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Thanksgiving on the road is always fun. The bonus of not being around family for holidays is that you can do what you really want when you want. We were super lazy as you would anywhere. We woke up after a fun night with Lisa and Peter to the sounds of thousands of people outside the window from the hotel. I was super bummed that I decided not to run. We went down for breakfast and then went to check out the post run celebration. I was moping around a bit because I love the energy around runs. But we went around and then we hung out to watch the little kid races otherwise known as the race of the helicopter parents.
It was cute to watch the little ones take off in sprint in a fenced in area. Then the masses of parents running after their children. It ruined the fun for the me. I mean, I know you have to flutter over your child, but most of parents are in pairs. You can split up… seriously.
We decided to go see The Fantastic Mr. Fox. It was an experience for sure. First, it was only $5.00–super cheap. Secondly, we were the only ones in the theater. That is only the second time that has ever happened to me. The movie was good for sure… I would recommend it for sure.
After the movie, we went to the Piggly Wiggly for snacks and a t-shirt. I know, I would never buy a shirt from a store. EXCEPT for the Piggly Wiggly… I’m big for the Pig… what can I say?
When got back to the hotel, I thought we were going to have a relaxing afternoon until we decided to eat dinner. We thought we eat around 4:30 or so. But when I called to make reservations at 2:20p, the only thing they had available was at 2:45. So got ready really quickly and sprinted to Magnolias. The food was good and atmosphere was great. After dinner, we strolled back to the hotel and then enjoyed a night of being lazy like all Americans are supposed to do on Thanksgiving.
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Well we didn’t avoid the rain totally here. And of course it rained the day we decided to do the walking tour of Charleston. Jen downloaded this tour we could do on our own. So after a great breakfast at Embassy, we headed out on our tour. What I didn’t realize is that it had 100 different places. That’s a lot for an ADD person. Yet, it was really cool to see tiny houses that was built in the 1700s to the $6.3 million dollar mansions that are for sale. The houses were really gorgeous and so much history attached to them. Thankfully we didn’t get rained on too much on our tour. But it’s funny to think that 1910s are old at home and if that was here it would be modern.
We headed back to the hotel for a little R&R. We finished up the left over BBQ from the night before and I took a nice nap. I did a little workout and then we headed down for manager’s reception. It doesn’t matter what we do around here, we are always back for the free booze at 5:30. At the reception tonight, we met two other couples that were in the area for the 5k run that was happening. I really wanted to run, but I wasn’t down spending $35 for something I was going to do for free.
For dinner, we met my HJ friend Lisa for dinner. She took us to 39 rue Jean for dinner. It was great catching up over a great meal. It’s funny when HJ people get together because we all isolated at work. So when we are together, it’s like we just want to talk about work.
After dinner, Peter and Lisa took us to a few places to have a few drinks. The first bar we went to, the owner came over at least twice to thank us for coming out. It was like he was stalking us. Sadly, he was giving me free drinks, so I didn’t really care. But it was a nice touch. We went to another bar where I was introduced to my new favorite drink… Sweet Tea Vodka. It’s a beautiful thing that I will have to leave clothes here to have room in my luggage. I’m serious. Clothes can be replaced.
So today, we have nothing really planned today. Just hanging out and being lazy. That’s Thanksgiving no matter where you are. Happy Turkey Day!
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So I couldn’t unload on the lady at the front desk. Before I walked up, I overheard her conversation with the previous guest. She was telling him that her grandchildren always wanted to go to the new theater, but a movie was a movie to her. Fuck. I wouldn’t want anyone yelling at my g-ma and I was certainly not going yell at someone else’s. I was sweet, but to the point. So hopefully our stay will be better on Sunday.
We headed out to another part of the island to rent bikes today. Jen found a great place named Billy’s Bicycles. He gave us the back code so we could ride to Harbourtown and check out that area. I used to have a beach cruiser, but this bike was the Cadillac of beach cruisers. It rode like butter. We rode through this community called Sea Pines that was a master planned community from the 1960s. It was cool because the houses all blended in with the natural habitat. I like that.
We got to the actual Harbourtown and walked around to check it out. We went into the toy store on the harbor and it overheard another conversation–I was nosy today. The guy was trying to shake down the clerk over the price of the toy. Dude, you are in a tourist area. You are going to pay a high price for a toy because it’s 20 steps from the ocean. Give the chick a break. I, on the other hand, happily paid my $12 for Set to replace my old version I ruined in Europe a few years ago. If you have never played the game, try it out online at http://www.setgame.com/set/puzzle_frame.htm. It’s totally a mental game.
We checked out the ocean for a bit and noticed you could go to the top of the lighthouse. We made our way over to the lighthouse and it was $3 for each of us to go to the top. Sure, no problem… but don’t give me a wrist bracelet if you’re not going to serve me some booze. At each of the landings to the top was a little bit of history of island. It was pretty neat to learn how the island has become what it is today. The view of the top was nice as you could see pretty much around the island.
We started to head back and I got us lost on the bike trails. It was fine. We just took a different route back. On the way back to the bike rental place, we stopped by the ocean again to get a full glimpse of it. Being that it’s winter, it was more like Fort Bragg–but pretty nonetheless. While we were at the beach, I looked at the time and realized that if we were going to make happy hour at the hotel, we had to book. Silly, but free booze is worth getting a move on. Plus it would be getting dark soon too.
After a fight with my Palm Pre on directions, we took a slightly back road to get to Charleston, we arrived. Our hotel is the Embassy Suites in the middle of the downtown area. It’s a freaking castle. Literally. It was the old Citadel and it’s soooo cool. We had a few cocktails and then took a walk down King St to finally achieve my goal of the trip… sweet, delicious bbq food. Dinner was great, but thanks to the meatballs at happy hour, I couldn’t finish it. In addition, I felt like I was going to explode.
After dinner, we window shopped a bit on King Street before heading back to the hotel. I also found out that there is a Turkey Run taking place on Thursday right in front of our hotel. I might have to do that. They have a tent city set up right out in front of hotel. I would feel guilty if I didn’t.
When we got back, we wanted to go into the hot tub last night to just chill out. Jen went all in to the hot tub before realizing that it wasn’t so hot after all. Smartly, I just put my foot in and realized that it wasn’t for me. After being harassed for not wanting to hug my wet girlfriend while I was warm and dry, we just hung out in the room. I taught Jen SET and day 2 was done.
Today, we are off on a walking tour of Charleston and dinner with my Herffy friend Lisa Dean. I’m excited about both. Also there’s a rumor that there is a cupcake place on King Street. Oh happy days. I just hope we stay dry.
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I have spent the weekend down in San Diego. Originally, this was a three-part trip. First, it was a chance to meet up with my cousin. He’s an Eagles fan and they are playing the Chargers today. Second, I could see Maximus since he goes to SDSU. Finally, I was going to see my old buddy Steve from Key Club. Well the only that came through at the end is Maximus. So I’ve spent the weekend chilling with him. Unfortunately, the poor guy has mono and kidney stones. We’ve been having a pretty low key weekend. It is a good chance for him to get some rest away from the dorms cause the guy is just exhausted.
But I also learned this weekend that I’m definitely not in my teens anymore. The guy eats SO much and I can’t keep up with it. I had to run an extra 10 minutes today plus an extra trip on the elliptical machine to pay for the food penance from yesterday.
We also just been hanging around doing cool stuff. Last night, we went to Dave and Busters to play. I forgot how much fun that place is… sober. I got some glee beating him in the basketball shooting game. It’s really strange because I’ve never played basketball in my life, but I can play that game really well. I mean I really suck at basketball. I can barely dribble and run. When I get roped in playing, I just hang out at the basket and do layups and get rebounds. One gift for being tall I guess.
Right now, Maximus is still asleep so I’m sitting in the corner writing this as I cool off from my run. When he wakes up, I think we’re going to head downtown to watch the afternoon games. On Friday when I got my car, I elected to just pay for them to refill my car. The rate was great, so I figured it wasn’t a bad deal. What I forgot is that I got an economy car that gets like a million miles a gallon. In order to feel like I got my money’s worth, I have been driving around San Diego for no real reason just so I can return the car on empty. It’s not cheap… it’s being economical with my purchases.
I have a week until I leave for South Carolina with Jen. I’m excited because it’s going to be a different experience than just hanging around. She’s done a great job planning out a bunch of stuff for us to do. We have worked out in our relationship that I’m transportation chair and she is social. My job is to get us there and make sure we have somewhere to sleep. Jen figures out what we’re going to do when we get there. It’s great because I love figuring out travel and I hate figuring out what to do when I get there.
But for today, it’s me getting ready to root on my beloved Patriots against those nasty Colts. God, I love football season.
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It’s a beautiful day here in November. The sun is shining and the Patriots are winning… again. Jen and I just got back from a nice weekend in Napa. We decided to leave early so we could make the most of the weekend.
On the way down, I did something very unusual for my road travels, I stopped to use the bathroom. Because of my rule of five–I don’t drive more than five hours… I just fly. So for me to stop for the bathroom, it’s rare. We stopped in Dunnigan to use the bathroom. Dunnigan is a little highway town that doesn’t have much. We pulled into the local Jack In the Crack (aka Box) that smelt like the place had an indoor pool somewhere hidden in the place.
We arrived at Tracy and Greg’s house to meet Baby Lia who is as cute as a button. We met Tracy’s parents and had a nice lunch before heading out to the wineries. I was smart and found the item with the most bread in it on the menu for lunch–a calzone. Greg who works for a local winery knows all the ins and outs of the wineries. He took us to some great places to see taste some great wines. Then he took us on a special tour and showed us he does.
I think I learned SO much about wine just listening to Greg explain what he does. I learned about different wines and blends, what happens to wines that doesn’t make what it should, and just the process a bottle goes through before getting to market. It felt like I was in Oz and the wizard took me behind the curtain to see how the magic really works. It was just so much fun to just chill out and sip on some very good wines and learn the difference between a REALLY (I mean REALLY REALLY good wine) and wines that weren’t going to be much.
After napping off the wine, Jen and I headed downtown to check it out and grab something to eat. A burger sounded fantastic. When we ordered, we spent $33 on burgers and fries. Let me tell you, it wasn’t so special–Nobby’s is WAYYY better. But we walked around the downtown and checked it out. It was cool, but not spectacular.
What I learned is that I am not quite ready to be a wineo. Don’t get me wrong, I love wine. I am just not ready to be the middle aged people hanging our at wine bars. We walked around and realized that if we went into any of the places, we would be the youngest by at least ten years. I love hanging out with friends that are different ages, but not strangers. Of course, strangers are just friends you haven’t met.
We decided we would just be happier hanging at the hotel and watch a movie. On the way back, we stopped by Raley’s to get some ice cream. Now in Chico, Raley’s is where the more affluent people shop in town. In Napa, it’s where the poor people shop… what a change in culture.
We got back to the hotel and Jen pointed out that the hotel doesn’t have any movies. Bummer. Luckily, I brought my swim suit and had an extra pair of board shorts in the car. I’m so prepared. We just hung out in the hot tub and came back to find Manchurian Candidate on TV. It is a great movie, but I hate watching movies on TV because the commercials cut the flow of the movie.
This morning we got up rather early and had some breakfast before heading back to Chico. We were supposed to hang with a friend on the way home, but he didn’t get up in time. We wanted to get back home to go for a bike ride (Jen got a bike for her birthday) and for me to watch the last half of the Patriots game.
On the way home, I looked at the gas tank and figured I had JUST enough to get home. Boy was I right. When we got to the gas station, I had about .35 of a gallon left. My laziness almost caused me to push my car home. But now, I’m home. The tank is full. I have a lazy Sunday ahead.
Filed under: Chico
Happy Halloween. I’m going to spend it on my couch drinking water and harassing Trick or Treaters–if I get some. I quite mean to the older ones. I don’t just dish out my subpar candy for anyone. It’s subpar because if it’s a mix, I’ve already picked out my good ones and put them aside for me. No, older kids that come to my house must tell me a joke in order to get candy. Depending on the amusement level I receive is how many pieces of candy I give them. I think it’s a fair trade.
Speaking of older kids, I spent most of yesterday working our Halloween Ball. This is our second one and I’m happy to say it’s finally done. But Halloween is such a funny holiday for adults. I think we all go nuts and spend a ton of money on costumes because we finally have control and the money on who we want to dress up. A hundred bucks for a mad scientist costume–no problem. Do you take Visa? I remember when I was a kid, I would go to K-Mart (when it was cool) and see all those cool costumes that I could never get. My parents would never drop that much cash on something I was going to wear once. But you know, I’m one of those kids, I mean adult, that will drop cash if that’s who I want to be.
Well this party was full of people with great costumes. Jen and Kelly did a great job making the plan for decorations. We spent about five hours decorating for the party. But what’s funny about the whole thing is our personality differences. I’m a three (go to www.enneagramcentral.com to find yours) and Jen and Kelly are ones.
Here is an example:
I was hanging these cool light balls over the balcony. I just wanted to get them up in the order she wanted. They wanted them in perfect position. Threes just want it to look good; Ones want it perfect. Thank goodness Jen thinks I’m perfect. (:
But everything came together great and we head all headed our own directions to get ready for the party. I went and picked up Jake, some ping pong balls, and pizza before meeting Jen back at my house. So by the time I got back home I had just enough time to eat, change in my costume, and reprint my party list. A shower wasn’t happening. But hey, I was a pirate and they are supposed to be stinky. But Jen looked great. She was Carmen Sandiego.
The party got started slow, but we got rocking. Everyone was having a good time and no one was complaining to me. However, I never really relaxed the entire time because I just can’t stop worry about everything. That’s why I can only be in charge of a few big events… I would never have fun. About a half an hour in, I went looking for Jen and the venue we’re having the party isn’t that big. After about 10 minutes of looking, I started asking my friends, “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” And I meant it. After about a half an hour, she reappeared after having wardrobe issues.
We did a costume contest and the bartender bought me a tequila shot. After that, it all becomes a blur. All I remember was telling the DJ at around 1:10 to stop playing music so I could go home. Jen’s feet were hurting so I made another barefoot (I was in my socks) trip home. We got home and passed out very drunk in bed.
This morning Jen wasn’t feeling that great. Which is weird because the last time she got sick, it was at the Airshow also bartended by this company. But we had to go back this morning to clean up the party. We walked in and the place was a disaster and smelled of beer. Thankfully we had some help and we got most of it cleaned up within a few hours. We threw everything in storage and headed for lunch.
A group of us met up this La Comida (aka La Chlamydia) for lunch. It has good food, but you have to know their routine or you’re going to starve. First, I am not aware of such routines. Secondly, don’t fuck with me when I’m hung over and hungry… just give me my food. But I played nice because I was just enjoying the high that the party was done.
We had a great long lunch just chatting away with our friends and I wanted to grab a movie before we headed back home. As we were walking into Blockbuster, I ran into my friends Travis and Jenny, my friend Steve’s sister. We also got to catch up and plan for our annual Risk game–Christmas time.
By the time we got back home, I was ready for a good quality nap. I sprayed down the beer soaked tarps and hunkered down in the hammock. I woke up sore and a wreak. The plans to go the gym were immediately postponed. But I feel good that I made someone’s life better. And now I get to give some children a complex tonight!
I have hardwood floors through out my house. As I have mentioned before, I love the clean feeling I get when I walk around them without shoes. However, the downside of these floors are dust bunnies. I woke up this morning to one of them staring me right down from my bed. Normally, this would require me to clean the entire house because I feel that it is dirty. But I’m not really feeling like I should waste part of my workday cleaning the house. Instead, I decided that I would just vacuum the floors. It sounds gross, almost as gross as someone enjoying popping pimples or picking scabs, but I LOVE the sight of watching those damn bunnies getting sucked up in the vacuum. It gives me some sort of satisfaction that house is getting cleaner by the minute. Sick, I know.
Here’s where it gets worse…
I chased a bunny with the vacuum under the futon in my office. I wasn’t going to let it get away. I moved the futon to suck it out when I noticed spots on the floor. My body twitched. I already started to look at putting things up on the desk so I can mop. NO. I must hold back. Ah Ha I thought to myself. I went to go get my dust mop and spray I thought. Then, I would only be cleaning that spot and I wouldn’t feel that I was wasting an entire bucket of perfectly good mop water.
Now the sad thing is that I really could spend the entire morning cleaning my house and be completely satisfied. I really don’t care about the front or backyard… but the house, it shall be clean. I am practicing restraint and only taking care of the immediate issues. That way, after our Halloween party on Friday is over, I can clean with true satisfaction.
Filed under: me
A few months back, I received an envelope with some return address labels from a charity. I need address labels. So, I put the donation card in my basket of things to process. At the end of the month, I found the donation sheet and decided to make a small donation to the cause. I figured that if they took the time and resources to make these labels, five or ten bucks wouldn’t hurt. Boy, was I wrong.
Now I receive at least one set of labels a day. I swear all these charities have like a bat phone when I a sucker like me decides to donate. I get them now, they are from random charities I never even hear they existed. I used to put them in my file maybe thinking I would donate… they go straight to the recycle bin now. I have come to the conclusion that all these charities are using the same company to market for them and are probably taking 80% of the profits. Sad that’s the way it’s got to be.
Other than that, life is going fantastic. Work is kind of slow so I don’t have a ton going at the moment. So that leaves me time to take care of other parts of my life. Mainly me. I spent most of Saturday morning out in the hammock enjoying a quiet day reading. Then, I headed over to Oroville to help Jen’s family celebrate her Grandpa’s birthday. It was fun to meet all of Jen’s aunts and uncles. They are all characters in their own way. I am comfortable in Jen and my relationship that I came out swinging. I thought they should see my wit from the beginning because it wasn’t going away anytime soon. We had some Chinese food and headed back to Chico. When I got home, I had a craving for some rice crispy treats…. so I did what any real man would do… I made them myself. Jen got to my place and we just sat in the kitchen just talking. It was probably the best hour I’ve spent with Jen that week. I also introduced Mean Girls to Jen. It’s funny because the movie was made in 2005, but it’s already looking dated. It’s so crazy that the last four years have just flown by.
Sunday was quite the event. I hate getting up to an alarm clock on Sundays. However we had major Halloween decorations to take make. But first, I had to be disciplined enough to go to the gym. Sunday was one of those days that I couldn’t run no matter what was in front of me. I get really frustrated at myself when I can’t accomplish what I want. I had a feeling I wasn’t carbed up enough to make the run. Still, I was pissed. I’m still pissed because now I have to run two days in a row which I don’t enjoy.
We got to Blake’s and got started on the decorations. We were painting anything that would hold still silver and black. After a few hours of painting, pizza, and E! True Hollywood Story (Kaitlin sucked me in) we had the majority of the decorations done. I was exhausted from being out all day. When we got home, I was making dinner and Jen had to do some running around. She called me while she was out and asked me if I wanted Dairy Queen. How could I resist? When she got back home, I opened the freezer for her to realize that she had already ate half of hers. Argh. Well I guess I was making dinner of myself. It’s okay Jen hates leftovers and I’m not cooking again until all the food I’ve already made and/or bought is gone. I’m on dinner strike. (:
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This post has been brewing in my head for a while. Now given that I have time to think this month, I thought it would be a good fun one to write. John Mayer, if you love him or hate him, is a damn good song writer for guys. It took me a trip to Europe to fully understand what his songs are saying. Since then, they just click for me. So I thought I’d share my world according to John Mayer.
When I’ve gone out on an emotional limb for someone and got burned: My Stupid Mouth
This song was soothing for me when I decided to go out of someone and got rejected (I know it’s a surprise that anyone would reject me). But it wasn’t the rejection that killed me that most, it was the back and forth that drove me nuts. So for that the line “Just one more thing… why is it my fault” always sticks in my mind.
Living in the Moment: Say
This is one of my favorite songs from him just because the message is so simple. Just say what you need to say. It’s such a simple idea that is sometimes the hardest thing to do in the world.
Realizing that I screwed up: Dreaming with a broken heart
I haven’t experienced this too much, but when I have screwed up and realized that it can’t be fixed this song comes to mind.
When I feel like I’m growing up a little more: In Repair
This is the one song that plays in my head the most since I’ve heard it. Everytime I scab my knees, I realized that I’m still in repair. I keep growing from the situation and I have more to learn. I’m never going to be where I want to be, but I’m still working towards getting better. “I’m not together, but I’m getting there”
When I’m missing someone I love: Comfortable
I know this song is about moving on to a new lover, but to me it’s about maybe the good times you had with the same person that you lost that connection.
Understanding where you in the world: The Heart of Life
The Heart of Life really does explain that you are part of a bigger thing in the world. How you treat others who love you does have a reflection on your character. Also, being there for your love ones is more important than what material things you can give.
Living up to your dream: Bigger Than My Body
Nothing is more inspiring to know that your dreams are bigger than you body can contain… so go out there and do something big. (:
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I love clean floors. There’s something about the squeakiness of the floor makes against your feet. I know that sounds weird. Most of my friends and I are reaching the point where we have disposable income in our lives. Most of my friends have a housekeeper. First, they are dudes and don’t like cleaning. I say not so much about that. I do have a landscaper because I suck at it. But inside, I want to make sure the house is clean. It’s also a way for me to survey the damage around the house. Plus I love the smell of clean.
I spent most of the day catching up on all the backlog work that has been piling up on my desk. I also got my teeth cleaned. Afterwards, my dentist (a new one) scolded me for not flossing enough… big surprise. Why dentist get such glee from giving me a lecture about flossing. Well dentist lady I floss once a day… just not enough for her. I mean she was scraping the crap out of my teeth and then she wondered why they were bleeding? Hmmm… maybe that sharp hook you’ve been prodding it with might have something to do with it. What’s that white thing she ask? Maybe it’s my tooth that once had a home in my mouth.
I have the suits coming to visit again tomorrow. This time it’s the credit department… he is going to count my three rings and tassels just to make sure I’m not lying. Woo hoo. I’m going to milk him for the most expensive lunch I can think of in Chico… teach you to bug me when I’m working….
