So my life has gotten back to normal. I was out of town 7 weeks this summer on trips with family, friends and the youth group. I’m glad that things are starting to get back to normal. Actually hung out with a friend today and played basketball. I love my summer and this one was great because I was with my family for so much of it but I like the fall too. I’m looking forward to getting on a regular workout, study and friend schedule. My posts will probably be as exciting as white bread.

Today marks the begining of my 2nd year at George Fox University working on a doctorate program. I’m excited to be back at it. One thing I love is interacting with the other 17 members of the program. One of my cohort members is heading to the Burning Man festival this week to do research about culture. Love it.

Lately I’ve been doing a lot of looking around on Craigslist which is basically a local online auction site similar to Ebay without the centralized control.  I know quite a bit about computers and specifically about Apple Computers.  I was able to find a few deals recently that have been of the "almost to good to be true" variety.   I’ve bought a few things and been very lucky to find buyers of those things.  I’m sort of the middle man who recognizes the value in something and helps move those items from people who either don’t see the value or don’t know how to sell.

So to make a long story short over my morning coffee I found a computer that was a great deal and was able to buy and sell it all in the same day and make enough money to buy the kayak that I wanted.

The great thing about it was that everyone involved was happy with their deal.  The person selling the computer just wanted the space, the person buying it got a good deal and the person I bought the kayak from was happy with what I offered him.

The score: Yesterday $50 ahead and a new kayak in the garage.  Not too bad.

Tonight we went and saw Toad the Wet Sprocket play at Humphries by the Bay in San Diego. Our friends Matt and Tammy saw Toad play with us 11 years ago in Orange County. Tonight was sort of bitter sweet. We got there early but hadn’t eaten so went to eat thinking Toad was playing second. Well they weren’t. We got back from dinner and only got to hear 7 songs. Fortunately they were a good 7. Funny though that most people sat down during the show and their wasn’t much energy even from the stage. My generation is interesting to watch. Guaranteed there were few people there under the age of 30. Most people were trying to hold onto the good old days. We have nicer close, less hair, more money and bigger waists than 10 years ago but we’re still pretty much the same.

Ok here’s an admission.  Years ago I got addicted to something that I’m not really proud of.  I blame my sisters for starting it and my good friend James for helping the problem grow.  Today I got up at 6 and got an e-mail from Amazon letting me know that my problem was going to get bigger.  They just realeased season 1.  Figure 10 seasons X $35 and I’m going to be out a lot of money.

Just in case someone wants to buy it for me you can find it on Amazon.com

We just got back from a week of camp at Forest Home today. Probably the best experience we’ve ever had as a family. Very challenging, affirming and connecting. I’ll post more tomorrow.

So this week we are at Forest Home. Having a great time with my family and the youth group. We actually get a baby sitter each night so we can hang out. It’s amazing.

If I was a rockstar people would make funny videos singing my songs. Then I would get my friends together and watch the videos and laugh. I don’t think I would take myself to seriously either.

Last night my wife’s grandmother passed away. It was expected as she had been on life support for two weeks. There is no way to preapare for death though. Even though we knew it was coming it still hits hard. Fortunately everyone had a long time to say goodbye.