The Words of Jared

Hit by a Car

2007-09-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

A cool experience really...

I was riding my bicycle to work and I was hit by a car.
Everything is fine, except for the bike, which is pretty bent up.
Now, I will invest in a faster bike, so I can elude cars trying to hit me.

the end.

It finally happened.

2007-06-18T06:57:00.001-07:00

The answer is 8 months.

It took 8 months for Luca to start a Blog of his own.

The Luca

Chances are, I probably won't be updating much here anymore, as Luca will have taken the words right out of my mouth.

Our Travel Itinerary – London and Brussels

2007-05-10T23:14:00.001-07:00

Our Travel Itinerary

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Flight: AA #268 - Seattle to JFK
Depart: 9:05 AM - Arrive: 5:20 PM

Flight: AA #100 – JFK to London Heathrow
Depart: 6:10 PM - Arrive: 6:25 AM

Sunday, May 13, 2007

ToDo: Drop off Rachelle’s Luggage – TBD

Train: London to Brussels via Chunnel

ToDo: Recover from flight. Drink Beer.

Monday, May 13, 2007 – May 22

Staying with friends in Brussels for the week
There will be day trips to Paris, Amsterdam, and surrounding areas, but Brussels will be our home base.
Alex and Sara
Avenue Théo Vanpé 48
1160 Brussels Belgium
011 32 2 674 4179

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Train: Brussels to Calais, France
Depart: 8:00ish Arrive: 10:00ish

Ferry: Calais, France to Dover UK
Depart: 12:30ish Arrive: 1:30ish

Bus: Dover to Ramsgate UK
Depart: 3:00ish Arrive: 3:30ish

ToDo: Tour Ramsgate, Rachelle’s School where she will be teaching, have lunch,

Train: Ramsgate to Charing Cross
Depart: 5:00ish Arrive: 6:00ish

Hotel: Europe House Hotel London
151 Sussex Gardens
Hyde Park London W2 2RY
+44 207 723 7343
ToDo: Walk around London, eat at pub, see some sights, etc. Eat a Royale w/ Cheese

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

ToDo: Get Knighted by the Queen Mom.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

ToDo: A bit of shopping, and wandering, I’m sure. It’s the last day in London.

Flight: AA# 107 – London Heathrow to JFK
Depart: 6:30PM – Arrive: 9:15 PM

ToDo: We are staying at Ammon and Christine’s house until Saturday, while they are away. We’ll go into Manhattan and visit Donald Trump, etc. The cell phone will be back on as well, etc, etc.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Flight: JetBlue #8175 – JFK to Seattle
Depart: 8:55 AM – Arrive: 12:04 PM

ToDo: Sleep until Sunday at 12 or so then back to Vancouver.

Marathon Proof

2007-05-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

This will be the last post about a marathon, until of course, I start training for another.

Anyhow, here's proof I ran the half-marathon, for all you doubters out there.
humm humm...Mom.

http://www.marathonfoto.com/index.cfm?RaceOID=19782007S3&LastName=VALLEJO&BibNumber=8361&Mailing=3752

On a side note: Take a look at those prices for a single picture. Ridiculous! I didn't realize I was running with the Bill Gates and Donald Trumps of the world.

The next post will contain our itinerary for our trip to Europe.

Stay tuned....

The Reasons to Train..

2007-05-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Wow. This is actually going to be a post that doesn't include a picture of Luca.

Crazy.

So, we woke up at 5:00 AM this morning and headed to downtown Vancouver to run the BMO Marathon. Well, half-marathon that is. And it was only me. My brother and his fiance were supposed to come up, but they did not. Apparently, neither one has ever heard of Outlook, or Google Calendar, but that's besides the point. The irony is they were the ones who contacted me back in March to say, "Let's run this half marathon"

So, I should preface this by saying...I had every intention of training for this event in the preceding 6 weeks, but as usual, my intentions are never as strong as my lazyness, so I did not train. I ran maybe 8 times in the last 7 Weeks.

Tosh and Luca dropped me off and I headed to starting line. I was right at the front. I was wondering why more people weren't up front. The answer came to me about 20 seconds before the start of the race. I was in the the "People who plan to run this half maraton in 1 Hour and 15 Minute section"

Ummm. Crap.

I didn't really have time to get out of the way, so I just started running. And for some reason, I thought I should keep up with this crowd. I'll save you more useless details, but just let me say the first 3 miles were brutal. I was actually looking for mile marker 2, but somehow I missed it. I was planning to walk after 2 miles, but since I missed it, I felt a little better about myself. So, what the heck, I say to myself...just keep running. Although, I decided that my presence was no longer required with the "cool crowd" and I slowed down.

I did walk briefly at the waterstations, but hey so did that guy, and that guy and that girl, and that guy, etc, etc.

At about mile marker 6, I was starting to get quite tired. I was going to make it to mile marker 7 and then walk for a mile, and then resume running at mile 8.

Once I made it to mile 7, I was doing okay, so I said, okay, one more mile, then I'll walk.

Mile 8 came and the same thing. I was doing okay. About 8.5 miles into it though, my feet started killing me. My ankles were incredibly sore. I was tempted to walk, but then I thought. "If I was being tortured right now, this would be the point where I would give up the information. I'm not that kind of person" So I kept on running.

At mile 9, I repeated the thought process: 1 more mile than I'll walk.

At mile 10, I was still feeling pretty good - cardio wise. My feet and ankles were pounding, but it was bearable. So I kept running.

Mile 8-9.5 was a pretty brutal climb through Stanley Park, so once Mile 10 came, it started going down hill.

Begin Sappyness

It was here, just after I decided to keep running, that I got a bit emotional. Briefly. Very very briefly. It just occured to me that I am going to run this entire thing, without training, or any prep at all. And that I should really try to apply this same determination in other areas of life.

End Sappyness

So the last 3 miles were really pretty tough on my feet and ankles. But I kept on keeping on and finished the half marathon in 2 Hours and 04 minutes. I was hoping to do it in 130 minutes or 10 minutes a mile, so I was delighted that I beat my expectations.

Now, to the point of the title: I realize now that Training isn't entirely for the Marathon itself, but rather for your body after running for such a long distance on the pavement.

I can barely move. Every joint from my hips downward are killing me. My knees and ankles are especially sore. A warm bath helped, but it's still quite painful.

I'm only saying this to help other lazy running hopefuls out there. It's really imperative to either train properly or semi-properly at least OR have a couple bottles of Vicadin for after the run.

Here's a pic of my race number, shirt, and medal. I'd show you a picture of me, but I'm still vain, and it doesn't look very good.

Luca Goes to Jail

2007-04-29T23:29:00.000-07:00

Luca did not eat all of his food. He refused to sleep a full 8 hours. He made a very messy diaper, and he chases the cat around relentlessly.

Because of this behavior, we had to put him in prison.

Here is a segment, (18 MB) documenting his experience.

test

It's Official...I'm Chunky

2007-04-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hello.

So I think I have to officially declare that I have reached chunky status. I am not writing this to elicit sympathy or to have people say that I am not. Or I don't know what chunky is, etc. etc. I am writing this, declaring this fact, so that when I run the half marathon in two weeks, I have an excuse. I am likely going to die, as my longest run so far has been 5 miles. I am hoping the the thrill and excitement of it all will carry me the other 8 miles. If not, a cab certainly will.

The fact is, I have gained weight. Fortunately for me, my better half created a liposuction contraption which we will try out this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.

Anyhow, you are not here for these boring words, you are here for more pictures of Luca. Well here they are.

This is probably my favorite picture to date.

The Obligatory Foot Shot.

Luca the great

2007-04-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

Nothing but pictures.

We've been busy people and have pretty much been incommunicado with our friends.

Sorry friend.

Here are pictures of Luca and his cousins.

Woods Boast Vallejo Children

Here are a few pictures of Luca sitting the blue chair.

Luca in a Chair

Before and After

2007-03-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

Before Painting our Bedroom and without IKEA.

After Painting our Bedroom, with Ikea and Tosha and Luca.

We're still not done.

More Pictures of Luca

2007-03-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Um...this is the picture.

2007-02-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

Luca Picture of the Day

2007-02-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

I promise that one of these posts will have nothing to do with Luca, but then again, that is probably the only reason you are coming here. Anyhow, this was too cute to pass up.

Two Important Things about Guilt

2007-02-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

I love my siblings, I really do. So naturally, I try to protect them from the dangers of the internet, but they called me out recently so here I go.

First, we loved having Ashley and Nick come up and visit, and we hope they come back. Below is a picture of them holding Luca at the Parade.

Also, when the Busch's were up visiting, it happened to fall on Justin's birthday, which I completely forgot about and so did Ashley. Regardless, I felt really bad about it, so Justin, Happy Birthday. I sent you a check for a million dollars to make up for it.

Seriously, sorry I missed your B-Day, but to be fair it came at a really inconvenient time this year.

I'm a jerk.

MORE LUCA PICTURES -

We bought this shirt at an overpriced trendy baby store in Gastown. This was $20. We opted not to buy the $155. Seven jeans for Luca, because, well that is completely insane. INSANE. $155.? Why would anyone pay for something that could only be worn for what, 2 months? Nuts. Anyhow, here's the link to the album.

Luca Brown Stripe

My wife loves chicken wings.

2007-02-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

The title has nothing to do with this post, except for the fact that it is entirely true. The most amazing thing though, is that it was only recently that Tosh discovered these wonderful delights, and now she can't have enough of them. You wouldn't know it by the looks of her though. She weighs less now than before Luca came into the picture. I'm sure she'll kill me for saying this, but I have Luca to protect me. And really can she kill me for saying I think she looks fantastic?

What's interesting here is that I seem to be gaining weight at record speed. I'm not sure why. So I figure I have two choices.

1) Try to get back into shape, by running, training for the marathon, which I will no longer be attending in Paris but instead here in Vancouver, and eating a little better.

OR
2) I could try to get to 300 lbs by the years end and then attempt to get on "The Biggest Loser".

Although the glutton in me says option 2 is the way to go, my wife and my ego says option 1. So that's what I'll do.

I was half tempted to post shirtless pictures of me here on a weekly basis to measure results, but then I realized wait, why the HELL would I do that?

Anyhow, here are a few pictures from a walk around the block in Luca's new stroller. I highly recommend The Mountain Buggy for those seeking a stroller.

Chinese New Year

The Luca Weight

2007-02-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

It's been a bit hectic around here. Or down in Washington rather.
Luca had his 4 month check up with shots and all. It was heart wrenching to see him in pain, but he made it through without too much fuss.

He's currently:

16.5 lbs
26 inches tall
He benches 120lbs and squats 235lbs.

Anyhow, when he was on the scale getting weighed, he let the wonderful nurse have it. I blurred the picture slightly to protect his innocence.

Luca is Walking!

2007-01-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

Well not quite walking.

Our friends Catherine and Alistair let us borrow a walker, which we had down in storage. I brought it up this morning, and man, he loves that thing. He definitely likes being upright and able to explore the world.

It's really incredible, because Luca is only 3.75 months old, but he has changed so much. Luca is singing and smiling and eating like a champ. It just brightens my day.

Except for when he looks at me intently, smiles, and then proceeds to make a messy diaper. It's amazing. Not the "oh wow I won a million dollars, amazing", but rather, the "holy cow that's a lot of stuff amazing"

Other than that all is good. Staying busy with several things.

Tosh and I are contemplating a move, although we don't know when, where, if, how, etc.

My brother is coming into town Superbowl weekend, so that will be nice to see him and have Luca spit up on him.

Anyhow, more updates later.

Oh check out the photo, and there is a little video of Luca in the waker too.

Luca - January 28 2006

Here are a few photos of Luca and C & A's boy, Ian. He was awesome to Luca.

Luca and Ian

A Quick Pic

2007-01-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

We are really trying to get pictures of Luca in all of the wonderful outfits he has received from friends and family.

I'll give ya'll three guesses who gave this outfit to my baby boy.
Hint: It's family.

Also, no guessing by the giver.

One more picture.

2007-01-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

2007-01-13T11:42:00.000-08:00

This is one I meant to post.

2007-01-13T11:40:00.000-08:00

Just another a picture of Luca.

He's the man.

My Baby Gonna Get You

2007-01-11T22:45:00.000-08:00

Don't mess with Luca when he's trying to roll over.

I've actually seen this look before. I tried to take his pacifier away, man, he let me have it.

Also, he wanted me to tell you that it is not drool on his cheek, but sweat. Hard working sweat.

Another Blogger Post

2007-01-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Blogger.
You suckered me in.
Goodbye.

Ah, Blogger, you finally won.

2007-01-10T23:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it. I gave in. I threw in the towel.

Blogger you beat me. I will be using you to blog from now on.

Actually, having a beautiful baby boy has made me a bit lazy in other, less necessary areas of my life, such as blogging, and with how well integrated blogger and picassa are, I thought what the heck, why not.

Sure it will be a bit of chore moving over the previous posts to here. Actually, you know what forget that, I will not be moving over the posts, they will be forever housed in the original spot.

Anyhow, this is the new blog, which Luca and I will be using more often to let you know how much he loves me.