Want me to work on your engine????

This past week as part of my management training program I was enrolled in Module 1 Technician training. Yup, that's right, this desk boy got a wrench in my hand and got to get down with some nuts and bolts. It was a great week and I learned a bunch about our product. Huge props to Wayne the trainer and the two dudes that were in my lab group for being incredibly patient with my neophyte self.


Fortunately for Yamaha I didn't blow anything up this week. I did however almost drop myself while holding onto the leads of a digital multi meter gauge and firing up an engine...No bueno...A cuss word was said as several volts were transferred throughout my left arm...So dumb but it definitely gave the couple of old timers in my group a big laugh for the rest of the week.

Despite my lack of all mechanical know how I did pass the test and passed the class. I'm now officially on my way to becoming a master tech. Well, probably not, but I'll be taking more classes. Check Module 1 off the list as done done and more done...

Look at this in the mirror and you'll be able to read it...I just reached new levels of coolness with this...

It's a Good Day...

Greatly apologize for the lack of blogging lately...Super busy and not motivated to get on the computer...

Despite that, it's going to be a great freakin' day. Hug someone today. Be incredibly nice and generous. Here's to a great day....

Book Review - A Year of Living Biblically

I once again cheated on Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged this past weekend and read a great book. The Year of Living Biblically; One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by AJ Jacobs was my book of choice this last trip. I just couldn't bring myself to bring along the Shrugged with me so I opted for a book that I've heard nothing but great things about.

The title pretty much sums up the book. AJ, the editor at large for Esquire magazine goes on a one year quest to live out the commands of the Bible. He spends 9 months in the Old Testament and the last 3 in the New. You can imagine, if you've ever had any exposure to the Bible what a task this would be, especially some of the Old Testament laws. The author is agnostic and was raised in a secular Jewish home. He admits on the front side that he was looking for an epiphany of sorts to get more spiritual and was looking for a "God" moment. He did incredible research on the front side as well as throughout the year. This dude was a Bible reading and research machine. Also, throughout the book, he consulted with several religious leaders from all denominations. You need to read the book to get the details though.

All in all, a freakin' hilarious book that was tough to put down. Let's just say I was laughing out loud on both my flights and in my hotel room. I know, I'm a dork...It's an easy read that is written in a journal format with references to what he has learned. Regardless of where you are on a spiritual scale, I highly recommend and give a few thumbs up...Actually just two...If you would like a copy, let me know and I'll send you mine...

Welcome to Miami...

I greatly apologize for not posting this past week...Work took me down to Miami Beach for the Miami International Boat Show. It was a good week but was rather uneventful. I didn't take a single photo while there but stole a couple of pics from the hotel's website....Here are some random thoughts from the week:

• I realized how incredibly not tan I am while hanging out at the beach
• I greatly appreciate how classy Amanda is
• Trying to eat decent and work out while on the road is virtually impossible
• I miss little Rye Rye after getting to hang out with him a couple of nights
  
• Read an awesome book during the flights (More to come)

This is the hotel I stayed at in Miami Beach...It's nice, it's call the National. If you have lots of money, I would tell you to stay there...
Here's the beach behind the hotel. I walked by the beach but didn't actually go on the beach itself. It looked nice though. Here's where I learned I'm not tan...
Here's the pool at the hotel. It's a nice pool that I had grand allusions of swimming in during the week. I didn't. But it still looks nice...

Into the Wild

So I decided that I would cheat a little bit and not finish Atlas Shrugged before I started another book. I went ahead and downloaded Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer from iTunes. I haven't listened to a book on tape for awhile but I thought this would be a great one because of its story. In total, it was a tad over 7 hours long so between driving to and from work and some other random driving it took three days to knock it out.

I have to say that I really enjoyed listening to this book. Without giving too much away, it's about a young man (Chris McCandless) in the early nineties that took an amazing adventure out west with basically nothing in his pocket. While I disagree with some of the guy's view on life, I agree with several others. Unfortunately, things didn't end up very well for the guy. Nonetheless, he left behind detailed journals, letters and other documents to vividly tell a great story that I think most could enjoy.

If you're into the outdoors or into the life of a wanderer, you should check this out. I'm thinking about going to see it at the movies just to see some of the places that he was during his trip. I'm sure it will be a disappointment though as most movies are after reading or listening to the book.

Hotel Info

I've gotten a few questions regarding hotel accommodations during the wedding. So, I'll go ahead and tell you what the scoop is right now...

We have secured a block of 20 rooms at the Irvine Hyatt for both Friday (6/13) and Saturday (6/14) night. There will also be transportation, to and from the wedding venue from this Hotel. Most of the wedding party as well as family will be at this hotel for both nights. If you choose to stay here, please call Kim Aragon at 949.225.6762 and tell them you're staying for the Burns/Salazar wedding. The rate is $119 per night.

If you don't want to stay at the Hyatt, there are several other options to choose from in the area. The Crowne Plaza Irvine and Marriot Irvine are a stones throw away. Also, if you go to www.hotels.com and type in Orange County, CA you'll get about 1,000 different options.

So, go check it out and get your room...Please don't hesitate to call Amanda or myself with any questions at all...

Enjoy your spaghetti...