Early AM Thoughts

while I sit hear waiting for a server to do it's part of the rebuilding process, I had a few thoughts:

1. School buildings are kinda creepy at 4:30 in the morning. I've been in the server closet dozens of times sometimes earlier than this but it will always stay this way.
2. I'm trying to come up with a new fitness goal now that the 3P is over.
3. What time does the sun come up now?
4. There was an interesting piece on 60 Minutes regarding viruses. The server I am working on includes the one they were referring to. I'll try to find the video later. Aptly named "The Internet is Infected".

I'll be back later, time for the next step on the rebuild. Oh Happy Day!!!

Why BB Drives me Crazy

How is this not carrying the ball? Watch his hand go under the ball and turn over. He's making the exact motion that the referee makes when making the call.

Incredible Art

1. I like the ones that appear to be one continuous strand. Right here baby.
2. Genius or not? Bonus knowledge at the end if you can hang in there for it.
   

Because You Asked for It

Here's how things went yesterday. First a timeline:

6:15 Arrive at the 428 area, sign in and get all our stuff, including long sleeve t-shirt that will come in handy later. Yes, it's snowing.
6:30ish Partner shows up and we get everything set in our area just missing the first shuttle run.
7:00 Shuttle bus takes us to the 455 start line where there are dozens of canoes awaiting the 91 teams. We muddle around, get our life jackets and paddles then select a canoe.
7:30ish Our heat consists of three 2-man teams one of who I know.
7:35ish We're on our way.

There are several other little details in that first hour but none really worth mentioning other than hearing our team name on the megaphone. Funny. BTW, we chose "That's What She Said". I received shirts from Amazon on Friday so that was cool too.

I had two goals. First, finish the event. I've been working towards this for a few months as a method to get in shape so finishing would kind of legitimize the miles I've put on the bike and running shoes. Second, don't fall in. This is pretty obvious since it's 35 degrees outside. Plus all the pictures from last year that show people underwater...let's just say I had a few laughs.

We are moving along pretty well down the river, even passing one or two other groups. I wondered out loud how much further and another contestant said, "I don't think we're quite half way". Wow. There were several obstacles, low water levels, rocks, etc. but we were navigating them pretty well.

Shortly after the half way point there was an obstacle, then a sharp turn to the left and the current was pushing us to the right. We both started paddling on the left and with the weight from both of us on that side, well, we tipped. F'in cold at first. I think we both submerged but kept our paddles and canoe. It was very difficult getting the canoe tipped over and after about 5 minutes we manager to get going again. I was more shocked that pissed. Goal number 2: FAILED

We kept going and were navigating the course at a more cautious pace. We were getting passed by a few but still managed to keep up with the main group we started with. There were a few places that were only wide enough for a canoe and several tree branches that we had to duck or bob one way or the other. That's how the second dip in the pool happened. I think the canoe got stuck on the branch as we were ducking, there was another canoe hitting us in the rear and we just tipped. Still not sure what really happened. We were in shallow water (2 ft.) but it was still cold. Goal number 2: FAILED AGAIN

It was another 20-30 minutes to the end of the line and when we got there we carried our canoe up the bank and about 20 concrete steps. That was not easy. We were drenched and the bank was nothing but mud. About half way up the stairs some of the Parks and Rec people were helping everyone out, thank god.

We headed to our staging area where I grabbed my duffel bag and went to the restroom and changed. It took about 10 minutes because the clothes were just clinging to my body. I was wearing: shorts, running pants, lined wind breaker pants, t-shirt, 2 long sleeve t-shirts, team name t-shirt, windbreaker, sideline jacket from football team in Jal, NM. New gear included: two long sleeve shirts, team name t-shirt (wasn't that wet), shorts, fleece sweats. I also had two extra pairs of socks and my running shoes. The main problem was I didn't bring any extra under garment. Nothing warmed up the rest of the event...if you know what I mean.

We met back at the running area and took off walking to hopefully get some circulation going. After a couple hundred yards I told my partner I was gone. "I'll catch up to you in a bit." After the 1.25 turn around area, I started looking for him assuming he would be right behind. I can't remember where I was but I did pass him and we high-fived. At the finish line they called our current time but I don't remember what it was. I was surprised that I was able to complete the 2.5 miles without stopping.

My wife was there and came to see how we were doing. I was probably rude to her as I was cold and still wet in some places. The last part, biking 12 mi. was actually the easiest part. I did not wait for my teammate but knew we had to finish together. I wanted to keep moving. For the first 2 or 3 miles I saw very few teams. Things started picking up and I was passing a few occasional bikers but nothing significant. I remember shortly past mile 4 seeing a few of the younger more athletic and gung-ho teams coming the other direction but wasn't discouraged. Figured if I just kept a good even pace we would be fine.

After the turn around I started passing more groups and that was encouraging. However, I still had not passed my teammate. Not sure how far he had come but I remembered one gentleman that was extremely slow and figured he would surely get past him. There he was at the 8 mile mark, coming the other direction. Not my teammate, the other guy. At that point I figured he was not coming so I kicked in up a notch. Now I'm not bragging here and remember the teams have to finish together so there's a handicap there. But in that last 4 miles I estimate passing 20-25 people. The last 2 miles was brutal into the wind with no protection from the trees. But the most important thing was Goal 1: NOT FAILED

WooHoo!!

• I'm over 1000 on my counter. "I'd like to thank all the little people.." jk
• the 3P on Saturday should be interesting as the temp at 7 am is supposed to be about freezing. 20 mph sustained wind, gusts to 30.
  
• last night we were watching tv when someone pounded on the door very loudly. When we got there, nobody there. Isn't there a term for that? You'll never hear me say it.
  
• DC has some pretty good humor and political insight over at his blog. Check it out. He updates his more frequently than I do.
  
• Now that the floor is finished I'm able to park in the garage again. I dig that.
• The Rangers had two scrimmages scheduled tonight and both were canceled. I was looking forward to seeing how we stacked up against the other teams.
• First Class still hasn't had their iPhone application released by Apple. I'm starting to get pissed about that. I'm also on their list to beta their new server and I can't get an answer if I was approved.
  
• I've got a meeting with Apple tomorrow regarding laptops for teachers. Should be interesting to say the least. I asked them to get me a couple of demo units and they're bringing one tomorrow, one will be mailed. That's kind of impressive considering the cost.
• I bought a mouth guard to use while a sleep and I think I was clenching it to keep it from falling out. I guess that's better than tooth on tooth.
• I could take a nap every day.
• Tech is playing Baylor in Dallas the next two years. One at Jerry's Place and the other at the Cotton Bowl. Waco's gonna miss outa county Leon.
  

Can't Wait to Get One!

Bored? Got Lots of Time?

Check out this version of Tetris. How long will it take to fill an entire row? I like the fact that they have a timer so you can keep track of exactly how much time an employee is wasting at work.

And Finally

Here's the finished product. We got all the furniture moved back last night and this morning. Guess I should have taken a picture before doing that but oh well, I'm not moving it back out now. Keep in mind that it is about 10 ft. wider than shown.

Mechanics-R-Us

So I take the truck in for oil change and tire rotation, no biggee. I tell him pure synthetic oil as he put synthetic blend on the ticket. Told me, "The blend is what is recommended for your vehicle". Last time I took my truck to 2 places and they both told me the blend is not recommended. Whatever. I want the pure and he obliged.

I asked for a price to change the spark plugs and after punching a few keys he replied "about $325". Ex-squeeze me? Baking powder? Seems there is more labor on the Ford trucks because they don't have a distributor cap, blah blah blah. I don't buy his story pass on the plugs, whatever. I talked to a buddy later and he confirmed they don't have a distributor cap but there really isn't any extra labor. I'll tackle that job myself.

So we're leaving Putt-Putt and the station calls. They say a battery cable is corroded and it needs to be cleaned, $12.99. I ask how much to replace it. I had the battery changed in October (different place) and they told me the same thing, cleaned the cable and I was on my merry way. This guy says they just sprayed some stuff on the cable, didn't clean it. Who do you believe? Anywho, after being put on hold he picks back up and tells me that I don't need them replaced, just cleaned. I know, I heard you the first time. Maybe there is a problem with the cable and I'd prefer to have it replaced. So I didn't want to argue, just told him to clean it.

I go pick it up and as always they have a recommendation on maintenance that really should be done today. If not today, as soon as you can. I was surprised that everything cost what they said it would but had the extra $511 of recommended maintenance on page 2. I started going to this place because I felt they were more honest and had better pricing than others. Why the quick turn around? Are they starving for business? Is there a lack of training? Knowledge?

Did I mention that the tire rotation was free since I purchased the tires there? Odd that their system didn't show that I purchased them there. I told him when it was and that "Firestone" was on the tire. He didn't charge me but mentioned that I should bring my receipt next time to ensure I don't get charged. Oh, I'm getting charged...wait a minute.

Poor Rodent

Before..During...Almost After

TGIF??

It would be if it weren't the last day of spring break. As the week winds down I've realized it takes longer for my body to recover from physical exertion than it used to. So you know I've been working on the ceramic floor but yesterday I also biked 12 mi., scrubbed the master bath tub and helped at baseball practice for 2 hours. I was pretty sore last night, mostly my feet, and am wishing I had a new lower back this morning. I will probably be like this for another day or two judging from the past.

I took pictures through the entire process, trying to figure out the best way to post them. Tip: check the memory card for other pictures before downloading. I was using the wife's camera...and...uh...let's just leave it at that.

I'm hesitant to move the fridge back into the kitchen as I don't want to scratch or break a new tile. FUBAR says to put down cardboard. I also read online that the grout and tile isn't really in it's complete state until up to two weeks after it's laid and I do like the fridge near the recliner.

New random thoughts:

• Fishing is harder than it sounds.
• Coffee tastes good at any time.
• The NCAA tournament has little interest to me. I enjoy watching the close games but you don't have to show the higher seeded teams blow out another. Boring.
• Happy Birthday Ben.
• Those mini donuts...chocolate are 1o0x better than the powdered ones.
• I'd like to get a new truck but the one I have in almost paid. It's like getting a raise at work. I guess I could double up and get my insurance reduced also.
• It would have been 1 to 1 1/2 hours wait to get an oil change this morning at 8:15. Later dude.
• I like new shoes, does that make me gay?
• Eight days until the 3P Challenge. Do hospitals take reservations?
  

Just in the Nick of Time

Lemme tell you somethin'. If'n you're gonna lay ceramic tile, be prepared to work. For the fourth day in a row I am completely drenched in sweat. I did the grout work this morning and after 3 hours it's done. I still have plenty of washing to do, probably 3 or 4 times. Once you begin the grout work, you cannot stop especially if you have a large area. By the time I got to the last 10-15 square feet, the group was pretty hard and it took some scrubbing to get it off the tile. My sponge is ruined. Had I taken a break or waited between float and sponge there's no way I could have gotten it cleaned. Whew. Let me just add one more thing. If you come to my house, stay off the kitchen floor for 16-24 hours...or else!!!

BTW, speaking of float:
CrappieRaider OUT!!!

Happy Something

This could be the greatest holiday in the world. I met my wife (rather reunited) at a St. Patrick Day party. It was a great evening with events that I'm not sure she knows. Seems that one of the hosts recently broke up with his girlfriend and she liked me. The other roommates were talking me out of dating her as it's just not right to date a friend's ex. I agreed and still do. That's just not right. If, after 6 months there is still a mutual interest, go for it. Anyway, seems that one of the guys talking me out of this had a huge crush on her and wanted her for himself. I think they did date but for a short period.

When my soon to be wife showed up, keep in mind my memory fades over time, we escaped for a while just driving around. We kinda hung out on a sofa in the living room for a few hours and pretty soon the sun rose. The rest is history. Great history. Wonderful history. Historical history.

Deep Thoughts with...

http://www.deepthoughtsbyjackhandey.com/random2.asp

• If people were more like me, would I like them?
• Always thought I could be an actor but never have, unless you count the Sheppard role I had in Catholic school.
• Will Ferrell is very funny but that Bush special sucks.
• Synthetic oil does seem to work better and longer than standard oil.
• The house is a mess and Spring Break just started. One more thing to put on the honey-do list.
• I like ducks.

Ranting...Again

Drivers these days suck. Forget about the failure to use a blinker rant, this one is for the people that brake in the middle of the road for no reason. It must have happened a half dozen times yesterday on the way to/from Flower Mound. And to the little lady in the Infiniti that couldn't decide whether to brake, turn, fart or whistle, I hope you finally made it to the hair dresser.

Later in the day we were fortunate enough to get beside a red Mustang with an 18 year old girl driving. She was driving that thing like you would imagine but when we got beside her, discovered she had small children in the back seat. I couldn't believe it. I'm not sure but would wager they weren't buckled in.

Lastly, since I started biking (nice face plant) more it's been brought to my attention that people either don't care or just don't see cyclists. I can't tell you how many times I've thought I was about to get hit. Special thanks to the construction worker that was talking on the phone, drinking a Coke and was too busy to signal much less slow down. When he took that turn I thought I was a goner. Please be careful people. Maybe I'll get one of these.

An for your Sunday morning pleasure:

Creepy or Cool?

Made out of scrap metal...one vote for cool.

Musing in the Morning

• Wonder if David is a proud papa now.
• Got a new bike the other day. Sucks that it's raining and 40 degrees. It's like getting a new box of Little Debbies and you're out of milk.
• There's a weird static noise on my TV every time I change the channel. Of course it's out of warranty so there's no telling what it would cost to fix. I have to hit the mute button before I change the channel and if I FF or rewind. Very annoying.
• I hate when one of the kids is sick. I feel just awful for them and would rather be sick.
• The word "amazing" is used too much. I think we should start using "groovy" instead. Every contestant on every show during their interview will utter these words: "For me, personally, it was amazing". Shoot me now. Why not just, "It was groovy man".
  
• The new U2 CD could be a little better. There is too much lead into each song. One of the songs doesn't start the song until the 1:38 mark and several songs are the same way. Too artsy fartsy. There are enough good songs to save the CD though.
• There's some kind of worm working it's way through our network at work. Very odd that someone can write code like that. Doesn't appear to be malicious, just annoying. I love the flash drive but people need to realize they need to be scanned for viruses just like a hard drive.
• Anybody still use a ZIP drive? Ran across one at the admin building the other day...flashback. 100M. WOW.
• For some reason I like the music of Lady Gaga. Has nothing to do with her looks, trust me. Her voice kind of reminds me of Donna Summer. Poker Face.
  

But Dad...

I was thinking about the excuses I used to use when I got in trouble when I was younger. Seems like "Steve told me to do it" was number one on the list. My second favorite excuse was the ever famous "I don't know". That didn't work on Mr. Hand nor did it work on my parents. I was also thinking about the age that I stopped making excuses...still haven't. The opportunities to blame my older brother are fading so let's see if I can work it in during the Easter break. Dad's reaction?

Saw on DC's Blog, Nice

Early Weekend Start

So I got my butt out of bed and went to the Greenbelt at 7:15 am. Met a co-worker and we did the 6 mile trek and back (1:15 hr). It was not as bad as it would seem although I had to dodge several larger rocks on the path. It will be interesting in 3 weeks at the 3P Challenge. If you look at the pictures from last year, check out number 37. For my sake, I hope the paramedics are on site.

TO Finding A New Team?

The ticket has it's sports pants going crazy this morning as it is reported that TO has been cut. Crap. Anything that assists in the ultimate failure of the Cowboys is greatest to me. Say it isn't so!!! BTW, check out his web page and the picture on the left.

Mean People Suck

When it comes to mean people, there should be a restraining order especially when it comes to kids. There is a coach on one of the kid's teams that was talking very stern to one of the other kids. I though it was his son. But after a while I realized he was talking to all of them the same way. Even told one kid to "Shut you yap". C'mon dude. Get a life. Have some fun. Lighten up Francis. I wish there were a jerk police that rode around the baseball fields writing tickets for people that suck. Let's hold court right there in the dugout and let me be the judge. I of course would be excluded from all charges.

One more before I go

I Heart My Kids

Notice the word "My" in the title. Last night my oldest son had a couple of friends over to play videos games, etc. so the youngest was exiled to the living room with the parents. Oh no. We queued up "Wall-E" on the VOD (greatness btw) to make sure he would be happy. The movie was good and he was totally into it. Earlier in the day we watched "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and he was into it also. Just spending some time with him without arguing, fighting, whatever was so good for me. Times like that are the ones I should remember instead of the talking back, forging teacher's names on letters home, running in the house, and/or throwing Legos at each other.

The middle child and I went to baseball practice early and I did some soft toss with him. He gets this little grin on his face that is...well...precious. Usually when he wants to laugh but doesn't want anyone to know. Anyway, we had a good time freezing our tails off, and practice went on for about and hour and a half. We talked, mostly about baseball, and seemed to enjoy each other's company. He told me he didn't really learn anything at practice and I was pretty quick to correct him. You might have seen or done all of the drills before but paying attention to details and fundamentals will improve you more. He kinda grinned and said something like, "yeah I guess so" but with that same little grin. Gotta love it.

Zach is the oldest and youngest at the same time. We get along okay but we have the typical teenager vs. adult conversations. When he wants or needs something it's very easy to get him to do his chores or help me with something. Since he had friends coming over, he was to help me get his room cleaned. Usually we have to tell him 2 or 3 times to do something but yesterday, once. Greatness. We never really had a bonding moment or anything like that but just the cooperation and willingness to help means a lot. Just like everyone else is asking right now, "Why can't you be like that all the time"?

Hypthetical No. 1

So let's say you have a meeting that your job depends on that is several miles away. You have been driving for a while and have to pee really bad. If you stop somewhere you are going to be even later that originally planned thereby putting your job in more jeopardy. The only thing you have in your vehicle to pee in is your favorite cup, glass, water bottle. Would you pee in it, wash it, and use it again knowing what you used it for?