Das Mixture

Where In the World is Wall-E

Opening Line

Forget political undertones, we'll just smack you upside the head until you get it.

Jaclyn and I ventured out to the theatre yesterday morning to catch the animated infomercial Wall-E. Disguised as a love story, Wall-E is not only a warning of where our planet is headed, but also a vehicle of hope - if only we'll do the right thing.

All that aside, it is an enjoyable romp that has many comical moments. Moments it seemed that many in the crowd did not fully grasp. Disney's animated movies always have numerous jokes that young minds just cannot wrap their hands around, yet more than once only a few adults laughed at what I thought were obvious jokes.  Perhaps kids really do suck the life out of their parents.

Speaking of Trash

Wall-E is basically a trash compactor with the single purpose of cleaning up the earth. Something that definitely needs to go into the trash is every single copy of In the Name of the King. My god, extra sessions at the dentist would be considered a bonus compared to this steaming pile of crapathus. Jaclyn and I made the major mistake of renting the aforementioned movie this weekend and would rather cover ourselves with honey and lay on top of a red ant hill for two hours rather than sit through it again.

Whomever wrote this trash should be demoted to a greeting card sweat shop in Kazakhstan. There were some good actors in this movie and even they couldn't save the horrible dialog. Stay away - stay far away.

Week Two

Jell-o anyone? That is how my arms and shoulders feel after our first workout of the One Hundred Push Up Challenge - Week Two. This morning, while dawn was sleeping in, I began with my push ups (alongside Jaclyn) and managed to eek out eight bonus push ups during the last (fifth) set. Then it was on to the rest of my work out. E-gads - bench press is basically out of the question... No matter, I was able to complete everything else, although not as many reps as I have been doing (normally three sets of 15 reps; today, some sets were 12 reps). Progress - right...

Heartburn

Hopefully, there are only four days until we sign the papers on the house. I am having to pop Zantac like they are candy because of the heartburn this is causing. Think positive; think positive, think positive.

Listening to: Superstar - Sonic Youth

Push It Real Good

Opening Line

There is a thin line between love and hate.

Especially when you challenge yourself with push-ups. Friday was go time and I answered the bell with 65 push-ups, thus completing Week One of the One Hundred Push-up Challenge. The first two sessions (Monday & Wednesday) weren't too bad; not easy by any means, but not a struggle in the least. But Friday was the day when the arms starting shaking during the last sets and I was thining, "um, there is no way I am going to have a decent upper body work out this morning..." Ack!

The Final Countdown

Less than a week before we close on the homestead. I am freaking out to say the least. Even though all the inspections have been completed with no issues and all the paper work up to this point has been as smooth as silk, I still stress when the phone rings, expecting it to be ou realtor with some unpleasant news.

In the mean time, Jaclyn and I have been packing and taking the items we know we can live without for the next five months over to the storage facility. Unfortunately, we have reached the point where the storage facility will hold, maybe, three more boxes. I have come to realize we have too much crap and could likely live happily without half of it. Just an FYI, the Wii is NOT going into storage.

Boob Tube

Finally, Jaclyn and I are toying with the idea of not getting cable TV in our temporary quarters. I am not saying this is a good idea, especially since I will be required to have actual conversations with my wife (!), but perhaps it's not a bad thing. Anybody out there have some subjects that I can use as conversation starters that won't drive me insane?

Last Night's Beer: BJ's Pirahna Pale Ale

Listening to: Look Sharp - Joe Jackson

Restless

Opening Line

Salesmen do not stop...talking.

A restless night last night in Round Rock, Texas. Translated, it means no sleep. We were out late last night with a customer and probably could have been rolling into bed at least an hour earlier except our Sales Manager got on a roll. E-gads!

Sandra Bullock

While not a Sandra Bullock fan per se, I did visit her restaurant in Austin, Bess Bistro. My first experience was disappointment as the beer list, while enticing, was woefully out of date. When an employee tells you, "we haven't carried that for months" perhaps that is a sign someone should show some initiative and update the list (my co-worker had the same issue with the wine list).

The food was definitely good - I wouldn't say "great" - but definitely good. I can't see myself saying, "Hey, we're in Austin, let's eat at Bess Bistro." On the other hand, Sandra apparently shows up from time to time, so if one does want to take a chance at glimpsing Ms. Bullock, at the very least they will get a good meal out of the deal.

Last Night's Beer - Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale

Can You Hear Me Now

Opening Line

What can I do to make you a satisfied customer today?

Don't funk up my order.

In the end, I'll have to blame technology or a lack thereof. Yeah, I know, this post gets more confusing by the word. I personally was confused when I woke up yesterday morning with no phone service and no internet. What the funk! Apparently someone at AT&T got a little over zealous and instead of transferring my service(s) on July 3rd, they took care of everything immediately. Um, doh?

Luckily Jaclyn and I have cell phones and I have a wireless network card. Ironically though, when I called AT&T, my services are still slated to be "set up" on the 3rd. Obviously they will not be billing me and, in addition, are sending me a loaded VISA gift card for my troubles.

Get Up

Hump day in Week One of the One Hundred Push-Ups Challenge. Two things working against me this morning as I moved to the floor like a tub of warm sludge for my push-up session. First, I was mas tired and second, I unwittingly did my upper body work out last night. Think, man, think! I am thinking I may have to change up my schedule so I do my push-ups and then move into my upper body work out.

Perseverance led to 59 push-ups this morn - five of those were bonus during the last set. "Bonus Push-ups" - sounds not right!

Last Night's Beer - Lagunitas Maximus (Limited Release)

Listening to: All Over Town - No North

Bad Attitude

Opening Line

We have become far too disposable.

I blame Wal-Mart. To wit, I was in therapy yesterday when one of the therapists asked a patient if they wanted to change, explaining that they did not want her shirt to get stained by the lotion (or whatever it is) they were going to use. The patient declined, stating that, "The shirt cost only $6.00 at Wal-Mart."

Now, I know we are all aware that clothes available at Wal-Mart aren't constructed to be long-term purchases. In fact, most (if not all) name brand clothing sold by Wal-Mart is made on seperate assembly lines, with lesser grade materials in order to meet Wal-Mart's agressive price points.

That said, this is not meant to be a rant about Wal-Mart, rather just an observation of the culture it has created. The value isn't necessarily the low price, but it is the expected disposability of the product because of the low price. If an article of clothing gets torn or stained it's not an issue because it was so cheap to begin with.

To me, that's sad. Is there a price point where we consciously or sub-consciously feel we do not have to take care not to ruin a purchase or is the vendor we purchase the item from come into play. Are we more likely to take care of a shirt from Macy's than one from Wal-Mart?

I don't have answers. But I do know that the attitude, that seems a little too pervasive, leads to more trash that doesn't have a place to go.

Listening to: F.M. - Steely Dan

Pushing Up

Opening Line

Not as easy as you think.

Day one is in the books and I can feel the burn. 45 push-ups according to the plan, although I did not read anywhere in the plan where one should be doing push-ups at 4:15 in the A.M. However, since Jaclyn has an early day and we're doing this together - 4:15 it was. Definitely not as fun as running early in the morning.

Are you up to the challenge?

Welcome to the Zoo

Yesterday we drove across town to look at the model of the house we are going to purchase (again). Second and third looks are always good and this time we took a tape measure with us because on the plans some areas do not have measurements. Ideas abound and we are ready for the builder to break ground. Hopefully the permitting process will complete soon.

To Be or Not to Be

It is getting time for me to decide whether or not I want to shell out 90.00 for the Houston Fit Marathon Training Program. This year I have opted not to return as a coach so I can focus on myself for a change. I will likely have to join the program in progress, but to be truthful, I don't know if I will be able to run at all and I hate to waste 90.00. Perhaps we'll see what the doctor says on July 3rd and then decide. 

Last Night's Beer - Saint Arnold Summer Pils

Listening to: Modern Way - Kaiser Chiefs

Swing Low

Opening Line

Pelicans are stanky birds.

Spent 45 minutes on the water yesterday morning. I am noticing more and more people getting out there - mostly scullers and folks training on their dragon boats. Kayakers are definitely a minority (a whopping two - Jaclyn and I).

Paddling is hard work, especially with the humidity at greater than 90%. I tried to be more deliberate in my strokes yesterday, but pacing is tough in a whitewater kayak. I can slow down my pace, but not too much as I am constantly having to use strokes to stabilize and steer the boat.

Up for the Challenge

Taking a cue from Jess, Jaclyn and I are taking the 100 Push-Ups Challenge. Yesterday, we did our initial test prior to hitting the water and we will officially begin the program on Monday morning right after we roll out of bed.

Hopefully this will be motivating for me. Since I cannot run, I need a goal of some sort and to be honest, lifting weights (which I do three times a week) isn't really motivating at all.

Last Night's Beer - Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA

Listening to: Guess Who Ran Off With The Milkman - The Pipettes

Door to Door

Opening Line

Lolly, Lolly, Lolly get your adverbs here.

Use it with an adjective, it says much more,
Anything described can be described some more.
Anything you'd ever need is in the store,
And so you choose very carefully every word you use.

Use it with a verb, it tells us how you did,
Where it happened, where you're going, where you've been.
Use it with another adverb -- that's the end.
And even more...

How, where, or when,
Condition or reason,
These questions are answered
When you use an adverb.

The School of Hard Knocks

The good news is that a nice, fat "SOLD" sign now adorns our For Sale Sign. That said, I am still stressed (or nervous) and will be until the final papers are signed.

As far as our inspection went, we have to install a door on the laundry room. It was originally removed by the builder at our request as the laundry room doubles as our "Cat's Office" - if you know what I mean.

Hence I am now learning to hang a door - big fun...

Last Night's Beer - Lagnitas Lucky 13

Described as a "Mondo Red Ale" the initial bouquet tempts you with what might be in store. My first sip was a "hey, wait a minute" moment as it was a tad thin. But then the malt and hops kicked in and made my mouth a happy place. This one was hard to put down, but realizing I had a 22 oz bottle all to myself, I took my time. A good wife and a good beer make for an enjoyable evening.

Listening to: Basket Case - Green Day  

Immortal

Opening Line

I have reached the pinnacle of success; hence, I may die in peace.

Many a blogger seeks readership and awards, but that is nothing compared to what I would consider the ultimate honor: to be included in Vanilla's Weekend Splits. Verily, all the readers in the world will not guarantee you a spot in Weekend Splits. It boils down to did you or did you not apeal to the whim of Vanilla. Anyway, with this past weekend's appearance, my work on this planet is now completed and I shall trudge off to my next mission with a smile on my face.

Fish Heads

On a related note, "vanilla" in moderation is a good thing. I am no longer talking about Half Fast, but something of a bit more importance - beer. This past Saturday I tried a Dogfish Head Immort Ale and was pleasantly surprised. Using vanilla in beer can be precarious at best. For example Breckenridge's Vanilla Porter is heinosity in a bottle. The Immort Ale on the other hand is just the opposite. Featuring ingredients such as juniper berries and maple syrup, along with the vanilla, the Immort Ale is smooth, well balanced and not too sweet. Perhaps the peet smoked barley helps balance out the sweetness from the maple and vanilla.

Although it checks in at 11% alcohol it is not overwhelming in the least. Put it on the "Recommended" List.

Signs

We have not heard anything back from our realtor since the inspection last week. I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. I do know the option period ends today. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Last Night's Beer - Sierra Nevada Summerfest

Listening to: Unforgiven - Metallica

Shabooh Shoobah

Opening Line

Today's tides begat calm waters on the lake today.

A little less fun to be sure, but much easier from a paddling standpoint. 40 minutes on the water this morning with minimal breaks (two for water). The upper body definitely feels it after awhile. Joining the kayakers (Jaclyn and I) and a host of scullers was a dragon boat. Perhaps more appropriately, a dragon boat in training. Pretty cool either way.

Passport Please

I had to make a trip to the passport office yesterday. I must admit, for a government organization, the passport office was a model in efficiency. I drove downtown, checked in, sat down and was on my way within about thirty minutes. I came back at the designated time, spent less than five minutes in line and was handed my passport.

Of course, after having to do this, the very reason for me to get a passport was delayed. Seems that the customer did not want to sign the contract until Wednesday, and our organization isn't sending anyone across borders without a contract. So, my trip over to Mexico is, at the very least, delayed a week or more.

Last Night's Beer: Sam Adams Imperial Pilsner

Listening to: Radar Love - Golden Earring