...Eric Lay. But he was still wearing his mask so his true likeness remains concealed. Still, the office tea boy (whatever that is) was happy that somebody would finally talk to him. Too bad it wasn't a woman as the office tea boy (whatever that is) is rather lonely.

Of course being an office tea boy (whatever that is) he was modeling his tea cup (he's not very imaginative) in the coffee shop (yes, ironic) and quietly singing to himself, "I'm a little tea pot short and stout...."

Upon finishing the model, Tim saved it to the server for easy morning retrieval. Still, Tim was irritated (though somewhat amused) with being threatened with his job. To add some levity to the situation (as he was the office clown), Tim placed a Teletubbies screen saver on his bosses computer. He even put a password lock on it so Mr. Cranky could not change it.

I've read about this bridge in some trade rags. It is cool. However this coolness comes with a price. One, you have to get there (it's a bit isolated). Two, it's expensive. $75 USD - tax not included. And the real kicker? No cameras allowed. They will take your picture (and do you think the photo is free? Ha!).

Here's the link to the official website: http://www.grandcanyonskywalk.com/

Many thanks for the return greetings, guys!
Uh, Coen, have you moved here to the States? And to where?

Greetings to all my fellow SketchUppers! How the heck are ya? I've missed you guys! But I do admit to falling off the face of the earth for a while. So, here is what's happening in my life over the last several months:

One of my last postings here was about losing weight. Well, guess what? I lost some. Thirty pounds and counting. Of course, while I don't look, I do find some of it every now and again but, in my growing forgetfulness, lose it again. Now if I could only find my sanity, my patience and, while we're at it, my virginity!

Oh wait! I think I found that one! After separating from my wife and subsequently divorcing I have re-entered the dating pool. And someone needs to add a little more chlorine. Yikes, have I met some, shall we say, "interesting" people.

Work-wise I have been busy (after some slow times). I have 23 projects (1 job) I contracted last week that I will be starting on (hopefully) before weeks end. That will keep me busy. Plus, I have ventured into the world of music (again). While I am not playing (yet, I think) I am managing. Matt has a full band and 2 CD's under his belt; the second will be coming out before the end of the year. The music is done but the artwork (my department) is not complete yet. Plus we have to get everything printed and distributed (also me). Then it's gig time. I'll scout places, promote the band, negotiate contracts with the establishment, etc. It should be fun (it is already). Bear in mind, I have no clue as to what I'm doing yet but learning as I go and so is Matt. It's a good match.

Speaking of Matt, I went to his wedding over the summer (the wedding was 17 August) and it was in.....Cancun. Eight days and seven nights at the Moon Palace Resort. We had a blast! We saw and did all kinds of different things. The coolest was releasing baby sea turtles. We had to dig them out of the sand, count the turtles and the eggs (ones hatched and not) and then release them into the ocean. We did over 2,000 that night! What a great experience. And, yes, we made it out 2 days before hurricane Dean.

I was back for just over a week and then I flew to Seattle, Washington for my cousins wedding. While I spent a lot of time there as a kid I had not been back in 17 years. It was wonderful seeing family and just exploring the area.

Now here is an SU related story. After leaving Seattle I flew up to Anchorage, Alaska (I figured I was already halfway there coming from Chicago). After landing I was picked up at the airport by....George Johnston. Anybody remember him? While I was going through all my heart/health issues George was going through a bout of his own with cancer. We met through the original Forum and continued to communicate via e-mail and the phone. We were support for each other (as were many of you). He was a great comfort to me and I to him. So, being in Seattle, I thought I would fly up for a visit.

While his cancer is in remission there are some, shall we say, complications. Per his request I will not divulge details. All I can ask is that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers and if any of you want to send him a message let me know and I'll provide his e-mail to you.

While in Anchorage I saw all kinds of wondrous things. Lots of glaciers to be seen, eagles, moose ( and one in the front year of George's house where I stayed), sea lions and even Beluga whale. Not sights you see every day in very urban Chicago.

George was gracious enough to lend me his truck keys so I drove up to Fairbanks. While I was on an expressway there were stop and go lights and even sections of gravel road. I was hoping to see Mt. Denali (as the road goes through Denali National Park) it was too cloudy and rainy. It was the same on the way back. Still, I had such a good time. And George, if you read this, thanks again for your most generous hospitality. I spent 6 days total in Alaska (and 6 in Seattle).

Now that I'm home it's back to the grind. It's not so bad after such a wonderful adventure.

Well that covers quite a bit. I can never seem to keep e-mails/postings short for some reason so I hope you made it through without too much excruciating pain.

All my best to all of you.

I see myself every morning - whether I want to or not! And it's not always a pretty sight.....
Thanks for the needed kick in the arse to return here, Jackson.

No, no no...! It's quaking me up!

Eric, you and I seem to be birds of a feather when it comes to puns. But, as I made the first joke, I am at the head of the pecking order. Try not to be too ruffled.
OK, I think I have exhausted aviary possible bird joke I know.

When dancing with a bird of questionable background you run the risk of getting chirpies.....

His Matrix moves are really good....

Being self-employed there was no mandatory (or even voluntary) All Hallows Eve dress sort of affair. However, I did attend a party last Friday night and this was me. I was surprised by the number of people who actually tried to light me on fire. I had a burlap sack head piece but I could not see - or breathe - so it did not last long.

Granted, but, as forever is a concept and not an actual duration of time you have killed this thread. Way to go.

I wish I could get "money for nothin' and chicks for free."

Granted, but that would mean my son would have lost and I can not let you crush his hopes, dreams and aspirations of being the next Zinedine Zidane (just wanted to give you that little heads up).

I only wish I had a son.

Granted, but the family that adopted you could only afford one of you and not the other 6 in the litter.

I wish I were a lumberjack.

Granted, but these fat faces are sick of getting pinched by adoring grandparents.

I wish I could identify this melody that has been going through my head for days...

I think this is a smashing idea! Tips, support, regiments, recipes, etc. We could do once-a-week-weigh ins to chart progress (both good and bad). We could even feature the person to lose the most (percentage-wise) as the "Weigh in of the Week Award." Maybe even do a little bio (though I think most of us know each other already). And for a prize you can get an extension to your free membership here at SketchUcation!

Hey! Where's the swim-up bar? Can't be chillin' poolside with no swim-up. From chaise, to pool, to bar, return. Repeat.

And while I have not gone as drastic as Ross I too have lost some weight (I sure hope I don't find it!). I've dropped about 10 pounds in 2 weeks. Like Ross, no caffeine, dairy, lots of water, no beer (remember, rum and vodka have no calories!), no starches, real careful with bread (no dairy and bread means no pizza! The Horror!), etc. Plus, a little exercise and it just fads away.

Anyone for pool volley ball?

I think this is a great idea. While we "had" the Mugshot Gallery in The Forum I think we should take it one step further but having this crawl. The pics can be changed/updated by the user (which means incentive to come back and see what's new!). But I think the current avatar size is a bit small. Maybe a touch bigger for more detail?

Just a thought.....

Yes, having Jim here would be great. I miss the guy. I stayed at his house at Basecamp. He was my roomy in LA for AIA last year.

But! As much of a techie as Jim is (A-cad and SU support, all the computer mags and tech manuals at his house) he does not own a cell phone - nor a computer (can you believe that?!). He's currently enjoying retirement and traveling quite a bit. I wonder if he has a trip to Chicago planned?

Steven.