He is a really charismatic speaker and extremely passionate. Below is one of my favorite excerpts from the keynote:

“Look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself what do I want to do I want to do everyday for the rest of my life. Do that! I promise you can monitize that s***.”

Gary if you stumble across this, keep it up. You are inspiring.

Michael Phelps

The 4×100 relay where Jason Lezak caught the French from behind was absolutely amazing. Steph and I were high-fiving and jumping around. I get excited pretty easily but it has been along time since I’ve had that kind of adrenaline pumping through my programmer veins.

Phelps 7th gold medal was won by a fingertip that only a high speed camera could catch (and an electronic touch pad). I didn’t get to see this until a few days after but it was still amazing. His 8th gold medal was also moving but I decided I could only put so many Michael Phelps photos in one blog post.

Redeem Team Wins Gold

Don’t get me started on the NBA. Over the past 10 years I’ve went from super fan to super critic, but the redeem team was fun to watch. They hustled on defense (something which never happens in the NBA these days) and were unselfish on the offensive side.

Usain Bolt 200m

Phelps was amazing but Usain Bolt’s 200m victory sent chills down my spine. He crushed the competition and defeated a sacred world record.

May/Walsh Repeat as Gold Medalists

108 straight matches and two gold medals. Only one word comes to mind: Domination. The amazing part is how grounded they seem.

Flower Closeup

I love macro shots. They are by far my favorite type of photo. My question to you is what type of flower is this?

My Newly Shaved Dome

Tonight was the first time in probably three years that I used a razor. I typically use a hair clippers with no guard. Enough small talk, let’s cut to the chase. Am I wearing pants?

Any Reactions?

I know what you are thinking. Yes, it totally is orachata. Dang, you are good.

Life Ain’t Easy With One Toe

Do I have all my toes? I am a farmboy. I could have lost them in a freak accident involving a tractor and a tube of toothpaste. Or the truth could be in the middle. I could be missing only one or two.

In conclusion

1. What type of flower?
2. Am I wearing pants?
3. What was I thinking about in this photo?
4. How many toes do I actually have?

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, only stupid questions. Note to self: Self don’t allow self to post when self is really tired.

It’s not often that two photos can tell the entire story, but in this case I believe they do. View the set on Flickr.

This Christmas, my grandpa, who often gives Nunemaker history speaches to the family, stood up in the middle of the room for what I thought was another. He said he doesn’t like to do anything behind anyones back and that was why he wanted everyone to hear what he was about to do. In his hand was a tattered, old book. No one could tell what it was, but it was obviously old and Nunemaker. He explained that it was his New Testament Bible that he received when he was approximately 4 years old. This means the Bible was new in 1931, making it 74 years old. As he was telling the story, I wondered what he was planning on doing with the Bible. I figured he would give it to the Goshen archives or something. Just then I heard him say, “Because John is named after me and my father, Carl, I am giving it to him.” Wow. I was completely not expecting it.

It is hard to describe what was going through my head as my grandpa handed me one of the oldest personal items he owns. I can honestly say I was so surprised and honored to receive this special items that I nearly cried as I stood up to accept it. It’s funny how one tiny, tattered old Bible put my entire Christmas into perspective. It was more than just a gift. It was as if my grandpa was saying here is my faith, take it and make it your own. It was a blessing from my grandpa, a gift that I will always have.

View the other photos on Flickr

I tried a few other free programs (Podner is $10) but they were a pain and didn’t always work. I figured others might be looking for a quick and simple method for putting videos on their video iPod so I thought I would share mine. Enjoy!

P.S. If you don’t have a video iPod I would highly recommend getting one. It’s been a blast.

My Favorite Drive

My favorite drive of the day was the first. Charlie only sent Darius (our halfback) onto the field for like one play as the Irish marched right down the field for a touchdown. The entire drive was no huddle and each set had four or five wide receivers. Change is good.

My Attendee

Records were broken left and right and I screamed the majority of the game. I attended the game with my father-in-law, Brady Parker, a before the game nuetral fan, yet I often heard him hollering right along with me during the game. ND football is contageous right now! The final score was 49-23 ND.

• View my photos of the game on Flickr

Way to go Irish!

Jeff Samardzija made this amazing one handed reception on Saturday against the Boilermakers. I came straight out of my chair when he snagged this. It looked to be an overthrow and somehow he stretched his long arm out and pulled it in. Also, I’d like to tip my hat to the national player of the week, Brady Quinn (29/36 for 440 yds., 3 Td’s). Go Irish!

Amos (a.k.a. Bryant Miller) on the back of my bike in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Notice my huge smile and his unhappy finger. Shame Amos! Shame!

In a parking lot full of losers, I am the winner. I would like to thank my parents because without them I would not be here, my wife, you’re the greatest Steph, and the University of Notre Dame who gave me the parking permit (a.k.a. the chance to be in the first in the B2 lot). It took me three months and a lot of hard work, but the top of the mountain feels good. Good, good, good, down into my belly!

Below is a close up of a fly that was resting on my grill cover. Be sure to check out the 1600 x 1200 version to see the detail of the fly.

La Flowerita

This flower is outside my house in a bowl on a chair. It is dying because we are gone too much to give it enough water. Sad, but true. I like how the grass and such below it looks almost like it is swirling around the flower.

Note: You know I don’t speak spanish!

You have to view the larger version of this. The pollen on the bee is pretty cool. The bee didn’t move even when I touched the flower. He must have had too much nectar and passed out!

I love the detail on the beetle. I could have framed the flower better, but someone was walking nearby and I kind of looked like a dork on my knees shooting a flower picture.

These were both taken with my Nikon Coolpix 4300.

Saturday night we dined at the Cork and Cleaver, a recommendation of both Joe (co-worker) and the Hampton (the hotel we stayed at). The Cork and Cleaver is amazing and I give it a high recommendation. I had the chipotle baby back ribs (best ribs I have ever had) with an Alaskan king crab leg (disappointing) on the side and Steph enjoyed an eight ounce Filet Mignon.

Sunday we got up late and headed to the Munchie Emporium (another recommendation of Joe). The scoobie snacks (thanks again Joe) were great and the Hawaiian unwrap tasted like Papa John’s new Hawaiian pizza (a good thing). Despite the fact that Fort Wayne doesn’t seem like a fun town, we had a fun and relaxing weekend.

Enjoy Mr. Klawitter!