Is Christmas gay?

I guess I don't mean gay in the dudes/women kissing homosexual way. I did find this picture funny though, so I decided to use it. When did Christmas turn into a massive monster of human consumerism? I don't remeber it being like this as little as 10 years ago. I started seeing Christmas stuff BEFORE Halloween. Have the corporate conglomerates resorted to force-feeding us for three months before the actual holiday in hopes that we will eventually fold under the pressure and resort to maxing out credit cards to buy gifts for people? I know myself, like many other people right now, are struggling to make ends meet. I know people that are worse off than me right now but they are caught up in "the spirit of the season". So what do they do? Max out that plastic! You know, because Christmas is all about buying presents.

That brings me to my next point. How did Christmas stray so far away from celebrating the birth of Christ. I'm not beating a drum or anything saying that I celebrate Christmas solely for the purpose of honoring Jesus. But I do know people who claim to be agnostic or atheist and they're usually more into Christmas than anybody. If it was up to me Christmas would just be Thanksgiving II. Get together with family, eat, drink, and be thankful.

I will say that having Amalie has rekindled some of the Christmas spirit for me. She loves the lights, the tree, and the lore of Santa Claus. Kelli is very good about doing Christmas activities with her and staying current on the advent calendar. Amalie is also at the age where she understands that not everybody receives gifts and that she should be grateful for what she has.

It isn't my place to criticize or chastise people and families for how they choose to celebrate Christmas. I guess the biggest issue for me is that this shit is starting in October and doesn't really wrap up until the new year. And if you're one of those people that leaves your Christmas lights up year round, please, please just stop. It takes a few hours to take them down. Who knows though, maybe someday Christmas will never go away. It will just perpetuate 365 days a year. Don't be surprised.

Wow!

I spent the last four days down in Corvallis working for Red Bull and hanging out for the Civil War. I'm glad this game is only once a year. I had fun with the crew from Red Bull but to say the college scene isn't for me would be an understatement. Something about being 30 years old and hanging out in college bars just doesn't fit. That isn't to say that I didn't party and have a good time while down there. Let's just say that I'm glad to be home and getting some much needed rest.

I try not to jock out too hard but I do love college football, namely the Ducks. I'm pretty stoked to see them get the chance to fight for a National Championship. The game is on Monday, January 10th. I hope you'll all be tuning in to root them on!

Stumbled upon this interesting story.

This might be too gnarly for some people but I think it is interesting. People essentially go there for the purpose of committing suicide. You can find all sorts of other stuff about it too. By the way, how was your Thanksgiving?

Click on title for link to story.

Click on pic to see in full size.

A little testy.

I've been a little on edge lately. I'm sure it has to do with not skateboarding since I hurt my knee, which has been almost 3 months ago. I actually got so fed up that I went for a run the other night. I haven't gone on a run for years! Surprisingly my knee felt pretty good. Time to skate again!

Mundane

Sometimes I wonder why I even get out of the bed in the morning. Coming into work is probably one of the most painful things I endure. And I do it day after day. I know that it provides a paycheck and (marginal) health insurance. The problem I have is the way that I am treated by the customers. I pretty much get yelled at and demoralized for 10 hours a day. I've come to the conclusion that sitting in an 8x10 box and staring at a computer is not for me. I need to be out doing things. I've considered a million different things. Male stripper, drug dealer, door to door vacuum salesman. I'm not sure which direction to head at this point but I need to make a change. What do you guys do for work and do you hate it?

Why?

What is wrong with people that makes them want to watch these four douchebags on a T.V. show? I watched the show, once. It only took me about 5 minutes and I wanted to sledge hammer my T.V. I don't get it.

Read this book.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't read nearly enough. I have a tough time dedicating the time to do so. I finally sat down and read this book. Completely true and very eye-opening. The title pretty much says it all. It is a quick read, right around 200 pages, I finished it in two nights.

Honestly people.......

Do any of you sell stuff on Craigslist? I've been selling a lot of stuff on there lately because I realize that most of the stuff that I have is useless to me. I've had some good selling experiences and I have also had to deal with some real idiots. Snowboard boots, $25. "Would you trade those boots for a fishing pole?" Nope, I'm getting rid of my junk because I don't want it. Don't try to pawn your shit off on me. "I want to buy the coat you have for sale but I don't have a car and I live 30 miles away. Will you bring it to me?" Yea, that's exactly what I want to do. Spend as much on gas as I am going to make on the sale in the first place. I've learned that you have to be very specific when listing items. "No trades", "cash only", "I'm not a delivery service".

American badass..........

I have always looked up to Jay Adams. Not in a lifestyle sense but definitely in an attitude sense and the way that he approached skateboarding. I watched Dog Town and Z-Boys for the 327th time the other night.

I'm back!

Well, hopefully. I'm going to try to get on the ball around here with more updates/random stuff.

I've got my own photographer.

Yea, you heard me. I've got my own photographer that follows me around and documents my skateboarding adventures because I'm such a bad ass. Actually, Zak came out to shoot a few photos the other day and helped me realize something. I suck at skateboarding. Honestly, I can't wait for summer to get here so I can skate more and get better! Thanks for the pics Zak, can't wait until you can skate again. I think I'm telling myself to quit at this point.
It took about 500 tries to get this grind, and it isn't even picture worthy!

Art fag shot.

Tattoo?

I already have one unicorn tattoo. Would it kill me to have another one? Probably not, especially if a rocket launching robot is riding it.

Oh dam!

Amalie and I made the trek up to Bonneville Dam on Sunday to check out the fish ladder. She loves fish, and all animals for that matter, and especially loves going on "adventures" as she likes to call them.

"Look at the fish daddy!"

The water was a little murky but it didn't stop Ami from trying to "grab the fishies tail".

Why is that shadow always following me?

And of course no adventure would be complete without a trip to the park.

Getting (jack)hammered!

I went over to Tif & Kyle's house on Saturday because they were in need of a jackhammer to break up their patio. I had Amalie with me so I figured I would just drop it off, laugh at Kyle for a bit, then be on my way. I soon realized that he would be out there working for the remainder of the weekend if I didn't lend a hand. Plus, him and Tif made an amazing lunch so I owed them a little labor!

This is Kyle getting started on the slab. He realized quickly that the jackhammer was no joke.

This is the aftermath.

That is the pile of rubble. I suggested sticking a hose in the middle of it and calling it a fountain.

And that is where we ended up. By the way, they're building a deck.

three zero.

Lance Mountain is pushing 46 years old and still slaying it.
I hit a milestone of sorts the other day, I made it to 30. I struggled with the thought of turning 30 for a while, but then I looked at my hobbies and realized I'm just a kid. I try to skate a couple of times per week, I ride my bicycle when the weather allows, and I actually spent Saturday up at the mountain slashing pow lines with Zak all day! So in some ways not a lot has changed over the years. The amount of time I spend doing fun things is definitely limited, and my body hurts a lot more as the years pass. But I look to people like Homan and Joey, who both still charge just as hard as they did when I met them. I don't think age has slowed either of those guys down! It's just a frame of mind, don't let it hold you back.

Best. Picture. Ever.

If this doesn't take you to a magical place, nothing will.

I've been slaaaaacking.

Like any other kid, she loves going to the park.
This is the aftermath, see below..........

Build a tower, 5 seconds later it's gone.

After gymnastics we went over to Zak and Holly's to meet Milo. He is pretty rad, but didn't have a whole lot to say. Congrats to Zak and Holly, can't wait to shred with the little dude.

Here are a few photo's from a couple of weeks ago of Amalie and I hangin' tough. I've been busy working and trying to get my new position with Red Bull all dialed in so the blogging has been suffering! Sorry, I will try to do better.

Dying for our dreams....

Man, I'm not even sure to start with this one. There is something special about riding/racing motorcycles, skateboarding, snowboarding, etc. It's all about the individual and personal taste and style. Sometimes it's nice to take off by yourself and just forget about everything for a while, and other times there is nothing better than having a group of like minded individuals to vibe with and share good times. I remember back in the mid to late 90's when my friend Joey was running a company called Fishpaw. I lived to drive to Bend, ride at his house, see the new Fishpaw product, and hang out with people that I sincerely looked up to. I remember one particular time that I went to Joey's and he had this bad ass chopper sitting in his garage. It was loud as shit and just had a mean look to it. At the time I thought it was rad but never envisioned myself having anything like it. Fast forward about 10 years. Around the time that my parents were packing up and moving to Central Oregon I was looking through old boxes and pictures that my parents had inherited when my Grandparents died. My Grandpa raced motorcycles from the 40's all the way into the late 80's before he hung it up and just rode for fun. I found piles of old gas tanks, forks, helmets, exhaust systems, along with stacks of pictures documenting each decade of riding. The pictures were amazing and the parts seemed like nothing more than nostalgic junk to me. That was until I discovered 4Q. I knew who Max Schaaf was through skateboarding but I didn't know what he was up to until I watched his Epicl'y Later'd episode. That is when it dawned on me that all of my Grandpa's old parts weren't junk, but rather potential pieces to contribute to my own chopper project. I don't know when I plan on starting a build, but I have a dream and a vision. Thanks to Joey for always being stoked on shit and getting me pumped on bikes every time we hang out, Justin for teaching me that you can do things that people tell you will never happen, Scotty for sharing the same passion for nostalgia, and Zak for being about the only person I want to shred with because he gets it! Below is an excerpt from Max's site that pretty much sums it all up.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

some nights sleep is hard to come by. kinda like a kid on christmas eve... i lay in bed wide awake thinking about the next day and all i want to do. Once the gears start spinning it's hard to slow em down. i remember when i was skateboarding all the time in my teens and 20's i would lay in bed all night thinking up tricks i wanted to learn and things i thought i could do on a skateboard... the bummer is the next day your so tired from staring at the ceiling all night your mind and body don't work as well as you dreamed. about a year ago on one of these such nights, after some long hours in the garage i was laying in bed unable to sleep. My hands burning from cuts and chemicals, my back aching from hunching over a bike, and my lungs filled with paint fumes. I thought to myself "man i feel like shit, i'm killing myself".......... and i just want tomorrow to start so i can do it again."i'm dying for my dreams"it's weird to hear people talk about others and the things they're into. People can be so critical of other peoples lives. I've heard it in all different realms..music, skate-boarding, art, and motorcycles. Trying to knock other folks down saying " ah so and so he's not really into art, he's just here for the ride" or "yeah he's a good drummer but i don't think he's really into it" "you know his dad bought him a skateboard when he was like three".... shit i've done it, and i was being lame and insecure. the funny thing is the older i got the less i thought it would happen....nope. When your in it, you are in it. Only you know it. In your heart. From head to toe. I believe the things i love found me..... that's always how it has been. When you know you can't shake it. Abusing your body, spinning your mind way to fast, all to move forward. Nothing real is easy. Love, skateboards, friends, motorcycles, family... it takes work. this shirt is for everyone that understands it..."dying for our dreams"----------------------------max-------------

Red Bull!

We have a ton of product and infrastructure to fit in a pretty confined space. This may not look organized, but you have no idea how it looked before!

Drink it, it's good for you!

My Saturday was consumed with Red Bull work. The task? Make the warehouse accessible, clean, and orderly. I would have taken "before" pictures but it was embarrassing. So I busted my ass for 9 hours to turn the place around. Have you ever had one of those jobs where it doesn't feel like you're actually working because you are enjoying it? That is how I feel at Red Bull. Whether it be setting up for an event, just hanging out, or cleaning the warehouse the vibe is always good and I'm having fun.

Friday Skate Night...

A not quite on top of the coping 50-50! That corner is deceiving, tighter than it looks.
This might be my favorite part of the bowl. I love that wall and have made it a personal goal to get to the top. I came about 1 1/2 feet away, I have work to do!

Derek showed up rusty, skated around haphazardly for a while then dropped in on this wall. The improvement from when he showed up until we called it quits was awesome.

I made my way back over to my favorite skate spot on Friday afternoon for a little shredding. Derek met me over there to shake off some rust as he hasn't skated since he covered up his mini ramp in early fall. All I can say is that everybody better watch out come summertime. We'll probably be pro by then. Or if you look at the pictures you'll see we won't be anywhere near pro status. But we have a hell of a good time!

Slooooow week.

Not a whole lot going on this week. I am going skating tonight at Epic and have some Red Bull work lined up Saturday. I should have at least something to post by the end of the weekend!

Pushing

You can tell a lot about the legitimacy of a skateboarder by how they push. Check out a cool photo gallery at this link http://espn.go.com/action/skateboarding/gallery?id=4938916

A night with the Homan's

Amalie scanning the rocks, then filling her pockets.
Brooklyn and Amalie getting down with some Play-Doh. Not sure if Ami is picking her nose stuffing some up there. I just noticed that.

Amalie received a water color book, kitchen toys, and Play-Doh as a late Christmas gift from the Homan's. Needless to say she was not disappointed!

Snap and I just gettin' some shots on the chair up.

Justin and Kristin, what a couple of lovebirds!

Amalie and I ventured up to Welches to spend a relaxing evening with the Homan family, which included Snap Dude on this particular weekend. The kids had a blast playing and the adults went up to Meadows for a couple of hours of "ice" boarding/skiing. The conditions were far from ideal but we still had a good time.

I skated here on Sunday.

This is the set up from Grenade when their warehouse was over in SE Portland. Epic snow/skate shop now has it and they charge $5 to skate all day! I plan on making it over there at least a couple of times a week. If you're in Portland and skate go check it out, they are right on the corner of 23rd & Vaughn. Best $5 I ever spent!

So it goes.........

Somebody please help me find a dry home!

Just when I thought I had found a place for my mini ramp it fell through! So now I'm back on the hunt. I need a place indoors so I can skate year round. Ideas, comments, suggestions, or smart ass comments are all welcome!

Am Jam!

Epic skate and snow in Portland is putting on an amateur skate contest this weekend. There will be live music, barbecue, beer garden, and the best part is that it is all indoors! They have the bowl from the old Grenade warehouse so I'm sure things will get wild! Check it out if you are around.

Binding machines!

Out with the old.
In with the new! The 2010 Rome Targa. Click on title above to check out Rome's website. These guys are down for the cause.

I always try to support companies that I feel are doing something positive and making contributions to their respective markets. I've always ridden Lib/Gnu boards, have been wearing Holden outerwear since they came out, won't buy shop decks, etc. etc. But just like any other consumer I stray from time to time. I thought I needed $150 Oakley goggles one season, so I bought them. It's weird how they work exactly the same as a pair of $80 goggles from say Airblaster or Ashbury! Then last season I did something that I swore I would never do, I bought Burton bindings. I know Burton's history when it comes to snowboarding and all of the contributions they have made. But let's be real, it isn't the company that it used to be. I finally bought new bindings this weekend and they are truly things of beauty. I can't wait to strap my feet into these. Check it.

Friday night man-date.

The Exit store at Bridgeport has a nice layout. Lot's of floor space and all concrete. Perfect for skating in. But they would probably throw you out if you did that. Weird mall/suburbia vibe.

Those two kids arm wrestled for the chance to challenge Zak for a new skate deck. The really little kid in the brown sweatshirt won. Then Zak CRUSHED him!

Zak and I made our way over to Exit on Friday night to check out a compilation of Nick Lipton's (Yobeat contributor) favorite video parts. We started with a romantic dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. I had beers, he had water. Such a strong willed young man, that Zak. Anyways, the night was fun and the video was pretty awesome. Everybody walked away with some free stuff and Zak even arm wrestled a 9 year old and earned himself a new skateboard deck! You should be feeling really good about yourself pal.