Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving.
Waiting for dinner...
Getting dinner...
Stuffing our faces...
We know you guys were there in spirit, but we missed you anyway! Next year! :)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving Pictures
Hi all,
Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving.
Waiting for dinner...
Getting dinner...
Stuffing our faces...
We know you guys were there in spirit, but we missed you anyway! Next year! :)
Here are a few pictures from Thanksgiving.
Waiting for dinner...
Getting dinner...
Stuffing our faces...
We know you guys were there in spirit, but we missed you anyway! Next year! :)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Interesting Article
Not sure what y'all think about Carlos Mencia (I think he's hilarious, but who knows about my taste...), but he was recently interviewed by Newsweek (below). I found it very insightful.
Right now, a lot of people are losing their jobs. They're saying, "Oh, my God, what am I gonna do?" If this is you, I'm here to tell you, this is your chance. Paint. Put out a rap album. Design a car. Do whatever you've always wanted to do. You've been saying all along that you wanted to do it. Well, go out there and find something that makes you happy. Because in the end, there will always be jobs to be had. It might not be tomorrow, or the next day, but at some point you will find a job, and the kind of job is completely up to you. Why am I so confident about this? Because I had one of those turning points in my life: long before Comedy Central came calling, I used to be headed for a career in engineering.
When I was growing up, I didn't want to be Richard Pryor or Eddie Murphy or any of those guys. So who did I want to be? My dad, Pablo. He's always been my hero. My father grew up in a little town in Honduras. He was orphaned at age 4 and ended up in the United States through a series of unbelievable circumstances—we call my dad Pablo Gump because he has that kind of story. When I was growing up, he worked construction and was a truckdriver, but really he was a dreamer and a philosopher.
But before I go on, let me clarify one thing. My father is technically my uncle, and the woman I consider my mother is my aunt. They couldn't have kids, so when I was born my birth mother gave me to them to raise as their own. I'm one of 18 kids my birth mother had—she and my brothers and sisters lived in the house behind ours and I lived with my parents in the house in front. So in a way I was lucky from the beginning. I got the attention of an only child but had my brothers and sisters right there too. It was bizarre.
When I was growing up we didn't have cable and I didn't stay up late, and the only time you could ever see comedians back then was on the late-night talk shows. I was too busy getting good grades to watch. When you're one of 18 kids growing up in East L.A., you realize that you have to do something to help yourself and your family get out of there. I knew college was the way. I graduated from high school in 1985 and decided I was going to be an electrical engineer. I didn't necessarily have a passion for it, but I loved math and I loved electronics, so it made sense. I enrolled at Cal State Los Angeles, five minutes from my house, and to support myself I got a full-time job working at Farmers insurance company, in their printing department. Everything seemed fine.
Now, one thing you must understand is that all my life I was a smartass, thinking lots of funny thoughts. My mom knew, but she would never let me say any wisecracks out loud. If she thought I was about to remark on something, she'd give me a look and say, "You better not say what you're thinking. Not here, not now." And I wouldn't. But at work, with a bunch of guys around, I started talking. I would tell the guys about things that frustrated me—"I saw this on the news, can you believe that?" And they would laugh. I was the class clown of Farmers insurance, but I wasn't even trying to be. I only really started thinking about comedy when a co-worker of mine, Joe—a bitter guy who you just knew hated his family, hated his life and hated going to work—came up to me one day. In a monotone voice, out of the blue, he said, "You're really, really funny. You make me laugh. You should do stand-up comedy some day."
As luck would have it, a club called the Laugh Factory was holding an amateur open-mike night, and a few weeks later I decided to go. I had no idea what I was going to do onstage. I hadn't written anything, so on the way to the club I stopped at a bookstore and bought a joke book. I told two of the jokes, and they were lousy. So I decided to talk about something I'd seen on TV that day, when a newscaster said something completely ridiculous: a stewardess had been sucked out of an airplane in midflight, and he said she was "presumed dead." And people laughed. The set lasted maybe three minutes, but I had actually made up a joke. I stepped offstage and at that moment I knew that this was what I was supposed to do. I remember thinking, You're not supposed to be working at Farmers insurance and you are not supposed to become an engineer.
And on that night, I decided that I wasn't going back to school, and I was quitting my job. It wasn't about money. It wasn't even about the laughs. It was the fact that I told a joke that made people see something stupid in the world and made them go, "Oh, my God. You're right!"
Two weeks later, my mom realized that I wasn't going back to school or the insurance company. She actually had an intervention for me. She called all the family together and said, "OK. We are here to tell you what is good for you." I understood where they were coming from completely—I was going to be the first one in our family to graduate from college, and that was a real source of pride for all of them. "How can you throw away the brain that God gave you? You have a secure future," she said. Everyone was crying. But then my dad spoke up: "Hey, you know what? If he wants to be a clown, let him juggle." He didn't know what being a comedian was. He literally thought I wanted to be a clown. But he was also trying to say, "Look, I came to America to find happiness, not money. And if juggling makes him happy, then he should go juggle." What's funny is that when my dad said that, my mom understood. She looked at him and was like, "You're right."
Comedy helped me discover one very important thing: my life is my life. I have never looked back or second-guessed my decision. I know that we live in a capitalist society and I understand that we all want to feel comfortable and secure. But, honestly, I know poor people who are happier than rich people. Nothing can replace happiness and that means finding that peaceful place inside you, whatever that is. Even if it's being a clown instead of an engineer.
Right now, a lot of people are losing their jobs. They're saying, "Oh, my God, what am I gonna do?" If this is you, I'm here to tell you, this is your chance. Paint. Put out a rap album. Design a car. Do whatever you've always wanted to do. You've been saying all along that you wanted to do it. Well, go out there and find something that makes you happy. Because in the end, there will always be jobs to be had. It might not be tomorrow, or the next day, but at some point you will find a job, and the kind of job is completely up to you. Why am I so confident about this? Because I had one of those turning points in my life: long before Comedy Central came calling, I used to be headed for a career in engineering.
When I was growing up, I didn't want to be Richard Pryor or Eddie Murphy or any of those guys. So who did I want to be? My dad, Pablo. He's always been my hero. My father grew up in a little town in Honduras. He was orphaned at age 4 and ended up in the United States through a series of unbelievable circumstances—we call my dad Pablo Gump because he has that kind of story. When I was growing up, he worked construction and was a truckdriver, but really he was a dreamer and a philosopher.
But before I go on, let me clarify one thing. My father is technically my uncle, and the woman I consider my mother is my aunt. They couldn't have kids, so when I was born my birth mother gave me to them to raise as their own. I'm one of 18 kids my birth mother had—she and my brothers and sisters lived in the house behind ours and I lived with my parents in the house in front. So in a way I was lucky from the beginning. I got the attention of an only child but had my brothers and sisters right there too. It was bizarre.
When I was growing up we didn't have cable and I didn't stay up late, and the only time you could ever see comedians back then was on the late-night talk shows. I was too busy getting good grades to watch. When you're one of 18 kids growing up in East L.A., you realize that you have to do something to help yourself and your family get out of there. I knew college was the way. I graduated from high school in 1985 and decided I was going to be an electrical engineer. I didn't necessarily have a passion for it, but I loved math and I loved electronics, so it made sense. I enrolled at Cal State Los Angeles, five minutes from my house, and to support myself I got a full-time job working at Farmers insurance company, in their printing department. Everything seemed fine.
Now, one thing you must understand is that all my life I was a smartass, thinking lots of funny thoughts. My mom knew, but she would never let me say any wisecracks out loud. If she thought I was about to remark on something, she'd give me a look and say, "You better not say what you're thinking. Not here, not now." And I wouldn't. But at work, with a bunch of guys around, I started talking. I would tell the guys about things that frustrated me—"I saw this on the news, can you believe that?" And they would laugh. I was the class clown of Farmers insurance, but I wasn't even trying to be. I only really started thinking about comedy when a co-worker of mine, Joe—a bitter guy who you just knew hated his family, hated his life and hated going to work—came up to me one day. In a monotone voice, out of the blue, he said, "You're really, really funny. You make me laugh. You should do stand-up comedy some day."
As luck would have it, a club called the Laugh Factory was holding an amateur open-mike night, and a few weeks later I decided to go. I had no idea what I was going to do onstage. I hadn't written anything, so on the way to the club I stopped at a bookstore and bought a joke book. I told two of the jokes, and they were lousy. So I decided to talk about something I'd seen on TV that day, when a newscaster said something completely ridiculous: a stewardess had been sucked out of an airplane in midflight, and he said she was "presumed dead." And people laughed. The set lasted maybe three minutes, but I had actually made up a joke. I stepped offstage and at that moment I knew that this was what I was supposed to do. I remember thinking, You're not supposed to be working at Farmers insurance and you are not supposed to become an engineer.
And on that night, I decided that I wasn't going back to school, and I was quitting my job. It wasn't about money. It wasn't even about the laughs. It was the fact that I told a joke that made people see something stupid in the world and made them go, "Oh, my God. You're right!"
Two weeks later, my mom realized that I wasn't going back to school or the insurance company. She actually had an intervention for me. She called all the family together and said, "OK. We are here to tell you what is good for you." I understood where they were coming from completely—I was going to be the first one in our family to graduate from college, and that was a real source of pride for all of them. "How can you throw away the brain that God gave you? You have a secure future," she said. Everyone was crying. But then my dad spoke up: "Hey, you know what? If he wants to be a clown, let him juggle." He didn't know what being a comedian was. He literally thought I wanted to be a clown. But he was also trying to say, "Look, I came to America to find happiness, not money. And if juggling makes him happy, then he should go juggle." What's funny is that when my dad said that, my mom understood. She looked at him and was like, "You're right."
Comedy helped me discover one very important thing: my life is my life. I have never looked back or second-guessed my decision. I know that we live in a capitalist society and I understand that we all want to feel comfortable and secure. But, honestly, I know poor people who are happier than rich people. Nothing can replace happiness and that means finding that peaceful place inside you, whatever that is. Even if it's being a clown instead of an engineer.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Myrtle Beach!
We took a quick trip to Myrtle Beach last weekend to see Dani, Will and Will's mom. We had a wonderful time! Myrtle Beach is a very nice place. We did a little sight-seeing around the area, went for walks on the beach, learned a great new game called Mah Jong, did some shopping, had a great dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse (all you can eat!!) and hung out at Dani & Will's house. Will hooked us up with a great room right on the ocean (12th floor), so we had a great view. The weather was perfect, mid 70's during the day - nice and clear. We can't wait to go back - and have everyone come with us. Here are some of our pictures -
With Will's mom at their house.
Some of us are so good that we can play Mah Jong with our eyes closed.
Bad Dani! :)
Really??
Hmmm.... I guess so. Clearly after Will's nuts.
Yikes!! The Transformers are chasing us!
Da kids.
There are two T-Rex' in Myrtle Beach!! :)
The view from our room. Very, very nice....
With Will's mom at their house.
Some of us are so good that we can play Mah Jong with our eyes closed.
Bad Dani! :)
Really??
Hmmm.... I guess so. Clearly after Will's nuts.
Yikes!! The Transformers are chasing us!
Da kids.
There are two T-Rex' in Myrtle Beach!! :)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Interesting discussion on Rights and Privileges
Interesting discussion on Prop 8, specifically about Rights and Privileges - click to read the article by John Mark Reynolds.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Visiting from South Dakota and Nebraska
Karen's Uncle Bob and Aunt Joann from Nebraska and Aunt Rosaleen from South Dakota were in town visiting last week. We took a trip down to Pechanga in Temecula for a little slot machine action and had dinner at Jerome's, our house and at Lake Mission Viejo. Here are a few pictures...
From left to right - Amanda, Karen, Rosaleen, Christopher, Delores, Joann, Jerome and Bob.
Rosaleen, Timmy, Christopher and Tommy.
Amanda and Bob.
Rosaleen, Delores and Joann at the casino in Temecula.
Rosaleen, Delores, Joann and Bob.
Amanda, goofball and Emily.
From left to right - Amanda, Karen, Rosaleen, Christopher, Delores, Joann, Jerome and Bob.
Rosaleen, Timmy, Christopher and Tommy.
Amanda and Bob.
Rosaleen, Delores and Joann at the casino in Temecula.
Rosaleen, Delores, Joann and Bob.
Amanda, goofball and Emily.
Scotland Themed Dinner Party
More silliness at home... :)
We hosted a formal dinner party at home last weekend. The theme was Scotland and the the food, drink and attire was entirely Scottish. Thanks to Karen, the food was fabulous! A great time was had by all.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Trip to Sacramento
Hi Everyone,
Last weekend we took a quick trip up to Sacramento to visit with Heather, Bryan and Karen. Everyone, including Marley, is doing well. We had a great time! Got to see Heather's new house in Davis as well as Bryan and Karen's new apartment in Folsom (moving this weekend, as a matter of fact!). Weather was great and Davis was as hospitable as ever.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Vote!
If you have not done so already, the deadline to register to vote in California is October 20th. Here is a website with the details -
http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm
The deadline is South Carolina was October 4th... I hope you registered! :)
Remember to vote - there are a lot of important issues to decide this year!
http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm
The deadline is South Carolina was October 4th... I hope you registered! :)
Remember to vote - there are a lot of important issues to decide this year!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Interesting Article on CNN.com
Here's a story about how some banks deal with their customers, and a situation you don't want to learn about firsthand.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/09/25/money.pushers/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/09/25/money.pushers/index.html
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Article about the Suburban Legends in the OC Register
Good article about Derek's band in last week's Orange County Register...
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/band-legends-suburban-2153689-day-walker
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/band-legends-suburban-2153689-day-walker
Summer Catch-Up
Hi Everyone,
Just thought we'd share a few pictures of some of the things we did this summer...
Just thought we'd share a few pictures of some of the things we did this summer...
We did a little boating out of Dana Point with the Campbell's and our honorary captain, Russell.
Took in a Padre's game against the Mets. Fun game, good seats, but the Pad's are just awful this year...
Did a little picnicing at the beach. At the Montage Resort/Beach in Laguna Beach, actually.
Went back to New York on a short business trip with Karen. We spend some time in the City and out on Long Island. We were there just before the All-Star game, hence the picture...
We had dinner in Little Italy at a sidewalk cafe while we were there. The waiter was singing to everyone who walked by on the street (no cars allowed), so we just had to stop there and try it out!
Karen in The Hamptons... A very pretty place, and very trendy! We're not rich enough to live there, but we were rich in spirit!
In between, we took in concerts by the Suburban Legends, Rilo Kiley (where we hung out with Tobey Maguire and Winona Ryder... well, sort of), Tom Petty, Mark Knopfler and Boz Scaggs. It was a musical summer!
We also spent a long weekend in Moraga with Paul and Karen...
For a little wine tasting in Napa at Silver Oak...
And some dance lessons in the backyard. I am just awful, so no pictures of me dancing will be posted. It's in everyone's best interest, really...
And, lastly, we celebrated our One Year Anniversary at the Surf and Sand in Laguna Beach with the Campbell's on August 25th. It was a beautiful evening and we had a great table right on the sand.
We'll be up in Atascadero toward the end of September. We'll be off to Davis for a weekend with Heather, Bryan and Karen in October, and then back to Myrtle Beach in November for a visit with Dani and Will.
Love to all,
Karen and Gregg
Monday, May 12, 2008
Tornados and Washington DC
Hi Everyone!
Well, our trip is over. Not without a little excitement and more great sights, however! During our last night (Thursday) in Fredericksburg we had a tornado near miss. It touched down around 8 miles from where we were staying. Made the night pretty interesting! I've never seen so much lightning in such a short period of time!! Here is a little article about it -
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/09/AR2008050900062.html?hpid=topnews
Dani - I know what you mean now!
On Friday morning we drove into Washington DC. We spend Friday and Saturday seeing the sights. We visited the Holocaust Museum; the Washington, Lincoln, WWII and Vietnam Monuments; a number of Museums - Smithsonian, Freer, the National Art Gallery and the Library of Congress. Oh, and we stopped by the White House and Capitol Building. It was a busy two days.
At the WWII Monument we got to see a group of about 50 WWII Veterans who where there visiting. Bob Dole was there with them, chatting and taking pictures with them. It was pretty touching, actually. Each of these guys had to be at least 80, if you think about it.
Well, our trip is over. Not without a little excitement and more great sights, however! During our last night (Thursday) in Fredericksburg we had a tornado near miss. It touched down around 8 miles from where we were staying. Made the night pretty interesting! I've never seen so much lightning in such a short period of time!! Here is a little article about it -
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/09/AR2008050900062.html?hpid=topnews
Dani - I know what you mean now!
On Friday morning we drove into Washington DC. We spend Friday and Saturday seeing the sights. We visited the Holocaust Museum; the Washington, Lincoln, WWII and Vietnam Monuments; a number of Museums - Smithsonian, Freer, the National Art Gallery and the Library of Congress. Oh, and we stopped by the White House and Capitol Building. It was a busy two days.
A bit rainy
At the WWII Monument we got to see a group of about 50 WWII Veterans who where there visiting. Bob Dole was there with them, chatting and taking pictures with them. It was pretty touching, actually. Each of these guys had to be at least 80, if you think about it.
In fact, Bob Dole is 84 I think, and was doing a great job all these guys. He was very gracious and spent a lot of time with the group.
After dinner on Saturday, we went to a pretty old hotel and had drinks in the bar. Karen and Marolin ordered Mint Juleps - very Southern Belle-ish of them! Not only are they minty, but they are very Bourbon-ish as well (see below).
All in all, it was a great trip. Saw lots of interesting things and met some nice people. Very glad to be home, though. Not glad to be back to work, however. Working for a living is overrated!
Mint Juleps!
Karen and her buddy Abe
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Fredericksburg, VA
The Confederate soldiers were dug in behind a stone wall in front of a road on a small rise. The Confederate soldiers were 4 deep, so that when one line fired they could step back to load while the next lines moved in to fire. The Union soldiers tried to charge up the rise to reach them, but never got closer than 25 yards.
Fredericksburg, VA
Spent the day in Fredericksburg, VA today. There were a series of battles here between 1862 and 1864, fighting over the main road between the Washington DC and Confederate Capitol in Richmond, VA. One of them, in particular, was brutal. Makes you cringe just reading about it. We're all so lucky to have the freedom and peace we have in our homes, cities and Country.
Here are some pictures from the day -
Here is where you go when you park in Handicapped Spots (see below)
Fortunately, I moved before Karen found her lighter
Vacationing is hard work
Why is everything so old here? Can't they rebuild or something?
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