February 2007

OK, so there’s a lot of work to do on the house before the kids arrive, plus even more freelance and Stalelife work that is beginning to pile up. I haven’t even gone out for a ride more than twice a week, tops.

So naturally it’s time for Vegas. I’m not a gambler, but I played the tables for about 12 hours (in our quick 48-hour trip) and came away about $25 shy. Nice. I was invited on this trip by the O’Rourke clan. There’s about 50 cousins, and 15 of them went – I just jumped in. It was all a surprise to cousin Danny O’Donnell, and he was really shocked to see the big crowd.

Two highlights (that can be mentioned, anyway) – the first was renting ATVs in the desert. It took up half of one day, but man was it fun. This outfit let you go nuts - no guides. We had a blast. Keith took this pic:

Then we saw this fella. We even waited for him to come out after his show. He was very gracious and appreciative that we stuck around to meet him. He moves a lot in this clip. We saw him mostly sit. My sister visited Big Elvis last year!

What would we do without family and friends? Think about it. You go through graduations and religious milestones and marriages and births and all along the way – if you’re lucky – you have family. You have friends. You have people to celebrate with you.

Our people converged on Papa Joe’s (where I used to wait tables) last week to shower my wife and our future kids with gifts. We are eternally grateful and humbled by the generosity you bestow upon us.

Highlights:

This has Aunt Doll all over it. She’s good like that.

Cousin Dottie exclaims to Stacey while Aunt Karen looks on.

The sisters Doyle (Ruthie, not pictured, took the shot).

Mom, Aunt Kay and Stacey huddle up for a close one.

Friends Mel and Tiff – they’re nice and were very helpful to Stacey on this trip.

Woah, that looks heavy there Ms. Preggers.

Last year I spent a couple months last year working as a Creative Director and Copywriter with Razorfish on the AT&T Digital Lifestyle Center. It’s one of my samples on this page (top right image).

Anyway, we’ve made it through the initial selection process for the SXSW Interactive Fest and our creation is a finalist for the motion graphics category.

By itself this is an honor, but I hope we win. And you can help us out. As a finalist, we are also eligible for the People’s Choice award. Please go here and vote every day. Seriously.

OK, if you can’t do it every day, please consider voting today. Muchos gracias.

When you’re a kid you become enamored with lots of things – usually for a brief minute or two until something else catches your attention.

Like everyone, I’d get crazy for the Shriners at the 4th of July parade (come on, you love em). Big men, little cars. So cool. I don’t know if they issue you a little car and Fez upon entry, but if that’s the case I think I might be finally old enough to join.

Are they secretive like the Masons?

Happy Valentines Day, friends.