Posts here have been sparse lately. With the new business and still trying to consult on the side, time is one thing that is becoming precious.

3 weeks now since I “quit” being a full time salaried employee with Vertis. Yet, the past two weeks has been crazy. Travelled to LA to work on a new server upgrade at a customer and in New York this past week for yet another Vertis customer. In the middle of it all, I was still handling some support and trying to work my own business. Whew.

Still, it’s a bit scary after 20 years working for someone else. We’re struggling with the ups and downs of the business. We have crazy weeks and dead weeks. It’s all part of the territory, but still, it’s scary when it all rests on your shoulders. Before, someone else was marketing and selling, someone else had to worry about the revenue and P&L. Now, it’s all me. Living the American Dream!!!

Lastly, finally got some family time today. After working one weekend after another and not going to the mountains since last fall, we decided to head to the high country for a “little” day hike. We went up to a lake in the park, RMNP, that we’d never been. It was serene and beautiful as the Rockies always are!! While we missed a few business calls, it was still nice to actually disconnect for a few hours, get the old hear rate up and have great conversation with our son, Dylan. Seems like hiking along gives us plenty of free time to discuss just about anything. Our subjects went from sex, to finance, money matters, how banks work to alternative fuels for cars and the environment. I guess when you have 5 hours to rattle along a winding trail high in the mountains with the breeze, sun and scenery, the mind just works over-time. Good times!!!

Shane

Posted: June 23rd, 2007 under Personal.
Comments: none

I’ve started a new project. Well, it’s not a project I’m “doing” per’ se’, but rather having done. I’ve been thinking about doing a “half” sleeve tattoo on my upper right arm. Ever since I had the “hallows eve” tattoo done last year, I’ve been thinking about going for an upper arm fully covered sleeve.

This past Friday, it began. My original artist, also named Shane, decided to get out of the tattoo business to spend more time with his family. Very respectable. However, now I had to find someone else. After reading about Main Street Tattoo here in Longmont, I stopped by a few weeks back. One of the artists there was very much into halloween and that was exactly the theme I was going for. I wanted a reaper, scary pumpkins and more skulls. So, after a brief discussion about what I wanted, we set an appointment.

This past Friday was the start. Dave did an awesome job with the different pieces flowing into each other. So, I decided to start documenting the progress. First, the outlines. Then he’s do the coloring and additional shading.

Now that this portion is done. It needs to heal. After a few weeks, he’ll start the front section of my arm over the muscle and inside of the arm. I’m looking forward to the artwork he comes up with. For reference, Dave is pretty inked up himself. He has a wicked eyeball on the back of his shaven head.

Believe it or not, this didn’t hurt at all. In fact, in a sadistic way, the back inside kind of tickled. I’m sure that’s not what you’d have expected, but it did.

Shane

Posted: June 10th, 2007 under Personal.
Comments: none

It’s been quit a while since my last post. I’ve been so busy juggling work, travel and the new business that it’s been nearly impossible to get to the blog. Something has to give when the schedule is crazy.

Starting today, June 2, 2007, I’m no longer gainfully employed. I’m now a contractor for Vertis, giving me a “little” more free time to devote to Altitude Dream Cars. Truthfully, I have several projects still in the works, so it’s more of a day-to-day shift to start, rather than anything. Lots to still do.

Leaving the office yesterday was kind of bitter sweet. Bitter in than I’d spent 7 years in my current space and I had to pack it up. Sweet in that I’ll be working from home and will have to manage my own time now.

Catching up on activities:
Here’s a few highlighted things we accomplished in the past few weeks.

- Had several busy weeks renting everything out.

- Anniversary party: Jodi and I celebrated our 20th anniversary this year. Wow, time flies when you’re having fun.

- Traded the Hummer for a Porsche Boxster. Great decision.

- Had to rebuild the Lotus. Blew the engine and had to put in a new one. Don’t ask, this one is a long story.

- Remodeled the inside of the trailer.

- Dylan’s out of school and we’re now going to focus him on a summer job with the company detailing cars. Our next mini-adventure with Altitude Dream Cars.

Well, that’s the “short-list”. So far, so good on everything including getting the business off the ground. I’ve been very pleased at the response we’ve received so far. With very little marketing, short of hard charging on our web site, it’s been pretty steady. We’re in a bit of a lull right now as summer starts to kick in and people transition their plans from work to play.

That’s about it for now.
- Shane

Posted: June 2nd, 2007 under Personal.
Comments: none