Took a vacation day last week to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity building homes for low-income families in the city of Fullerton, California. Somehow I had imagined we’d be painting, sanding, planting, or doing something else that required little or no actual skill, but I was way off.

We were asked to do things like move tons of lumber and boards over pipe ditches, build window and door frames from scratch, and install floor boards atop an exposed second story while balancing precariously on floor joists. It was hard work, but I must admit it was fun.

Looking for a way to make a difference in your community? Visit the Habitat for Humanity website and find out if there’s a chapter near you. They’re always looking for volunteers. Nail guns for everyone!

7 comments August 5th, 2007

Last Sunday I completed the 56-mile cycling leg of the Challenged Athletes Triathlon. It was inspiring to see so many amazing people competing with and without artificial limbs, showing us all who the “lame” ones really are.

While in their midst, I felt like such a loser in comparison, spinning my two healthy legs along the course. Though I have been struggling with my own health problems over recent years, it was put into far better perspective after seeing what these challenged athletes overcome on a daily basis.

Robin Williams, a consistent supporter of this event, is pictured at right.

8 comments November 9th, 2006

Managed to exceed my sponsorship goal without promoting the cause. Friends and family kicked me over the $350 minimum within weeks of my enrollment… But that’s no reason not to offer you the opportunity to support my involvement in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis.

Remember last year when we helped my best friend reach his minimum donation for this very same two-day cycling event? Back then, I warned him that next time I’d be pimping my own ride… And I kept my word!

7 comments October 4th, 2006

Prior to this, I can’t even remember the last concert I attended. It was probably so long ago that I was a teen. Recently broke that long dry spell by seeing Ringo and His All Starr Band at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City. Though it’s not an event that I would have chosen of my own accord, it turned out to be highly entertaining.

Take a look at the wild mix of performers Ringo Starr brought together for his tour: Rod Argent, Richard Marx, Sheila E, Billy Squier, Edgar Winter, and Hamish Stewart. Apart from Ringo himself (and who wouldn’t appreciate the opportunity to see a Beatle in concert?) the most impressive musician was Edgar Winter, who is a genius on keyboard, saxophone, guitar, and vocals.

2 comments June 27th, 2006

At last I’m ready to hit the road on my rad new bike! It’s decorating my office right now and I can’t help glancing over at it every now and then to flash it a flirty grin. It’s just so sexy and Italian… You would too!

Went on a ride around Santa Paula to test it out. There’s a whole lot of nothing up there aside from cows, horses, and roadkill. This ride was less eventful than the last (no injuries!) and I really enjoyed it.

I’m surprised to find the difference between spinning and cycling to be so vast. They’re different species entirely. At the very least I figured the movement would be similar, but I find myself sore in new places.

11 comments May 7th, 2006