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So I had my 25th birthday a few weeks ago, and it was mostly a low-key affair (much to my liking ). Before my birthday, though, Jess got in contact with my family and organized a large joint gift from them. Everyone contributed towards giving me gift cards so I could get my car windows tinted!

I was quite excited and happy with that gift! Getting them tinted was something I had been talking about doing ever since I got the Jetta over 5 years ago; I just never took the time nor spent the money to get it done. With this gift, I had absolutely no reason not to get it done.

So about a week and a half after my birthday, at the recommendation of several friends on SoCalEuro I called up Expert Window Tinting Plus and set up an appointment. Their location is literally just down the street from Michael and Gaile, so we set up a day that was convenient for Michael and Jess and I went down and dropped the car off. Michael had followed me to Expert Window Tinting and after dropping the car off, we went back to their house.

While waiting for the car to be finished (I was quoted 2.5 hours, which turned out to be 100% accurate), Jess and I got to spend quite a bit of time playing with Keira.

We were so pleased to get to spend some time playing with Keira and she seemed to enjoy us quite a bit too. After coming home, Michael told me that Keira said, “John and Jess are fun!”

We dropped my car off at 1:30, and exactly 2.5 hours later, my car was ready for pickup at 4:00. Michael took me down and we walked to the back and my car looked great!

I can’t say enough nice things about Andy and the crew at Expert Window Tinting Plus! They did an excellent job and I could not be any happier. Andy is a very friendly, affable guy, and the work is impeccable. Andy made sure I got the best-available product and look I was going for.

I know from now on, I doubt I will go anywhere in San Diego if I need any cars tinted and I will be sure to send friends and family down there as well.

Anyway, see below for the pictures.

By the way, both photos above were taken using the High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography technique. I personally am not a fan of the blown-out “comicy” look of many HDR photos that are popular these days; I like the look of a well-balanced and more natural-looking photograph.

Mary and Mike just welcomed their first child this morning at 8:50.

I’m an uncle all over again!

I’ve been neglecting the Jetta quite a bit lately and I think it’s time I give it a bit of much-needed TLC.

Coming home from Disneyland a couple months ago, I got my first-ever “Check Engine Light” on the Jetta.  It only took me about 65,000 miles and 5 years, but I got one.  I scanned it with my VAG-COM, and found that the problem was a thermostat that’s stuck open.  The only real problem is the car takes a little longer to warm up from cold, and if it’s cold enough out, the temp my go down a little bit.  But with the mild temperatures that we enjoy out here in San Diego, it’s not that big an issue.

I asked myself, “Why stop with just the thermostat?  While I’m in there, why don’t I just replace the timing belt and water pump?”  The 1.8T motor uses a rubber timing belt instead of a chain, so it’s not as durable as a timing chain, and even though VW recommends changing it at 105,000 miles, I’d rather not chance it.  The 1.8T is an interference design, so the pistons will slam into the valves if the timing belt breaks, causing major damage.

Also, another weak point of the 1.8T is the stock water pump.  It uses a plastic impeller which is prone to shattering or separating from the shaft, causing the engine to overheat.  It’s driven by the timing belt, so it only makes sense to replace it at the same time as the timing belt with a new water pump that’s built with a metal impeller.

I’ve also noticed it running a little rough at times or dropping power and it definitely feels like it’s misfiring.  I scanned it again using the VAG-COM and the computer is reporting random misfires in the number 1 and 3 cylinders.  I went ahead and ordered a set of new spark plugs and two new coilpacks, as they may be the problem as well.  I figured I’d at the very least replace all the spark plugs and check all the coilpacks and if any looked bad, I’d replace them.  If they all looked good and the car still ran well, then I would just keep them in the car as spares in case one ever went bad.

Now that you have all that backstory, I can tell you that my dad and I have decided we’d tackle this big project on Saturday.  I was reading a DIY guide about changing the timing belt on a 1.8T today, and it listed the tools needed to perform the job.  I was taking stock of my tools and realized I was missing quite a few of the tools needed for the job (not to mention things like a spark plug socket and whatnot).

I pulled up Sears.com and started looking for the tools that I would need.  I quickly realized by the time I bought all the tools and pieces I needed, it would cost nearly as much as a whole new set.  So I thought maybe I could find a decent tool set on sale or something.  I didn’t have to look long because, lo and behold, Sears had a sale on a 260-piece Craftsman Mechanics Toolset!  They already had $70 off as it was, and I found a promotion code for an additional $15 off.  So all in all I got the toolset for $85 off it’s original price!

I’m quite pleased and excited and am very much looking forward to breaking them in this weekend!

Hey everyone (all two of you that still read this thing). Just wanted to get the word out and let you know that I’ve been busy lately making websites for family and friends.

Mike Tuck Fishing
The first one I did recently is for my brother-in-law’s fishing career. Mike came to me in early September and we immediately got to working on a website for him. Within just a couple weeks, we put together a rather nice website that he is happy to promote and share with others. He has even been able to land some sponsorships because of the website.

Always Clear San Diego
The next website I just completed a couple of weeks ago. It is a site for a friend of mine’s window cleaning business. I am very pleased with the outcome of the site as it is one of the cleanest and nicest-looking websites I have ever done (in my opinion). My main goal was to keep the site clean and straight-forward. I was going for a “glassy” look with the design, using transparent and glossy elements. I feel like I pulled it off very well. Feel free to check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.

Mike and Mary Tuck
Finally, I just finished putting together a new website for my sister and brother-in-law just last week. I had created their website before, using code I built myself from scratch. Just like with my own site, I had gotten tired of trying to keep up with all the features available out there already. So I just replaced everything I had built on their site with WordPress. Mary had found a them for WordPress that she had really liked but it had its limitations. So, me being me, I tweaked the theme to better suit her styles and I think I improved it greatly and the site looks great. Again, check it out for yourselves and let me know what you think.

I’ve got some new websites in the pipeline so keep an eye out for future announcements.

As you may have already read, in early November, our entire family came together in Minnesota to attend my Uncle Jamie’s funeral. It was quite the trip, and one I was glad I could make to pay my last respects and help support my family.

I flew out with my brother and sister-in-law and my niece Keira on Wednesday, November 1. We left San Diego around 6:30AM, had a layover in Phoenix, and got to Minneapolis around 3:30PM (Central Time). We got our rental car, checked into the hotel, changed, and headed to the memorial.

When we arrived at the memorial, I was absolutely blown away. The best way I could describe the scene is basically it was like people were lined up for a ride at a theme park. There people were lined up all around the mortuary. There was even a rope line set up that people in line would work their way through to see the family and to pay their respects. People were waiting for over an hour at times just to see the family. I have never seen that kind of community outpouring. It was extremely touching to see so much support and so many people there for Jamie.

On Thursday was his actual funeral. It was held at a local church and it was a wonderful ceremony and celebration of Jamie’s life. His brother gave a touching reflection of Jamie’s life. There was a slideshow that he had put together that was very moving. There was one part of the slideshow where a picture of Jamie then faded into a video from the same moment and it just came alive. The entire church lost it at that point, myself included.

After the funeral, the local VFW held a 21-Gun Salute in the parking lot of the church. It was a very somber and touching moment as well.

From there we headed to the local VFW post and had a great BBQ lunch. After lunch we headed back to my aunt Sheila’s and just hung out and kept her company throughout the night. From there we headed back to the hotel and crashed again.

Friday the family came together again down at Sheila’s to help her around the house. We cleaned out the garage and moved things around and basically got the house ready for winter. We actually had a good time getting everything together and done. With about 8 guys working, we were able to get things done rather quickly.

We got the whole family together for a big group photo in front of Jamie’s bar as we figured it would be quite a while before the whole family is together again. Not to mention the fact that Sheila is selling the bar, so it won’t be Jamie’s Pemberton Pub anymore. Because we knew it would be one of the last times we’d be at the bar, Mary and I went back that night to spend some time in the bar.

We left the bar and headed up to the hotel. The next morning, we got together one last time down at Sheila’s to say good bye. We then headed up to the airport and came home. Obviously we made it home safe and sound.
In spite of the circumstances, it was really great to see the family again and spend some time with them. Another benefit that came from the trip was that since I flew with Michael and Gaile, and stayed in their hotel room, I was able to get some quality bonding time with Keira. It was such a great feeling to be able to play with her and make her laugh and just have a good time with her. I love that kid.

So there you go, that was our trip to Minnesota. Be sure to read on of my earlier posts for my tribute to Jamie.

I’ve also posted some photos taken by Michael and Gaile during the trip. Be sure to check them out in the Minnesota 2006 Photo Album.

On October 12, my mom informed me that my uncle Jamie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. She said that even with him being in such an advanced stage, he was still going to fight it. They promptly began chemotherapy, unfortunately though, his body was too weak and they had to stop the chemo halfway through.

On Thursday, October 26, his oldest daughter (my cousin) Danika gave birth to their first grandchild. Jamie was taken to the hospital and was able to see his new granddaughter.

Jamie was taken back home on Saturday, October 28 because he felt he would be more comfortable at home. Just the following night after he returned home, he lost his fight with cancer and passed away Sunday evening, October 29.

As quickly as he lost the fight, he never gave up. In spite of all the odds, he kept fighting and wanted to beat it. Unfortunately for all of us though, God had a different plan.

I will be honest, I wasn’t extremely close to Jamie; I only had seen him and been around him a handful of times. But I remember each and every one of those moments, because that’s the kind of impact he had on everyone.

Jamie always had a big smile, and an even bigger heart. He loved to laugh and lived to make anyone and everyone else laugh. He was a caring, loving and wonderful father which his three children absolutely adored. He also had a wonderfully loving relationship with his wife, my aunt, Sheila. He touched so many lives and he was loved by many, and it showed.

At his memorial, people from all over arrived to pay their respects to the family. The memorial was to go from 4:00PM - 8:00PM, but it ended up lasting another hour. There was a steady stream of people for 5 hours. At times there was over an hour-long wait just to visit with the family. I was absolutely blown away with how many people were touched so profoundly by Jamie, that they took the time to come pay their respects.

The funeral was no different. It was held in a rather large church, and it was packed. The local school even provided a bus for those students wanting to attend the funeral, and that bus was packed as well.

As difficult and sad a time it was when we were back there, it was also very uplifting to see just how big of a positive impact one person can have on others’ lives. A great man was taken from this world entirely too soon, and I pray for his family to get through such a difficult time together.

The obituary for Jamie is below.

Stephan “Jamie” Jamieson, age 61 died Sunday, October 29, 2006 at his Pemberton home.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2006 at Hosanna Lutheran Church with Rev. Steve Kosberg officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Mankato Mortuary and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Stephan Jon Jamieson was born July 24, 1945 in St. James to Harold Jon and LaVern Mae (Jensen) Jamieson. He was a 1963 graduate of St. James High School and graduated from Mankato Vocational School. From 1963 to 1970, he served in the US Air Force and was trained at Lackland AFB in TX, and was stationed at Minot AFB in ND and Hickam AFB in HI. On December 27, 1980, he married Sheila M. Tierney in San Diego, CA.

Jamie worked for Goldfines and Stadium Pizza in Mankato prior to his sales manager employment with AAMCO Transmissions in San Diego, CA. Returning to Minnesota, Jamie owned and operated “Jamie’s Pemberton Pub” from August 1, 1983 until his death. Jamie enjoyed golf, pool, casino trips, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila Jamieson of Pemberton; three children, Danika Jamieson and Daniel Wilmes of Mankato, Megan Jamieson of Mankato, and Jon Jamieson of Pemberton; granddaughter, Kadence Jamie Wilmes; four sisters, Roberta (Jerry) Nelson of St. James, Michelle (Jamie) Walt of Colorado Springs, CO, Linda Terrell of North Mankato, Joni (Jim) Spenger of Mankato; brother, Mike Jamieson of Minneapolis; four sisters-in-law, Maretta (Craig) Clauson and Pat (Mike) Crean all of San Diego, CA, Colleen (Dan) Barta of Grand Forks, ND, Kelly (Steve) Mondloch of Grapevine, TX; brother-in-law and best friend ever, Dan (Pat) Tierney of Brooklyn Park, mother-in-law, Margie Tierney of San Diego, CA; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including the Laughlin Golf Group.

Jamie was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, James Tierney, and two brothers-in-law, Larry Terrell and Jim Tierney, Jr.

Thanks for all the memories, Jamie. You’ll be missed greatly.

As always, whenever Mary comes down to visit or we go visit her, time just flies. She came back from Palm Springs on Sunday afternoon. We had dinner at the parents’ house and she finally got to see and hold her niece for the first time. We had a pretty good time, mostly just the usual eating and hanging out.

Monday: I went into work but then left around 1:30 where we all met up with Michael, Gaile and Keira down at the San Diego Zoo. We spent a few hours out there, looked at the animals, and then we left to head downtown for dinner and the Padres game. We had dinner at Rockin’ Baja Lobster. It was my first time eating there and it was VERY good. Everyone there enjoyed their dinner, and I have to say they have the best Ceasar Salad I’ve ever had. Afterwards, we walked over to the stadium to watch the Padres beat the LA Dodgers.

Tuesday: In the afternoon we went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park which I think is a little bit cooler than the Zoo. It’’s a wide-open park where the animals are much more free and able to roam. I hadn’t been to the park in probably 15 years, so it was like I was there for the first time again. We had a great time as usual, and I took tons of pictures. After the park, we went down to Michael and Gaile’s for dinner. Dinner was great, and we all had a good time.

Wednesday: We did a little shopping and then went to lunch with Michael and Gaile so Mary could see them and the baby one last time before she left. She and I drove back home after lunch and started getting ready for the Journey and Def Leppard concert. The concert was a blast and afterwards we went out for Korean Barbecue. Then we came back home, went to bed for 3 hours and then I took Mary to the airport at 5:00AM.

As you can tell, this whole week was a busy one for all of us, but it was a great week. The week just flew by and before I knew it, it was all over.

Wow. I just got back from the Journey and Def Leppard concert and it, was, AWESOME. I went with Mary, Brian, Ikaika, Liza, and a couple of Ikaika’s friends. Being two big bands from the 80’s, Mary, Brian and I decided to go all out and go 80’s for the concert.

So, of course I sported the mullet and Pantera t-shirt. Earlier in the day we did some shopping and Mary picked up a Guns n’ Roses t-shirt to wear. She busted out the Aqua Net and after a half hour of teasing, she was ready to roll with the big hair and heavy eyeliner on.

You wouldn’t believe how many people complimented me on my mullet. People would walk by at Coors Amphitheater and say, “NICE MULLET MAN!” or “ROCK ON! MULLETS RULE!”. There were even a few people there that wanted to take a picture with me. I didn’t expect that kind of reaction to it, but I guess people really appreciated it.

The tickets said the concert started at 7:30, we got there about 7:15 but was just planning on skipping the opening act. But this was the first concert I’ve ever gone to where when the ticket says 7:30, the good part of the show actually starts at 7:30. Journey went on the stage right at 7:30 and so we ran up to are seats and sang along and had a great time for the hour and a half that Journey played.

There was about a 20 minute gap between Journey and Def Leppard. Def Leppard took the stage and even though I didn’t know very many of their songs, I still had a BLAST. They knew how to rock and they just put on a great show.

As always I have pics up in the Journey/Def Leppard Concert Photo Album. Now let’s see if we go to the Aerosmith and Motley Crue show on November 9th …

So I just got back from the Padres vs. Dodgers game with the family. Earlier today my whole family went to the zoo and had a great time. It had been a while since I was last at the zoo so it was cool to go. Pictures aren’t up yet, but they’ll be up soon.

After the zoo, we went to Rockin’ Baja Lobster restaurant and then headed to the game where the Padres beat the Dodgers 4-2. We spent a lot of the game screaming and drinking beer. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Anyway, I’m dead tired and my brain is all over the place so I’m headed to bed.