Prologue to Closure...

I am glad some have enjoyed reading my blog. I wonder what my writing sounds like to others. I don't edit much, just write what I think, and hope you all enjoy it. Some have asked for closure to the road trip. So, I promise, in the near future I will post movies, pictures, and the like about how the trip came to a close. I came home in a hurry, for good reason. But I will finish my trip soon! I know, it's Jan. 15 09 already!

Oil Change...

I like being "handy". The definition of Handy here can be debated if any one is interested. I'm sure a few of you would like to do that. If your buying, I may listen ; )

Today was a gorgeous day in Lincoln. 1 Day sub zero wind chill....2 days later, 50 to 60 degree weather. Awesome day. Windows down, and the radio up...

I have been way over due for an oil change, and I had myself dead set up doing it myself for the first time. So a few weeks ago I bought all the fixins to do it myself. Oil, filter. That's all you need right? Luckily for me, I have some good friends, and one also got me an oil catch and a filter wrench.

It was so nice out today I just couldn't go inside to "chill", so I decided now was the time I would change my oil. The only thing I needed was a 17mm socket, which was nicely loaned to me by Gwen's neighbor Kent. Thanks Kent by the way.

As it turns out, changing oil is very easy. If you have the right tools, and you jack up your car. So for fun, here were my steps.

1. Take jack out of trunk, and jack up car. Level grounds help, and the driveway here was pretty close.
2. Undo the oil cap on top of the engine block. Keep in a safe place so you don't loose it.
   
3. Get some cardboard and place it under the filter and oil pan. This will catch the any oil that doesn't make it to the oil catch.
4. Undo oil plug using the 17mm socket and socket wrench (this may vary per car model). Tips, once the plug gets loose, use your hand. You will get oil on your hand, but will save yourself getting oil all over your tools.
5. Let the oil drain completely. Perhaps now would be a good time for a beverage, smoke, or in my case, throw the ball for your ball happy companion Annie*(see side note at bottom)
6. Remove old oil filter. Usually the oil filter is not tighten extremely tight, but if you need an oil filter wrench, you would use it now. I was able to use my hand. Warning, oil will drip, so make sure that the oil catch pan is under that area. Cardboard?. came in handy here.
7. You're almost done. Wipe down and replace the oil plug. This again keeps oil off your tools.
8. Put new oil filter on. First, lube gasket with a bit of oil. Then hand tighten the oil filter on to your car. I was running out of light, so a flashlight was also needed.
9. Use oil funnel to refill the oil in your car in the hole on top of your engine block.
10. Screw cap back on, lower car down to ground, and clean up!
11. You'll have to properly dispose of all toxic waste. This can be done at you local service station or recycling center!

So now, you too can change your oil just like me, and consider yourself "handy".

Does anyone know how to build a shoe rack?

*Annie started with brand new baseball...at end of oil change, there was barely any cork left. I used the baseball cause I didn't have any other form of fun for her, and she was good on the ride and I owed her a throw. Last night was funny because I was throwing the snow. She'd chase it to where it was, then pounce on it, only to disintegrates it. Then she'd dig through the snow in that spot until I got another piece of snow to draw her back in!

Old Friend

Caught up with an old friend last night. Aaron was a friend of mine I've know since I was about 10 or 12 (or somewhere in between) from my soccer team. From the time we met we played in numerous soccer tournaments, countless games, and he definitely had my back more than once on and off the field.

I'm kicking myself because I didn't take any pictures with him while he was here last night, but I do have this old one that he often embarrasses me with, so right back at you buddy! It was good to see you!

New House

Pictured: Happy Kids by Pool, The family in the park, the front of the house.

This morning I woke very tired. I was up late with lots of things on my mind. So, at about 3am CST I finally fell asleep.

When I woke, I woke to a breakfast feast. Tony, my sisters fiance, does an awesome job making breakfast. At least he has every day I've been here. And it was wonderful....Ham, Pancakes, Egg Omelette's, breakfast potatoes, and of course coffee.

Last night I had my good friend Aaron over, and when he left, the ground was covered in snow. When I finally looked outside this am, there was almost no snow, and it was 60 degrees out. It was nice!

Then we headed to Gwen, Tony, Anthony, Sooki, and Tobias' new house. I will attach a few photos, but we took them there blindfolded, and then walked them into the house upstairs, and into the large living room where they took off their blind folds. Words would do injustice to their reaction and excitement. Shortly after they saw the living room and it was announced that this was their new home, they went out back to see the pool. Needless to say, more excitement ensued.

In addition to more living space, and room to grow, the kids will have a circle and a cold-a-sac where there is a city part a stones throw from their driveway. The city park has a bike path (Lincoln has really awesome bike paths), basketball court, sand volleyball court, tennis court, a play ground, and a few pavilions for picnicking. We walked down to the play area and enjoyed it.

In a few weeks they move in, and I know that they will really love and enjoy the new neighborhood, pool, and more space to run and play!

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas again everybody. I hope everyone was blessed with the things that meant the most to them this day.

Spent the day with my two siblings. Very fun. We played some more Wii, but sans kids. It was fun. My brother lasted about 1/4 of a game of bowling. He insisted on playing seated, and was adamant that the Wii was "not accurate." I on the other hand feel that the Wii was very accurate. When you look like your fishing, and your are attempting to bowl, strange things happen as your ball travels down the lane. I think my mom and dad will like the Wii.

I had a great chat with Robin via Skype and webcam. She looked gorgeous and it was good to see her. My sister made some sushi during our chat, so I brought her upstairs to say hello to all, and to see the baby. I then was able to see her whole family and wish them Merry Christmas. Technology is cool.

Currently Wendy's living room is undergoing a transformation, ala projector set up. The biggest wall is in the kitchen, so rearrangement is in order (or so Matt thinks). At least there was no need to take down a ceiling fan, or buy shower curtains as our "movie" screen. Purhaps my last reference to those things now make sense to some of you.

Until Later, Merry Christmas! Ho! Ho! HO!!!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Robin, Grandpa, Mom, and Dad....Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight...

I think I hear Santa on the roof with his reindeer!

Matt Update...

Since now it's funny....we were getting a little worried...Matt is safely in Lincoln.

Read the other post about Matt, and you'll understand.

Just got done watching the X-Files movie. A little disappointed in it, but what are you going to do.