214 Cans

It started with me pushing Callie in the stroller, Emerson driving his Jeep (which we used for can haulin) and Savannah going door to door around the block asking neighbors for canned goods for her school's food drive. That lead to her calling family and asking for more canned goods. Which lead to Savannah, Emerson and me setting up a table outside of Smith's grocery store last Thursday night and asking strangers for canned goods or cash donations.

Here's how she made out:

Neighbors: about 45 cans
Family: about 60 cans (38 from Mike)
Grocery store: about 45 cans
Grocery store cash: $38.50 which turned into about 65 cans

On Friday, I took Savannah into school and we grabbed a flatbed cart and loaded it with all the cans she had collected. The cart was overflowing with cans. As we rolled it into her class all of her classmates stood and began cheering, clapping and a few even ran up to hug her. They told her how "awesome" she was and how 214 cans "rocks". She explained to the class how she was able to collect so many. Even a few of the older students saw her cart filled with cans and were giving her high-fives and telling her how "awesome" it was. The neighboring class came out into the hallway to see the cart of cans. I could tell she was proud of her work.

Today, we found out her class donated more cans than any other class in the school. We think Savannah personally brought in more cans than two entire grades. Her teacher is throwing them a pizza and root beer party which they're all very excited about.

We've heard a few friends tell us they've heard about Savannah's 214 cans. Her little story has gotten out. It's been a fun experience for her and for her to see how helping others can bring some personal satisfaction.

My redneck past is nipping at my heels

It's been over 10 years since we first saw Ben Folds live. There were about 75 people at that first show at the Salt Lake Bar & Grill and after the show us North Carolinians, along with the few Idahoans, were able to play "chopsticks" and hang together. Even later that night we were able to buy Ben + company dinner at Denny's in downtown SLC. Since then, we've seen him live quite a few times and had some very cool experiences.

Last week's show was great. Summer, Micah, Christopher, Kerstin, me and Aimee all headed out to Saltair to see Ben Folds and Ben Lee. A solid 1 hr 45 min set that ended with his typical high-energy slamming of the piano stool on the Baldwin grand. He played everything from "Underground" to "Army" to a few new songs on his upcoming album (and thankfully didn't play "Brick").

Great show. Good times.

2 Are Lost, 2 Are Found

3 Hours North, 3 Months Away

With a favorite Spoon song playing and a decent breeze in my face, I took a jog two days ago on the beaches of Hilton Head. As I was kicking up sand, I withdrew my thoughts to Ocean Isle beach, just 3 hours north. The sand felt the same, the beaches smelled the same, the only difference was that I was not cleaning wet sand out of a diaper or rubbing my own thighs down because of chafing. We've had a bit of a hiatus and we are excited about returning this July to its beaches. 

He's not my wife but definitely looks hot in a bikini, here's me and friend/colleague/work partner, Mark on the beach.

Along with the jog, I was also able to go to a PGA tour event (which our client was sponsoring) and see a few marquee players; Davis Love III and Jim Furyk are below. Furyk would drain his putt for a birdie on that final hole of the day.

April Fools' Day

In years past, Brian has pulled some pretty good pranks on me.  The all time worse one happened about 5 years.  I got in my car to go to work and found the best little blue box sitting on my console.  I was stunned as I opened the Tiffany's box to find a diamond anniversary band  along with a sweet note.  I was pretty shocked but very excited to say the least.  I called Brian immediately to thank him and told him that I couldn't believe it.  I showed some friends at work and was in awe every time I looked down and saw my beautiful new ring.  Well, my excitement all came crashing down when Brian called me a few hours later to wish me a Happy April Fools' Day.  He let me know that the Tiffany's box was real but the ring was purchased for a bargain price of $15.99.  I was livid. He said he was actually not going to tell me until later that night but his guilty conscience got the best of him.  He had told some girls at work about it and they let him have it.  They told him it wasn't even funny and was just plain cruel.  You just don't mess around with a girl and a Tiffany's box.  To this day, it still gets me riled up.

Well, this year someone really got Brian good.  I wish it had been me that played the joke because it was a really good one.  Brian called to say he had received numerous calls today about a Wii for sale.  Come to find out someone had posted an ad on Craigs List.  This is what it said:

Wii for sale - $75 new, in box.

Just got a Wii as a gift and I already own one. The Wii is new and still in the original packaging. 

Please contact Brian at xxx-xxx-xxxx; call or text.  If I don't answer, please leave a message and keep calling.

I thought this was hilarious and a really clever joke.  Way to go, whoever was the mastermind behind this beautiful stunt.