You listen to death metal, oh we will never work out...

Being a runner, I have a lot of time to be alone with my thoughts. Mostly I zone out and listen to my ipod and day dream, but sometimes I will have actual thoughts of substance as I try to figure out my life or make a decision or just ponder things. I read an article the other day in Esquire about what your musical taste says about you and it got me thinking yesterday during my run.

The article starts by discussing how one of the first questions we ask people in order to get to know them is "what music do you like?". We ask this question because we are trying to glean some insight on the type of person they are:

But here's the problem: This premise is founded on the belief that the person you're talking with consciously knows why he appreciates those specific things or harbors those specific feelings. It's also predicated on the principle that you know why you like certain sounds or certain images, because that self-awareness is how we establish the internal relationship between a) what someone loves and b) who someone is

I started thinking about how I answer that question. Usually I think I probably give some generic answer like, "oh I listen to just about everything but mostly rock music and not a lot of country but it depends on what I am doing". Does that mean I fundamantally reject country music because of what it stands for? I have to admit it country music conjures up images of good ol' folks from the bible belt who believe quite heavily in god and rely on old fashioned values (things I do not relate to). So is it the music I don't like or the message or both? Why do I prefer rock and hop/hop?

Well I know that the majority of time that I am listening to music is when I am driving or working out. On average I spend more time working out than I spend driving so most of my music is high tempo, or really rocks or is fast and hard. This type of music helps me stay motivated and fires me up so I can pretend for the 4 minutes the song is on that I am a bad ass. If people were to look on my playlist they may get a different impression of me than is entirely accurate.

This is an interesting topic in itself but that got me to thinking, what is the best question to ask someone if you are trying to get to know them? If music isn't reliable and politics and religion are not on option because most people are uncomfortable talking about that with someone they dont know, it leads me to "what do you like to do"? I hate this question though, it is so vague and unfocused and I always feel like people dont really answer this honestly unless there is something they are really passionate about. How many guys (or girls) have answered that question by saying "I like to watch porn and masterbate"?

The article was funny and I think he ended it perfectly by stating:

So here is my advice: The next time you have to talk to a stranger against your will, don't ask, "What kind of music do you like?" Instead, ask him, "What kind of music do you think you like?" This question may confuse him, and—depending on how you ask it—he may end up striking you. But at least the answer will be true. And as an added bonus, you'll probably get invited to fewer parties.

American Gladiators

For those of you who missed it, the semi finals of American Gladiators was on last night. Nick and Adam came by and we made bets before the game began for our overall womens and mens winner. I was wrong both (boff) times. The woman who won completely dominated and had a 15 second lead and flew threw the course beating her time. The woman who lost turned out to be one of the most annoying contestants and although it meant that I would lose, I was still glad she didn't win.
The Preacher versus the Teacher show down ended in a suprise upset. The Preacher had a small lead but by the time he got to the hand bike, the lead was gone. They both had trouble getting up the treadmill thing at the end but Teacher hung in and won.

The final I believe is Sunday at 7. I am house sitting this weekend (my parents just got a 50 inch high def tv though) so I would be love to host a little viewing party out there. Since most of us have Monday off maybe the drive wouldnt be so bad and the tv will be an incentive. We could also play Wii and bbq out there as well. Or I could drive into town and I still wouldnt mind hosting something at my apartment if anyone is interested.

Oh and Adam got both the mens and womens winner right. Nick split. And again, I lost boff times.

Starbucks and I are Heading for a Break Up

I subscribe to a newsletter that I get through HungryGirl.Com which is a website devoted to nutritional information, recipes and keeping up to date with new products etc. Much to my shock and horror their most recent newsletter informed me that Starbucks was going to phase out their breakfast sandwhiches.

This is not acceptable. I am absoultely in love with their reduced fat turkey bacon breakfast sandwhich. That and a coffee is the perfect quick breakfast. I do not like to eat sweet things in the morning and if they get rid of their egg sandwhiches all that leaves is the sugary items.

The good news is that I will spend less money by not going there as frequently. The bad news is there is really nothing thats quick to pick up to eat in the morning on my way to work that is healthy and good and doesnt have icing.

Damn you Starbucks, you are going to be losing one less of your 3 billion customers, so suck it.

Pedigree Commercial

I saw this commercial the other day at the gym and teared up (I played it off as sweat). It kills me. As soon as I can afford a house, my first order of business will be to adopt a dog.

Nice Weather Makes Everything Better

It was so nice to be able to open all of the windows and air the winter out of my apartment this weekend. The first nice weekend of the year and soaking up that vitamin D was fantastic. Looking ahead it is going to be like this all week too, hopefully we dont take any steps back to the low 50s until next fall.

I really had nothing else to post except my change in mood thanks to the weather and now that that is done I bid you adieu while I go watch Americas Funniest Home Videos.

Ok, Not So Stressed Out Now....

Phew, ok the feeling of sufocation has somewhat subsided. I seriously felt like I was having a bit of a panic attack there. Ok so I am being more reasonable now and although this is still a problem, it isnt insurmountale. I can't worry about making the "right" decison so much because I have many wrong decisions yet to make in my life and thats ok. I need to explore the options I may have and keep an open mind about things. I also need to get a long, sweat inducing workout in which always makes me feel better. And then have a stiff drink. And then sleep for 12 hours so I can put off thinking about it;)

Do I Stay or Do I Go Now

I woke up this morning in a good mood. I went to bed at an early time and got a really good nights sleep so I felt refreshed and awake. I get to work and I have problem after problem with my computer but I was still in a good mood and wasn't letting it bother me.

Then my mom came in to talk to me privately and basically let me know that my dad was talking to a lawyer about a 10 year plan that would sell the business two of our superintendents and myself. There has never been a serious duscussion about me taking over the business alone or with partners which I have been happy about because I am not ready to make that type of decision. Although things have gotten better at work, I know construction isnt my passion. Unfortunately I have no idea what my passion is, just what it isnt.

I like that this job is flexible and I work standard hours which allows me to have time to run and train and go to the gym which is extremely important to me. It also is chellenging at times without being a huge stress. The thought of having a job where I can't incorporate that because I work 12 hours a day sounds absolutely miserable to me and I couldnt do it. I have been strugling to find my passion in life since I seriously started thinking about it when I was 21. I have gotten no closer and I am increasingly frustrated by it so lately I have just pushing that aside and trying to ignore it.

My mom also said that the way this 10 year plan would work is we would invest for 10 years into it and if we change our minds at the end of the 10 years, we dont get that money back. So if my dad today told me I had to decide this now my answer would be no, I still don't know if this is what I want to do. My mom doesnt think he will bring this up for awhile, but I am feling really sort of panicked by it. I have been able to push off a final decision if you will but it is closing in on me now and I am going to have to be forced to decide.

I wish I knew what I wanted to do and what I was passionate about, I would give anything to be one of those people who have always known what they wanted and have gone for it. I have the drive I just dont know where the hell I am going. I know that if he asks me about this soon I will have to say no that I am just not comfortable making this decision now that he will suggest that he will probably suggest I find something else to do then. And the feeling of being suffocated creeps in on me, thus ruining my day and the stupid computer keeps fucking up still, not making things any better.

Women for Women International

If anyone is interested in getting involved in overseas aid specifically targeting women from war torn countries such as Rwanada, Afghanistan, Columbia etc. Women for Women International is a great organization to get involved with. Here is what they do:

Women for Women International mobilizes women to change their lives by bringing a holistic approach to addressing the unique needs of women in conflict and post-conflict environments.We begin by working with women who may have lost everything in conflict and often have nowhere else to turn. Participation in our one-year program launches women on a journey from victim to survivor to active citizen. We identify services to support graduates of the program as they continue to strive for greater social, economic and political participation in their communities.

Once the basic needs of these women are met they are trained in job skills and business development. Annually, Women for Women International has empowered over 30,000 women survivors of war to move toward economic self-sufficiency with their year-long program of direct aid, rights education, job skills training and small business development.

To help you can donate money, shop their bazaar which features items made by the women in these programs or sponsor a women for one year. I chose sponsorship and will be sending just 27 bucks a month to a women that they match me up with. They encourage you to write letters back and forth with the woman you sponsar so you can provide support and encouragement while they try to put their lives back together. I did some research to make sure this is a legite organization and all appears good.

I have been wanting to get involved in something charitable for quite some time but haven't found something I have really liked. I am excited to financially and emotionally help support a woman who has gone through hell in her life become self sufficent and hopefully I will be able to forge a relationship with her as well.

Tree Fresno's 11th Annual Run Through The Trees

Coming up on Sunday March 9th, I will be running in Tree Fresno's 12th annual Run Through The Trees in Tower. The 6.1 mile run starts at 8:00 AM and a 2 mile Run/Walk starts at 8:05. The race starts at the corner of Van Ness and Olive and ends at Wishon and Olive so if you don't want to run or walk it, you should come out and watch (Ed you could wave from your window). If you want to see the course and get more information go here.

The race fee is only 20 bucks and you get a free, and I am sure extremely cool t-shirt, porobably with trees on it. I believe this is also the same day as the 6th Annual Valley Classic Bike Race, so it will be an action packed day.

Surgeons or Musicians?

I was perusing the NPR website when I came across this article about an instrument called the bowed piano. The picture showed what looked like a bunch of hands disemboweling a piano so I was intrigued. Although the piano has obviously been around for quite sometime, this complex take on how to play the it produces a kinda cool unique sound. Here is a link to a video clip of the bowed piano ensemble if you are interested in hearing it.

For Smiles

Can I play too?

Things that I Love

I really love getting woken up at 2:15 in the morning by a woman screaming and crying on the street right outside of my apartment. For about 10 minutes she was yelling and begging and pleading with someone not to leave. I finally got up and looked outside to see what was going on and a woman in pajamas was screaming into the passenger side rolled up window of the truck while banging her fists on it while the truck continued to roll down the street. She then started begging him to tell her that he loved her and that she would leave and let him go if he just told her he loved her. This request continued for probably 2 minutes before I could hear the guy, windows still rolled up finally say "I love you" and drive off. She then walked away crying.

I thought it would be much louder being Fat Tuesday last night but it was either pretty quiet (except for the screaming crazy woman) or I was sleeping pretty hard because I didn't hear much. My apartment is great but I have overheard some bizzare things in the middle of the night.

Fashion Frustrations

I have problems with pants. Two problems to be exact. First, I hate how easily slacks wrinkle in the front at the pockets. I have a brand new pair of wide leg white/khaki pants on and when I stand up I have horizontal lines running across my thighs. It looks terrible and sloppy. I don't think it is a size issue because they fit perfectly at the hips, maybe a little loose but thats because I have to compensate for the booty, which isnt exactly proportional to the waist and hips. From the waist up I should be around 5'3, but from the waist down I should be 5'11. My best friend is 5"11 and we have the same leg length, and I am 5'6, sort of a freak that way I guess.

Anyway the wrinkles in the front, any suggestions?

Also my other problem is pant length. I am in between a normal and a long length in pants. I should get them hemmed to the right length but there also isn't just one right length of pants, it depends on what shoes you are wearing. The same pair of pants wont look good in both a heel and a flat shoe (unless there are some magical pants out there I haven't heard of). So I went on the hunt for products that might solve my problem. I came across two interestion products.

The first is called Zakkerz. The product description says the following:

zakkerz (n.) a temporary pant roll-up wrap used to hold pants that have been rolled up to a shorter length for flat shoes. If you have pants that have been hemmed for high heels but want to wear them with flat shoes or sneakers, then you need zakkerz.

Well that sounds like it is exactly what I am looking for, except it isnt exactly fashionable (see below)


If you were wearing black pants maybe, otherwise you are adding a black stripe which might look a little odd depending on the pant. They are flexible fabric strips that contain specially designed strong magnets. You roll the pant leg up to desired length, then wrap zakkerz around bottom of pant with one end inside pant leg and other end outside pant leg. The magnets bring the two ends of the zakkerz together – holding the roll-up in place. Iventive, yes. I would be willing to give these a shot and just might do so. A set of (4) is $24.00.

I did find another product however called Out Ease Struts. This addresses the problem of pants getting stuck in the back of your heels when you are wearing slingback shows or blackless shoes (ladies you know what I am talking about). Because of this very problem I stopped even trying to wear an open back shoe with pants and save those shoes for dresses and skirts. This however could have possibility. I am not exactly sure how it works but the website says this:

They are quickly and easily attached and you're ready to go! Simply remove the adhesive backing and place inside the back center of your pant hem. You can crease or curve it to form. When you are ready to launder your garment, peel off the strips and discard.

They don't have any pictures though so it is a little vague. For $12.05 you can get a set of 5 pairs, not bad if they work and with such a low price certainly worth checking out.

If there is anything else out there that would help solve the pant deliemma, do share, it's been driving me crazy for years.

Cooking, And A Lack of Joy For It

Cooking has become quite a challenge for me, I can't seem to get past the frustrations that it causes to put meals together on a regular basis. I don't like to eat out often because the nutritional value is lacking, it can be expensive, and it never really sounds good, give or take a few restaraunts that I frequent, but it is convenient.

Typically I will get done with the gym and be starving which means if I don't have something planned I want to get something that will be fast and I will be able to eat almost as soon as I get home. This definitely makes Chipotle sound like a good option except for the expense issue (8-10 bucks a meal) and although I like to believe it is healthier then say Taco Bell, it still probably packs a calorie punch that I am choosing to ignore.

My other option is to pick something up at the grocery store to make. I do this pretty frequently and usually make a meal around the already cooked chickens they sell hot. This isn't a bad option but I don't like having to stop a few times a week to pick up miscellaneous items and I am also faced with leftovers that I know won't get completely eaten. I throw away so much food I feel guilty about it.

I am not sure what the solution is to this problem. I have tried planning meals for the week and going grocery shipping at one time for everything on my list but that will always result in thrown away food because something will come up and I won't be home for dinner or I won't feel like what I was going to make. One thing I do really like is that they are starting to make more individual sized portions of things, vegies in particular. They have these great single serving frozen veggie packs you make in the microwave and they are just enough for one person, no waste! They taste pretty good too, they just need a larger variety. I also have Lean Cusince meals pretty regularly which I like because they are low in calories and also quick and easy and most of them taste pretty good but the portion size is not big enough for dinner for me so I save them for lunch.

Moving on with the cooking deliema, my other issue is I hate cleaning and washing dishes. Not having a dishwasher adds to this problem greatly. I will admit that there has been one or more times when I have chosen to throw a dish or two away instead of clean it. Irrational, perhaps. Lazy, definitely but the only time I do this is if the dish is old and mismatched or if it is tupperware, I will frequently throw out Tupperware because I had leftovers that I didnt eat that I forget about and I am too afraid to open them because of the inevitable horrific smell that will accost me.

I want to come home and relax and not have to work by making a meal and then work again by cleaning up after it. To me, the time isn't always worth it. I used to cook a lot more and I do enjoy preparing meals but only when I have the time and the energy, which hardly seems to happen anymore.

I Hate The Winter

I cannot even begin to describe how deep my loathing for cold weather goes. I feel uncomfortable everyday in the winter because of it. Not a day goes by that I dont shiver or feel miserable because I can't get warm or stay warm.

The very beginning of everyday starts with me waiting in the bathroom for the water to get hot while I stand there shivering. Then the next hoop to get through is to get out of the hot shower and into the cold bathroom which is always horrible. I just can't keep my apartment warm and last month I had nearly a $200 PG&E bill so I also can't just leave it cranking.

When I get home at night my apartment is freezing and it takes at least a few hours to feel "warm" in the living room so in the meantime I have sweat pants, several shirts, a sweatshirt, a hat and my fake ripp off Uggs on while wrapped in a blanket on the couch.

I know none of this is exclusive to me. Pretty much everyone wakes up in a cold apartment and has to deal with the cold same as I do, but for some reason it really effects me. It just makes me angry to not be able to feel relaxed and comfortable, especially in my own apartment. I feel like my body is always clenched and it's a lot easier to dress when the weather is warm. At least dress cute, layers are not a very flattering look. The only thing that cold weather has going for it is that it is easier to sleep at night then during the summer when its hot. Other then that it sucks.

On a brighter note however, I just looked at the 10 day forecast and they are showing a sunny 69 for Sunday. Please oh please make the cold weather stop and give us more days like that!

Untitled - My Story (sorry it's long)

mike started a story meme. he picked ten words, wrote a story using them, and tagged Ed who tagged me. so, here it is:

1. pot 2. pan 3. spoon 4. fork 5. knife 6. glass 7. fire 8. water 9. light 10. sink

The knife sliced easily through the red onion, the pungent juice spilling onto the worn cutting board. The woman cutting the onion was focused intently on her task. She chopped not with the accuracy and speed of an experienced cook, but was slow and methodical as if the task was new to her and she didn't want to make a mistake. The woman's dark hair was pulled loosely behind her head in a low pony tail, a small section fell into her face and osbcured her vision. She jutted her lower lip out and blew air out forcibly. Momentarily the section of hair flew up and away from her face but immediately fell back down tickling her nose. She shook her head vigorously from side to side trying to get the wayward hair to cooperate but her actions only shook more hair out of her pony tail and into her face. Realizing she was fighting a losing battle she raised her right arm still holding the knife to her face and pushed the hair aside with the back of her hand. As she lowered her arm back down an intense sting enveloped her eyes. She squeezed shut them immediately, scrunching her face and swearing under her breath, "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!".

"Did you say something?" a male voice from the living room called out.

"Uh no, I just was looking for a ...fork. Fork! Fork! Fork!" she called back, tears streaming down her checks. She set the knife down and stepped away from the cutting board, squinting her eyes trying to find some relief. She had been planning this dinner for several days and was too stubborn to admit she was having any sort of problem. Her experience at cooking had so far been limited to microwaved rice, boxed pasta and chicken on her George Foreman grill but she didn't think a meal from scratch would be that difficult, afterall all she had to do was follow directions.

Her eyes squinting and tears continuing to stream down her face as she took a few steps to the direction of the sink. Through the pain she tried to open one eye but the tears blurred her vision. As she took another step forward her left hip slammed into an open drawer and it fell to the ground, the spoons clattering onto the tile floor. She groaned in pain, holding her hip and leaned into the sink, blindly searching for the faucet.

"Hey are you ok, what are you doing in there?" a voice called from the living room.

"Yeah I am fine, its nothing I just dropped some spoons. Everything is fine!" she replied through clenched teeht trying to sound as cheery as possible. She continued to fumble for the faucet, and turned the handle sending water rushing out into the sink. She cupped her hands underneath the running water and brought it up to her eyes, pouring the water into them to clear the sting of onion that had caused her temporary blindness. The water washed through her eyes and the sting began to subside. She reached for the dish towel on the counter and dried her face.

"That was smooth" the woman said softly to her herself, annoyed at her clumsiness. She reached down and picked up the fallen drawer and put it back in its place. As she was placing the spoons back into the drawer a noise caught her attention. She looked up and saw steam pouring out of the pot on the stove like Old Faithful. The pressure it had built up was causing the lid to jump and dance while a creamy fluid bubbled out and down the side of the pan.

"Shit!" she cried out as she rushed to the mess that was quickly forming on her stove. She instinctively stuck her hand out to remove the lid on the pot and turned the dial on the stove with her other hand. The steam enveloped her wrist as she grabbed the top of the lid, searing her exposed flesh. When she felt the pain tearing at her skin she dropped the lid, sending it clammoring onto the stove and grabbed her wrist.

"It's fine, I am fine! Just a little clumbsy tonight I guess!" she shouted, preempting the male voice from asking her about the commotion.

The sauce that has been boiling on the stove gushed over the side of the pan and spilled onto the burner andn snaked down the front of the stove and was beginning to pool on the floor. She grabbed the dish towel and removed the hot lid and place it in the sink. She then returned to the stove to remove the pot and again placed it into the sink. She tossed her dish towel onto the mess that the sauce had created, attempting to prevent it from falling off the stove.

She turned her attention to the sauce to assess whether or not any of it was salvagable but quickly realized it was a lost cause. Shifting her weight to one side, she tilted her head and sighed. She drummed her nails on the counter trying to figure out what she was going to do. She didn't want the man in the living room to know that she was ruining dinner having previously bragged that she was a good cook.

Suddenly the smell of smoke filled her nose. Wild eyed she turned to the stove and immediately saw the source of the smoke. The dish towel she had tosed on the stove had caught fire, apparently she hadn't turned the stove completely off. The flames completely enveloped the towel and she knew it was only a matter of time that the smoke alarm would go off, altering the man in the living room of the disaster she had created in the kitchen. A glass of water sat on the counter and she lunged for it, spilling the water over the side of the glass as she grasped it in her hand. She threw the water onto the fire and the flames extinguished with a loud hiss and puff of smoke. The smoke alarm had yet to go off but the room was filled with a smoky haze that was billowing up towards the ceiling, heading directly for the smoke alarm. She grabbed the pan that was in the sink and placed it on the smoking towel. It was too late though, the shrill alarm pierced her ears and she clasped her hands over them, her guttural scream overpowering even the alarm.

"GOD DAMNIT!!!"

The soud of the man running to the kitchen was hardly audible over the scream and the alarm. He frantically entered the room and quickly scanned it. Through the haze he could see the woman was standing in the middle of the room, her hands still over her ears her blood shot eyes flashed with anger. The stove was covered in a smeared chunky red sauce, a charred, smoking towel peeking out from under a pan. Various pots and pans were strewn about the room and a half chopped onion rested on the cutting board.

"What the hell is going on?" the man said, stiffling a laugh.

The woman looked up at the man, her eyes slowing changing from a look of anger to one of mild amusement until she was finally laughing. The man joined in the laughter but still wore a look of bewilderment on his face.

"Seriously are you going to fill me in on what I missed?" the man asked.

The woman composed herself and shouted over the smoke alarm to relay the story.

"I was chopping onions with that knife and my eyes started stinging and when I went to the sink to wash them out I ran into the open drawer and spilled the spoons. I washed my eyes out and when I was picking up the spoons the pot on the stove started boiling over so I tried to take the lid off and burned my wrist from the steam, I dropped the lid and grabbed the towel to remove the pot and I guess I didnt turn the stove off because I threw my hand towel on the sauce and when I looked up it was on fire. I threw the glass of water on the fire and tried to prevent the smoke from spreading I put that pan on top of the towel. It didnt work obviously".

The man laughed at the incredulus events and said, "You are one terrible chef".

"I know" the women replied, "I really am! And I need a cigarette, got a light?"


I dont have a lot of blogger friends, but I don't think Heather and E have been tagged so you are it!

The Cummulative Effect

Some days small difficulties will arise and if they had happened in isolation of one another, they wouldn't be a big deal, but when they happen concurrently it can really mess up your day. Today is one such day. To start, I had problems with my email and I couldnt get a file to go through that was important to get out right away. I thought I would just fax it, but their fax was down. I had 4 additional correspondance to get out and I experienced a problem with every single one of them when usually there is no problems at all.

We had a bid yesterday for (2) Fresno Fire Stations (we were the low bidder so we were awarded the project which is great) so all of the companies that sent in a bid call us to see if we named them. I don't enjoy breaking bad news to people anyway, but today almost all of the subs who called in gave me attitude as well. My mom didn't come in today so I have to field all of the phone calls and explain to them that they didn't get it but I can't tell them how the placed because we don't let that information out, which they argue with me about. Two guys called in with very very thick accents so I had to ask them to repeat themselves which they didnt like.

One sub gave me attitude because he didn't return a call I made to him yesterday about his bid. Apparently I should have called him again. And then one of our subs wanted a set of plans and I told her they were at our office and to come pick them up but she wanted me to ship them to her. Their office is in downtown Fresno, 10 minutes away and it would cost at least 30 bucks to ship them. So I told her we wouldn't ship and she would have to come in. If we shipped plans to all of our subs, the cost would be almost 500 bucks a project. She made a big stink and I didn't waiver in my stance.

And so on and so forth. I have a headache. It is just one of those days where I think keeping a flask of whiskey at work would be a good idea.

In The Meantime

Don't have time to post anything right now, but at least this way you get to look at something else. Also a good description of my mood at the moment. Is that any better??

Hey Adam...

I found the tattoo you should get. You can thank me later.

Sexiest Quarterbacks in History ?- I Chime In

It is good to see that MSN doesn't discrimate and judges male athletes on their physical attributes and not just women. In honor of the fast approaching superbowl they came out with a list of the 10 Sexiest Quarterbacks in History. After looking at the list I have come to the conclusion that perhaps wearing helmets is a good thing for football players, they are certainly no soccer players (my personal choice for the sexiest group of athletes, thanks in large part to David Beckham but also soccer players in general). Here is the list (in random order, there was no ranking system):

-Matt Leinart
-Randall Cunningham
-Matt Hasslebeck
-Doug Flutie
-Johnny Unitas
-Tony Romo
-Donovan McNabb
-Joe Namath
-Brett Favre
-Tom Brady

Well Leinart and Brady are the obvious choices and probably the most popular because they are current and they are pretty boys but neither one does anything for me. Leinart is forgettable and Brady seems like a douche bag. Pretty boys are just not my type.
The older quarterbacks were probably alright in their day but no one seems much more then average and ever since I saw the video of Namath being interviewed on the sidelines when he is wasted and hitting on the reporter, kind of can't get that creepy image out of my head.
McNabb and Hasslebeck also rather pedestrian (aside from the millions of dollars they make), but really the only one that I would consider sexy is Favre. He is one of those sexy older men with the gray stubbly thing going on that is just hot. You men are lucky, gray (especially the salt and pepper kind) is just sexy on a guy an hardly ever sexy on a woman. Favre also seems like a nice, solid guy and he was labeled "Toughest Guy in America" by the Men's Journal, some icing on the cake he is a mans man.
Just my opinion of course, don't really know why I am posting about this. I might still be drunk.

Ugghhh....na na na na

I guess Keith really was pouring strong last night because I was/am messed up this morning. I fell asleep with my clothes on, I didn't even take my bra off and I think I laid on my back with my arms at my side the whole night. My friend Randy randomly called me at around 2 thinking I wouldnt answer the phone to tell me about a show but because I hadn't talked to him in months and I was drunk I picked it up and chatted with him for about 45 minutes. Before that though I got on my myspace to approve everyone and ended up emailing all of these people I hadn't talked to in a long time, lord knows what I even said. I think I kept it short for most of them, just a quick hello, I hope. So yeah anyway, my stomach sucks right now. I took 3 aspirin and a pepto and have already had 3 bottles of water. I have the hangover eyes going on which means they turn this bright turqoise, but they also a little bloodshot.

Stupid whiskey, Stupid Kasey. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Benefits of going to sleep early fading fast...need caffeine. Bleh.

Busy Times

Work continues to be busier and busier as my project manager has been out for almost 3 weeks now. So I continue to do all of my regular contract administaration work with our 5 projects and I am also the stand in project manager for 2 of those projects. Luckily we are at a time in all of the projects that isn't as heavy in paperwork (like at the beginning and end of projects) and we have some great superintendents that are keeping things running smoothly on the job. I like being busier too, it makes the day go faster and it also leaves some of the crappy jobs that I hated like calling subs to see if they are bidding projects and filing to my mom because I don't have the time to do it. She works part time anyway so it works out pretty well. I am definitely feeling like I am starting to master things and that I am an important part of the company, it just took a lot longer then I expected to get there.

So with busier days at work and working out everyday and trying to improve my Guitar Hero skills (or lackthereof) I am pooped by the end of the day. Yesterday I went to bed at 9:30 and just crashed out. I have to say it was pretty fantastic and I feel a lot more energetic today, and I haven't even had any caffeine.

New Blog Up and Running

Alright the aforementioned Running and Fitness Blog is now up and running (no pun intended). I realize that I could post on about 50 different topics right now if I wanted to, but I won't. I will explain the picture in one of my posts, probably tomorrow's because it's a great story.

Also, I added Mike. I didn't realize he was never added, sorry about that.

That is all.

Health/Training Blog

Last week I noticed that Becky had a link to a health blog on your regular blog site. Basically it is where she talks about improving her overall health and fitness and all the trials, tirbulations and triumphs that can come with it. I thought this was a great idea and with my marathon coming up this year I thought it would be a good way to keep me accountable and on track and (here is the best part) I won't have to bore everyone to tears who doesn't want to read about this on my regular blog. It is also a great way to keep track of my workouts and eating habits so if I ever have any more health issues I will be able to look back at it and see where the problem might be. So Becky I tip my hat to you and will get that link and new blog up soon.

Enjoying the Day

It is Saturday, the weather is actually somewhat warm, its sunny, the mountains are covered in snow and beautiful and I am going shopping! It is a great day.

The Spirit of The Marathon Review

Well, I loved it. The individuals they followed during their training and running of the Chicago Marathon were varied in their experience and personalities but all were very likeable and you really wanted them to do well. It also didn't focus exclusively on these individuals but in addition went into the history and progression of marathon running, the rise in popularity of marathons, the history of women and marathons and the very unique way this sport combines amateur and professional athletes in the same event. The film makers were also able to put it all together in a very cohesive and smooth manner that made it easy to watch.

They followed both a male and female elite runner who were predicted to be contenders to win the race. The female elite athlete Deena Kastor was the 2004 Olympic Bronze Metalist and was the tinest little thing I had ever seen but amazingly tough. During her training she broke her foot and had to stop running for 6 weeks while it healed. During the race she battled with the defending champion the entire way and despite her training setback ended up taking it by a mere seconds (I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails). The elite male was a Kenyan, Daniel Njenga. He had a heartbreaking backstory and had run this race 3 times where he placed 3rd twice and 2nd once so you know everyone wanted him to take it and we were almost as heartbroken as he was when he placed 3rd (the following year he placed 2nd). It was, as always, amazing to see elite athletes race. Anyone who can run a 5 minute mile for 26.2 miles is awe inspiring and possibly a freak of nature in my opinion.

Then they followed a couple who were both training to qualify for Boston. For those of you who don't know, to qualify for the Boston Marathon, athletes must meet the designated time standard which corresponds to their age group and sex. So I would need to run a 3:40 marathon to qualify (about an hour off my last time). The man hurt his knee during training and was unable to run but his wife did and she qualified. They were a funny couple and the parents of a young baby so I am even more impressed that the wife and mother was able to accomplish that so soon after giving birth.

Next they followed two first time marathoners, both were female and both had different approaches to their training. One trained alone and the other trained with a group . I could completely relate to both of them, their struggles and the roller coaster ride that you experience when training for your first time. My favorite individual though was 70 year old Gerald Meyers who was running his 4th marathon (he ran his first when he was 65). He was a hilarious and I fell in love with him when the frist thing he said was that he runs marathons for "the free t-shirt of course".

What I really loved about this film is that it did a great job of showcasing why marathons are so wonderful and unique. There really isn't any other sporting event where amateur athletes compete with elite athletes at the same time on the same course. The runners in the back of pack literally follow the in the footsteps of the elite athletes that came before them. It is also something that almost anyone can do if they put the time and the hard work into it. Most people don't think they can ever run 26.2 miles and when they do it is one of the most incredible feelings in the world. You see a lot of tears at the finish line but you shouldn't assume those are tears of pain. Often times they are tears of joy and pride and of accomplishment. The film captured those moments wonderfully.

When this film is reeased it is certainly going into my (somewhat odd and eclectic) collection of dvds. It really has pysched me up to run the Train of Two Cities Marathon in November. I have only run marathons and half marathons in large cities where there are a lot of specators and I am unfamilar with the course and the area so I am excited to run something in my own backyard. Hopefully this becomes an annual event for me.

Quick Update

I realize that I have been more MIA this week than usual, but work has been more stressful than usual. We only have two Project Managers and one of them has been out sick for 2 weeks with pneumonia. He manages 3 projects so I have been doing my best to take over his projects and continue to keep things running as smoothly as possible while continuing to do my job. This has forced me to focus and learn a lot more about the ins and outs of Project Management than I have had to do before which is good because I don't feel like I am drowning but holding my own ok. I even got a compliment from my dad this morning which is a rare occurrence but much appreciated.

With the added stress I turn to my usual outlet which is exercise. I have hit the gym for about an hour and a half a day everyday for two weeks and I although I always feel much better after I workout, it has left me pretty exhausted. Strangely though I haven't been sleeping all that great. I will fall asleep early, dead tired but keep waking up in the middle of the night and feel wide awake. I eventually fall back asleep but wake up tired again in the morning. I think part of the problem is my diet hasn't been very good lately and I need to work on that to give me some more energy. I will however be rested and ready go out this weekend and be social so lets get some drinks boys!

Spirit of the Marathon

Spirit of the Marathon is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the production brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries. As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon

This film is playing one time in theaters tonight, at 7:30 PM at Edwards in Riverpark. I will be going to see it if anyone is interested in going with me. Deena Kastor is one of the featured elite runners, also a bronze medal Olympic athlete, who holds the American marathon record at 2 hours 21 minutes (that is crazy fast!).

This film also won an Audience Choice Award in its debut at the 43rd Chicago International Film Festival in October of 2007, so it should be pretty good. This marathon was also the year before the disastrous 2007 Chicago Marathon that lead to the death of one runner and the hospitalization of many as well as the cancellation of the Marathon midway through because of intense heat. It would have been a really interesting film if that was the marathon that was featured, oh well it will still be really good and you don't have to be a runner to enjoy it. There is something indescribably powerful and emotional about marathons that I really wish more people could understand and I think this film might be able to capture that.

Interested? Learn more about it HERE and buy tickets HERE.

That Burger Has How Many Calories??

I just read this article about NYC city officials reviving a plan to force chains to post calorie counts for their foods right on the menu. Although it targets major fast food restaurants, if it is passed it could eventually become a standard for all restaurants. The obvious reason to put the calorie content of the food clearly displayed on a menu is to help curb obesity by making consumers more aware of the amount of calories they are getting. In addition city officials hope that it will motivate restaurants to make healthier food items for their menus.

Now it seems that all fast food restaurants have the calorie count of their menu items online and available in the store as well, so they accessible to anyone who wants to know. The people who take the time to look this up are more than likely physically fit and health savvy or are trying to diet and lose weight. I am willing to bet that most of the individuals who are obese or overweight are probably not taking a close look at this information because they don't want to know, they don't care or it just isn't something they think about doing. These people are the target for displaying calorie counts of food. These are also the people who are probably experiencing more health problems related to their weight and adding to the obesity epidemic in the US.

I think this may be a motivating factor for some people who are overweight to make better, more informed choices about what they are eating. If you really take the time to process that a the vanilla shake you are getting has 1,110 calories or the Deluxe Breakfast you are about to order has 1,070 calories or the large fries you get when you supersize has 570 calories, there is a chance you might change your mind. (As a little side note a Super Big Gulp has 800 calories, for a freaking drink!) Obviously some people are not going to care but I know if I was craving a shake and saw that 1,110 calories next to it on the menu, I would say no way no how am I going to get that item (that's over half of my daily caloric intake, and it isn't even a meal!)

This no doubt will annoy and anger some people who do not want to be confronted with this information when they go to eat. I can understand this, but I also think it could be motivating to those people who do really want to lose weight and are struggling to do so. Many people are simply ignorant to the caloric count of most food items, understandably. It is hard to estimate what you are consuming when you aren't seeing the preparation to know what ingredients are going into your meal. I looked up the nutritional value of menu items at McDonald's (which I referenced above) and was surprised at the enormous amount of calories in some of the salad dressings, which most people feel are reasonably healthy and good for them, and I am probably more aware than the majority of people. In addition I was surprised at the low calorie count for some items (a hamburger is only 250 calories). Fast Food restaurants have begun adding healthier items to their menus which is great, but more would be better.

Ignorance may be bliss but it may also be giving you that gut in your belly. Knowing the caloric information of the food you eat (without having to search for it, lets be honest we are lazy) can at the very least help you make an informed decision of what you are putting in your body. And if you really don't want to know then don't look at it. I think this is a good idea and I hope that it gets passed and it becomes nationwide.

What Would Be Nice

What would be nice is if people would be more aware of how the way they do their jobs can effect me and my job. Whats that? You would like to hear some examples? Ok here you go:

-I often have to go get sets of plans for projects that we may bid. Last week I went to the City of Fresno Purchasing Department which is in a weird area of town where Divisedero ends and parking is very limited. So I go and give them a refundable check and head back to the office. When I get there my dad asks where the other set is because apparently I was supposed to pick up (2) sets but no one told me that. Now I have to go back to pick them up only to find out that they ran out after telling me that they would an extra set. So now I have to go back again to pick them up when this all could have been avoided had someone told me that this time they needed (2) sets in the first place. When I asked why no one told me, they laughed about it. Thanks.

-I am responsible for all correspondence and record keeping for all of the projects, so throughout the day I am getting work to do from my project managers. One of them has this really annoying habit to accumulate the work and give it to me all at once. So instead of giving me the RFI when he is done with it so I can get it out while he works on something else, he walks into my office with a stack of 15 things at once, all of which are a high priority. Inevitably this is at the end of the day and typically I will have been working on things that aren't very important until that point when I could have been working on any one of those items he had sitting on his desk that had been ready to go for (4) hours. And yes I have addressed this with him but he keeps "forgetting".

- Another one of my jobs is to get copies of plans made when we need them. Last week I took in a construction schedule to get copied and that was to be given to all of the subs and owners and other project affiliates. I was told to get 30 so I did and we were short 10. Now this isn't a huge deal but you know exactly who is getting them, why can't you be accurate in how many you need. Now I have to stop my work and leave the office and get more copies and I have been slammed with work lately so I don't really have the time.

In summary, think about how your work can effect your co-workers and don't make their lives more difficult because you aren't taking the time to do things the way you should and I vow to do the same.

Good News, Bad News

The bad news: Right now, just about everyone I know has today off and is all warm and cozy in bed fast asleep. I on the otherhand had to wake up to an annoying alarm early this morning and drag my ass out of bed. It was cold too.

The Good News: Needing a caffiene pick me up I headed over to Starbucks at 6:40 AM to get my iced vanilla latte because it is the only other drink I like there besides the pumpkin spice latte. Well naturally there was no one there because everyone is still asleep so I get to chatting with the barista and when I ordered she asked if that was my usual drink order and I told her no that it is usually the pumpkin spice but it is seasonal and much to my delight she informs me that they stil serve it until they run out of the mix which is good until October of next year. Hot damn! Triple Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte please:)

It is the little things that make life just a wee bit more bearable.

Feed the Lions or you might be labeled a nazi

I was stopped at the light at Ashlan and Cedar in the left turn lane turning left onto Ashlan this morning and there was a homeless man standing in the center divider. He was holding a sign which I was unable to read and he had a lion stuffed animal on the ground next to him. I was the second car back and he approached the first car and said something to him while motioning towards the stuffed lion. The man in the vehicle in front of me appeared not to react and the man started walking to my door.

The man approaches my window and I can't hear understand him at first because he is mumbling and I am trying to pretend I don't see him. I really hate ignoring people like this because I got yelled at by a homeless dude once for doing this and I felt really bad. The previous homeless guy went off on how he was a person too just like me and didn't deserve to be ignored. Ever since then I try to at least acknowledge these individuals because the homeless dude had a good point. The only time I don't do this though is if I feel the individual is unstable, which was the impression I was getting from him.

So he is standing less than a foot from my window and I can see him in the corner of my eye raise one arm up in the air while he is holding his other arm in a fist to his chest. He then shouts "My lion is hungry, can you spare some money so I can feed him!?". To be honest, I chuckled inside. This was certainly a new way to ask for money. But I continued to look straight ahead because he is now inches from my window and acting very bizarrely. He shouts the request again and I am really uncomfortable now so I turn to him and shake my head and mouth "sorry". Thats when things got interesting.

He then picks up the lion and puts it up to the window and says "I just wanted to feed my lion, you nazi". He doesn't sound particularly angry when he is saying this, it was more like he was making a statement, much like you would say "these pretzels are making me thirsty". Perhaps the lion was Jewish, I really don't know why not giving money to a stuffed lion makes you a nazi and didn't stick around to find out. The light turned green at about the same time and I drove off.

So I guess the moral of the story is, feed the lion or you risk being called a nazi and we should have better mental health treatment for the homeless.

So I posted cute pictures yesterday....

..but I couldn't resist!

For Adam

Since Adam may not be able to post his Wednesday smile today because he will be traveling, I am going to post one for him. This little guy born in a zoo in Nuremberg, southern Germany opened his eyes for the first time yesterday.

There is a whole slide show if you are interested in some more awww's.

Kinda makes me want a coke.

UPDATE:
Now I really want a coke.

With some jack please, thank you.

Scientific Breakthrough

Hey boys, good news. Oh wait, nevermind...

*Shrug*

The weather is miserable. I thought that maybe since yesterday afternoon almost felt like a spring day being sunny and somewhat warm, that today would turn out the same but it appears the fog and dampness aren't leaving anytime soon. I feel like even my bones are cold and all I really want to do is throw on some sweat pants, a big old comfy sweatshirt and slippers, drink something warm (a hot tottie perhaps?) and curl up in a blanket. If I had access to an open fire even better but thats not the case in my apartment. Of course I could always sit on the hardwood floor in front of the heater but somehow thats just not the same. Maybe if I got some red and orange streamers and attached them to the heaters grill so when it blew hot it would make the streamers look like flames. Maybe not.

Well despite all that I desire, right now I am sitting uncomfortably in an office with my coat still on because I havent been warm enough to take it off yet drinking a quasi warm Rockstar energy drink that I have been sipping since 7 this morning.

Obviously, I have nothing of substance or value to post on. This was the best I could come up with. Sooo...how bout that craaazy Britney or those Pats, eh?

Friday Quickies

- To the people who still turn on their Christmas lights: Christmas has been over for 17 days. New Years is gone and done with. Turning your lights on every night makes no sense and is dumb. Christmas lights are seasonal and much like I had to let the pumpkin spice latte go, you too should let the holidays go because Christmas lights by virtue of their name are seasonal.

- I bought at dress at Target the other day. It was on clearance for 10 bucks and I was in a rush so I didn't try it on. When I got home to try it on I thought it was awfully long but still cute and again only 10 bucks. As I was hanging it up in my closet I noticed the tag read "Maternity". I deduce that the reason it is so long is when you are 8 months pregnant your belly probably protrudes so much it must lift the length of the dress. Or maybe pregnant women are supposed to be more modest so they lower the hem line. I don't know but I lost the receipt so it won't be returned and I now have a dress I can wear at any size in any condition for years to come.

- To the bird that flew into my windshield this morning when I was driving to work: That sounded like it hurt.

- I have been wondering lately if feet can shrink. I have heard that when you get really old somehow it is possible to shrink and become shorter but that has always seemed odd to me. Do your bones compress? Do they chipped away little by little through normal activites and it is a cumulative effect? Or is it all just an old wives tale - I do not know but lately I have noticed that I have more room in my shoes than usual. I have been a standard size 7 1/2 for quite some time and for years have ordered shoes online in that size. The last time I ordered shoes was a few weeks ago and each pair was just slightly big, I also put on a pair of shoes that I havent worn in at least a year and they were big too. You cant loose weight in your feet, there is no fat or real muscle there, just bones and ligaments and veins and things like that which don't fluctuate. I have no answers, only questions.

Work Update

I am happy to report that things have been going well at work lately. This past year has had some difficult times but recently there has been only minor problems, having mostly to do with conflict between my dad and I. I am continuing to work on my reactive nature and in knowing when to keep my mouth shut even if I know I am right (Kristen, I know you can understand how hard that can be for me!) and although I still let my mouth get the best of me at times for the most part there has been a marked improvement. What I have to keep asking myself is that if my boss wasn't my dad, would I react that way. It works both ways though, they treat me like a child at times but there will always be overlap. It takes while to feel out those boundaries.

I am now in charge of the contract documents for all of our current projects which keeps me very busy. I haven't been blogging much lately because I haven't had the time but I would rather be busy than bored at work. I am finally in a place where I feel competent and know what I am doing, which took me longer than I expected creating a major source of frustration for me. Patience is also continually something for me to work on. I hope things continue on this trajectory not only for me but for the company as well.

Some of you don't know this, but my area of emphasis when I was in my doctorate program was Family Business Dynamics. Unfortunately everytime I tried to do a research project under this topic I would be constantly told it was not communication based enough and be forced to change it so it was no longer rooted in family business. This ended up being one of the reasons I decided not to continue, I wasn't able to do what I wanted even though in my application I clearly stated this was the direction I wanted to go. Most research in family business is about succession planning and not on day to day interactions. Working with your family is very challenging and unique and anyone who has worked with their families can attest to this. I would like to somehow help and be involved in other family businesses but I have to figure out my own family business first and then see how I could be of assistance. We will have to see where that goes in the future.

Fresno Adult School Anyone?

So there had been some talk a little while back about taking classes and although I believe most of the conversations were geared towards college classess, adult school can be an option as well. I took a beginning golf class in the fall and I am going to sign up for a beginning photography class that will start in March. I have a camera gathering dust on my shelf because I got it from a friend and never learned how to use it. It is digital but not the kind you fit in your pokcet, it is the more bulky professional type. I hardly ever take pictures anymore and never get pictures from anyone else (ahem) even when they say they will send them to me (ahem) so maybe this will get me using the camera more so I can actually have pictures to put up in my apartment.

Anyway here is a link to the Fresno Adult School site if anyone would care to look at the classes they offer.

Hooray for Friday!

There really is nothing better then waking up to the sound of rain in the morning. It does make me want to sleep longer but I was so exhausted yesterday that I went to bed early so I had a nice long restful sleep. I also rarely get a chance to wear my rubber rain boots and today was the perfect opportunity since a storm that rivals Hurricane Katrina is apparantly coming to the valley this afternoon. This is of course according to my paranoid co-worker Susan, it is seriously all she can talk about. She even went out and got emergency supplies in case the power went out and/or there was flooding and there just wasn't enough food or water in the house. Yeah and she lives in a tract home in the Clovis suburbs. Now my mom is also jumping on the paranoid train to delusionville, demanding my dad strap every tree in the yard down etc. My dad and I just roll our eyes at them. With my rain boots on, I am as prepared as I need to be.

I went to get coffee and a breakfast sandwhich from Starbucks before coming to work and was horribly dissapointed that they are no longer selling the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Sometimes the thought of a pumpkin spice latte was all I would need to get up in the morning, it was a driving force. I knew from the beginning it was only seasonal and as soon as the holidays were over it would leave me and I wouldn't see it again for another 10 months, but as prepared as I was, it still left a gaping hole in my heart. The vanilla latte just isn't as fun and exciting as the pumpkin spice latte and it never will be. Damn you Starbucks, damn you.

In case you missed it...

It is good for a light chuckle at least.

Vacation is Over

No one likes coming back to work the first day back from vacation and/or time off and I am no exception. I have not been able to get it together this morning and the black coffee is not yet kicking in.

I was slow getting ready this morning and then realized how late it had gotten and rushed out the door only to forget my breakfast and mid morning snack that was sitting out which will now spoil because one was frozen and the other one was yogurt. Then I had to scrape ice off my windshield and somehow cut my hand which I didn't notice at first because my hands were so cold I couldn't feel anything. By the time I realized it I had gotten a little blood on my pants (luckily I now have a washer and dyer that can take care of that likity split). So now I sit here, hungry and bloody in a haze of sleep that wont lift trying to pull it together. Sure if I begged and pleaded I could take a trip to the nearest starbucks and get myself a double tall latte and some food, but I have a lot of work to do and it was my own damnd fault I forget my breakfast so I deserve the repercussions of my absent mindedness, *sigh*. (Ha, I heard some violins after re-reading that)

On a brighter note however (I don't want to start my first post of 2008 by bitching about everything) it is Wednesday already so not only will there be a meeting of the dice riff raff tonight but the week is practically half over and it feels like Monday. Also We are supposed to get some rain this weekend which I look forward to. I will be sleeping in over the weekend, snuggled up in my warm bed and my sleep mask, maybe or maybe not snoring to the sound of the rain. Oh and I am having a pretty good hair today, lots of bounce and body. Now if I could only get my eyes to open more than Gilbert Godfrey's.....

Changes in Tower

A couple of weeks ago there was an article in the Fresno Bee that said Lauck's Bakery would be closing at the beginning of the year. This was right on the heels of the drug store that shares the same parking lot closing its doors and also "M" shutting down not too long ago as well. The reasons that were cited were increased rent prices, even though rent in Tower is lower than most other places in Fresno, without the increased customer base to support it.

Although it is unfortunate to see businesses fail, I honestly wasn't a fan of any of those establishments. I appreciate that Lauck's is an icon in the Tower District and has been there for many years but I was never impressed with their product. I went in there a few times to pick up something to bring to staff meetings and found a very limited selection and the quality was standard but not exceptional. I know some people love that place but its appeal is more nostalgic to me at least. We also went to M once for dinner and again everything was decent but nothing I would tell my friends about (had you not all been there with me).

So with some of the old blood packing up and leaving there is ample opportunity for new establishments to take their places. I have always said that I would love it if there was a sushi place in Tower and the Laucks article mentioned that a sushi restaurant would be going in and just today I saw the sign for it coming soon across from Starbucks. It seems like if they do a decent job with the restaurant it would be a popular destination. I know I will be looking forward to trying it in the near future.

There are other opportunities for new developments in this area though that could make the Tower District a very successful area. Business development has always been intriguing to me as well as the entrepreneurial spirit associated with it so I look forward to seeing what indeed comes to fruition.

Austin is a very entrepreneurial city with a great deal of independently owned establishments that usually have a quirky edge to them. I know I talk a lot about how cool Austin is but it really is pretty great. One of my favorite things to do there was to go to the Alamo DraftHouse. I very possibly could have described this place to you before so if I did I apologize but I am going to talk about it again because I think the Tower Theater would be a great place to use a similar concept. Basically they took an old run down theater downtown, ripped out every other row of seats and in their place put a narrow table top that stretches the length of the row. When you get there there is a menu in front of you and once you decide what you want you write it down and the waiter/waitress will come pick it up and within the first 15 minutes of the movie starting you have your food. We are not talking about popcorn and whoppers either the menu has appetizers, burgers and fries, pizza, salads etc. and the food is actually pretty good. They play regular movies but have a lot of themed shows that they do as well. For example I went to the R. Kelly Sing-a-long and they played the entire trapped in the closet series complete with commentary from a couple of comedians who hosted the show as well as some of his old music videos that they just rip. They play a ton of old movies that aren't classics but horrible funny, they have mini film festivals, there was an 80's prom theme show where they showed Pretty in Pink and everyone dressed up in 80s prom attire and my favorite thing they do is a live version of Mystery Science Theater where they take popular old movies (like The Lost Boys) and again have commentary the entire time from comedians who sit up front. Oh yeah and did I mention they serve alcohol too??

I see the Tower Theater being right next to an available restaurant and I get all a tingle. If I knew anything about starting a business I would think it would go over pretty well. I wouldn't even know where to start. Hopefully though other people do and they will bring that knowledge to the area and get something creative, fun and successful to the most unique and arguably the best neighborhood in Fresno.

(Is anyone even still reading??)

How well did you pay attention in 2007?

MSN has a quiz of the major news events in 2007. Some of the questions are very specific and some stories I don't remember hearing at all but I took it and got 58% correct. Think you can do better? Yeah you are probably right.

Here is the link if you want to test your knowledge and show me up.

Adios Christmas!

Christmas at the Wilson household is a little more laid back then most. We don't do the big family thing or really have any Christmas traditions that we adhere to. My family (and by family I mean my parents, sister and myself) is really low key and casual. Most of the day is spent in sweat pants and on the couch while my dad flips the channels from Sci Fi to whatever sporting events are on and back, usually watching 4 programs at once, none of which anyone else wants to watch. My mom makes a coffee cake and we have oranges for breakfast and thats when the present handing out begins.
Inevitaly my mom forgets whose presents belong to whom (she doesnt always use tags)and we end up opening a gift of someone elses. My dad fancies himself a comedic poet and a gift from him is typically accompanied by one of these poems. This year my gift from him was all clothing items to keep me warm since I am always complaining about being cold. He actually did a really good job with both the poem and the gift. The big gift though was a washer and dryer that is going to be installed on Saturday. I don't think I could be more excited about this, I am all a tingle.
This is the second year in a row that we havent had my sister home for the holidays though and I miss her a lot. Now that she is married she has to split time between the two families and she just got a new job and has done a lot of traveling this year for her wedding/honeymoon so she couldn't come out. My sister and I are really close and definitely have that unique sibling bond. I just always have more fun when she is around and no one else can understand frustrations with the family like your sister can.
It was a good Christmas and I am grateful for all that I have, but I am glad that it is over for this year. I hope everyone else had a good Christmas as well. Cheers!

The Company Christmas Party

Normally, I am not a big fan of forced gatherings. Getting together with people you hardly know and engaging in monotonous small talk while watching the clock for when you have put in the appropriate amount of time before you can leave just doesn't appeal to me. Last year I had only been working here for about a month before the Christmas Party and it was exactly what I described above, a loathsome event. This year though things are different.

For one we are having the party at the office and not a restaurant so it won't be taking up time away from work and actually shortens my work week by half a day (woo hoo) Also, Tennessee is BBQ'ing and he doesn't mess around. There are 3 smokers and 2 BBQ and he is making tri tip, herb chicken, ribs, and chicken jalapeno sausage. The smell coming through the office right now is excruciating. BBQ is easily my favorite thing to eat and I already weaseled a sample out of him and oh sugar (as my grandma would say) it is heaven. There is a place near Austin that makes the best BBQ I have ever tasted and this rivals even that. The sides aren't that great but who has room for sides with all of that meat! Also I have gotten to know almost everyone a lot more this year so the conversations and interactions aren't as awkward.

So cheers to a Christmas office party that doesn't totally suck!

Fridays Horoscope

Embrace the fact that your company is so desirable to others right now --party on! Your social circles are growing, even as they rotate and get a little mixed up. There's enough stability to keep your mind from exploding, but enough change to keep the rest of you from getting bored.

Well this one is certianly more interesting then yesterdays! It is a dangerous thing to tell this girl to "party on" but hell if I am so desirable to be around, who am I to revoke the privilege of my company to others? This is a good ego boost horoscope so I will take it:)

Thursdays Horoscope

Listen carefully to what others have to say today, Kasey. You might be so caught up in your own way of doing things, and are so accustomed to working on your own that you forget that you have a whole team of people whose input could greatly enrich your work. If someone disagrees with your approach to a project, don't go on the defensive. Know that they have your best interests in mind, and that what they are offering is truly constructive criticism. You would be wise to listen.

This is pretty general and applies to anyone who works so it will be nearly impossible to have this not apply. What a yawn of a horoscope though, bleh.

Wednesdays Horoscope

You have a lot to celebrate, Kasey! Things have been going well for you at work, and there have been significant changes in your living environment. Maybe you have recently added onto your house, or even moved! With all the commotion, you may have been neglecting your partner. Being in an especially amorous mood, it is in your best interest to make this significant other feel special and loved!

Yup, turns out to be completely irrelevant. I can't even make something work there.

Overall Outcome: Horoscope wrong

Best Quotes of the Year

Yes, it is the time of year where lists and rankings come out to remind us of what has happened over the course of 2007. I had forgotten some of these quotations but had a good laugh at some of them. To see the full list click here, otherwise here are a few of my favorite:

"Don't tase me bro!"

"In Iran we don't have homosexuals like in your country."

"I personally believe that U.S. Americans are unable to do so because some people out there in our nation don't have maps and I believe that our education like such as in South Africa and Iraq and everywhere like such as and I believe that they should our education over here in the U.S. should help the U.S. or should help South Africa and should help Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future for us."

"That's some nappy-headed hos there"


Good times! (Thats me, not a top quote of 2007 in case you were wondering)

Wednesdays Horoscope

You have a lot to celebrate, Kasey! Things have been going well for you at work, and there have been significant changes in your living environment. Maybe you have recently added onto your house, or even moved! With all the commotion, you may have been neglecting your partner. Being in an especially amorous mood, it is in your best interest to make this significant other feel special and loved!

Hmmm, already not seeing the relevance to Wednesdays horoscope. Although things have been going well at work, there have been no significant changes in my living environment. I am getting a washer and dryer installed Saturday (hell fucking yes) but that doesn't so much apply today. As far as neglecting a partner, not so much applicable but I will try to make anyone significant in my life special and loved today, after all it is in my best interest. Hugs for everyone tonight!

Tuesdays Outcome

A couple of things were supposed to happen Tuesday according to my horoscope. First, I was supposed to make an investment. I invested in my spring footwear collection by buying three pairs of shoes online. I don't need a horoscope to tell me to buy shoes, I can do just fine with that on my own, but if I am trying to make my horoscope fit, that's how I would have to do it.

Second, I was supposed to get some money in the mail. Unfortunately I did not find any checks in my mail yesterday. I did however get something else in the mail yesterday that I ordered that can arguably be better than money since I had been looking forward to getting it. Again though, not so much fitting my horoscope unless I am very liberal.

Finally, I was supposed to have some great dreams last night and if I did, I don't remember them so that didn't work out for me.

Overall I had a good day yesterday but it didn't quite fit with what my horoscope predicted.

Just admit it, they are cute

Sooo little:


Bed time for bonzos:


A well balanced kitty:

Tuesdays Horoscope

Today you feel there's nothing you cannot accomplish, Kasey! If you have been thinking about making an investment, such as in a chunk of stock or a piece of property, this would be an ideal day to do so. Any money you may be expecting will likely come in the mail today. The night could bring vivid and interesting dreams, rounding out this most satisfying day.

Right on, this is a killer horoscope and I don't really have to do anything. Obviously not so much at a place in my life where a major financial investment is possible so I can disregard that, but I will take money in the mail and vivid interesting dreams and a most satisfying day! Hopefully I wont dream about someone telling me to move my car so squirrels can eat off of it but if I do, I will be sure to find out for Ed why I should do this.

UPDATE: Well I have to say, so far my day is going pretty well. I absolutely love this weather and although it normally makes me want to curl up in bed and sleep the day away, I am feeling pretty energized. As far making an investment, I think I fulfilled that by purchasing 3 new pairs of shoes online:) They were on clearance at Steve Madden (one of my absolute favorite shoe lines that makes me tingle just looking at them and dont even get me started about how it feels to slide them on) and 2 of them are definitely more of a spring/summer shoe so clearly this is an investment in my future footwear. Can't wait to check the mail!

Mondays Outcome, Pandoras Box?

As I strived to abide by my astrology guide for Monday I was looking for something to do to get me outside of my comfort zone. I decided I would test the waters by being more social at the gym and striking up a conversation with someone there.

I know I have talked about this before but to just give everyone the background on what my gym is like, the average age of the people that go there is approximately 40 and probably 80% female. When I am there I have my ipod on the entire time and keep to myself. Most everyone else who comes in will chat with another gym member at some point and most of them seem to be on a first name basis. I am there to workout and not to socialize, plus I really don't have much in common with any of them. I realize that this probably makes me seem unfriendly and overly serious to other gym members and since my mom goes there too she can back up that perception (thanks mom). SO I should probably be more friendly and I decided to give it a shot.

There were only 4 people there when I arrived, two were working with trainers so they were out because I didn't want to interrupt and the other two were doing cardio. I decided to say something to a lady that I hadn't seen in awhile since I could ask where she had been the past few weeks. I was uncomfortable to ask though because who knows, a family member could have been really ill or some tragedy could have occurred and that's why she hasn't been around. I couldn't think of anything else to say though so I went with it. Turns out she had shoulder surgery and it was her first day back in 6 weeks.

Everything was going fine until I realized that this was the same lady that weeks ago talked my ear off about her damn cat even though I had my headphones on and I was working out at the time. Shit, I started a conversation with the inappropriate talker who cant take a hint. So I stood there and listened to how her shoulder was feeling and how when it rains her arthritis acts up and she aches all over so it is hard to get to the gym yada yada yada. About 5-7 minutes into it there was a brief pause and I quickly said, "well have a good workout" and walked away.

I fear that I have given her the green light to chat me up every time she sees me which could be a problem. I hate small talk, I am bad at it and I may now have to be more engaged in it at the place I love to go most, the gym (I know how lame it is that I love the gym so much but I really do). Although I felt good that I was friendly and may now perceived as being less cold and aloof to at least her, I certainly hope that chatting with her is not a daily experience. Say hello sure but if I have to hear more about her cat or her aching bones and it takes away from my workout, I am not going to be happy.

Day 1 Overall Outcome: Positive in the moment, but perceivably problematic in the future.

Horoscope for Monday

(Read the previous post first otherwise you will be confused)

The fastest way to learn something new about yourself is by exploring something that is unknown to you. This could be something universally intimidating, like skydiving, but it could also be something that is harmless to many, but still a big question mark for you. It can be a hard thing to accept the fact that you could try something and not succeed at it right away. Check your ego at the door and dive into learning something new about your capabilities.

Don't think I will be trying skydiving today (someday though) so I will have to explore something else that is unknown to me. Hmmm.

UPDATE: I went to Olive Garden and had the Apricot Tuscan Chicken for lunch. It was good and I enjoyed it but it certainly wasn't too far outside my comfort zone. I will be going to the gym later and I am thinking that I could start a conversation with someone there. I usually get to the gym, put my ipod on and do my thing and hardly even look up at anyone. I have been going there for almost a year and I see the same people there everytime I go but I never talk to any of them. Initiating a conversation with a stranger is something I hardly ever do because it can make me uncomfortable and I feel awkward. I think that might be my mission for the day.

I like Mikes idea of learning something about my family history as well, but I think I will save that for sometime over christmas when we are all together.

Astrology and Me

Last night I had a conversation with my friend Chris about horoscopes, numerology, tarot cards etc and how some people allow and seek out advice from these sources in hopes to improve their lives in some way. Neither of us are believers in the accuracy of astrology, but for people who truly truly believe in that kind of thing is it neccesarily a detriment to their lives? Horoscopes are not going to give out bad advice. They wont instruct you to quit your job, walk out on your family, or steal because that would be obviously be too specific and negligent. However since horoscopes are written in generalities so the most amount of people can apply them to their lives, some people might actually find that they do improve their lives even if it is a self fulfilling prophecy of sorts.

That brings me to the experiment. For one week I am going to read my horoscope first thing in the morning and operate throughout the day with that horoscope in mind. So if it says to be assertive at work or to spend more time at home, then thats what I am going to do. At the end of the week we will see how my week of life influenced by astrology has gone. I don't expect anything will change, but I thought it might at least be funny to read about. So I will post my horoscope in the morning and if anyone has any suggestions as to how I should abide by it please leave me a suggestion in the comments.

So first thing first, I was born on August 5th so my sign is Leo. According to astrology.com, a Leo is:

Leo is symbolized by the Lion. Leos are stubborn yet impulsive and also showy, dramatic and sometimes vain. Leos have a sunny demeanor and love to be the center of loved ones' adoration. The worst thing someone can do to a Leo is accuse them of bad intentions. Displaying behavior that makes them think you don't appreciate them runs a close second. These happy, jovial people become mighty hurt when others don't see them for their noble intentions.Loyal, and sometimes rather traditional, Leos are, after all, a fixed sign. They'll hold on to situations and people for a very long time before they give up. There is an unmistakable idealism to Leo's view of the world and the people in it. Often, Leos have a very noble inner code that they answer to. Although on the surface, Leos appear rather confident, they can actually be some of the most humble souls around. They are the first to blame themselves when something goes wrong. Once again, it's the Leonine self-importance at work, and this characteristic works in unexpected ways. Instead of being the conceited, self-absorbed show-offs of reputation, they are usually very self-aware, self-conscious, and, yes, even humble.

This can go on for a long time so here is more if you are interested: Leo.

Some of that rings true to me, some does not but I will let anyone who knows me make that call for themselves.

With that in mind, my next post will be my horoscope for today and I will update it it probably throughout the day or at the very least tonight so you can see how I applied it.

I asked the magic 8 ball, Will my astrology experiment go well this week? The answer: Definitely.

Orange Blossom Junction

There is a restaraunt that I have always wanted to go to, but it is in Exter so it isn't exactly convenient so I havent been. It is the Orange Blossom Junction and from what I have heard and seen on their website it isn't your run of the mill establishment (which it shouldnt be if I am going to drive all of the way to Exter to go to it). The food is supposed to be excellent (check out the menu) and they have daily specials (like Ribeye Steak with Raspberry Glaze and Bleu Cheese, oh my!) and a large drink menu. But besides the food and drink they have a lot of live performances from blues artists and guitarists which reminds a lot of Austin.

I really want to get a little mini road trip together sometime and check it out, if anyone would possibly be interested let me know! (Ed you could write a review!)

Even if you are Russian, don't try to drink a liter of vodka

Sometimes we overestimate how much we can safely drink. Usually we figure it out when it is too late and we are puking over a toilet (or in a bush) and we wake up with a horrible hangover. I found out after taking 10 shots of pepermint schnapps in about an 1-2 hour period of time. It wasn't pretty, from what I can remember and what I was told at least.
Taking it to a whole new level though, in Berlin a man tested his threshold and is lucky to have even woken up after he chugged an entire liter of vodka when they told him he couldn't take it on a plane. An entire liter of vodka-at one time! Police said that when he was told that he either had to throw it away or check it, he chugged the bottle down — and was quickly unable to stand or otherwise function, police said.
I wonder if when airport personnel saw him starting to chug if they tried to stop him or just stood there in disbelief, watching the train wreck unfold. Oh those Germans!

(Maybe this will be my new thing, posting about the stupidity of others)

Sometimes a New Perspective Can Be Benefical

Over Thanksgiving I was talking to a family friend Charley Ford, who also happens to be my old 6th grade teacher and volleyball coach. He was without a doubt my most influential teacher and I have always had a great deal of respect for him. When he was my teacher we had to read these books on values. Each of these books had a topic like "persistence", "integrity", "attitude", "responsibility" etc. There were probably about 15-20 of them and we had to write a report about how they apply to our lives after we were done with each book. This is something that has always stayed with me and we still have chats about these types of things even today.

Well over Thanksgiving he gave me a book to read, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". Having read a great deal of self help books when I was in grad school that focused on organizational effectiveness I didn't really have any high ideals of how this may benefit me. I gave it a shot though and although there is no ground-breaking completely new information, it has been helping me to take a closer look at my own paradigms and how I approach the world.

Where I have seen the most relevance is in my job. I have a horrible attitude when it comes to work, blaming frequently and pawning my unhappiness off on other people. This may not be my dream job but it is the job that I have now so why be miserable when I can change my attitude instead of just reacting negatively. It may not solve all of my problems but maybe it will prevent me from being so negative and at times feeling sorry for myself for no good reason. I have always thought of myself as a happy person but if I die tomorrow, I dont know if thats what people would say about me. That makes me sad, so I am going to work on it.

(And no this does not mean sarcastic, smart ass Kasey is going anywhere, she will definitely still be around-I just want to change the way I react when things don't go my way so I dont let it effect me as much as it does now)

My post for the first week in December

This week I have found myself in a somewhat melancholy state of mind that I can't seem to snap out of. Thats partly why I haven't been posting, I have been thinking a lot about myself and my life and it doesn't leave much room to think about what to post.

My mom had to have a cat scan this week because she has been experiencing vertigo and it is just a percaution and probably nothing but it scared me to think about. Both of my grandparents died when they were around the age my parents are now, a bit unsettling.

I have also been experiencing a medical issue of my own that I will be going in on Monday to have some more tests run on. It is something I have had to go thru before and also a few years ago so I am not overly concerned but it will be nice when it is behind me and I know it isn't something serious. I tend to internalize things and I prefer to deal with things on my own so actually posting about it is hard for me to do, but I also thought it would explain my somewhat detached behavior as of late. I know I am being vague but it isn't something I want to talk about in detail at the moment.

So anyway, thats whats new with me. I am generally a-ok, but just have some things in the back of my mind I am dealing with. I am confident everything will turn out fine though. Isn't this the magical holiday season after all? ;)