Rarely, do I wear tank tops but when I do I wear them super tight, super awesome and I think about my friend Brian Quanrstrom. Today I happen to be wearing a tank top. . .

For those of you who are scratching their heads and wondering who exactly Brian Quarnstrom is, let me tell ya. BQ was born the son of Andrew and Jane Q on September 27, 1982 exactly one week after I. Q has two sisters and though he love them dearly it is no secret that Brian yearned for a brother. Being the resourceful and persistent individual that he is Brian has managed to find several comrades that he would call brother.

Fact: I have known Q all his life.

However it wouldn't be tell later in our lives that we would truly become friends. I think it had something to do with my early traumatic memories of Mikey and Andy Tiehen egging on their pseudo brother Brian to gang up in calling me "Mr. Poopy Face" on our way to preschool. I'm not sure but I think we parted ways after my mom pulled me out of that preschool. I lived on one side of State Line Brian lived on the other. Even though we were second cousins, grew up doing the exact same things and only lived a few blocks apart it wouldn't be until sixth grade that our paths would cross again. He and his cousin/brother/now ex-lover Andy apparently took up Brian's mother's offer to bring them along for "take your kid to work day". Janey Quarnstrom was my sixth grade teacher at Nativity Parish School. I remember her to be a patient, caring and inspiring teacher, a real classy lady. Well the apple must have fallen off the tree and rolled down a mountain because Brian was a huge disruption to my learning on the day of his visit. I remember him and Andy entering our classroom wearing unbuttoned flannel shirts and jeans just giving us the stare down as to see who would flinch first. They took a seat at the teacher's desk in the comfy swivel chairs and mocked us when Janey had her back to us. I sat there in my uniform having spit balls flung a me from the teacher's punk kid who had this stupid grin on his face. The raw emotions and the pain of my early days in preschool came back in a swirling anger that made me want to punch Brian in the face for the first time.

Our forces would unite that summer in 1997 when we both scratched our way on to the freshman "A" football team. Making the A team was a good lesson in "If you ain't first your last" because had I made the "B" team I would of actually got some playing time that year. It was all good though because the time on the bench was spent with my new found amigos Andy and Brian. Although, the majority of our discussions dealt with why I was a lesser person then they because I did not go to St. Thomas Moore, I could feel our friendship was truly growing.

Our time in high school was spent perusing for chicks, chugging shoulder tapped beer, slapping high fives and sticking it to the man.

Fact: Brian can claim that he was the Home Coming King his senior year.... so he's got that going for him.

A more accurate portrayal of our/my glory days would include; being active members of the herpetology club (President senior year), photography buffs, grab-assing and a whole lot of guy time.

It is a funny thing knowing someone as well as I know Brian. As you have gathered, a significant amount of my youth, my journey into manhood was spent with that guy. I have been in some tight spots with him and have conquered some impossible odds in his presence. He also happens to be the individual who has come the closet to killing me, a title that I can truly appreciate being on the reverse side of. Without trying to creep out my Grandma too much (she is the last one checking in on the blog)I would say I know BQ rather intimately!

When Brian informed me that he was to depart on a journey that had no destination other then the open road, a pack and the chance that he might one day come back I figured he wasn't jiving me but I never really knew how far he would go. I kinda thought he might go hide out in the Caribbean for a summer and then come back and talk about all the chicks he macked. Obviously, he far exceeded my expectations. Say what you will about the bastard but the man chased the dream and did something that very few people in the world will or have ever done. I had the good sense to sign up for a leg of that journey and boy am I glad I did. The experience was something that I will never be able to adequately explain or do it justice by speaking of it but it gave me a great appreciation for life and what I have. For almost half a year we fumbled through South America with just the packs on our backs, it wasn't until almost three months in that we slept in separate rooms for a night (How do you like that for intimacy). I say this not to speak of my travels as that is not the point of this post but to convey the sincere astonishment I have for the 512 day Walk About that Brian recently completed. I do not know how many countries ended up stamping his passport but I imagine it is somewhere in the neighborhood of 40-50. To do what he has done on the budget he had is nothing short of remarkable, it takes a stubborn, motivated, clever and ballsy individual to do what BQ has done. It didn't hurt that ketchup (found in every corner of the earth) was like some sort of magic potion that allowed him to block out whatever foul tasting crap he forced down his throat along the way. Regardless, as my last post on this blog site I would like to salute my Brother Brian for making my life a little more interesting and thank him for chasing the dream and keeping it real. Welcome home Q!

Well I have experienced no highs and no lows over the job conquest yet. You might say that I am in career limbo and you might not even call it a career as I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I have been playing the waiting game of sorts since my interview on Tuesday. The meeting went well we talked in terms of me having the job and we left it with me starting this Friday/tomorrow so that's a good thing. One major immediate downside about starting tomorrow is that I leave for ten days on Wednesday next week. Needless to say, Ol' Petro is a little concerned about his job security while away. I did notify them of this trip before they hired me but they will not have learned to miss me by then and might just find a replacement Petro whilst I'm away. Maybe I will bring donuts tomorrow.
Being unemployed and in a new city might prompt you to ask the question "So what does Petro do with his time?"
Well that's none of your damn Business!
Talk to you soon.
Petro

The Radest Dudes Ever!

Still here in San Diego and still unemployed. I have one solid lead going and will most likely find out my fate tomorrow, so think positively. Really not 100% sure what to expect but that's what makes this process so fun that and the harsh in your face reality of rejection!

Kelly and I went to see my new cousin Dominic not Dominique as some have pronounced incorrectly. I'll say this much that kid is all man... nothing like his father. Below are some photos of us bustin our first hang together, Eric and Kristin showed up too and it was fun seeing them.

So far all is good here save that lack of job business. I am still confident it will work out though and if not what better place to be homeless. The locals have started taking to me as well, not necessarily in a good way but still they're taking to me. I do feel like sometimes I'm not cool enough to live here but that is a demon I will forever have to wrestle with on my own. What else can I say things are going great!

I'll keep you posted on the job and friend hunt.

Petro

Unemployed Again

I thought I might start blogging again and see how long it would take for someone to stumble across this post.
I arrived in San Diego a little over a week ago astonished at the fact that my '99 Chevy Lazer had little problems making the overland haul to the West coast. Upon arrival I was greeted by my overly excitable dog Mia, thank God she was there as Kelly had to finish up with a late surgery and I was tired of talking to myself.
Since then I have seen Kelly and she is doing and looking great but not nearly as excited to see me as Mia was. That's okay though I would not want her to pee here pants every time she saw me! Enough about being excited to see me and more about my new digs.
Life here has been good thus far, I love the weather, hanging out with my girls and the idea of a new adventure as scary as it may be. As you are all aware the economy stinks right now and it is a little difficult finding work towards the end of the year in a city where you know no one. That's alright though I have a feeling something will work out as it always seems to. I do have one thing in the oven so keep your fingers crossed or throw a prayer my way with the big guy.
It has been an interesting transition from KC to San Diego when I left almost two weeks ago I was at my max stress level after putting a button in my sister's new kitchen, saying my goodbyes and packing to leave for the next part of my life. Know that I am here and once again unemployed I have had time to relax, unwind and take in an appreciation for my ability to cram three weeks of work into two. Of course that would not have been possible without the help and support of many people as always seems to be the case... that's why it is always hard to leave my beloved KC. However, I am here now and I will keep you posted on how things pan out.
Cheers,
Petro

Dear Grandma and Stitches,
Let me start out by informing you both that I have arrived safely back in the country that I am proud to call home. Thank you both for your continued loyalty through the hell I must have put you through by not contributing to my own blog. It seems everyone else has long since given up. You two are warriors of the same class. So for your efforts, I would like to share with you my exit thoughts and conclusions of South America.
Stitches, you son were one of the first that I threw out the suggestion of leaving everything behind and going on an exploration of self. After long talks and careful planning you said you were out and I was left to fend for myself. I don´t care that you pulled out at the last minute anymore. After all, this letter is intended not just for you but my Grandmother the other viewer of my blog so I will remain positive.
I am here to tell you the complete lack of research and planning proved a successful way of creating a meaningful experience. Without trying to document the last three months of my travels (You will have to be present at my diary readings to get that hot gossip) and for the sake of keeping things short and simple I will get right to it. I would have failed you both had I walked away from this sabbatical without gaining some purpose or clarity from it all. As I have never been accused of ¨catching on quick¨ it was no surprise that it was just a couple of days ago that I realized the significance of this stage in my life.
Life for the most part is good. Especially when you are born into a very comfortable existence with a family that loves you and have an American citizenship. It may only further prove my ignorance but it took a journey like this for me to realize exactly how great I had it in life. I did sacrifice much and acted selfishly in my decision to do something like this, however, it paid dividends I am pleased to say.
I saw some amazing things, slept in some amazingly awful places, partied till dawn, woke up to roosters crowing at dawn, climbed snowy peaks, swam in crystal clear river rapids, dug ditches, missed Jorge, haggled with a Jorge. ate some bizarre things, experienced some strange encounters, witnessed environmental destruction, saw first hand the wonders of nature, galloped horses, rode motorcycles and felt the rush of being in a four wheeler accident...again, visited five different countries in as many months, never scratched the surface of mastering the Spanish language, missed family and friends, found friends and family.
Over the course of the last 17 months with the help of many and the desire to find a better way of life for myself I think I might have found part of the answer (for myself anyway). Surround yourself with good people, appreciate what you have and contribute in a beneficial and honest manner and you will have happiness. The key to life is all about putting a positive spin on things. Easier said then done I´m afraid, for now this attitude will work for me.
That being said, I owe a debt of gratitude to many a people for making my decision possible. To name just a few and by a few I mean many and I am sorry for the many I will probably forget to mention.


My partner on this shindig Brian "BQ" Quarnstrom, thanks for the good times and always having each other's back.

To my entire medical team at St. Luke's South Pediatric Care especially Dr. Bob Schloegel for their continued care well into my late 20's. I believe I am currently the oldest patient that has ever been treated there, beating BQ out by a total of seven days.

To my God parents Moose and Gigi for raising me in the way of the Lord (do you capitalize lord?) and also helping me deal with Uncle Sam and those God Damn taxes he expects every year!

Wayne and Pam Mckamie and the entire staff at Focus for all their assistance in helping me figure somethings out.

Cousin Big Reg for all the worthwhile advice in life.

Vicky Springs for finding a way to send her baked bread down to me in Ecuador.

Matt Carl Schloegel for offering a one time "Get out of Jail free card" to BQ and I. My only regret was the fact that we never were able to use it.

Erin Powell for being our go to gal for research assistance, logistics coordinator and conveyor of sound advice.

My lawyer Uncle Paul Croker for making it legally easier for me to die or become incapacitated down South. Had we not have filled out all that legal jargon and something had happened to me I would have hated to see my family torn apart trying to fight over all my assets and estates. I promise to send you plenty of business later in life.

My Brother Zeke and Sister in law Andrea for their generous donation to the cause.

Dave and Denise Schloegel, they were there for me when I planned my trip to Australia and you bet your sweet potato that they were there again for this adventure. Thanks guys!

Cousin Mark Paul, where do I begin? Spiritual guidance, fashion guru, master of the ways of women and an unwavering loyalty to the cause made him irreplaceable on this adventure. Not to mention the beef jerky we received in Quito.

Mister Misti- The man who showed me how to recycle before recycling was cool! Oh yeah, also giving me gainful employment for the year leading up to this trip.

Chuck and all the battles he fought with Sprint successfully suspending my phone service while I was a way. A task that I was incapable of conquering. That is why when in doubt I send in my Noble Steed to take care of business for me.

Virgin and Michale Vaughan the best damn benefactors my dog Jorge and I could have ever had asked for and thier constant generosity and love.

Tom and Mariela my Ecuadorian parents, even though Tom walked out of my life life 24 years ago to go and get a "pack of smokes" in one month of reacquainting with him he was totally able to redeem himself with his life lessons and generous spirit. I credit his new wife for this.

To the Kansas City K-9 club especially Jill for going the extra distance in taking care of my dog and keeping him safe and happy while I was away. Never once did she shy away from helping my sister out in taking care of the old boy.

To my Mother and Father and their continued support in me. I know I have not always made it easy but at the very least I keep you wondering "just what in the hell does that boy have going on up in that head of his". I am lucky to have parents that at the very least try to understand me and I know that it has not been easy. Thanks for the love.

To a very special lady friend of mine KJ, who has made me wonder over the last few months exactly what the hell I have going on in that head of mine! I am looking forward to seeing you real soon and thanks for not giving up on me.

Lastly, everyone mentioned above played a key role in allowing me to go on an adventure like this and I will never forget that but there is one person in particular that deserves a special shout out and that is my big sis Ali. She has always been on my side even when it was clearly the wrong side and without her this experience would not have happened. Not only did she allow me to store all my crap in her basement, help ready me for this trip, give me shelter upon returning but she took on the mother load burden of fostering my dog while I was a way. I know for a fact that it was not always an easy task and it certainly demanded a lot of her time but she was able to keep Jorge Miguel alive and happy and for that I owe her big. The only problem is is that she knows this! Thanks Ali.

So to put it very simply; I'm Back...Deal with it!

Er Chico Pietro