Bugs and the Mork and Mindy House in Boulder

I have been a fan of Mork and Mindy since it first aired in 1978 (when I was six years old). I even owned a pair of rainbow suspenders and pretended to be Mork when I was kid (actually, I thought I was Mork...I had a vivid imagination). Anyway...as you know, the show was based in Boulder, CO...which is just a 20 minute drive from our current home near Denver. Ever since we moved here, I've wanted to find the house that they used for exterior shots for the show and take a picture in front of it. So, yesterday, we decided to go to the Butterfly Pavillion in Westminster as a family. It was fun. They had lots of creepy crawlies to look at. Also, they had a rain forest atrium with hundreds of butterfly's from all over the world that you can walk amongst and enjoy. We all held a tarantula named Rosie (even my wife joined in to show her boys what a cool Mom she is). It was a good time, but the entire experience was only about and hour and a half. So, we decided to drive up to Boulder and look around. We called my Aunt Dye and asked her to look up the address of the Mork house on the interenet so that we could find it while we were up there. When she called us back, we were just around the corner from it. As we drove up, I recognized it immediately. We got out and Joi took a picture of me and my boys in front of it. It was cool to be so close to it. Upon further investigation, this house was also used for another show I used to watch, "Perfect Strangers". They used it as the house where Larry and Balke lived with their wives. So, I found the house where Mork lived. Also, we drove through the downtown Boulder district and I expected to see McConnell's Music Store. It looked just like I would have expected it to look from watching the show for so many years. I know it was actually filmed in Hollywood, but the exterior shots were all accomplished in Boulder. It was cool to see it first hand. Unfortunately, we forgot our camera. So, I had to capture the moment on our cell phone. Oh well, I'm sure we'll go see it again sometime.

 

Christmas 2009 with the Copeland Clan

Here are a few photos of our Christmas festivities. We woke up and decided to open our stocking presents first. Afterward, we ate breakfast and dug into the main presents. It was fun. We cut way back on Christmas this year, but we had plenty to open and everyone was happy. After presents, we decided to play with a few of them. The Wii Fit Plus I bought Joi was a big hit and the Wii Outdoor Challenge that we bought the kids was also fun to try out. Joi bought me a digital frame that I am very excited about (I've wanted one for years). After showers and more playing, the Ferris Family joined us and we exchanged gifts. I went outside briefly to change a rear tail light that burned out on our car and then Dye and Forest arrived. We had a dinner of Ham, Yams, Corn, Joi's awesome biscuits, Green Bean Casserole (yuck!), and other yummy food. Afterward, more playing with our gifts and lots of Wii tournaments. After everyone was thoroughly exhausted, we feasted on Joi's homemade Blackberry Pie, Cheesecake, and other goodies. It was a fun day. It was nice not to have to drive anywhere or go to several different Christmas events. It was relaxing and fun. Also, there was a nice blanket of snow outside and it was only 29 degrees, so it really felt like Christmas. While we did miss seeing some of our family and friends, we had a very nice time. We are hoping that next year some of those family and friends can come out here and experience a Colorado Christmas with us. The door is always open.

Merry Christmas from the Copeland Clan

Tomorrow I plan on enjoying my family all day, so I will not be posting a blog on Christmas day. But, I wanted to take this opportunity to send a heartfelt Merry Christmas to all my friends, family, anonymous readers, and everyone else who frequents my blog. For those friends and family who are interested, I am posting a family picture taken at the beginning of December. Feel free to download it and enjoy! It is also on my Picasa site online ready for download.

So, from the Copeland Clan, who will be missing many friends and family back in California and abroad....we say "Merry Christmas! May God bless you this season and in the new year!" We love you all!

The Wonder of Snow

When I woke up this morning, there was a beautiful, pristine blanket of snow covering the landscape. The snow was continuing to drift down in beautiful, large flakes. I watched the snow float soundlessly down as I ate my bowl of Life Cereal and as I got ready to leave for work. As I drove to work, I took in all the beauty of the snow. I watched the flakes hit my windshield and blow gently away. I saw how everything looks so much more beautiful with a pure, white blanket of snow. The Bear Creek Green Belt across the street from our house was dazzling and sparkling with the unblemished ice crystals. When I got to the train station, I would have normally put on my iPod and listened to music. But, today, I wanted to hear the silence that snowfall brings. Everything is so quiet while it is snowing. It's calming and beautiful. As I stood at the station, I put my hand out and caught the snowflakes as they fell on the black fabric of my glove. I marveled at the beauty and intricacy of each snowflake. Each one is completely unique. Each one had a different shape. I stood mesmerized by each snowflake that met my glove. I probably looked like a loony to everyone standing nearby and I stood and stared, mesmerized by my gloved hand. But, then a young woman carrying a casserole dish made a comment about how beautiful the snowflakes were landing on the black insulated bag the dish was in. I didn't feel like such a crazy person after that. I love the snow. I love living where we actually have seasons. I just can't get over how beautiful the winter is here. It really does feel like Christmas. In my head, I can hear the song from the movie, White Christmas..."Snow...snow....snow....I'll wash my hands, my face, my hair with snow." Okay, maybe that is a little obsessive. But, I get where they are coming from.

Living the Dream

I have a picture that I keep in my office. It's a black and white photo of Walt Disney walking alone under the archway to the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. To me, that photo means a lot. In that photo, Walt is surveying his dream. He is seeing, firsthand, his dream come to fruition. He had a goal, worked hard to pursue it, made sacrifices, and is now able to enjoy the fruits of his efforts. It's an inspirational photo for me. I was looking at it today and I wondered what my dream is and if I am on the path to see if come to fruition.

When I thought about it, for as long as I can remember, my dream has been to be a father and husband. Since a very early age, I wanted to get married to my soul-mate and have lots of little children to raise and enjoy. In a sense, I am Walt Disney walking through his castle right now. I get to go home to a beautiful wife and three handsome and wonderful sons. I am living the dream.

Free Christmas Music from Amazon.com

Just thought I'd share a little holiday joy by making you aware of a little give-a-way that Amazon.com is having right now. Amazon is giving away free Christmas songs. Twenty-five of them to be exact. I've already downloaded everything up to the current day. Each day a new song is revealed and available for download. For free! Yes, free. No hitches, no catches. Just free music. Go here and download some holiday cheer!

Christmas Fun

I saw this today and it made me laugh. In the spirit of Christmas giving, I thought I'd post it here for your enjoyment.

Aggressively Onward Toward Our Goal

My wife and I have made some tough financial decisions lately. We've chosen to aggressively attack our debt (which has risen in part due to the fact that we moved to Colorado and it took me longer to find a job here than we expected). We've looked at where we can cut back, reduce, reuse, and make due. We've turned our heater down to 68 degrees (rather than our preffered 72 degrees). We've consolidated our credit card debt (which had horendous interest rates) into a loan with a much more conservative rate. We've been buying more "Great Value" and generic brands to get more bang for our buck at the grocery store. There really isn't a difference other than price. We've scoured advertisements and cut coupons to stock up on special deals (especially on meat). We've even cut way, way back on Christmas and Birthdays. Why are we doing this? What motivates us?

It is our desire to adopt a child. Joi's dream has always been to adopt a child. She likes the idea that we would be able to tell a child that we choose them, specifically...and that we'd be able to make a difference in someone's life by choosing to love them, protect them, and provide for them. While it was not necessarily on my radar to adopt, I certainly wasn't opposed to it. I've always wanted many kids. I love kids and I love being a Daddy. I read a book on Harpo Marx once, who also adopted many kids, and he said that the reason he adopted is because he wanted a child in every window of his home to greet him when he got home from work. I'm sure there's more to it than that, but it's a sweet sentiment. I told Joi's Nana the other day that we were interested in adopting. She asked how we'd do with another child. I told her that God blessed Joi and I with two hands each. Right now, when we walk hand in hand with our kids, one of us has an empty hand. That hand was meant for another child. An adopted child.

So, our goal is to agressively pay off our debt (including my ugly student loans), so that we can move toward our goal of adopting a child. We'll need a bigger car (our Ford Taurus only holds five comfortably). We'll need a larger home. Right now, all of our boys share a room. The government will have something to say about that and will require that we break up the kids into no more than two kids in a room. Beyond those steps, we'll also need money to throw at all of the costs associated with adoption and all of the home improvements that we'll need to perform to be government complient. In the meantime, Joi and I are resolved to get our of debt as quickly as possible so that we can begin to move forward on our adoption goal. We are looking forward to what God has in store for us. This is where our heart is.

My Wonderful Wife

My wife has been putting a love note in my lunch for quite a long time. Since I've been at the University of Colorado Denver, she has continued the practice. I read the note every day during my lunch and place it lovingly in a drawer in my desk. The other day I opened the drawer and noticed that it was almost full of love notes. I love these notes each day. They are the highlight of my day. Sometimes, when I need a lift, I'll open my drawer and read a few of these notes. Every time I open that drawer or find a new note in my lunch, I am reminded of my wife's love for me. It's good to be loved. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank my wife publically for all of the cute little notes. They really do make my day!

Roy E. Disney Dies at Age 79

I have just read that Roy Disney, the son of Roy O. Disney (brother of Walt and the financial genius behind the Disney's success) has just died of stomach cancer at the age of 79. Roy is my hero for leading the charge in the early 2000's to oust CEO Michael Eisner who was taking Disney down some bad roads and making poor decisions. I am sad to see that Roy is gone. He's been a powerful behind the scenes force for the Disney company for many, many years. I believe that he was partially (if not more) responsible for taking Disney out of the animation hole that it had sunk before producing some greats like "Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast". He was a protector of the Disney name and had a vested interest to see it succeed. I wonder who will take up the gauntlet now that Roy is gone. Anyway...a sad day for the Disney company.

Alice in Wonderland - Full Length Trailer Released

Earlier today, the full length trailer for Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" was released. You can view it here. Youtube had embedding disabled, or I would have posted it here. I am very excited about this movie. It brings together so many of my favorite elements: Disney, Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Danny Elfman. How can a film go wrong with so many talented contributors. Tim Burton has to be one of my all time, favorite producer/directors. Danny Elfman is by far my favorite film music composer. Johnny Depp is awesome in almost everything he tackles as an actor. Lastly, my love for Disney is fairly well known. I can hardly wait until March when the film is officially released. I haven't been excited for a movie like this in a long, long time.

Five Year Blogaversary

Congratulate me! It's my five year Blogaversary today. On December 15, 2004, I wrote my first blog post about how I was frustrated about customer service. Five years later, I'm still going strong.

It's amazing to think what has transpired in my life in the last five years. When I started my blog, we had a two year old, a one year old, and a two month old at home. Now, my boys are older (7, 6, 5). In the last five years, we have lived in five different residences in two different states. I earned my Masters Degree. Sadly, we lost my step-father Dave, my step-sister Caryn, and my Grandpa Longtin. We still miss them all terribly. During the writing of my blog, Disney was still run by Eisner, then he was ousted and replaced. I read through the entire bible from cover to cover. Also, I read through all the Harry Potter books, Stephen King's "The Stand" (the unabridged version), among many other books. In the last five years, I've written about sushi, boxer briefs, stupid Christians, teaching in the graduate program at APU, eating crickets, my wife's secret talent, favorite music, spanking, gas prices, politics, Disney, Harry Potter, Lakers, funny parenting stories, the right to life, moving to Colorado, and so much more. In the last five years, I've worked at two major Universities. I've eaten crickets, reindeer, elk, buffalo, wild boar, and many other exotic meats and dishes. I tried Ethiopian food and loved it. I tried sushi for the first time and fell in love (no seriously, it's an obsession). I celebrated ten wonderful years with my beautiful wife. I've had lean blog years where I only posted 15 entries (2007) and heavy blog years where I posted 62 entries (2009).

I enjoy writing. A blog is a great way to write down your feelings, think through difficult situations, vent, let people know what's going on in your life, and share videos and photos. I would have hoped that after five years I would have more than 8 followers, but I know (thanks to Maploco) that I have far more readers in the world. I have regular readers from all over the globe like Indonesia, India, England, France, Australia, China, and Japan. I have readers from all over the United States like Missouri, Florida, Southern California, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, etc. I just wish more of these unnamed readers would "follow me" officially. But, at least I know that they are there. I enjoy the comments and the thoughts from my regular readers and even from some anonymous readers. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

It's been an eventful five years. I'm looking forward to what the next five years will bring. Thanks for reading. Come back soon and often.

Cell Phones and Plans: Any Suggestions?

Joi and I are coming up on the end of our two year contract with Verizon. We don't have any problems with Verizon, but we'd like to optimize our spending and get more for less. We both need new phones. Joi is not particular, but since she is using texting more, I'd like her to upgrade to a phone with a qwerty keyboard. I like my LG enV phone but I've been having battery issues. So, I was eying the LG enV Touch or something like that. Anyway, before we go in and talk to the Verizon salespeople (and get abused), I'd like to know how to get better phones for cheap and a better plan. Anyone have any suggestions? I checked eHow, but didn't see a whole lot that was useful. Suggestions would be appreciated. Dante, I know you like challenges like this.

80's Songs That Make Me Feel Good

I was listening to my iPod on my way to work, as is my usual practice and a song came on. It was "You Might Think" by The Cars. As I listened to it, I thought..."This is a fun song." It just made me feel good inside. There are a few of those songs, especially in the 80's, that were songs that just made you feel good. Here's a small list of the one's I can think of off the top of my head.

• You Might Think by The Cars
• Not My Slave by Oingo Boingo
• Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing) by Zapp and Roger
• Do You Wanna Hold Me? by Bow Wow Wow
• Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham
• Rock This Town by The Stray Cats
• Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo
• Be Good Johnnny by Men At Work
• Roam by The B52's
• Party at Ground Zero by Fishbone
• Goonies Are Good Enough by Cyndi Lauper
• The Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
• (Keep Feeling) Fascination by The Human League
•  Big Mess by Devo
• Mickey by Toni Basil
• Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung
• Rise by Public Image Ltd.
• Vibeology by Paul Abdul
• Kiss Me by Stephen "Tin Tin" Duffy
• Happy Birthday by Altered Images
• Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
• Belly of the Whale by Burning Sensations
• Never Enough by The Cure
• Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung
• Perfect Way by Scritti Politti
• Kiss Them For Me by Siouxsie & The Banshees
• Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' by Michael Jackson
• The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and the News
• I Would Die For You by Prince
• Who's Johnny by El Debarge
• Shiny Shiny by Haysi Fantayzee
• I Do The Rock by Tim Curry

These are just off the top of my head, so it's certainly not a complete list. I'd be curious to know what 80's tune made you feel good.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

This past weekend, we bought our Christmas Tree for 2009. It was probably one of the most well proportioned trees we have ever bought. I didn't really need to cut any stray branches off of it or fill up huge blank spots with ornaments or tinsel. We spent the rest of the evening decorating the tree, listening to Christmas music on the radio, and reminiscing about the ornaments. Our family tradition is to buy a Christmas decoration that symbolizes the year that we just had. This year, we bought a University of Colorado decoration to symbolize our move to Denver and my new job at CU. We had a nice time discussing the ornaments from previous years and talking about where God has taken us in the past 10 years as a family. We look forward to what God has planned for our future and the many new ornaments that we will add to our tree through the years. Enjoy the photos! ...and Merry Christmas!

The Lakers and My Boys

Even before my boys were born, Joi and I have been watching Laker games. So, they have literally grown up watching Laker games with Mommy and Daddy. Sometimes they like to sit and watch it, and other times they play, read, or find something else to do. But, they always come back to see how the Lakers are doing. Since we moved to Colorado (and finally got television), the Laker games are usually on pretty late for our boys to watch the whole thing. If they are playing at the Staples Center in LA, we don't get the game in Colorado until 8:30-9:00pm. Sometimes, we let the boys stay up a little later and watch the 1st quarter. They enjoy that. Joi even started playing a math game with my boys while watching the game. The boys will ask who is winning. We'll say the Lakers. Then Joi will ask, the score is 38-17, how many points are the Lakers winning by? It's fun to turn basketball into a learning exercise for the boys.

Last night, we let the boys watch a little of the 1st quarter of the Lakers against the Suns. The Lakers were only up by a few points when we put them to bed. Gavin got up a couple of times to check on the score and give an update to his brothers. This morning, as I was getting ready for work, Garrison woke up early and was walking to the bathroom. I said, "Good morning, G!" He said, "Who won last night?" Not even a "Good morning, Dad!" He wanted to know the score of the Laker game. I told him that the Lakers won by 20 points. He said "Yay!", waved his hands in the air....and then off to the bathroom to take care of business.

I think it's fun that we are raising Laker fans and that we enjoy watching the games as a family. I am looking forward to taking my boys to their 1st game. We'll probably go see the Lakers play the Nuggets at the Pepsi Center in Denver. No one will beat us up for rooting for the Lakers if we have three adorable children with us, right?

Things I've Learned Living in Colorado

So, we've been in Colorado for about a year and four months now. I've learned a thing or two about living in this beautiful state and adapting to the weather and idiosyncrasies of the area. Here is a little about what I've learned.

Always close your car door with your elbow. For some reason,Colorado is prone to some nasty static electricity. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have been zapped turning on a light switch or closing my car door. When the static electricity is high, I've learned to do these things with my forearm or elbow. It hurts less when you get zapped on your elbow rather than your fingertips.

When it snows or rains and it's cold, always leave your windshield wipers up when you leave your car for any extended period of time. Putting them up so they stick out might make your car look funny, but you'll be glad you did when your wipers are not frozen to your windshield. There are times you definitely need the wipers to see out of your window. Frozen wipers do no good to anyone.

If the streets are icy, fill up your gas tank. I learned about this one on the radio. If the streets are icy here, you tend to slide all over the place when you drive. The tip is that if you fill up your gas tank, your car will weigh more and will be more likely to stick to your intended route rather than sliding into a curb. Also, an added benefit is that a full gas tank is less likely to allow gas to freeze in your engine components. I didn't know gasoline could freeze, but there you go.

If the streets are icy, and you slide, pump your breaks. During my first winter here, when I applied my breaks and kept going...sliding through an intersection, my natural inclination was to jam the breaks and keep jamming. My Dad gave us the tip that when this happens, pump your breaks rather than apply them strongly. Not sure why, but it works. One good thing is that people in Colorado tend to wait at green lights before going because they know someone might be sliding through the intersection and it's better to wait for a minute and be safe. In California, people start honking the second the other light turns yellow in anticipation of the impending green light. God forbid they have to wait more than 2 second to get going. In Colorado, people are a little more patient.

Kitty Litter and Bleach are your friends. If you get stuck in some ice, these items could be a life saver. Always have some in your trunk. Place some kitty litter on the ice around your tires for traction, and spray your tires with the bleach. The bleach works by deteriorating the very surface of the tire which softens it and in turn gets better traction on slick or icy surfaces (this is meant for short distances, like getting up an icy hill...for instance).

Always Bring a Jacket with You Wherever you go in Colorado (and for however short a time). If there is one thing we've learned in Colorado, is that the weather can turn quickly and often does. In the summer, it could be hot and clear...and invariably an afternoon thunderstorm will roll in and bam...it's cold and wet. Or it's clear and moderately warm in the winter and then bam....it's a freakin' blizzard, out of no where. Always be prepared, as the boy scouts say.

Always have a tissue or a handkerchief available when you go outside in the cold. I don't know what physiological occurrence causes this, but the minute you go outside in cold temperatures (32 and under) your nose will invariably start running. I wish I knew what causes this. But, it's a fact. So, always have a tissue because the last thing you want is boogery ice-cycles hanging from each nostril. No one wants that. Yuck.

All in all, we love it here. It's an adventure. Christmas really seems like Christmas with snow and cold temperatures. I was so sick of 90 degree Christmas' in California. My boys love nature and playing outside....and this state is perfect for that. Even in the cold, they enjoy going out and playing with the snow and ice. It's beautiful here. We just wish more family and friends from California would get wise and move out here and join us. Also, we secretly wish that an In and Out Burger and a Vince's Spaghetti would move out here, too. But, that's another blog.

An Ode to Parents by the Animaniacs

I used to watch the Animaniacs when I was a younger adult before I had kids (before I was married, actually). I thought it was funny back then but now that I'm a parent, this clip has all new meaning for me. This really is what it's like to deal with three children getting ready in the morning and during a long car ride. Obviously, the writers were parents.

25 Characteristics of a Husband Who Truly Loves and Serves his Wife

I was reading my All Pro Dad email for the day and it provided a list that I thought was interesting, thought provoking, and convicting. I'll copy it below. I'm man enough to admit that there are a few of these that require some work on my part. There are also a few that require a lot of work on my part. But, I think this provides a good framework for a man who is trying to be the husband God requires us to be. Enjoy! As a sidenote, If you are a man and a husband/father, I would recommend joining the All Pro Dad email list. Each day they send out a thought provoking and insightful email blast about how to be a good husband and father. Good stuff.

25 characteristics of a husband who truly loves and serves the needs of his wife
By: Dr. Robert Lewis

1. Includes his wife in envisioning the future.

2. Accepts spiritual responsibility for his family.

3. Is willing to say "I'm sorry" and "Forgive me" to his family.

4. Discusses household responsibilities with his wife and makes sure they are fairly distributed.

5. Seeks consultation from his wife on all major financing decisions.

6. Follows through with commitments he has made to his wife.

7. Anticipates the different stages his children will pass through.

8. Anticipates the different stages his marriage will pass through.

9. Frequently tells his wife what he likes about her.

10. Provides financially for his family's basic living expenses.

11. Deals with distraction so he can talk with his wife and family.

12. Prays with his wife on a regular basis.

13. Initiates meaningful family traditions.

14. Initiates fun family outings for the family on a regular basis.

15. Takes the time to give his children practical instruction about life.

16. Manages the schedule of the home and anticipates pressure points.

17. Keeps his family financially sound and out of harmful debt.

18. Makes sure he and his wife have drawn up a will.

19. Lets his wife and children into the interior of his life.

20. Honors his wife in public.

21. Explains sex to each child in a way that gives them a wholesome perspective.

22. Encourages his wife to grow as an individual.

23. Takes the lead in establishing sound family values.

24. Provides time for his wife to pursue her own personal interests.

25. Is involved in a small group of men dedicated to spiritual growth.

Techno Chicken

I knew I loved chicken for more than their good taste and juicy meat. I also love them for their sense of rhythm and funky dance moves, as showcased here...