Heading down Vegas Blvd. So nice and warm... and full of life
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This is Tara. One of my best friends. She's about 17 weeks pregnant, hence the showing off of the beer belly. Tara was my wing man... er..... woman on my trip. It was so great just being able to hang out with her again. We drifted a little after I left for Colorado... she was involved with a guy (looks like a monkey) ..... I was busy as hell trying to become a tattoo artist. I guess sometimes friends just need to go do other things.... I'm just thankful that our friendship is the kind that doesn't falter or wane because of distance and time. I miss her already
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A little drive time. Just burning up some fuel waiting for my vampire crew to wake up.... and enjoying the fact that I could wear short sleeve shirts and jeans with holes in the knees and not chatter like a pair of dice on the come out roll
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This is Shauna's new baby boy, Levi. Soooooooo cute. I honestly can't recall that last time I held a baby before that day. It was so cool. Such a little ham. A he actually threw a boob fit. Crazy kid is already taking after his uncle Brandon. The thing that got me the most though is when I hummed the “tu-ra-lu-ra-lu-ra” song my mother sang to me when I was a baby, and Levi fell asleep in my arms. It was just shock and awe to me. Shauna took him from me and put him in his crib... and my heart.... just hurt. Amazing. She's a great mama

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One of the coolest things I've ever seen. While I was being introduced to Levi, Shauna asked what Tara had as far a baby stuff. I had no idea so after a quick call, Shauna started loading me up with all kinds of infant goodies. She gave Tara diapers, a baby seat, bottle warmer, bath tub, books, and a whole host of stuff that would take me too long list. Every time I took stuff out to my car, there'd be a new pile of stuff. This would've been a very cool thing by itself, but here's the background. Tara and Shauna are both very strong independent women. And as is with a great deal of those types of females.... they both don't like other females. I'm not saying that they don't like each other... far from it... but they just never meshed. It wasn't like they'd ever call the other one and say "hey let's go get a cup of coffee". So when Shauna did this remarkable act and to see the look on Tara's face... well.... it gave me a little feeling of... hope. Here are two extraordinary women with a very big common ground... I still smile just thinking about it.
Oh... and here's something weird.... I had my first total instinct moment... that I can remember anyway... and that was driven by protection. Shauna, Tara, and I were hanging at the club and we were a poking and joking, just like always. Shauna made a quip to one of the managers and he got up in what, I guess, I originally interpreted as a threat. All I remember is quickly glancing to check where the girls were located on the couches we were sitting on...and then jumping to my feet with my shoulders squared to the rushing "threat". I had only one thought... "You are going to have to kill me to get to these girls". It was the truest instinctual thought I've ever had. So true the only word I can think to describe it is.... Pure. I quickly jumped back into my body when it became obvious he wasn't any kind of a threat. I played it off, as did the girls, with quick jokes and laughter.... but I realized at that moment that I would kill anyone who messed with my loved ones. I'm not sure if it because I knew that Tara was pregnant and I had spent time with Shauna and Levi earlier in the day... all I know is my defend/kill button got pushed. Crazy
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New Mama.... and I think Levi just found out that was going to be around for the rest of his life.... I get that reaction a lot.
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Triangle Club.... my second home. One of the places I miss most... but at least I know it's still there.... providing a haven for the lost
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Mickeys Cues and Brews. The best place to play pool and hang out. Tara and I did a double night. Both of out skillz have diminished to say the least.... but hell that's what happens when you play every night, 7 hours, for 6 months and then play 4 times in 2 years. Granted it did come back to us somewhat by the end of the nights.... but still... we are/were shadows of our former selves. Still... all kinds of fun.... course that might just be all the bending over... time will tell

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Co' lamping by da pool. I didn't take too many pictures this time around. It was more of an introspective vacation. I needed to sort some things out. I tried to keep the stress level to a minimum on purpose. My eyes were starting to cross from all the tattoos and... well... all of life's other little bumps and crossroads
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My dad cracked some cartilages coughing my first night in. He toughed it out til my third day, but then decided he should see a doctor. The only reason I'm talking about this is because of the irony that they put the word "quick" in UMC Quick Care. There isn't a damn thing quick about it.... 3 hours later my dad had some new prescriptions...... and is doing much better now

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Tara and I went and checked out "Date Movie" while we waited for Mickeys to clear out. Thank god the company was good, because the movie wasn't. Funny in spots.... but for the most part.... Ugggghhhh. But like I said... the company was good. Of cousre we could have been picking up trash on the side of the road, as long as Tara was with me, I'd have a good time.

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So this was the first night Tara and I played pool. Gotta love those shoes. White FMB's rock. She's just cool to hang with. She gave me one of the biggest complements I've ever gotten in my life, and I don't even think she realized it... She said "You have the kind of sense of humor that some men might have, but are too scared to show". Oh my.... I'm sorry... but that is just fucking great. She also said my entire personality is base on "cute". You could've knocked me over with a feather.. but I played it off ok.... I think... well... until now

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I want it to be know that even though it looks like I'm shooting at the wrong ball... or about to attempt some crazy ass english... the one is dead in front of me. To my right is the three... I swear. I'm not that out of practice. I just can't wear my "VINCE" shirt right now. This is only going to make sense to a select few.... but fuck it. If you know what's up... shiny

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Coming thru a storm in bat country on my way to Palm Springs. If you ever have to drive out in the middle of the desert, I suggest listening to the "Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas" soundtrack. Jonny Depp saying "Wait! We can't stop here! This is bat country!" just works real well

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Just another day in the life.... tattooed dude poolside... shiny

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Moms crib. Her new flowers are real cool. The whole house has a nice flow. She did an awesome job putting it all togeather.

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Village Pub.... Ricks new place of employment. We hooked up and did a fair bit of people watching. I swear the place reminded me of Nicks in Boulder. Such a mixed bag of people. Old people in the corner.... gang-stars... goths... sluts... drunks. Yup.... just like Nicks. It was funny watching Rick just hanging in a bar where he's top dog. Reminded me of.... me. Fights, girls, booze, fights, girls, girls, girls, booze.... fights. Ahhhh..... memories

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Windmills coming back to Vegas. Not quite bat country, but I was getting there.

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Miss Tara.... so cute.
So... let's see.... I got up... hit the pool.... drove from Palm Springs to Vegas.... met up with Tara... got some pics..... met up with Teddy over at the Silverton.... drove to Parhump... was asleep buy 5:30 am.... woke up at 8... hauled ass to Vegas for my flight... landed in Denver... met up with Megan.... drove back to Vail.... stopped by shop to make sure everything was cool... went home unpacked.... passed out. Not a bad lil 33 hour stretch.
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I still think Michael... or Michelle.... or Brandon.... or Brandy are great names. If I have a son I think I'll name him Harry... yup.... Harry Combs. Tell me he wouldn't be in show buisness. Or Indiana.... Indiana Combs and the Temple of Doom..... Fuck yeah!!!!
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I stopped by to see Megan on my way back up to the mountain top. She's doing so great. I get such a rush of pride when I think of her. I love picking an underdog and watching them make it.... It's just so cool
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Me, Kevin, and Rick.... Okay... these aren't my pics from Va-Kay... actually thay're a couple years old. I think Karlie took these right before the exodus. My latest pics will be up tonight.... but I'm not going to have the explanations up until late tonight.... so check back if you're confused
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The ol gang..... Dave, Rick, Juan, Kevin, Karlie, and me....ahhhhh... memories
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Me & Karlie
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Well... I'm baaaaaaack. And now that I'm looking at this pic I took at my mothers place, I'm wondering why......... I'll start posting up the trip pics tomorrow

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Time to head back to Colorado.... at least in the next 22 hours.... Soooo..................Goodbye, Vietnam! That's right, I'm history, I'm out of here, I got the lucky ticket home, baby, Rollin; rollin; rollin' Keep them wagons rollin'. Rawhide Yeah, that's right, The final Adrian Cronauer broadcast. And this one is brought to you by your friends at the Pentagon. Remember the people who brought you Korea? That's right, the US Army. If it's being done correctly, here or abroad, it's probably not being done by the Army. "I heard that, "Oh, ho, you're here!Good to see you, "I'm here to make sure you don't say anything controversial." Speaking of things controversial, is it true that there is a marijuana problem here in Vietnam? "No, it's not a problem, Everybody has it." "I don't know, Adrian, " Leo! Leo. 'Adrian, take care of yourself I just want you to know one thing, If you're going to be dressing in civilian clothes, don't forget pumps." Thanh you, Leo. Thanks for these, Oh, these are special. "They're ruby slippers, Adrian. Put these on and say, 'There's no place like home... there's no place like home,' and you can be there." I hope. I hope we all could.

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Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.... I'm making a b-line for DIA. Catch you all on the flip side
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Well... I'm off to Vegas... or at least I will be in the next 26 hours. I know it sounds like I have a little time, but I'm running like crazy to get everything done. I have 3 tattoos to do taday.. I need to get the shop in order... burn some travel CDs... get my car ready... oh and somewhere along those lines I have to pack. I'll post when ever I get a chance... my client just walked in.... fun
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A couple of old friend stopped by today. Kris and Keith have been friends for something like 8 years now. Well Kris and myself for a little longer. She and I worked security together. She was one of the Australian crew that came over to Vail for the winter season, and then went back to Buller (ski resort in Australia) for their winter season. She ended up meeting Keith where she worked... long story short... they're now married... living in Bolder. She's a genetics engineering goddess... or at least that's what I believe she is (I'd be more specific, but I hate making myself feel all Forest Gump)... and he's a chef. Great couple. I'm going to try and hit em' up when I get back from Vegas/Cali. Keith's birthday is on the following weekend, from my return. Should be cool. I put a little 3-D tribal on his arm to help out a little spiral he had done 11 years ago. Gotta love it.

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I think everyone has a little Darth in them.... Some just more then others. This just happens to be my eye. Such a great metaphor. Good or Evil. Where will I fall or rise?
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Hecho En Mexico... very cool
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You know.... I had this big tirade running thru my head for the last couple dayz... and now that I have a min to actually sit down and write about it... I'm tired ... and once again.... done. I know what's going to happen.... in the morning I'll wake up... spitting mental fire and brimstone. Wanting to rip out someones soul.... then I'll have a smoke and drink a Rockstar... the feeling will subside. Thank high-ones a vacation is almost here

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Hot lil' firefighter.... Blacklight anyone?
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4 Hyatt girlz in 2 dayz... must be some kind of a record. This is a little import from the Ukraine. I proved to her that not all tattoos are painful (grin)
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1st timer.... held like a statue. We're both a little out of focus.... and so is the picture (cheez-E grin)
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Someone once told me that one of the definitions of insanity was try the same action over and over again and expecting different results. So I guess insanity and confusion are once again running amok. I find myself squinting a lot.... brow creased.... with nothing but questions. I'm not sure why some of the things that have come up this last week have made me feel this way... I guess it must be the insanity. I'd love to go into greater detail, but some things I just don't know how to put into words. One thing that I can kind of write about is.... well..... the question why do I need to find out things about relationships that are waaaaaaaayyyyyyy over. I'm talking years. And why does it still make my skin crawl and that weird funny numb thing to happen in my stomach and legs. I just don't understand... and that's not necessarily a bad thing... but it's still one of those little parts of life I'd like to figure out . It doesn't help that 13 and I are once again speaking.... and tattooing if you've checked out my tat site.
Things are getting strange... thank god I have Vegas next week. I need some life and relaxation.... time to get centered

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Another virgin popped
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Just another day at the office
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Blast from the past
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Dragonfly... very cool chick-a-dee
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First time Aussie... Took it like a champ
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Thank god..... No more V-day. Pretty tame. I ended up back home watching Cry_Wolf... eating my girlfriend. Terri was right... she melted in my mouth.... Damn I got da skillz ta pay da billz. I'm so stoked that Vegas/Cali are right around the corner. I'm as busy as a one legged man in an ass kicking contest til then, but hell... I'm down for it
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So this has been my V-Day thus far.... I'm heading to Loaded Joes now... More tomorrow
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Red Wings Suck!!!!! Of course I might just be bitter because they beat us every time we played this season.... Naaaaaa.... Red Wings just suck!
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Oh hell yeah! I'm making the return trip to Vegas at the end of the month. Thank you very much Mom!!! It's going to be my soberity birthday on the 1st of March. 4 years sober.... wow... time flys when you're running a gun
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My newest poster. Intergalatic Punk Rock Hip Hop. The band broke up a while ago, but are now back togeath and back in studio. You may not know who they are, but I'm sure you've heard some of Clint Mansells work... He's done soundtracks for Doom, Murder By Numbers, Sarhara, CSI Miami, Requiem For A Dream, Man On Fire...You get the idea. Check out www.pweination.org
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My CME Girlz
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Things I Learned Since October 31st 2005......

1. I have an amazing group of friends They teach me what it means to be human every day. Compassion. Loyalty, Strength. Intelligence. Humor. Love. I'm constantly amazed by the actions of my friends.

2. Snow sucks. I always had a feeling, but now I know for sure.

3. Having clients who love your work and who you are is a really cool feeling.

4. CSI is a great way to finish a long day

5. The way I feel about things now is a lot more different then just a few years ago.

6. Mickeys Cues & Brews is an awesome place for a reunion. Playing pool and catching up on old times.... just works.

7. I'm still fuck'd in the head. One month shy of being sober for four years... and I'm still crazy. I really didn't expect much more, but hell there is always hope.

8. Walking around with $5000 dollars in your back pocket is an unmatched feeling

9. The Broncos can still let me down.... but it's okay... just wait til next year.

10. Tattoos can be a life long reminder that you made a mistake in your life

11. My family will always be there

12. I miss my Vegas crew. Cassandra, Shauna, Rick, Tara, Kevin, Soph, Juan, Tyson, Manny, Costa, Jackie, Chuck, Star, Steve, Triangle Club, Mickys, Sams Town, MGM... everyone and everything

13. I love my dogs, Courage & Lobo, and our cat, Smoky, more then I like 92 percent of the people in Vail.... during tourist season

14. When I pray... sometimes the answer is no.... that's why I simplified it to just "Thank you for another day"

15. Ladies like the idea of having "Tattoo Artist" on their list of "Guys I hooked up with". I've never been asked out so much in my life.

16. My car, Jenny (from Forest Gump) can be a "lady" or a "bitch" in the same hour.

17. Being cold... sometimes has nothing to do with the temperature

18. I liked going to Loaded Joes, when Adam was asking the questions

19. My porn collection scares me due to sheer volume

20. I'm growing up.... and it sucks..... sometimes

21. The Colorado Avalanche need to get their "A" game back

22. Listening to Slipknot when you're already pissed at the world is a great "gas on the fire" kind of experience.

23. I have the ability to love... I know it sounds like a easy thing... but for some of us... it was a hard thing to get back.... no matter how brief and fleeting

24. God carries me more often then I'd like to admit

25. I now have the ability to turn and walk away from something that might get someone hurt

26. Being lonely.... really, really, sucks

27. This roller coaster called life is one hell of a ride

28. I want to say thank you to all those who stand by me no matter what. You are the reasons I have breath in my lungs and hope in my heart. You all know who you are. Truly.... Thank You

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I had a rabbit that looked just like this
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