NickTrip.com

Back in Portland

Nick — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:41:23 +0000

I just got back yesterday, the 2nd, to Portland. I had a chance to get a free flight since they overbooked in San Fran, but I was ready to get back. It was late. Had it been earlier, I would have taken it…and the hotel, and the free food. Actually, that’s what I always say. I’ve passed up about 3 times on that in my time travelling. Next time, I’m in. That adds up over time. How many times did I use the word time in those last few sentences?

I really did enjoy the trip and time spent in KC. Back here, the weather is real nice, about 80ish and sunny. I guess it was could and mild most of the summer. I didn’t realize that since I was sweating bullets all summer long in KC. I’ve got a few more weeks until we go back for work. Mundane details: went to the library to get dvd’s. Watched Benjamin Button yesterday…about 5 hours worth. Got my tags for my car, went to Trader Joe’s (which they have now in KC), and paid some bills.

It was great to catch up with folks during my visit. If I didn’t catch up with you this time, hopefully when I come back again.

Pics and Videos

Nick — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:45:49 +0000

Posted some recent Portland and KC pics, new videos feature Billy Mills running the

10,000 meters in 1964 as we prep for the World Championships later this summer.

Recent Reading

Nick — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:15:46 +0000

Books I’ve read the past while:

Blue Like Jazz, Crazy Love, The Case for Christ, and I’m working on Mere Christianity.

Modified Fitness

Nick — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:49:15 +0000

I’ve also managed to create some new ways to “work out”. I’m glad that I don’t run anymore, but I tell you, it does get harder to walk up and down stairs, as I learned at the Royals game yesterday. So, here are my games that I would recommend if you’re looking to be active, but don’t want too much exertion:

Frisbee Golf- I need to get into this in Portland, but I’ve played at Swope Park and Shawnee Mission Park in KC. Great way to walk a few miles and get the legs moving

Air Hockey/Bowling- Good arm workout, and it can get the heart rate up if you have an intense game, but otherwise, really not much going other than some good fun

Wii or Kinect Dance- Good overall workout, legs and arms, and also gets the heart rate up. Even if you can’t dance, this is fun.

Batting Cages- I recently went to the cages off of 97th Street out West by 3 and 2. It was fun, and works the shoulders. I suggest stretching if you haven’t swung the bat in a while

Almost 9 months, a new record

Nick — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:41:45 +0000

It seems that October was the last post that I made. Oh where the time has gone. I’m back in KC for a visit. I’ve been here since Late June, and staying until Aug 2. I’ve still not readjusted to the heat. I can’t believe how hot it has been. I’ve had a good trip, able to catch up with a lot of folks. Managed to make it to a couple of Royals games. I really like the new stadium. I recommend the fountain view standing in right center field, and also a visit to the hall of fame, especially if it’s hot. You can still see the game from inside, and the ac is pumping. One thing I can’t believe is the helmet sundae. 8 bucks. No way. I’ll pay 5. Still, the chicken strip basket is the best meal deal for $8, with fries. Also, water stations for free is key.

Getting back to eating out, I’ve made it to a few of my favorite spots:

Spin off the Plaza, Johnny’s BBQ (short end sandwich every time), Taco Via for a flat nacho, DQ for a mini-blizzard, and of course my mom made tacos. It’s good to be back in KC. Played some golf at Painted Hills. Shot an adjusted 61. I layed some balls up, moved a few for an easier shot. Took a penalty shot each time, but it sure did make for a more fun round of golf. I’m not all for shooting behind a tree when I haven’t played in a few years. Since I don’t run any more, maybe golf is gonna make a comeback.

Fall winding down, here comes winter

Nick — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 03:11:11 +0000

Good to get back with posting. Things are going well out here, just getting ready for some friends to come in town for about a week, and then my mom will be here in Nov. Fall is great out here, wonderful weather and great friends. I’m getting baptized next Sunday. Pray for me. Our frisbee golf tourney went off well, I was 3rd place. My friend Gavin won. Even though he’s a Raiders fan, he still got the trophy.

Autumn in Portland

Nick — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 22:14:33 +0000

It really is great out here in late Aug. through Oct. It is so much like Kansas…in terms of color. And the air smells like cross country and football. That is a great smell. Farmers market, going on walks in the morning or late at night, and watching the sun in the clouds and the sky is pink, and blue, and purple. Any my 2nd team, the Ducks, doing pretty well. And no, I’m not hopping on the wagon. I’m a hawks football fan.

So, I’m back in the mode of, or should I say, not the mode of summertime. It’s over. It was fun, and I don’t regret that it has passed. I spent some great time with friends and family, and now I’m back in Portland, ready to get back to work, watch some college football, and have a bison burger!

The last of the frisbee golf tournaments is going to take place in two weeks. I’ve hosted three other tourneys, never finishing higher than 4th, and with about 15 people in this one, while I am going to do my best, 4th would be a great spot for me. But, my mindset is that I am going to play to win. If I don’t, if I give my best, its all good.

My new workout outlet is to ride a stationary bike for about 15 min, at a slow pace. After taking a year off from exercise, its not easy to come back from. I am also trying swimming, although I still struggle with technique, and that has resulted in some additional back pain. Trust me, if you don’t do the strokes properly, you get more pain than workout benefits. But I’m SOOOOOO happy just to be back working out at any level. Stop me if I’ve already mentioned this stuff. But, I do some underwater aerobic type stuff and some drills to strengthen my core and hips. I am happy to be given the gifts that I have, and I don’t want to complain about my bad back anymore. So if I do, call me on it. I got some new insoles for my shoes, and for those of you that don’t know, it is necessary to put them in the proper shoe. I didn’t know that they are labeled left and right. After a few weeks, and some weird foot pains, I changed them up. It’s all good now.

So, I hope that everyone can enjoy the rest of this month of September. Take care and keep in touch.

Ups of the Fall

Nick — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:51:02 +0000

Ups- The sun is out in Portland, and will be for another week. The Jayhawks won a big game against Georgia Tech.

The fall oranges, greens, yellows and reds are on the leaves. School is back in full swing. My mom is coming to visit again for Thanksgiving.

I’m cooking for a group of friends tomorrow for Monday Night Football-making enchiladas. Going outside the box, making some black bean ones as well, which I haven’t done before. The usual peas and cheese will be in the mix also.

KU plays on ESPN Friday, what a way to end the week, and start the weekend. My friends Philip and Kim are coming to visit in October, and we are discussing the finer details of my baptism. Perhaps out on the coast. Wouldn’t that be cold?

The biggest up of all, just being alive and being a part of other peoples’ lives, and having God in mine.

I was going to title this post ups and downs. Sort of like a cheers and jeers post. But why? Why let negativity worm its way into my day, or anyone elses day.

I know that there will be ups and downs in life. But if we stay up, stay positive, and stay in Christ each day, who can stop us?

What did I do?

Nick — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:34:32 +0000

So, while in Kansas, I hit the ground running from the first full day. I was in Lawrence Fri and Sat, taking part in the pre-wedding festivities on Fri, and then the wedding Sat. Good time that weekend. The food was great. We went to a place on Fri just off of Mass St., on New Hampshire, around 12th or so. Can’t remember the name of it, but it was great. And no, it wasn’t Qdoba. Wedding was great. I managed to cut a few dance moves, not too many. I learned what the cupid shuffle is, and I also learned that gettin giggy wit it is harder to dance to than I thought. That song moves.

So, like I said, I did see a movie, went to BR for ice cream a few times, and met up with some friends for lunch, dinner, etc. Ate a decent sandwich at the Blue Moose in Prarie Village. They don’t have great food, but I do like their sandwiches. Also, ate at Italian Delight, and again, went with the pizza. Good stuff, and HUGE slices. If you haven’t been, I recommend it. And the food is all good.

I did buy some new shoes. Hopefully (at least I’m telling myself this) it will help my back. My old shoes were really worn out. I played some video games with a friend of fine, which I don’t do very often. Of course, I spent enough time in my youth playing video games. A little tecmo bowl, brought back some good memories. My mom and I ate at Chili’s one night. I love Chili’s. I could eat that grilled chicken sandwich or the Old Timer all week long. I still to this day haven’t had the baby back ribs though.

I went to a frisbee golf course in Olathe, played a 2 man scramble. We got beat by 5 strokes through the first 18 holes, so in my poor attitude state, declared that if we played again, our team would win. My brother and his teammate obliged, and we played well for 7 holes, down one, but then after 9 were down 3, hec, maybe 4. It was over. I melted down at one point and threw (what I thought was going to be a great shot) one of my shots 20 yards backwards and about 30 yards to the right. I’ve never seen a shot so bad. And apparently neither had my teammate, who was the only witnesss, but he told the other guys about it as we were finishing the hole. I thought that I had gotten away with anyone seeing it, but no. I was mocked, as I should have been.

And, my mom and I went to a friends house for dinner one night as well. Had some wonderful lasagna, topped off with a slice of tippins pie. The pie came after dinner of course, not on top the the lasagna.

So, the St. Johns social and seeing Inception could be the last items on the list, although just hanging out with family is a good option too. Although, the wildcard is the Royals play 2 games tonight. One starts at 6, the other after 9:30 I would assume. Midnight at the K! Probably won’t happen, but the weather would have cooled off by then. So, here’s to another good trip in KC. Oh yeah, I headed downtown as well, and went to lunch with a friend who took me to see the Bridge of the town of Kansas, near 3rd and Main. Cool view. If I ever figure out how to take pics from my phone onto the computer, I could post them so you could see. KC has a lot of bridges, like Portland.

It’s getting warmer by the minute

Nick — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:19:49 +0000

The great thing about Kansas is that it can be 95 degrees one moment, rain may kick in and drop the temp about 10 degrees or more, and then its right back up to 95 within hours, and a bit muggy. You get all the jungle aspects of Costa Rica, without the nice beaches and food. Other than that, Kansas is just like Costa Rica.

So, its been a great trip. I got whooped at dominos last night with my family. I finished 5th out of 6, not a great showing. I couldn’t believe how mad I was getting. I kept it all in, but that just made it worse. Clearly I’ve got competition issues when I ticked off that my great aunt and uncle are beating me in a game of dominos. But, like Herm Edwards says, “Hello?! You play to win the game!” The slice of tippings chocolate silk pie made things slightly better though, and seeing them and my bro, sister in law and mom have fun, and I was having fun too, laughing a bunch as we all were during the night, made it a great evening.

So, my niece is having a birthday party, should be fun. Good weather to be swimming today. So, I will be present for that. Note, I say present, not necessarily active. I’ll just supervise. I did go see Despicable Me and got some ice cream a couple of times with my niece, which was fun. The movie was good. I enjoyed it.