 hours in the airport...ugh. Miraculously, my mind was working and put it together that Spanair and United are part of the Star Alliance...BAM! VIP Spanair Lounge. I took a siesta.

Now we are in Barcelona. Its raining and is supposed to do the same tomorrow. Here are some random pictures. This chick had on hammer pants...not the first pair I had seen...it was the 2^nd pair. This was a street vendor getting arrested last night at the Plaza Mayor. He put up a good fight.

This was a fat Spiderman in the Plaza Mayor. Can you really make a living like this? Apparently so.

Trip: Madrid! Day 1 and 2

2010-05-02T08:48:00.012-06:00

Welcome back!

Tonight I bid you warm hello from Madrid Spain. Our journey left off last in St Andrews, Scotland. Since then we have jumped on a plane and landed in this beautiful city. We are staying right down in the heart of the city in the Hotel Villa Real.

I happened to choose the split suite with the upstairs bedroom and balcony. Its not much a view at the moment as the square below is under construction. Still, it is in a perfect location to everything you'd want to see in Madrid within walking distance.

We got a ride from the airport by a gentleman who was well informed about the city and its history. He talked and talked about different things we would want to check out while we were here. Very friendly and very good spoken English as well.

For some reason that afternoon my ankle was KILLING me. It was not a good feeling. I don't know what happened or why but it caused a bit of a problem. We ordered some room service, hung around a little bit and then I popped some percoets and decided if it was gonna hurt sitting there I night as well let it hurt walking around.

I'm glad I left. We walked mostly aimlessly towards a couple of squares that were close by. The streets here are narrow but friendly. Its not a crowded or cluttered feeling even though buildings are closing in on each side of you. We passed through the Plaza de Santa Ana. Its a smaller square but has some personality. We pressed on, limping like a pimp and the swagger of a cripple.

We came to the Plaza Mayor. Awesome. It s full square with several arched entries/exits. The center holds a statue of disproportionally fat horse and rider. I have no history on the man or how the horse got that fat. There are shops and storefronts around the entire plaza. Some are restaurants that serve meals and 'tapas,' basically appetizers. We circled the square, it is full of people and random performers. Lots of stuff going on.

We walked away and my dad asked me if I wanted to buy anything. I told him I was looking for some new shoes, unique ones that people can't get stateside. Literally within a minute of saying that we turned the corner and there was an Adidas store. Perfect! We went in and I found 2 super-fly pairs of shoes, shoes that I now own and will wear with fond memories.

It was later in the evening, probably 7pm and we made our way towards the Palacio Real (Royal Palace). We found a church and went in and I was thoroughly impressed. Beautiful stained glass arches. I took several pictures so here are a few to look at.

The palace was closed so we decided to make our way back to the Plaza Mayor where we ate tapas and enjoyed the passersby. The next morning, we got a late start because that's what people do here...and I looked at a watch that was still an hour behind on UK time so I felt no urgency to get out of bed. We ate a small pastry shop and wandered back across the city towards the Prado museum.

The museum was closed because it is Labor Day in Spain, though it didn't stop the construction workers from working on the plaza outside the hotel. We journeyed on to the park. This is basically the Central Park of Madrid. It was very beautiful. Check it out. Here are some of my favorites.

We spent a few hours at the park because Labor Day ruined some of our other plans...not that we had many. After the park I needed to take in the culture to the fullest so we went back to the hotel for a siesta. It was just what I needed. After the siesta, about 6pm, I decided it would be good to go to a movie. Iron Man 2 came out here a week before the US so we found a theater, got some ice cream, and watched a flick. I liked it just plenty and I feel good that I got to see it before any of you did.

Since 9pm was upon us it was time for dinner. You wouldn't believe how busy this place gets at night. Here things are just starting at 9pm. We found a place down a tiny side street and I ordered the Ostrich steaks because I didn't know people ate ostrich. FYI, it doesn't taste like chicken, which was fine with me. I don't want to describe it as “gamey” because I think that is a cop out. Surprisingly, it was a dark meat, it looked like beef and tasted more like veal than poultry.

So at 1030pm with dinner finished we ended up back here in my room. These stairs up to my bedroom have nearly killed me twice. The steps get really tiny as they turn and I've lost my footing. Luckily I'm curious like a cat and agile like them too and I've saved myself with out harm.

Trip: St. Andrews

2010-04-28T12:45:00.012-06:00

I had meant to post last night but as I was finished and just trying to format the finishing touches, I somehow erased everything and blogger suddenly auto-saved it and I lost it. I was beyond frustrated so I decided to hold off until today.

Tuesday we started the day off again in Edinburgh. We jumped back on the tour bus and got off at the stop that allowed us to walk up “The Royal Mile,” the street leading up to the castle. This was the oldest part of the city. It is hard to imagine the life these people had in such a place and in such conditions. We have so much to be grateful for! The beginnings of the castle started near 1100 A.D. Its built at the top of the hill as you can see from the previous post. There are outcroppings of rock that the castle is built around and into.

We toured around the site for a solid hour and a half. We checked out the royal chambers which held the Scottish Crown Jewels. These were a part of the coronation ceremony for several hundred years starting in the 1500's. They were lost or hidden for nearly 150 years until Sir Walter Scot found them again.

There was one part of the castle that was built in the 1950's as a monument to the fallen Scottish soldiers of wars past. It was a large building that fit right into the whole castle motif. You would have thought it was just another part of it. Inside, there were books filled with thousands of names lining the walls of the monument. One room caught my attention. An alter was built in the center of the room on an outcropping of rock. On top of the alter was a box 18 inch square box guarded by a Cherub at each corner. The inscriptions on the walls were dedications to those who had lost their lives in valiant defense. I was overcome. I suddenly felt the love, admiration, and gratitude that the builders of this monument had for these soldiers. It was a sobering feeling.

After the tour of the castle and the bus ride back to the hotel be jumped on a train, rode about an hour, and ended up in St. Andrews, the mecca of golf. We arrived at the Rusacks Hotel only to find our rooms overlooked the Old Course. The 1^st and 18^th holes were in our view and we watched golfers come in as the day went on.

The top left window on the building on the right is my room. Not a bad room if you ask me.

St Andrews is a college town of sorts. There are a couple of small (as in maybe a few hundred students each) universities in town and students all around. I have seen a fair share of foreign babes. Its not just the accent either. These women have black hair and blue eyes and its a combination I seem to enjoy.

Golf. The Old Course. This is where it all began, literally. The first golfers teed off here in the early 1400's. That is why its called The Old Course. It is also the home of this year's British Open. There is a lot of history here and it all catches up to you as you tee off at the first hole. My heart was pounding! I really didn't expect that. So with no warm up besides some putts and a few practice swings, I take my driver, which I had never hit with before, heart trying to beat out of my chest, I made a swing.

Worms. Dead ones. Flames from worms burning could be seen as I scorched a tumbling 150 yard drive down the left side of the fairway. Not what I had imagined...I think my caddy, David, groaned a little after seeing what he thought he was in for. I made bogie on the first hole and then rattled off 3 consecutive birdies...birdies that were actually pars but they felt like birdies to me. Total redemption. I got my swing back and we were in business.

I limped along and made several shots that I am quite proud of. One of which was out of a pot bunker. I barely squeaked it out with only a few inches to spare. This is not that bunker. Its called Hell Bunker. 50 yards across and 12 feet deep.

My ankle hurt but with 4 Aleve and 4 Advil in me the pain eased and I walked and walked and walked. We came to the historic 18^th tee. I lined up my shot, some wind at my back and unleashed a drive that would make Miss Daisy proud. With my dad we crossed the old bridge that had been there 300 years longer than America had. As we walked the final fairway, I waved at the imaginary people who, if they were real and saw my drive, would be applauding hysterically. 327 yards later and 12 yards from the green I chip a ball up onto the green. I sunk my 2^nd putt to par the final hole. What an experience! Overall I was satisfied with the way I played. I shot an 88 only to be out done by my gracious host and father who scored a very respectable 83.

After the nap...because I was totally knackered, we walked to a pub around the corner and I ordered the fish n chips. Very tasty! We went back to the hotel to watch the Champions League Semi-Final match between Inter Milan and Barcelona. That was when I was writing my blog and it got erased.

Today, we met up with the same couple and caddies we played with yesterday and too up to attack the New Course. “New” because in 1895 when they built it...it was the first course that had been built in 500 YEARS! This course was a little tighter, a little harder, but far less intimidating. I had my run ins with it and shot a 92. Not really my best day but when I tell people I went to St Andrews they aren't going to ask what I scored on the New Course.

Out time here is winding down. In the morning we fly to Madrid. Scotland has been kind. The weather, cool, windy at times, partly cloudy but enough sun to kiss my cheeks, kept us dry and its more than most people get when they come and play here. This is truly a trip I won't soon forget!

Trip: Edinburgh

2010-04-26T13:35:00.006-06:00

Kensington Chub here!

I know I said 'see you Wednesday' at the close of the last post but after getting here I thought this city needed a post of its own. To say the least, I am impressed with Edinburgh. It has all the classic looks and feel of the filial society with old buildings, tiny roads and classic ‘old world style.

When we arrived today by train from Birmingham, we went to get a cab and told him where we were headed. He promptly kicked us out of his cab. Apparently al we needed to do was walk up the stairs. Our hotel was literally next door to the train station. What we didn’t know was that is about 4 flights of stairs…and for me, with 2 heavy suitcases, my arms were burning!

We checked into the hotel which is the same chain as the first hotel we stayed in.

I have been collecting bars of soap from hotels I have stayed at. I have collected maybe 10 or so bars over the past year and was hoping to add to my collection on this trip. Today was supposed to be #3 but since it’s the same hotel chain it is the same soap brand as well…

We got on another “city tour” bus and took a journey around the old town. I am all about it. There are too many words to describe it, so may that I can’t think of them all…any. I think I will have to let the pictures do the talking. Besides, the pictures were the reason I was posting again so soon. I want you to see what I saw.

We toured on the bus saw the town, decided on the places we wanted to visit tomorrow and then walked some of the streets. Just down the road from our hotel there is a large tower...

...that was erected in maybe 1866 to the memory of Sir Walter Scott, 287 steps and 200 feet to the top. He wrote some poems and books and got King George to come visit Scotland, the first monarch in 200 years to do so.

For some reason as I stood there looked up at this monument, it called my name. “Caleb, climb up here and check it out.” I listened. Dad elected not to venture to the top. Once i had ascended to the top the scenery was spectacular.

I snapped a few photos and invariably did this landscape a grave injustice.

This is a picture of a few of those stairs. At the very top I had to turn sideways because it got so narrow.

This is the local castle. Dandylions...which is pronounced daffodils, in bloom and everything!

On a funny note, out here in Britain when an apartment or office has space available, the signs all say, To Let. My dad pointed out that with a can of spray paint a juvenile mind as my own could turn every sign into ToiLet.

I mean, there is a space there to insert the “I” already! I can imagine a night of mayhem and newspaper headlines talking about the ‘Toilet Tagger” running amuck amongst the Britons.

That is all for now.

Trip: England

2010-04-25T13:02:00.002-06:00

I arrived on time Friday morning with out a wink of sleep. Compound that with 2 previous nights of lackluster sleep made for a nice bout with exhaustion. Either way, I made it, AND they let me into the country! Found the guy that had my name on a sign and we got into the Audi A8L and made our way from Gatwick Airport to downtown London.

I have had days of driving crazy but this guy took it to another level. I kept my cool because I was buckled in and it wasn’t my car. There were several times I thought we would for sure clip someone or some other car but we made it unscathed to the Brown’s Hotel.

Upon arrival I met up with my dad and we ate breakfast at the hotel. I ate something called a bacon bap. It’s basically a roll with some thick slices of ham. I have since learned that the Britons do not seem to have the same understanding of what bacon is.

I won’t bore you with too many details but a nap ensued. After the nap which left me more tired than I started we got our walk on into the city. Without a plan we wandered aimlessly through the streets of London and eventually made it into St. James’s Park; where like Japan, the cherry trees were in blossom.

Thai for dinner, an ambient and I woke up the next morning. This time we had a plan: The Big Bus Tour. I did this tour last time but it was a lot of fun and this time we stopped by Trafalgar Square at the National Museum where we took in Picasso, Cezzane, and some other guy who was famous, van Gouh…you may have heard of him.

Lunch at a pub to watch the Tottenham vs Man United game and then it was off to the Emirates for Arsenal versus Manchester City. Arriving to find our seats only 6 rows from the field we took it all in. The game, a little dull and ending in a 0-0 draw, was often made brighter by the fans. They chant and cheer and sing in unison. Sometimes they were in the act of praising their players, sometimes deriding the other team. It is truly a site to behold.We came across this little gem outside the Highbury Underground station and I felt it deserved a spot in my blog. Upon arriving back at the hotel we found out that the Man City coach came to our hotel and ate dinner there after the game. We saw his Rolls Royce Phantom. Dinner at an Italian place down the street and I was finished.

Another terrible night’s sleep. Jumped on a train to Birmingham. Got to the hotel, dropped off the bags and a quick ride to Villa Park for our next match. This was a game between 2 local teams, so it was a bit more heated. Our seats weren’t exactly on the field, more like the top corner but even more exciting than yesterday’s game. Much more heated, louder, passionate fans. It came to a climax when Birmingham was called for a penalty and then converted to a goal from the penalty spot. The crowd went INSANE and I loved it.

An added bonus was when a guy 2 seats down got crapped on by a pigeon. I've had that happen and its ALWAYS funny when it doesn't happen to you.

We got rained on as we searched for a cab after the match. We got back to the hotel and got our walk on up the street and ate lunch at an African chicken place called Nondo’s. It happened to be right next to a movie theater and it worked out the How to Train Your Dragon was showing at exactly the right time. We caught that flick and now we are back at the hotel on the 22nd floor. It has been a grand times so far. Tomorrow we are off to Edinburgh and then to St. Andrews on Tuesday. I’ll catch you up after we golf on Wednesday.

Bless:ed

2010-04-23T11:44:00.002-06:00

At the moment we are flying off the south east coast of Nova Scotia at 605 mph ground speed, its -72* F outside at an altitude of just over 33000 feet. I write this 4 hours and 49 minutes from my eventual destination, Gatwick Airport in London England. I guess that means it is actually 2am 'local time.' I should be asleep trying to get acclimated to the new schedule I will be on for the next 2 weeks. But as I am a side sleeper and this chair doesn't lay flat it is going to be a long night.

As I was lying there trying to get comfortable in a first class seat, with a fully interactive map, movies, TV shows, a 5 course meal in my belly that consisted of steak and shrimp and cheesecake, a blanket, pillow, and an eye mask to block out the light, I felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude and fortunate. It hit me and I felt that instead of trying to sleep I should start this trip off with the acknowledgment and express that I feel I am truly blessed.

As I look back over the years of my life I can't believe how much I have been blessed over the years. It is a tremendous feeling. I am quite sure I do not deserve to be entreated with so much. There is a true feeling of humility that has come over me. I am thankful. I am full of thanks. These opportunities that have been provided to me, not speaking of just this trip alone, but for parents that have more love for me that I know what to do with, for 4 sisters that have been shining examples in my life of love and motherhood, and womanhood, for friends that give me rides to the airport or who are even willing to do it, for a church that has given me faith and answers to questions that would otherwise left me alone in this world of confusion, for a roof, an income, for work, for play, for a volcano that let up and allowed me to make this flight, and for a myriad of things that I could list that range from a solid upbringing to material possessions that make my life simpler, connected and easier.

So on this trip as I write about the many great experiences I hope to have, please know that it all is taken with an understanding that I am more than grateful for the chance to be here and to take part in such a dream as this. My recent tweets and possible future rants about how awesome it is to live this type of life are all measured with a ruler of perspective. I know I am fortunate. I do not know why I have been so blessed but I realize it and do not take it for granted. I will bask in the sun while it shines upon my brow for I do not know how long it will shine.

Pre: parations and Tre: pedations

2010-04-12T15:37:00.003-06:00

I'm getting listo'ed for my big upcoming trip. Currently, my dad and two of my sisters, Kara and Krista, are roaming the countryside of Japan. When their trip wraps up at the end of the week, Pops will make a stop in China before meeting up with me in London.

We will spend the next 2 weeks jotting around England, Scotland and Spain catching 4 soccer matches, sight seeing, and golfing at St. Andrews. It should prove to be most excellent.

I am doing what I can to prepare. I started physical therapy today and will have 5 treatments in the next 8 days to hopefully give me some much needed strength and endurance in an ankle that is equal to post Haiti earthquake devastation.

I worry because I am going to have to walk more than I may be capable. I have to prepare myself mentally for the pain that will without doubt be overwhelming. Advil and Aleve don't do the trick...by a long shot. Prescription Meds have little effect. Pain, something I am very tolerant of; pain that would cripple most people, will be ever present. I will do my best and I won't let it get me down. I will grit my teeth and bear it.

So with some fear and trepidation I am preparing the best I can for trip that will be epic and great...no matter what.

Re: Cap

2010-03-25T19:15:00.002-06:00

First, go check out my new post over at Caleb Reeve for President - 2016.

Done with that one? Ok now, Check out this Meili's blog and make the White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies. I was at a BBQ the other day and she brought them and holy crap are they good!

Did you know that you can see my day to day posts on my twitter feed? You can come to this page and see the updates on the right side of the page or if you are on twitter then follow me @calebreeve.

You may know that a month ago I had my ankle scoped. Good old Dr. Maling, from my Ketamine post, was back inside my ankle joint cleaning it out. After about 2 weeks of recovery time I was feeling a little skeptical that this had done any good and that maybe Maling wasn't as good as I wanted him to be. But as recovery has come along I can feel that the joint hurts less. It is till swollen and hurting but I think it is going to be better than it was...and that was the point of the surgery. Now I have 9 different scars on that ankle. Pretty rad. Even one of my scars has a scar. And if you ask me, that's hard core.

I went on another investigation in Idaho. As you may recall, my last one was a success. This one...not so much. I ended up in Boise looking for a guy that had hurt his knee a couple years ago. He;s been collecting on the accident ever since. Apparently his physical therapist thinks he is faking it and called the insurance company. That is where we come in.

I'm in Boise staking this place out. I don't want to bore you to death with the details (unless you ask for them) but suffice it to say that despite my best efforts to be incognito, the people in this neighborhood were not having anything to do with me. I had one neighbor call another to inform them I was outside their house. That neighbor who was called, I talked to and explained what was going on, decided she didn't like me there and called her son who came and made a big scene, called the coppers, and basically kicked me out of the neighborhood. That was day one.

Day Two consisted of me staking out this house from a completely different location at 6am when 2 slack jawed hill billies come call the cops (who I had called and informed I was there staking the place out,) opened my car door and yelled at me. I eased their minds and explained the situation. But they called the po-leese, who showed up AT MY STAKE OUT and asked for my ID. Apparently dispatch forgot to pass along the info that I had registered with them. So needless to say, my surveillance was over and I had to make the long drive back to Provo. And let me tell you something; Idaho is a crap state. The cities are all dirty and ugly and there is nothingness everywhere. That drive is the worst.

I hope you've enjoyed my blogging today. Get out there and be somebody!

BIRDS!!!

2010-03-10T19:38:00.002-07:00

So, today there was some strange scratching coming from our dryer exhaust vent. It was a bit curious and a little scary. Come to find out that the silver exhaust tube MOVED. It was a BIRD in our exhaust vent! So my roommates and I, me taking the lead decided to get them out of there. Easier said then done.

First we had to move the dryer away from the wall. Then we had to get a screw driver so I could loosen the vent tube. I get the tube loose and shake it and a bird starts going CRAZY! Flying around the laundry room. So there you have 3 grown men screaming at a bird. I slap at it like its a moth and knock it to the ground. (it was fine. just a love tap really.)

Suddenly, to our surprise there is a bird in one of the bedrooms! Apparently there are 2 BIRDS stuck in there. So this bird in the bed room is acting a fool! Flying into the closet, running into walls, absolutely bonkers. I open the blinds, open the window, pull out the screen and proceed to shew the bird out of the closet. It comes out and heads for safety except it runs into the unopened glass part of the window. Then it breaks free through the open half. Seeing birds run into windows is always funny.

**Quick side story** There was this bird back at the Alamo house that EVERY DAY would come and land on a bush outside the family room window and literally for an hour each day take a 1 foot approach and fly repeatedly in the window. It happened so often that it permanently scratched the window. good times. :)

Our attention turns back to the laundry room where the following link will take you to the video that shows what happened next... BIRDS GONE WILD Enjoy!

Caleb Reeve P.I.

2010-02-12T12:11:00.002-07:00

Last week there was an emergency at my place of business. We were running low on available private investigators and had a case up in Idaho that needed to be done. I told my boss I'd go if he needed me. So I got a call at about 12:15am saying I was being called in for duty.

I initially joined this company, Tinsley Investigative Services, to be a PI back in 2004 but my prior criminal record allowed me to get my license denied. So I stayed on with the company and served legal papers while I finished out school. I then moved to AZ for 3 years and when I got laid off and couldn't find a decent job in AZ, I made the call and joined forces again with Tinsley.

I reapplied for a license because it had been several years since my run ins with the Man, so I figured I would be on the fast track to getting a PI license. But again, the State of Utah found me to be unfit. So I stayed on serving papers and joined up with the TIS sister company Centurion Security.

I hold many positions and titles here for both companies: Fleet manager, Process Service Manager, Mobile Patrol Supervisor, Director of Marketing, and now Private Investigator.

You see, in Idaho there is not statute that requires a person to be a licensed investigator. Now, that is not to say I just got sent up there with a "good luck kid," salute. I have been trained in the ways of investigations. From mobile surveillance to pre-texting, vantage points, pertinent footage capture, and more. So I wasn't being sent in blind.

The long drive to western Idaho isn't one I enjoy but when I got there things started happening. The man I was investigating, I was told, was faking a neck injury possibly. Reportedly a couple bails of hay fell on his head and he broke a couple vertebrae but this man was out playing basketball. I found him at his sister's home. He appeared when a taxi came to pick him up and take him to his doctor's appointment.

I followed him to the appointment, he looked hurt to me, but I am there to get footage and the the insurance company and the courts decide if there is abuse of the system. He used a walker and had the assistance of a friend the whole time. I caught him on tape exiting the medical building and getting into the cab, and then again at his sister's home exiting the cab. All in all I got about 15 minutes of quality footage of him moving around.

It made for a long day because after the 3.5 hour drive to Idaho, 7 hours of surveillance, I still had to drive home and the weather was coming. I had to deal with several areas of heavy snow on lonely highways. But I made good time and good money and closed the case with ease.

I would say it was a successful stake out and operation. I know my boss appreciated my willingness to help. That's how we roll here. This is a fun job.

Greater or Less Than

2010-01-12T15:57:00.002-07:00

At my house growing up we had some sort of machine that helped us learn to do math. It would talk and ask us in a very computer like voice "5 is greater or less than 15?" So as i learned what <> actually meant, although sometimes it is still unclear to me because I always remembered which arrow thing to use by knowing the little on eats the big one. so 1<4>1. See? Its like a little open mouth, hungry for some numbers.

All of this reflection has made me want to use these little signs to determine other things that are greater than other things. Let's Play!

Whopper > Big Mac
Hershey's Syrup < NesQuick
Facebook > MySpace
Right Ankle > Left Ankle
Nike < Adidas
Henry Weinhards > IBC

That's just a start. This makes me want to rank things. Maybe my next post I will rank some food related things according to my preference. Until then, gimme some of yours!

Tiger Woods Ya'll

2009-12-14T14:24:00.002-07:00

I know I know. Its played out and dumb. All I gotta say on the subject is that ALL of these alleged mistresses or whatever they are called knew this guy was married. I don't know how it all played out but SHAME ON THEM for pursuing him or accepting his advances. He isn't the ONLY person to blame. They knew as much as he did.

Dashboard Confessional Concerts

2009-12-14T09:39:00.005-07:00

A couple weeks ago I went to 2 Dashboard Confessional concerts. One was in San Fran. I had to use a Southwest Voucher that I had earned by the end of the week and I didn't really have any thing else I could get to in time. I had planned to use it to go to AZ for a DC concert there but that tour got canceled so I had to change my plans. I flew out there Wednesday evening and my sister Kara picked me up at the airport. WE drove into the city and went to the show. It was a great concert! After that she took me to my dad's place and dropped me off. We left for the airport at 5:30am so I could catch my flight. The trip cost me a grand total of $42. Not too shabby if you ask me.

Two days later I went to my 2nd concert of the week in Salt Lake. It was at the same club I saw them the for the very first time about 7 years ago. Back then I was just a NKOTB and didn't realize what I was getting myself into. This time I went by myself because in several previous attempts I had bought an extra ticket hoping to take someone that I really wanted to go with or at least really wanted to see the band. So this time I went solo so I could just take it in and not have to worry about some other person that didn't want to be there as much as I did.

It was another great show. Chris loves playing in Salt Lake for some reason. I won't complain. I never get sick of seeing them perform. And I take some comfort in knowing that I won't have to pay a couple hundred dollars to see them. I say them. Its a bit of a misnomer. Chris Carrabba started the band on his own back in 2000. He called it Dashboard Confessional so he could expand the band at some point. Now there are 4 solid members but every once in awhile Chris will go on a solo tour (like this one) when it is usually him and John Lefler, the other guitarist. They'll play smaller venues and bust out the acoustics and let us have it.

This round they are doing something a little special. Check out DCBootlegs, someone involved has been recording all the shows and posting them free online to listen to or download. Now you can see what you are missing or at the least, what I am loving.

Maui Wowie!

2009-11-14T21:40:00.007-07:00

So last week I spent a week in Kapalua, Maui with my Dad. Let me say that the accommodations were tremendous. I had a great time with the old man.

Our days consisted of a homemade breakfast on the balcony/patio of our 5th story condo at the Ritz Carlton Resort. I admit that I stole several shampoos, soaps, and lotions. I somehow found the strength and left the robe.
After breakfast we got ready in our respective rooms (this is what mine looked like)

and proceeded to our 9:30am tee time at one of the premier golf courses. The Bay Course
Dad teeing off on the 2nd hole. (You're gonna want to keep your drive right.)

The tee box of the 4th hole.This is me putting on the 4th hole.

This might be the 14th or 16th hole. Over the water, up the hill, and in the hole.

and The Plantation Course. The Mercedes Open is a PGA tour stop in January that opens the golf season.

When we finished our golf, we usually ate a light lunch and sat around the pool sippin on Pina Coladas or other various non-alcoholic blended fruit-centric beverages.

The pool was vast and empty which made it very relaxing. There were pool attendants itching for anything to do so when we showed up we had a barrage of towels laid out for us when we got back from a cooling dip in the water.

On Tuesday and Thursday we were treated to deep tissue massages. This was my first experience with massages and now that I know what I am missing I feel like I have missed out on a big part of life. :)

After our massages we'd get cleaned up and ready for dinner. We ate a various array of restaurants where we ate different local fishes and other fine cuisine.

When the trip was coming to a close I had to drop off my dad at the airport at noon and my flight wasn't until 10:30pm. So I went back and golfed 9 more holes, went to the Lahiana Mall and bought my new favorite piece of clothing; a furry lined zip-up hoodie that says Honalua in furry lettering across the front. Since I was on my own at this point I stopped at Panda Express and found a secluded beach area where I ate, watched the sun set and read a few chapters out of the Book of Mormon.
It was quite an experience. I loved every minute of it and didn't really want to leave that life and come back to Utah where it snowed today...

I must thank my Dad for his generosity in taking me out and pampering me more than I probably deserve. But just FYI, I will happily go again if you need some company.

A Bathroom with a View

2009-11-02T10:23:00.002-07:00

It's a little tough to see out that window but trust me, its nice. Look for more photos as my trip to Maui progresses.

The breakfast of champions...

2009-10-21T18:25:00.000-06:00

...About 3 minutes later.

Ready, Go!

2009-10-21T18:24:00.003-06:00

The breakfast (or in this case dinner) of Champions. And by champions I mean, Caleb.

Nature @ 75mph

2009-10-21T18:24:00.001-06:00

A quick shot in the rearview...because I appreciate nature.

Dusk and Summer

2009-10-05T17:40:00.000-06:00

This song (probably playing or on my playlist) holds a bit of nostalgia for me. I wrote a poem called Down By the Shore because of this song. When I hear it I am taken to several different moments in my life. A concert or two where Chris Carrabba, of Dashboard Confessional, had everyone hold their cell phones in the air to represent the stars that were out when he was writing this song on his rooftop overlooking the ocean in South Florida.

The first and most powerful memory that enters my mind is being at the beach below the Carmel House. It was a moment of bitter sweetness now. While it was one of the best weekends of my life, though too short, now it represents all the things I want and wish I had in my life.

I spent this weekend with the only girl I have ever said "I Love You" to. And I meant it with all my soul when I said it. At this point, I hadn't yet emoted to her that this was the case but I felt it and I knew it was real. I finally had something worth losing. These were good feelings and I cherish them.

Eventually things transpired and our relationship didn't last. But this song, in its beauty, will remind me of that weekend where I spent it with the only girl I have loved. And though it didn't work out I have a hope that there will come a time when I can feel those emotions and hear these words and I won't think of her anymore but of the new love I have found. I know what I am looking for. And I know I am waiting for something new, something that will be more than a weekend. I don't know who she is or where she is but she's, to cop a line from An American Tale, somewhere out there.

Falling to Pieces

2009-09-28T10:35:00.000-06:00

Good day my friends!

I am coming apart at the seams. This past year has been taxing on my poor body. Let me tell you about them.
1. Midcarpal Instability - this ailment that occurs in the wrist happened when I was playing football last October on Conference Weekend. Somehow, something went wrong when I either tackled someone or got tackled by someone. This causes my wrist to pop out of place whenever I put pressure on it. This has ruined my ability to throw a football and anything larger than a softball. The motion causes it to pop. It is painful and chronic. I was in a cast for 6 weeks which resulted in several hundred dollars of useless. It is extremely rare and nearly incurable.

2. Left Ankle - This has been an ongoing condition from my surgery back on 2007. The joint has be deteriorating slowly and the pain increasing. I need to get it scoped. In the meantime, because I can't afford it, I have been paying doctors $50 a pop to get steroid injections into the joint to alleviate the pain for a few weeks at a time. I've had 5 since November.

3. Torn Ligament/Tendon - I think I tore something in my right elbow at the end of June. I had to stop playing 3rd base on my softball team because I couldn't make the throws. I was resigned to playing catcher and opted to not play on an intramural football team because I didn't want the temptation. It is still on the mend.

4. Cellulitis - Some how in June I got cellulitis in my left elbow. Another random occurrence indeed. I think this may have been caused by some old lotion that I used to cure my exceedingly dry elbows. Any how, I ended up at the hospital getting an IV and spending another several hundred dollars. But I was cured.

5. Vertigo - I came down with a random case of Vertigo about 10 days ago. I was consigned to my bed for a long 4 days. I couldn't walk around with out nearly falling over and getting nauseous. I am finally over it 100% thanks to Rick Sampson MD, who provided me with some Meclizine. What ever it is it helped.

The question now is, What's Next? Hopefully someone else causes it so I don't have to pay for it. (like what happened to my car) I do have insurance but with Obama out and about trying to change everything who knows what is going to happen.

Car Status

2009-09-02T18:05:00.003-06:00

Its been too long and I want to catch everyone up with my car.

Here is the story.

I'm minding my business driving north on Timpview Dr in Provo, heading to play some pick up soccer. All of a sudden, the Silver Toyota you see below, who was headed south on the same road, decided to make a left turn right in front of me. No blinker or anything. I see him turn and I react. I am passing 2780 North, where this guy is turning on to and I decide to try to turn right and miss him.

I didn't. Hit hits me on the driver's side doors which tosses me into a car that is stopped at the 2780 stop sign. I smash him on the back door driver's side and come to a stop. The Toyota hit the front end of the Black Honda. So all 3 cars are damaged in 2 places.

There were a ton of witnesses that will attest to the fact that the kid who decided to turn in front of me was at fault and that is what the insurance company decided as well. Luckily no one was hurt in the accident.

So I am still in a rental car because the repair shop is having trouble locating parts and will be for another 10 days probably. I got the quote the other day and damages came to $5,500!

The good news is that all the parts of the car that were damaged from the accident were parts that all had little dings and bruises on it to begin with. So when I get my baby back baby back baby back it will be in better shape than before the accident. I already got my deductible from the other insurance company so I am in good shape.

The only problem is that I miss my car.

2009-08-15T11:11:00.001-06:00

This is the dude that turned in front of me and hit me.

2009-08-15T11:10:00.001-06:00

That's his car. He was stopped @ the stop sign.

2009-08-15T11:09:00.001-06:00

Then I hit a dude...

2009-08-15T11:04:00.001-06:00

Just got hit by a dude...

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me

2009-07-31T10:10:00.005-06:00

This was kinda fun.

RULES:
1. Put your iPod/iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

anything in RED is commentary.

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY....?
What's the Difference - Eminem

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Change of Heart - Cindi Lauper

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
Take a Little Piece of My Heart - Janis Joplin

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Twisted - Kieth Sweat

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Raise Up - Petey Pablo

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Where Da Hood At? - DMX say word son!

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
This is the Way we Ball - Lil Flip

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Every Rose Has its Thorn - Poison HAHAHA yeah right!

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Raining in Baltimore - Counting Crows

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
One More Chance - Notorious BIG

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Seven Nation Army - White Stripes

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
40oz to Freedom - Sublime HA!

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
The Widow's Peak - Dashboard Confessional

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler NO WAY!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Look in my Eyes - Obie Trice

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
The Final Cut - Pink Floyd ooooo creepy, its not true!

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Rub One Out - 2ge+her

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me - Mel Carter

BIG NEWS!

2009-07-17T14:27:00.003-06:00

Caleb Reeve...Governor of Utah? Yes.

My Presidential Site contains the official announcement. You can donate to the Cause!

You can also join my group on Facebook!

Name This Song!

2009-07-13T17:31:00.001-06:00

On the day I left Cape Cod, my sisters somehow got an old song stuck in their heads. All the reminiscing must have spawned the memory somehow. I got a call while in the airport asking if I knew who sang the song. At that moment they all started singing into the phone and I instantly recognized the song. I had heard it many times before. The only problem was no of us could remember what the song was called or the band's name that performed it.

The next day I called Brittany back and talked to her a bit more about the song and did some searching. The only thing I could find in all the lyric search engines, google video, or youtube was this: SWEET JANE ID.

Apparently this person is struggling to figure it out too. So if any of you know who sings it holler at your boy! It may even be worth a prize. :)

Nauset Beach, Orleans MA

2009-07-05T15:02:00.004-06:00

Eden, my niece

2009-07-05T15:02:00.003-06:00

Providence Rhode Island

2009-07-05T15:01:00.002-06:00

Clouds!

2009-07-05T15:00:00.001-06:00

Just thought it was cool looking.

RSL Sunset

2009-06-27T21:27:00.001-06:00

End of the Real Salt lake game winning 3-0.

I've Been Tagged!

2009-06-26T14:06:00.003-06:00

What is your current obsession?
Dashboard Confessional. Love their music. And TMZ. That show cracks me up, I wanna work there.

What do you hate that most everyone else seems to love?
Artichokes and mushrooms

What are you wearing today?
White and blue stripped polo, some cargo khakis and flippy floppies

What’s for dinner?
Shoot...leftover pizza maybe?

What would you eat for your last meal?
Just ate the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza from CPK. Tasty.

What’s the last thing you bought?
Besides lunch? A soldering iron to fix my sub-woofer.

What are you listening to right now?
My Blog Playlist...so probably the same thing you are listening to right now. Enjoy it. Play it at work. I love it and so should you!

What do you think of the person who tagged you?
I love her and I'm wicked stoked to see Brittany in less than a week and the little tiny twinners.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
Lake Como Italy. It might be the prettiest place I have ever seen. Casino Royale, when Bond is recovering, and its where Anakin Skywalker takes Whatsherface to in the Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Somewhere with sweet rollercoasters, that place in Ohio. Or Fenway Park if the Red Sox are playing.

What is one of your hobbies?
Softball.

What’s your favourite quote?
I will know what you are if you tell me what you think about when you don't have to think.

What is your favourite colour?
Blues and greens

What is your favourite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
An Adidas long sleeve hoodie. But its t-shirt thick not heavy.

What is your dream job?
Marketing Consultant

Describe your personal style?
Casual comfort...White t-shirts and pants.

What’s your favourite tree?
That would be those of the deciduous variety. Leafy, green, blooming, changing colors.

What are you going to do after this?
Might get my golf on.

What’s your favourite fruit?
could be a strawberry.

What inspires you?
people's expectations of me.

Who was the last person you kissed?
Heidi, it was on the cheek. Its my new thing. I kiss girls on the cheek. Very Euro.

Go to your bookshelf, take down the first book with a red spine you see, turn to page 26 and type out the first line:
I'm not in a room with a bookshelf.

What delighted you the most today?
Its only 230. Lunch was good.

By what criteria do you judge a person?
Time...think about it. ;)

Michael Jackson - The King of Pop

2009-06-25T22:16:00.000-06:00

Not only the best selling album of all time but one of the best record sleeves of all time. White suit, baby tiger on your knee...epic. You may have been crazy but you made some great music. Some of favorites include: Dirty Diana, Give In To Me, Man in the Mirror, and Billie Jean. RIP. I'll pray for your kids.

Brief Update

2009-06-22T13:26:00.004-06:00

You can follow me on twitter now if you'd like. www.twitter.com/calebreeve or click on the link to the right. It updates to the blog here as well.

I was thinking about it the other day how well these different social utilities are all connected. From my cell phone I can update my twitter, which then will post to my blog and my facebook, updating the status. I can send pictures that I take with my phone to my blog or to facebook with a couple clicks of some buttons. I find it fascinating and maybe a bit of overkill. But hey, apparently people want to know about it.

My Elbow - The final verdict was that I had Cellulitis I got the first bill from the hospital which, if they don't help me out a bit, will set me back about $500. Hopefully I can get a break like last time. My bank account is starving for an influx of cash money. I have a feeling mine isn't the only one out there.

I had a birthday this last week. I turned 30. Hard to believe really. I don't feel older or any different but 30 just sounds older. I had a good birthday. A couple of my friends bought my meals, I had a grip of people over to eat cake and ice cream. Thanks to everyone for your messages and calls. I appreciated them.

Another view - I.V. included

2009-06-05T23:20:00.000-06:00

Taking pictures of your elbow is hard!

At the E.R. - elbow itis

2009-06-05T23:19:00.001-06:00

So, I'm at the hospital with an I.V. in my arm and a steady flow of antibiotics flowing into my bloodstream.

Elbow - ITIS

2009-06-04T13:30:00.002-06:00

What in the world is wrong with my elbow? It hurts. But without insurance, I guess I hope it just goes away...

Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video Translation

2009-06-02T13:24:00.003-06:00

This video is epic. I'd explain it but you'll get it after a few seconds. You might cry from laughing so hard. It has been known to happen.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Mas Peliculas

2009-05-30T17:49:00.002-06:00

I've been to a couple more movies that I thought I would post on.

Terminator Salvation - Its your run of the mill action flick. It was a little confusing because I am not UBER familiar with all the other Terminator movies. I've seen them but don't recall a whole lot from them. No problems with it really. It was entertaining. I pretty much got what I expected.

UP - I didn't see it in 3D but I don't think that took away from it at all. (plus it saved me a few bucks) Pixar put out another great movie. Its hard to complain about this one at all. Its got some cute parts, some funny parts, and the humor and wit you are used to with this thread of films. I really enjoyed it and I went on a Saturday afternoon which means I got to enjoy it with all the littles in the theater as well. Its fun to hear them talk and see what they laugh at. I'd say go see this one.

The Roadkill Remains the Same

2009-05-27T17:04:00.001-06:00

Sadly, when I went back this is all that was left. What was I thinking to not take a picture? 'And the vision that was planted in my brain still remains...' I've stopped a couple of times today and had that picture pops into my head and all I can do is chuckle in disbelief and awe. What disturbs me the most is: At what point did this deer put on a t-shirt? Who does that? These people are among us.

Update: I was pretty tired this morning. I decided to stop by the Emissions shop close to where the accident occurred. I spoke to a Latin fellow and asked him if he saw the deer. He said he did. Then I asked him if it had a t-shirt on and he said it did. We both laughed a little and then I took off.

Rudolph, the Red Shirt Roadkill

2009-05-27T10:15:00.003-06:00

This morning while I was driving home and about a 3/4 of a mile from my house, on State Street, I saw one of the strangest things I have ever seen; a dead deer on the side of the road...wearing a red t-shirt. Not like draped over it but like you see when someone puts a sweater on a dog in the winter. It literally had its front legs in the sleeves, head through the hole. I drove past a good 200 yards and stopped. I threw it in reverse and backed up to get a better look. I was pretty tired and didn't know if I was hallucinating. Indeed, a dead deer wearing a red t-shirt. I wonder if it is still there. If it is, I'll take a picture and maybe post it if 'The People' (that's you) desire it.

American Idol Recap

2009-05-21T09:54:00.000-06:00

I thought it was going to be Adam, Danny, and Alicia as the final 3. Kris came out of nowhere. I thought Adam was a better performer and had a better overall season, Kris had a better last 2 weeks. (you know Americans with our short attention spans)

I may be reading too far into the results but there is also a dynamic I am interested in. Rumors abound that Adam is gay. Kris is married. I wonder if America voted partially based on that. I know some people who voiced that it was an issue. And if people didn't vote for Adam because of the rumors or voted for Kris because they didn't want Adam to win because of those rumors is interesting. I'll just leave it at that. You can try and figure out what that means.

I didn't vote during the finale. Personally, I think Adam should have won and I was surprised when he didn't.

What I did get out of the finale is that Kara DioGuardi is just as hot as I initially thought. She's a bit egotistical but I find that sexy...along with her smokey eyes and pink lipstick and homegirl can SING! I only rewound the DVR once to see her in her black bikini. She's way hotter than the AI Bikini Girl. Its not even a contest.

Movie Madness

2009-05-15T18:03:00.002-06:00

Its blockbuster movie season and I've been doing my part to keep abreast on the latest and greatest. Now, I should let you know that I am pretty easy when it comes to movies. I have learned to not expect too much. This means I am rarely let down.

So let me give you a break down of the movies I have seen and how they rank.

The Soloist - not too bad. It was a little slow in parts but what else can you expect from a movie about a homeless guy that plays the cello. If you are steering away from action packed adventures its not a bad choice.

Wolverine - I heard a lot of people complain about this movie and say they didn't like it. My question to them is, What were you expecting? You have no doubt seen the other X-men movies, was this so much a departure? I think not. It was a good movie. I can't complain. I don't feel like I got ripped off by any means.

Star Trek - Of the movies I've seen in the past month, this one has been the best. I like that you have to think a little and put it together. Plus, it had plenty of good action. I think they did a good job of staying true to the roots of what Star Trek is at heart while still keeping things current and interesting.

Angels and Demons - This one was better than The Da Vinci Code...probably not hard to do. I wasn't a big fan of the that one. I didn't even bother to see it in the theater. I think they did a better job on the storyline and it had a good flow to it. I liked it.

To sum it all up I'd say that all of these movies are worth seeing but I'd say you could wait for all of them to come out on DVD and watch them in the comforts of your own home, with the exception of Star Trek. I think it is theater worthy.

I am bound to see more movies during the big show season but mostly I'm excited for Tansformers 2. I liked the first one, maybe my most favorite movie. I was fully entertained. Talk all you want about the lack of a plot but I left the theater and the only thing that could vocalize what I was feeling was: Entertainment Orgasm. I think I coined that phrase. Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed. I saw it at least 2 more times on the big screen.

Heaven Here by Dashboard Confessional

2009-05-02T09:38:00.004-06:00

This song has nothing to do with my current situation. Its not in reference to the weather we've been having here in Utah. The seasons keep fighting with each other to see who's turn it is and a winner has yet to be determined.

Is it possible for a song to REMIND you of an event that hasn't happened? Isn't that a paradox? I can't be reminded of a future memory. So let me try and put it another way. This song, to me, represents how I hope to feel. I want this song played at my wedding reception. It seems so appropriate for that situation.

The lyrics are so hopeful. I can imagine feeling this way on my wedding day, being at the reception and for some reason this song encapsulates the events and feelings that should be taking place. "We are the only ones who feel it." Its all about me and my sweetheart.

Maybe it can mean something for you too. Enjoy.

2009-04-05T14:19:00.000-06:00

I made some ribs and they were great! Now I got that ITIS.

Tweet Tweet

2009-03-28T17:28:00.002-06:00

So I just signed up for Twitter. I know its been around for acouple of year and usually I am an early adopter but never really had a reason to sign up. I still don't really have a reason to sign up but I did. So if you are into Twitter and want to follow me then look me up. www.twitter.com/calebreeve .

St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T16:10:00.000-06:00

I'm Irish a little bit and this video is AWESOME! You'll crack up.

Leprechaun Video

My Favorite parts:
1) This was passed down from thousands of years ago from my great great Grandfather, who was Irish.
2) The Amateur Sketch

Leprechaun Remix Video - an amazing musical remix

So to show my appreciation to such a master piece, I decided to make a shirt that was a tribute to such a fantastic story.

lOOk Both Ways!

2009-03-12T22:20:00.002-06:00

Let me put it to you plain and simple; you're taught to look both ways before you cross the street for a reason.

In the past week I have seen 3, yes, 3 people hit by cars. Maybe its Provo...I don't know. Each time I laughed and felt fortunate that I was able to witness such an event. No one died...I'm not that inconsiderate.

The first incident, a couple in there mid-twenties was crossing the street at night. The girl dropped her keys in the middle of the crosswalk and went back to get them. The couple then scurried towards the sidewalk. Of the 2 southbound lanes on University Avenue, the car in the middle lane had stopped. So the Peds decided to keep moving towards the curb. They failed to notice the car in the other lane somehow and literally ran right in front of the car. This car's view was blocked by the stopped car which would signal to me to slow down but not this guy. BAM! Car hit boy, boy flew into girl, guy does a flip and smashes in the ground. I, heading north, roll down my window and scream, "OH SNAP!" It wasn't a scared yell but a, 'that was your own fault,' kind of shout. I stopped and the guy that got hit used my coat as a pillow while the nedics came. Both were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The 2nd incident happened today. Same road, about a mile north. Cars were backed up about 20 deep at a stop light. (2 northbound, 2 southbound, and a middle turn lane.) Some Coug Pedestrian student decides to walk between the stopped cars about 100 yards north of the crosswalk. As he weaves his way through the 2 lanes of stopped traffic, Homeboy gets to the turning lane and as if he owns the road, steps right in front of a Jeep Cherokee making its way in the turn lane to the intersection. DUMB. He deserved to get hit in my book. What kind of moron walks into a BUSY street like that and doesn't peek to see if there MIGHT be someone else coming. I didn't stick around to see the damage but I heard the sirens. I didn't see him lying on the ground as I drove past the scene so I figure that was a good sign.

I got hit by a car once. It was totally my fault. I was more than negligent. Summer vacation was coming to a close before my 7th grade year, and I, with my friend, decided to go fishing. I grabbed my little sister's pink bike and rode down the hill to invite another friend. There is a stop sign at the bottom of our street which I blew through. I had done it before, only this time, a car was coming. SMACK! I got hit. All I see is blue. Blue car, blue sky...then the pavement. I got hit hard. I was literally pulling chunks of hair out of my head (which was sore for days after because of that.) The adrenaline was pooring through and as shock set in all I could think of was how mad Krista was going to be that her bike was ruined. Forget the fact that I had just been nailed by a Mazda, her bike, not my ankle, head or hip. The poor guy that hit me, I feel bad for the trauma I caused him. I ended up in the hospital with a bruise from where the bumper hit me that started on one side of my ankle and showed up on the other. I also I had a disgustingly colored bruise on my butt/thigh that had all the colors of a drunken rainbow...like someone painting with watercolor just mixed all the colors together on the canvass as they painted.

Since then I have paid a little more attention to crossing the street to say the least. I look several times in each direction as I cross. My advise is to do the same. The last thing you need is some jerk laughing at you because you walked right in front of a moving vehicle.

Thank you, Good Day.

My Playlist Rules

2009-03-03T23:18:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I just turn it on and listen to it because I love it so much. Give it a shot. I just threw some new jams on there that you may enjoy.

February!

2009-03-03T22:51:00.004-07:00

What a month. February started off pretty slow. I didn't have a Valentine but that really isn't anything out of the ordinary. I don't even remember anything that happened really until I found my roommate dead in his room on President's Day. It's true. My friend and roommate Christian Seamons passed away and I happened to be the guy that found him. There isn't a lot of information about the exact cause of death but it looked to have happened peacefully. Then the month ended with a Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer concert, which to say the least RULED!

Highs and lows my friends, ebb and flow, good with the bad.

I received a lot of consoling and concern from friends and family. For that, I am very appreciative. You need not worry though, I am doing well. My sanity, ego, superego, id, and whatever else could be harmed is fine. I am a resilient fellow.

So let's see what happens in March!

HAMMER TIME!!!!!

2009-02-28T02:36:00.003-07:00

Holy Crap. Sometimes the heavens align and great things happen...to me. And when it does, let me tell you something, IT IS AWESOME! The night starts off like, oh I'm gonna go to a concert with Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer. Cool right?

Next thing I know I'm on stage freaking with the Hammer Girls, Vanilla and Hammer are right in front of me as the documentary cameras get a full view of me. Then I follow Hammer off stage and this happens.

Stuff like this just happens to me...

New Old Poems

2009-02-16T10:53:00.002-07:00

I found these old guys laying around so I touched them up and published the to my Poet of Sorts blog.

Reasons
Speed Waiting
tears and crying
Vows to a Queen

Burton AM Snowboard Competition

2009-02-13T23:02:00.004-07:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to head judge at the Burton AM snowboard Competition at the Park City Mountain Resort. The head judge oversees the other 3 judges and makes sure they are accurate and consistent in their scoring. I also hold the riders meeting at the beginning to tell the contestants what we ,as judges, are looking for. We got some tasty sack lunches and an endless supply of AMP Energy Drinks. It was a lot of fun.

Saturday was the slopesytle and Sunday the halfpipe. I found this picture on the Snowboarder Magazine website. Some filthy, nasty tricks were thrown down. The winner being a sick corked out rodeo 720. Big, clean, stylie, just what I told the riders I wanted to see. The halfpipe winner had back to back 900's and finished with a huge 1080. Nice. I must say, its easy money. There I am on the left with the red bean on.

Getting New Tires

2009-01-29T09:17:00.003-07:00

I thought it was only proper to send a shout out to the Discount Tire here in Provo. If you are local to the ProvOrem area and you need tires go there and tell them I sent you. He may not give you a discount or anything but they should at least take care of you. I feel it my personal obligation to do so.

Manager Joe Snyder, 801-343-3518 972 S University Ave Provo UT 84601

Here is a shorter (kinda), blog friendly version. I had some tires that were wearing out improperly because of an alignment issue. Discount wouldn't rotate my tires properly because it would have involved taking the tires off the wheels and apparently that is too much work to do for free. Both Discount Tires locally turned me down and insisted on charging me.

I wasn't going to be charged for a service they offer for free for people with normal tires (mine are directional). So I decided to send an email in complaining to Corporate. I basically said in the email that I had been a satisfied customer for the past few years and that I had bought several sets of tires from them over that time but now I was really turned off at this point. I said that depending on how they handled the situation they would either keep a customer or lose a customer. I got a call at 8:30 the next morning from the Provo store. The manager asked me to come in and work this out.

Now, my car has all wheel drive and I can't just throw 1 tire on there. If 1 tire goes bad than I have to buy 4 new tires. Needless to say the economy isn't treating me right and my wallet is tight. After talking with the manager he suggested I get new tires and because it was a safety issue he would work with me on the price. I'm no cheap skate and I don't look for handouts. i told him that I would pay the full amount but if I could do it over 4 months then I could pay for it. So we agreed on that deal. One tire a month until the balance was paid. No interest, no extra fees, nothing.

He really worked with me to get a new set of tires and needless to say was again satisfied and happy with the service I got. In these tough times it is good to see that there are companies and people that understand that and are willing to work it out. Sure it took a little complaining but sometimes it takes those moments of friction and indecision to really determine how a relationship is going to turn out.

I'm happy, not totally broke, and have a safe set of tires. Thank you Discount Tire of Provo.

Me Being Vulnerable

2009-01-19T22:38:00.002-07:00

This may make my sisters cry and for that I apologize. But I get on their blogs and read the stories of their children and see the little pictures of them and I long to have those joys and those challenges and those stories of my own. I don't know if it is jealousy or self pity or what it is I feel when I get on those blogs but it makes me cry. It reminds me of how alone I am. Finding someone only gets harder as I creep towards being a single thirty something. I'm sure it will happen one of these days, "in the own due time of the Lord," but really I just wish it was sooner than later.

Parasites: the wave of the future.

2009-01-16T11:00:00.003-07:00

Other than the lack of notable events happening in my life, which has caused the barrenness, the dearth of blog, things are going pretty alright. I got my cast off and so far my 'instability' hasn't yet lived up to its name which i a really good sign. I am taking it easy though.

I also just finished a short blog on my presidential site about taxes.

I spent Christmas in California. Mostly lounging around, watching movies, eating...the normal holiday stuff. I couldn't do too much else because my cast wouldn't allow me to participate in such activities as golf, croquette, swimming, tying anything; it was very frustrating. But now it doesn't take me 5 minutes to button my shirt. That in and of itself makes me happy.

I have this idea. Tell me what you think. You take a pill that has a parasite in it. It eats most of the food you eat. You lose weight and when you have lost the weight you wanted to you take the second pill that kills that parasite. Awesome right? Parasites are all natural. Its got to better for you AND more effective than all of the crazy drugs that are out. It has to be better than a red pepper, honey and salt water cleanse...right?

the last 3 days

2008-12-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

My new license plates came today and I quickly mounted them on my car.

I got this cast on yesterday. only cost me $160! 6 weeks...6 weeks! I have midcarpal instability. the doc doesn't even know if this will help...just hoping. it is also the reason i am writing with little capitalization...

this is my graham cracker house, I made it at FHE on Monday. It won the best construction award. Yay for me!

My Trip to Arizona (abbreviated)

2008-12-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

I spent a wonderful 9 days visiting friends and family. I saw Twilight with my sisters Krista, Brooke, and Kara. Brittany, being large with child(ren), couldn’t make the trip. We love you Britt and pray for you baby! We went to sushi afterwords and discussed what we liked and didn’t like. That’s not a blog I am going to write.

I babysat Krista’s little boys. Let me tell you, they are more than a handful; cute, loving and energy-sucking. You may know him as DR, Dan, pops, papa, grandpa, or just plain old Dad to me, came into town and celebrated Thanksgiving with us too.

I went to my doctor for a check up on my ankle. He said that one day I will need an ankle replacement, a day I dread. He gave me a steroid to help with the chronic pain. In that shot were some localized pain killers, Lidocane and some other 'cane'. It numbed my foot and for 2 hours I was pain free and it almost made me cry I was so happy. I wish it lasted.

I saw old friends and it made me want to live there again. I found myself driving the streets and thinking to myself, ‘I could live here again.’ Gavin got engaged too!

My phone charger broke the last day of vacation in Arizona. So instead of buying a new charger I decided to buy a new phone. I went with the new T-Mobile G1. It runs off a new Google operating system called Android. It is similar to the iPhone in that you can download applications to your phone and use them.

I got a couple of games, one of which is called, Zombies, Run! You plug in your destination address and as you drive you have to avoid the Zombies that are chasing you. It’s basically a real life Pac-Man trying to avoid the ghosts. I haven’t tried it yet but it sounds like fun. I also got one called scriptures which, when it gets working right, will allow me to access the Bible, Book of Mormon and the rest of them.

I really enjoyed the time off. I golfed, slept, watched Madagascar 2 (which made me cry I laughed so hard,) ate plenty, and spent quality time with friends and family. I can't complain.

Here are some fun websites:
Whiskey Militia
Woot
Busted Tees
Japanese Bug Fights