- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:23rd St NW,Waverly,United States
Saturday, June 5, 2010
20100605
I drove up north today, toured moms garden. Had breakfastvwith mom and mike. Headed over to waverly and had luck with Josh at don Jose an authentic Mexican restaurant. Excellent fiord had sopa tortilla a margarita Verde pork. Josh ayden and I played a round of frisbee golf and some frisbee in the backyard be fire the rain set in. We then celebrated Gavins first birthday.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, May 1, 2010
20100430
Today was an active, amazing day.
When it was all said and done, I walked 8.54 km, cycled 38.53 km, hiked 0.50 km, and swam 5.0 km. I shot well over 350 digital pictures, saw amazing architecture, had 3 amazing meals (including some spectacular beer), went to a waterfall, rode a ferry across the bay, and road a train up on down the north western section of the bay. I would most certainly place today in my top ten of all days so far in my life. It was that good.
When it was all said and done, I walked 8.54 km, cycled 38.53 km, hiked 0.50 km, and swam 5.0 km. I shot well over 350 digital pictures, saw amazing architecture, had 3 amazing meals (including some spectacular beer), went to a waterfall, rode a ferry across the bay, and road a train up on down the north western section of the bay. I would most certainly place today in my top ten of all days so far in my life. It was that good.
Monday, April 19, 2010
20100416
Another day, another stack of meetings.
Meetings that got moved, nuked a planned lunch ride from the Nob Hill up to Corrales Brewery for lunch and ride back. Thus, Raul and I had to settle on just having a quick bite at Blackbird Buvette. The food, as always was good.
The weather threatened rain and delivered strong winds late afternoon, so I met some of the team at Marble Brewery. They switched out the Triple IPA that I enjoyed so much during the week in favor of a new beer to me. It was called a Maibock. It was a nice, tasty change from the IPA, I must say!
I later met Adam, Mark, and KT at O'Neils in Nob Hill. I had finished my typical meal there with my B&B with bread pudding. I can say with certainty that I don't wish to step on a scale anytime soon after the week I've had here in NM.
Given the hell of the previous day, I cancelled my plan to head up to 10,000 waves spa. Instead, I had a nice bath and just relaxed at my home in Cedar Crest.
We had endless rain showers during the night and I actually went for a drive in the rain just for the sake of enjoying the rain.
Meetings that got moved, nuked a planned lunch ride from the Nob Hill up to Corrales Brewery for lunch and ride back. Thus, Raul and I had to settle on just having a quick bite at Blackbird Buvette. The food, as always was good.
The weather threatened rain and delivered strong winds late afternoon, so I met some of the team at Marble Brewery. They switched out the Triple IPA that I enjoyed so much during the week in favor of a new beer to me. It was called a Maibock. It was a nice, tasty change from the IPA, I must say!
I later met Adam, Mark, and KT at O'Neils in Nob Hill. I had finished my typical meal there with my B&B with bread pudding. I can say with certainty that I don't wish to step on a scale anytime soon after the week I've had here in NM.
Given the hell of the previous day, I cancelled my plan to head up to 10,000 waves spa. Instead, I had a nice bath and just relaxed at my home in Cedar Crest.
We had endless rain showers during the night and I actually went for a drive in the rain just for the sake of enjoying the rain.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
20100415
I continue to and will probably forever hate thursdays. At least in the translational neuroscience business. I don't know what it is about this field, but they all seem hell-bent on meeting on thursdays, which means one never gets anything besides meetings accomplished on thursdays.
The day started out with a flat on my road bike. Enrique planned to join me on a sunrise ride on Tramway. We tried to change the flat and caused another flat.
I left in frustration and drove to MRN and swapped out bikes (I switched over to my touring bike). I did a bosque ride heading north instead of south this time. Once I got into the ride, the frustration disappeared. It was a glorious way to spend part of the morning, oh I did have another flat but I just pretended it didn't happen...
Yes, so the day sucked, mainly because I misplaced my wallet. When it was all said and done, it was just _way_ at the bottom of my camelback. But that didn't stop me from frantically searching for it, driving up and back to cedar crest looking for it, driving to replace my New Mexico drivers license and Bank card. Not fun.
Alas, I managed to find it. I met Jessica and Matt for dinner at a new Persian place in Albuquerque. I had a Kurdish dish that was simply amazing. The spices and texture were so different. I would love to try some other things the next time I'm in town.
The day started out with a flat on my road bike. Enrique planned to join me on a sunrise ride on Tramway. We tried to change the flat and caused another flat.
I left in frustration and drove to MRN and swapped out bikes (I switched over to my touring bike). I did a bosque ride heading north instead of south this time. Once I got into the ride, the frustration disappeared. It was a glorious way to spend part of the morning, oh I did have another flat but I just pretended it didn't happen...
Yes, so the day sucked, mainly because I misplaced my wallet. When it was all said and done, it was just _way_ at the bottom of my camelback. But that didn't stop me from frantically searching for it, driving up and back to cedar crest looking for it, driving to replace my New Mexico drivers license and Bank card. Not fun.
Alas, I managed to find it. I met Jessica and Matt for dinner at a new Persian place in Albuquerque. I had a Kurdish dish that was simply amazing. The spices and texture were so different. I would love to try some other things the next time I'm in town.
20100414
Work at MRN continues to progress.
I had some good news, I think, today, in that I should be able to drop down to contractor status soon. This will help, as I have TOO MUCH TO DO. I had a day chocked full of meetings and work.
I did not get a ride in, as the weather did not cooperate much.
In frustration, I met some of the team at Marble Brewery after work.
I continued to enjoy the fine Triple IPA. Can I just say that they need to make bombers of this one, soon! And please ship me a case to Iowa.
I met Enrique for dinner at Los Cuates. Good stuff! Nothing like fajitas and margaritas and lots of chips and salsa.
I had some good news, I think, today, in that I should be able to drop down to contractor status soon. This will help, as I have TOO MUCH TO DO. I had a day chocked full of meetings and work.
I did not get a ride in, as the weather did not cooperate much.
In frustration, I met some of the team at Marble Brewery after work.
I continued to enjoy the fine Triple IPA. Can I just say that they need to make bombers of this one, soon! And please ship me a case to Iowa.
I met Enrique for dinner at Los Cuates. Good stuff! Nothing like fajitas and margaritas and lots of chips and salsa.
20100413
First day back working onsite at MRN.
It was a bit overwhelming, so much had queued up. My team seems stressed as I've had little availability recently due to the audit taking every waking second.
I went to The Bicylist shop with Raul and his friend Dennis hooked me up with a vintage, circa 1990 road bike. It's a Specialized steel frame, great components and wheelsets all for $450. The bike rides like a dream! Dennis has this thing tuned wonderfully.
I did my inaugural ride in the bosque (southern loop).
The work day ended at Marble Brewery. I tried the Triple IPA and the Barley Wine. Both were outstanding!
I later met Enrique at Farinos to celebrate his 26 birthday. We had a nice meal, I actually really like that place and can't believe I never went to it when living full time in New Mexico.
It was a bit overwhelming, so much had queued up. My team seems stressed as I've had little availability recently due to the audit taking every waking second.
I went to The Bicylist shop with Raul and his friend Dennis hooked me up with a vintage, circa 1990 road bike. It's a Specialized steel frame, great components and wheelsets all for $450. The bike rides like a dream! Dennis has this thing tuned wonderfully.
I did my inaugural ride in the bosque (southern loop).
The work day ended at Marble Brewery. I tried the Triple IPA and the Barley Wine. Both were outstanding!
I later met Enrique at Farinos to celebrate his 26 birthday. We had a nice meal, I actually really like that place and can't believe I never went to it when living full time in New Mexico.
20100412
Today was a travel day, flying from Cedar Rapids to Denver, and then Denver to Albuquerque.
I cleaned the house, did laundry, and a bunch of work prior to sneaking in a ride at Sugarbottom.
I had terrible food at DIA, kind of made me sick and/or I was already still sick, not sure. On top of that, my flight from Denver to Albuquerque had some fairly major turbulence, so that portion of the day was suboptimal.
I finally made it to Cedar Crest at about 12:30am and crashed...
I cleaned the house, did laundry, and a bunch of work prior to sneaking in a ride at Sugarbottom.
I had terrible food at DIA, kind of made me sick and/or I was already still sick, not sure. On top of that, my flight from Denver to Albuquerque had some fairly major turbulence, so that portion of the day was suboptimal.
I finally made it to Cedar Crest at about 12:30am and crashed...
20100411
Still being fairly sick, I slept in today.
I did some work, but then decided to get some mountain biking in at Sugarbottom.
I had a great ride, but then came home to do more work.
I did some work, but then decided to get some mountain biking in at Sugarbottom.
I had a great ride, but then came home to do more work.
20100410
To say the least it was an interesting evening after long day of work.
I spent the entire work day, at a NA-MIC workshop, tutorial event at the UIOWA college of engineering.
Later on, I met Matt at the Fieldhouse to meet a group to play walleyball.
Picture this, 10 gay men together playing volleyball on a racquetball court.
Choosing teams, sides, and following the rules of the game, all were interesting to me.
It was fun to play, but would have preferred to have actually played by at least a portion of the rules of the game rather than making them up as we went along. We did play for over 2 hours, though, so that was good. I wish I had had my voice though, it was hard to yell out scores and talk to people without my voice. Also, MAN was I tired from the week of work I put in.
I met Matt along with the group at Sam's Pizza after the match, it was pretty good pizza, but I was underwhelmed by the beer selection. Should have just trotted over to the sanctuary where both the beer selection and pizza are much better.
I spent the entire work day, at a NA-MIC workshop, tutorial event at the UIOWA college of engineering.
Later on, I met Matt at the Fieldhouse to meet a group to play walleyball.
Picture this, 10 gay men together playing volleyball on a racquetball court.
Choosing teams, sides, and following the rules of the game, all were interesting to me.
It was fun to play, but would have preferred to have actually played by at least a portion of the rules of the game rather than making them up as we went along. We did play for over 2 hours, though, so that was good. I wish I had had my voice though, it was hard to yell out scores and talk to people without my voice. Also, MAN was I tired from the week of work I put in.
I met Matt along with the group at Sam's Pizza after the match, it was pretty good pizza, but I was underwhelmed by the beer selection. Should have just trotted over to the sanctuary where both the beer selection and pizza are much better.
20100409
Work, work, work, and more audit work.
Very little else is occurring right now.
I am still very sick, actually feel worse today.
I did get a walk in with Tyler and road the trainer.
Very little else is occurring right now.
I am still very sick, actually feel worse today.
I did get a walk in with Tyler and road the trainer.
20100408
Nothing but work, work, work, and more work.
My voice is completely gone on top of everything else.
I think it's laryngitis or sinusitus or both.
My voice is completely gone on top of everything else.
I think it's laryngitis or sinusitus or both.
20100407
More audit work today, things continue to progress.
I got to play racquetball with Matt in the evening.
I got to play racquetball with Matt in the evening.
20100418
I slept in until 10am today.
I think it was the first time in two weeks that the sinus infection let me actually sleep, relax.
After a quick detour to recharge the caffeine meter, I picked up a very happy beagle from Julia's Kennels. Tyler was ecstatic to see me. Once we made it home, we ran around the acreage a bit and just played outside and relaxed for a couple of hours.
At 2pm, I met Matt at Sugarbottom Bikes in North Liberty. I behaved and didn't buy a bike. Let me tell you though, there is a $2,000 bianchi road bike that has my name on it. For that matter there's also a Jamis hard tail as well. Somehow I managed to only buy a spare tube for the old Trek 6000, and we were on our way to a ride at Sugarbottom.
What a spectacular day to ride! We did nearly an entire full loop using the High Water access entrance from the main park. The 305 trail was still under water, and 204, hell trail, was still closed for renovation. Aside from that, we did the rest of the trails. The entire ride is located here.
After riding, I got to drive the jeep with top and windows down, good music playing after a nice long bike ride. Could life get any better?
Perhaps, I met Matt for some beer, and pizza at Reds in North Liberty. I had Maudite to drink. We ended up walking down the street to grab some ice cream.
a day of awesomeness!
I think it was the first time in two weeks that the sinus infection let me actually sleep, relax.
After a quick detour to recharge the caffeine meter, I picked up a very happy beagle from Julia's Kennels. Tyler was ecstatic to see me. Once we made it home, we ran around the acreage a bit and just played outside and relaxed for a couple of hours.
At 2pm, I met Matt at Sugarbottom Bikes in North Liberty. I behaved and didn't buy a bike. Let me tell you though, there is a $2,000 bianchi road bike that has my name on it. For that matter there's also a Jamis hard tail as well. Somehow I managed to only buy a spare tube for the old Trek 6000, and we were on our way to a ride at Sugarbottom.
What a spectacular day to ride! We did nearly an entire full loop using the High Water access entrance from the main park. The 305 trail was still under water, and 204, hell trail, was still closed for renovation. Aside from that, we did the rest of the trails. The entire ride is located here.
After riding, I got to drive the jeep with top and windows down, good music playing after a nice long bike ride. Could life get any better?
Perhaps, I met Matt for some beer, and pizza at Reds in North Liberty. I had Maudite to drink. We ended up walking down the street to grab some ice cream.
a day of awesomeness!
20100417
I woke up to an absolutely beautiful morning from my home in Cedar Crest.
It had literally rained all night, and the mountains were glistening.
I reluctantly went down the hill to Albuquerque, as I entered the Rio Grande Valley, I immediately noticed that the high desert had come alive! Wow, the rains had changed everything! There were so many colors, shades and it just felt clean. This made it very hard to leave New Mexico.
I dropped both of my bikes off at my office, deciding against trying to ship the vintage road bike to my home in Iowa.
After returning my rental car, I was able to hop on an early flight to Denver, but learned that I had an unexpected late flight to Cedar Rapids from Denver. This ended up affording me nearly 4.5 hours of lay over time in Denver. I got somewhat bored, but took it as an opportunity to read and relax with my iPad.
I did learn that the wireless receiver in the iPad seems to be very finicky, it did not manage to use the free wireless at DIA from the iPad, my Droid and MacBook Pro had no trouble at all, so I am not certain why the iPad struggled. Thus, I need to research this and figure it out, as I would like to eventually NOT have to travel with a laptop, as the iPad seems ideal for short trips.
When I finally made it to Cedar Rapids at 830pm, I rushed home, changed and hung out with Matt. We watched the majority of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which is based on the Stieg Larsson book. I liked it, but we both decided it was better for me to read the book, the movie just moved too fast to catch all of the needed details to understand what was going on. Matt and did manage to split a Marble Reserve. Wow that is a good beer. I do think I prefer it though in colder weather, it was nice to share it nonetheless.
The day ended well as it had started.
It had literally rained all night, and the mountains were glistening.
I reluctantly went down the hill to Albuquerque, as I entered the Rio Grande Valley, I immediately noticed that the high desert had come alive! Wow, the rains had changed everything! There were so many colors, shades and it just felt clean. This made it very hard to leave New Mexico.
I dropped both of my bikes off at my office, deciding against trying to ship the vintage road bike to my home in Iowa.
After returning my rental car, I was able to hop on an early flight to Denver, but learned that I had an unexpected late flight to Cedar Rapids from Denver. This ended up affording me nearly 4.5 hours of lay over time in Denver. I got somewhat bored, but took it as an opportunity to read and relax with my iPad.
I did learn that the wireless receiver in the iPad seems to be very finicky, it did not manage to use the free wireless at DIA from the iPad, my Droid and MacBook Pro had no trouble at all, so I am not certain why the iPad struggled. Thus, I need to research this and figure it out, as I would like to eventually NOT have to travel with a laptop, as the iPad seems ideal for short trips.
When I finally made it to Cedar Rapids at 830pm, I rushed home, changed and hung out with Matt. We watched the majority of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which is based on the Stieg Larsson book. I liked it, but we both decided it was better for me to read the book, the movie just moved too fast to catch all of the needed details to understand what was going on. Matt and did manage to split a Marble Reserve. Wow that is a good beer. I do think I prefer it though in colder weather, it was nice to share it nonetheless.
The day ended well as it had started.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
20100406
More crazy work, auditing data today. We've hit about the 95% completion point. I think all of us are ready to be done.
I managed to sneak out after work (that is if work ever ends) to look at three houses.
This link contains a photo gallery of all of the houses.
The first house (the full listing is here) I looked at is the the Hickory Hill neighborhood. In general, I really like this neighborhood. This house has a few quirks. The sunroom addition is a bit odd, the manner that it was added was a bit odd, but workable. The shed/shop is awesome! The back yard is awesome. There is already a dog door and small dog run area already set up. It could be improved, quality of kitchen cabinets, counters, etc. I like the corn burning furnace!
The second house I looked at is not yet listed, although there are pictures of it in the above photo gallery. This house is nearby the first, still in the Hickory Hills neighborhood. The yard is more private, there are some nice finishes, floors, cabinets in this one. The master suite bath is a bit small, and the basement is unfinished.
The third house I looked at (listing here) is in the Lake Crest Manor neighborhood.
I managed to sneak out after work (that is if work ever ends) to look at three houses.
This link contains a photo gallery of all of the houses.
The first house (the full listing is here) I looked at is the the Hickory Hill neighborhood. In general, I really like this neighborhood. This house has a few quirks. The sunroom addition is a bit odd, the manner that it was added was a bit odd, but workable. The shed/shop is awesome! The back yard is awesome. There is already a dog door and small dog run area already set up. It could be improved, quality of kitchen cabinets, counters, etc. I like the corn burning furnace!
The second house I looked at is not yet listed, although there are pictures of it in the above photo gallery. This house is nearby the first, still in the Hickory Hills neighborhood. The yard is more private, there are some nice finishes, floors, cabinets in this one. The master suite bath is a bit small, and the basement is unfinished.
The third house I looked at (listing here) is in the Lake Crest Manor neighborhood.
20100405
Another day of audits, but reaching the 90% completion point on the legacy data.
It was another day void of workouts, but I did, finally, manage to squeeze riding my bike on the trainer (since it rained again) for 20 minutes. I need to get the pool schedule (swimming lessons) figured out. I've had 3 times in the 6 days where the entire pool was closed for swimming lessons. If this issue persists, I'm most certainly not going to get my yardage in.
I watched the pull pilot of Breaking Bad this evening.
Wow, it's eerie seeing Albuquerque area as the setting for a show!
I literally could drive to each of the houses shown this evening (one was most certainly in Taylor ranch, and I'm fairly certain the other house was in the northeast heights). I also think I recognize the area where they cooked the first batch of Meth up.
It was another day void of workouts, but I did, finally, manage to squeeze riding my bike on the trainer (since it rained again) for 20 minutes. I need to get the pool schedule (swimming lessons) figured out. I've had 3 times in the 6 days where the entire pool was closed for swimming lessons. If this issue persists, I'm most certainly not going to get my yardage in.
I watched the pull pilot of Breaking Bad this evening.
Wow, it's eerie seeing Albuquerque area as the setting for a show!
I literally could drive to each of the houses shown this evening (one was most certainly in Taylor ranch, and I'm fairly certain the other house was in the northeast heights). I also think I recognize the area where they cooked the first batch of Meth up.
Monday, April 5, 2010
20100404
Today was Easter Sunday, I took off at 9am for brunch at the IC Catholic Church Hall in Fairbank. The plan was to have mimosas and play bocce ball. I managed to forget the bocce set. Boo! I stopped at the Cedar Rapids Walmart on the trip up to Fairbank, but they were, of course, sold out of sets.
We, the Madeline and John Kerns descendants, had a very nice meal together. This event had been scheduled prior to Grandma K getting very ill earlier in the year, mainly as an event for her to look forward to. Our Easter gatherings in the past I think were among her favorite times, certainly I have fond memories of them.
I think everyone in attendance immediately missed grandma K. It just seemed empty without her. I'm glad we had the gathering, but after the Easter Egg hunt, everyone went their separate ways. I stopped out at my mom's place and hung out with my sister, the twins for a bit... mainly i took a nap, while Jess played with the iPad for awhile.
I drove home, hit a nice spring thunderstorm.
After hanging out with Tyler, I hit the audit work again.
It was a pretty good day, all things considered.
We, the Madeline and John Kerns descendants, had a very nice meal together. This event had been scheduled prior to Grandma K getting very ill earlier in the year, mainly as an event for her to look forward to. Our Easter gatherings in the past I think were among her favorite times, certainly I have fond memories of them.
I think everyone in attendance immediately missed grandma K. It just seemed empty without her. I'm glad we had the gathering, but after the Easter Egg hunt, everyone went their separate ways. I stopped out at my mom's place and hung out with my sister, the twins for a bit... mainly i took a nap, while Jess played with the iPad for awhile.
I drove home, hit a nice spring thunderstorm.
After hanging out with Tyler, I hit the audit work again.
It was a pretty good day, all things considered.
20100403
work, work, work
what? yeah, I managed to not work for a bit today, I called up Best Buy and found out that the Coralville store had received 100 iPads. WOHOO! So I scurried over there and grabbed one. So far, I love it!
I put on the iWork suite, iBook, Pandora, netflix, and many, many more.
So far, I don't see as many of the limitations being discussed.
This device can most certainly be used effectively for buisiness travel, one can edit/present documents, check/send/respond to email while having access to most forms of media, reading books, PDFs, etc. It's absolutely ideal. It's smooth, intuitive, and pleasant to use. The screen is very large and beautiful. Having adjusted to the DROID, I forgot just how nice the iPhone interface was (this is pretty much the same, just on a larger scale). Truly the only disappointment thus far, has the apps that have not yet been converted. Facebook definitely needs an upgrade, as it currently is just the iPhone facebook application (the fonts are fuzzy if it is interpolated up to fill the screen).
I'm certain I will mention the iPad in upcoming posts, both the good and the bad.
Again, no workouts of any kind today. I fear I'm falling off the wagon!
I was also able to sneak a game of settlers in with Hans, Lisa and family. Overall, is was a pretty good day.
what? yeah, I managed to not work for a bit today, I called up Best Buy and found out that the Coralville store had received 100 iPads. WOHOO! So I scurried over there and grabbed one. So far, I love it!
I put on the iWork suite, iBook, Pandora, netflix, and many, many more.
So far, I don't see as many of the limitations being discussed.
This device can most certainly be used effectively for buisiness travel, one can edit/present documents, check/send/respond to email while having access to most forms of media, reading books, PDFs, etc. It's absolutely ideal. It's smooth, intuitive, and pleasant to use. The screen is very large and beautiful. Having adjusted to the DROID, I forgot just how nice the iPhone interface was (this is pretty much the same, just on a larger scale). Truly the only disappointment thus far, has the apps that have not yet been converted. Facebook definitely needs an upgrade, as it currently is just the iPhone facebook application (the fonts are fuzzy if it is interpolated up to fill the screen).
I'm certain I will mention the iPad in upcoming posts, both the good and the bad.
Again, no workouts of any kind today. I fear I'm falling off the wagon!
I was also able to sneak a game of settlers in with Hans, Lisa and family. Overall, is was a pretty good day.
20100402
We finally started pushing production data into the system today.
Wow, has it ever been a long road. I'm hoping this push is finished soon, although, we'll likely hit several more snags. No workout of any kind was possible today, nothing but endless hours of work...
Wow, has it ever been a long road. I'm hoping this push is finished soon, although, we'll likely hit several more snags. No workout of any kind was possible today, nothing but endless hours of work...
20100331
Got another bike ride at sugarbottom in this evening.
I am absolutely loving the pleasant weather and riding after work!
Work is still crazy, but we are making progress on fixing problems in the data.
I am absolutely loving the pleasant weather and riding after work!
Work is still crazy, but we are making progress on fixing problems in the data.
20100330
Got another bike ride at sugarbottom and a swim in today.
It was a crazy day at work, still auditing the data for errors, fixing problems.
It was a crazy day at work, still auditing the data for errors, fixing problems.
20100401
Crazy day at work, it was 85°F. Wow! That is warm for early April. Hopefully, this is a sign of a warmer and hopefully drier summer here in Iowa as compared to last year.
Went mountain biking with Matt, his first outing of the year, at sugarbottom.
We essentially biked this route. We had a blast riding, and had a nice bite to eat at Reds after we rode.
Went mountain biking with Matt, his first outing of the year, at sugarbottom.
We essentially biked this route. We had a blast riding, and had a nice bite to eat at Reds after we rode.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
20100329
Today was mostly a work day. It was a super-productive day, but progress was made on the audit.
We are nearly done and hopefully tomorrow we'll start our final import and start making preparations to release the data and train our users on the new system for maintaining it.
I read an interesting account of the Iowa micro-wine industry today. I still would like to grow some grapes at some point.
I was able to get a very quick ride in out at sugarbottom after work this evening.
I also took the beagle around the perimeter of the Iowa rental property for 2 full loops. Tyler is still not 100%, but he seems to be getting better finall!
We are nearly done and hopefully tomorrow we'll start our final import and start making preparations to release the data and train our users on the new system for maintaining it.
I read an interesting account of the Iowa micro-wine industry today. I still would like to grow some grapes at some point.
I was able to get a very quick ride in out at sugarbottom after work this evening.
I also took the beagle around the perimeter of the Iowa rental property for 2 full loops. Tyler is still not 100%, but he seems to be getting better finall!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
20100328
Today was a pretty decent day.
I got a swim in mid-morning. I hit 184.5 pounds again. I think 185 is going to be the weight that I can maintain, with somewhat normal eating and the occasional beer or three. I could go for a somewhat more extreme diet and NO beer, but that just does not seem like much fun to me. This is about 10-11% body fat which I think is pretty good for an old bloke.
I had a full burrito at pancheros (mmm barbacoa). I normally just get the burrito bowl, but I was in the mood for the uncut version today. :)
After fighting the good fight getting groceries at Hy-vee, and avoiding buying a very nice bike at Scheels(that was on sale!), I got a text that the mountain bike trails at Sugarbottom opened! What glorious news! I high-tailed it home, put the groceries away and zipped on over there.
I got a reasonable ride in. There is still a massive amount of water on the trails, much of the 304 trail coming back in was under water, I did not ride the 100 loop at all today, but did all of 200 and 300 except for 305 which was completely submerged. The trails are in astonishingly good shape for this time of year. I'm looking forward to many rides there this year! I think it's time to get the full suspension bike tuned up--I've been riding the old Trek 6000 thus far.
To celebrate the stroke of good luck, I pulled a Sofie Belgian Style Ale 2009 from Goose Island out.
I got a swim in mid-morning. I hit 184.5 pounds again. I think 185 is going to be the weight that I can maintain, with somewhat normal eating and the occasional beer or three. I could go for a somewhat more extreme diet and NO beer, but that just does not seem like much fun to me. This is about 10-11% body fat which I think is pretty good for an old bloke.
I had a full burrito at pancheros (mmm barbacoa). I normally just get the burrito bowl, but I was in the mood for the uncut version today. :)
After fighting the good fight getting groceries at Hy-vee, and avoiding buying a very nice bike at Scheels(that was on sale!), I got a text that the mountain bike trails at Sugarbottom opened! What glorious news! I high-tailed it home, put the groceries away and zipped on over there.
I got a reasonable ride in. There is still a massive amount of water on the trails, much of the 304 trail coming back in was under water, I did not ride the 100 loop at all today, but did all of 200 and 300 except for 305 which was completely submerged. The trails are in astonishingly good shape for this time of year. I'm looking forward to many rides there this year! I think it's time to get the full suspension bike tuned up--I've been riding the old Trek 6000 thus far.To celebrate the stroke of good luck, I pulled a Sofie Belgian Style Ale 2009 from Goose Island out.
20100327
Work, I dare say, was the the theme today, ugh.
I did manage a quick 3k swim. A _bad_ chinese food run, and then about 20 hours of work on auditing data conversion. It was not very much fun work, but progress was made. Towards the end of the day, I pulled out a Traquair House Ale. What a fabulous treat that was!
I did manage a quick 3k swim. A _bad_ chinese food run, and then about 20 hours of work on auditing data conversion. It was not very much fun work, but progress was made. Towards the end of the day, I pulled out a Traquair House Ale. What a fabulous treat that was!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
20100326
Frustrating, slow progress for the data audit today. But we are getting there, I think another couple of days and it will be done.
I did not swim or do anything else except work today. Also talked with the MRN folks about converting over to being a contractor at MRN rather than an employee. I think it's time, the private business is going pretty strong and I think it's time to begin the transition/phase out of full time NM work. I'm excited, but at the same time, I'm looking forward to going out west in a couple of weeks (I should be in NM and CA for nearly 3 weeks in April).
I did not swim or do anything else except work today. Also talked with the MRN folks about converting over to being a contractor at MRN rather than an employee. I think it's time, the private business is going pretty strong and I think it's time to begin the transition/phase out of full time NM work. I'm excited, but at the same time, I'm looking forward to going out west in a couple of weeks (I should be in NM and CA for nearly 3 weeks in April).
20100325
Thursday is usually my least favorite day. However, I got a reasonable amount of sleep after feeling sick yesterday. I managed to get a lot of MRN and local work done today. The audit, while not finished is finally progressing.
I managed to get another short swim in and the beagle got a quick walk in around the rental property.
The best part of the day, though, was hanging out with Matt at The Sanctuary. Good company and good beer. The Sanctuary was out of piraat, so I had la chouffe paired with a nice pizza.
I managed to get another short swim in and the beagle got a quick walk in around the rental property.
The best part of the day, though, was hanging out with Matt at The Sanctuary. Good company and good beer. The Sanctuary was out of piraat, so I had la chouffe paired with a nice pizza.
20100324
I felt like absolute crap all day today, both in terms of mood and productivity. I also managed to throw up (ugh) after swimming in the afternoon. I think I caught another minor bug while traveling, hopefully it goes away soon!
20100323
I traveled up the parkway to the Baltimore Airport, BWI. I had a 6am flight, so I arrived at the airport at about 4:00am. Since the security lanes didn't even open until 4:30am, I got to hang out in the terminal for a bit. I managed to leave and arrive on to Chicago ontime, but of course was late leaving Chicago and late finally getting back to Cedar Rapids. All in all, 5 of the 6 segments were delayed on my journey from Cedar Rapids to Birmingham via Dallas and Birmingham to DC via Dallas and Baltimore to Cedar Rapids via Chicago. I'm very disappointed in American Airlines, going forward it looks like I'm mainly need to fly United or perhaps Delta depending on cost. Thankfully, though, winter is over and much of my travel will now simply be hopping in the Jeep and heading out west.
I arrived to a more healthy and happy Beagle, who had been boarded at Julia's Kennels near West Branch. I got a quick swim in, and then SLEPT for hours and called it a day.
I arrived to a more healthy and happy Beagle, who had been boarded at Julia's Kennels near West Branch. I got a quick swim in, and then SLEPT for hours and called it a day.
20100322
Today I am in DC, well Bethesda MD actually, attending a conference on the open source product, OpenClinica that one of my projects based in Iowa City uses to support biomedical informatics needs.
I learned a great deal about the OpenClinica product and its capabilities.
Those working around its limitations, seem mostly unwilling or unable to share actual code, so I found it fairly frustrating that we'll have to reimplement their approaches based solely on having the gist of what they've done.
Following the day, I got the metro down to Dupont Circle.
I hung out at the Brickskeller, my favorite place in DC!
In addition to a nice pizza, I had
Bells: Batch 9000
Heavy Seas: siren noir
I also had
Bells: Consecrator with a piece of glorious cheesecake.
It was a good day (at least the evening!).
I learned a great deal about the OpenClinica product and its capabilities.
Those working around its limitations, seem mostly unwilling or unable to share actual code, so I found it fairly frustrating that we'll have to reimplement their approaches based solely on having the gist of what they've done.
Following the day, I got the metro down to Dupont Circle.
I hung out at the Brickskeller, my favorite place in DC!
In addition to a nice pizza, I had
Bells: Batch 9000
Heavy Seas: siren noir
I also had
Bells: Consecrator with a piece of glorious cheesecake.
It was a good day (at least the evening!).
Sunday, March 21, 2010
20100321
I had a pretty reasonable day visiting Jeff and Karen in Birmingham today.
It was a bit cold and rainy unlike the previous day, though.
We started the day a bit late with workouts at the hotel--recovering from another evening of debauchery. We picked up an electronic tape measure and some quick food and measured the majority of their new house for renovation planning. I was able to grab a beer with Jeff at the airport prior to the two of house heading back home. Karen was staying on for another day.
American Airlines again managed to have my flights be late, both into Dallas and then on to DC flights were late.
The health care bill passed in the House this evening. I am not completely thrilled with it, but it's a step forward.
It was a bit cold and rainy unlike the previous day, though.
We started the day a bit late with workouts at the hotel--recovering from another evening of debauchery. We picked up an electronic tape measure and some quick food and measured the majority of their new house for renovation planning. I was able to grab a beer with Jeff at the airport prior to the two of house heading back home. Karen was staying on for another day.
American Airlines again managed to have my flights be late, both into Dallas and then on to DC flights were late.
The health care bill passed in the House this evening. I am not completely thrilled with it, but it's a step forward.
20100320
I had a great day with Jeff and Karen in Birmingham, AL today.
We started the day somewhat late as all of us had plenty of libations to process from the previous evening. We grabbed brunch at The Mill in Five Points and took in the tail end of an Irish festival in the square. I had a pint of a pretty decent double IPA brewed locally in Birmingham.
While Karen had some business to attend to, Jeff and I further explored Five Points. We found an spectacular alehouse, J Clyde, also in the neighborhood. We did not manage to grab a pint, but believe me, with that beer list, we will be back.
We later met again at Karen and Jeff's new house with some local friends and did some further renovation planning and discussion.
Later on in the evening, the group of us met for drinks and dinner, cafe-side, at Bongiorno. Excellent food and service! I had a prosciutto and dried fig wood fired pizza that was quite tasty! Did i mention the strawberry shortcake? :)
We ended the evening at local friends place for further scotch and discussion.
Finally, I am very happy that today was the first day of spring! It was a long winter!
We started the day somewhat late as all of us had plenty of libations to process from the previous evening. We grabbed brunch at The Mill in Five Points and took in the tail end of an Irish festival in the square. I had a pint of a pretty decent double IPA brewed locally in Birmingham.
While Karen had some business to attend to, Jeff and I further explored Five Points. We found an spectacular alehouse, J Clyde, also in the neighborhood. We did not manage to grab a pint, but believe me, with that beer list, we will be back.
We later met again at Karen and Jeff's new house with some local friends and did some further renovation planning and discussion.
Later on in the evening, the group of us met for drinks and dinner, cafe-side, at Bongiorno. Excellent food and service! I had a prosciutto and dried fig wood fired pizza that was quite tasty! Did i mention the strawberry shortcake? :)
We ended the evening at local friends place for further scotch and discussion.
Finally, I am very happy that today was the first day of spring! It was a long winter!
20100318
Today work was somewhat trying. Had to do some re-entry of things to help make progress on the data audit. Nothing like data-entry... ugh
Yikes, this could suck. As if I do manage to buy the Cedar Lane property, I will not be able to drive to North Liberty or Coralville without driving many miles out of the way!
Yikes, this could suck. As if I do manage to buy the Cedar Lane property, I will not be able to drive to North Liberty or Coralville without driving many miles out of the way!
20100319
Today was a somewhat hectic travel day, due to American Airlines not being able to keep their schedule. I flew from Cedar Rapids to Dallas and on to Birmingham, AL.
After arriving late, we had a quick tour of Jeff and Karen's new home and then met some local friends for dinner and fellowship.
We stayed up very late and had a nice time catching up.
After arriving late, we had a quick tour of Jeff and Karen's new home and then met some local friends for dinner and fellowship.
We stayed up very late and had a nice time catching up.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
20100317
St Patrick's Day has always been one of my favorite days of the year. I enjoy celebrating and embracing my partial celtic heritage. Green has always been my favorite colour. I have always wished to be in Boston or Savannah, Ga on this date to witness the parades and festivities or for that matter Dublin! I have to be careful though, anytime I cross the pond, it makes it even less likely that I want to come back...
I don't have any special plans today, but hope to at least grab dinner and a few drinks after work this evening, perhaps with a friend.
I dug around for some of my favorite Gaelic proverbs to share:
Cùm do chù ri leigeadh.
Hold back your dog till the deer falls.
Is math an sgà than sùil caraide.
A friend’s eye is a good looking-glass.
Gluais faicilleach le cupan là n.
Go carefully with a full cup.
Nuair a bhÃonn an t-ól istigh, bÃonn an chiall amuigh. When the drink is in, the sense is out.
What a nice day this turned out to be. Indeed!
After work, I went on a hike with my friend Matt Squire/Linder Point Loop at the Coralville Reservoir. We had a nice dinner at Red's Alehouse. I must be a "regular" there, as we got a table in no time on a super-busy night. :) Dinner, as always was good, and so was the company!
My day ended with me laughing my butt off to this link that Mark sent me.
Recently, I haven't had so many good days, but today was a notable exception. I'm hoping for more days like this.
I don't have any special plans today, but hope to at least grab dinner and a few drinks after work this evening, perhaps with a friend.
I dug around for some of my favorite Gaelic proverbs to share:
Cùm do chù ri leigeadh.
Hold back your dog till the deer falls.
Is math an sgà than sùil caraide.
A friend’s eye is a good looking-glass.
Gluais faicilleach le cupan là n.
Go carefully with a full cup.
Nuair a bhÃonn an t-ól istigh, bÃonn an chiall amuigh. When the drink is in, the sense is out.
What a nice day this turned out to be. Indeed!
After work, I went on a hike with my friend Matt Squire/Linder Point Loop at the Coralville Reservoir. We had a nice dinner at Red's Alehouse. I must be a "regular" there, as we got a table in no time on a super-busy night. :) Dinner, as always was good, and so was the company!
My day ended with me laughing my butt off to this link that Mark sent me.
Recently, I haven't had so many good days, but today was a notable exception. I'm hoping for more days like this.
20100315
It was a long, expensive morning but found out what has been plaguing Tyler. He has tested positive and appears to now be suffering from Lyme's Disease. This would explain many of his recent symptoms such as strange joint pain in right front leg, lethargy, weight loss, etc. He stopped being a beagle this weekend and it about broke my heart, so I am hopeful that the treatment will work and he'll bounce back to being somewhat normal again. Once Tyler was squared away with his treatment, worked the rest of the day on the data audit. Things started to go better this that by the afternoon. In the early evening, I got a swim in. Tyler seemed somewhat better in the late evening, we was able to walk around the house slowly on his own (having to carry him to his food/water and outside was sad.
20100316
Worked another long day on the data audit of the Iowa-based project. We are finally starting to make some progress and I think we're just about done with this phase. Tyler started to respond to his anti-inflammatory and antibiotics today. He is running around the house howling and foraging for food again, which is more in line with the beagle that I know and love.
I got a late evening swim in, but note to self, the pool closes at 8pm even though the community center closes at 9pm. Thus, the swim was shortened and left me wanting more, but I guess that's it for today--I didn't really feel like riding the trainer tonight. Another note to self, why not get some of workout videos, yoga mats, etc for little workouts at home, perhaps I will get that set up when I return from trip to Alabama and DC this weekend.
I got a late evening swim in, but note to self, the pool closes at 8pm even though the community center closes at 9pm. Thus, the swim was shortened and left me wanting more, but I guess that's it for today--I didn't really feel like riding the trainer tonight. Another note to self, why not get some of workout videos, yoga mats, etc for little workouts at home, perhaps I will get that set up when I return from trip to Alabama and DC this weekend.
Monday, March 15, 2010
20100314
What a beautiful late winter day. It hit 60°F for the first time this year. It was mostly sunny, with just some wind. There's actually some green grass beneath the cedars in front of my rental house, perhaps there is some hope that spring is truly just a few weeks away.
In the afternoon, i went on a nice bike ride.
I was messed up all day with regard to the time change. It seems like it occurred much earlier than expected, but I have no complaints, I much prefer day light savings time, I could potentially get some bike rides after work in now, if the weather continues to cooperate.
Tyler is not doing well. His right front leg is stiff, he refuses to use it. I'm hopefully getting him to the vet tomorrow morning to see what is wrong with it. It doesn't appear to be broken, but he will not use it and now refuses to go down stairs or jump up on the bed.
I also got a swim in after biking, progress on the Mm:
Results (45 Found | 33537 Total kcal | 189.53 Total km.)
In the afternoon, i went on a nice bike ride.
I was messed up all day with regard to the time change. It seems like it occurred much earlier than expected, but I have no complaints, I much prefer day light savings time, I could potentially get some bike rides after work in now, if the weather continues to cooperate.
Tyler is not doing well. His right front leg is stiff, he refuses to use it. I'm hopefully getting him to the vet tomorrow morning to see what is wrong with it. It doesn't appear to be broken, but he will not use it and now refuses to go down stairs or jump up on the bed.
I also got a swim in after biking, progress on the Mm:
Results (45 Found | 33537 Total kcal | 189.53 Total km.)
20100313
Today was a dark and gloomy day.
I managed only to get a short swim in.
The bulk of the day was spent monitoring and worrying about Tyler.
He apparently injured his right front leg during his little adventure.
I am taking a wait and see approach to see if he gets better.
I managed only to get a short swim in.
The bulk of the day was spent monitoring and worrying about Tyler.
He apparently injured his right front leg during his little adventure.
I am taking a wait and see approach to see if he gets better.
20100312
Thank the gods, I got Tyler back today.
At 0930am a distant neighbor called and said that he had found Tyler the previous morning. He had trouble finding my contact information, because Tyler's rabies tag and contact information tag were missing from his collar.
Tyler seems mostly ok, although very tired and seems very sad.
I got to spend some time working with KCA today, that was really nice.
Later in the day, I met mom and mike for dinner at Red's. They are off to cozumel, mexico until thursday.
At 0930am a distant neighbor called and said that he had found Tyler the previous morning. He had trouble finding my contact information, because Tyler's rabies tag and contact information tag were missing from his collar.
Tyler seems mostly ok, although very tired and seems very sad.
I got to spend some time working with KCA today, that was really nice.
Later in the day, I met mom and mike for dinner at Red's. They are off to cozumel, mexico until thursday.
20100311
What a horrible day, one of the worst that I can remember.
The day started with me chasing Tyler nearly all night. I gave up trying to find him at about 3:30am. I left the patio door wide open with treats and a full bowl of food.
Later on work did not go well all day, I was constantly worried about Tyler and could not focus. I called all local vet clinics, the humane society, the sheriff's dispatch just to let them know that Tyler was missing.
I looked everywhere for him, but had no luck finding him.
This seriously was one of the worst days of my life.
The day started with me chasing Tyler nearly all night. I gave up trying to find him at about 3:30am. I left the patio door wide open with treats and a full bowl of food.
Later on work did not go well all day, I was constantly worried about Tyler and could not focus. I called all local vet clinics, the humane society, the sheriff's dispatch just to let them know that Tyler was missing.
I looked everywhere for him, but had no luck finding him.
This seriously was one of the worst days of my life.
20100310
Today was an ok day in terms of work.
but
Tyler got loose this evening. At about 10pm he managed to get outside off leash.
He chased deer for hours, the human chased tyler for hours no luck in finding him.
but
Tyler got loose this evening. At about 10pm he managed to get outside off leash.
He chased deer for hours, the human chased tyler for hours no luck in finding him.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
20100308
Well i wish this cold (i'm thinking it's a viral sinusitis) were getting better, but it really has not seemed to improve as of yet. I managed to get a swim in today. Also finally got to work some with Hans on our Huntington's Disease project today. We're still stuck importing CDISC 1.3 into SAS. Also the windows-based laptop that I had been using decided to die. I truly have earned and actively maintain my reputation for being a laptop killer.
20100309
Today I spent a fair bit of time with my buyer's agent. We prepared and submitted a formal purchase agreement contract for the 3978 cedar lane property in Solon. I'm very hopeful that the seller will accept (perhaps just a small bit of negotiation is still needed on a handful of items). I think the bulk of the details have been agreed upon (verbally and via email), so hopefully Tyler beagle and I will have a new home starting June 1!
Spent the afternoon fighting the good fight on importing CDISC 1.3 into SAS. What a pain, I think we will get it working though. I really am ready to have this phase of the project finished.
The viral sinusitis is starting to get better today. I am at least feeling slightly better and more energetic. I also am putting a dent in the weight that I gained back, down to 187 again.
I managed to get another 5k swim during the evening today. That was a first (swimming in the evening), it turns out the 5:20pm--7:00pm time period was relatively open (I would have thought it would have been more busy).
Spent the afternoon fighting the good fight on importing CDISC 1.3 into SAS. What a pain, I think we will get it working though. I really am ready to have this phase of the project finished.
The viral sinusitis is starting to get better today. I am at least feeling slightly better and more energetic. I also am putting a dent in the weight that I gained back, down to 187 again.
I managed to get another 5k swim during the evening today. That was a first (swimming in the evening), it turns out the 5:20pm--7:00pm time period was relatively open (I would have thought it would have been more busy).
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
20100306
I started the day a bit late (slept in) and finally went for a nice swim.
For the year I done the following swims:
39 Total | 29293 Total kcal | 165.28 Total km
After resting and ugh coughing (I wish I could kick this wretched cold), I took the beagle snowshoeing at Macbride Nature Rectreation Area. We followed this snowshoe route. It was a glorious sunny late winter day. Most of the shoeing was done on Lake Macbride. I used the DROID phone to capture some pictures of the outing.
I talked with my buyer's agent today regarding the cedar lane property. I'm moving forward with a real estate contract, hopefully to be offered sunday or monday.
The picture shows an aerial view of the property that could perhaps be my next home.
The day was nicely capped off by hanging out with Matt. We grabbed dinner and saw A Single Man. For the most part, I liked the film. It moved kind of slow, I did like the nonlinear timeline and how his past relationship was revealed in bits throughout the day. Also, the use of pillows and sleeping bag in his botched attempt at ending his life was rather amusing.
For the year I done the following swims:
39 Total | 29293 Total kcal | 165.28 Total km
After resting and ugh coughing (I wish I could kick this wretched cold), I took the beagle snowshoeing at Macbride Nature Rectreation Area. We followed this snowshoe route. It was a glorious sunny late winter day. Most of the shoeing was done on Lake Macbride. I used the DROID phone to capture some pictures of the outing.
I talked with my buyer's agent today regarding the cedar lane property. I'm moving forward with a real estate contract, hopefully to be offered sunday or monday.
The day was nicely capped off by hanging out with Matt. We grabbed dinner and saw A Single Man. For the most part, I liked the film. It moved kind of slow, I did like the nonlinear timeline and how his past relationship was revealed in bits throughout the day. Also, the use of pillows and sleeping bag in his botched attempt at ending his life was rather amusing.
Friday, March 5, 2010
20100305
I did not sleep worth a CRAP last night! This head cold has taken a turn for the worse. I did not feel up to swimming today, or anything much for that matter.
Later in the day, after getting some work done, I did 5 new paintings!
"Not all black"
"Propelled"
"Swirls"
"Snowshoeing"
"Beneficial"
Matt gave me the idea for both the "Not all black" and "Snowshoeing" pieces.
I still want to go to Alice in Wonderland 3D. I can't seem to find anyone that is super-motivated to go to the movie with me.
Have I mentioned it's good to be back in the midwest? I stumbled upon this today, and it was good for a chuckle.
Later in the day, after getting some work done, I did 5 new paintings!
"Not all black"
"Propelled"
"Swirls"
"Snowshoeing"
"Beneficial"
Matt gave me the idea for both the "Not all black" and "Snowshoeing" pieces.
I still want to go to Alice in Wonderland 3D. I can't seem to find anyone that is super-motivated to go to the movie with me.
Have I mentioned it's good to be back in the midwest? I stumbled upon this today, and it was good for a chuckle.
20100304
Did a quick swim in the morning. Tried to get some work done, despite the rotten head cold.
After some work in the early afternoon, I helped mom pick out a new netbook computer.
On a whim, I decided to roadtrip up to Readlyn to help her set it up. I took tyler beagle. We made steak and chicken fajatias and margaritas. Jessie and the twins came out for a short visit. It was a short, unexpected visit, but was fun and good I think for all of us.
I tried to get the energy to go to Alice in Wonderland 3D for the midnight showing, it turns out it only seemed to be showing in Mt. Vernon. I had good intentions of going, but dozed off briefly and missed out being able to go. No one seemed interested in going with though, either.
After some work in the early afternoon, I helped mom pick out a new netbook computer.
On a whim, I decided to roadtrip up to Readlyn to help her set it up. I took tyler beagle. We made steak and chicken fajatias and margaritas. Jessie and the twins came out for a short visit. It was a short, unexpected visit, but was fun and good I think for all of us.
I tried to get the energy to go to Alice in Wonderland 3D for the midnight showing, it turns out it only seemed to be showing in Mt. Vernon. I had good intentions of going, but dozed off briefly and missed out being able to go. No one seemed interested in going with though, either.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
20100302
Theoretically, today was the first day "back to normal" following grandma K's passing. It really did not feel like a normal day at all.
Today I worked feverishly on getting my piece of documents completed, signed, notarized, and and far too large check sent back to Albuquerque for closing by buyer tomorrow.
Even though I picked up what has now turned out to be a nasty cold, I did manage to get a swim in. I am disappointed in my Mm swimming progress, to date I'm at
37 Found | 27477 Total kcal | 155.28 Total km. 16% of the year has passed, 15.5% of swim goal has been achieved. I plan on stepping the swimming back up later this week when this cold gets better. In the future when I forget how to do a julian in openoffice this code snipet helps
I was able to meet Kim and Jason at Red's Alehouse for lunch today. Had a nice time visiting with them as they began their journey back to Florida.
Today I worked feverishly on getting my piece of documents completed, signed, notarized, and and far too large check sent back to Albuquerque for closing by buyer tomorrow.
Even though I picked up what has now turned out to be a nasty cold, I did manage to get a swim in. I am disappointed in my Mm swimming progress, to date I'm at
37 Found | 27477 Total kcal | 155.28 Total km. 16% of the year has passed, 15.5% of swim goal has been achieved. I plan on stepping the swimming back up later this week when this cold gets better. In the future when I forget how to do a julian in openoffice this code snipet helps
=YEARFRAC("2010-1-1";"2010-3-2";3).I was able to meet Kim and Jason at Red's Alehouse for lunch today. Had a nice time visiting with them as they began their journey back to Florida.
Monday, March 1, 2010
20100301
I went on a nice snowshoe loop this morning during a dualing moonset and sunrise. I was able to use the camera built into my Droid phone to take a few pictures. It was really an awesome way to start the day. I was also able to spend some further time with Bob, Kathy, Brian, Kim and Jason, all of whom stayed along with me at my mom and mike's place in Readlyn.
It was a very long trying day with regard to gma K's funeral. I had already said my goodbye. Today was about being with my larger family, to say our collective goodbye and put my grandmother to her rest. Along with my 10 other male first cousins, I was a pall bearer at the service. I have a significant difference in opinion with how the Catholic faith tradition conducts a funeral service. I much prefer funerals that celebrate the life of the person that has passed away. I tend to think that in this faith tradition, funerals are much too grim and solemn. I don't want to take away anything from the day, but will tell you with certainty that this is NOT how I want to be remembered when I pass someday. I wish that Alfonso could have at least spoken at the service or contributed to it in some way. He and I talked after the service today, and we both reflected on the number of times that he, grandma and I got to spend together several years ago. I would have liked it had Al been able to attend, it would have been really nice for him to share those memories either in the form of a homily are even at the blessing at the meal after the service. Anyway, I am happy that this day is over. I am happy that our family was able to come together and share this day together to say goodbye.
It was a very long trying day with regard to gma K's funeral. I had already said my goodbye. Today was about being with my larger family, to say our collective goodbye and put my grandmother to her rest. Along with my 10 other male first cousins, I was a pall bearer at the service. I have a significant difference in opinion with how the Catholic faith tradition conducts a funeral service. I much prefer funerals that celebrate the life of the person that has passed away. I tend to think that in this faith tradition, funerals are much too grim and solemn. I don't want to take away anything from the day, but will tell you with certainty that this is NOT how I want to be remembered when I pass someday. I wish that Alfonso could have at least spoken at the service or contributed to it in some way. He and I talked after the service today, and we both reflected on the number of times that he, grandma and I got to spend together several years ago. I would have liked it had Al been able to attend, it would have been really nice for him to share those memories either in the form of a homily are even at the blessing at the meal after the service. Anyway, I am happy that this day is over. I am happy that our family was able to come together and share this day together to say goodbye.
20100227
I was still sore from weight lifting friday evening today! I'm happy I did it, though, I just need to figure out how to ease into a weight-lifting routine that does not interfere with the normal cardiovascular fitness training that I am engaged in.
My intention today was to participate in my first triathlon.
The formal event, if you want to call it that, was scheduled to be xc skiing, biking, and snowshoeing at MNRA. Since I did not have time to rent skis (I can't believe by now I haven't just purchased a set), I just swam instead for the xc ski leg. So my first unsanctioned, unofficial first triathlon consisted of a 3.0km swim at the north liberty community pool, followed by a 13.74km bike ride (using a hard tail mountain bike on shoulder of road), and finally a 5.17km snowshoe (mostly on lake macbride). I think I will likely do several of these unofficial tris this year, I'm going to talk to the organizer of this one to see if he's interested in scheduling monthly tris once sugarbottom opens up for the riding season. It felt amazing to do the three activities back to back! I was certainly capable of doing more time on each event; however, I needed to rush a bit in order to make it to Fairbank to attend the wake for my gma K.
After scrambling to pack for a quick two days up north, I managed to go off my lane a bit in my driveway and get my Jeep stuck. It's no small feat to get a Rubicon stuck, I was actually somewhat surprised that I could not get unstuck on my own, but I was easily in about 20 inches of snow at a steep angle buried up to both axles, and anything I did just made the vehicle slide further sideways towards the fence line along the ditch. Looking a the situation, I realized that even IF I had a winch, it would not have gotten me out of that situation, because there really wasn't anything to connect it to laterally to pull me back up the incline and onto the lane.
After that ordeal, I managed a quick drive up to Fairbank. Driving through Jesup on the way, I decided I should plan to stop at Jesup Gym equipment, I would love to have some weight equipment for home, I think a new road bike, weight equipment, and a kayak may all be in the future purchase list. :)
The wake for gma K was well attended by our massive family and friends of my grandmother. It was nice to see many people that I had not seen in years. I was not able to go up to gma's casket, even though I heard that she was made to look nice, I had already said goodbye to her on terms I was happy with. There were many sad family members and friends, most of the wake I spent with my brother in the basement of the funeral home, reflecting on old times living in Fairbank, our boyhood home was literally two houses away from the funeral home.
I stopped in to Costas and got to spend time with Angie, Bev and Gerald, Brian, Becky, Lisa and a few others. It was nice to have some beverages and pizza, and the laughs that always accompany spending time with the Bockholts.
Since the Florida contingent stayed at my mother's house, Bob, Kathy, Brian, Kim, Jason, Mike, Jane, and Jeremy opened a bomber of Marble Reserve Ale and had a toast to an amazing woman, gma K. We had a nice fire and just relaxed after a long day.
After an absolutely gorgeous late-winter day, a spectacular full moon capped the day.
Tomorrow will most certainly be a difficult day.
My intention today was to participate in my first triathlon.
The formal event, if you want to call it that, was scheduled to be xc skiing, biking, and snowshoeing at MNRA. Since I did not have time to rent skis (I can't believe by now I haven't just purchased a set), I just swam instead for the xc ski leg. So my first unsanctioned, unofficial first triathlon consisted of a 3.0km swim at the north liberty community pool, followed by a 13.74km bike ride (using a hard tail mountain bike on shoulder of road), and finally a 5.17km snowshoe (mostly on lake macbride). I think I will likely do several of these unofficial tris this year, I'm going to talk to the organizer of this one to see if he's interested in scheduling monthly tris once sugarbottom opens up for the riding season. It felt amazing to do the three activities back to back! I was certainly capable of doing more time on each event; however, I needed to rush a bit in order to make it to Fairbank to attend the wake for my gma K.
After scrambling to pack for a quick two days up north, I managed to go off my lane a bit in my driveway and get my Jeep stuck. It's no small feat to get a Rubicon stuck, I was actually somewhat surprised that I could not get unstuck on my own, but I was easily in about 20 inches of snow at a steep angle buried up to both axles, and anything I did just made the vehicle slide further sideways towards the fence line along the ditch. Looking a the situation, I realized that even IF I had a winch, it would not have gotten me out of that situation, because there really wasn't anything to connect it to laterally to pull me back up the incline and onto the lane.
After that ordeal, I managed a quick drive up to Fairbank. Driving through Jesup on the way, I decided I should plan to stop at Jesup Gym equipment, I would love to have some weight equipment for home, I think a new road bike, weight equipment, and a kayak may all be in the future purchase list. :)
The wake for gma K was well attended by our massive family and friends of my grandmother. It was nice to see many people that I had not seen in years. I was not able to go up to gma's casket, even though I heard that she was made to look nice, I had already said goodbye to her on terms I was happy with. There were many sad family members and friends, most of the wake I spent with my brother in the basement of the funeral home, reflecting on old times living in Fairbank, our boyhood home was literally two houses away from the funeral home.
I stopped in to Costas and got to spend time with Angie, Bev and Gerald, Brian, Becky, Lisa and a few others. It was nice to have some beverages and pizza, and the laughs that always accompany spending time with the Bockholts.
Since the Florida contingent stayed at my mother's house, Bob, Kathy, Brian, Kim, Jason, Mike, Jane, and Jeremy opened a bomber of Marble Reserve Ale and had a toast to an amazing woman, gma K. We had a nice fire and just relaxed after a long day.
After an absolutely gorgeous late-winter day, a spectacular full moon capped the day.
Tomorrow will most certainly be a difficult day.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
20100226
Today I flew from Albuquerque to San Antonio via Dallas. It was an uneventful trip. This was my first time in San Antonio. I was able to tack this trip on the end of one of my monthly trips to New Mexico. The purpose of the trip was to meet with my friend Karen with regard to a couple of stroke research informatics projects. There are some exciting projects in stroke and it amazes me how little there seems to be in place to support one of the largest national health problems.
This was mostly a work trip, but I did manage to see part of the River Walk and of course had to have some Tex Mex food (given San Antonio is the birth place).
The hotel I stayed at with Karen had a nice gym. I was able to do my first weight lifting workout of the year. It was very nice and I look forward to doing more such workouts soon.
This was mostly a work trip, but I did manage to see part of the River Walk and of course had to have some Tex Mex food (given San Antonio is the birth place).
The hotel I stayed at with Karen had a nice gym. I was able to do my first weight lifting workout of the year. It was very nice and I look forward to doing more such workouts soon.
Friday, February 26, 2010
20100225
I really missed swimming today. I was able to do a bike ride today in the bosque. It was very cold given the mid-morning ride time.
My MRN work turned out to be a typical hectic thursday. If there is anything I could change about this job, it would be to relax the meetings and expectations of thursday schedule.
Gma Kerns passed on today. I reflected some of my thoughts on this event here.
Will & Johanna, Dylan & Angela, Raul, and Adam came up to Cedar Crest for an impromptu pizza gathering. We sampled a number of spectacular beers and had some awesome pizza. It was really a lot of fun and a much needed respite given the chaos of the day and week.
My MRN work turned out to be a typical hectic thursday. If there is anything I could change about this job, it would be to relax the meetings and expectations of thursday schedule.
Gma Kerns passed on today. I reflected some of my thoughts on this event here.
Will & Johanna, Dylan & Angela, Raul, and Adam came up to Cedar Crest for an impromptu pizza gathering. We sampled a number of spectacular beers and had some awesome pizza. It was really a lot of fun and a much needed respite given the chaos of the day and week.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
On the time of your passing
To our grandmother, great-grandmother, mother, sister, family member and friend:
At the time of your passing, I wanted to acknowledge what you have meant to me. Your strength and courage has been an inspiration. The trials that you have weathered in your life have been great. Your grace and discipline at handling the good and bad times a formidable example on how to conduct ones life.
At the time of your passing, you should know how important you have been in shaping my life. Your strength, courage and spirit have been an inspiration. I have inherited your creativity, sense of humour, love of strategy, strong character, and most important your determination. I use what you gave me every day of my life!
Thank you for teaching me, for being my grandmother and friend. Thank you for teaching me to love music.
You live in all of us (your family and friends) today, tomorrow and forever.
Go forth with the strength and courage that you have always shown us, every day that you have been with us. We all love you and cherish you, know that you live on in all of us forever.
Love, your grandson Jeremy
At the time of your passing, I wanted to acknowledge what you have meant to me. Your strength and courage has been an inspiration. The trials that you have weathered in your life have been great. Your grace and discipline at handling the good and bad times a formidable example on how to conduct ones life.
At the time of your passing, you should know how important you have been in shaping my life. Your strength, courage and spirit have been an inspiration. I have inherited your creativity, sense of humour, love of strategy, strong character, and most important your determination. I use what you gave me every day of my life!
Thank you for teaching me, for being my grandmother and friend. Thank you for teaching me to love music.
You live in all of us (your family and friends) today, tomorrow and forever.
Go forth with the strength and courage that you have always shown us, every day that you have been with us. We all love you and cherish you, know that you live on in all of us forever.
Love, your grandson Jeremy
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
20102224
Gma K is still hanging on today, but probably not for much longer. I wish I could be home, it's hard being in New Mexico right now.
Today I'm really feeling the need to work out, get out on the bike and RIDE!
I wasn't able to work out yesterday, simply had too much to do.
My taylor ranch property closing date has been moved to March 3, hopefully it all still goes through.
Yay, I got to talk to kelly today. I miss her! We're talking about her visiting NM sometime, so hopefully we'll both be able to be here at the same time.
I got the "I only see you as a friend" thing today from someone I was interested in, that's the way these things go I guess. It was a bummer to hear though. :(
I got to do a bike ride in the bosque today. It was an awesome lunch hour ride!
I had a nice dinner at Tucanos this evening with Jessica and Matt. The food was awesome!
Today I'm really feeling the need to work out, get out on the bike and RIDE!
I wasn't able to work out yesterday, simply had too much to do.
My taylor ranch property closing date has been moved to March 3, hopefully it all still goes through.
Yay, I got to talk to kelly today. I miss her! We're talking about her visiting NM sometime, so hopefully we'll both be able to be here at the same time.
I got the "I only see you as a friend" thing today from someone I was interested in, that's the way these things go I guess. It was a bummer to hear though. :(
I got to do a bike ride in the bosque today. It was an awesome lunch hour ride!
I had a nice dinner at Tucanos this evening with Jessica and Matt. The food was awesome!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
20100222
Today was the first full work day onsite at MRN in quite some time (since mid-january). I spent lots of time just refreshing where most of my team members are with various projects. Like usual, spending time here just adds to the massive queue of work to get done. Never feel like I accomplish anything as it's while I work on something 2-3 other things pile up. Sigh. I definitely get more done when I'm NOT here.
I managed to sneak in another cold, damp, cloudy bike ride in during the afternoon. I miss swimming though. I can't wait to hit the water again on saturday!
Got to meet Josef for a pint at Marble this evening. Another triple IPA. It was great to catch up with him, I really miss working with him.
News on gma K was terrible all day. Earlier in the day all I heard from mom was that they were just trying to making her comfortable. Breathing is very difficult, not on a respirator yet, but really nothing left to try or hope for. I wish I could be home for my mom and extended family right now. I'm not certain I could do much aside from just being there, but I hope they know I would be there if I could.
I had an interesting commute back up to cedar crest this evening. Calling a Ford Escape an "SUV" is some kind of practical joke. I hit 2-4 inches of snow/ice while climbing up the hill to my house in the east mountains. I barely made it, any more snow and I would have simply got stuck. Next time, give me a jeep for my rental!
I managed to sneak in another cold, damp, cloudy bike ride in during the afternoon. I miss swimming though. I can't wait to hit the water again on saturday!
Got to meet Josef for a pint at Marble this evening. Another triple IPA. It was great to catch up with him, I really miss working with him.
News on gma K was terrible all day. Earlier in the day all I heard from mom was that they were just trying to making her comfortable. Breathing is very difficult, not on a respirator yet, but really nothing left to try or hope for. I wish I could be home for my mom and extended family right now. I'm not certain I could do much aside from just being there, but I hope they know I would be there if I could.
I had an interesting commute back up to cedar crest this evening. Calling a Ford Escape an "SUV" is some kind of practical joke. I hit 2-4 inches of snow/ice while climbing up the hill to my house in the east mountains. I barely made it, any more snow and I would have simply got stuck. Next time, give me a jeep for my rental!
20100223
Leaving my property in Cedar Crest this morning at 0430, I was struck again at just how beautiful of a home I have here. There was about 3 inches of fresh powder, it was calm, quiet. I sat outside by my pond in the fresh snow just thinking of the massive amount of change that has occurred in my life the past 6 months. Nearly all of it good! But I do miss the southwest and especially my home here. I really do NOT want to sell it, but it's too expensive to keep it and not live in it or at least have it rented.
Driving the 20 miles (2,000 feet of vertical descent) into Albuquerque, the fresh snow quickly disappeared. I made it to my desk at 0517. I decided to first catch up on my blog posts, since I had some difficulty with tethering the past couple of days I wasn't able to do them.
I gave a progress report on neuroinformatics tools and progress to my MRN colleagues today. It was a contentious meeting really due other items, still a frustrating experience (amazing how much lack of communication snowballs).
I got to spend time with my friend and colleague, Jessica today. It was great to catch up with her. She's moved out here to work at MRN and I've moved to Iowa, but I'll still be spending a great deal of time in NM, at least this year, especially in the non-winter months.
Gma K is in her final days, all of the family has been called to come see her to say goodbye.
Driving the 20 miles (2,000 feet of vertical descent) into Albuquerque, the fresh snow quickly disappeared. I made it to my desk at 0517. I decided to first catch up on my blog posts, since I had some difficulty with tethering the past couple of days I wasn't able to do them.
I gave a progress report on neuroinformatics tools and progress to my MRN colleagues today. It was a contentious meeting really due other items, still a frustrating experience (amazing how much lack of communication snowballs).
I got to spend time with my friend and colleague, Jessica today. It was great to catch up with her. She's moved out here to work at MRN and I've moved to Iowa, but I'll still be spending a great deal of time in NM, at least this year, especially in the non-winter months.
Gma K is in her final days, all of the family has been called to come see her to say goodbye.
20100221
Today ran continuous with yesterday in the sense of little to no sleep was achieved. A chance of flurries turned into a winter storm warning... so I had to scramble to get on alternative flights to beat the storm.
American Airlines graciously informed me at least 4 different times how wonderful they were being to "let" me fly standby. Today was the official last day of them allowing standby status for regular ticket holders. I'm not certain what to think about this. How are they doing me any favors here? I'm the one taking the initiative to get out of bed and/or not sleep at all at 4am to hop on an empty flight in order to avoid delayed or cancelled flights later in the day. I'm one less stranded, disgruntled passenger, one less phone call to their customer service. I just don't understand the business model that these folks operate under.
I did in fact arrive to Albuquerque today. I was hoping for some warm, sunny weather, but was greeted instead by some fairly spectacular clouds, and rain upon arrival, which is always nice in the high desert.
I immediately went to my office to pick up my touring bike and was off to REI (my favorite store on earth) to pick up some spares and odds and ends. Ah, but the bad weather struck, so I met Will for a beer at Marble. Triple IPA (ABV 11.0). Pretty awesome beer. The weather did not clear up much so I just went ahead a did a ride anyway. It was cold, damp, but still was pretty nice to ride in the winter.
The rest of the day was uneventful, having lots of problems with tethering my droid on this trip and my trackpad on my MacbookPro is acting up.
News on grandma K not good all day. Her CHF has kicked in, having fluid build up and breathing is quite difficult.
American Airlines graciously informed me at least 4 different times how wonderful they were being to "let" me fly standby. Today was the official last day of them allowing standby status for regular ticket holders. I'm not certain what to think about this. How are they doing me any favors here? I'm the one taking the initiative to get out of bed and/or not sleep at all at 4am to hop on an empty flight in order to avoid delayed or cancelled flights later in the day. I'm one less stranded, disgruntled passenger, one less phone call to their customer service. I just don't understand the business model that these folks operate under.
I did in fact arrive to Albuquerque today. I was hoping for some warm, sunny weather, but was greeted instead by some fairly spectacular clouds, and rain upon arrival, which is always nice in the high desert.
I immediately went to my office to pick up my touring bike and was off to REI (my favorite store on earth) to pick up some spares and odds and ends. Ah, but the bad weather struck, so I met Will for a beer at Marble. Triple IPA (ABV 11.0). Pretty awesome beer. The weather did not clear up much so I just went ahead a did a ride anyway. It was cold, damp, but still was pretty nice to ride in the winter.
The rest of the day was uneventful, having lots of problems with tethering my droid on this trip and my trackpad on my MacbookPro is acting up.
News on grandma K not good all day. Her CHF has kicked in, having fluid build up and breathing is quite difficult.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
20100220
Sounds like gma K is doing slightly better today. Still going to be a long road, I wish I could go see her, but alas the weather was crappy today and now even worse tomorrow.
I swam a shortened distance today of 4km this morning, but it felt great! I knew I would be going to do other activities in the afternoon and the pool was super-busy (it always is on saturday mornings), so I was ok with the shorter swim today.
I ended up doing a snowshoe route this afternoon with the beagle. We started out at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA). We followed the cross country/hiking trail and then decided to traverse Lake Macbride using this route. It was an exciting outing for both Tyler and I, found it to be relaxing and fun!
There's a big winter storm brewing. It completely screwed up my travel plans. I was planning on flying at 7pm on sunday to get into Albuquerque at 11pm, but alas that's not happening. Now, I'm on standby, ugh for 6am tomorrow morning, and hopefully I will beat this storm and make it to New Mexico much earlier in the day. I guess all is not lost, as I have a lot of house things to take care of at both properties once I get there. I should also get my bike worked up into shape so that I can ride monday-thursday for at least an hour each day this week, since there will be no swimming possible.
Because of the storm, I had to board the beagle at 5pm this evening. It sucks when the beagle is not here. The house is empty. :(
I had a really nice meal at Red's Alehouse this evening. Chicken Tortilla Soup, Paniolo steak on a bed of risotto, 2 rogue shakespeare stouts, chocolate cake with chocoalate sauce and bananas paired with a st bernardus for dessert. That's a lot of calories to take in for a meal, but given that I hit 183.5 pounds today, it was kind of a reward for hard work and exceeding goals the past week.
Life is still pretty good. :)
Aloha!
I swam a shortened distance today of 4km this morning, but it felt great! I knew I would be going to do other activities in the afternoon and the pool was super-busy (it always is on saturday mornings), so I was ok with the shorter swim today.
I ended up doing a snowshoe route this afternoon with the beagle. We started out at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA). We followed the cross country/hiking trail and then decided to traverse Lake Macbride using this route. It was an exciting outing for both Tyler and I, found it to be relaxing and fun!
There's a big winter storm brewing. It completely screwed up my travel plans. I was planning on flying at 7pm on sunday to get into Albuquerque at 11pm, but alas that's not happening. Now, I'm on standby, ugh for 6am tomorrow morning, and hopefully I will beat this storm and make it to New Mexico much earlier in the day. I guess all is not lost, as I have a lot of house things to take care of at both properties once I get there. I should also get my bike worked up into shape so that I can ride monday-thursday for at least an hour each day this week, since there will be no swimming possible.
Because of the storm, I had to board the beagle at 5pm this evening. It sucks when the beagle is not here. The house is empty. :(
I had a really nice meal at Red's Alehouse this evening. Chicken Tortilla Soup, Paniolo steak on a bed of risotto, 2 rogue shakespeare stouts, chocolate cake with chocoalate sauce and bananas paired with a st bernardus for dessert. That's a lot of calories to take in for a meal, but given that I hit 183.5 pounds today, it was kind of a reward for hard work and exceeding goals the past week.
Life is still pretty good. :)
Aloha!
Friday, February 19, 2010
20100219
Well, didn't I just say yesterday I was thinking of cutting back on caffeine? Uf-dah! not yesterday! Thus, it was not a good night of sleep. Today has had a slow start. Hans notified me that we potentially have some new business coming our way on 2 fronts, so that is good news but even more work to contend with! I'm just trying to get it all done, falling slowly further behind. It may be time to cut back at MRN soon!
I finally had an interchange via email regarding the solon, iowa cedar lane property. I'm not certain that the seller understands real estate contracts, seems to keep dodging whether he would consider one or not. I fear at the list price he's now down to, though, that this place is going to slip by me--not much I can do about it, as my cedar crest property and NOT having closed on taylor ranch property keep me from proceeding down the traditional financing road which I'm certain is what this seller and any sellser would prefer to be selling into this market. I'm not sure how this situation will proceed, I really like the house and really want to lease with mandatory purchase it, but perhaps it's not in the cards.
Taking a day off from swimming yesterday really was nice, I was able to cruise today and finally ramped up to my goal of 2 hour swims (6.0km). I literally wasn't even remotely tired after the swim and would have gone for my first 10km today. However, I needed to get back to work. I also blew away my weight goal today, as I hit 184.5 pounds!!! Given that i weighed 178 pounds when I was 17 at High School Graduation, I'd say I'm pretty much there on the weight loss front. Incidentally, I also hit 178 pounds again when I graduated from college in 1994, but that was out of being dirt-poor my last semester of school... I have a long way to go though body composition-wise and all of this swimming has made my torso "look strange" to me--I look like an amateur swimmer now. I want to clear up what people describe as a "swimmers build"--I think most competitive swimming athletes (certainly the sprinters) have swimmer builds, I don't think most recreational long distance swimmers have that build. I really need to start mixing it up activity-wise, I want to do more cycling and I may now need to add in some weight lifting or at least some kind of toning/building up again but I need to add those things in conjunction with making progress on my Mm swim this year [today Results (33 Found | 24768 Total kcal | 140.28 Total km]
Enrique informed me that my taylor ranch property in Albuquerque is going to close NEXT WEEK!!! This is awesome news! It saves me 1 month of mortgage that I was expecting to have to pay, the inspection found the typical $500 worth of minor repairs that I of course got socked with, but at this point who cares. I'm finally going to be rid of that bad chapter in real estate from my life forever! :)
News from gma K today was ok. She has some congestion that they are concerned about, but was up walking several times today. She is really sore, and in a lot of pain even with the meds, moving her around is very difficult.
I got to talk briefly to my friend Kelly in Cleveland today! Yay! I miss her so much, miss working with her and her awesomeness! :) I wish I could convince her how nice Iowa City is and we could so find a great job for her here with my company or at UIowa, but she's happy to be living and working at home in Cleveland, reported by FORBES magazine to be the most miserable place in the US to live right now. :(
Well, it's snowing tonight, I am camped out by the fireplace, working and relaxing to music, with a beagle nearby. Life is pretty good. I gone out several times now just to pause and reflect beneath the stand of cedars at the front of my house.
Perhaps some snowshoeing tomorrow? I hope so? I'm certainly going to swim in the morning and go from there...
I finally had an interchange via email regarding the solon, iowa cedar lane property. I'm not certain that the seller understands real estate contracts, seems to keep dodging whether he would consider one or not. I fear at the list price he's now down to, though, that this place is going to slip by me--not much I can do about it, as my cedar crest property and NOT having closed on taylor ranch property keep me from proceeding down the traditional financing road which I'm certain is what this seller and any sellser would prefer to be selling into this market. I'm not sure how this situation will proceed, I really like the house and really want to lease with mandatory purchase it, but perhaps it's not in the cards.
Taking a day off from swimming yesterday really was nice, I was able to cruise today and finally ramped up to my goal of 2 hour swims (6.0km). I literally wasn't even remotely tired after the swim and would have gone for my first 10km today. However, I needed to get back to work. I also blew away my weight goal today, as I hit 184.5 pounds!!! Given that i weighed 178 pounds when I was 17 at High School Graduation, I'd say I'm pretty much there on the weight loss front. Incidentally, I also hit 178 pounds again when I graduated from college in 1994, but that was out of being dirt-poor my last semester of school... I have a long way to go though body composition-wise and all of this swimming has made my torso "look strange" to me--I look like an amateur swimmer now. I want to clear up what people describe as a "swimmers build"--I think most competitive swimming athletes (certainly the sprinters) have swimmer builds, I don't think most recreational long distance swimmers have that build. I really need to start mixing it up activity-wise, I want to do more cycling and I may now need to add in some weight lifting or at least some kind of toning/building up again but I need to add those things in conjunction with making progress on my Mm swim this year [today Results (33 Found | 24768 Total kcal | 140.28 Total km]
Enrique informed me that my taylor ranch property in Albuquerque is going to close NEXT WEEK!!! This is awesome news! It saves me 1 month of mortgage that I was expecting to have to pay, the inspection found the typical $500 worth of minor repairs that I of course got socked with, but at this point who cares. I'm finally going to be rid of that bad chapter in real estate from my life forever! :)
News from gma K today was ok. She has some congestion that they are concerned about, but was up walking several times today. She is really sore, and in a lot of pain even with the meds, moving her around is very difficult.
I got to talk briefly to my friend Kelly in Cleveland today! Yay! I miss her so much, miss working with her and her awesomeness! :) I wish I could convince her how nice Iowa City is and we could so find a great job for her here with my company or at UIowa, but she's happy to be living and working at home in Cleveland, reported by FORBES magazine to be the most miserable place in the US to live right now. :(
Well, it's snowing tonight, I am camped out by the fireplace, working and relaxing to music, with a beagle nearby. Life is pretty good. I gone out several times now just to pause and reflect beneath the stand of cedars at the front of my house.
Perhaps some snowshoeing tomorrow? I hope so? I'm certainly going to swim in the morning and go from there...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
20100218
All of my thoughts all day have been with my family for a successful surgery for my gma K. The surgery went well, no complications, no sign of cancer spreading beyond the ascending colon. She is not out of the woods and recovery will be a long road, but the worst is over for now.
I cried (extremely rare for me) for the first time today since I learned of my close friend, Claude's suicide last fall... This time out of happiness. Happiness for my gma and extended family. Happiness that she is so strong and got through this. I am absolutely in awe of her strength and hope that I have half of that strength and that I put what i do possess in terms of strength towards the remainder of my life, passionately pursuing both hard work and happiness (as i see it they go hand in hand).
I don't even know how to create a segway from that...
If i were in Iowa City next week, i would so do this informal winter tri! It would have been a perfect test to see where I'm at with my winter training. I've lost most of the weight, but have a long way to go to get to where I want to be fitness-wise. But alas, I'll be in NM and I just missed out on this quad! The entire time I lived in NM, I always wanted to participate in the winter quad, but never seemed to get in the proper shape (at least in the winter) to do it. Well I could do it next year (the quad).
I am now seriously thinking of doing the Santa Fe Century ride though. Timing-wise it works with my schedule and I should just do it! I'll talk to Raul next week to see if he's going to do it again this year. If so, I need to add much more cycling into my routine, as May is just around the corner.
I took the day off from swimming. My body needs a bit of a break I think, just for today. In fact, normally I'm swimming 6 days per week.
Since I spent the day mostly at home, I got to again see how Tyler beagle spends his day. I think chasing sun beams to nap in is the majority of this beagle's life.
I thought some about stimulant intake again today. It's still excessive but on the decline. I learned a bit more about caffeine, theophylline and theobromine today, for some reason I thought tea had more theophylline, but according to this article, it does not!
I've been thinking of tapering off and eventually eliminating caffeine and alcohol sometime this year:
Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindus generally also abstain from caffeine, as it is alleged to cloud the mind and over-stimulate the senses. To be initiated under a guru, one must have had no caffeine (along with alcohol, nicotine and other drugs) for at least a year.
I got to play racquetball again with Matt this evening. I got my butt KICKED!!! but it was fun. :)
I also hoping that Hans and I can play racquetball tomorrow morning. Since he has yet to respond, probably not, definitely will start tomorrow with an early on swim.
The day has ended with an awesome bath, since I normally just shower off the chlorine at the pool, it was nice to relax for once and just chill out.
Today was a good day, I would like to have more good days like this.
I cried (extremely rare for me) for the first time today since I learned of my close friend, Claude's suicide last fall... This time out of happiness. Happiness for my gma and extended family. Happiness that she is so strong and got through this. I am absolutely in awe of her strength and hope that I have half of that strength and that I put what i do possess in terms of strength towards the remainder of my life, passionately pursuing both hard work and happiness (as i see it they go hand in hand).
I don't even know how to create a segway from that...
If i were in Iowa City next week, i would so do this informal winter tri! It would have been a perfect test to see where I'm at with my winter training. I've lost most of the weight, but have a long way to go to get to where I want to be fitness-wise. But alas, I'll be in NM and I just missed out on this quad! The entire time I lived in NM, I always wanted to participate in the winter quad, but never seemed to get in the proper shape (at least in the winter) to do it. Well I could do it next year (the quad).
I am now seriously thinking of doing the Santa Fe Century ride though. Timing-wise it works with my schedule and I should just do it! I'll talk to Raul next week to see if he's going to do it again this year. If so, I need to add much more cycling into my routine, as May is just around the corner.
I took the day off from swimming. My body needs a bit of a break I think, just for today. In fact, normally I'm swimming 6 days per week.
Since I spent the day mostly at home, I got to again see how Tyler beagle spends his day. I think chasing sun beams to nap in is the majority of this beagle's life.
I thought some about stimulant intake again today. It's still excessive but on the decline. I learned a bit more about caffeine, theophylline and theobromine today, for some reason I thought tea had more theophylline, but according to this article, it does not!
I've been thinking of tapering off and eventually eliminating caffeine and alcohol sometime this year:
Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindus generally also abstain from caffeine, as it is alleged to cloud the mind and over-stimulate the senses. To be initiated under a guru, one must have had no caffeine (along with alcohol, nicotine and other drugs) for at least a year.
I got to play racquetball again with Matt this evening. I got my butt KICKED!!! but it was fun. :)
I also hoping that Hans and I can play racquetball tomorrow morning. Since he has yet to respond, probably not, definitely will start tomorrow with an early on swim.
The day has ended with an awesome bath, since I normally just shower off the chlorine at the pool, it was nice to relax for once and just chill out.
Today was a good day, I would like to have more good days like this.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
20100217
Today didn't start out the greatest. I had a crappy night of sleep, if you even want to call it that. I did not make my morning swim time, I had a cumbersome to travel to meeting get cancelled also earlier on. But the day improved as it wore on
This story really kind of stuck with me today
I mainly appreciated that dying while doing what you love, it's definitely the way I want to go. I don't want to have a heart attack in the middle of the day because I had been working too much and/or under too much stress, which up until recently was clearly where I was headed. I will say, I ALWAYS avoid staged poses at places. I do realize sometimes you just want to document that you were there... Still I'm glad the guy went out the way he did!
During the course of the day, I started looking into using an open source product as a potential project for some upcoming work. It's amazing that this set of features is available essentially for free, and I'd like to find a small clinic to deploy and field test this to.
I met cousin Brenton at the NL pool today and tried to give him some pointers on swimming. I managed to squeeze in another 5000 m swim in the afternoon. Dropped another pound and hit 187.0. These last few pounds are going to be tough!
In terms of progress on the Mm swim, I found this website today. I'm not doing so bad on the year!
I have 32 swim in so far in 2010 buring 24767 Total kcal and at 134.28 Total km total distance.
Later on, I helped Mark edit our lupus lesion classification paper, I think it's almost published, finally! Scientific peer review is a dreadful process, wrought with politics and utter nastiness. I think I would prefer to define and solve problems, implement solutions, maybe push out the occasional white paper. Academia is simply not for me! 20 years is enough!
The cedar lane property in Solon near Sugarbottom became available as a for sale by owner today (I knew the listing was expiring and I pounced on it). Awesome!!! I am already in contact with the owner, via text/email negotiating on a lease and/or real estate contract. Cross your fingers, tyler and I need a new place to live June 1.
My thoughts this evening are with my aunts and uncles on Kerns side of my family. My maternal grandmother (gma k) is having a right hemicolectomy tomorrow morning.
I am sending all positive thoughts, good karma and energy towards gma k and our family (kids, grandkids and great grandkids)! I know and feel she will get through this!
This story really kind of stuck with me today
I mainly appreciated that dying while doing what you love, it's definitely the way I want to go. I don't want to have a heart attack in the middle of the day because I had been working too much and/or under too much stress, which up until recently was clearly where I was headed. I will say, I ALWAYS avoid staged poses at places. I do realize sometimes you just want to document that you were there... Still I'm glad the guy went out the way he did!
During the course of the day, I started looking into using an open source product as a potential project for some upcoming work. It's amazing that this set of features is available essentially for free, and I'd like to find a small clinic to deploy and field test this to.
I met cousin Brenton at the NL pool today and tried to give him some pointers on swimming. I managed to squeeze in another 5000 m swim in the afternoon. Dropped another pound and hit 187.0. These last few pounds are going to be tough!
In terms of progress on the Mm swim, I found this website today. I'm not doing so bad on the year!
I have 32 swim in so far in 2010 buring 24767 Total kcal and at 134.28 Total km total distance.
Later on, I helped Mark edit our lupus lesion classification paper, I think it's almost published, finally! Scientific peer review is a dreadful process, wrought with politics and utter nastiness. I think I would prefer to define and solve problems, implement solutions, maybe push out the occasional white paper. Academia is simply not for me! 20 years is enough!
The cedar lane property in Solon near Sugarbottom became available as a for sale by owner today (I knew the listing was expiring and I pounced on it). Awesome!!! I am already in contact with the owner, via text/email negotiating on a lease and/or real estate contract. Cross your fingers, tyler and I need a new place to live June 1.
My thoughts this evening are with my aunts and uncles on Kerns side of my family. My maternal grandmother (gma k) is having a right hemicolectomy tomorrow morning.
I am sending all positive thoughts, good karma and energy towards gma k and our family (kids, grandkids and great grandkids)! I know and feel she will get through this!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
mardis gras
So another year, another mardis gras.
I don't really follow catholic traditions at this point, but I still do appreciate mardis gras, it's always had an appeal of cleansing, rebirth!
Today was really a great day.
I started with a 5.25km swim. Got a fair bit of work done.
Witnessed an awesome sunset.
Played racquetball with Matt.
Had a nice sauna afterwards.
Ben alerted me to an incredible waning gibbous moon setting.
I had a goose island matilda this evening at red's alehouse ( i paired it with chicken tortilla soup and a chicken salad). The meal was fabulous, as usual! I've cut WAY back on the beer front, lately though, 7 beers over the last 4 weeks!
But even better was the Pomegranate Blueberry juice i just had. It was spectacular! :) It's hard not to drink the entire container! But alas, I saved half for another time.
I don't really follow catholic traditions at this point, but I still do appreciate mardis gras, it's always had an appeal of cleansing, rebirth!
Today was really a great day.
I started with a 5.25km swim. Got a fair bit of work done.
Witnessed an awesome sunset.
Played racquetball with Matt.
Had a nice sauna afterwards.
Ben alerted me to an incredible waning gibbous moon setting.
I had a goose island matilda this evening at red's alehouse ( i paired it with chicken tortilla soup and a chicken salad). The meal was fabulous, as usual! I've cut WAY back on the beer front, lately though, 7 beers over the last 4 weeks!
But even better was the Pomegranate Blueberry juice i just had. It was spectacular! :) It's hard not to drink the entire container! But alas, I saved half for another time.
HJB 2010 Megameter swim definition and update
So during the course of 2010, I am swimming 1 million meters. I got the idea for this from Sumner several years ago, and finally decided that this was the year to go for it.
The rules for my Mm swim are pretty simple, any type of stroke in any type of water, but no assistance such as fins or paddles, kickboards are allowed. Most of the distance will occur in indoors, but I anticipate some open swims during the summer at the local lakes. I am of course methodically tracking progress, primarily through the use of mapmyfitness.com.
As of today, I have completed
I have a tracker set up here, at the moment, it only summarizes the past 30 days, but I'm working on getting it to do a yearly view.
The rules for my Mm swim are pretty simple, any type of stroke in any type of water, but no assistance such as fins or paddles, kickboards are allowed. Most of the distance will occur in indoors, but I anticipate some open swims during the summer at the local lakes. I am of course methodically tracking progress, primarily through the use of mapmyfitness.com.
As of today, I have completed
129.28 Total km
that's roughly 13%I have a tracker set up here, at the moment, it only summarizes the past 30 days, but I'm working on getting it to do a yearly view.
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