Now that I'm a grown up, I do grown up things. You know?
I'm not a little boy or a kid. I'm not a teenager anymore. I do stuff like celebrate wedding anniversaries and have babies. I go to work five days a week and pay bills. I drive my car, buy my cloths, watch the news, feed my dog, etc. I guess the last item on the list I need is a house to complete my all-American life style. I need a place to walk into after work and say, "Honey, I'm home!"
Darcey is due to have our baby in less than 11 weeks. Watching the baby mosh in her stomach tells me that the little one may want to make an early arrival. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Bringing a baby home to live in a camper can really take your confidence as a provider and as a father down a few pegs. The kind words of encouragement help but this idea of living lurks over my head like a little cloud that's getting darker by the minute. For someone who's so grown up, I feel like I might have made some kind of adolescent mistake along the way to end up in this predicament.
Don't get me wrong. Amidst all the chaos of finding a permanent place to live there is a very big smile on my face. I wouldn't want this to go away for anything. I can't wait for my little girl to get here. I know I said this should go slow so I can reflect and enjoy the time that Darcey is pregnant. . . "Okay, enough of that. Let's get that baby out!" is all I can think. And the truth of it, when it all comes down to it, is that I would live in a camper for the rest of my life with the family I have.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Operation: Put Down The Fork
It's about that time when I admit that my outfit choices are getting slimmer in the morning because I am not. In fact, it's the opposite. Now even my "lose fit" clothing is starting to squeeze me in a little tighter than I'd like.
I've decided that it's much cheaper to eat healthier, eat less, exercises more, and lose weight than to replace my entire wardrobe for the next size up. It should be more gratifying as well. At 5'9" I am currently 200 pounds. (ouch) I don't do anything physical other than playing with my dog for 5 minutes when I come home from work. Other than that I just sit in my car on the way to work, sit at my desk for 10 hours, sit in my car again on the way home and then sit on the couch until it's time for bed. All of that put together with the epic amount of food I eat puts me not only in a place that most doctors will tell me isn't very healthy, but also takes a very big toll on my self esteem when it comes to beach or pool side situations.
So I'll start slow. I've bought some fruit and other health food at the market and keep it in the fridge at work instead of going Subway, In-N-Out, or Chipotle like I usually do. I'll take Darcey and Tank out for walks when I get home. Eventually, I'll be able to jog the neighborhood instead of walk. As time goes by, hopefully I'll be able to run a little further and further. Add some push-ups here, a few sit-ups there and then "WHALAA!" I'm back to the 175 lbs I was when I got married and hopefully I can stay there. Some would put it, "And he lived happily ever after . . ."
I've decided that it's much cheaper to eat healthier, eat less, exercises more, and lose weight than to replace my entire wardrobe for the next size up. It should be more gratifying as well. At 5'9" I am currently 200 pounds. (ouch) I don't do anything physical other than playing with my dog for 5 minutes when I come home from work. Other than that I just sit in my car on the way to work, sit at my desk for 10 hours, sit in my car again on the way home and then sit on the couch until it's time for bed. All of that put together with the epic amount of food I eat puts me not only in a place that most doctors will tell me isn't very healthy, but also takes a very big toll on my self esteem when it comes to beach or pool side situations.
So I'll start slow. I've bought some fruit and other health food at the market and keep it in the fridge at work instead of going Subway, In-N-Out, or Chipotle like I usually do. I'll take Darcey and Tank out for walks when I get home. Eventually, I'll be able to jog the neighborhood instead of walk. As time goes by, hopefully I'll be able to run a little further and further. Add some push-ups here, a few sit-ups there and then "WHALAA!" I'm back to the 175 lbs I was when I got married and hopefully I can stay there. Some would put it, "And he lived happily ever after . . ."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Fantasy Garage
I've been having a ton of fun driving and restoring the bug (who we've named Helga) over the last few weeks, but we're not even close to being done with all that she needs. A safe guess at this point would be that she should be in top shape about ten years from now. That way I can pace myself.
Getting into all the fun of "tearing down, clean it up, and put it back in" has really put a spark back into the part of my brain that thinks "if I could choose any cars on the planet for myself, what would I pick?" So I've decided to make a list from ten counting down so I can always reference it later in life to see how my taste changes. So here we go.
10. The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. This car would be from my favorite time period of all, the massive autos of the late 50's to early 60's. You cant mistake those iconic fins. It just makes me think of going to the highway diner late Friday night after a movie at the drive-in. They weren't cheap back in the day at $5,252.00 but hopefully you were a senior in high school when this beauty hit the dealerships so dad would let you take it to prom.
9. The Nissan GT-R. The best thing to come out of Japan since ninjas. Earlier versions of this car were so fast, that they were illegal in the U.S. But make no mistake, this car will still break your neck just like it did to Jeromey Clarkson. What really grabs me about this car is all the tech stuff they've put into it. Aside from tires filled with nitrogen to be more stable and an engine assembled in a pressurized room to gain maximum horse power, the tach and gages were designed by a company that makes racing video games. Not bad.
8. Ariel Atom. What could be better that a home grown American asphalt kicker. It's amazing what you can do in a car that has 300 hp and weighs about 1,005 lb. If you don't like your face where it is just stomp the peddle from a dead stop to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds and it will be relocated to the back of your skull. And of course, in All-American fashion, they're now offering the same car that produces 500 hp.
7. 1951 Mercury Custom. Opposite of every lead foot is the cruiser. Why drive fast when you can give everyone a chance to see you in a triple black lowered classic. Its safe to say you would make almost anyone regret being seen in their own car after you drive by in one of these. Though is wasn't the strongest seller of it's day, today, the '51 Merc is one of the most sought after classic cars and have seen going for as much as $600k.
6. Bugatti Veyron 16.4. What can be said that hasn't been said already? Shortly after Volkswagen purchased the rights to produce cars under the Bugatti name in late 90s the Veyron project was started. It is the fastest, most powerful, most expensive road car in the world. What do you get for $1.6 million? A car that's faster than an F1 race car and you can drive it to work. I would buy it, and then I would drive it at 257 mph everywhere. I can't think of any police cars that go that fast. Even speed guns won't go that high. Perfect if you need to get from LA to Vegas in an hour.
5. Aston Martin One-77. Never heard of it? That's because this is one of the most exclusive cars ever made. And you don't just go down and buy one. You have to be one of the lucky 77 people on this planet that are chosen (or invited) by the designer who hand builds each one specifically for you. The 7.3 litre naturally aspirated V12 and hand shaped body would make even James Bond drool.
4. 2001 Volkswagen Microbus Concept (Detroit Auto Show). Oh how I wish they had moved forward with this project. One of the coolest cars I have ever seen was a new generation VW fun bus that paid homage to the earlier buses of the 50's and 60's that have a cult status today, but still was completely original inside and out. It was designed by the Volkswagen Design Studio in Simi Valley, Ca. but in the middle of development VW decided that the 2001 American market needed a new compact SUV, not a minivan for the future.
3. Subaru Impreza WRX STi WRC2008. I know it's a long name. I guess with Japanese cars, the longer the name, the better it is because this car is amazing. But the only reason why I would have this car over super cars that cost 10 times as much is because they can't go where this one can. The all-wheel drive system and special suspension makes it able to zip up some of the roughest race courses in the world. Lets see you take a Lamborghini into the Norwegian forests or take a Ferrari up Pikes Peak with your tires on the edge of a 7,000 ft cliff.
2. Billy Gibbon's CADZILLA. Almost before you think of gigantic white beards, when you hear the name ZZ Top you think of amazing hot rods. This car, however, is beyond what most custom car builders even aim for. It's not what I would call flashy. Because it was designed and built so well it almost looks like it came this way from the factory . . . an evil factory. It's dark, low, and mean looking. This would fit into my fantasy garage perfect, especially for the times when I take myself down to the local prison yard to beat all the inmates up just for the fun of it. If you see Mr. Gibbons driving this beast around town, don't look him in the eyes.
1. 1964 Lincoln Continental. Hardtop or convertible, it doesn't matter. I would take one either way. The ultimate dream car for yours truly is this rolling masterpiece. The Continental was the bridge that connected the luxury and technology of the ultra wealthy to the common man who had families and a 9 to 5 job. Even today, it's perfect for everything from everyday driving to weekend cruising to special events and parades. I love all the unique details of the car too; the suicide doors that the car is famous for, the trunk that's big enough to rent out for the summer, the rain gutter style trim that makes the Lincoln look like a yacht driving down main street. It looks good from any angle. It looks good stock or customized. And the best part is that no one bought them. Cadillac was such a monster over the Lincoln in sales because the Continental was so much more expensive in 1964 so you hardly ever see them. It makes it just that much more special when one turns up. Out of all the cars in the world, from multi-million dollar rockets on wheels to the humble putters to the unique and rare vehicles to choose from, the 1964 Lincoln Continental is the one I like best.
Getting into all the fun of "tearing down, clean it up, and put it back in" has really put a spark back into the part of my brain that thinks "if I could choose any cars on the planet for myself, what would I pick?" So I've decided to make a list from ten counting down so I can always reference it later in life to see how my taste changes. So here we go.
10. The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. This car would be from my favorite time period of all, the massive autos of the late 50's to early 60's. You cant mistake those iconic fins. It just makes me think of going to the highway diner late Friday night after a movie at the drive-in. They weren't cheap back in the day at $5,252.00 but hopefully you were a senior in high school when this beauty hit the dealerships so dad would let you take it to prom.9. The Nissan GT-R. The best thing to come out of Japan since ninjas. Earlier versions of this car were so fast, that they were illegal in the U.S. But make no mistake, this car will still break your neck just like it did to Jeromey Clarkson. What really grabs me about this car is all the tech stuff they've put into it. Aside from tires filled with nitrogen to be more stable and an engine assembled in a pressurized room to gain maximum horse power, the tach and gages were designed by a company that makes racing video games. Not bad.
8. Ariel Atom. What could be better that a home grown American asphalt kicker. It's amazing what you can do in a car that has 300 hp and weighs about 1,005 lb. If you don't like your face where it is just stomp the peddle from a dead stop to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds and it will be relocated to the back of your skull. And of course, in All-American fashion, they're now offering the same car that produces 500 hp.7. 1951 Mercury Custom. Opposite of every lead foot is the cruiser. Why drive fast when you can give everyone a chance to see you in a triple black lowered classic. Its safe to say you would make almost anyone regret being seen in their own car after you drive by in one of these. Though is wasn't the strongest seller of it's day, today, the '51 Merc is one of the most sought after classic cars and have seen going for as much as $600k.
6. Bugatti Veyron 16.4. What can be said that hasn't been said already? Shortly after Volkswagen purchased the rights to produce cars under the Bugatti name in late 90s the Veyron project was started. It is the fastest, most powerful, most expensive road car in the world. What do you get for $1.6 million? A car that's faster than an F1 race car and you can drive it to work. I would buy it, and then I would drive it at 257 mph everywhere. I can't think of any police cars that go that fast. Even speed guns won't go that high. Perfect if you need to get from LA to Vegas in an hour.5. Aston Martin One-77. Never heard of it? That's because this is one of the most exclusive cars ever made. And you don't just go down and buy one. You have to be one of the lucky 77 people on this planet that are chosen (or invited) by the designer who hand builds each one specifically for you. The 7.3 litre naturally aspirated V12 and hand shaped body would make even James Bond drool.4. 2001 Volkswagen Microbus Concept (Detroit Auto Show). Oh how I wish they had moved forward with this project. One of the coolest cars I have ever seen was a new generation VW fun bus that paid homage to the earlier buses of the 50's and 60's that have a cult status today, but still was completely original inside and out. It was designed by the Volkswagen Design Studio in Simi Valley, Ca. but in the middle of development VW decided that the 2001 American market needed a new compact SUV, not a minivan for the future.
3. Subaru Impreza WRX STi WRC2008. I know it's a long name. I guess with Japanese cars, the longer the name, the better it is because this car is amazing. But the only reason why I would have this car over super cars that cost 10 times as much is because they can't go where this one can. The all-wheel drive system and special suspension makes it able to zip up some of the roughest race courses in the world. Lets see you take a Lamborghini into the Norwegian forests or take a Ferrari up Pikes Peak with your tires on the edge of a 7,000 ft cliff.2. Billy Gibbon's CADZILLA. Almost before you think of gigantic white beards, when you hear the name ZZ Top you think of amazing hot rods. This car, however, is beyond what most custom car builders even aim for. It's not what I would call flashy. Because it was designed and built so well it almost looks like it came this way from the factory . . . an evil factory. It's dark, low, and mean looking. This would fit into my fantasy garage perfect, especially for the times when I take myself down to the local prison yard to beat all the inmates up just for the fun of it. If you see Mr. Gibbons driving this beast around town, don't look him in the eyes.
1. 1964 Lincoln Continental. Hardtop or convertible, it doesn't matter. I would take one either way. The ultimate dream car for yours truly is this rolling masterpiece. The Continental was the bridge that connected the luxury and technology of the ultra wealthy to the common man who had families and a 9 to 5 job. Even today, it's perfect for everything from everyday driving to weekend cruising to special events and parades. I love all the unique details of the car too; the suicide doors that the car is famous for, the trunk that's big enough to rent out for the summer, the rain gutter style trim that makes the Lincoln look like a yacht driving down main street. It looks good from any angle. It looks good stock or customized. And the best part is that no one bought them. Cadillac was such a monster over the Lincoln in sales because the Continental was so much more expensive in 1964 so you hardly ever see them. It makes it just that much more special when one turns up. Out of all the cars in the world, from multi-million dollar rockets on wheels to the humble putters to the unique and rare vehicles to choose from, the 1964 Lincoln Continental is the one I like best.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Beginning of Everything
It's 1:39 am and I cant sleep.
I've found a new way to look at life recently. It wasn't on purpose. It only happened because mine was changed so drastically. After waiting and waiting to see what kind of cloths and decorations we would be buying for our first baby, and after wanting to know so badly what we're going to have so we can think of names, I'm finding myself in a place where I don't care about those things for the same reasons I did before.
I, Evan Scott Bechtel, am having a little baby girl.
It's hard to put into words the way I feel. All I can think over and over is, "My heart is full, my heart is full, my heart is full . . . " I have a wife that no man on this planet deserves. In a the dumb luck or chance or acts of God that inspire and control the things that happen in this life, she is the single greatest gift I have ever received. And now there is going to be a little person . . . a little girl that moves, talks, thinks, and all sorts of other things we do just like her mother and I do. I've told Darcey many times but I don't think she really understands what I mean when I say that seeing her pregnant is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I can only be honest and admit I get emotional just thinking about it. It is the perfect design created by God for us to forge our lives as one into something we could never create on our own.
Why do I receive so much when I have nothing to give to You?!
When have I ever proven myself to You?
How can I preserve and protect what You've given me?
How can I let You teach her love and show her Your heart?
What good am I, unless I have You?
Where will I have find the strength to give her back to You?
You are glory, You are strength, You are love,
You are giving, Your are trusting, You are wise,
You are everything, I am nothing,
But You love me, and I love You
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
In love with a 44 year old . . .
This beautiful lady is my new wheels. Darcey and I have yet to name her but she's already a member of the family. 1965 was a great year for the Volkswagen Beetle. It was the first year the defroster was added in the dash and the front axle was improved. The innovative designs and features on the car were both classic and timeless. It's arguably the best selling car of all time after the Carolla. But the Toyota has gone through way more changes and upgrades. The VW has been almost the exact same over the more than 40 years it was produced. I hope this car will be with us for a long time. 
We'll slowly restore it back to it's original condition with some modern upgrades like better brakes and a bigger engine.We are going to be moving within the next two months and that means the start of paying a monthly rent bill again. In order to continue saving for a house we've decided to sell our 2006 Honda Element. After the payment, insurance and everything else it was costing us up to $400 a month which is a lot of money for us right now. Darcey can drive the Jetta when we have the baby. It's a very safe car and reliable too. But first things first for the new . . . old bug. I have to install seat belts. Maybe I'll get a fire extinguisher too.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
I'm feeling preachy today so here we go.
Yesterday I was at work early so I could sit in on a training session for a new home filtration system made by 3M and Body Glove. You know those guys. They invented those sweet wet suits ocean goers love so much. They are introducing one of the first fully recyclable filtration systems that could soon be used in almost every new residential and commercial system in the US. This led our presenter to mention that this is important because unrecycled plastics are causing massive damage to the ocean by what is call "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch" or "Pacific Trash Vortex" as it's sometimes called.
I can't believe I've never heard of it. Apparently, there is a gigantic mass of trash floating in the pacific ocean that covers an area . . . (and I'm not mistaken) twice the size of Texas. Texas is 268,820 square miles. I'll let that sink in.
Trash that goes into land fills near the ocean don't stay in the ground. The go into a water shelf and float out to sea. The swirling current pushes it all together somewhere in between San Fransisco and Hawaii where wild life eat it. This is the point where trash enters the food chain. I've read that because of this patch, eating one steak fillet from a sword fish in the Pacific contains your entire year supply of mercury. Looking at the pictures make me feel ashamed. I can't think of a better word. Luckily there is an organization called the Environmental Cleanup Coalition that is trying to put together a fleet of ships that will clean a large amount of the trash and recycle it.
I recommend seeing what you can do to avoid letting your trash end up in the ocean. One tip I've heard is to take the cap off of you plastic bottles. Most but not all cities will not recycle your bottles if the cap is still on, even if you put it in your blue recycle trash can!
I sound like one of those green hippy activists. I guess I'm concerned that I've never heard of this problem and it seems so huge. We've been blessed with a planet that holds so much beauty that I know I take for granted.
This will end up on my list of things I'd love to fix in this world. Along with the children soldiers in Africa, the awful sport of bear baiting in Pakistan, and the lack of investments our own country makes in it's schools.
Yesterday I was at work early so I could sit in on a training session for a new home filtration system made by 3M and Body Glove. You know those guys. They invented those sweet wet suits ocean goers love so much. They are introducing one of the first fully recyclable filtration systems that could soon be used in almost every new residential and commercial system in the US. This led our presenter to mention that this is important because unrecycled plastics are causing massive damage to the ocean by what is call "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch" or "Pacific Trash Vortex" as it's sometimes called.
I can't believe I've never heard of it. Apparently, there is a gigantic mass of trash floating in the pacific ocean that covers an area . . . (and I'm not mistaken) twice the size of Texas. Texas is 268,820 square miles. I'll let that sink in.
Trash that goes into land fills near the ocean don't stay in the ground. The go into a water shelf and float out to sea. The swirling current pushes it all together somewhere in between San Fransisco and Hawaii where wild life eat it. This is the point where trash enters the food chain. I've read that because of this patch, eating one steak fillet from a sword fish in the Pacific contains your entire year supply of mercury. Looking at the pictures make me feel ashamed. I can't think of a better word. Luckily there is an organization called the Environmental Cleanup Coalition that is trying to put together a fleet of ships that will clean a large amount of the trash and recycle it.
I recommend seeing what you can do to avoid letting your trash end up in the ocean. One tip I've heard is to take the cap off of you plastic bottles. Most but not all cities will not recycle your bottles if the cap is still on, even if you put it in your blue recycle trash can!
I sound like one of those green hippy activists. I guess I'm concerned that I've never heard of this problem and it seems so huge. We've been blessed with a planet that holds so much beauty that I know I take for granted.
This will end up on my list of things I'd love to fix in this world. Along with the children soldiers in Africa, the awful sport of bear baiting in Pakistan, and the lack of investments our own country makes in it's schools.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Measuring the Reach of Forgiveness
The last few months I've been kicking around an idea that hasn't really gone away. It's not something that concerns or excites me either way. I'm just curious.
What if, in the end at the final judgement, Satan falls on his knees and begs . . . and God forgives him?
I think about what a great moment it will be when victory over death is declared by God like I've always been taught, but then I think that an equally, if not greater moment it would be when the ultimate display of love's victory is to forgive the unforgivable and to love the unlovable. This can be opening a gigantic box of messy theology questions and debates, but part of me kind of finds the idea beautiful. I realize the arguments that "Satan doesn't want to be saved!" and "he'll just try to be like God again!" but when it comes down to it, I'm not his judge and either way shouldn't affect the way I live or decisions I make. If it is possible, I have a funny picture in my head of the devil sitting on a bench thinking to himself, "to perish in a burning lake of sulfur and fire or not to perish in a burning lake of sulfur and fire?" I guess we can take bets and split up the winnings when we get there.
What if, in the end at the final judgement, Satan falls on his knees and begs . . . and God forgives him?
I think about what a great moment it will be when victory over death is declared by God like I've always been taught, but then I think that an equally, if not greater moment it would be when the ultimate display of love's victory is to forgive the unforgivable and to love the unlovable. This can be opening a gigantic box of messy theology questions and debates, but part of me kind of finds the idea beautiful. I realize the arguments that "Satan doesn't want to be saved!" and "he'll just try to be like God again!" but when it comes down to it, I'm not his judge and either way shouldn't affect the way I live or decisions I make. If it is possible, I have a funny picture in my head of the devil sitting on a bench thinking to himself, "to perish in a burning lake of sulfur and fire or not to perish in a burning lake of sulfur and fire?" I guess we can take bets and split up the winnings when we get there.