Sept. 20th.Update

[calihawker]

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around the site lately. I've had to travel a bit as of late and I've only been home a few days a week. If it wasn't for the auto water changes, I'd be in real big trouble.;)

The good news:
Everything is great with the contest fish. My wife has been a great help along with the awc and autofeedings. I came home to find my canister filter fully cycled so that was added a few days ago and is working great. I'm hoping to lessen the amount of water changes with the addition but the fish are out growing the tank so I'll have to see. I've thought about moving a couple to the display and keep only 4 in the 60 gallon but I'm not sure if the judging is based on the group as a whole or just one individual fish. Maybe someone knows?

The bad news:
An opportunity has presented itself that I may be offered a major job with a major band. If I take it, it would mean going back to a full time touring schedule. In other words, no fish, no falconry, (no family:()a major life altering deal. I would have to find homes for not only the contest fish but all the display fish as well. My wife's just not a fish person:o It hasn't been officially offered and I have only given a tentative yes but every metal guitar player in the world would think I'm crazy for even hestitating. For now it'll be business as usuall.

I want to give a shout out to all the contestants that are doing such an awesome job! Here's some pics from this morning.

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr356/calihawker/DSC01660.jpg


http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr356/calihawker/DSC01662.jpg


http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr356/calihawker/DSC01675.jpg


http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr356/calihawker/DSC01666.jpg


http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr356/calihawker/DSC01657.jpg

[wgtaylor]

Hi Steve
When I opened this post my response was WOW, what a picture........then I read your story....:(:):(:)

I had planned to split my group up at a later date if needed, into multiple 55's or 30 breeder tanks.
I would keep them separate from other fish/discus though. Not sure what rules apply here.

I have no right offering any opinion about your band career but my experience has been "If the opportunity knocks",
you won't have to feel bad years from now thinking why in the heck didn't I do that.
The rest of life has a way of working out the absolute best it can. Compromises are meant to be shared in a family.

If you get to the point where you have trouble relocating your contest discus I may be able to run down I-5 to pick
them up and give them a home almost as good as you have provided. Rochelle, Derek and Edward would at least
be able to check Simply on Nacho's weekly growth, crediting you of course.

I sure have mixed feelings about all this but no matter which path you choose I'm sure you will make the best choice.
Take care buddy, great pictures, awesome discus. :):):)
Bill

[hedut]

Nice and good job :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: I love second pic and good luck

[plecocicho]

Fish look real nice! Yeah you have kind of a faust deal here.. Can i ask for which bend would you play?

[brewmaster15]

Steve,

You've got to do what you feel is best for you and your family.We only get one shot at this life..make it count.:)

Its a real shame about the contest fish if you have to leave the Hobby...You've been doing a great job so far and I know you've put your heart into it.... Its a bit of a bummer though as far as the contest goes... ... Drop me a pm and lets talk... and please keep me posted on what you decide and everything..

take care,
al

[Scribbles]

Steve,

Your fish look awesome! Their color and shape are super and they look huge. Best of luck with your band career.

Chris

[rickztahone]

i agree with Hendri, that second pic is breathtaking. pm Eddie and ask him to make an avatar for you of that pic.

[calihawker]

Thanks Bill! I really appreciate your words of encouragement and your offer!:)



Nice and good job I love second pic and good luck

Thanks Hendri!



Fish look real nice! Yeah you have kind of a faust deal here.. Can i ask for which bend would you play?

I can't really say since the guy I would replace is still in the band. However unlikely the news may come from this site it wouldn't be cool. I can say it's one of the best metal bands to come out of the S.F. bay area IMHO;)



Steve,

You've got to do what you feel is best for you and your family.We only get one shot at this life..make it count.

Its a real shame about the contest fish if you have to leave the Hobby...You've been doing a great job so far and I know you've put your heart into it.... Its a bit of a bummer though as far as the contest goes... ... Drop me a pm and lets talk... and please keep me posted on what you decide and everything..

take care,
al

PM sent.



Steve,

Your fish look awesome! Their color and shape are super and they look huge. Best of luck with your band career.

Chris

Thanks Chris!



i agree with Hendri, that second pic is breathtaking. pm Eddie and ask him to make an avatar for you of that pic.

Great idea Rick! I'll make it so!

[two utes]

Its been awhile since l've been on here and have noticed a huge change in your fish....they are HUGE!!
you're doing a great job......and good luck with your decision with your life...whichever way you choose to go..as long as you move forwards :D

[Lytehouse]

Beautiful fish.

Best of luck to you and your family with your decision.

[hoangben]

Wow, nice fish. What strain is the second pic from the top? Thats a nice looking pic.

Ben

[Eddie]

Amazing Steve, fish look amazing. I am sorry to hear that you may be going down another avenue but that is what life is all about, avenues. I wish you the best in what ever you decide and you really have done some amazing things with your fish since I've known you. No matter what, you'll always have that discus bug.

Take care my friend,

Eddie

[Chad Hughes]

Steve,

Great job on the fish man! Even with all your time away, they look fantastic!

I am excited for you and your new career move as well as a bit saddened about your hobby. Things do happen and your situation is one of them. I'm all about taking opportunity when it knocks. I have lived my life with that philosophy and thus far it hasn't steered me wrong, but I'm only 35. LOL!

As mentioned above, if you have issues placing your fish in new homes when the time comes, let me know. I have plenty of tank space. That's something for the future though.

Well done with the contest fish my friend!

Best wishes and best of luck with your life decision!

[2075turner]

These guys look so nice and round, thick and fat. Great job:thumbsup:

Congrats on getting the gig if you do end up going on tour:)

[pcsb23]

Good luck Steve, all the best - and the fish look excellent too!

[calihawker]

Thanks everyone! It sure is fun raising these awesome fish. There's a good possibility things can work out so I can finish the contest even if I get this job.

You're right about the bug Eddie! Either way, it'll only be temporary.

[Armandi_Fishcarer]

Steve, fabulous looking fish specimens. I too admire the 2nd shot, fantastic. Your career, good luck & wish you & your family the best always bro. Keep up the great job! :D

Regards
Ahmed ;)

[Cooldadddyfunk286]

bro, the fish look amazing man! they looks great as always. its really gonna be a close call on whos gonna win this thing, but I got the top 3 in my mind LOL, I can tell you, your in the top 2! LOL.

anyway, my real question is...WHAT BAND?!?!?!?!?! please PM me as I know this isnt definite and you may not want to say it publicly.

take care Steve-O

[willbldrco]

Ok, seriously, that second pic made me really hungry for a peach. It's so perfectly round and ... ripe-peach looking! :)

Good luck with your guitar career!!

[calihawker]

With all the compliments, I had to make that pic my avatar! Thanks everyone!

[wgtaylor]

With all the compliments, I had to make that pic my avatar! Thanks everyone!

Steve, that's definetely one to be proud of...great avatar !
Bill

[calihawker]

Steve, that's definetely one to be proud of...great avatar !
Bill

Thanks Bill!

[acroken]

Steve,
I am happy to hear you are doing well. Your discus are looking so beautiful. Nacho is UNBELIEVABLE!!! You are a lucky man, that is for sure. I wish you the best of luck with your new gig. Please do not give these contest fish up. All the hard work is going to pay off for you. New band and winning the challenge! It is good to be you. Very nicely done my friend!

Kenny

[calihawker]

Thanks Kenny but I'm a LONG way from having this contest wrapped up. (no thanks to you:D) Take care bro!