Frozen Happy

Temperatures plumetted here in The Mile High City, finally. I know winter has been doing overtime elsewhere, but here... well we were in the 60's last weekend. I for one am thrilled to see the cold. It brings out the bravest and most resolved. I dig it. While most people are wrapping in blankets and huddling inside I am having a good time walking the dogs. I'm even still in my shorts, but with a much heavier coat. It just doesn't get me like so many others. I miss riding the bike in this.

The sound of 2 wheels crunching through fresh snow was awesome. Of course in Chicago, there weren't hills to try and brake on. Anycase, glad to get some winter finally and if you are like me, I hope you have some icy air just outside your door.

Facebook

I am not embarrassed to say I remember when email was new. It was fantastic to get to talk with friends that were not close and (also a sign of the times) avoid long distance charges. Years later I got a request to be a friend's friend on Myspace.
Curious I signed up. Like many I was instantly drawn in by the lure of changing my photos, music and general social appearance. It was fun. Then I was asked by another friend some time later to be their friend on Facebook. Already content I signed up figguring it would be a silly side outlet. Then I found out I could "throw" all manner of items at my friends their, my favorite being a sheep, and was hooked on the ridiculous new outlet. It soon became the only one I checked

Now I am glad I had already met Tiffany by the time I started Facebook and got more interested in finding "friends" online. It seems like that site is hell for those dating, constantly checking status updates. However, it has become so widely used, it is not much of a private meeting place for my friends anymore. No, it's like having a party where EVERYONE I know is invited at all times. I have to ensure I am not disclosing information I would not want absolutely everyone to hear. That's a challenge sometimes, but it also keeps me pretty honest. Especially as I am endeavoring to keep writing everyday on Stupie and have it post via note on Facebook.

To me, Facebook is still fun. I am stunned when some friends I know use it as the sole means of comunicating. It is a supliment to me in our friendships, not the lifeline. I am still far more inclined to grab the phone and call someone to say hello than rely on my "poke" to reach them. It's easier to me and more personal. Hell, I don't even have long distance to deal with now!

Breaking ground

We got word that our lot of dirt is ready to be transformed. Our construction superintendent contacted me to tell me our house is staked and they could have begun breaking ground as of yesterday. This is terribly exciting and wierd at the same time. I have never put down money for something so big and so far away before. It has begun feeling like it has just become one big mental fantasy. It will feel good to get to see something changing. Stay tuned for more pics as they come!

Love Hurts

So apparently I taste good. Should I ever go missing, talk to these two first!

Kid in a 4x4 Store

I just got home from my first trip to the 4x4 store of which my Jeep has been advertising since I got it. It has had a High Country 4x4 spare tire cover from go and I was curious to see what this place was all about. Ever stumble into a hobby you did not know about previously? My head was spinning within minutes and the dollars in my head were spending as fast as I was seeing new things. Now, I bought my Jeep with some upgrades already and have yet to take her off-roading. That has been due to prudence of not wanting to repair her, should I do something bad. However, I am interested in some upgrades for safety and maintenance. Holy smokes what you can do with a Jeep is astounding. Also expensive. I couldn't help but laugh to myself in the store thinking, "this is why you never have more money as you get older, the hobbies are more expensive." None the less, it was fun to see what is possible and feel again that sense of boy-like wonder at an incredible, monster like machine that go almost anywhere.

Good song...

Just popped on one of my newer favorite bands while getting some work done around the house. If you haven't heard The Dreadnoughts, give a listen. I am still enjoying them Nate. It got me thinking about what music is stirring me up right now. I have been equally interested in some standard favorites like Bad Religion and Street Dogs, but new influences are becoming regulars. I have truly developed a love of Blues, but know very little about it. I am excited to pick up some Abbey Lincoln and recently heard some Wanda Jackson I really enjoyed. The diachotomy of the two tastes is fun. It just makes me appreciate how a great song can really get me going. I still hold that music I like has to have an urgency and something to say. Here is a look at the most played of 2011, thus far:

1. Tall Cans in the Air - Transplants
2. Behind Closed Doors - Rise Against
3. Are You Out There? - Dar Williams
4. Bulowski - Modest Mouse
5. Get Ready to Bounce - Brooklyn Bounce
6. Los angeles - Sugarcult
7. Brand New Day - Dr. Horrible
8. I Love Livin' in the City - Fear

That's what I am listening to, you?

Built to Last

It's tough sometimes to not get caught up in the thrill of new gadgets. With so many techno advances there is a flaw in our grandparents save it till it falls apart philosophy. That being said, when a device comes along that plugs in and does not become obsolete within 2 years, it's kinda gratifying. The inspiration for this line of thought came when I realized how long I have had my coffee maker.

This giver of joe came to me when I started at Starbucks just out of college in 1999. A customer had knocked it off the shelf and consequently cracked the top corner off. Pure aesthetics. It was their first carafe design and they mysteriously abandoned it within 2 years. It has been well cared for and cleaned often and has never failed to provide a tasty cup of coffee every morning. I was so enamored with it when I first got it that I managed to get 3 more to fellow java junkies. All 4 are still in commission 12 years later. It amuses me to see design after design appear and disappear from Starbucks shelves since then. None seem to work quite right.

It feels good when you stumble on something built to last, despite its sellers intent to have you replace it quickly.




iPhone

Belief Boosters

Big title, small idea though. Just finished watching my Chicago Bears get dismantled on a highlight video and it was making me think. Aside from being proud of the efforts Caleb Hanie put forth, being a CSU alumni, it was a tough one to watch. It had been a fun season to cheer for the Monsters of Midway and was tough to see it end. What it made me think of though was how beliefs, big or small, can help lift the spirits even in defeat. Whether it be the full fledged belief in God or just a belief that your team will come out triumphant, they always help boost the spirit. I am glad for the little ones that come along. They are often the reminders to enjoy what is right here, right now.

Uphill Ride

It's a bit unnerving to know I live 4mi from my job and have only been able to ride to work once. My bike seems to have waited till Denver to amass a slew of problems. They include flat tires, brake failure, frayed cables, locked shifting (leaving me in high gear), and the minor dead batteries on the lights. Over the holiday season I attempted to ride it to work after getting an awesome pump. High gear and Colorado hills are the most painful things my leg have endured. It's harder than mile 25 of a marathon. Slower too, I think. When I went to ride home, I had a flat rear tire, almost no lights (bad for road riding, and still no ability to down shift. My sweet ride has been parked since. She needs some attention that surpasses my know how and ability to figure out. Soon I will be moving across town where biking will not really be an option, though I would love to find out I am wrong (30 miles or so). I want to 2 wheel it again, but feel daunted by the repairs. Thoughts?

Humility

I am a big fan of humility. That sounds strange to say, but it's true. Humility, as I understand it, is being right sized. That means not thinking too much of myself nor too little. Often times I find I prefer one of those two extremes. Being humble to me is the balance of my two instincts. When I have humility throughout my day, it usually is a good day. Humiliation on the other hand is the consequence I can face when I go too far towards either end of the spectrum and usually is what is brought to mind when humility is brought up. On more occasions than I would like, I get to experience some humiliation which is rough till I remember I am just coming back to center. Hopefully I stop there and do not swing to far towards too little. Today I am glad to ask for enough humility to get through my day. I do also just ask for that, "enough" humility. Why tempt fate too much?

Quit talking about it...

Let me forwarn, there is some soapboxing about to be let loose. Over the years I have held a variety of jobs and worked with a wider variety of people. There are two types that seem to always be in every job. There are do'ers and talkers. I have always been a do'er and find little satisfaction in talking about what needs to be done. I also can not stomache telling someone to do something I either can not or do not want to do. Just me. If I can do the worst job and do it well, I get some kick of accomplishment. I know, I am odd. The talkers though, always seem to know what should be done. It never fails to sound absurd to hear one of them spewing on about what they clearly can not do. What recourse does one have when faced with this? Enjoy the breeze? Who is John Galt?

Scupper me w' a Thursday

Sometimes a Thursday just needs a bunch of pirates, ya know?

Keenex Inertia

Since I have been back I have been fighting a bug. Not quite sick, but not quite right. You know the feeling? Oddly, despite feeling pretty funky today, I have been tremendously productive. It doesn't quite make sense to me. In a narrow window at lunch when i dash home to walk the dogs, I managed to put away the dishes, take out the trash, and play with the dogs some. While I am glad to get a few things done while feeling lousy, it would be nice to feel better still.

Denver

Good to be home and not trying to blog from my phone. Funny how a few days of that can make a full keyboard seem luxurious. I am bookended on the couch by two sleeping Westies that seem to have forgiven my departure for the last five days. The bags are unpacked and laundry is going. It's nice to get settled in a bit and home feels so much more that after being away a few days. That feeling of being home though is just starting to become more constant here in Denver. Tiff said it great before I left that it takes a year to feel settled. That seems to be true. What I know is getting away a few days helped me see how much closer home is feeling. Ironic.

Heading Home

Today is a trvel day. I bid adieu to Washington DC and return to Denver. It's my first time flying back to my wife and the place I bought a house. I can't wait to see Tiff and get home to our dogs. I believe that's a great sign Denver is feeling more like home. Till tomorrow friends.

I Spy...

So, I just went wandering on foot through this town I don't really know. There is something to be said for throwing caution to the wind and just heading out into the unknown. The rewards are ineditably awesome. The prize this time was stumbling on The Spy Museum. Very cool!

Limits

Catching a brief break on my job in DC and I thought I would jot a line or two. These event jobs are fun but truly take some stamina. There's lifting, problem solving and usually very long hours. I appreciate the chance each time to step. Into the unknown and see how I hold up. I am not a fan of limits on any front so it's nice to push my own a bit. Twelve hours of manual labor turns into a chance to see what I can do. It feels good to hurt after that.

DC Reflective

I am in DC for the first time and it is remarkable being surrounded by so much history. Despite feeling more thsn a little jaded with our government today, it's tough to not feel optimism when at the feet of the Lincoln Memorial. The people that built this town probably struggled with the same issues and personality conflicts we do today. Time has removed most of that from their legacy though. With our constant wars, health care struggles and massive debt I wonder how time will remember us?

As is tradition, I am dropping a line here on Stupie from DIA. Today's adventure will be taking me to Washington DC for the weekend for an event job. One of these days I'll take a break from work to do more than more work. I've never been to DC though and hope I et a chance to explore a little. There is something amazing about being surrounded by history. That is, I suppose, unless you live in Europe.

In Season

This was one of the greatest Christmas gifts ever! Thank you Tiff. It's odd but eating produce in season has a very satisfying element to it. We have made a variety of recipes and so far everyone has been wonderful. Each meal has been not only tasty, but has a lasting comfort effect. We have been trying to find more natural ways of taking care of day to day needs. Making meals that are in season not only seems to help us feel pretty damn good, but it has a nice effect in being more environmental.

Long story short, grab this book: Eating In Season by Jessie Price You will enjoy it.

One Bad Apple...

I recently heard someone lamenting a bad driver they encountered earlier that day. The rant went on for close to 15 minutes, considerably longer than whatever perceived wrong that had been done. What struck me is how easy it is to get caught up in focusing on one negetive moment. After all, if every driver were bad, who would notice? My nature always seems to gravitate towards seeing what I deem not right and dwelling there. What helps me not get more pissed off and go about enjoyong my day is not giving in to that impulse. After all, what's worse? Spending a moment with an asshole or spendong the day with them in my head? I also tend to notice everything else that by its comparison I had decided a particular action unacceptable.

Snow

As has been noted previously, Denver has proven anything but wintery this year. Well it seems to have escaped my memory, but that can turn on a dime here as has been noted over the last couple days. The snow came and came fast. What struck me out of the recent slam of snow, was how nature is able to slow things down. Hell, it can just stop everything when inclined. With all our gadgets, internet and otherwise useless trappings we can be reduced to sitting in our caves, if you will, and waiting out a storm. Kinda not so bad though, our caves generally have better seating now. What I also love about snow in particular is that it can otherwise obliterate most of our man made order. Roads disappear into nonexistent yards disappearing into undeveloped lots disappearing into hazy horizons.

To me, the road is still the most evident sign I am a part of a civilization and without being able to see it I feel all Little House suddenly. It's nice to be reminded none to subtly we are not quite that omnipotent, even if I can have tech support move my cursor around my computer screen in Denver all the way from India. She, by the by, was not that impressed hearing of our recent ice storm.

A Better Idea

Thanks to Photoshop and a similar home, here's a better idea what we are looking forward to.

Wait for it...

As of our trip North today, there is still no house on our lot. No surprise, but can't blame a guy for hoping. It feels good getting up there. The patience required waiting for a house to be built is new. On one hand, I remember I have never owned a house and my life as it is right now residence wise is no different than it has ever been. On the other hand, after a few dozen apt's of which a handful were good and countless lame landlords, I am just ready to be in a home. It still astounds me we are on our way to that end.

Clutter

So as you, my fine and dedicated three readers know, I recently bought a house with my wife. Very exciting. There has been one or two nagging fears that keep popping up. One of which is clutter. Due to the blessing and a curse of having moved well over 12 times in the last 10 years, it keeps you a little more streamlines. There just is not room to acquire too much useless junk. With a house, there seems to be space almost begging for junk. I like not having a ton of things around, just taking up space. Any thoughts on good ways to avoid this trap?

Fan

I am continually amused at my new-ish interest in football. When we lived in LA, I found myself getting interested in baseball again. It was the sport I was most excited about as a kid. I never played, but avidly collected baseball cards and listened to games while working on my model train in the garage. Hockey has long been the sport I most enjoyed, but football and baseball were not all that interesting till recently. What I enjoyed about baseball in LA, was the distraction from the entertainment industry. I watched Rockies games on ESPN's online gamecast, which was a lot like watching an Atari baseball game, but it was fun. I also started watching some football. While it did not have the excitement or athleticism as hockey, it proved to be fantastic.

It was larger than life, loud, and everyone I worked with was watching some team. It became a way to hold needed conversations on sites. Beyond that, it was just so entertaining, I got hooked. Between hockey, baseball, football, and the occasional soccer game I found myself enjoying the distraction quite a lot. Could it be that sports were a lot like my veggies as a kid, I developed a taste for them later?

Timing

It was one of those days where everything fell into place. I love those when I can appreciate them. Often I get caught up in the wishing for answers before the questions. Obviously, that is an unreasonable mindset to hold, but it's the one I go to frequently. I also tend to want more than I need on any given day.If I need $5, I'll want $10. Nothing wrong with wanting an extra $5, unless it makes you unable to be glad you had what you actually NEEDED. Today was one of those days I had what I needed when I needed it and could actually appreciate it. A rare gift. I rant often about gratitude, but that's because if I don't keep it active in my mind I lose it. When I lose it, I never have what I need.

Litter Sponsors?

This is potentially me revealing a little too much but did you ever notice there are certain companies you always see in litter? I know that sounds odd, but I have. Especially when out running, you get a good look at quite a bit of trash people have disgarded roadside. For example, Wendy's napkins and Walmart bags are prevelent. Cigarette butts are the most routine offenders for sure though. It always makes me shudder a little to find beer cans on remote stretches of road though. Too many people I know have died because of drinking and driving. What prompted this odd train of thought was when I was out this morning, I saw a Fresca can on the sidewalk. It struck me as unusual. You will never find a Pellegrino bottle or a high end restaurant bag out there. Am I noticing too much or have you seen this too?

Our Dog's Life

I am married now and have two dogs. One of those two is still pretty young and requires high maintenance most of the time. While I do not have children, these two four legged girls occupy quite a lot in the day to day decision making. It's funny how they have influenced Tiff and I's lives so much. It once seemed a cope out to hear fiends say they needed to leave early to go take their dogs out. Now we get it. While on one have I champion the philosophy that they are dogs and very capable of taking care of themselves and doing alright when we need to accomplish other tasks, I am starting to see the alternate point of view as well. They require more time and attention than I could have grasped. I have always lived with dogs but never been solely responsible for one as I am now with Tiffany. Estes and Maggie are great and mostly behave quite well, but they are a handful in our apartment most days. I know a home is on the horizon with it's yard as an oasis, but for now we are still in confined space with two flights of stairs every time we go out to walk. These two Westies are constant sources of patience lessons and unconditional love. Non the less, it would be nice if they would kindly sleep in a little more often.

Running Cold

Something fun about running when the tempurature is well below freezing. Extra cushion under the shoes with the fresh snow. Just like Chicago, not a lot of company out there. Very peaceful.

"That's the plan, rule the world..."

New Year huh? It certainly seems so thus far. First year in the last several I have not had to be at work first thing in the morning. I am getting to enjoy lounging with Tiff and the dogs this morning. Nice to have some coffee, jazz, and a little quiet. So, what's the plan this year? If 2010 taught me anything is that where I stand right now may not even be able to grasp where I could be in 365 days. We will be watching our house be built and getting used to what it means to own and not rent. Our little Maggie will become less little and hopefully let us relax a little more at home. I imagine I will be signing up to run the ridiculous 26.2 miles again this year somewhere. There's a monkey on the back to parted with. School? Paris? New ink?

Who knows?

I do know I am enjoying the boost in Captain Stupie updates. Not that I think I am all that interesting to be posting daily, but I find you all fascinating and relish the occasional response. So, as my friend Laurel has endeavored to do, I am attempting fulfill a daily post for the next year. We'll see how that goes. As for further resolutions, they are pretty simple. Exercise more, write more, and stay in better touch with my family (blood and friend alike).

Here's to you, my dedicated three readers as well! May 2011 bring you some truly good times!