Droppin A Few Names

The COND would like to thank the following.

1. Jake Foster for your amazing pallet.
2. Nick Rodrigues for reuniting David
3. D-Bo for all your inspiration of wasting life and writing a blog
4. Ton Face for helping to get the COND blog rolling
5. Matty Sill for your artistic touches
6. The Pletcher - Adams family (Tim, Gina, Dawson, Danny, Rachel) love the ranch!
7. All people with an S before their name (You know who you are)
8. Guests to our gatherings (Plan on a Camo party soon in '08)
9. Mike and Sally Meng for bringing us food
10. Black Santa (D-Bo knows)
11. My mom for getting me a vacuum
    
12. Winter, for giving me a reason to wear my new hoodie
13. Jen, Allison, Sarah (Suppie)
    
14. Sluke, cause it's always sunny with Sluke
    
15. SoCal - I mean really, I love hobos on my couch
16. Gusha and Young Life pals
17. Hopyard
18. Redcoats
19. Popi Lounge(Good times be had and the Popi, always)
20. SaddleRack
    
21. Josh Perry (remember Walnut Creek)
22. EDGE (nothing like paying top dollar to look more beautiful)
23. Food Network (minus Rachael Ray)
    
24. Heroes (Mondays 9, 8 central)
25. Ashley for providing food
    
26. Joel & Cara for renting out your home to people who are not home too often
27. Al Gore (so I can get on the internet)
28. Tate Bowen for being sooooooo cute
29. Kevin & Shannon for all you provide (yadda mean)
    
30. MLKjr. for giving us a day off work
31. Our Ladies...
32. CL
33. BP
34. CLC
35. Clego
36. JBC
37. MDM
38. RP
    
39. TB
40. Clarissa (my navigation) cause she explains it all
    
41. NY Pizza
42. Department of Justice for spying on me
43. Spice Girls for not coming back, oh wait, Charlie just said they did come back.... Give me cancer now!
44. People who keep sending mail to my parents house with the wrong address hoping it will come to the COND
    
45. Crappy Realty TV for giving me nothing to look forward to on tv
46. Perry Family
    
47. Pletcher for droppin it
48. Founders of the Lodge
49. You
    
50. Cuzo Crew now Cuzo Crew +T (The Wolf)
    

Top 10 Events in 2007

2007 was another amazing year with many memorable things happening. After minutes of thinking and brainstorming sessions with myself and Charlie we have come up with the top 10 events for the COND in 2007.

10. Flo Rida T-Pain (Get Low):
This was the best song to be released since Nelly's Country Grammar.

9. Renovated the COND:
A few new additions - 50" HDTV, some paint on the walls, Recliner on the Patio, A few more naked men (Davids).

8. I got a new hoodie and stunners:
Ya I did, gray hoodie and white stunners (I look like the unabomber) and Luke got red ones to match so when we cruz my whip we get all the girls holler at us! If you know what I'm sayin'.

7. Pletcher Ranch:
So I may or may not have shot Bambi, but it looked big from 250 yards away. Pletcher got a buck, Charlie got his first kill and Conley embraced his White Trash roots from when he was a child.

6. Fosters, Cody & Amy, Mayersons are pregnant; Bowens become 3 & Kirschner became 4; I became an uncle again and Jen is an Aunt (update that blog!):
Need I say more.

5. Charlie had a girlfriend:
She's Great!

4. Pletcher moved in:
The COND got hotter with this addition, but I think it may have brought down his stock of beauty being associated with us.

3. Peter saved the world:

2. David was reunited with his brothers:
After a reconnaissance mission to the border of Mexico another statue of David was purchased so he would have a brother and I picked up a midget David too.

1.5 Charlie was discovered:
Now a model with la EDGE and the face of all that is Downtown Danville beauty.

1. TheCOND.Blogspot.com
Yes, this was the #1 event because now you too can share in the beauty of all that is COND.


Stay tuned for the COND thank yous...

Why I dont watch movies

People talk about movies like it's the new coolest thing and if you have not seen it then you are missing out. As if I need to see a movie like I need water and clean oxygen. If you know me you know I dont like movies and I only talk about a few movies (Malibu's Most Wanted, Goonies, and Fight Club if I feel like being cool). Just so you know, this is why I dont like watching movies:

1. Cost - it may not be that much when compared to gas, housing, or the price of corn, but really $25 by the time I buy 2 tickets and knock off Sour Patch Kids just to be 'in', I would rather buy one of those crazy New Era hats.
2. My knee hurts - I have one of the weirdest things happening to my right knee. It's known as Osgood slaughter, ya it a real thing. I cant bend my knee for 2 hours without pain. Add to that the pain of a lot of poorly written and cast movies, which brings me to my next point.
3. Nicolas Cage is still working - Kevin Meng may be the only person who agrees with me on this one, but really another National Treasure movie, didnt we get all the answers in the last one? How many tard filled movies need to come out before we get the picture.
   
1. Movies like Who's Your Caddy, Norbit, The Number 23 and I Know Who Killed Me were released. Here is a discussion between two people about to see one of them. Billy calls bobby. "Hey Billy want to go see Norbit?" Oh Norbit is out, sure, just let me finish writing my blog, cause I'm an uber nerd and have nothing better to do."
4. I cant pause it - I just spent $7.50 on a liter of cola and I'm gonna finish it because I'm a good American and must consume it all. Once I suck all that liquid out my bladder is working on overdrive and my arm is twitching from the caffeine and I need to run around.
5. Strangers - Maybe I want to make a call, take off my shoes or burp from my cola, I cant, people I dont know get all upset. And what about that guy behind you who keeps kneeing your seat, thats not fun! I do the half turn of my head hoping he will get the hint, but he is too busy pounding junior mints to notice me and my sly hint.
   

I could go on and I'm sure there are others out there like me who would rather stay home and watch a free movie on TBS

Food, Fun, Nelly and John May

Last night I had the pleasure to spend some time with the legend John May. If you don't know John you are seriously missing out. The night started at Redcoats (see previous blog). Jake and Melissa Foster, John, Ty, and I enjoyed some fine food (the shepards pie is outstanding) and some wonderful conversation. John May is from L.A. and was astounding Tyler with his music prowess. He informed us of the new nelly track. So good... After dinner, Jake, John and I played some poker and continued catching up. Jake and John are two of my favorite people and they had me laughing so hard I was crying. It was an incredible night.

Oh What A Night - Downtown P-Town

If you know me you know I love Downtown Pleasanton and the major attractions it offers. Tonight the COND (minus Pletcher) went to the new Redcoats on St. Marys St. with Jen, Sarah, Allison Dan & Melissa + Tate, & Sluke. All in all a pretty good night, but the infamous 'upstairs' was more of a 1/2 level which took about 5 steps to get up to the 'VIP' room. None the less the COND presents... will have an event there soon, very soon. I, as well as Charlie and Conley got the fish and chips, but were rewarded with onion rings instead of chips because they ran out!! I expect onion rings every time now! My recommendation, try it, love it, enjoy it! Bigger story of the night (at least for Conley) was the 4 fire trucks barreling down Main St. to a fire above Quiznos - See photo.
















I love fires as much as the next guy - except this guy, it was his place - See photo.

















If you also know me, you know I love the Pleasanton Weekly and I read it twice a week, but I didn't see Jeb on this breaking story, so I will take credit for breaking it! Note the time and that I'm writing this an hour later. All in all another great night in Downtown P-Town!

Arrival of the SLUKE (cool hand Luke)

For those of you who do not know Sluke (Luke Peterson) and for those of you who do know Sluke, we are only days away from his much anticipated arrival. Yes boys and girls, Sluke will arrive in the Yay Area on the 19th, just in time to celebrate the 'Holidays' Greet him, love him, just dont ask him to be your Santa (see below).

Have you seen this MAN!

For those of you who do not know Charlie Spahn (SoCal) well, you should. He is in the region of the COND for a limited engagement and then off to New York for 6 months to 'live life' and get all cultured and what not.

Mini BIO:
Name: Charles Tyler Spahn
Age: Old enough
Relationship Status: Available(ish)
Home Town: Lake Forest (Outside Chicago)
Favorite Bands: Minus the Bear, Arcade Fire, Cold Sore Kids
Favorite Letter: N
Hobbies: Guitar, Skating (on blades), making mix tapes, not returning calls for 3 days
Favorite Holiday: Canada Day
Interesting Fact: SoCal once forgot he had a sister until he was reminded by a friend when they said, "Oh isnt it your sisters birthday?" To which SoCal replied, "Sister, I dont have a sister... He's a tard, but we love him!

Sometimes My Brain Goes Craz-O

(Photo just for fun! Sluke, Tyler and some Country Folk.)

Last week I went to start my car up and get it looking snazzy like it was going to the prom so I can sell it.
The problem was that I had not taken Sarah (car name) out for about a month cause I got a new car. So when I went to start it, you guessed it, she didn't want to go. I called my dad and he came out with jumper cables and we hooked it up and tried a jump, but no luck in getting it going, but lights and radio worked... My thought was an electrical problem. I called R.Lance and Sons out to tow it to Precision Auto Repair in Pleasanton to check it out. When Randy (truck driver) showed up he looked at the battery and it had a full charge, then he wanted to hook it up the the rig for a jump, so we did. Again, I tried to start it up and no luck. Randy walked around to the driver side and said, "try to start it again." I did and no luck. Randy then says, "How long has it been since you drove it?" I said, "Oh, about a month." Randy then very politely said, "Try to start it again and this time put your foot on the clutch!" Ya thats right I'm a tard. I don't know how to drive.

Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings or Merry Christmas?

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas, but not if you are one of the many people I came across last night at a 'Holiday' Party. Maybe I'm just a little too sensitive, but I really cannot stand it when someone says 'Happy Holidays' to me. Let me paint the picture for you... I receive an email for a 'Holiday Celebration' with decorations normally used for Christmas on the invite. So I think, 'ok, Ill go to the party, sounds like a hoot.' And yes it was titled Holiday Celebration. I get to the building where the celebration is at and as I exit the elevator my eyes are greeted by a Christmas tree which looks like an elf threw up decorations on it. I turn to the right to see another Christmas tree and a lady from the company hosting the 'Holiday Celebration' wearing one of those QVC host type Christmas sweaters with glitter, sparkles and what looks like real fur on Santa's Reindeer, you know the sweaters I'm talking about. She approaches me with a few items in hand:

1. A cup with a Christmas tree on it.
2. A napkin to match the cup, again, another Christmas tree.
3. A plate to match the cup the napkin and the sweater on her back!
4. She may have even been wearing Douglas Fur perfume, but I couldnt tell if it was her of the real miniature Christmas tree on her sweater, not really.

Back to the scene: I see her and say "Suppie (name removed) good to see you, did you decorate that beautiful Christmas tree?" She says, "Oh, no I didnt, but (name removed) got the tree from Home Depot the other day and spent hours decorating it and wrapping the presents under it." I said, "Oh sick, she freakin' went Craz-o on that tree and all the other Christmas decor look super festive for Christmas." She says, "Oh I know, doesent it look great, well, Happy Holidays to you." I thought, "Happy Holidays? Really? What does that mean anyway?" So I said "Seasons Eatings." Because that is just as stupid as 'Happy Holidays'. Why do I say 'Seasons Eatings'? Good question. 2 part answer.

1. On the food network they say it this time of year, and it is the only annoying thing about the Food Network if you dont count Rachael Ray.
2. In Super Troopers they have a little game of saying Meow instead of now, try it. People are not sure if they say now or really are saying meow. So I do it and they think "Did he say Seasons Eatings?"

It's a little joke I have with me and me.
All this to come to the point. We all know most of us are celebrating Christmas (even if you are not Christian) unless you are Jewish and then I would expect you to say Happy Hanukkah, to which I would reply I'm not Jewish, I'm Christian, I celebrate Christmas... So if someone says Happy Holidays I'm not sure what they are referring to. Is it Christmas, then say Merry Christmas. Do you celebrate Hanukkah? I know you are not referring to Kwanzaa. Or maybe you want to incorporate Christmas and the New Year into one greeting. Here is my thought - Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Just like the sign says! Lets celebrate Jesus and not try to pretend this is another dumb holiday like Flag Day or Groundhog Day. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Just a glimpse...

I got home at 9:45 tonight.

Charlie was fast asleep.

Tyler was laying on the couch watching Sportscenter (another Cond favorite).

Conley was still talking about all the ducks he killed this weekend (he was asleep too).

I just thought you might enjoy a little glimpse into what it is like to call this place home, to return to the COND night after night, to share space with the 3 other men who inhabit this humble abode.

Sleepy time. Peace.

HEROES on Monday night! -A night to remember

At the COND there are only a few things that are as some might call a ritual or custom. Basically watching Heroes on Monday night at 9/8c is when all else stops. From Guitar Hero to the basic needs of life like eating, sleeping and the all important intake of life giving fluids such as the famous water. If you are one of the few that have not seen this earth shattering show then now is not the time to start, but catch up on past episodes on nbc.com or download them. When you do catch up to the next chapter, then and only then can you fully enjoy this show which is almost greater than deep fried shrimp (which we make). If you are one of those people who does not like this show, then you must be a fool (no really a fool, a crazy fool and I pity you)! Here is how Monday night works. Back in the old days we (Tyler, Charlie and Luke) would start off the night by watching Howie Mandel on Deal or No Deal, again if you have not seen Deal or No Deal, catch up on past episodes. Back to my point. After Deal or No Deal was Heroes, The Heroes, and now since Deal or No Deal is not on we generally pre-game Heroes with Guitar Hero or Wii bowling. Thats Life! Get used to it!

The COND Blogography: Charles Lyle Meng

Having spent the whole of his life in the Bay Area, Charlie Meng has come to fully embody everything we love about NorCal and a few things we hate. Born and raised in Dublin, a.k.a. "Ghetto D", Charlie has grown to be a fine young man who has made his mark on the valley through his love for the community of Valley Bible Church and his shameless fashion sense. For years he has given his heart to high school students at VBC (and they often return the favor, if you know what I'm sayin). More recently, Charles has found himself quickly climbing the rungs of the fashion world ladder as a "Wardrobe Consultant" at EDGE Shop for Men. Not "The Edge", okay. Just EDGE. Seriously, get it right. Anyway, he often recruits his friends to model for Danville's finest men's clothing boutique. However, he has yet to ask his roommate Tyler to pose for Edge, which, considering his boyish good looks and sleek body, continues to baffle us all. Charlie is a great roommate and friend who faithfully keeps up with the Cond's steady flow of dirty dishes and shares his love for Christ with all through his generosity and kindness.

Things you should know about Charlie:
1. He loves watching the Simpson's while eating fish sticks
2. He loves scraping the salt off the tray when the fish sticks are gone
3. He loves scraping the salt off the bottom of any dish or plate that just had a salty morsel on it
4. He rarely stays up past 10:00pm
5. If he does stay up past 10:00, he only does so to play guitar hero for two hours before he walks upstairs muttering about how "foolish" it was to stay up so late
6. His favorite food is pizza
7. He use to be in a hard core band, which is why his voice will forever be raspy (the ladies love it)
8. Favorite McDonald's Dollar Menu Item: Double-Chee, usually 3 or 4 at a time
9. He has crazy dreams when he eats fast food right before bed (see #8, that can't be healthy)

Go visit Charlie at Edge today, or stop by the Cond and wake him up. That's about all he does.

From the bottom of my heart,
Pletch

Last one Standing - Discovery Channel

Generally at the COND we find ourselves hanging out on the patio and catching up on the week or resting our feet from a long day of saving lives (Conley), saving souls (Charlie, Pletcher) or making dreams come true (Tyler). Tonight was a bit different. When Matt (Sill) and I got to the COND after being at the White's house in Castro Valley (it was cool, thanks!) we were greeted by one of the craziest new shows on the Discovery Channel known as Last One Standing. This is an amazing show where 6 men are dropped into a the middle of nowhere (ya like the bush in Africa) and after training for a few days they compete in whatever the local form of manly dominance there is. Tonight we watched them stick fight, and yes there was blood. Check it out and lets compete. I'm calling out D-Bo and The Ton.

The COND Blogography: Tyler

Tyler was born in the Bay Area and, outside a minor stint as a struggling actor in Southern California, has lived here his whole life. His time in So-Cal was quite beneficial. It was there that he met and befriended honorary roommate So-Cal Charlie (aka So-Ho Charlie, aka Spahnsy) and became closer with Lucus "Sluke" Peterson (also an honorary roommate). Tyler is a man with a strong work ethic and an eye for a good time. He's a regular at the local Popi Lounge, where he enjoys dancing and mingling. His signature dance moves are contagious, as it usually takes only moments of Ty's dancing to pack out a dance floor. Also known for his beer making skills, he has created three signature brews that "wow" the taste buds. He was 2005's Bay East Association of Realtors 'Rookie of the Year' for his work in the real estate industry. His success has enabled him to own the COND and open it to it's current occupants. His latest accomplishment came late in 2007 as he spear-headed the creation of THE COND BLOG, which has put him in the running for Blogosphere Magazine's prestigious Blogger of the Year Award.

Tyler Fun Facts:
1. Favorite Beverage: Claygo
2. Favorite McDonalds Dollar Menu Item: EVERYTHING that's under (or over) a dollar
3. Favorite Movie: Malibu's Most Wanted
4. Favorite Music: Anything on the Top 20
5. Favorite Guitar Hero Song: Black Sabbath's War Pigs.
6. Birthday: September 23, 1982
7. Favorite Color: Blaze Orange
8. Hero: David
9. Preferred Nicknames: Super Ty-Town, Suppie Fool, Fat Tyler
10. Favorite T.V. Channel: Food Network

Please say "suppie" to Ty in the comments section.

Thanks!
Charlie and Pletch

Hopyard - Do it.

There is a reason the Hopyard was voted best of Pleasanton, again. Lets face it, if you want a great American Alehouse & Grill (see logo) experience, the Hopyard has it. Tuesday is a great night to go and Charlie, Chris (Pletcher), Deej and I were there last night. I got the usual Diablo burger with onion rings (try it). Not sure what they got, but no salads! Those are for the ladies or when we cant fit into our Edge jeans. Oh and Pleasanton is better than San Ramon, just in case you were wondering.

The COND Blogography: Chris Conley

Born, raised, and educated in the Dublin Unified school district in the great region know to international travelers as the Tri-Valley. Chris rounds out the COND with an interesting and passionate view of life. #3 of the COND and roomate of Tyler. Nicknamed 'grassy snow' because he could survive in the wild on nothing but, grass and snow... His day job (24hr. shift) is a Paramedic for AMR, ya AMBULANCE! If you call 911 and have a stick jammed into your spine you get Chris on your door step (and Josh, Cuzo Crew).

CONLEY FACTS:
1. Favorite Food: McDonalds Double Cheeseburger
2. Favorite Beverage: 47.4 degrees
3. Favorite Video Game: Anything with guns
4. Favorite Sport: Hunting
5. Favorite Hour of the day: 8:00pm
6. Dream Car: Ford F-150 Crew Cab 4x4
7. Hair Length: Short to shortish medium long
8. Best Year: 2004
9. Relationship Status: Taken (Ashley)

Chris is a great addition to the COND and a great friend to hunt, laugh, binks, and sleep next to.

Thoughts...

The Cond Blogography: Chris Pletcher

Born, raised, and educated in the nation of Texas, Christopher Pletcher brings a special and unique element to Cond life. The fourth and final rommate to join, he is a welcome addition to the population here. Nicknamed "The Hot One," Chris spends his time reading, working out, and hanging out with leaders and students involved with Young Life, of which Chris is the local leader.

CHRIS FACTS:
1. Favorite Beverage: Protein powder mixed with water. Milk is a close second.
2. Favorite Guitar Hero Song: When You Were Young.
3. Chris plays in a local football and basketball league.
4. Signature Dance Move: "Dropping it"
5. Favorite McDonalds Dollar Menu Item: Vanilla Ice Cream Cone
6. Birthday: 10/26/82
7. Relational Status: Don't worry about it.

Chris is an amazing friend. If you have any encouraging words for him, please feel free to post a comment.
Thanks,
Charlie

Suppie!

Yes, it is true. There have been so many people wanting to know what it is we do at the cond, so.... now you can have an eye into the world of the infamous COND.

What we do:
1. I cant tell you all, yet.
2. Romance Ladies.
3. Come home and find random people sleeping or watching tv (Josh, Matt, Luke, So-Cal, The Ton, Deej).
4. Play games, lot of games, and not the video ones (the mind ones).

What we dont do:
1. Cook
2. Sleep (except Charlie)
3. Vacuum
4. Take in stray cats (except when Nigel is hungry).

So who is the COND? Good question, thanks for asking.

Chris Conley, Charlie Meng, Chris Pletcher, Tyler Moxley

Honorary COND:
Luke, So-Cal, David (the statue)