Condom Sales Experiencing Strong Growth!?!

I read an interesting article today in "The Week" today about the recent strength of condom sales despite the economic downturn. No Pun Intended.

One might expect that with the economic problems we are experiencing today, you might expect condom sales to go down like everything else. In addition, the gloomy economy could have adverse affects on peoples sex drives.

But in fact, it is quite the opposite. There has recently been a surge in condom purchases, and forecast don't show it slowing down.

Many have speculated as to why this is the case. Some argue that it is these hard times that people turn to their romantic relationships to ease the pain and stress of the economic downturn. With people loosing their jobs and their homes, they are turning to sex for comfort.

I would tend to think that there is a more economic rationale for the increased condom sales. Quite frankly, an unexpected pregnancy in uncertain economic times is much more devastating than it would been during financial booms. As the economy begins to slide, an unexpected child could be very expensive.

Fair Tax

I finished a book a few weeks back that everyone should read. It is called "Fair Tax" and it is basically all about getting rid our our current tax system and replacing it with a national sales tax.

Although the idea is pretty radical, it makes perfect sense. At the heart of the argument in favor of this change, is the fact that it only taxes people when they spend money, and by default encourages people to save their money.

You should all go to the wikipedia site or web page. Both have wonderful information on them and can do the topic more justice.

Hawaii

I'm back in the game, at least for today.

I had the awesome opportunity last week to go visit my good friend James in Hawaii. Needless to say it was amazing. Warm weather and warm water. Surfed, hiked, snorkeled, saw the sights, and much more.

The highlight of the trip had to be hiking to Maunawili Waterfall, which also happens to be the location where part of the Jason Mraz Video "I'm Yours" was filmed. Good stuff.

Moment by Moment

I read a post from a friend of a friend of a friends blog today and I thought it was great. I want to share it with you all.

The author of this post is going through an agonizing time of pain as she deals with the loss of her husband.

Such a tremendous sadness. In the morning I wake to it. It’s a reality that is so difficult to even let my mind think of. Every morning when it sinks in just a bit I can’t help but throw up...

...But what I thank God for is that it’s not like that all day. I think it would be without hope. In the morning, as soon as I start to awake it’s like I’m slapped in the face with reality. Mark is gone. It wasn’t just a nightmare. He’s really gone and he’s never coming back. But moment by moment God takes me through the day. And I don’t stay so sad. Life doesn’t stay so dismal. God truly gives me hope. I am hoping that He will redefine my purpose. Give me direction and set His plans before me. I am encouraged throughout the day through God’s promises. Knowing where Mark is. Thanking God for the amazing love that we were able to share and the time that He gave us. That helps so much…to look at all the blessings that God has given us.

The pain we feel is very real. Sometimes I wish God would just get rid of all the pain and hardship we have to go through. Even though I don't understand it, it will always be there. But I love how she talks about God taking her through the day, "moment by moment". Isn't that great? Each moment, good or bad, God is there, taking us through the day. It definitely spoke to me at a time when I needed to hear that.

Ponzi?!

You hear a lot in the news about ponzi schemes these days.

The definition is: A Ponzi Scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to investors out of the money paid by subsequent investors rather than from profit.

When I read that, I can't help but think that we are all currently being fooled by the biggest ponzi scheme of all. As it stands now, the government is bailing us out of our current financial meltdown with dollars that will ultimately be paid by younger generations sometime in the future. We are doomed!

Doheny Surf Video

Little video my buddy Ryan made of our surf trip this past summer to Southern California. We had a much better song on it, but YouTube stripped it off because of copyright infringement. Such garbage. What can you do. Enjoy.

Winter... I'm Sorry But You Suck

I haven't posted in awhile, and for that, I am sorry.

There is just something about the middle of winter that gets me down, among other things of course. I guess we can call it the post holiday hangover. The days are ridiculously short. The weather is depressing. It is just hard to get motivated for anything.

And when it rains, it poors right? To add to the wintertime blues, my back is still bugging me a little bit, my friends and family are going through some trials, and work is getting a little stressful.

I guess I am in a "funk". But it's OK to be in a "funk" every once in awhile though, right?

Hopefully I can snap out of it soon.

CLC Santa Cruz Goes To Mexico 08/09

I had the opportunity to go to Mexico and build a house last week with my church. We had a great time. My apologies if you have seen this video. If you haven't, then enjoy.

2008 In Review

I thought it would be good to look back on 2008 as we enter into 2009. It is easy to forget all that went on in this busy year.

1. I put one full year of blogging under my belt.
2. Moved into a new place in Mission Springs.
3. Lost a great roommate in James to Hawaii and gained a great roommate in Luke.
4. My Grandma past away and got to see a lot of family I hadn't seen in awhile.
5. Took a couple trips to Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake.
6. Got a new high powered cell phone.
7. Went to many Giants Games.
8. Started infrequently taking spin classed.
9. Turned 24 and celebrated with an amazing sailing trip with a bunch of great friends.
10. Went to the Indianapolis 500 with my Dad and some family friends.
11. Got to see my little brother graduate from highschool.
12. Got ordained by the "Church of Latter Day Dude".
13. Went to Atlanta to visit family and see my cousin graduate.
14. Had a couple great parties at my house, including the White Trash/Gulchie Party.
15. Bought a road bike.
16. Hurt my back pretty badly and was laid up for a week.
17. Won the Scotts Valley Co Ed Rec League Softball Championship.
18. Took a business trip to Chicago.
19. And I finished up the year building a house in Mexico with my church.

All in all it was a good year. Work was very busy and we were very blessed despite the economy, I continued to help out with YoungLife and volunteer at my church as well.

Looking forward to 2009.

Westy Engine Replacement

I spent the day after Christmas helping my Dad replacing the engine in his Volkswagen Westphalia, or as we call it, "The Westy". Many camping trips to come.