My plans for the night are set. Melinda is working the night shift so it's just the three kids and I. Just us, Dick Clark, the ball dropping at NY Times Square and ... :-) ... and THE BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, 2ND SEASON DVD SET !!! Oh yeeaaaahh! Just bought it this afternoon at Costco.
What could be a better way to spend the turn of the new year?!
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(Hey! I heard you, bud! Did you just answer 'hot monkey sex'? Well, screw you. The question was rhetorical, y'know. Vipers, Cylons and a six pack are still a killer combo celebration! I'm making my own good time! See ya! :-)
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Happy New Year's Eve, everyone!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Friday, December 23, 2005
Winter surfing
I had a way kuuul yesterday. I went snowboarding!
It was my first time ever. Just my brother and I surfing the white stuff at Mountain Creek (formerly, Action Park) in northern New Jersey. Although all the slopes are spread over three peaks, we spent our time just at the bottom of Vernon Peak, with a 90 minute snowboarding lesson followed by numerous trips down the beginner slope--short but steep-- trying out our learned skills.
I rented all my equipment there--board, bindings and boots. It cost me $86 with the lesson included. Geez, if I had brought the three kids and Melinda...wow!...that'd be $ times 5 equals $$$$$!
The afternoon/night was perfect. Just under 40 degrees F and no crowd, even with the lesson--just the instructor, my brother and I. And what an awesome teacher the dude was. Because of the low crowd, he diverted from his usual basic lesson by bringing us away from the 'school' slope and onto the much steeper 'beginner' slope (about a 25% grade, I think), taking more time to teach us some advanced techniques.
I certainly was scared sh*tless but the lesson truly paid off. When all was said and done, we covered the 10 steps of snowboarding, from bindings to 'heelside slides' to 'falling leaf' to the 'linked turns'. (Yeah baby, I'm hip on the lingo.) We certainly took our share of hard falls, but my brother and I were pretty proud of how well we progressed.
And now it's the next day and here I am--battered, bruised and sore-- typing away after some heavy net cruising for some snowboard sales online. Yup, I'm already addicted. I gotta get a board. I just have to! After all, I can't let that snowboard lesson go all for naught.
Can't wait for my next downhill run. I'm stoked!
It was my first time ever. Just my brother and I surfing the white stuff at Mountain Creek (formerly, Action Park) in northern New Jersey. Although all the slopes are spread over three peaks, we spent our time just at the bottom of Vernon Peak, with a 90 minute snowboarding lesson followed by numerous trips down the beginner slope--short but steep-- trying out our learned skills.
I rented all my equipment there--board, bindings and boots. It cost me $86 with the lesson included. Geez, if I had brought the three kids and Melinda...wow!...that'd be $ times 5 equals $$$$$!
The afternoon/night was perfect. Just under 40 degrees F and no crowd, even with the lesson--just the instructor, my brother and I. And what an awesome teacher the dude was. Because of the low crowd, he diverted from his usual basic lesson by bringing us away from the 'school' slope and onto the much steeper 'beginner' slope (about a 25% grade, I think), taking more time to teach us some advanced techniques.
I certainly was scared sh*tless but the lesson truly paid off. When all was said and done, we covered the 10 steps of snowboarding, from bindings to 'heelside slides' to 'falling leaf' to the 'linked turns'. (Yeah baby, I'm hip on the lingo.) We certainly took our share of hard falls, but my brother and I were pretty proud of how well we progressed.
And now it's the next day and here I am--battered, bruised and sore-- typing away after some heavy net cruising for some snowboard sales online. Yup, I'm already addicted. I gotta get a board. I just have to! After all, I can't let that snowboard lesson go all for naught.
Can't wait for my next downhill run. I'm stoked!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Personal collegiate facts
Here are five things almost no one knows about me regarding my old college days. These, in particular, I reflect on often:
1. I took Italian in highschool for the primary reason that I thought it would help me understand the lyrics to Italian opera. I took French in college because it really was the coolest language to learn, and studied my ass off just so I could get more French talk time with my teacher (Claire), with whom I was greatly infatuated. That motivation got me straight A's.
2. I once told my Advanced Differential Equations professor, after not showing up for the midterm, that I was dropping her class because I simply didn't study for the test and didn't want to get anything less than an A. (That was, in fact, the plain truth. And I was actually surprised at myself for bluntly saying it.) She then refused to drop me and rescheduled a makeup for a week later. I was so touched at her gesture that I studied my heart out and got a 100% on it as well as all A's on the remaining quizzes and final. I've since forgotten her name, but have never forgotten her.
3. I got into college on a whim. I scheduled a casual interview with the director of admissions to learn more about the university's School of Music while he was visiting locally to audition applicants. At the end of our short chat, he surprised me by asking that I play something on the piano. I sincerely had nothing prepared; I f*cked up bigtime trying to play a piece by memory and didn't even finish. Finally, he said to just go home and rerecord my performance on cassette tape and mail it to him along with an application, which was already way past the deadline. A few weeks later I got my admittance letter.
4. I failed out of college primarily for being stubborn, among other things (like thinking I could be both a party madman and brainer). I was the last out of several students in my double major program to insist on sticking with the intense curriculum even against the advice of one of the directors, mainly out of foolish pride. But in the end, I was really biting off more than I could chew and caused the inevitable heave ho to happen. My chest seemed so hefty on the final car ride back home; it must've weighed at least a ton. I really felt that I was that close to dying of a heavy heart. The lack of a degree has never stopped eating at me since.
5. I did not snap a single photo in all my dorm years at school. It's one of my biggest regrets of college.
1. I took Italian in highschool for the primary reason that I thought it would help me understand the lyrics to Italian opera. I took French in college because it really was the coolest language to learn, and studied my ass off just so I could get more French talk time with my teacher (Claire), with whom I was greatly infatuated. That motivation got me straight A's.
2. I once told my Advanced Differential Equations professor, after not showing up for the midterm, that I was dropping her class because I simply didn't study for the test and didn't want to get anything less than an A. (That was, in fact, the plain truth. And I was actually surprised at myself for bluntly saying it.) She then refused to drop me and rescheduled a makeup for a week later. I was so touched at her gesture that I studied my heart out and got a 100% on it as well as all A's on the remaining quizzes and final. I've since forgotten her name, but have never forgotten her.
3. I got into college on a whim. I scheduled a casual interview with the director of admissions to learn more about the university's School of Music while he was visiting locally to audition applicants. At the end of our short chat, he surprised me by asking that I play something on the piano. I sincerely had nothing prepared; I f*cked up bigtime trying to play a piece by memory and didn't even finish. Finally, he said to just go home and rerecord my performance on cassette tape and mail it to him along with an application, which was already way past the deadline. A few weeks later I got my admittance letter.
4. I failed out of college primarily for being stubborn, among other things (like thinking I could be both a party madman and brainer). I was the last out of several students in my double major program to insist on sticking with the intense curriculum even against the advice of one of the directors, mainly out of foolish pride. But in the end, I was really biting off more than I could chew and caused the inevitable heave ho to happen. My chest seemed so hefty on the final car ride back home; it must've weighed at least a ton. I really felt that I was that close to dying of a heavy heart. The lack of a degree has never stopped eating at me since.
5. I did not snap a single photo in all my dorm years at school. It's one of my biggest regrets of college.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Holiday spirit
Just twelve days before Christmas and already a Secret Santa has begun raising the kids' anticipation of the holiday. This morning, there was a package on our front porch with some goodies inside and a little note:
On the first day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
But I have no partridge bird
And no pear tree.
So how about some M&M Mini's
For you Tina, Mindy and Miguel --
For all of you three.
Love,
Secret Santa
Geez, the kids were all yelling and delighted. I couldn't help but smile at their excitement in something they feel is magical. Something I know I could learn from. Tomorrow, on the second day of Christmas, we'll see what other magic comes knocking at the door.
On the first day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
But I have no partridge bird
And no pear tree.
So how about some M&M Mini's
For you Tina, Mindy and Miguel --
For all of you three.
Love,
Secret Santa
Geez, the kids were all yelling and delighted. I couldn't help but smile at their excitement in something they feel is magical. Something I know I could learn from. Tomorrow, on the second day of Christmas, we'll see what other magic comes knocking at the door.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Battlestar Galactica (BSG-75)
I know I'm late to it, but I'm hooked. You see, my friend Jay had recently lent me his Battlestar Galactica (First Season 2004) DVD set, which also included the 2003 feature BG miniseries. And well, this morning and then tonight, I saw the feature and the pilot episode '33' for the very first time.
Wow!
I think I've been steeped in Nickelodeon, PBS and Noggin for far too long. (Damn you, Dora the Explorer!) I have got to add the Sci-Fi channel to my weekly viewing lineup. The new Battlestar Galactica series really rocks!
Alright now, my blogging break is over. Time to crack open the DVD box and watch the next episode. Yeah yeah, I know it's past midnight and tomorrow is a school day. But hey, y'know what? I don't have school. Thank the Lords of Kobol.
Wow!
I think I've been steeped in Nickelodeon, PBS and Noggin for far too long. (Damn you, Dora the Explorer!) I have got to add the Sci-Fi channel to my weekly viewing lineup. The new Battlestar Galactica series really rocks!
Alright now, my blogging break is over. Time to crack open the DVD box and watch the next episode. Yeah yeah, I know it's past midnight and tomorrow is a school day. But hey, y'know what? I don't have school. Thank the Lords of Kobol.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Maybe last ride and upping the ante
Brrrrr, it was cold today out on the road.
I biked early this morning for a couple of hours. The temperature was about 38 degrees F but not too windy. I wore double socks, long tights, a polypropelene turtleneck, gloves and a skullcap all on top of my usual wear. I think this may be my last outdoor ride of the year, unless the weather stays above freezing conditions for the next few weeks. Otherwise, I don't think I'd enjoy the frostbite.
I already started thinking about next year's triathlons: I'm considering raising the bar from sprint distances to half ironmans--from .25mi swim/15mi bike/3mi run to 1.2mi swim/56mi bike/13.1mi run increase. Quite daunting. I thought about my very first triathlon and how gruelling it was to simply try and finish. That's all I wanted to do. However, from that period on all the way up to this year, I had no doubt of completing the courses and was just trying to better my times. Next year, if I up the ante in distances, I'd be putting myself back to square one; to the "maybe I'll get through it or maybe I won't" mentality. I think it'd give me that original first race high if I were to succeed--a way cool incredible feeling that sparked an 'I can do anything' attitude, which I dearly miss and can certainly use these days.
For now, I'll just wait and see what I decide in 2006.
I biked early this morning for a couple of hours. The temperature was about 38 degrees F but not too windy. I wore double socks, long tights, a polypropelene turtleneck, gloves and a skullcap all on top of my usual wear. I think this may be my last outdoor ride of the year, unless the weather stays above freezing conditions for the next few weeks. Otherwise, I don't think I'd enjoy the frostbite.
I already started thinking about next year's triathlons: I'm considering raising the bar from sprint distances to half ironmans--from .25mi swim/15mi bike/3mi run to 1.2mi swim/56mi bike/13.1mi run increase. Quite daunting. I thought about my very first triathlon and how gruelling it was to simply try and finish. That's all I wanted to do. However, from that period on all the way up to this year, I had no doubt of completing the courses and was just trying to better my times. Next year, if I up the ante in distances, I'd be putting myself back to square one; to the "maybe I'll get through it or maybe I won't" mentality. I think it'd give me that original first race high if I were to succeed--a way cool incredible feeling that sparked an 'I can do anything' attitude, which I dearly miss and can certainly use these days.
For now, I'll just wait and see what I decide in 2006.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
I have high cholesterol: 227
I had my blood tested last week. Today, my copy of the results arrived in the mail. Some of the numbers were a bit high. Here are the major players:
Cholesterol: 227 (high). It should be < 200. I think this is the reference everyone talks about. It's really the sum of the bad cholesterol LDL + the good cholesterol HDL.
LDL: 151 (high). It should be < 100. This is the bad cholesterol and stands for Low Density Lipoprotein. I've certainly been eating lots of fatty stuff and been using a lot of butter in my foods for a while. It sure shows.
HDL: 75 (high, but a good high). Normally between 32 to 72. Stands for High Density Lipoprotein. I think the aerobic exercise had helped a lot with bringing this number up.
Triglyceride: 82 (good). Should be < 150.
Weird thing, but the high level of HDL good cholesterol offsets the other bad numbers and still puts me in the 'lowest risk' group, according to the results summary. My risk for heart disease is determined by the following formula:
CHOL / HDL = 227 / 75 = 3.0
A chol/hdl ratio of less than 3.5 is considered 'lowest risk'. Still, I'd say my overall cholesterol level is unhealthy, especially the LDL level. I guess it's best that I try to better my diet and exercise. The results were certainly motivating.
Cholesterol: 227 (high). It should be < 200. I think this is the reference everyone talks about. It's really the sum of the bad cholesterol LDL + the good cholesterol HDL.
LDL: 151 (high). It should be < 100. This is the bad cholesterol and stands for Low Density Lipoprotein. I've certainly been eating lots of fatty stuff and been using a lot of butter in my foods for a while. It sure shows.
HDL: 75 (high, but a good high). Normally between 32 to 72. Stands for High Density Lipoprotein. I think the aerobic exercise had helped a lot with bringing this number up.
Triglyceride: 82 (good). Should be < 150.
Weird thing, but the high level of HDL good cholesterol offsets the other bad numbers and still puts me in the 'lowest risk' group, according to the results summary. My risk for heart disease is determined by the following formula:
CHOL / HDL = 227 / 75 = 3.0
A chol/hdl ratio of less than 3.5 is considered 'lowest risk'. Still, I'd say my overall cholesterol level is unhealthy, especially the LDL level. I guess it's best that I try to better my diet and exercise. The results were certainly motivating.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Winnie Cooper wrote me back.
Danica McKellar replied to an email I sent her months ago. (*smile beaming*head spinning*) Aside from praise, I asked what other branches of mathematics she has yet to study. And she mainly replied:
. . .
Thanks for your kind words. There are lots of topics I haven’t learned much about- for instance, PDQ’s (partial differential equations), Manifold Theory, and many others. Math is a whole big world that would take a lifetime to master completely, I think. Even professors have their specialties, they would not understand many other math professors’ research. :)
...
Good luck!
-Danica
"Good luck!" she said! And then my heart went googly gah gah. She truly is one hip problem solver. Now who would think math could be such a cool and sexy thing? Ooops, silly me. Danica did.
Inspired again. Gotta calc!
. . .
Thanks for your kind words. There are lots of topics I haven’t learned much about- for instance, PDQ’s (partial differential equations), Manifold Theory, and many others. Math is a whole big world that would take a lifetime to master completely, I think. Even professors have their specialties, they would not understand many other math professors’ research. :)
...
Good luck!
-Danica
"Good luck!" she said! And then my heart went googly gah gah. She truly is one hip problem solver. Now who would think math could be such a cool and sexy thing? Ooops, silly me. Danica did.
Inspired again. Gotta calc!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Trick or treat!
"Mommy, I had the best day of my life! I had candy, chips and soda!"
--Tina
It seemed that Halloween this year was a 4 day festival. Starting last Friday, all the kids visited their "pumpkin patches" at school to pick out their little handheld pumpkins. Saturday had a dress up party at the YMCA. Sunday had a huge town costume celebration at the local university campus (the kids played "Frankenstein Says" and other games). And Monday was the big treat-or-treat deal to cap it all off. On all the days, Tina dressed as a princess, Mindy as a fairy and Miguel as a ladybug or Teletubby Dipsy (he had two costumes).
No doubt the kids'll have their daily sugar rush for the next three months.
Happy Halloween!
--Tina
It seemed that Halloween this year was a 4 day festival. Starting last Friday, all the kids visited their "pumpkin patches" at school to pick out their little handheld pumpkins. Saturday had a dress up party at the YMCA. Sunday had a huge town costume celebration at the local university campus (the kids played "Frankenstein Says" and other games). And Monday was the big treat-or-treat deal to cap it all off. On all the days, Tina dressed as a princess, Mindy as a fairy and Miguel as a ladybug or Teletubby Dipsy (he had two costumes).
No doubt the kids'll have their daily sugar rush for the next three months.
Happy Halloween!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Ha ha ha ha ha ... !
One day, I plan to do stand up comedy.
Here's my inspiration (video & sound):
http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=Hpz6_aFSMPA&search=karaoke%20comedian
It's David Armand of the comedy troupe The Hollow Men, doing his sign language rendition of Natalie Imbruglia's song Torn.
:-) :-) :-)
Here's my inspiration (video & sound):
http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=Hpz6_aFSMPA&search=karaoke%20comedian
It's David Armand of the comedy troupe The Hollow Men, doing his sign language rendition of Natalie Imbruglia's song Torn.
:-) :-) :-)
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
His or Her Brain
I just took an online "sex i.d." test. It was one of those online questionnaire and quiz things, the results of which would determine if your brain jives more with either male or female side.
This test was one of the more fun ones to do with friends and family. Much more thorough and study based than the other analytical quizzes. I recommend it if you're bored, curious or wish to add something to your conversation topics at dinner.
I'll comment my results if you comment yours :-).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sex/add_user.shtml
This test was one of the more fun ones to do with friends and family. Much more thorough and study based than the other analytical quizzes. I recommend it if you're bored, curious or wish to add something to your conversation topics at dinner.
I'll comment my results if you comment yours :-).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sex/add_user.shtml
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Instinctive sportsmanship
"Remember, Tina, winning a game isn't the most important thing. It's playing fair and having fun that matter. Does that make sense?"
"Yes, Daddy."
"Good. Now let's play Chutes and Ladders."
Okay, so I've constantly been giving my 'winning isn't everything' spiel to the kids prior to starting our board games. Tina, being the oldest, is noticeably doing her best at being a good sport, but it's obvious to me in her expressions that the gesture of being a good loser isn't coming easy. Still, it makes me proud that she does try. (Chutes and Ladders is a game of chance (and frustration), so it's pretty difficult for me to up the ante in her favor; and lately, she's lost more games than won. Oh those darn chutes!)
So off we went today to Toys R Us to search for some parlor entertainment that stressed more cooperative achievement than individual conquering. A non-competitive game. Unfortunately, practically all of the board games I came across had the common objective of "being the first to finish" or some equivalent. Now I'm not saying that the goal of winning is a bad thing; it's just that I wanted something with a different intent than our games at home, for the sake of balance. Anyway, it took some further aisle searching, but I eventually found something sort of collaborative--it's called Rush Hour-- where the kids could work together for the solution. We also bought "Don't Break The Ice," which I got more for nostalgia as it was one of my favorite toys in nursery school.
[Cut to home scene: our livingroom.]
Well, I kept my fingers crossed and what do you know. It worked! The little sweeties were having fun playing both games. With a lot of cooperation. With a lot of laughter. And no competition here, not even with "Don't Break The Ice". And also no words of wisdom were needed from yours truly to belt out. What a relief it was to see the kids' more favorable natures come forward, instinctively. I certainly must head back to the store soon for similar family fun stuff.
Chuck one up for non-competitive parlor fun.
"Yes, Daddy."
"Good. Now let's play Chutes and Ladders."
Okay, so I've constantly been giving my 'winning isn't everything' spiel to the kids prior to starting our board games. Tina, being the oldest, is noticeably doing her best at being a good sport, but it's obvious to me in her expressions that the gesture of being a good loser isn't coming easy. Still, it makes me proud that she does try. (Chutes and Ladders is a game of chance (and frustration), so it's pretty difficult for me to up the ante in her favor; and lately, she's lost more games than won. Oh those darn chutes!)
So off we went today to Toys R Us to search for some parlor entertainment that stressed more cooperative achievement than individual conquering. A non-competitive game. Unfortunately, practically all of the board games I came across had the common objective of "being the first to finish" or some equivalent. Now I'm not saying that the goal of winning is a bad thing; it's just that I wanted something with a different intent than our games at home, for the sake of balance. Anyway, it took some further aisle searching, but I eventually found something sort of collaborative--it's called Rush Hour-- where the kids could work together for the solution. We also bought "Don't Break The Ice," which I got more for nostalgia as it was one of my favorite toys in nursery school.
[Cut to home scene: our livingroom.]
Well, I kept my fingers crossed and what do you know. It worked! The little sweeties were having fun playing both games. With a lot of cooperation. With a lot of laughter. And no competition here, not even with "Don't Break The Ice". And also no words of wisdom were needed from yours truly to belt out. What a relief it was to see the kids' more favorable natures come forward, instinctively. I certainly must head back to the store soon for similar family fun stuff.
Chuck one up for non-competitive parlor fun.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Post Tri Season
I've called it quits for triathlons this season. Two races were enough for my first comeback year, although I had originally planned for a final 3rd event a few weeks ago. I still have an itch to compete, but I'm saving it for summer 2006. Ported from my workout philosophy, I often stop just short of a satisfied feeling, and that's in order to insure my desire to come back for more.
For the post season, the current weather is still decent enough to go bike riding. If all goes well, I'll do a ride this afternoon as this morning was just too cold for me. It'll be a welcome workout, as I'm needing the endorphins to pick me up from the stress of job hunting, or really resume-finishing. Yes, I'm still working on it. Now shush.
For the post season, the current weather is still decent enough to go bike riding. If all goes well, I'll do a ride this afternoon as this morning was just too cold for me. It'll be a welcome workout, as I'm needing the endorphins to pick me up from the stress of job hunting, or really resume-finishing. Yes, I'm still working on it. Now shush.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Employed or bust
I'm working on my resume. I'm going to get a job.
There, I've put myself on the spot. It was needed. You see, I sat yesterday at the laptop practically all day trying to update my employment and accomplishments with nothing but writer's block. And then I caught myself doing the procrastinator's shuffle: making cups of coffee, surfing the web (a wireless network certainly can be a beautiful but damning thing), flipping through cable TV and then playing with the kids. Rinse and repeat.
Hopefully today will be a different story. And this entry serves to put my determination and pride in writing and to the test. Perhaps for all the world to laugh at if my words and actions don't jive. But let's not make it so. Time for some motivation.
Now where did I put that Tony Robbins book of mine?
:-)
There, I've put myself on the spot. It was needed. You see, I sat yesterday at the laptop practically all day trying to update my employment and accomplishments with nothing but writer's block. And then I caught myself doing the procrastinator's shuffle: making cups of coffee, surfing the web (a wireless network certainly can be a beautiful but damning thing), flipping through cable TV and then playing with the kids. Rinse and repeat.
Hopefully today will be a different story. And this entry serves to put my determination and pride in writing and to the test. Perhaps for all the world to laugh at if my words and actions don't jive. But let's not make it so. Time for some motivation.
Now where did I put that Tony Robbins book of mine?
:-)
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
"One more thing..." cont'd
Today, Steve Jobs of Apple Computer revealed a new iMac, a new video iPod (with video output) and new applications. My prediction of a flash drive computer was incorrect.
Oh well, just the geek in me that kept tuned in to this event (via live iLounge.com feeds) with as much excitement as a die hard sports fan.
Game over. Heart rate back to normal. Life goes on.
Oh well, just the geek in me that kept tuned in to this event (via live iLounge.com feeds) with as much excitement as a die hard sports fan.
Game over. Heart rate back to normal. Life goes on.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
"One more thing..."
Steve Jobs is holding a news conference tomorrow for yet another Apple Computer revelation. He had sent email invitations to journalists showing the words "One more thing..." on the foreground and red curtains in back. This shortly followed his announcement of the pretty kuul Ipod Nano.
Most people are speculating on a new Video Ipod. I'm finding it pretty fun to try and think like the visionary Jobs is, and so I'll play the guessing game as well: I say he's going to reveal a flash drive only computer.
Stay tuned for the right answer.
Most people are speculating on a new Video Ipod. I'm finding it pretty fun to try and think like the visionary Jobs is, and so I'll play the guessing game as well: I say he's going to reveal a flash drive only computer.
Stay tuned for the right answer.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Strep Throat
Tina and Mindy are sick with strep throat. (Miguel is fine.) They're taking antibiotics now to annihilate that darn bacteria* inside them. For the past two days, they've been cycling with fever up to 104F. Thank goodness that children have a higher tolerance to fever than adults. Anyway, I hate seeing them being so miserable. I can't wait until it's all over.
Although my throat is starting to feel just a tad sore this morning.
* I'm always asking Melinda to remind me of the differences between bacteria and a virus. In sum, bacteria are one-celled living organisms while a virus is simply a piece of DNA, arguably is not alive and needs a host. Bacteria are treated with antibiotics--'selective poison' to kill the bacteria cells but no other; a virus has no treatment (mostly) and must run its course (thus only the 'symptoms' are treated) as the body naturally defends itself and eventually defeats it. Immunization against a virus is not a cure but rather preventive medicine that boosts the body's ability to defend itself.
Although my throat is starting to feel just a tad sore this morning.
* I'm always asking Melinda to remind me of the differences between bacteria and a virus. In sum, bacteria are one-celled living organisms while a virus is simply a piece of DNA, arguably is not alive and needs a host. Bacteria are treated with antibiotics--'selective poison' to kill the bacteria cells but no other; a virus has no treatment (mostly) and must run its course (thus only the 'symptoms' are treated) as the body naturally defends itself and eventually defeats it. Immunization against a virus is not a cure but rather preventive medicine that boosts the body's ability to defend itself.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Silly size but splendid sounding
Chris Thile (thee'-lee) of the band Nickel Creek plays a mandolin. When I first saw their "Smoothie Song" video, I thought Chris was just poking fun at playing a fake mini guitar. Silly me. But then I looked carefully and I realized it was indeed a serious instrument. And wow how cool and unique it sounded when pieced together with Sara Watkins' violin and Sean Watkins' guitar. Their strumming and picking are tré virtuostic and so killer rich, as likely instilled in their upbringing. I admire immensely their achievements and focus at such young ages.
Nickel Creek is my latest musical inspiration. They're labeled as contemporary bluegrass. My favorite songs are "This Side," "Speak," "Smoothie Song" and "Lighthouse Tale" in that order, with neato videos to match as well.
It's the good old 'don't judge a book by it's yadda yadda' lesson learned.
Nickel Creek is my latest musical inspiration. They're labeled as contemporary bluegrass. My favorite songs are "This Side," "Speak," "Smoothie Song" and "Lighthouse Tale" in that order, with neato videos to match as well.
It's the good old 'don't judge a book by it's yadda yadda' lesson learned.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Super stuck!
The maker of floor adhesive is a g*dd*mn mother f*cker!
Two hours it took! I'm sorry, I mean more than two hours it took to remove just two one-square foot tiles off my kitchen floor. (Linoleum or vinyl they were; whatever, I don't care.) I might as well have been scraping away at epoxy with a straw. This stuff was incredibly sticky.
It was suppose to be a simple replacement repair. I thought I could just peel 'em out and put new ones down. Hubboy! It turns out that the squares wouldn't lift in one piece; they'd just tear in small rips at the surface. So I ended up having to use a wood chisel and hammer to remove it all, and I had to be careful not to scrape up the wood subfloor underneath.
Anyway, it's a job done and over. Enough said about it. Good riddens.
G*dd*mn adhesive mother friggin glue f*cker! Curse your soul!
Two hours it took! I'm sorry, I mean more than two hours it took to remove just two one-square foot tiles off my kitchen floor. (Linoleum or vinyl they were; whatever, I don't care.) I might as well have been scraping away at epoxy with a straw. This stuff was incredibly sticky.
It was suppose to be a simple replacement repair. I thought I could just peel 'em out and put new ones down. Hubboy! It turns out that the squares wouldn't lift in one piece; they'd just tear in small rips at the surface. So I ended up having to use a wood chisel and hammer to remove it all, and I had to be careful not to scrape up the wood subfloor underneath.
Anyway, it's a job done and over. Enough said about it. Good riddens.
G*dd*mn adhesive mother friggin glue f*cker! Curse your soul!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
My new heart monitor
I bought a watch that can measure my heart rate. I read it could be useful for making my bike trainer workouts more efficient, although I already knew that years ago. And of course I was curious how high I could get my bpm (beats per minute)--unadmittingly the likely reason for getting it.
Now there's a conventional but inaccurate formula for calculating an individual's maximum heart rate*: (220 - age) = (max heart rate). Unfortunately, that's like saying that the average person's height is 5'8" so we all must be.
Last week I set out to test the '220-age' formula. On that day, I tried taking my heart to the limit on the bike trainer. I peddled and peddled away for about 40 minutes and found my highest rate peaked at 195 bpm. Still, it was a short workout and I wasn't warmed up well enough to get myself to exhaustion for a more accurate reading. Otherwise, it's possible my heart could've gone a few beats higher. So see, being 36 years old, my max heart rate should've calculated to 220-36=184 bpm, but it was really 11 beats above that. Now it certainly doesn't mean that I'm healthier than the avg; just that the formula is inaccurate when applied to an individual. Probably today or tomorrow, I'll bike again for a more thorough test.
By the way, I think there lies the reason for me keeping up with the workouts: it's a methodical way for appeasing my curiosity on how far I can push myself at a given age.
***
* Go ahead, play with yourself :-). I'd previously thought my heart could just keep beating faster and faster til heart attack city occurs. But no, it eventually levels at a certain rate no matter how much you push yourself. How weird it was to see this when I was biking hard!
Now there's a conventional but inaccurate formula for calculating an individual's maximum heart rate*: (220 - age) = (max heart rate). Unfortunately, that's like saying that the average person's height is 5'8" so we all must be.
Last week I set out to test the '220-age' formula. On that day, I tried taking my heart to the limit on the bike trainer. I peddled and peddled away for about 40 minutes and found my highest rate peaked at 195 bpm. Still, it was a short workout and I wasn't warmed up well enough to get myself to exhaustion for a more accurate reading. Otherwise, it's possible my heart could've gone a few beats higher. So see, being 36 years old, my max heart rate should've calculated to 220-36=184 bpm, but it was really 11 beats above that. Now it certainly doesn't mean that I'm healthier than the avg; just that the formula is inaccurate when applied to an individual. Probably today or tomorrow, I'll bike again for a more thorough test.
By the way, I think there lies the reason for me keeping up with the workouts: it's a methodical way for appeasing my curiosity on how far I can push myself at a given age.
***
* Go ahead, play with yourself :-). I'd previously thought my heart could just keep beating faster and faster til heart attack city occurs. But no, it eventually levels at a certain rate no matter how much you push yourself. How weird it was to see this when I was biking hard!
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Ethnic manners
I'm fascinated by the different social attitudes of cultures. Like in France, as I was told by my former French teacher, people there perceive a smaller 'elbow room' space. For example, my teacher told a story where she had a conversation with an American and her face was less than a foot away from his. A pretty normal distance for her and her copatriots, but not for him. Well, he had backed up a step and then she would move forward a step. Then he'd back up again and she'd move forward again...and so on until they had reached the other side of the room. She found this to be consistent with almost all Americans she spoke with, although she did eventually learn to stop waltzing across the floor and give the yanks their space.
Anyway, now I read this New York Times article about Hong Kong Disney and how the visitors from different cultures take varying attitudes when it comes to simply standing in line. Such a sample reminds me that language extends well beyond mere words.
I don't know where else I'm going with this. I'm just simply fascinated.
Time to watch Globe Trekker on PBS. Ian Wright is da bomb!
Anyway, now I read this New York Times article about Hong Kong Disney and how the visitors from different cultures take varying attitudes when it comes to simply standing in line. Such a sample reminds me that language extends well beyond mere words.
I don't know where else I'm going with this. I'm just simply fascinated.
Time to watch Globe Trekker on PBS. Ian Wright is da bomb!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Bush quotes
I do understand that President Bush's public speaking ability could use a bit of refinement. I look forward to reading his press quotes for remarks that just don't seem quite right. Like Jay Leno's monologue before my bedtime, Bush's words certainly can make my day:
On Hurricane Katrina:
"We'll get on top of this situation and we're going to help the people that need help." (FoxNews.com)
The president's plane flew about 2,500 feet over New Orleans and about 1,700 feet over Mississippi. "It's devastating. It's got to be doubly devastating on the ground," Bush said. (CNN.com)
On Hurricane Katrina:
"We'll get on top of this situation and we're going to help the people that need help." (FoxNews.com)
The president's plane flew about 2,500 feet over New Orleans and about 1,700 feet over Mississippi. "It's devastating. It's got to be doubly devastating on the ground," Bush said. (CNN.com)
Monday, September 12, 2005
Sunday bike ride
Success. I followed through on my decision from my previous post to do a bike ride Sunday morning. I logged in 42.78 miles for the just over 2 1/2 hr tour, which is my longest ride in recent years that I can remember. Toward the end, my quads started to cramp when I got off the saddle going up the hills, but I still felt strong. I drank some coffee prior to my ride as an experiment, as I've read that caffeine can boost performance. Indeed, I think it did.
I like the area where I bike. Even though I live in a pretty densely populated suburb close to Newark NJ, I'm amazed that I only need to peddle for about 40 minutes west to smell the sweet stench of horse sh*t. That's my indication that I'm approaching beautiful farm and park scenery along relatively quiet country roads.
I use Microsoft Street & Trips to plan my routes. And having looked at the overview map of Sunday's ride, I'm impressed that a bike can cover so much ground efficiently. I'll plan my next route in the same area, since I'm fond of the towns, but along the other backroads that I haven't taken.
I like the area where I bike. Even though I live in a pretty densely populated suburb close to Newark NJ, I'm amazed that I only need to peddle for about 40 minutes west to smell the sweet stench of horse sh*t. That's my indication that I'm approaching beautiful farm and park scenery along relatively quiet country roads.
I use Microsoft Street & Trips to plan my routes. And having looked at the overview map of Sunday's ride, I'm impressed that a bike can cover so much ground efficiently. I'll plan my next route in the same area, since I'm fond of the towns, but along the other backroads that I haven't taken.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Endorphin deprived
Just past 1 am and couldn't sleep. Saw Blade Trinity a few hours ago on DVD, then Tina woke up to find me as part of her all too consistent just-after-midnight routine. I laid down with her again but just couldn't shut the brain. So obviously here I am.
I haven't worked out in a week and the withdrawal is kicking in. Ahah, that's it. Anyway, it hurts. So first thing come 7 am (hopefully), I'll be out on the rode on my Cannondale on a long morning tour to Morristown and perhaps beyond. If I'm lucky, I'll chart about 40 miles roundtrip. I think I need it. At least it should help me sleep more soundly tomorrow night. Then the twitching should stop :-)
Gotta zzz...
I haven't worked out in a week and the withdrawal is kicking in. Ahah, that's it. Anyway, it hurts. So first thing come 7 am (hopefully), I'll be out on the rode on my Cannondale on a long morning tour to Morristown and perhaps beyond. If I'm lucky, I'll chart about 40 miles roundtrip. I think I need it. At least it should help me sleep more soundly tomorrow night. Then the twitching should stop :-)
Gotta zzz...
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Back to school
Can you hear it? It's that song. That song from the Staples commercial: "It's the mooost... wonderful timmme...of the yearrr...." It's ringing in my head right now. And I'm sure I'll forever remember that jingle til the day the cows come home. Ummm, yeah.*
Tina awoke eagerly this morning for her first day in kindergarten. She was excited and so was I. I thought of my old grammar school and highschool days and how I really looked forward to coming back to the classroom from the long summers. Shopping for new clothes wasn't too much of a big deal for me. But the stationery...oh boy!...the geek inside just couldn't keep the thrills quietly at bay. Cool looking folders, .5mm retractable pencils, killer binders and, of course...the ultimate pocket protectors! Yeah, I know...dweeb city to the max...but hey I could care less then. It was cool to me. Now let's get back to the present.
Since it was the first day of class, parents were allowed to bring their children into the classrooms to meet the teachers. Otherwise, the kids normally get dropped off just within the school doors. All the teachers seemed nice as I figured from speaking to one at length in the hallway. Then I spoke casually with the principal as he passed by and he was darn alright as well. Now I say that with surprise because I remember being fearful of my school authorities and thinking of them as not being too kind. I vividly remember many of their 'mean' moments. Very many. And some I felt were just plain terrible to us. Anyway, again to the present.
It felt very strange to talk one-on-one with the teachers and the principal as peers. For a brief millisecond, I expected to hear the condescending tones and pedantic rambling as I long remembered. But it didn't happen. My flashback feelings were trying to convince me otherwise, but I realized quickly that times have indeed changed, that the school system has evolved productively and that my kids would likely be taught better than I was taught and with much more compassion than I had received. Thank goodness gracious for that.
Now if they could only improve the morning dropoff and afternoon mayhem in the parking lot. Talk about crazy!
*That Staples commercial originally aired in 1993. I failed to find which ad agency brainstormed it.
Tina awoke eagerly this morning for her first day in kindergarten. She was excited and so was I. I thought of my old grammar school and highschool days and how I really looked forward to coming back to the classroom from the long summers. Shopping for new clothes wasn't too much of a big deal for me. But the stationery...oh boy!...the geek inside just couldn't keep the thrills quietly at bay. Cool looking folders, .5mm retractable pencils, killer binders and, of course...the ultimate pocket protectors! Yeah, I know...dweeb city to the max...but hey I could care less then. It was cool to me. Now let's get back to the present.
Since it was the first day of class, parents were allowed to bring their children into the classrooms to meet the teachers. Otherwise, the kids normally get dropped off just within the school doors. All the teachers seemed nice as I figured from speaking to one at length in the hallway. Then I spoke casually with the principal as he passed by and he was darn alright as well. Now I say that with surprise because I remember being fearful of my school authorities and thinking of them as not being too kind. I vividly remember many of their 'mean' moments. Very many. And some I felt were just plain terrible to us. Anyway, again to the present.
It felt very strange to talk one-on-one with the teachers and the principal as peers. For a brief millisecond, I expected to hear the condescending tones and pedantic rambling as I long remembered. But it didn't happen. My flashback feelings were trying to convince me otherwise, but I realized quickly that times have indeed changed, that the school system has evolved productively and that my kids would likely be taught better than I was taught and with much more compassion than I had received. Thank goodness gracious for that.
Now if they could only improve the morning dropoff and afternoon mayhem in the parking lot. Talk about crazy!
*That Staples commercial originally aired in 1993. I failed to find which ad agency brainstormed it.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Buzz buzz
I killed a lot of bees today. At least I thought so. They were really wasps; yellowjackets, to be precise. They were nesting within the space where my outdoor faucet pipe meets the house foundation. (I knew I should've sealed that hole long ago. It's just an invitation for insects to come in. Darn me!)
I had seen the wasps congregating around the faucet weeks ago, but cared nothing for it until I saw one milling about in the basement yesterday. So I finally got off my ass and headed to Home Depot for a solution.
"Excuse me sir," I said to a Home Depot man. "Umm, where are your bee insecticides? I have some bees that I need to kill." The Home Depot man said, "Right here." And he pointed to a spray can that read 'Wasp and Hornet Killer.' "That'll do the trick," he said. And suddenly, it was then that the funkiness dawned on me. Hmmmm, I thought. What the f*ck do I know about bees and wasps? I mean what the hell's the difference?
So I bought the can, went home, sprayed the entire contents into the hole (no doubt everyone does the overspraying thing when it comes to killing insects), and then went upstairs to Google about the difference between bees and wasps (yellowjackets really, since these are the ones that everyone confuses for bees).
In a nutshell: bees are nice; yellowjackets are not. Bees are practically all furry; yellowjackets are more shiny. Bees hang around flowers. Yellowjackets hang around garbage cans. Bees sting only once then die. Yellowjackets sting, and then sting again, and then sting again...
Remember the times when you saw these really fat fuzzy things flying gracefully from one flower to another almost in slow motion, and you said, "awww, that's so cute; it's a bumblebee." Well, you were so right. It was. And then remember the other times you saw one of these thinner flying thingies scooting around your head and it seemed to never go away. You waved your hands in the air, spun around, ducked down and eventually ran off in contortions to avoid getting stung. Yup, that's the nasty yellowjacket; a wasp.
And now you know.
My basement floor is now littered with about 15 or more yellowjackets. I went downstairs to check an hour after I sprayed and saw them all either dead or gasping for life. I smiled in victory, of course.
So here's what I learned: I'll never think badly of a bee ever again. They'll always be my sweet furry little friends. But to all you yellowjackets, I say "be afraid; be very afraid, for I shall always be pointing my spray can at you."
Now I know the difference.
I had seen the wasps congregating around the faucet weeks ago, but cared nothing for it until I saw one milling about in the basement yesterday. So I finally got off my ass and headed to Home Depot for a solution.
"Excuse me sir," I said to a Home Depot man. "Umm, where are your bee insecticides? I have some bees that I need to kill." The Home Depot man said, "Right here." And he pointed to a spray can that read 'Wasp and Hornet Killer.' "That'll do the trick," he said. And suddenly, it was then that the funkiness dawned on me. Hmmmm, I thought. What the f*ck do I know about bees and wasps? I mean what the hell's the difference?
So I bought the can, went home, sprayed the entire contents into the hole (no doubt everyone does the overspraying thing when it comes to killing insects), and then went upstairs to Google about the difference between bees and wasps (yellowjackets really, since these are the ones that everyone confuses for bees).
In a nutshell: bees are nice; yellowjackets are not. Bees are practically all furry; yellowjackets are more shiny. Bees hang around flowers. Yellowjackets hang around garbage cans. Bees sting only once then die. Yellowjackets sting, and then sting again, and then sting again...
Remember the times when you saw these really fat fuzzy things flying gracefully from one flower to another almost in slow motion, and you said, "awww, that's so cute; it's a bumblebee." Well, you were so right. It was. And then remember the other times you saw one of these thinner flying thingies scooting around your head and it seemed to never go away. You waved your hands in the air, spun around, ducked down and eventually ran off in contortions to avoid getting stung. Yup, that's the nasty yellowjacket; a wasp.
And now you know.
My basement floor is now littered with about 15 or more yellowjackets. I went downstairs to check an hour after I sprayed and saw them all either dead or gasping for life. I smiled in victory, of course.
So here's what I learned: I'll never think badly of a bee ever again. They'll always be my sweet furry little friends. But to all you yellowjackets, I say "be afraid; be very afraid, for I shall always be pointing my spray can at you."
Now I know the difference.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Shooting stars tonight
The peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower is tonight. Unfortunately, the forecast in our area calls for clouds and chance of thunderstorms starting early evening. Plus, we live in an area where there's too much light pollution. We'd need to drive westward to get darker skies.
If the conditions do become favorable for us, I'd really like to treat my little ones to the show. I think they'd get a real kick out of it. I think it was circa 1986 when camping that I had my first and only full viewing of the showers. Mother of goodness was it amazing.
For more info:
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/050805_perseid_guide.html
http://www.jackstargazer.com/
If the conditions do become favorable for us, I'd really like to treat my little ones to the show. I think they'd get a real kick out of it. I think it was circa 1986 when camping that I had my first and only full viewing of the showers. Mother of goodness was it amazing.
For more info:
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/050805_perseid_guide.html
http://www.jackstargazer.com/
Monday, August 08, 2005
My new training toy
Father, forgive me for I have sinned.
I bought a bike trainer today. A really nice one, too--a CycleOps Fluid2. Yes yes, I know I already have a 10 year old Minoura MagTurbo that's still kickin', but this new 2005 one that I just ordered is a fluid trainer, not magnetic. I've read the newsgroups and have been led to believe that the difference is day and night as it more realistically simulates outdoor riding. Plus, I found a 20% coupon that I could use if I purchased online, which I did. See, so I didn't really spend a fortune; I actually saved a wallop. And of course, wallop beats fortune.
So hmmm, did I really err on the side of impulsive shopping or was I simply blessed with a revelation that included a 20% discount? ... What was that? Uhhuh. Yup. ... See, I knew you'd understand. No doubt you have a road bike as well.
And now the final judgment awaits me as I must answer to an even greater authority. But first, I think I'll wait until she's finished cooking downstairs. And I'll take the kids off her hands for the night as well.
Lord, help me.
I bought a bike trainer today. A really nice one, too--a CycleOps Fluid2. Yes yes, I know I already have a 10 year old Minoura MagTurbo that's still kickin', but this new 2005 one that I just ordered is a fluid trainer, not magnetic. I've read the newsgroups and have been led to believe that the difference is day and night as it more realistically simulates outdoor riding. Plus, I found a 20% coupon that I could use if I purchased online, which I did. See, so I didn't really spend a fortune; I actually saved a wallop. And of course, wallop beats fortune.
So hmmm, did I really err on the side of impulsive shopping or was I simply blessed with a revelation that included a 20% discount? ... What was that? Uhhuh. Yup. ... See, I knew you'd understand. No doubt you have a road bike as well.
And now the final judgment awaits me as I must answer to an even greater authority. But first, I think I'll wait until she's finished cooking downstairs. And I'll take the kids off her hands for the night as well.
Lord, help me.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Seeing is believing. Not!
I love illusions.
Here's a webpage that shows how our perception of color and shade is strongly affected by its surroundings. Check it out as it's quite cool.
Makes me more conscious of how accurate or rather unaccurate my eye is when working with color swatches such as in webpage design or photo retouching.
Here's a webpage that shows how our perception of color and shade is strongly affected by its surroundings. Check it out as it's quite cool.
Makes me more conscious of how accurate or rather unaccurate my eye is when working with color swatches such as in webpage design or photo retouching.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Sunset Sprint Triathlon
7/23/05 -- The Sunset Sprint Triathlon in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Done. Finished in the top 85% (vs. 93% in the Devilman Tri). This was the infamous race that Melinda and I tried competing as a team in 1998 (more long ago than I thought). She would do the swim and I would do the bike and run. Unfortunately, shortly after the starting gun, she became overwhelmed with the madness of the swim leg and returned to shore a few minutes later, and we decided not to continue. This year was the first return to the race since that time. Therefore, my racing today was dedicated to Melinda. Perhaps, it would establish the stepping stones to re-entering the tri scene for her.
So here goes:
Five seconds...four...three...two...one...BANG!
Swam 1/2 mile in 26 minutes at the top 98% of finishers (98% in Devilman). (The top swimmer did it in 9 minutes!) As expected, I was practically last except for the remaining 2% of the crowd behind me. Ugggh. And I was trying so hard too. Note to self: join a masters swim class this fall or get fitted with an outboard motor up my ass. BTW, if you want to know what it feels like to have sex in an open body of water, join a triathlon. I've never been so thoroughly and violently groped in my life as when I do the swim legs. Never fails. Melinda's gotta be jealous. (Here's my swim pic finish.)
Biked 16 flat miles in 52 minutes at the top 51% of finishers (79% in Devilman). (The top cyclist did it in 37 minutes.) Yeah boy! Now that's an improvement. I'd been training to ride on the big gears for this race. Sure enough, it was about power this time. I used the big front chainring almost the whole time. I'm glad the hard work paid off. Another rider and I were playing cat and mouse the whole ride. Always chasing and passing. A fun leg. (Here's my bike pic.)
Ran a 5k trail in 29 minutes at the top 77% of finishers (79% in Devilman). (The top runner did it in just under 17 minutes!) Just a bit of improvement consistent with my progress on the treadmill at the YMCA, although I did expect to run faster. I think 'powering' through the bike took its toll. I felt dehydrated and was starting to get a headache. Still, I felt good crossing the finish and did my silly jump thing again like tri legend Greg Welch. I think I'll adopt it as well for all my future races.
I may consider a third and last race for this season, perhaps in September. For now, I'm pooped.
Official times are listed here.
So here goes:
Five seconds...four...three...two...one...BANG!
Swam 1/2 mile in 26 minutes at the top 98% of finishers (98% in Devilman). (The top swimmer did it in 9 minutes!) As expected, I was practically last except for the remaining 2% of the crowd behind me. Ugggh. And I was trying so hard too. Note to self: join a masters swim class this fall or get fitted with an outboard motor up my ass. BTW, if you want to know what it feels like to have sex in an open body of water, join a triathlon. I've never been so thoroughly and violently groped in my life as when I do the swim legs. Never fails. Melinda's gotta be jealous. (Here's my swim pic finish.)
Biked 16 flat miles in 52 minutes at the top 51% of finishers (79% in Devilman). (The top cyclist did it in 37 minutes.) Yeah boy! Now that's an improvement. I'd been training to ride on the big gears for this race. Sure enough, it was about power this time. I used the big front chainring almost the whole time. I'm glad the hard work paid off. Another rider and I were playing cat and mouse the whole ride. Always chasing and passing. A fun leg. (Here's my bike pic.)
Ran a 5k trail in 29 minutes at the top 77% of finishers (79% in Devilman). (The top runner did it in just under 17 minutes!) Just a bit of improvement consistent with my progress on the treadmill at the YMCA, although I did expect to run faster. I think 'powering' through the bike took its toll. I felt dehydrated and was starting to get a headache. Still, I felt good crossing the finish and did my silly jump thing again like tri legend Greg Welch. I think I'll adopt it as well for all my future races.
I may consider a third and last race for this season, perhaps in September. For now, I'm pooped.
Official times are listed here.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Hiatus
Whew, what a busy month July was! A cruise to Canada, a wedding in Virginia, my in-laws staying over followed by childhood friends staying over, another triathlon of the season, and then more family visiting--all in that order--were keeping me away from any breather to smell the roses. Well, at least from blogging.
I managed to jot some thoughts on my PDA for the time away from the computer so I hope to edit and post those things tonight. Please watch out for some back dating.
For now, Mindy is demanding my attention for some Ovaltine. See, here she is: asdfghjkl;. k/ykkkkkk,,kkkkk
kk
k
Thanks, Minnie. That was her version of "get the hell off the computer and attend to my needs!"
Alright then. Gotta go.
I managed to jot some thoughts on my PDA for the time away from the computer so I hope to edit and post those things tonight. Please watch out for some back dating.
For now, Mindy is demanding my attention for some Ovaltine. See, here she is: asdfghjkl;. k/ykkkkkk,,kkkkk
kk
k
Thanks, Minnie. That was her version of "get the hell off the computer and attend to my needs!"
Alright then. Gotta go.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Away again this weekend
My family and I just arrived Monday from our cruise and we're now taking a road trip to Virginia for a wedding this weekend. There's much to blog about and pictures to post on the dreamy ocean voyage but it will have to wait until this Monday. Before my thoughts escape me, I'll work on the drafts on my PDA (via quick-entry MessagEase, thankfully) during our weekend hotel stay.
Some random thoughts (due to a hectic week): I'm inspired to take up the guitar again. And I still want to sing well. I bought Jason Mraz's CD (Recorded Live At Java Joe's, 2001) and am currently in love with the song, Dreamlife of Rand McNally. The CD is my favorite of all his albums because of the live 'cafe' acoustics, recorded before he became famous.
More thoughts: I have a triathlon to do in one week on the 23rd; I've worked on the biking and running but nil on the swimming. I'll see what laps I could squeeze in between now and then. I feel it won't be much. (Oh curse you, Lance Armstrong and your Tour de France domestiques*, for drawing me away from my workouts and making me a couch potato.)
And cock-a-doodle-do, it's 3:57 am already!? Better act like a responsible parent and get some sleep before the long drive south this noon. Nighty night.
*For some basic 'Tour de France 101', I've found this link to be concisely informative.
Some random thoughts (due to a hectic week): I'm inspired to take up the guitar again. And I still want to sing well. I bought Jason Mraz's CD (Recorded Live At Java Joe's, 2001) and am currently in love with the song, Dreamlife of Rand McNally. The CD is my favorite of all his albums because of the live 'cafe' acoustics, recorded before he became famous.
More thoughts: I have a triathlon to do in one week on the 23rd; I've worked on the biking and running but nil on the swimming. I'll see what laps I could squeeze in between now and then. I feel it won't be much. (Oh curse you, Lance Armstrong and your Tour de France domestiques*, for drawing me away from my workouts and making me a couch potato.)
And cock-a-doodle-do, it's 3:57 am already!? Better act like a responsible parent and get some sleep before the long drive south this noon. Nighty night.
*For some basic 'Tour de France 101', I've found this link to be concisely informative.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Bon Voyage!
I'm on a cruise!
It's a voyage from Bayonne, New Jersey to Halifax, Canada on Royal Caribbean Cruiseline. And as I'm typing on this keyboard, I'm actually floating on water. And currently, we're in Halifax just off shore. How cool is that.
But let's quickly get to the chase. I just wanted to see if I could keep in touch with the rest of the world online from the seas. And I certainly could! Gosh darn it, ain't technology magnifico! But unfortunately it's at the cost of $.50 per minute. So this'll likely be my most expensive entry.
Take care, y'all. I'll edit this and post more of this story when I get back to home base. With my writer's block, the minutes are adding up.
Asta la vista. Or rather, bon retour.
--get well
It's a voyage from Bayonne, New Jersey to Halifax, Canada on Royal Caribbean Cruiseline. And as I'm typing on this keyboard, I'm actually floating on water. And currently, we're in Halifax just off shore. How cool is that.
But let's quickly get to the chase. I just wanted to see if I could keep in touch with the rest of the world online from the seas. And I certainly could! Gosh darn it, ain't technology magnifico! But unfortunately it's at the cost of $.50 per minute. So this'll likely be my most expensive entry.
Take care, y'all. I'll edit this and post more of this story when I get back to home base. With my writer's block, the minutes are adding up.
Asta la vista. Or rather, bon retour.
--get well
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Danica McKellar
Remember Winnie Cooper? Y'know, from The Wonder Years on TV in the late 80's and early 90's. Well, I just read a little bit of her 'then-and-now' bio and I must say I am inspired. She does math! And very well! She majored in it Summa Cum freakin' Laude, co-authored some physics paper, and even offers math pedagogy on her website!
She does math! Wow!
She does other stuff too, y'know. She still acts, does filmmaking, keeps up with the charity work, and did quite a jaw-dropping photoshoot for Stuff magazine.
I enjoyed reading her math Q&A section from her website. That's what set off the inspiration. I'd always thought of mathematics as an enigma, so to find people who take the time to explain it all sufficiently and with patience...well, I just find that impressive and commendable. I've met very few who've done this, especially in my times of need, and so I just had to email her like some giddy and obsessed fan. I thanked her for her explanations and asked if there's any higher math topic she has yet to study. I'd probably go bonkers if she replied. See, I have turned into a looney zealot.
Anyway, now I feel like cracking open my calc text and digging into some integrals. Hmmm, yummy yummy!
Nighty night.
--well
ps:
1. Danica endorses FigureThis.org for some fun math activities for the young ones.
2. Here's the link for more 'then-and-now' celebrities.
She does math! Wow!
She does other stuff too, y'know. She still acts, does filmmaking, keeps up with the charity work, and did quite a jaw-dropping photoshoot for Stuff magazine.
I enjoyed reading her math Q&A section from her website. That's what set off the inspiration. I'd always thought of mathematics as an enigma, so to find people who take the time to explain it all sufficiently and with patience...well, I just find that impressive and commendable. I've met very few who've done this, especially in my times of need, and so I just had to email her like some giddy and obsessed fan. I thanked her for her explanations and asked if there's any higher math topic she has yet to study. I'd probably go bonkers if she replied. See, I have turned into a looney zealot.
Anyway, now I feel like cracking open my calc text and digging into some integrals. Hmmm, yummy yummy!
Nighty night.
--well
ps:
1. Danica endorses FigureThis.org for some fun math activities for the young ones.
2. Here's the link for more 'then-and-now' celebrities.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Space, the final frontier...
Space exploration is amazing. Truly amazing with a capital F. And I've never ceased to feel such wonderment when looking up at the dark, clear and sparkling sky.
Did you know that NASA landed a satellite (Shoemaker) on an asteroid in Feb 2001? It was an historic first ever landing. Well geez, I was clueless about it until I watched the Science Channel on cable a few weeks ago. (In fact, I'm clueless about most current events ever since the kids were born.)
What astounds me is how NASA managed to land the satellite on an asteroid (Eros) that at best resembles a 21 mile long potato rotating in space. With such an oblong shape and thus an ever changing gravity field, it certainly was an improbable feat to accomplish. But they did it, and without any landing gear, since Shoemaker was not originally intended to touch down. 'Wow that's hot!' as Paris Hilton would say.
So what's up for this week? Well, the 3 brightest planets will be humping each other--Venus, Mercury and Saturn. I mean, they'll be visible in a local area of the sky so you could view them together in a single glance. I haven't gotten a looksie myself, but I'm just waiting for these starry nights to clear up a bit first.
Additional highlights for the 2005 skies may be found here. I'm mostly anticipating the Perseid Meteor Shower since it takes me way back to 1986 (was that the year?) when my closest friends and I roughed it on a week long adventure in the campgrounds of Pennsylvania. We weren't aware then, but it so happens that the plethora of shooting stars (and I mean a friggin helluva lot of shooting stars) that we were tracking above us were the Perseids. Goodness, there were so many! And how beautifully fortunate we were to have crystal clear skies then to just lay back and gaze. It's since become one of the most memorable moments of that summer as well as of my childhood, and it's forever kept me looking up in appreciation. In appeciation of the wonders of space ... and of the beauty of friendship.
Did you know that NASA landed a satellite (Shoemaker) on an asteroid in Feb 2001? It was an historic first ever landing. Well geez, I was clueless about it until I watched the Science Channel on cable a few weeks ago. (In fact, I'm clueless about most current events ever since the kids were born.)
What astounds me is how NASA managed to land the satellite on an asteroid (Eros) that at best resembles a 21 mile long potato rotating in space. With such an oblong shape and thus an ever changing gravity field, it certainly was an improbable feat to accomplish. But they did it, and without any landing gear, since Shoemaker was not originally intended to touch down. 'Wow that's hot!' as Paris Hilton would say.
So what's up for this week? Well, the 3 brightest planets will be humping each other--Venus, Mercury and Saturn. I mean, they'll be visible in a local area of the sky so you could view them together in a single glance. I haven't gotten a looksie myself, but I'm just waiting for these starry nights to clear up a bit first.
Additional highlights for the 2005 skies may be found here. I'm mostly anticipating the Perseid Meteor Shower since it takes me way back to 1986 (was that the year?) when my closest friends and I roughed it on a week long adventure in the campgrounds of Pennsylvania. We weren't aware then, but it so happens that the plethora of shooting stars (and I mean a friggin helluva lot of shooting stars) that we were tracking above us were the Perseids. Goodness, there were so many! And how beautifully fortunate we were to have crystal clear skies then to just lay back and gaze. It's since become one of the most memorable moments of that summer as well as of my childhood, and it's forever kept me looking up in appreciation. In appeciation of the wonders of space ... and of the beauty of friendship.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Miss, Mrs., or Ms.?
Tomorrow is Tina's last day of Pre-K. I'll be writing a Thank You note to her teachers following this blog entry, but first needed to clarify the addressing issue. That is, would it be Miss, Mrs., or Ms.?
I thought a simple Google search would turn up an official conventional use of the terms, but I was surprised to find that there really was none, and that there were many postings of people who were adamant and disagreeing of how women should be addressed. In one thread, a married woman was proud to use her Mrs. status while another used Ms. so as to tell everyone to mind their own beeswax.
After further searches, I found the Ms. term to be favored by those wishing to have their marital status kept discreet. Seems quite fair to me. After all, men are addressed by Mr., which gives no indication of whether or not they're married. How convenient for us!:-) So it's only appropriate then that women are provided with the similar term of Ms.
Certainly the MissMrsMs issue runs to deeper avenues where many feminists are contesting other male-favored conventions. A couple of examples are the addressing of Mrs. HisFirstName HisLastName (e.g., Mrs. John Smith) in formal wedding invitations, and the use of he/him in many writings when the gender is unknown. (For all you men, would you twinge if you were addressed as Mr. Jane Mistress -- Mr. HerFirstName HerLastName?)
Probably a few years ago, I would've figured this discussion as trivial and given it less thought had it not been for my daughters. Ever since Tina and Mindy started innocently placing female terms to their play toys (that I had assumed as male), I became more conscious of my male-term centered lingo. I've since then decided to give the she/her usage (and other feminist-endorsed conventions) a try and see what comes of it.
So as for the Thank You note, I guess I'll be going with the Ms. thing and hope that would be fair. After all, I don't know if either one of Tina's teachers is married, single, divorced or widowed. And if so, maybe they'd want to keep it personal. Certainly, Mr. John Doe has.
Ms. it is.
I thought a simple Google search would turn up an official conventional use of the terms, but I was surprised to find that there really was none, and that there were many postings of people who were adamant and disagreeing of how women should be addressed. In one thread, a married woman was proud to use her Mrs. status while another used Ms. so as to tell everyone to mind their own beeswax.
After further searches, I found the Ms. term to be favored by those wishing to have their marital status kept discreet. Seems quite fair to me. After all, men are addressed by Mr., which gives no indication of whether or not they're married. How convenient for us!:-) So it's only appropriate then that women are provided with the similar term of Ms.
Certainly the MissMrsMs issue runs to deeper avenues where many feminists are contesting other male-favored conventions. A couple of examples are the addressing of Mrs. HisFirstName HisLastName (e.g., Mrs. John Smith) in formal wedding invitations, and the use of he/him in many writings when the gender is unknown. (For all you men, would you twinge if you were addressed as Mr. Jane Mistress -- Mr. HerFirstName HerLastName?)
Probably a few years ago, I would've figured this discussion as trivial and given it less thought had it not been for my daughters. Ever since Tina and Mindy started innocently placing female terms to their play toys (that I had assumed as male), I became more conscious of my male-term centered lingo. I've since then decided to give the she/her usage (and other feminist-endorsed conventions) a try and see what comes of it.
So as for the Thank You note, I guess I'll be going with the Ms. thing and hope that would be fair. After all, I don't know if either one of Tina's teachers is married, single, divorced or widowed. And if so, maybe they'd want to keep it personal. Certainly, Mr. John Doe has.
Ms. it is.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
The next triathlon
I've just signed up for the Sunset Sprint Triathlon (7/23), which has a .5mi swim, 16mi bike and a 5k trail run. It'll be my 2nd race of the season and another incentive to keep up the workouts. Although still relatively overweight, I'm about 5 lbs lighter since my 1st race, so I expect my running and biking to improve more readily. I already feel the ease when I run on the treadmill. That is, my joints don't feel so weighted down and achy.
Tonight, I'll write down my 'countdown' plan so I don't overdo the training and get all burned out. Tomorrow morning, I hope to do a very early morning bike ride before the family wakes up. I look forward to it more for pleasure than a workout since the ride'll take me through nice suburbs and farmland.
Tonight, I'll write down my 'countdown' plan so I don't overdo the training and get all burned out. Tomorrow morning, I hope to do a very early morning bike ride before the family wakes up. I look forward to it more for pleasure than a workout since the ride'll take me through nice suburbs and farmland.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
My need for music
I'm a gadget guy. Periodically, I get all into a tizzy about the latest and greatest gizmo out there that I just have to preach about it. Lately, it's my MP3 player that's got me worked up. It's so gosh darn small and ergonomically perfect for my running sessions. Teamed up with a beautiful set of earplug-style headphones, I fall into this Calgon-take-me-away state (i.e., 'nirvana' for you newer whipper snappers) where happiness is all that exists.
But the bread and butter of this wonderful sound comes from my relatively small but growing MP3 collection, which I've been fortunate to experience via MusicMatch On Demand (or Rhapsody) and recorded using Replay Music. ("Free music?" you ask. Well, the subscription isn't, but the songs are. And the recordings are legal, according to Replay's FAQ's.) The net cost of each song turns out to be only pennies, although it really depends on the number of recordings.
So enough about this shameless plug. If you love music, at least try the free trial periods. Having access to an entire CD store on your desktop is quite nifty. Any artist, any album, any song, any time. Sweetness, huh.*
* These products are not intended to treat or diagnose persons with liver or heart disease. Side effects may include nausea, drymouth, euphoria or reclusive listening leading to spousal and child abandonment. If you take an alpha blocker drug for high blood pressure or prostate problems, talk to your doctor.
But the bread and butter of this wonderful sound comes from my relatively small but growing MP3 collection, which I've been fortunate to experience via MusicMatch On Demand (or Rhapsody) and recorded using Replay Music. ("Free music?" you ask. Well, the subscription isn't, but the songs are. And the recordings are legal, according to Replay's FAQ's.) The net cost of each song turns out to be only pennies, although it really depends on the number of recordings.
So enough about this shameless plug. If you love music, at least try the free trial periods. Having access to an entire CD store on your desktop is quite nifty. Any artist, any album, any song, any time. Sweetness, huh.*
* These products are not intended to treat or diagnose persons with liver or heart disease. Side effects may include nausea, drymouth, euphoria or reclusive listening leading to spousal and child abandonment. If you take an alpha blocker drug for high blood pressure or prostate problems, talk to your doctor.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
More on 'passion'
My Fight for Fame post kept me thinking overtime, rekindled appreciatively by Rick's comment: ..."my passion is my family. But it took a while to get to that answer"...
Ahhh yes...mucho thanks for that. Glad to know I have pals walking the same streets with me. My revelations are similar in that they took time to be noticed because my focus was elsewhere. For me, I was forcing myself to feel strongly about other things for which I eventually cared least.
I've now put the "What am I passionate about?" question permanently on the back burner without trying to actively answer it. I'll only do what I do and see what affections are brought forward. I guess only then could the answers be obvious and sincere. And if I feel an abandoned display of emotion coming about, then I believe I've struck gold.
Ahhh yes...mucho thanks for that. Glad to know I have pals walking the same streets with me. My revelations are similar in that they took time to be noticed because my focus was elsewhere. For me, I was forcing myself to feel strongly about other things for which I eventually cared least.
I've now put the "What am I passionate about?" question permanently on the back burner without trying to actively answer it. I'll only do what I do and see what affections are brought forward. I guess only then could the answers be obvious and sincere. And if I feel an abandoned display of emotion coming about, then I believe I've struck gold.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Fight For Fame
Have you ever had anything that you were so passionate about that it made you cry just talking about it?
This evening, I watched the premiere episode of Fight For Fame. It's yet another reality show where 1 out of 5 competing people wins a one year contract with a top talent agency.
Tonight's episode winner was Gretchen. And she had her emotions gushing when asked the final question: why did she feel she deserved to win the audition? She replied that she loved acting most of her life and that ... (she pauses, gets choked up and then the tears start pouring) ... she wanted to do this for her daughter; to show her that dreams do come true when you work hard for it. Good answer, I thought. Banal perhaps, but well delivered. I believed her sincerity, which she later confirmed was genuine. And I got choked up as well, else she was indeed a great actor!
Anyway, it got me reckoning afterwards. What things am I so passionate about? Past and present. What things bring that surge of emotion when I give it some thought?
I mull over questions like these night and day. The answers expose the amount of drive I have in the things I do, and provide reasons to stay the course. Now while I readily have some answers in my head, I think I'll keep them momentarily hushed until after some further reflection. And yup, I feel the emotions swelling up already...
Hmmmm....
This evening, I watched the premiere episode of Fight For Fame. It's yet another reality show where 1 out of 5 competing people wins a one year contract with a top talent agency.
Tonight's episode winner was Gretchen. And she had her emotions gushing when asked the final question: why did she feel she deserved to win the audition? She replied that she loved acting most of her life and that ... (she pauses, gets choked up and then the tears start pouring) ... she wanted to do this for her daughter; to show her that dreams do come true when you work hard for it. Good answer, I thought. Banal perhaps, but well delivered. I believed her sincerity, which she later confirmed was genuine. And I got choked up as well, else she was indeed a great actor!
Anyway, it got me reckoning afterwards. What things am I so passionate about? Past and present. What things bring that surge of emotion when I give it some thought?
I mull over questions like these night and day. The answers expose the amount of drive I have in the things I do, and provide reasons to stay the course. Now while I readily have some answers in my head, I think I'll keep them momentarily hushed until after some further reflection. And yup, I feel the emotions swelling up already...
Hmmmm....
Friday, June 03, 2005
Devilman Tri Pics
There were official photographers that took pictures of all the competitors during the past Devilman Triathlon. Here are their snapshots of my jump across the finish (Greg Welch style) and on the bike.
Here's Bill Schweizer of 82 years--the oldest in this race--on the bike and at the finish.
Here's Bill Schweizer of 82 years--the oldest in this race--on the bike and at the finish.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
On being a responsible grownup
I had a website project a while back that I let slip through the cracks. I let procrastination rule over me for those days, so I never finished the work and had all intentions of just letting it go in defeat. Irresponsible and immature, yes it was. Today, a few months later, my client called to let me know that he still would like to see it completed. He wasn't angry about it, but rather just wanted to see it done and over.
This inability of mine to get some things done makes me feel like Jimmy Neutron's arch-enemy, Professor Finbarr Calamitous--a man "who could never finish anything, not even a sentence." I could think of a million previous tasks that support this sentiment, but perhaps that's just seeing the glass as half empty.
Okay then, the good thing is that I've gotten a second chance to do the right thing. After all, most of my victories have arisen from that saying, "If at first you don't succeed..." (or was it "The show must go on." :-)). So I guess it's best that I keep up with that tradition.
Once again, yet again, we'll see what the next few days pan out.
This inability of mine to get some things done makes me feel like Jimmy Neutron's arch-enemy, Professor Finbarr Calamitous--a man "who could never finish anything, not even a sentence." I could think of a million previous tasks that support this sentiment, but perhaps that's just seeing the glass as half empty.
Okay then, the good thing is that I've gotten a second chance to do the right thing. After all, most of my victories have arisen from that saying, "If at first you don't succeed..." (or was it "The show must go on." :-)). So I guess it's best that I keep up with that tradition.
Once again, yet again, we'll see what the next few days pan out.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
"Hop on, explorers!"
At Blockbuster today, my two little girls requested that I rent out the DVD, Spongebob Squarepants -- The Seascape Capers. Actually, it's more like they jumped for joy with their raised voices in sync: "Spongebob, Spongebob, Spongebob!" (Okay everyone, you can all turn around now. Nothing to see here. Just me and the kiddies being loud and obnoxious.) Tina and Mindy knew that they'd already seen all these Spongebob episodes on Nickelodeon a billion and one times. Still, they insisted that I rent it out anyway.
It's seeing this delight on the kids' faces that I've kept up the trips to Blockbuster with them rather than keeping them at home when it seems more convenient. That as well as on almost all my errands that I've let them tag along. It keeps them well stimulated. Kinda like Ms. Frizzle and The Magic Schoolbus, whereby "every trip is a field trip". And of course, there's still the whining and the "daddy, I want this, I want that" and the "are we there yet?" droning that goes with each voyage. But I suppose that's their way of giving me lessons in testing my parenting skills.
So while the stores may be the same, the errands trivial or the movies all so repetitive, I guess there's always something new to learn along the way.
It's seeing this delight on the kids' faces that I've kept up the trips to Blockbuster with them rather than keeping them at home when it seems more convenient. That as well as on almost all my errands that I've let them tag along. It keeps them well stimulated. Kinda like Ms. Frizzle and The Magic Schoolbus, whereby "every trip is a field trip". And of course, there's still the whining and the "daddy, I want this, I want that" and the "are we there yet?" droning that goes with each voyage. But I suppose that's their way of giving me lessons in testing my parenting skills.
So while the stores may be the same, the errands trivial or the movies all so repetitive, I guess there's always something new to learn along the way.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Night training
I worked out on my bike trainer tonight at 10:15 pm. It was mentally difficult to get myself to do it, as it was my first night workout at home in eons and it was not part of my usual training routine. Furthermore, I was in bed with all the kids putting them to sleep and had come to that fork in the road: close my eyes and drift into lala land, or get up and rack some miles on the Cannondale. Glad I chose the latter.
My recent triathlon race armed me with data of my first field results this year, and now I have a better idea on where i need to improve. "What do you mean where to improve?! Improve everything, you dingbat!" you say. Okay, okay...I know my race times are nowhere near stellar, but I now feel more of an urgency to do better. It really feels tangible. Yeah, that's it. And now I can match my current workout levels to my real-time results as a reference for how far I need to push myself. In a word, I have a shipload of work to do.
I'll chart my progress from here on and hopefully post it after a few weeks.
My recent triathlon race armed me with data of my first field results this year, and now I have a better idea on where i need to improve. "What do you mean where to improve?! Improve everything, you dingbat!" you say. Okay, okay...I know my race times are nowhere near stellar, but I now feel more of an urgency to do better. It really feels tangible. Yeah, that's it. And now I can match my current workout levels to my real-time results as a reference for how far I need to push myself. In a word, I have a shipload of work to do.
I'll chart my progress from here on and hopefully post it after a few weeks.
Monday, May 16, 2005
No more dance class
"You can turn off the sun, but I'm still gonna shine."
--Jason Mraz (song, The Remedy)
Tina didn't have ballet today at the Y. Her classes for the next 8-week session were cancelled because she was the only one who signed up. Well, at least she was able to do 2 classes solo with the teacher before it was called quits (YMCA policy requires a min of 3 students).
I was heartbroken more so than I thought I would be. It's like coming across a wall when chasing your dream. Makes me exceptionally sad when I see it happening to kids. Tina really likes dancing and having classes at the YMCA was both convenient and inexpensive. I certainly don't want her interest to come to a halt, if this is what she enjoys. So in the next week or two, I'll check out a dance studio about a 5 minute drive away that was recommended by Jade, the ballet instructor.
Like many parents, Melinda and I are always trying to keep a keen sense on what sparks the kids' fancies. Whatever Tina, Mindy and Miguel each enjoy doing, we try to over indulge in it to see if there's any strong interest. Mindy's obsession has yet to noticeably surface, but it does seem to be in the area of singing. We'll wait and see. As for Miguel, he's only 2, but what a clown. I'm sure he'll join the circus one day :-).
--Jason Mraz (song, The Remedy)
Tina didn't have ballet today at the Y. Her classes for the next 8-week session were cancelled because she was the only one who signed up. Well, at least she was able to do 2 classes solo with the teacher before it was called quits (YMCA policy requires a min of 3 students).
I was heartbroken more so than I thought I would be. It's like coming across a wall when chasing your dream. Makes me exceptionally sad when I see it happening to kids. Tina really likes dancing and having classes at the YMCA was both convenient and inexpensive. I certainly don't want her interest to come to a halt, if this is what she enjoys. So in the next week or two, I'll check out a dance studio about a 5 minute drive away that was recommended by Jade, the ballet instructor.
Like many parents, Melinda and I are always trying to keep a keen sense on what sparks the kids' fancies. Whatever Tina, Mindy and Miguel each enjoy doing, we try to over indulge in it to see if there's any strong interest. Mindy's obsession has yet to noticeably surface, but it does seem to be in the area of singing. We'll wait and see. As for Miguel, he's only 2, but what a clown. I'm sure he'll join the circus one day :-).
Sunday, May 15, 2005
D-Day at Devil Tri
It's a done deal. I finished the Devilman Triathlon in under 2.5 hours. Whew! I wish I had pics to post, but they're still in my 'analog' camera. Nonetheless, the official time results for all the athletes are here.
Pre-race: Only a few hours sleep, as usual. Left home at 4:30 am & arrived 7:15. (Melinda and the kids came along too; thank goodness for their in-person support. Bless you sweeties for waking up so early.) With only 45 minutes left til the 8 am start, I went through the standard long rituals of bike/helmet inspection, check-in registration and body numbering. (I always thought of having your race number markered onto your body as being very cool and attributed it as unique to triathletes.) While waiting to be marked, I realized I still had jeans on with only boxers underneath and forgot that they needed to write the numbers on my thighs (arms and calves also)--oh man! Well, it was getting close to race time and I still needed to hurry and setup my bike and gear in the transition area; so down went my pants along with my pride :-). Write on me, baby!
Swim (0.6 miles, lake): Finished in 28 minutes at the top 98%. Practically last. Slow but sure. (The winning time was 11:43 minutes!) Geez, I thought I was going to die during the first few strokes! I wore a wetsuit, but it was perhaps a little tight or that the water was too cold. I just couldn't breathe well at the start, not to mention all the kicks and bumps from the other swimmers going past me (I noticed a long 3 inch bloody scratch below my calf after the race, probably from some swimmer's uncut nails). Eventually, I calmed down, found my rhythm, focused on distant objects to keep my direction straight and made it to the shore exit.
Transition 1: Out of the lake, hobbled to the bike transition, off with the wetsuit, donned my bike gear and out on the road. All in under 7 minutes. (Winning time is under 2 minutes.) Try doing this pissed drunk because that's what I felt like coming out of the water. And my jelly arms couldn't do anything for the life of me!
Bike (19 miles, open road): Finished in just over an hour at the top 79%. (The winning time was 49:19 minutes. Goodness gracious!) Nice flat roads, but mother-of-mercy headwinds! My cyclometer measured an avg speed of 18 mph with a top speed of 25 mph.This was my best leg. I felt comfortable and I knew exactly how to crank: peddle a fast cadence on a low gear; no need to muscle it. I was able to pick off some of the riders ahead. Still, I think I could've ridden faster, but I had to make sure I had some gusto left for the run.
Transition 2: Off of the bike, off with the cycling shoes and on with my sneakers in about 3.5 minutes. (Winning time under 1 minute.) I was darn thirsty and chugged down almost 2 bottles of Gatorade for some energy boost before I headed out.
Run (4 miles, sandy trail): Finished in almost 40 minutes at the top 79%, about a 10 min/mile pace. (The winning time was 23:04 minutes, a 5:46 min/mile pace!) It took a while to get my legs at normal stride from the bike, but I never let myself succumb to walking even with the heat and humidity. I paused only briefly at 3 of the Gatorade stations to drink up; I never have been able to drink efficiently while running--it just splashes all over me--so I just stop and chug it all in. Toward the end, I thought about a favorite workout song for some added adrenaline and began to sprint. I leapt across the finish in the fashion of my tri idol, Greg Welch.
Race done and over. What a relief.
Some interesting tidbits:
1. All competitors used pinky-sized timing chips, like those EZ-Pass devices that cars use for tolls, which we strapped to our ankles. Our times automatically registered when we stepped on mats at the finishes and splits.
2. It's very difficult to swim in a straight line in open water without focusing on a distant object. Some guy actually swam across in front of me, perpendicular! It was funny to watch as I had done the same in my very first race. Many others swam in zig-zag patterns.
3. Drafting is not allowed when biking and violators are given 2 minute penalties. It's everyone for themselves.
4. The oldest competitor was Bill Schweizer at 82 years! He wore bib# 1 and finished 285th, only a few minutes after I did. He won his age group--80 to 99--as he was the only one in it, and received the most cheers on and off the course. Melinda got a chance to talk with him just before the swim as they were the first ones waiting at the start. She remembers seeing him from my other races in 1993!
Now I must get some sleep. I'm quite tired. What a day.
Pre-race: Only a few hours sleep, as usual. Left home at 4:30 am & arrived 7:15. (Melinda and the kids came along too; thank goodness for their in-person support. Bless you sweeties for waking up so early.) With only 45 minutes left til the 8 am start, I went through the standard long rituals of bike/helmet inspection, check-in registration and body numbering. (I always thought of having your race number markered onto your body as being very cool and attributed it as unique to triathletes.) While waiting to be marked, I realized I still had jeans on with only boxers underneath and forgot that they needed to write the numbers on my thighs (arms and calves also)--oh man! Well, it was getting close to race time and I still needed to hurry and setup my bike and gear in the transition area; so down went my pants along with my pride :-). Write on me, baby!
Swim (0.6 miles, lake): Finished in 28 minutes at the top 98%. Practically last. Slow but sure. (The winning time was 11:43 minutes!) Geez, I thought I was going to die during the first few strokes! I wore a wetsuit, but it was perhaps a little tight or that the water was too cold. I just couldn't breathe well at the start, not to mention all the kicks and bumps from the other swimmers going past me (I noticed a long 3 inch bloody scratch below my calf after the race, probably from some swimmer's uncut nails). Eventually, I calmed down, found my rhythm, focused on distant objects to keep my direction straight and made it to the shore exit.
Transition 1: Out of the lake, hobbled to the bike transition, off with the wetsuit, donned my bike gear and out on the road. All in under 7 minutes. (Winning time is under 2 minutes.) Try doing this pissed drunk because that's what I felt like coming out of the water. And my jelly arms couldn't do anything for the life of me!
Bike (19 miles, open road): Finished in just over an hour at the top 79%. (The winning time was 49:19 minutes. Goodness gracious!) Nice flat roads, but mother-of-mercy headwinds! My cyclometer measured an avg speed of 18 mph with a top speed of 25 mph.This was my best leg. I felt comfortable and I knew exactly how to crank: peddle a fast cadence on a low gear; no need to muscle it. I was able to pick off some of the riders ahead. Still, I think I could've ridden faster, but I had to make sure I had some gusto left for the run.
Transition 2: Off of the bike, off with the cycling shoes and on with my sneakers in about 3.5 minutes. (Winning time under 1 minute.) I was darn thirsty and chugged down almost 2 bottles of Gatorade for some energy boost before I headed out.
Run (4 miles, sandy trail): Finished in almost 40 minutes at the top 79%, about a 10 min/mile pace. (The winning time was 23:04 minutes, a 5:46 min/mile pace!) It took a while to get my legs at normal stride from the bike, but I never let myself succumb to walking even with the heat and humidity. I paused only briefly at 3 of the Gatorade stations to drink up; I never have been able to drink efficiently while running--it just splashes all over me--so I just stop and chug it all in. Toward the end, I thought about a favorite workout song for some added adrenaline and began to sprint. I leapt across the finish in the fashion of my tri idol, Greg Welch.
Race done and over. What a relief.
Some interesting tidbits:
1. All competitors used pinky-sized timing chips, like those EZ-Pass devices that cars use for tolls, which we strapped to our ankles. Our times automatically registered when we stepped on mats at the finishes and splits.
2. It's very difficult to swim in a straight line in open water without focusing on a distant object. Some guy actually swam across in front of me, perpendicular! It was funny to watch as I had done the same in my very first race. Many others swam in zig-zag patterns.
3. Drafting is not allowed when biking and violators are given 2 minute penalties. It's everyone for themselves.
4. The oldest competitor was Bill Schweizer at 82 years! He wore bib# 1 and finished 285th, only a few minutes after I did. He won his age group--80 to 99--as he was the only one in it, and received the most cheers on and off the course. Melinda got a chance to talk with him just before the swim as they were the first ones waiting at the start. She remembers seeing him from my other races in 1993!
Now I must get some sleep. I'm quite tired. What a day.
Friday, May 13, 2005
2 days til Devil Tri
Today I received my FedExed Overnight bike gear--2 tires, 2 tubes, 2 bottle cages--from performancebike.com. My original order from nashbar.com didn't go through for some reason. Suckie!
My right knee has been hurting as I may have overdone it on the treadmill 2 days ago. The pain is less today but we'll see what miracles sleep will bring about tonight.
I did my final pre-race workout this evening, swimming 50 minutes at the Y. I think I can finish the swim leg in about 25 min (vs 35 as previously mentioned), whereas the top athletes finish in only 10 minutes. I'm a slow swimmer but at least I can endure the distance.
Today I felt noticeably fat, though I'm already aware that I'm overweight. Currently, I'm packing about 20 lbs more than I did when racing in 1993. I think of it as carrying a sack of rice or 4 bags of potatoes. Uggh. You certainly won't be seeing any six-pack on this bloke for some time.
Tomorrow morning, I'm tuning up my bike, truing my wheels and taking it out for a short spin. But after the kids' swim lessons, of course.
My right knee has been hurting as I may have overdone it on the treadmill 2 days ago. The pain is less today but we'll see what miracles sleep will bring about tonight.
I did my final pre-race workout this evening, swimming 50 minutes at the Y. I think I can finish the swim leg in about 25 min (vs 35 as previously mentioned), whereas the top athletes finish in only 10 minutes. I'm a slow swimmer but at least I can endure the distance.
Today I felt noticeably fat, though I'm already aware that I'm overweight. Currently, I'm packing about 20 lbs more than I did when racing in 1993. I think of it as carrying a sack of rice or 4 bags of potatoes. Uggh. You certainly won't be seeing any six-pack on this bloke for some time.
Tomorrow morning, I'm tuning up my bike, truing my wheels and taking it out for a short spin. But after the kids' swim lessons, of course.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
4 days til Devil Tri
It's Wednesday and my sprint triathlon is this Sunday.
The bike gear (tires, pumps, etc.) that I ordered Monday from www.nashbar.com doesn't seem to have been shipped yet. Yikes! I'll give them a call first thing in the morning and see what's up. I may have to cancel the order and get my stuff from www.performancebike.com instead and have it FedExed Overnight.
This morning's workout at the YMCA was about 90 minutes of high heart rate activity--45 min on the bike immediately followed by 30 min on the treadmill. I was simulating the endurance of the race, although I think I remember taking over 2 grueling hours to finish many of my tri events. Friday, I'll try and lap swim for an hour for my final pre-race workout. I expect to finish the .6 mi lake swim in about 35 min, but I've mostly overextended my times in the pool because it would be no fun to tucker out in the middle of the lake without any lifevest--just sink or swim.
Tomorrow, I'll give my pre-race preparations more thought and finalize my checklist.
Overall, I'm starting to worry more as race day approaches.
The bike gear (tires, pumps, etc.) that I ordered Monday from www.nashbar.com doesn't seem to have been shipped yet. Yikes! I'll give them a call first thing in the morning and see what's up. I may have to cancel the order and get my stuff from www.performancebike.com instead and have it FedExed Overnight.
This morning's workout at the YMCA was about 90 minutes of high heart rate activity--45 min on the bike immediately followed by 30 min on the treadmill. I was simulating the endurance of the race, although I think I remember taking over 2 grueling hours to finish many of my tri events. Friday, I'll try and lap swim for an hour for my final pre-race workout. I expect to finish the .6 mi lake swim in about 35 min, but I've mostly overextended my times in the pool because it would be no fun to tucker out in the middle of the lake without any lifevest--just sink or swim.
Tomorrow, I'll give my pre-race preparations more thought and finalize my checklist.
Overall, I'm starting to worry more as race day approaches.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Supernanny
I'm hooked. It's my current favorite reality show: Supernanny. Watching it brings major comfort in being reminded that my parental frustrations are not unique and that there are countless mums and dads going through similar scenarios. Jo Frost, the nanny herself, serves as my virtual shoulder to cry on. I watch the episodes and see myself imposed as one of the parents in a few of the situations. Okay, many of the situations. (Most fan viewers must surely feel the same way.) And I say to the TV, "Yeah Jo, I'm there as well tearing my hair out (sniff-sniff. voice cracking). What answers do you have for me this time?"
Now having three kids is surely no spot of tea, as Supernanny would likely say. Certainly there are golden moments when all is simply nirvana. La, la-la, lala. However, for all those other times, oy vay! That's when Melinda and I do the best we can, sometimes in the 'textbook' way, to try to resolve the child/parent issues. Some things work. Some don't, and that's when we look to books or other parents to see what they've done. We're glad the Supernanny show let's us see it in action; it makes our learning to be better parents more efficient.
In several of the episodes, Jo Frost reiterates that for the times when kids get unruly, it's simply due to boredom. Bingo! my kids exactly! Thus, it would help if there was a daily schedule to keep everyone busy. However, our schedule wasn't ever written down. Lazy us. It was followed off the cuff right from our heads. But I suppose that'll need to change. Well then...let's give it a go. For these next few days, I hope to make the kids' routines more solid--in writing and with more structure. I'm curious to see what comes about. Better temperament for the kids, perhaps? Lower blood pressure for yours truly, I surely hope?
And oh wouldn't the Supernanny be just cheery and proud of us all! :-)
Now having three kids is surely no spot of tea, as Supernanny would likely say. Certainly there are golden moments when all is simply nirvana. La, la-la, lala. However, for all those other times, oy vay! That's when Melinda and I do the best we can, sometimes in the 'textbook' way, to try to resolve the child/parent issues. Some things work. Some don't, and that's when we look to books or other parents to see what they've done. We're glad the Supernanny show let's us see it in action; it makes our learning to be better parents more efficient.
In several of the episodes, Jo Frost reiterates that for the times when kids get unruly, it's simply due to boredom. Bingo! my kids exactly! Thus, it would help if there was a daily schedule to keep everyone busy. However, our schedule wasn't ever written down. Lazy us. It was followed off the cuff right from our heads. But I suppose that'll need to change. Well then...let's give it a go. For these next few days, I hope to make the kids' routines more solid--in writing and with more structure. I'm curious to see what comes about. Better temperament for the kids, perhaps? Lower blood pressure for yours truly, I surely hope?
And oh wouldn't the Supernanny be just cheery and proud of us all! :-)
Ironman Hawaii
I missed the re-airing of the 2004 Ironman Triathlon World Championship yesterday--mother friggin shazbot! The broadcast received 3 Emmy nominations for this year's 26th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, the winners of which will be announced today. I'm not sure of any TV coverage for this event.
Ever since the early 90's, I always looked forward to the yearly broadcasts of the triathlon championships held in Kona, Hawaii. That and the Tour de France. They gave me that extra incentive fuel for my workouts as well as provide as reminders of how beautiful it is to take part in physical competition.
I have 2 more weeks until my own initial triathlon of the season. Today, I hope to write out a 14 day countdown plan on exercise, nutrition and other preparations before the race. Already I'm getting a bit nervous about the whole thing. I'm just glad that my workouts have been fairly consistent. I know I'll likely finish.
For now, I have a scrumptuous Wendy's combo meal waiting for me downstairs (Thanks, Melinda. Well's mouth begins salivating like a waterfall.). French fries and all. Oh, and biggie-sized as usual. Talk about starting off on the wrong foot. Uggh.
Ever since the early 90's, I always looked forward to the yearly broadcasts of the triathlon championships held in Kona, Hawaii. That and the Tour de France. They gave me that extra incentive fuel for my workouts as well as provide as reminders of how beautiful it is to take part in physical competition.
I have 2 more weeks until my own initial triathlon of the season. Today, I hope to write out a 14 day countdown plan on exercise, nutrition and other preparations before the race. Already I'm getting a bit nervous about the whole thing. I'm just glad that my workouts have been fairly consistent. I know I'll likely finish.
For now, I have a scrumptuous Wendy's combo meal waiting for me downstairs (Thanks, Melinda. Well's mouth begins salivating like a waterfall.). French fries and all. Oh, and biggie-sized as usual. Talk about starting off on the wrong foot. Uggh.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Jason Mraz on ACL!
JM is coming! JM is coming!
That's Jason Mraz, I mean. His Dec 2003 performance at Austin City Limits is being re-aired on PBS tomorrow (4/30/2005 @ 9 pm, I think). There are some video clips of the performance on the PBS website as well. I've already seen the original broadcast but look forward to watching it again.
I'm all bubbly about Jason because he was the catalyst for me taking a stronger interest in learning the guitar. He gets me all jived up with his 'stew' music as he calls it. Most prominently, his voice zings loud and clear with a pretty nifty rap-like style. Now I'm very uncrazy about rap -- actually I hate it -- but I do really like the way Jason funks it out. Way kuul.
Periodically, I check out Mraz's website and his blog.
So go on! Check your local listings and have a looksie and a listen.
That's Jason Mraz, I mean. His Dec 2003 performance at Austin City Limits is being re-aired on PBS tomorrow (4/30/2005 @ 9 pm, I think). There are some video clips of the performance on the PBS website as well. I've already seen the original broadcast but look forward to watching it again.
I'm all bubbly about Jason because he was the catalyst for me taking a stronger interest in learning the guitar. He gets me all jived up with his 'stew' music as he calls it. Most prominently, his voice zings loud and clear with a pretty nifty rap-like style. Now I'm very uncrazy about rap -- actually I hate it -- but I do really like the way Jason funks it out. Way kuul.
Periodically, I check out Mraz's website and his blog.
So go on! Check your local listings and have a looksie and a listen.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
The Truth Machine
Late last night, I finished reading The Truth Machine by James Halperin. Actually, it was the ebook version bought from ereader.com. The story was good and recommendable, but I enjoyed it more for its concept and futuristic vision.
I'm embarrassed to say that this is my first book in a triple very long time that I've been able to go through cover to cover. My focus when reading other recent novels had been interrupted endlessly by my need to attend to the kids and things on my 'to do' list. It resulted in my losing empathy for the story characters, and so I had needed to back up a few chapters to regain it. Eventually though, I lost interest.
Today, I'm headed to our town library (I go there often with the kids, hopefully to inspire them with the written word) to check out my next book: Exit to Eden by Anne Rampling (aka Anne Rice). I promised a friend I'd give it a shot, especially since it's in a genre that I haven't tried out yet. I hope it's available.
I'm embarrassed to say that this is my first book in a triple very long time that I've been able to go through cover to cover. My focus when reading other recent novels had been interrupted endlessly by my need to attend to the kids and things on my 'to do' list. It resulted in my losing empathy for the story characters, and so I had needed to back up a few chapters to regain it. Eventually though, I lost interest.
Today, I'm headed to our town library (I go there often with the kids, hopefully to inspire them with the written word) to check out my next book: Exit to Eden by Anne Rampling (aka Anne Rice). I promised a friend I'd give it a shot, especially since it's in a genre that I haven't tried out yet. I hope it's available.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Racing under the Hudson River
At 9 am this morning, our family ran through the Lincoln Tunnel.
It was the 19th annual 5k (3.1mi) Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 2005. Actually, the three kids rode in strollers that Melinda and I pushed as we ran the course. We started at the mouth of the tunnel on the New Jersey side, raced through the tube to just out of the exit in Manhattan, turned around and then headed back to good ol' Jersey for the finish.
Our first time to run this course was 7 years ago before any of the kids were born. This year marks our second attempt. And wouldn't you know it, our race times for the 1998 and 2005 events are practically the same! Just less than a minute apart. How 'bout them apples!
Now it ain't everyday that a person can take a run or stroll through a major tunnel in the NYC/NJ area. It's therefore why I marveled at and took part in this event. Just another something to spice up life's mostly mundane days, I guess.
Run, run, run!
It was the 19th annual 5k (3.1mi) Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 2005. Actually, the three kids rode in strollers that Melinda and I pushed as we ran the course. We started at the mouth of the tunnel on the New Jersey side, raced through the tube to just out of the exit in Manhattan, turned around and then headed back to good ol' Jersey for the finish.
Our first time to run this course was 7 years ago before any of the kids were born. This year marks our second attempt. And wouldn't you know it, our race times for the 1998 and 2005 events are practically the same! Just less than a minute apart. How 'bout them apples!
Now it ain't everyday that a person can take a run or stroll through a major tunnel in the NYC/NJ area. It's therefore why I marveled at and took part in this event. Just another something to spice up life's mostly mundane days, I guess.
Run, run, run!
Saturday, April 23, 2005
"Go ahead, knock it off."
I think I have a chip on my shoulder. I felt it as I wrote my "The new pontiff & female priests" entry (4/20/2005), although my intention really wasn't to convey my bitterness. (Did you feel it?) Still, I sensed it again having reread it yesterday. Hey, and again just a minute ago! And there it is, yet once more, just now! What gives?
Is it time for a shrink discussion on the chaise?
Is it time for a shrink discussion on the chaise?
Friday, April 22, 2005
Mindy finally swims solo!
It was tonight at the YMCA pool that Mindy, our 2nd oldest, finally let go of Mommy and Daddy and swam by herself (aided only by floaties around her waist). Her solo strokes lasted just a few seconds until she returned to the pool edge, but what an enormous moment it was.
Finally, with only the support of floaties, all the kids can now paddle away on their own in the water. And Melinda and I can add to another sigh of relief that they're a tad better equipped to handle themselves in the deep--this was the primary reason why we had been so eager to enroll them in lessons at such early ages.
Tina, the oldest, was the first to swim independently last summer before taking lessons. Miguel, the youngest, followed suit about a month ago to our surprise, especially since he just turned 2 in December. And now Mindy's closed the book on it all this evening with her daring feat. Good for you, Min! Thus, another plateau in the children's growth to take proud note of.
It really is a joyous night.
Pizza time!
Finally, with only the support of floaties, all the kids can now paddle away on their own in the water. And Melinda and I can add to another sigh of relief that they're a tad better equipped to handle themselves in the deep--this was the primary reason why we had been so eager to enroll them in lessons at such early ages.
Tina, the oldest, was the first to swim independently last summer before taking lessons. Miguel, the youngest, followed suit about a month ago to our surprise, especially since he just turned 2 in December. And now Mindy's closed the book on it all this evening with her daring feat. Good for you, Min! Thus, another plateau in the children's growth to take proud note of.
It really is a joyous night.
Pizza time!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
The new pontiff & female priests
Pope Benny's in da house! Woof woof woof!
(Can y'all hear all that typing. People blogging away with their opinions on the new big guy. Lots of 'em. Myself included.)
And lots o' TV news coverage as well last night on the newly elected Pope Benedict XVI, with much comment regarding his controversial conservative views (I tuned into Hardball With Chris Matthews to listen to some of the discussion.), particularly on the issues of homosexuality and gay marriage, contraception and abortion, female priests and married clergy. Yup, hot topics indeed.
Unfortunately, as a raised Catholic, I don't agree with the Vatican's position on all of the above issues. (Why am I saying 'unfortunately'?) Hmmm, well then, I suppose that entitles me to excommunication from the church, or perhaps being labeled as a non-catholic or protestant by definition. If so, it doesn't bother me. Not anymore. Nope. Nadda.
I think my apathy toward the prudence of the catholic authority teemed significantly just before my wife and I got married--after a heated discussion with a priest who yelled at us (yes, 'yelled' with a f*ckin Y-E-L-L-E-D) for our attempt to have our ceremony held at a catholic church closer to our wedding reception than at our own parish. (This story is worthy of its own blog entry, perhaps in the near future. Titled, "The Last Straw". I likes, I likes.) Nevertheless, I gave Vatican doctrine some further thought following a Q&A talk with my oldest daughter a few months ago.
You see, once upon a time in our living room, little Tina asked me if she could be anything she wanted to be. A typical kid question that I quickly answered, "You bet, pumpkin. Anything." And during my attempt to think of exceptions, it suddenly popped into my mind and I decided to finish the thought to myself, "Sure sweetie, you can be whatever you want...anything except a priest; and it's all because the catholic church won't let you...or maybe because God said so." It was that thought that made me do the google thing and find out why the Vatican supported this.
I found the following links:
a. Recent history of the female priest debate.
b. A press statement of a catholic priest resigning due to disagreement with the vatican.
c. Posted newsgroup question of some user :-) asking why catholic seminaries can legally deny entry of female applicants.
Interesting. Very interesting.
Oh well. It seems from the past statements of Pope Benedict XVI as Cardinal Ratzinger, he will continue to uphold the current conservative decrees of the church. But maybe...just maybe...all that will somehow change by some new biblical interpretation. Called upon by something higher than even the highest of the highest authorities. Whatever.
And y'know, if that change happens, I guess my opinions would jive with the church's. And ergo, I'd be 'catholic' once again! (woo-hoo! woop woop woop!) ... By definition, of course. :-)
(Can y'all hear all that typing. People blogging away with their opinions on the new big guy. Lots of 'em. Myself included.)
And lots o' TV news coverage as well last night on the newly elected Pope Benedict XVI, with much comment regarding his controversial conservative views (I tuned into Hardball With Chris Matthews to listen to some of the discussion.), particularly on the issues of homosexuality and gay marriage, contraception and abortion, female priests and married clergy. Yup, hot topics indeed.
Unfortunately, as a raised Catholic, I don't agree with the Vatican's position on all of the above issues. (Why am I saying 'unfortunately'?) Hmmm, well then, I suppose that entitles me to excommunication from the church, or perhaps being labeled as a non-catholic or protestant by definition. If so, it doesn't bother me. Not anymore. Nope. Nadda.
I think my apathy toward the prudence of the catholic authority teemed significantly just before my wife and I got married--after a heated discussion with a priest who yelled at us (yes, 'yelled' with a f*ckin Y-E-L-L-E-D) for our attempt to have our ceremony held at a catholic church closer to our wedding reception than at our own parish. (This story is worthy of its own blog entry, perhaps in the near future. Titled, "The Last Straw". I likes, I likes.) Nevertheless, I gave Vatican doctrine some further thought following a Q&A talk with my oldest daughter a few months ago.
You see, once upon a time in our living room, little Tina asked me if she could be anything she wanted to be. A typical kid question that I quickly answered, "You bet, pumpkin. Anything." And during my attempt to think of exceptions, it suddenly popped into my mind and I decided to finish the thought to myself, "Sure sweetie, you can be whatever you want...anything except a priest; and it's all because the catholic church won't let you...or maybe because God said so." It was that thought that made me do the google thing and find out why the Vatican supported this.
I found the following links:
a. Recent history of the female priest debate.
b. A press statement of a catholic priest resigning due to disagreement with the vatican.
c. Posted newsgroup question of some user :-) asking why catholic seminaries can legally deny entry of female applicants.
Interesting. Very interesting.
Oh well. It seems from the past statements of Pope Benedict XVI as Cardinal Ratzinger, he will continue to uphold the current conservative decrees of the church. But maybe...just maybe...all that will somehow change by some new biblical interpretation. Called upon by something higher than even the highest of the highest authorities. Whatever.
And y'know, if that change happens, I guess my opinions would jive with the church's. And ergo, I'd be 'catholic' once again! (woo-hoo! woop woop woop!) ... By definition, of course. :-)
Monday, April 18, 2005
My home is my heaven.
I watched "Designed to Sell" on HGTV tonight. For $2000, a featured house is spruced up in order to markedly increase its selling price, as is the case in each episode. And wow! what a transformation it was in tonight's show. The house sold for $45,000 above the original asking price! -- (humma humma humma...can you say, 'BMW 5 series?!')
I always think about our little suburban abode every time I watch any of those 'home and garden' programs. I think about how my wife and I have come a long way with our improvements since we moved in almost five years ago. It was several months later after working on some project that I realized that my dream house could never be bought. It had to be built. From the immediate paint job just days after our closing to our never-ending garden work each spring, I smile more and more knowing I'm hammering away that much closer to a cozier oasis.
This year, our list of projects is tremendous: paint all the interior doors and replace the knobs, put in an attic vent, stain the deck and fence, clean up the basement, etc ad nauseocity. For me, I think I'd be happy if we could just finalize our garden and make it totally killer looking, and redo our small kitchen to look more up to date and feel less cramp.
Today, I mowed the lawn for its first cut of the season.* Tomorrow morning, I'll spread Scotts fertilizer and then it's off to Lowes or Home Depot for some inspiration.
Home sweet home.
*What's that expression? Oh yeah, "Good fences make good neighbors." Well, I feel that way with lawns: I judge a man by how well his grass grows. :-)
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Pope John Paul says hello.
Hey, big news flash! The pope says heaven's not all that palatial. Well, here...you read about it at the very newsworthy, theOnion.com. :-)
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Procrastination is debilitating.
"And of course you can't become
if you only say what you would've done.
So I missed a million miles of fun."
--Steal My Sunshine (song by Len)
My ears tuned in to those lyrics above as I peddled to the song's beat during today's workout. (I was on a LifeCycle stationary bike at the YMCA.) It made me realize how empty-headed I was to allow the last 2 to 3 weeks of physical inactivity to occur because of pointless brooding over a tardy client project. Had I been productive, my time away from the gym could be somewhat justified and I wouldn't feel so guilty. Nevertheless, these are classic symptoms of procrastination.
This evening, I have the intention of finishing my project. My wife isn't working tonight's shift so I'll ask her if she could watch the kids. I won't rent out a movie as a distraction as I usually do. Hmmmm, what else? No net cruising, no blog posting, no email checking, no food snacking or coffee breaks (I'm well stocked in diversions :-)). Hopefully, this'll give me momentum to get my stuff done and over. Go, well, go! You dee man!
So am I done? Will tonight be the night of completion? Am I finally going home? Well think again, buddy boy, because unfortunately, the above gung ho speech is yet another procras. symptom that I've been through many times (sigh). And so I say it once again: we'll see if this night is any different.
But here's one thing I'll do unique of my pep talk: I'll read a chapter of The Now Habit, the latest of my self-help lot on the shelf. I've found perspective as a great tool for changing habits and this book offers something different from my other readings: scheduling playtime, not worktime. It's piqued my curiosity and I haven't given this author a chance. So let's read.
Alright, stop blogging. There, I did it. Now...to be continued.
if you only say what you would've done.
So I missed a million miles of fun."
--Steal My Sunshine (song by Len)
My ears tuned in to those lyrics above as I peddled to the song's beat during today's workout. (I was on a LifeCycle stationary bike at the YMCA.) It made me realize how empty-headed I was to allow the last 2 to 3 weeks of physical inactivity to occur because of pointless brooding over a tardy client project. Had I been productive, my time away from the gym could be somewhat justified and I wouldn't feel so guilty. Nevertheless, these are classic symptoms of procrastination.
This evening, I have the intention of finishing my project. My wife isn't working tonight's shift so I'll ask her if she could watch the kids. I won't rent out a movie as a distraction as I usually do. Hmmmm, what else? No net cruising, no blog posting, no email checking, no food snacking or coffee breaks (I'm well stocked in diversions :-)). Hopefully, this'll give me momentum to get my stuff done and over. Go, well, go! You dee man!
So am I done? Will tonight be the night of completion? Am I finally going home? Well think again, buddy boy, because unfortunately, the above gung ho speech is yet another procras. symptom that I've been through many times (sigh). And so I say it once again: we'll see if this night is any different.
But here's one thing I'll do unique of my pep talk: I'll read a chapter of The Now Habit, the latest of my self-help lot on the shelf. I've found perspective as a great tool for changing habits and this book offers something different from my other readings: scheduling playtime, not worktime. It's piqued my curiosity and I haven't given this author a chance. So let's read.
Alright, stop blogging. There, I did it. Now...to be continued.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Junk meals for the little ones
I gave my kids Cheese Doodles and marshmallows for lunch today. Oh, and popcorn for breakfast.
The scenario goes like this: It's noon and I'm standing in the kitchen munching on the Doodles. I do this often with other foods as well. Stand and eat, I mean. Mindy, my middle one, comes in and says:
Mindy: Daddy, can I have some?
Daddy: Y'know Min, I don't want you eating these things for lunch.
Mindy: Please, can I have some?
Daddy: You should really eat something more healthy.
Mindy: Please?
Daddy: No.
Mindy: Please?
Daddy: Okay...but get a bowl first.
Act II: Tina and Miguel hear the crumpling of the Cheese Doodles bag, run in and ask for some, almost in unison. Daddy gives in. But first, asks for two more bowls. And they lived happily ever after.
I believe all that was verbatim. True story. Anyway, what else was I suppose to do, especially since they caught me red-handed? I didn't feel like being a hypocrite. Plus, I just wasn't in the mood to argue. I loathe arguing with my kids.
Now don't you go ahead and judge me. I know you probably have given in to some weaknesses as well. So hush up. Anyway, we did have a happy ending: we had pasta for dinner.
The scenario goes like this: It's noon and I'm standing in the kitchen munching on the Doodles. I do this often with other foods as well. Stand and eat, I mean. Mindy, my middle one, comes in and says:
Mindy: Daddy, can I have some?
Daddy: Y'know Min, I don't want you eating these things for lunch.
Mindy: Please, can I have some?
Daddy: You should really eat something more healthy.
Mindy: Please?
Daddy: No.
Mindy: Please?
Daddy: Okay...but get a bowl first.
Act II: Tina and Miguel hear the crumpling of the Cheese Doodles bag, run in and ask for some, almost in unison. Daddy gives in. But first, asks for two more bowls. And they lived happily ever after.
I believe all that was verbatim. True story. Anyway, what else was I suppose to do, especially since they caught me red-handed? I didn't feel like being a hypocrite. Plus, I just wasn't in the mood to argue. I loathe arguing with my kids.
Now don't you go ahead and judge me. I know you probably have given in to some weaknesses as well. So hush up. Anyway, we did have a happy ending: we had pasta for dinner.
Monday, April 11, 2005
My PDA & being in the blog zone
"When I'm in the zone, it's the only time nothing hurts me."
--Pete Armstrong (The Truth Machine by James L. Halparin)
I jotted down 11 thoughts on my PDA today for future blogging. Then I prayed in thanks to the god of portability, Jeff Hawkins, for my Tungsten E. Without it, my entry inspirations would be limited to the few minutes of vague recollection at the day's end. (Or else I guess I could just resort to the abhorrent pen and paper thingy. Oh how ungeeky of me!)
But certainly, there's much more that my Palm device enhances other than my memory. Therefore, here's a list of my current bad boy applications:
1. eReader Pro -- ebooks are da bomb! I mean with 3 kids on one arm, how the halibut am I suppose to turn the pages on a conventional paperback? :-). My favorite feature is the integrated dictionary: tap on a word and the definition appears. Nifty, huh. Try it, Mikey...you'll like it. Various eReader versions may be found here, freeware or for purchase. For free ebooks: www.gutenberg.org.
2. Kids' games -- MatchGame, Memo24, PalmSimon and SketchHand are my kids' favorites. Comes in handy when on line at the local Costco. Very child-learning productive. Freeware.
3. Adult games -- gotta give daddy something to wank on :-). Galax (ie, Galaxian), Hiarcs Chess (the best chess for Palm), Scrabble and Traffic Jam (my favorite) are killer. Shareware.
4. HandyShopper -- the best Shopping and To-Do List program! Here is where i jot down my thoughts. This is my #1 application and what I use to organize my life. This program is not to be underestimated. Freeware.
5. Music references -- When learning the guitar, I used ChordDB, FretBoard and Guitar Tuner, although not extensively enough to realize their merits. Freeware.
6. PocketTVBrowser -- your TV guide on your PDA. A very efficient program that I used instead of the TV online guide so my kids wouldn't give me flack for interrupting their viewing. Very good user forum and support. Freeware/shareware.
7. MessagEase -- Saved the best for last. Who needs Graffiti or even a keyboard when you have this? You just gotta see the video demo to believe its innovation. This is totally killer and how I enter text. I can't rave enough about it, especially to power PDA users who do a lot of note-taking. Freeware/shareware.
Now go on. Fire up your handheld and do the electron dance.
--Pete Armstrong (The Truth Machine by James L. Halparin)
I jotted down 11 thoughts on my PDA today for future blogging. Then I prayed in thanks to the god of portability, Jeff Hawkins, for my Tungsten E. Without it, my entry inspirations would be limited to the few minutes of vague recollection at the day's end. (Or else I guess I could just resort to the abhorrent pen and paper thingy. Oh how ungeeky of me!)
But certainly, there's much more that my Palm device enhances other than my memory. Therefore, here's a list of my current bad boy applications:
1. eReader Pro -- ebooks are da bomb! I mean with 3 kids on one arm, how the halibut am I suppose to turn the pages on a conventional paperback? :-). My favorite feature is the integrated dictionary: tap on a word and the definition appears. Nifty, huh. Try it, Mikey...you'll like it. Various eReader versions may be found here, freeware or for purchase. For free ebooks: www.gutenberg.org.
2. Kids' games -- MatchGame, Memo24, PalmSimon and SketchHand are my kids' favorites. Comes in handy when on line at the local Costco. Very child-learning productive. Freeware.
3. Adult games -- gotta give daddy something to wank on :-). Galax (ie, Galaxian), Hiarcs Chess (the best chess for Palm), Scrabble and Traffic Jam (my favorite) are killer. Shareware.
4. HandyShopper -- the best Shopping and To-Do List program! Here is where i jot down my thoughts. This is my #1 application and what I use to organize my life. This program is not to be underestimated. Freeware.
5. Music references -- When learning the guitar, I used ChordDB, FretBoard and Guitar Tuner, although not extensively enough to realize their merits. Freeware.
6. PocketTVBrowser -- your TV guide on your PDA. A very efficient program that I used instead of the TV online guide so my kids wouldn't give me flack for interrupting their viewing. Very good user forum and support. Freeware/shareware.
7. MessagEase -- Saved the best for last. Who needs Graffiti or even a keyboard when you have this? You just gotta see the video demo to believe its innovation. This is totally killer and how I enter text. I can't rave enough about it, especially to power PDA users who do a lot of note-taking. Freeware/shareware.
Now go on. Fire up your handheld and do the electron dance.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Kids come first
"What the hell could be more important than a baby cryin'?!"
-- Barte Trinke (George Carlin) in Jersey Girl
Yesterday, I had a chance to only catch the first 25 minutes of the movie, Jersey Girl, and it already had me in tears. What a sissy I am. :-) I'd say that I've turned into a a sucker for parent-child films since my wife was first pregnant. So why didn't I finish it? Well, you guessed it: the 3 little amigos dancing in front of me and demanding my attention. Perhaps I should cut this entry short so I could go downstairs and finish it.
This afternoon, I saw another movie about kids, "To Be And To Have" ("Être Et Avoir"), on DVD which I enjoyed. It was refreshing to watch this French documentary film and see how an adult can calmly assuage what may be frustrating situations for most parents such as myself. I had definitely taken note of the teacher's gentle and patient temperament as a reference for my own future predicaments. Any parent who feels they need to raise their voice or otherwise to discipline their child should perhaps give this film a watch. (On a side note, I love the French language and enjoy hearing the original dialogue with English subtitles. I'll speak French yet!)
-- Barte Trinke (George Carlin) in Jersey Girl
Yesterday, I had a chance to only catch the first 25 minutes of the movie, Jersey Girl, and it already had me in tears. What a sissy I am. :-) I'd say that I've turned into a a sucker for parent-child films since my wife was first pregnant. So why didn't I finish it? Well, you guessed it: the 3 little amigos dancing in front of me and demanding my attention. Perhaps I should cut this entry short so I could go downstairs and finish it.
This afternoon, I saw another movie about kids, "To Be And To Have" ("Être Et Avoir"), on DVD which I enjoyed. It was refreshing to watch this French documentary film and see how an adult can calmly assuage what may be frustrating situations for most parents such as myself. I had definitely taken note of the teacher's gentle and patient temperament as a reference for my own future predicaments. Any parent who feels they need to raise their voice or otherwise to discipline their child should perhaps give this film a watch. (On a side note, I love the French language and enjoy hearing the original dialogue with English subtitles. I'll speak French yet!)
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Am I triathlon ready?
I have about 5 weeks until my 1st (individual) triathlon after a hiatus of about 15 years. (Actually, my wife and I had entered a race as a relay team a couple of years ago. However, she had some difficulty in the swim--the first leg of the swim/bike/run race--and we weren't able to continue.)
The thing is, I haven't been to the gym in almost 2 weeks. You see, I've had my mind on a client project that's way way way overdue and felt that it would only be fair that I trade my exercise sessions for more work time. But just thinking about it right now, it's a lousy tradeoff and not a very good ying-and-yang thing to do. Alright then...tomorrow morning, I'll be back in training. Yeeehah!!!
Now time for a prayer to my triathlon god: "Oh Greg Welch, the famous little tri-guy from down under who did great things (and whom I have a personal picture of with my wife standing next to him), give me the strength to continue my workouts and finish in the top 100% of my 1st race this season."
The thing is, I haven't been to the gym in almost 2 weeks. You see, I've had my mind on a client project that's way way way overdue and felt that it would only be fair that I trade my exercise sessions for more work time. But just thinking about it right now, it's a lousy tradeoff and not a very good ying-and-yang thing to do. Alright then...tomorrow morning, I'll be back in training. Yeeehah!!!
Now time for a prayer to my triathlon god: "Oh Greg Welch, the famous little tri-guy from down under who did great things (and whom I have a personal picture of with my wife standing next to him), give me the strength to continue my workouts and finish in the top 100% of my 1st race this season."
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Recounting my entries
Today I reread all my postings since I began this blog on May 2004. Makes me glad that I started such a journal. However, I do regret that I hadn't been more consistent on my entries. I'll try to do better this year.
Here's a summary of my posts that I feel had notable references:
1. "On Writing" by Stephen King
2. Stereoscopic Moon
3. Who created the Web?
Here's a summary of my posts that I feel had notable references:
1. "On Writing" by Stephen King
2. Stereoscopic Moon
3. Who created the Web?
Friday, March 04, 2005
Blog ending?
One of my best friends is strongly considering ending his blog. Mainly, it's for privacy's sake for his family. Perhaps he could just password protect his links and allow entry to the privileged members-only posse (ie, yours truly et al). I sure hope so.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Ear piercings
My sweet little daughters had their toddler ears pierced today. I never expected this event to happen until they were older. My wife and I had decided after they were born to let them make the choice when they got older. Perhaps do it with their teen friends as a rite of passage. However, sure enough, they are indeed older and made the decision themselves just yesterday. And they're just in their nursery and preschool years. Way off base from teen-dom.
So how'd it go? Well, I couldn't have been more proud of them. A totally smooth event. They didn't even blink. I mean really! No blinking. No cry or sudden jerk or anything. You'd think they're missing some nerves in their lobes.
I truly feel this moment as a milestone and I'm just so proud of them for being brave.
Such sweeties. And now they feel that much prettier.
So how'd it go? Well, I couldn't have been more proud of them. A totally smooth event. They didn't even blink. I mean really! No blinking. No cry or sudden jerk or anything. You'd think they're missing some nerves in their lobes.
I truly feel this moment as a milestone and I'm just so proud of them for being brave.
Such sweeties. And now they feel that much prettier.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Writing more music
8:50 pm: I'll make this short since I want to do more music transcribing tonight. I need to get hooked back onto the music scene. I miss it.
Gotta go.
10:35 pm: I just finished transcribing a page of the music. I'm using Score Writer on my PC to enter the notes. Feels good to be in the zone.
Now off I go downstairs to reward myself with a treat. Perhaps some ice cream. Yummy yummy!
Gotta go.
10:35 pm: I just finished transcribing a page of the music. I'm using Score Writer on my PC to enter the notes. Feels good to be in the zone.
Now off I go downstairs to reward myself with a treat. Perhaps some ice cream. Yummy yummy!
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Writing piano music
Today, after more than 15 years away from writing and playing music, I started re-transcribing a piece called Children's Concerto. It's a rock/classical song for piano and drums that I initially transcribed and performed way back in my highschool talent show with a drummer friend. We took 1st place.
There are relatively few songs and artists that inspire me to play the piano. Really. Instead, most of the music that moves me seems to come from the guitar. And thus my current desire to learn and sing along with it.
Sometimes I think I didn't get enough exposure to good piano stuff. To the stuff that really appealed to me. I just got the standard classics, although there were undoubtedly nice pieces that I enjoyed in the bunch. Still, i guesss it wasn't enough inspiration for me.
So thank goodness I took a listen to Children's Concerto again. It makes me conscious of where I can take this talent, even though it's waaay years later, as I know I shouldn't throw such a gift away.
There are relatively few songs and artists that inspire me to play the piano. Really. Instead, most of the music that moves me seems to come from the guitar. And thus my current desire to learn and sing along with it.
Sometimes I think I didn't get enough exposure to good piano stuff. To the stuff that really appealed to me. I just got the standard classics, although there were undoubtedly nice pieces that I enjoyed in the bunch. Still, i guesss it wasn't enough inspiration for me.
So thank goodness I took a listen to Children's Concerto again. It makes me conscious of where I can take this talent, even though it's waaay years later, as I know I shouldn't throw such a gift away.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Stomach virus
All of us at home are sick with the rotovirus. Actually, all of us but Mindy. There's lots of puking and diarrhea going on. Not a pretty site. Thank goodness I'm starting to feel better.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Lots o' email
I had 438 accumulated emails in my Inbox as of last night. I sorted/deleted/processed 239 of them early this morning. I now have 199.
One of my 2005 New Year's resolutions is to stay on top of things. No more playing catch up this time. My email Inbox and To Do list will be the first of my many backlogged tasks to be dealt with.
"Do the best you can because that's the best you can do."
One of my 2005 New Year's resolutions is to stay on top of things. No more playing catch up this time. My email Inbox and To Do list will be the first of my many backlogged tasks to be dealt with.
"Do the best you can because that's the best you can do."
--Space Boy (Rolie Polie Olie)
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