Art show

So I dabble in oil pastels and do some art when I can. A couple of weeks ago I had a chance to show my art at a little show that my friends girl was putting on. It was pretty fun being able to show it off. Not a lot of people stopped by due to a few factors from location to holiday shopping season, regardless it gave me a chance to frame the majority of my stuff and have a few people look at it and we may try again at a better time and better place. Here are couple of pics of the show and venue, my stuff is the framed art.

Hair today gone tommorow

So here is the fro, the straight hair and the buzz.

Guitar Hero II

So here are a couple new pics of my guitar in making. My father in law has kept it going. I'm loving the way it is turning out and I can't wait till it is done and I can have with me and I get to play it. Sorry bout not posting in a long long time but I've been busy and my internet down for a couple of weeks.

Daydreaming

So this is our overweight beagle Ima propped up on our couch wishing she was running loose. You ever wonder what you pet is thinking? Well I know that this dog is dreaming of knocking over trash cans and eating whatever she can.

Guitar Hero

So I am building my own guitar, with lots of help from my father in law (who is making his 33 guitar at the moment) of course. It is so cool to be able to design and create your own instrument. To pick out your own wood and make the inlays and shapes that will make you instrument and one of a kind. In the first pic you can see my handy work on the neck of my guitar the top chunk of wood is what I started with and the middle is the final neck shape with my fretboard below it. The inlays on the tuning head where all done by hand and the inlay is done in blood wood (click on pic to see inlay up close). In the next picture you can see the front and sides of my guitar the top is spruce and I can't remember what the sides and back are but I know it's cool looking wood. Now my in laws live in Nashville so I have only been able to work on it when I am out there visiting, so I have asked my father in law to keep me up to speed with the guitar his is making, I would love to have it by next summer. It has been a great experience learning more about the guitar by seeing how they are made on an intimate level.

Customer Service?

So one of my pet peeves is the decline and absence to customer service. It seems now a days you go somewhere and give them your business and they treat you as if you are the one serving them. No one is friendly no more everyone seems to hate their job and they let you know that they don't care whether your there or not. I don't want to be treated like a king or even have a conversation, I just want a smile or an acknowledgement that I am there. This Sunday though I found some customer service in an unlikely place, Taco Bell. I was shocked to hear a friendly voice over the drive through speaker asking how I was doing, now that's no to big of a deal, I've heard it before. What surprised me was that the guy continued to be downright nice. I drove up to the window and the young gentleman continued to be nice and even wished me a happy fathers day, and gave us tons of napkins and hot sauce which I usually have to beg for more of. The encounter with the good customer service had me so surprised I couldn't stop talking about it for about twenty minutes. Maybe just maybe this is the return of customer service (yeah right), well at least at that one Taco Bell when that young man is working.

Sabbath Thought

The read: 2 Kings 4:1-7

The thought: Gods limit to his blessings is our capacity to recieve.

Pirates of the Caribbean

So this past Sunday we had our last school banquet, which was themed Pirates. Here you can see pirate dad with his little sailor girl. It was a nice banquet and it was fun to dress up. The food was good so I thought till a Tuesday when both me and Alana and a bunch of the students go a sick with stomach stuff, I don't wanna say it was food poisoning so I guess I won't say anything at all. Just thought you might want to see this blogspot exclusive pic of us pirating.

Belated Happy Mother's Day

My computer at home has officially crashed so I wasn't able to blog for a while. I just wanted to wish the two most important mothers in my life a belated happy Mother's Day (on the blog, I did wish it to them personally on Sunday). First my Mom for being a wonderful mother putting up with three boys and not loosing her mind. Second my wife for being a wonderful mother to our daughter while still putting up with me often acting like a little child. Honorable mention to my wife's mother who raised a great daughter and mother.

Congratulations!!

Just want to wish my brother and his wife congratulations for the birth of their first child a baby boy named Camden Tehler Montes. He was born this past Sunday and now Kaiya has a new cousin and I have a new nephew. For those interested in seeing the young fellow just follow this link http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s157/josefermontes/ to see the handsome little guy. Its about time seeing as my brother is 7 years older than me, but I know he is going to be a great father because he was a great brother. Way to go Montes family.

Bangkok

So here is the view from the hotel we stayed at in Bangkok. It was a beautiful view overlooking part of the city. The hotel was $80 dollars a night and it was a suite with a kitchen living space a bedroom and a bathroom with a spacious tub. The suite was very roomy and we had lots of room to spread out and relax. We would never stay in a place this nice anywhere else so we decided to take advantage of being able to. We had a nice time in bangkok despite Kaiya being a little under the weather causing us to loose a little time to site see but at least the room was nice so staying in wasn't bad. We had fun at the night market bargining for better prices and seeing all the neat local wares. The public transportation is cheap and very easy to use so getting around the city is usually pain free, even the taxis are reasonable usually running only a couple of bucks to get were you need to go.

My sweet ride

So here we are taking a family elephant ride through a Thai jungle. We went to this place were we saw a small monkey show and rode an elephant for half an hour.

Back from the east

So were back from Thailand, we got in last night after some 18 hours of travel. Man we felt like zombies yesterday, I'm feeling better today I slept ok last night especially after four in the morning. Pictured is Kaiya sleeping on our first leg from Thailand to Taiwan in a baby bassenet, we were lucky enough to have an open seat on the second leg so she slept in her car seat. Well stay tuned I got a few more pictures of the trip coming.

View from restraunt

Scootering some more

So here is Alana and I scooting along some back roads in Phuket(don't worry Alana's taking the picture especially after my first driving experience). Notice the wind blowing my hair back accentuating my huge forehead reflecting the suns rays like the moon.

Scootering

So here I am on a scooter we rented for a day it was lots of fun driving it around Phuket. But I did crash on it, don't worry my body is ok but not my pride, for you see I crashed it in the parking lot as soon as I got on it for the first time. I had only driven one scooter before this on and it was 50 cc bike that was actually running on 20 cc because it was so old. So I got on this one confident that I knew how to drive it no problem. I got on gave it some gas not realizing the difference between about 20 cc of power as compared to 125 cc of power, the bike started going with me not being ready for it to be going, so I pressed the the brakes but at the same time I was still giving it gas at the same time so it kept going right into the wooden fence in front of me knocking a couple of boards off and knocking me down along with my pride as everyone in the front of the hotel watched me tumble including my in-laws. After that every time I drove by the taxi stand in front of the hotel they would hoot and holler at me as to say "yeah your still alive way to go!"

View from boat

So this is the island we went to. A beautiful beach with some nice snorkeling and very little people to compete with. It was a worthwhile expedition with a wonderful payoff.

Long boating

So we took an a snorkeling excursion were we had to take a long boat to another island of Phuket. You can see we had to take a small hike out to the boat the man ahead of Alana is our boat driver. The ride was a beautiful one hour relaxing trip to the other island.

Local food

So the Thai food is yummy if you don't get anything too hot. Here I am having a coconut milk shake right out of a real life coconut. You better be an adventurous eater you never know what you might get.

On to Phuket

So here we are boarding the plain to Phuket. We took a bus from the terminal to the plain way out on the tarmak.

They love the light kids

So the Thai and other locals are really enthraled with Kiaya they love to make faces and reach out to her. Here she is with the owner of an Indian restraunt we ate at.

Waterfall restraunt

So this is a view from a roadside restraunt we ate at.

Walking around

So here were taking a walk around the Mission College campus. The first pic is Kaiya being pushed around by here cousin. The other is us posing in front to some pretty plants on our walk.

Arrival in Thai airport

Playing in Taiwan airport

So here is k

Trip continued

So we were lucky enough to have an empty seat next to us on both flights so Kaiya had her own seat and was able to sleep. She was a great traveler, no crying.

Thailand trip

So here is Kaiya and I waiting to board the plane for the 18 hours worth of flying.

Traveling across the planet

So were in Thailand for the next several days visiting my wifes sister and doing some site seeing. We've been here a couple of days and were slowly getting adjusted to the time difference, I'm almost there the baby and wife are a little behind. I hope to be posting some pics throughout the week of our trip so stay tuned for picture proof of our adventure.

Rock the vote

So the race for president has begun and boy it looks like a fun time is going to be had. The Democrats have Mrs. Clinton and Obama and it looks like this might turn in to a wonderful battle for the Democrats and on the republican side we have Giuliani running. I think so far these are the three to be looking at for a real chance of making a serious run at the White House. Could the States be ready for a African American or a woman, time will tell. I am for now backing Obama he is a great speaker and I like the fact that he doesn't seem to be in the same mold as the other politicians. Both Obama and Giulianii come across as being themselves when in interviews while Clinton and others seem to be watching what they say and very calculated. Well I am loving the coverage and the crazy people over analyzing things and turning what they order at Taco Bell into a glimpse of how they will handle the White House. So watch and enjoy the smearing has only begun.

Crowder

So this past thursday a couple guys from the dorm and I went to Sacramento to see the David Crowder Band in concert. It was a pretty cool modern worship experience. We had seats towards the back but there a small fenced off area right but the stage with people in there so I sent the guys to check it out and they came back with arm bands that gave us access, so we got be right up front. Look at his website and check out if they'll be in your area soon and if they are check em out you'll be blessed.

Go Payton

So for the Super Bowl this year I will be going for the Colt's, mainly because of Payton Manning. I like the way he plays and carries himself off the field. As you may know I am a diehard Dolphins fan thus I am a huge Dan Marino fan so I feel for the pressure that Manning goes through. He may very well be the best QB (Manning) when its all said and done but if he doesn't win the big one he will be considered a lesser QB than Tom Brady even if his numbers end up being the best in the Game, just like Dan is viewed inferior to Joe Montana even though Joes teams were always better than Dans. (Sorry the Dan being the best post some other time.) So for that reason I want to see Payton win so the poor guy will not have to be under the oppression of the flawed reasoning to who is the best QB of all time. Just a thought the reason Brady is seen as so great is because of his playoff wins, but you put Scott Norwood kicking the field goals he would be holding two less rings at least. Just like you put Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott and Roger Craig with Dan the Man he just might have a couple dozen rings.

Favorites Day 7

My Wife and Baby

So of course they would be one of my favorite things that goes without saying, but I put them on this years list because they are the biggest thing that happened to me this year. I had my five year anniversary with my wife and my baby girl was born this year totally changing my life and the way I think. After seeing my wife deliver the precious cargo (naturally by the way) I have a new respect and awe for her, not to mention that she is a wonderful mom who loving and selfless. My little girl always makes me smile even if I see the same tricks tens of times a day they always make me laugh. I thank the Lord for a great year made even better by my lovely wife and adorable child.

Favorites Day 6 (a day late)

New Super Mario Bros.

So this goes with my day one favorite, the Nintendo DS, the New Super Mario Bros. Those who like video games have almost all played the classic Super Mario Bros. and were raised with the great games of Mario and company. This new one harkens back to the roots of the original, its a side scrolling 2D, with the look and feel of the first one, with a shiny new graphics. If you liked the first one this one is a lock to enjoy.

Favorites Day 5

Chocolate

So my brother was visiting San Fran this past fall and since that's pretty close to us he swung by for a few hours. With him he brought some treats he bought in the city (they can be found anywhere), a tin of Ghirardelli chocolate squares, three different flavors. He told us the raspberry filled one was the best, so I gave it a try and loved it, and I thought these were going to be all mine cause my wife does not typically like fruit flavors with her chocolate. To my disappointment though she loved them too, which at least says there pretty good, but left me to have to share. The others were ok but not nearly as delicious as the raspberry ones. The dark chocolate is perfectly offset by the sweet tangy raspberry filling. I tried a similar truffle from the See's company but the raspberry center was lacking compared to the Ghirardelli one. So go ahead and pick up Ghirardelli Dark chocolate Square with Raspberry filling and I dare you not to like it.

Favorites Day 4

A Collision: David Crowder Band


So a favorite album of mine this year was David Crowder Band's, A Collision. I love their music and this album did not disappoint. The DCB does a great job of mixing worship music with a great alt sound and their not afraid to experiment with their sound, on this album they mixed in some bluegrass, and masterfully at that. If you haven't heard it give it a shot, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

Favorites Day 3

Restaurant, The Melting Pot

So I've been to the melting pot before and have always liked it, but I appreciate it more every time I go. It's a little pricey to do too often so Alana and I only go on special occasions. The melting pot is a fondue restaurant, which means melted cheese how could you not like that. They have several options of fondue types usually we get two cheeses cause the main course is meat, so being vegetarians we've never tried them of course. There is a vegi option but it never sounded good, but we went during Christmas with family and decided to try the vegi option and to my surprise it was really good. You cook the vegi's in a broth and then have some really nice sauces for dipping, delicious. The best is desert pricey but worth it this last time we had a hazelnut chocolate fondue, which you dip fruit, cookies, cheesecake, brownies and other delicious things, man it was great. The food is great and good options for all, and the experience is great they make the fondue right in front of you and it's wonderful fun dipping your food in the communal pot and eating together.

Fiesta Fun

So if you missed the Fiesta Bowl last night you missed the best bowl game maybe ever. I have never had so much fun watching a football game as I did last night. I was doing other things while watching and as the game went on it sucked me in. I'm not a big bowl game watcher but not much else was on, but boy am I glad I saw it. Boise State even though undefeated was an underdog to Oklahoma because Boise was from a "weaker" conference and not even a part of the BCS. Boise started great and looked like they were going to run away with it but Oklahoma came roaring back and tied the game with less than two minutes left. The rest of the game was a see saw battle of epic proportions with big play after big play and trick plays all over the place culminating in the Statue of Liberty play which gave the win to Boise State. This game was so good I found myself cheering throughout and clapping at the TV in appreciation when the game ended. If you missed it, find some way of seeing it or at least seeing the highlights of the game. It was an instant classic and a joy to watch.

Favorites Day 2

Lost

So I don't really watch to much TV, mainly sports, but everyone around me was watching Lost. I never was too interested, but after so much hype and so many people around me loving it including my wife I decided to catch up on season 1 and 2 this summer. After finishing season 1 I was hooked, but season 2 wasn't out on DVD yet but some friends had it on itunes so I saw them also. I love the writing and the story that kept you coming each episode, you never know what's going to happen and who's going to be around. I love the fact that no one knows what's happening and that everyone seems to have some theory to what's going on. I don't really have a theory other than it is really good and one of my favorite things of 2007.

My favorite things this year Day 1

So I've been gone a while, we all know how busy the holiday season can be. Well I hope you all had a great Christmas and I wish you a happy New Year. This week I'll be giving you 7 days of my favorite things this year. So with no further delay.

Favorites Day 1

The Nintendo DS Lite.

I like video games and I grew up playing nintendo and have a special place for them in my heart. The Nintendo DS the newest portable gaming system has given me hours of fun. I haven't had this much fun with a portable game system ever, the games are great and the duel screen with the bottom one being a touch screen really makes it a more robust system and makes the system more interactive. Sure the PSP the Sony portable is a more "powerful" machine with better graphics, but just doesn't hold my attention like the DS and I can say this cause I do own them both, and play the DS much more. The DS has produced better games and games that are just plain more fun. The DS day 1 favorite things of this past year.