Here is a shout out to all of the Dads who are closest to my heart!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Look out KC!
A Pint-Size Problem - WSJ.com
This essential article was sent to me by alert Brian Z! I guess it will curb drunk driving!
This essential article was sent to me by alert Brian Z! I guess it will curb drunk driving!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 09, 2008
B and M
We got some mailings this week that were addressed with our last names properly spelled, but with the following first names:
Bronwen
Meghan
We decided Mike gets to be Bronwen, and I am Meghan. He can be Bron or Wen for short, and I am Meg of course.
We went to some open houses yesterday and looked at some overpriced homes that have not been changed for 45 years. They were asking 1.2 and 1.3 million respectively, and one of them was the brownest house I have ever seen. It was just too hot to do anything else frankly.
Bronwen
Meghan
We decided Mike gets to be Bronwen, and I am Meghan. He can be Bron or Wen for short, and I am Meg of course.
We went to some open houses yesterday and looked at some overpriced homes that have not been changed for 45 years. They were asking 1.2 and 1.3 million respectively, and one of them was the brownest house I have ever seen. It was just too hot to do anything else frankly.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Wild Westchester
Last week, I saw a big coyote on the side of the parkway when I was exiting to go home. It was weird since he was trotting around in broad daylight in the open. Yesterday, I thought about the coyote when I was driving home, and I saw it again in the same place.
I also saw a flock of wild turkeys yesterday (7-10) on a street in Rye. Some of them were even puffed up Thanksgiving style. It was pretty cool.
I also saw a flock of wild turkeys yesterday (7-10) on a street in Rye. Some of them were even puffed up Thanksgiving style. It was pretty cool.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Pomp and Circumstance
I spent this weekend in Indiana with nearly my entire family (only missing Pat) to celebrate Jim's graduation. It was a mad-cap weekend to say the least, but it was really great. We had tornado warnings, multiple airport pick ups and drops, belated birthday gift exchanges, and graduation itself. Jim was salutatorian and delivered a fantastic speech at graduation. The twist in the weekend plans was that Jim also qualified for state meet in his individual event in track (800 meters). Graduation started at 4, and his race was at 7:45 in Bloomington (which is 90 minutes away roughly). Crazy timing to say the least. So Jim spoke, grabbed his diploma, changed into his track uniform, and we all piled onto a school bus to Bloomington. His poor track coach was subjected to us on the bus for 3 hours total--poor guy. I have to say that John managed to make the countryside interesting. Jim was quite a star in Crawfordsville to say the least. He kept getting pictures and interviews in the local paper. It really did not get to his head. I capped the weekend off by getting delayed by a day coming home and knocking my brand new cell phone into a cup of coffee (after all, I was in the land of basketball). It still beat getting stuck in Chicago last night! I could have used the dryer Sue demonstrated from the restaurant in Bloomington. It was like drying you hands with a jet engine. I managed to get a shot of Brian's face since he was surrounded by family with cameras and we could get him!Thursday, May 29, 2008
Misc
I dreamed last night that I somehow broke an ancient Greek statue in 3 pieces. I was at a museum with Sue looking down on them (a sort of balcony), and somehow knocked over something that fell and broke the statue. The guard did not notice for a while, and I am still free.
There is a phenomena (doo doo doo doo doo!)that I think is local. I just do not recall this happening while I was still in MI. The stores here have narrower and more crowded aisles, and I prefer to leave my cart and run down aisles to get things. Inevitably, somebody takes my cart (with the things that I have gathered so far). I find it to be incredibly annoying. Go walk your lazy ass to the front and get your own cart! Or if the store employee counts to 10 and it is not attended, they start to clean up. I do not know, but I swear it never happened to me before I moved here. It is in stores like Target, but not grocery. I realize people take carts by mistake all the time (but you quickly correct it when it happens). When I found my cart last night, the lady said, "I thought you were done with it". Yeah, I leave 10 items in a cart and just leave the store piehole!
There is a phenomena (doo doo doo doo doo!)that I think is local. I just do not recall this happening while I was still in MI. The stores here have narrower and more crowded aisles, and I prefer to leave my cart and run down aisles to get things. Inevitably, somebody takes my cart (with the things that I have gathered so far). I find it to be incredibly annoying. Go walk your lazy ass to the front and get your own cart! Or if the store employee counts to 10 and it is not attended, they start to clean up. I do not know, but I swear it never happened to me before I moved here. It is in stores like Target, but not grocery. I realize people take carts by mistake all the time (but you quickly correct it when it happens). When I found my cart last night, the lady said, "I thought you were done with it". Yeah, I leave 10 items in a cart and just leave the store piehole!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Quick trip to Beantown
We just got back this afternoon from a short jaunt to Boston to see Mom, John, Ann, Kevin, and Peg. There was a lot of relaxin', good eatin', and tourin'. We hit Glouchester up to Rockport yesterday and had dinner at Kowloon (a wild and kitschy Asian restaurant). Here is the link for Kowloon, and it is quite a cool joint.
http://www.kowloonrestaurant.com/
Monday, May 19, 2008
I am the eggman...
Walruses - Animals - Natalie Angier - Science - New York Times
I have to say when this picture appeared on the NY times homepage, I could not resist. I have now concluded that Walruses are pretty kick ass, and I recommend listening to their sounds.
I have to say when this picture appeared on the NY times homepage, I could not resist. I have now concluded that Walruses are pretty kick ass, and I recommend listening to their sounds.
When it rains...
Normally we have nothing going on. The social life out here is really tough, and many of our closest friends out here have moved away (or do not live nearby). Most weekends we putter around and try to figure out plans. What always seems to happen is that everyone comes to town or suddenly wants to do something all the same weekend. This was one of them. Sat night we met with friends from Jersey.
Yesterday seemed to be the day when we packed it all in. We got up at 6, went to ride a bike tour with our friend who now lives in Ohio and our other friend that we do not see much. We rode the tour (beat the rain too!), drove to friend's hotel to say Hi to wife and kids, went home and showered, drove to city, dropped off friend (in pouring rain), got a good parking space, and met up with Jon. We arrived back home at 11:30. So that was about 3 days of activity in one! It was all good, now it is time to get back to mundane life!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Fake out
I am a good sleeper. I rarely have trouble getting shut eye. Mike has trouble some nights, but I think he just drinks way too much coffee. Yesterday I had a can of pop at 5:30, but I can usually get away with drinking coffee at the Ws and sleeping (despite the high octane brew).
Last night, we did an intense workout (starting to train a little seriously) and did a lot of responsible and productive chores. I went to bed at 1:00 which is late for me (I usually fall asleep on the couch at about 11:18 every night). It took a while to fall asleep. Then I woke up hot at 3:30, because Mike was scolding me for something (I just asked and he said I was shaking the bed like crazy). I dozed off, and about an hour later I went to the bathroom. Our room was hot, so I decided to try out the couch. I heard Mike get up right after me to go to the bathroom and I went back to sleep.
Suddenly I woke up right before Mike was about to lie down on me on the couch! I scared the daylights out of him, and he spun around and fell over. Mike tends to walk around either without glasses or with his eyes shut at night. I just really messed with his routine. He usually goes out to the couch to sleep when he is having trouble.
I guess it was payback. Mike and I were riding our bikes the other night, and I gave him the decision about how far (I always want to go further and I get in trouble for it). He started rolling into the parking lot like we were done, and suddenly shot out for another loop. I was really faked out!
Last night, we did an intense workout (starting to train a little seriously) and did a lot of responsible and productive chores. I went to bed at 1:00 which is late for me (I usually fall asleep on the couch at about 11:18 every night). It took a while to fall asleep. Then I woke up hot at 3:30, because Mike was scolding me for something (I just asked and he said I was shaking the bed like crazy). I dozed off, and about an hour later I went to the bathroom. Our room was hot, so I decided to try out the couch. I heard Mike get up right after me to go to the bathroom and I went back to sleep.
Suddenly I woke up right before Mike was about to lie down on me on the couch! I scared the daylights out of him, and he spun around and fell over. Mike tends to walk around either without glasses or with his eyes shut at night. I just really messed with his routine. He usually goes out to the couch to sleep when he is having trouble.
I guess it was payback. Mike and I were riding our bikes the other night, and I gave him the decision about how far (I always want to go further and I get in trouble for it). He started rolling into the parking lot like we were done, and suddenly shot out for another loop. I was really faked out!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
For the Birds
The deck in the backyard was replaced last summer. The old deck was home to a perfect bird nest that was used year after year. Mike wondered if any new nests would appear, and here is the answer.
We think that the bird (or birds) kept trying out different sections before realizing the boards were not wide enough. There are about 13 partial nests.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
Holy Pollen!
Mike had a whopper of an allergy attack the rivaled Nuremnburg yesterday. We were out biking, and thank God he was wearing glasses! You all should be proud that I did not laugh at any sneezes either. I must be growing up.
We went to more open houses. I received a lukewarm response by one of the realtors when she asked my price ceiling. I guess I can not afford your fancy town!
We went to more open houses. I received a lukewarm response by one of the realtors when she asked my price ceiling. I guess I can not afford your fancy town!
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Goodbye Escort Wagon :(
We took the remaining wagon to the junkyard today, and it barely made it. 1999-2008 is the '94 Wagon that will always be known as "BCC".
Friday, May 02, 2008
Moss Makes a No-Care Lawn - New York Times
Moss Makes a No-Care Lawn - New York Times
Mike is always talking about having a alternate lawn, so it was funny to see this here.
Mike is always talking about having a alternate lawn, so it was funny to see this here.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Paging the Donner party
Occasionally when I am treating in the pool, a bunch of pilots come in and get survival training. They always blow up their clothes and float, and the finale is always blowing up this huge lifeboat with a top (and 10 guys piling into it). Their trainer is an military looking dude who talks non-stop about what they should do in every survival at sea situation. Usually I am working and I do not pay attention much to what they are saying. A discussion occurred yesterday that caught my attention.
"When your buddy dies on the lifeboat, do not throw his body overboard". He discussed cases where the body came in handy.
Now that's good eatin'!
"When your buddy dies on the lifeboat, do not throw his body overboard". He discussed cases where the body came in handy.
Now that's good eatin'!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, Mirror Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies - www.hometownlife.com - Michigan
the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers, Mirror Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies - www.hometownlife.com - Michigan
I saw the thumbnail on the page and it really looked like my old school uniform. Alas, it was! I can not believe they still wear the same plaid.
I saw the thumbnail on the page and it really looked like my old school uniform. Alas, it was! I can not believe they still wear the same plaid.
Calipics
I did not take a lot of pictures since we were mostly just hangin' out, but here are a few.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Return from Lala Land
I made it back tonight after rescheduling my flight from yesterday, getting delayed for three hours, and making my way home from JFK in the pouring rain!
It was fun seeing Sue and the kids. Mike made an appearance and we both received new monikers from Jake. Mine was Grandma Judy, and Mike was "That guy", "Uncle Rich", and for a short while, "Hot guy". When we asked him what our names were, he always knew. I suppose when he got excited an involved in something our names do not automatically come up.
It was fun seeing Sue and the kids. Mike made an appearance and we both received new monikers from Jake. Mine was Grandma Judy, and Mike was "That guy", "Uncle Rich", and for a short while, "Hot guy". When we asked him what our names were, he always knew. I suppose when he got excited an involved in something our names do not automatically come up.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
I want my 2 hours back
Last night we went to see a movie at our awesome art theater. Here is the description straight from the website.
Flight of the Red Balloon
Director: Hsiao-Hsien Hou, Country: France, Release: 2007, Runtime: 113, Rating: NR, Language: in French with subtitles
“A work of tremendous precision and heartfelt emotion, made by one of the great artists in the medium.” (Salon.com)
Starring Juliette Binoche, this exquisite homage to the original Red Balloon is by one of cinema’s masters, the Taiwanese director Hsiao-Hsien Hou (The Puppetmaster, Flowers of Shanghai). Receiving rave reviews at last year’s Cannes, this subtle and lyrical meditation on childhood and loss is told through the quiet story of a young boy in Paris and his harried mother (Binoche, in a marvelous performance), whose life is slowly fraying at the seams. Not for children.
Both of us wanted to walk out. Mike ended up sleeping through a fair amount of the movie. First of all, I still do not have any idea how it was a homage to the original movie. They kept showing a red balloon floating around at times with some really dull piano music. It just appeared like they were trying way to hard. As Homer would say, "Less Artsy, More Fartsy". I sensed we were in trouble when a character in the movie raved about a movie she saw, because it was so real. It was really like watching paint dry with absolutely no plot. I could have stared into space at home and been more entertained. There was no intellectual challenge either. Here are some quotes from Mike:
"I think I want to do some taxes when we get home; it would be more exciting than that movie"
"I liked Barney's submission to the Springfield Film Festival better"
"Forget the $20, I want my life back"
I lamented that we could have snuck over to the other screen and saw part of "Where in the World is Osama?" Grandma would have appreciated that one. It also reminded me of a movie I saw with Ann and Kevin years ago at the DIA. The first 10 or 15 minutes was a guy drinking tea. At least that movie picked up when the old lady used a basket as a marital aide!
Flight of the Red Balloon
Director: Hsiao-Hsien Hou, Country: France, Release: 2007, Runtime: 113, Rating: NR, Language: in French with subtitles
“A work of tremendous precision and heartfelt emotion, made by one of the great artists in the medium.” (Salon.com)
Starring Juliette Binoche, this exquisite homage to the original Red Balloon is by one of cinema’s masters, the Taiwanese director Hsiao-Hsien Hou (The Puppetmaster, Flowers of Shanghai). Receiving rave reviews at last year’s Cannes, this subtle and lyrical meditation on childhood and loss is told through the quiet story of a young boy in Paris and his harried mother (Binoche, in a marvelous performance), whose life is slowly fraying at the seams. Not for children.
Both of us wanted to walk out. Mike ended up sleeping through a fair amount of the movie. First of all, I still do not have any idea how it was a homage to the original movie. They kept showing a red balloon floating around at times with some really dull piano music. It just appeared like they were trying way to hard. As Homer would say, "Less Artsy, More Fartsy". I sensed we were in trouble when a character in the movie raved about a movie she saw, because it was so real. It was really like watching paint dry with absolutely no plot. I could have stared into space at home and been more entertained. There was no intellectual challenge either. Here are some quotes from Mike:
"I think I want to do some taxes when we get home; it would be more exciting than that movie"
"I liked Barney's submission to the Springfield Film Festival better"
"Forget the $20, I want my life back"
I lamented that we could have snuck over to the other screen and saw part of "Where in the World is Osama?" Grandma would have appreciated that one. It also reminded me of a movie I saw with Ann and Kevin years ago at the DIA. The first 10 or 15 minutes was a guy drinking tea. At least that movie picked up when the old lady used a basket as a marital aide!
Friday, April 18, 2008
How to look 10 years older....
Put your passport pictures side to side after renewal and see how you have changed! I suppose I cheat with my hair color, but the world really is not ready for my salt n' pepa hair!
I respond to commands
I did not know this for a long time, but I recently learned that when I am snoring at night, Mike tells me "No Snoring" and I stop. Last night I stirred when he got up in the middle of the night, and I was laughing and repeating the word, "Ghosts". That's when Mike said, "There are no ghosts", and I returned peacefully to sleep.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Doing something wrong
Mike and I cruised by a new house on the market in CT in a neighborhood we liked. When we went to turn around, there was this huge stone and shingle house (classic snooty New England style, but I just really love the stone and shingle despite how impratical it is). Parked next to the estate was one of the local hot dog lunch trucks. In our town, there are 3 trucks that park at regular spots every day. I wonder what they charge for those hot dogs?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
WE presents - High School Confidential - March 10th
I would have been the lamest subject for this show. I did not get pregnant, anorexic, or cut myself during high school. My statements would have been, "This is where I shared a whole packet of crackers with HH every morning". I suppose the worst would have been, "This is where I would avoid the creepy comments of our school's diving coach".
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Munich
There was a NY times article about Munich. It is becoming hip to visit there apparently. This is what I remember about Munich. I did have a gut time there.
1. Thinking I was jaded when we wandered over to the Glockenspiel to see the clock in action. By then I had seen a lot of old clocks going off on my trip, and I did not have my camera ready. Whoah, I wrestled the camera out of the bag for that one. It is the best old clock I have seen.
2. Hofbrau house: eating at the long picnic tables and Mike arguing in German with the waiter.
3. The seedy bar that featured booths with curtains and Eurotrash techno musik pumping. The song that captured our collective attention had a refrain "I want to go to Ibiza" in a staccato rhythm.
So although it was not hip when I visited, it was a good time.
1. Thinking I was jaded when we wandered over to the Glockenspiel to see the clock in action. By then I had seen a lot of old clocks going off on my trip, and I did not have my camera ready. Whoah, I wrestled the camera out of the bag for that one. It is the best old clock I have seen.
2. Hofbrau house: eating at the long picnic tables and Mike arguing in German with the waiter.
3. The seedy bar that featured booths with curtains and Eurotrash techno musik pumping. The song that captured our collective attention had a refrain "I want to go to Ibiza" in a staccato rhythm.
So although it was not hip when I visited, it was a good time.
Run Noisy, Run Deep - The New York Times
Run Noisy, Run Deep - The New York Times
Am I a geek for thinking this is interesting? I will have to take a listen next time I am underwater.
Am I a geek for thinking this is interesting? I will have to take a listen next time I am underwater.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Dream analysis
Here are some of the bizarre events during my dreams over the last few days:
Discovered that I was another of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends
Swimming with seals in the ocean that were swarming me and getting close, nuzzling my neck, and being generally friendly.
I was late to my second wedding, even though I had a wedding already. Since I had a wedding already, I was not concerned about how the second wedding would go. I think I have had a similar dream before.
Please don't commit me.
Discovered that I was another of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends
Swimming with seals in the ocean that were swarming me and getting close, nuzzling my neck, and being generally friendly.
I was late to my second wedding, even though I had a wedding already. Since I had a wedding already, I was not concerned about how the second wedding would go. I think I have had a similar dream before.
Please don't commit me.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Go Team
Mike and I got into a discussion about mascots tonight. We noticed that the following mascot types are not generally represented:
primates
rodents (except the MIT beavers, and occasional gophers)
African animals (elephants, hyenas, zebras, hippos, giraffes)
insects (I know about the banana slug)
most birds (except Raptors and things like Cardinals)
most fish (How about "Go Flounders"?)
Ungulates
fruits and vegetables
Speaking of flounder, what the hell is up with those fish? They are too ugly to eat. I wonder if their mothers love their looks.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
This one's for P
Can you find the fine athletes from our family in these pictures. These are from the same year. I put a bad one of me so I would not hear any whining.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
Not worthy
Check out what Mike got in the mail today. I get invited to test drive Masaratis, and he gets to carry an Ironman credit card. If only the Ironman people could see what sorry shape we are in! If you have not completed an Ironman, can you really use this? That would be another layer of poserdom.
We go to possibly one of the most hard-core Ys I have ever seen. There are a bunch of triathletes that train there, and they are into it all year. I have witnessed something that resembled a transition in the locker in the WINTER (going from Masters to a spin class)! There are a ton of people who are rocking Ironman tattoos. One dude was decked out head to toe with Ironman gear (bike shorts, jersey, helmet, backpack, possibly underwear). There are a lot of oval stickers that have the 140.6 on it parked in the lot. We used to joke about getting 1/2 of the ironman logo tattoed since we have only done half ironman distance! So I am willing to bet somebody has the credit card!
One of the hard core people we talk to is going to do Lake Placid this summer. He was telling us about riding over this winter. I will not ride under 45 degrees. It is just not fun at all. That is what you would need to do though to get ready for a race in the end of June! Otherwise, biking, swimming, and running inside! It is hard enough to train long distances, but indoors? Forget it. That is why we are never in shape until August! We are signed up for our first event on May 18th, so here's to motivation!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you find a great way to celebrate. I also hope that your day is more springlike.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Ambivalent
I am thinking I need to get off my sorry arse and contribute to society in some way (rather than ranting and raving about the state of affairs or lying on the couch). So I will be searching for some ideas how to accomplish that. Any suggestions are welcome.
Horney told me that they are planning a 20th reunion for high school. Holy crap how did that many years fly by? So she told me about some of the people organizing, and I have to say that I really did not know them. Entering high school after going to a different elementary and middle school did not allow for much clique infiltration frankly. So I am mildly curious about the reunion, but I am not sure if I would get anything out of it. I would love to go to a grade school reunion since that group of 30 or so kids is who I remember the most. A swim team reunion would be really great since by high school that is all that I did besides school. Is is just me? Pat said he had fun at his 10th. Maybe it would be more fun than I think. Horney says she is not going, so I do not think I will since I will not have any close friends there.
Horney told me that they are planning a 20th reunion for high school. Holy crap how did that many years fly by? So she told me about some of the people organizing, and I have to say that I really did not know them. Entering high school after going to a different elementary and middle school did not allow for much clique infiltration frankly. So I am mildly curious about the reunion, but I am not sure if I would get anything out of it. I would love to go to a grade school reunion since that group of 30 or so kids is who I remember the most. A swim team reunion would be really great since by high school that is all that I did besides school. Is is just me? Pat said he had fun at his 10th. Maybe it would be more fun than I think. Horney says she is not going, so I do not think I will since I will not have any close friends there.
Monday, March 31, 2008
ein vollkommenes Radler
Mike and I have been working feverishly between illness and lazy habits to perfect a Radler for the summer. We had a great one during the party for his aunt in Germany, and it is a great drink for the summer. Our first attempt was 50% Sprite, 50% Beer (Bitburger, a good German Pilsner). Pretty close, but not quite there. We then tried 50% lemonade, but it was too sweet. I liked the version I made with 1/2 beer and one cup of Sprite (pretty damn close and good). We decided to try Natural Italian Lemon Soda yesterday (50% lemon soda which is more like a lemonade diluted by mineral water). I think we have a winner. It is really good, and that type of soda is not too sweet so it had a perfect balance. So I included a picture of EuroMike and a perfect Radler!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
We be illin'
I was home sick until Tuesday. Wed night, Mike developed cold symptoms. He had to work through it due to important stuff he had to do at work. This is the first time we have transmitted an illness to each other. We are really good about treating the sick one like a leper and avoiding various bugs. Mike suggested the other night we need to update our quarantine policy. He was thinking now we need to get a hotel room when somebody comes home sick.
On another note, I could not watch my Spartans last night (due to regional coverage friggin' CBS). That spared me significant pain.
On another note, I could not watch my Spartans last night (due to regional coverage friggin' CBS). That spared me significant pain.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Sold Out 2
So I marked my calender to sign up for the Westchester Tri. As I said before, I have not done the race since 2004 since it keeps selling out. I used to sign up for the race the week before (and that was in 2002, 2003 which is not ancient history).
So I grabbed my sleeping bag and headed outside to spend the night near the cyber ticketmaster. It really felt like getting tickets to a rock concert that was expected to sell out quickly.
I asked Mike to get them, but he can not access these types of things at work. So I rushed home between school and my home care cases to buy them. I checked at 1:50 and discovered the entry fee was $175. WTF!!!! That was almost triple the fee we paid 4 years ago! I called Mike to confer, and he called me back at 2. When I logged back in, THE EVENT WAS SOLD OUT :(
They really need a lottery, or at least open registration on a Sat so everyone would have a fair chance entering the race. I sent a whiny email to the race director, and now we are on a waiting list. Oh wait, I could have signed up and paid $300 for a charity slot. They also had $500 slots selling a training program. I wonder how many of those they reserved. It is so crazy. What are they, Golden circle entries? I think for $300 I should get a message on the run every mile (or a push).
So enough of my whining, at least I saved us 350 dollars!
So I grabbed my sleeping bag and headed outside to spend the night near the cyber ticketmaster. It really felt like getting tickets to a rock concert that was expected to sell out quickly.
I asked Mike to get them, but he can not access these types of things at work. So I rushed home between school and my home care cases to buy them. I checked at 1:50 and discovered the entry fee was $175. WTF!!!! That was almost triple the fee we paid 4 years ago! I called Mike to confer, and he called me back at 2. When I logged back in, THE EVENT WAS SOLD OUT :(
They really need a lottery, or at least open registration on a Sat so everyone would have a fair chance entering the race. I sent a whiny email to the race director, and now we are on a waiting list. Oh wait, I could have signed up and paid $300 for a charity slot. They also had $500 slots selling a training program. I wonder how many of those they reserved. It is so crazy. What are they, Golden circle entries? I think for $300 I should get a message on the run every mile (or a push).
So enough of my whining, at least I saved us 350 dollars!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Yes, Running Can Make You High - New York Times
Yes, Running Can Make You High - New York Times
Yeah, sometimes running can make me wolf down a pizza too.
Yeah, sometimes running can make me wolf down a pizza too.
See more funny videos at CollegeHumor
This one's for Pat. I could not get it to download from Youtube. I think little J needs to add this one to his repetiore.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Cure for the common cold
Killepitsch
As you all know I missed the Easter celebration yesterday. Mike arrived home last night from his parents house with a care package that included something for my cold. A few years ago, I got into a discussion about Jaegermeister with his family. The discussion ended when my father-in-law appeared with a bottle of it and began pouring shots for everyone. This has escaleted to doing shots of Jaeger when we are visiting and somebody has a cold (like taking Nyquil). In the last couple of years, this product has also appeared. It is just like Jaeger, and they stock it at the German club. So we have all been forced to take a shot of Killepitsch too (including my mother-in-law). I think my mom and John did shots of Jaeger or Killepitsch the last time we visited! So bottoms up for my health!
As you all know I missed the Easter celebration yesterday. Mike arrived home last night from his parents house with a care package that included something for my cold. A few years ago, I got into a discussion about Jaegermeister with his family. The discussion ended when my father-in-law appeared with a bottle of it and began pouring shots for everyone. This has escaleted to doing shots of Jaeger when we are visiting and somebody has a cold (like taking Nyquil). In the last couple of years, this product has also appeared. It is just like Jaeger, and they stock it at the German club. So we have all been forced to take a shot of Killepitsch too (including my mother-in-law). I think my mom and John did shots of Jaeger or Killepitsch the last time we visited! So bottoms up for my health!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Beaster
Of course, since I made it through both Christmas and New Years without getting sick, I have a cold. I went to church this AM, and I have been lying around the house ever since. I watched the Enron documentary and read half my book. I went out to get some soup, and I thought, "The steering wheel feels a little mushy". Pulled into a parking lot, and my right front tire was really low! Drove slowly to a gas station, filled up the tire, and heard air rushing out. I realized the rubber by the stem had a hole since I could make it stop. I went into the gas station mini mart and bought flat fixer and electrical tape. I was able to make it home using the electrical tape. I figured if the hole was in the stem, I may waste the 8 dollars I paid for the flat fixer. Soo, I have to deal with that one tomorrow.
Last night we went to a club that is in a hotel by us to watch the State game. Sometimes the local UM alumni club gathers there to watch games, and we figured it would be quiet. They had a DJ blasting really crappy music the whole time! It is a dead place, and the DJ is really incongruous. At one point, the DJ started singing in a super deep voice (like Lou Rawls or Barry White) to a backing track! The song was really cheesy. So I lost a year of hearing off my life to crappy music. Oh well, at least my team won!
Last night we went to a club that is in a hotel by us to watch the State game. Sometimes the local UM alumni club gathers there to watch games, and we figured it would be quiet. They had a DJ blasting really crappy music the whole time! It is a dead place, and the DJ is really incongruous. At one point, the DJ started singing in a super deep voice (like Lou Rawls or Barry White) to a backing track! The song was really cheesy. So I lost a year of hearing off my life to crappy music. Oh well, at least my team won!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Einstein
Smooth move of the week:
Leaving keys in car with ignition switch on and radio on all night long. Say goodbye to a year of battery life!
I felt like a bonehead about this until a woman I know shared that she left a car in reverse. She was confused about why her car was in the center island of the cul-de-sac where they live!
Besides working, here are my weekly pursuits:
1. Attempting to make a Radler as good as the one we had in Schweinfurt! We were close, but no cigar yet!
2. Cruising real estate listings like a stalker.
3. Struggling through guitar practice.
4. Nearly buying Radiohead tickets, but stopping. The tickets are 90 dollars with a 12 dollar service charge. It is a music festival with some other good bands. Then I wondered how long they would play. That is who I really want to see. I am not sure if I should see them when they are just plain touring.
5. Bought a new game for work called Hypertag. Mike thinks it is a recipe for me popping my knee out. I plan to be lazy and make the kids play it!
6. Letting you all see a picture I find scary. That is a photo of what is called "Einstein Hair". There is nothing like when your husband says your hair looks just like Einstein's.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Brownies anyone??
We continued the open house ritual this weekend. We may be waiting a few months longer than we really want to, because the economic reality still has not hit our local market as hard as we need it to. Things may change with all of the banks taking a hit on the subprime market.
Anyhoo, we did see some good stuff, but among the bad was a common theme. Never mind the insane prices. Never mind the realtors and their BS. We wandered into this one open house, because it was next door to another we wanted to see (which actually was reasonable in price and beautiful!). The house we stumbled upon was 150,000 more, but as far as I am concerned, the cheaper house was way better (restored farm house, owner is an architect and it had a modern layout which you do not see in old buildings, replaced the wiring as well). The more expensive house had finished part of the attic. In the unfinished section of the attic, there was a full bath. So imagine a typical attic (boards from the roof with nails sticking through the wood, ceiling shaped like the roof, etc) which you could use to get ready for work. They had a claw foot tub under the window. In a pathetic (possible part of a staging) attempt to make this seem pleasant, a book entitled, The Art of Bathing rested nearby. The attic bathroom also had a sink and toilet. I am going to make it a point for now on to ask if they have an attic bathroom when a realtor is bothering me! In the same house, they also had a full bath that opened into the kitchen. That resulted in a reprise of inappropriate jokes. It is a common theme that we ran across weeks ago.
Flashback to another renovated farm house. This particular house we looked at did not have a ground floor bathroom. I am sure renovating old houses is tough and you have more limitations. The kitchen in the house we saw a few weeks ago was tiny, and they put the fridge right next to the back door. There was a minuscule dining nook with windows on one side of the kitchen (I am sure Mike and I would not fit in that nook with a table). The realtor suggested we could put the powder room in the nook (which is essentially the heart of the tiny kitchen). I do like a good potty joke (I think it may be genetic) and we riffed off each other for about 10 minutes on that one. "What are you making for dinner?" We thought about awkward moments while hosting a holiday meal. The kitchen bathroom is just not a plus. I would rather walk upstairs personally. The full bath right off the kitchen was weird. Could you imagine cooking when a wet person walks by in a towel? You would have to ban #2 in the kitchen bathroom for sure.
The worst part is these houses are all over 800,000!
Anyhoo, we did see some good stuff, but among the bad was a common theme. Never mind the insane prices. Never mind the realtors and their BS. We wandered into this one open house, because it was next door to another we wanted to see (which actually was reasonable in price and beautiful!). The house we stumbled upon was 150,000 more, but as far as I am concerned, the cheaper house was way better (restored farm house, owner is an architect and it had a modern layout which you do not see in old buildings, replaced the wiring as well). The more expensive house had finished part of the attic. In the unfinished section of the attic, there was a full bath. So imagine a typical attic (boards from the roof with nails sticking through the wood, ceiling shaped like the roof, etc) which you could use to get ready for work. They had a claw foot tub under the window. In a pathetic (possible part of a staging) attempt to make this seem pleasant, a book entitled, The Art of Bathing rested nearby. The attic bathroom also had a sink and toilet. I am going to make it a point for now on to ask if they have an attic bathroom when a realtor is bothering me! In the same house, they also had a full bath that opened into the kitchen. That resulted in a reprise of inappropriate jokes. It is a common theme that we ran across weeks ago.
Flashback to another renovated farm house. This particular house we looked at did not have a ground floor bathroom. I am sure renovating old houses is tough and you have more limitations. The kitchen in the house we saw a few weeks ago was tiny, and they put the fridge right next to the back door. There was a minuscule dining nook with windows on one side of the kitchen (I am sure Mike and I would not fit in that nook with a table). The realtor suggested we could put the powder room in the nook (which is essentially the heart of the tiny kitchen). I do like a good potty joke (I think it may be genetic) and we riffed off each other for about 10 minutes on that one. "What are you making for dinner?" We thought about awkward moments while hosting a holiday meal. The kitchen bathroom is just not a plus. I would rather walk upstairs personally. The full bath right off the kitchen was weird. Could you imagine cooking when a wet person walks by in a towel? You would have to ban #2 in the kitchen bathroom for sure.
The worst part is these houses are all over 800,000!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Smarty Pants
I just found out my nephew Jim received a prestigious scholarship to Purdue. It is a full ride through the doctoral level! It is great to see scholarship and intelligence rewarded! What an amazing opportunity!
Sold Out
I am sitting here this morning trying to find out when all of the races we like are scheduled. There is a tri in Rye that we like, but the last 2 years we have not done it, because it has sold out in HOURS (that's right, hours!). Not too many years ago we signed up the week of the race so we could make sure the weather would be good (after all, they are getting more and more expensive!).
There was a new race last year in CT that I found out about too late. I just checked on it, and it is sold out (WTF!!!!!). I suppose you have to plan more than 3 months in advance of a sprint triathlon! Timberman (not that I want to do that one again!) has been sold out for a while, and the race is the end of August (but at least it makes more sense since it is a 1/2 ironman). Tri is just getting really popular and expensive.
Last year, my knee was bad and we got really lazy. We now have decided a 2-3 races would be fun and really keep us on track for getting out and moving our fat arses! That is if they do not all sell out. It just seems ridiculous to actually plan out our summer now. We are thinking about doing Montauk Century this year too, but the new one with my favorite ride leader, Glen. Glen is a typical New Yorker. He used to run a bike tour run by a local club to Montauk, but they started fighting and he broke away from the club. The club ran the ride the next year, and they totally sucked. For example, Glen had pizza at the 50 mile mark (along with the expected bananas and power bar sort of fare). They had ice cream at mile 75. The next year when the club ran it, there was no food, water, or bathrooms at the 50 mile rest stop. When you do an organized ride, you never bring food or extra water since it is provided. So that was a major issue for those riding 100 miles.
We met Glen a couple of times, and we really like him. Before the first Montauk Century we did, he would send all sorts of emails about the event and FAQs. He was a little blunt to say the least in those emails, but they were hilarious too. He would basically request that nobody would ask him dumb questions like, "How long does it take to ride to Montauk?" His answer, "Depends on how fast you can pedal". He told us some people would complain about the awesome food. I think there are just some prickly and anal bike people personally. Anyhoo, we are thinking about this ride if anyone would like to join us. It is a great flat and beautiful ride. I think the hilarious thing about this year is the slogan on the jerseys, "We ride for Pie". I think he organized a ride to a bunch of bakeries around NYC too.
http://www.ridetomontauk.com/
Another thing that sells out immediately are concerts. I just found out Radiohead are coming and there are tickets! I want to buy them immediately, but I think I will ask Mike when he wakes up. I have wanted to see them for a long time, and they are always sold out once I figure it out.
There was a new race last year in CT that I found out about too late. I just checked on it, and it is sold out (WTF!!!!!). I suppose you have to plan more than 3 months in advance of a sprint triathlon! Timberman (not that I want to do that one again!) has been sold out for a while, and the race is the end of August (but at least it makes more sense since it is a 1/2 ironman). Tri is just getting really popular and expensive.
Last year, my knee was bad and we got really lazy. We now have decided a 2-3 races would be fun and really keep us on track for getting out and moving our fat arses! That is if they do not all sell out. It just seems ridiculous to actually plan out our summer now. We are thinking about doing Montauk Century this year too, but the new one with my favorite ride leader, Glen. Glen is a typical New Yorker. He used to run a bike tour run by a local club to Montauk, but they started fighting and he broke away from the club. The club ran the ride the next year, and they totally sucked. For example, Glen had pizza at the 50 mile mark (along with the expected bananas and power bar sort of fare). They had ice cream at mile 75. The next year when the club ran it, there was no food, water, or bathrooms at the 50 mile rest stop. When you do an organized ride, you never bring food or extra water since it is provided. So that was a major issue for those riding 100 miles.
We met Glen a couple of times, and we really like him. Before the first Montauk Century we did, he would send all sorts of emails about the event and FAQs. He was a little blunt to say the least in those emails, but they were hilarious too. He would basically request that nobody would ask him dumb questions like, "How long does it take to ride to Montauk?" His answer, "Depends on how fast you can pedal". He told us some people would complain about the awesome food. I think there are just some prickly and anal bike people personally. Anyhoo, we are thinking about this ride if anyone would like to join us. It is a great flat and beautiful ride. I think the hilarious thing about this year is the slogan on the jerseys, "We ride for Pie". I think he organized a ride to a bunch of bakeries around NYC too.
http://www.ridetomontauk.com/
Another thing that sells out immediately are concerts. I just found out Radiohead are coming and there are tickets! I want to buy them immediately, but I think I will ask Mike when he wakes up. I have wanted to see them for a long time, and they are always sold out once I figure it out.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Optimum Triple Play Reggaeton Beach Commercial Ad
Does this ad play anywhere else? I figured it was local. I have to admit I know the phone number.
Cali Kids
Here is a video that Nicky and Anthony are in for Heinz, the commercial with the most hits will be put on TV, so give them a lot of hits!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mature?
I am a ready to buy a house when I just engaged in a 30 minute mini-marshmallow fight?
I am sure I will be sorry I asked. When it comes to who is perceived as more mature in my marriage, I usually get voted #2.
I am sure I will be sorry I asked. When it comes to who is perceived as more mature in my marriage, I usually get voted #2.
Drop and give me 10!
An Enduring Measure of Fitness: The Simple Push-Up - New York Times
I have always been OK with push-ups, but even when I was in top form years ago, I could never do more than 4 pull ups! I suppose it is due to my lax ligaments, but it still makes me feel like a wimp. Mike and I plan on testing ourselves, and I will get back to you to report the findings.
I have always been OK with push-ups, but even when I was in top form years ago, I could never do more than 4 pull ups! I suppose it is due to my lax ligaments, but it still makes me feel like a wimp. Mike and I plan on testing ourselves, and I will get back to you to report the findings.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Weekend in Review
Since it rained all day Saturday, I was able to read Musicophilia (Oliver Sacks) in almost its entirety. It is my kinda geeky read about music and the brain. It also gave a a new set a maladies to worry about. It is like the medical students developing every disease they study. In the back of my mind I worried that I would develop music hallucinations like the case studies in the book!
I also just heard a major flashback on the radio(Six Different Ways, by the Cure). Man, that takes me back to the school bus with a walkman in high school. I am pretty sure it was not a hallucination, because Mike acknowledged hearing it too.
Hit some open houses today. There was another house in our area that needs work (price not bad for 'round here), but has really good potential. I really dug a house we saw in Rye, but Mike was not on board for that one. We also did drivebys in the pouring rain to assess neighborhood flooding and check out some alternate areas. I swear we get more confused the more we look. We are both wishy washy and would be cool with a lot of options 'round here. Before we see a house in our town, we agree on a story about where we live. I have determined that there is common type of woman from this area (typically in her 50s-70s) who is abnormally nosy. For example, they ask where we live. They then want full addressess, who we bought the house from, etc. I have no idea why they even give a shit frankly. They just tend to fluster me with the third degree. Why should I give a shit where they grew up or why would they care which street exactly we live on? It is like saying, "How are you?" and following up with "Why do you feel fine? Is is your love life? Is it your career? Did you just have a satifying meal?
I also just heard a major flashback on the radio(Six Different Ways, by the Cure). Man, that takes me back to the school bus with a walkman in high school. I am pretty sure it was not a hallucination, because Mike acknowledged hearing it too.
Hit some open houses today. There was another house in our area that needs work (price not bad for 'round here), but has really good potential. I really dug a house we saw in Rye, but Mike was not on board for that one. We also did drivebys in the pouring rain to assess neighborhood flooding and check out some alternate areas. I swear we get more confused the more we look. We are both wishy washy and would be cool with a lot of options 'round here. Before we see a house in our town, we agree on a story about where we live. I have determined that there is common type of woman from this area (typically in her 50s-70s) who is abnormally nosy. For example, they ask where we live. They then want full addressess, who we bought the house from, etc. I have no idea why they even give a shit frankly. They just tend to fluster me with the third degree. Why should I give a shit where they grew up or why would they care which street exactly we live on? It is like saying, "How are you?" and following up with "Why do you feel fine? Is is your love life? Is it your career? Did you just have a satifying meal?
This one's for Ann
Here's a little something to smile about, and I hope your week is much better than the last.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Rain!!
I am jealous of all of the Michiganders, because you all have snow! We just get rain now.
We went to see Oscar animated Shorts last night, and they were fun. My favorite was Peter and the Wolf (I think it won too).
Otherwise trying to get rainy day stuff done!
We went to see Oscar animated Shorts last night, and they were fun. My favorite was Peter and the Wolf (I think it won too).
Otherwise trying to get rainy day stuff done!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
School of Rock
Tonight we learned "Back in Black", "Sedated", and "Sweet Home Alabama" on the guitar tonight. It was funny to see a bunch of middle aged folks try to hammer these out.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Now if I could get the last Little House on the Prarie Book....
1888 photo depicts Helen Keller, teacher - Yahoo! News
One of my childhood obsessions! I think Sylvia the protagonist of one of my dramatic stories would be inspired too.
One of my childhood obsessions! I think Sylvia the protagonist of one of my dramatic stories would be inspired too.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Nada Mas
I swear I really do not have much to say lately. Just working mostly and trying to enjoy free time. There is a lot that I am putting off (yearly business taxes, annual paperwork for work, etc). I can kill a day so quickly. All I accomplished today was the following:
1. Go to Whole Foods (before all of White Plains)
2. Wash my toys
3. Straighten up the house a little
4. Put away our ski stuff (only out of guilt since Mike was working on tax planning)
5. Played guitar twice
6. Made some scheduling calls for work
7. Printed paperwork that I need signed this week
8. Cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner
9. Worked out at the Y
10. Went to an open house
11. Drove by 4 houses nearby for a look
12. Watched Breaking Bad (pretty damn good little show)
Yesterday was similarly eventful, except we got to cross country ski for a while. I also went shopping for a classical guitar which is complicated since stores do not ever have any lefty classical guitars. I think I know which one I want, but I need to find out if it can be switched without messing up the guitar. We also did some drive-bys yesterday, and it left us more on the depressed side. Today was more uplifting. I need a good book. My last book was depressing, but I just want a good book that I can not put down. The last one I read like that was before Christmas, Special Topics in Calamity Physics.
1. Go to Whole Foods (before all of White Plains)
2. Wash my toys
3. Straighten up the house a little
4. Put away our ski stuff (only out of guilt since Mike was working on tax planning)
5. Played guitar twice
6. Made some scheduling calls for work
7. Printed paperwork that I need signed this week
8. Cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner
9. Worked out at the Y
10. Went to an open house
11. Drove by 4 houses nearby for a look
12. Watched Breaking Bad (pretty damn good little show)
Yesterday was similarly eventful, except we got to cross country ski for a while. I also went shopping for a classical guitar which is complicated since stores do not ever have any lefty classical guitars. I think I know which one I want, but I need to find out if it can be switched without messing up the guitar. We also did some drive-bys yesterday, and it left us more on the depressed side. Today was more uplifting. I need a good book. My last book was depressing, but I just want a good book that I can not put down. The last one I read like that was before Christmas, Special Topics in Calamity Physics.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Ohh, the Horror!
We drove up to Fahnstock to ski today, and we passed a sign that said,
Donald Trump State Park
Donald Trump State Park
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