I've been accused of it a time or two...

...being a 6-year-old that is.


I can't help it man. For some reason I still have that natural desire to plunder around for shiny stuff when I go into people's houses. I'd rather be out in the woods building a tree house than sitting inside doing "grown-up" stuff. I'd just assume not eating brussel sprouts and if you want to go on a bike ride with me, we better be heading to somewhere with a big dirt mound we can use as a ramp or a hill to ride down. I don't mind working at all, but you better spell work "P-L-A-Y", or at least make it seem like it's fun to do.

And so, in appropriate kid spirits, Kelley let me drive us all up to Agua Piedra 2 weeks ago to do some sledding on a school day (after work of course). I used my brand-new birthday/christmas gift...my Mountain Boy Ultimate Flyer and zipped down the hill like a monkey on a banana peel surfboard. I have to admit...being from the east coast, I've never been on snow like this, or a hill quite that steep...it was AWESOME (and I screamed like a little girl).

So here's to harnessing your inner 6-year-old!

cheers,
jeff

Muse

I've been busy in the past 2 weeks getting some new song-writing done. I don't know where my muse was hiding, but I've found her again and she's back in full force. I'm not suggesting that my new music is good or anything, but it makes me happy at least.

Here at UWC we have a really nice recording studio that I have free access to, and I've been taking advantage of it. One of our first year students, Tyler, is a very accomplished studio engineer and has been helping me put together the rough cuts for what might turn into a full album at some point.

Most of the tunes are typical for me, but at least 2 of them are more rock-influenced, and one of them is a reggae tune...definitely different for me.

So over the next month or so, if you're interested in hearing some of the stuff, please let me know and I'll get you some music files.

take care!
jeff

Eyes on the horizon...

I dream of it at night. My thoughts sit on it during the day.

It has become an idol that has taken over every fiber of my being. (well, not really, but that just sounds cooler)

As Kelley and I have spent over 6 months in New Mexico now, we have come to love so many things about it. The weather, the stark landscapes and beautiful vistas have pleased us so much and renewed our love for the west. The kind people and completely different perspective on life has both satisfied us as well as made us so very appreciative of our home in South Carolina.
Then with the "onlslaught" of Moira, our connection to South Carolina has been growing even stronger as we are missing parents and our siblings (Kelley's sister, her husband, and our little nephew).

So with all of the thoughts being thrown back to the east coast, my mind has drifted to surfing again and I so long for this coming summer's vacation in South Carolina. We have plans for beaches and I have plans for waves...good ole dirty, salty, short SC waves. And so I will get a longboard...

...this longboard, in fact. I'm hoping that it will bring Kelley and me some great times at Hunting Island and Folly Beach during the summer months.

My two girls

I don't need to say anymore.

Any Day Now...

The bags are packed, the car seat is ready, the diapers are here and the rocking chair is all greased up and ready for 2!

We got word from the doctor this past Wednesday (Nov 26th) that the baby could come within' the week!

We can't wait to meet the little girl!

When the snow comes...

...I'll be ready!

Yesterday I received an early Christmas present from my amazing "in-laws". I swear I think they completely understand my inner-child. Because of our recent relocation to more alpine climes, Kelley and I have been eagerly anticipating a good snow like we've heard happens often here. I guess Mom and Pop Bateman have anticipated our anticipation, because they put a lot of hard work and love into finding me a perfect sled for the winter weather! They did some research and found Mountain Boy Sledworks, which is based out of Silverton, CO. They bought me this "ultimate flyer" which, honestly is a moving work of art. I feel like a 6-year-old again! I can't wait for it to snow!

It'll be just like Christmas Vacation baby, "preparing to set a new landspeed world record...Clark W. Griswald!"

The Folks

Last week my folks came out for a visit to Montezuma. These are some pics from their time at the UWC and in Santa Fe