So far

8 10 2009

I’ve had no interviews yet. The two “group interviews” don’t count. I’m not counting them anyway. I was part of a group interview a few days ago where there were over 20 people. Weak. It’s tough trying to make yourself stand out from a group that big without being the annoying one. Still, I’m hopefull. Jen suggested working for the university, so I applied to several opennings on the UT job site. This morning’s interview was the most promising one, but it’s at a place I certainly don’t care for. It’s been a while since I’ve done one, so why not. The place is too far and honestly I wouldn’t fit in. The hunt continues.

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Last week I started riding my bike again. Went out to 360 and back. Killer stuff considering it had been at least a month since I had done any kind of hard riding. Two days ago I went out for a quick morning spin and right as I was getting to the neighborhood, where we’re staying, my rear tire felt like it rolled over a tack. Nope. A nail drove all the way through tire and tube and peirced the rim under the rim strip. Wild shit. I’ve seen people come into the shop with wheels totally busted from nails, but luckily mine seems to be alright. I’m trying my hardest to ride as much but not having a job is really bringing me down.

My last post got Jen bummed about me feeling this way. It’s not her fault, it just a rut I’m going through now and know I’ll get over it. A friend of mine goes through depression stages that I can relate to. It’s been a long time since the last time I felt this way. I’m constanty reminded of the shitty place I was in when my X and I lived off of chimney rock. I hated my job, had no car, and was in denial of the fact that I hated the person I was living with. The only thing that is similar to that time now is that I have no car. Which is the least of my worries. Jen isn’t the problem either. In fact she’s been real supportive. So it’s not her. I’m just unhappy and impatient with our current situtaion. We’ve been here two weeks and have wanted this move for a long time, but it feels like we’re still moving. Like a long long road trip. the novelty of it has worn off after the first hour. You can’t get quite comfortable and you’ve played all your favorite music. it’s just quiet now as you’re driving, staring at the road and wishing you were already there.

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My friends are coming to visit this weekend and I can’t wait for them to get here. There will be lots of bike riding, inside jokes, and hating. Oh The HATE! On thing I miss about the shop is the morning hate dialogues. Every morning the guys would show up and have a little anecdote about their evening. If two people hadn’t seen each other because of off days, you would get the occasional, “Hey! Guy!” or obligatory snarky remark. Then someone would pull up to the shop, it’s 9:10 (the store opens at 10) and pulls on the door, bangs the window, looks at their watch. Incredulous, “I can’t believe they’re not open yet! I’m here. They’re here. Why is it not open?!” It’s all pretty much game after that. Anyway I’m stoked about my friends coming to town as these kids are in the audience.


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Categories : cycling, health, home, married life, personal, the Lady, work

I have no title for this.

23 09 2009

I don’t even know where to begin…

As far as cycling, i started racing this year and did pretty well. I didn’t win any races but came close the last time around. It started kind of shitty but the more I convinced myself to get in it, the better I did. What’s weird is that I did better when Jen wasn’t there than when she and IKE came along.

Picture 1

I was getting better and better until on my cranks broke on my last race. Somehow the bonding from the spindle to the spider broke or gave out. So off to Easton it went. They estimated it would take anywhere between 4-6 weeks to get the new one…

So I sold my Red group and bought an 11 Speed Campagnolo Chorus group. I’m pretty pleased with it. Even though, I’ve only ridden it for 60 miles. I’m glad to be finally done with buying things for my bike. For now.

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We’re  moving to Austin this Saturday.

Yes. Jen  applied for a job in her company and beat out about 250 applicants. I was sure she was going to get it when she applied for it. I have always wanted to live in Austin. EVERYONE says, “Oh, you’re going to looove it!” I want someone to say, “God, you’re going to hate it.”  I don’t think anyone will. Anyway it brings me to the current pickle I’m in; I hate moving. It’s not that I don’t want to live in Austin or want to move there, but the act of moving itself is what I despise. Packing, moving shit around. Going through things you have and debating whether to toss it or not. All of it. I hate it.

I realized today that I honestly do not want to move. I’m happy for Jen with her getting this job and her promotion and all that, but it really sucks that we have to move. We had already decided that we weren’t going anywhere for a while, after her last interview in Austin. I got used to that and felt comfortable with where I was at work. I also got comfortable with who I work with and most of all my friends from work. It seems selfish to be upset about moving because I’m leaving friends behind. After all, so is Jen. Her office-mate is probably one of, if not, her best friend.

I’m mainly bummed because I’m going to Austin to no job. To live with someone who I honestly don’t want to live with. Not because I dislike them, but because living in anyone else’s home sucks. It doesn’t matter what the situation is. In our case, we’re going to look for a place while we shack up with Camille. Which is smart, but it still sucks. I’m sure it must suck for her too. I would feel weird. Back to the no job thing. Moving to Austin requires that I quit my job and start over. I was comfortable where I was. Now it’s back to square one. I’m reminded of leaving WFM and when I left bartending. It sucked. Luckily I have the support of Jen. Her mom called me and said she was praying for me. Which is sweet. People telling me, “oh, you’ll be fine” is nice too. It’s not going to help though. I appreciate the kind words and motivational high fives, but I still have to start over. Today I printed my resume and it really brought me down. I hate it. Resume’s are formal written descriptions of who you are, for people to judge. I distracted myself by going back to cleaning the apartment. Anything to avoid packing. Then I got a call from our property manager telling me that she was going to bring someone to our place to see if they were interested in renting it. So I left to have lunch with some friends. Which is the other thing really bringing me down. I’ve made two good friends at work. Both Mike and Justin I would consider to be my best friends. As close as those come these days. I’ve talked about how my coworkers end up being my best friends, but this is different. I spent more time with these guys off of work than I have with anyone else I have ever met through a job. So leaving them REALLY sucks. Especially Justin since I got to spend a little more time with him since Mike left before I did/will.

fuk.

Tonight I walked IKE for a few blocks and felt the cool breeze and it depressed me again for the second time today. I’m going to miss the hell out of this place. The neighborhood, the restaurants, my friends. All of it. Houston really left it’s mark in my life, and I’ll miss it.  In the past, when the temperature dropped in Houston, it was the happiest part of the year for me. I hope I don’t associate cooler Austin weather with what I’m feeling now.


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Categories : Houston, bikes, cycling, home, married life, people, personal, the Lady, work

a cat-deer and a killer whale share a room in our home.

11 05 2009

Last Monday Jen and I drove down to Victoria to “look” at adopting a dog. We came prepared to “look” with a new leash and dog collar. We left with a year and half old whippet/italian greyhound mixed with chihuaha (we think, look at his face) For a while we tried to come up with different names for him, but Ike stuck and he responds to it. Somehow he was found after the hurricane wandering around like David Carradine in Kung Fu.

photo

He’s an interesting dog-cat-deer. He’s mellow, and knows when to ask to go outside. I like him for now. I don’t like him very much at 1:30am, 3:45am and 6am when he wants to go outside to pee/poo. Other than that he’s an alright kid. This morning while I was walking him by the Museum of Natural Science, a lady said, “oooh what kind of dog is he?”

“Dunno, whippet chihuaha I think.”

“I hope the mother wasn’t the chihuaha…”

I kept walking then, five steps later I got it. Weird, but funny. I wonder if she honestly was trying to be funny. Oh well, I’m sure Jen will write more about that cat with better photos.

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On friday at work I was walking past my boss and a customer, when my boss asked me if I wanted to sell my frame. I said sure! I honestly thought he was bluffing, but he asked to see it. I showed him my bike and said, “Alright, I’ll bring you a check tomorrow.” Still thinking that he was just talking I said, “no bring cash”. So he did, on Saturday and I took my bike apart. by the end of the day on Saturday I bought another frame. I didn’t just get another frame. I upgraded!

from this

7096-12_TMSL_Pro_White_d.jpg

to this

7790-27_SW_TM_Cbn_Wht_l.jpg

The only thing that wasn’t a clean trade over to the S Works frame was the crankset. Luckily for me, the Brazilian who used to work with us, had an EC90 crankset unused that I bought off of him too. It was all coming together. Then today, my boss told me that the wheels I ordered had finally arrived.

So this is it

IMG_5898

“it’s a killer whale!” Jason said when it was all built up on saturday. I’m keeping the name. I also went up a size, from 54cm to a 56cm size frame. I’m glad I did. It’s a hell of a lot more comfortable. I raced last weekend for the first time (i was a bust). After looking at the photos of the race, Justin said I looked a bit off on the bike. here’s a proof of some goofy guy.

Picture 1

It was fun. There’s still a ton for me to learn. We’ll see how I do this weekend.


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Categories : Houston, bikes, cycling, home, married life, the Lady, work

Most accurate Watchmen Review

10 03 2009

EVER at If it’s Not Funny Anymore… by  BlanJust. I have yet to see it, but still went through and read it despite the SPOILER ALERT!

Read it while it’s still funny.


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Categories : movies

The Fall opening title sequence

11 01 2009


 

The Fall opening title sequence | The Art of the Title Sequence. The interview with the film’s typographer is a sexy bonus for this entry.


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Categories : Typography, movies

nice.

8 01 2009

picture-11

 

: Zena Holloway :: Underwater Photographer & Director.


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Categories : photography

This cold can suck it.

28 12 2008

It’s been a while so here are the highlights:

We had a party and below are my favorite pictures from that night.




 

It was nice to have people over at the new place. Everyone seemed to have really enjoyed themselves and even said nice things about our little place. I was mostly impressed by how many people actually showed up.  Usually I’ll invite just about everyone I can stand and expect maybe six to show. This time, it seems like most of who I keep contact with on a daily basis did. 

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Christmas 2008 = Best ever. 

I didn’t get to request the days off on time this year so we both worked before and after the 25th. We exchanged out gifts in the morning then spent the entire day by ourselves snuggling, relaxing, went to the movies, watched movies at home and enjoying each other’s company. Just us two. There was no stress from traveling, too many people in one room, or that, “Oh.. thanks” in response to that novelty ice tray from that funny uncle. 

Jen and I decided to stick with a $20 limit with our gifts. Well we didn’t really stick with it. I’m including my new bike and our trip to D.C. for the inauguration. Those weren’t things we unwrapped. I got Jen these socks and she got me The Best Chocolate Bar Ever AND this book.  Still, it wasn’t a giving festival like it was last year, but spending all day together alone the way we did was better than anything we could have wrapped for each other. 

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About the new bike. . .

When PowerMike saw it for the first time he looked at it and smiled and proclaimed that it “looks like an angry animal”. It feels like one too. I hadn’t really told Jen, or anyone for that matter, but I’m a little terrified of it. No, seriously, it’s pretty epic. You should take that lightly, being as how I’ve only ridden about six bikes. Still, it’s the best bike I’ve ever ridden. I only wish we could find Jen’s elusive camera battery charger to take some proper photos of the shiny shiny. The more I ride it, the more I’m impressed by it and have to remind myself that this is mine to own and it’s not a prolonged test ride. Now that I think of it, everyone has a new bike at work. Everyone made a considerable upgrade. 

One thing I’ve noticed more than anything else is how slow and weak I’ve gotten since riding The Bianchi. It’s been a couple of months since any real road riding. Besides the sparse mountain biking and commuting to and from work, I haven’t been devoting enough time on the bike. I feel it too. Last Sunday we did about 47 miles and I was useless to anyone after. Hopefully it stops being wet and shitty in the mornings for me to ride more.

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I’m obsessed with Justice and unreleased Underworld tracks from their UnderworldLive.com site. Is it crazy for me to want the Justice cross on my back? 

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The December Movie Extravaganza is going great. Part of my Christmas present was going to watch a whole ton of new releases this month. So far so good. There are a few left that we may not get to watch because of limited showings but so far so good. My favorite so far is Quantum of Solace, but I doubt that will hold after Gran Torino, The Wrestler, Doubt, Valkyrie, and Benjamin Button. Those are the five I’m really looking forward to but I’m sure Slumdog Millionaire will surprise me. What I am certain about is that Seven Pounds royally sucked. We should get our money back. 

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Being sick for the last two days has been a real bummer. I’m not crazy man-cold sick, but I definitely feel weak and tired. I’m humbled by Jen’s Ultimate Awesomeness of being sweet and caring when I’m sick. At one point  I got frustrated and heard myself tell her that I wasn’t handicapped (!).  My real frustration is my lack of strength and having others do things for me. I know she’s just helping me conserve my energy, but my pride kicks in and wants to still do things for myself. It’s silly how my brain is hardwired to be that way. At least I recognize it enough to be OK with Jen be her wonderful caring self. This Christmas only strengthened my feelings of gratitude for marrying someone as badass as she is. At the party I remember someone complimenting Jen and her culinary skills. I remember saying that I was lucky as fuck to have met her and how fortunate I was to be with her, even though I’m such a schmuck. Of course they laughed, but there is some truth to that. The person I was before we met. . . well, honestly, fuck that guy.


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Categories : Camera, bikes, cycling, home, movies, music, people, personal, photography, the Lady

ooh boy

27 11 2008

In 2002 when I heard A hundred Days Off, it blew me to bits. Sola Sistim, was especially a big hit with me in my personal life. I still think of being in the Neon at three in the morning feeling the heavy bass line resonate through my bones. If the original released version was the slow passionate, I’m-falling-in-love-with-you, love making version, this would be the heavy-breathing, drunken-late-night-fun, pulling-your-clothes-off-each-other-before-opening-the-front-door, gotta-have-you-now, god-bless-america! version.

It’s not even the same song, it just features the same lyrics. It’s the love child of Moaner and Sola Sistim.


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Categories : music

WTF

23 11 2008

picture-11

 

I don’t feel bad for him at all. I’m more concerned for my OTHER cousin who shares the same name, along with his father and my brother. Four total with the same first name and last name. Sigh. It all reminds me of this for some reason:

Mainly the name but on a deeper level it’s the other guy saying, “Just take one dip and end it!”. If you lose a fight, just take the fall and end it.


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Categories : WTF

HOLY

5 11 2008

moly!

I was about to rant about some of the lunacy on FaceBook and from my brother, but I just looked at the stats on hits on my page:

picture-1

I’m guessing anyone posting about Obama posters is getting tons of hits, like this post is getting. I wasn’t very descriptive on that post either.

I’m sticking to my original thought from that post. It doesn’t matter whether you voted for him or not, it’s important to recognize the design influence that campaign had. I didn’t vote because I can’t, since I’m not a citizen of this country. If I could vote, I probably would have researched and learned more about both candidates before sticking to one guy or another.

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So this morning I was browsing on Facebook when I found people comparing Obama to Hitler and how he’s the Anti-Christ, and on and on. It’s all really amusing. Other’s threaten to move to Mexico. Ha! I would actually love to see that. I would even take you in as family and send money to you every month like the rest of “my people” do. Awesome. What gets me more is my lovely brother, whom hasn’t lived anywhere where there are more shades of people besides brown, sends me these racist text messages about Obama and his family. Fuck politics, it’s 2008 for Christ’s sake. Are we still playing the race game? It’s depressing really. I love the cat, but It’s truly pathetic how ignorant he can be. Still, he’s family and like in ALL families there are still going to be those who aren’t … well open minded about things. “What do you mean you don’t eat meat? Here, have some chicken.”

Here’s something else I found interesting. I tried finding out more info about the holograms CNN was using and came across some videos on YouTube. Like everything on YouTube, you can start anywhere and end up watching some videos linking some government conspiracy or the anti-christ to your original video content. 

So here is the video titled: “CNN Hologram: Anti-Christ Projector“

 

and this is in the info box for the vid:

 

The Anti-Christ will use this tool to communicate with you. This has been foretold and is the beginning of New World Big Brother Technology. I urge you all to beware of what’s to come. Accept Christ as your lord and savior, get a bible and start attending your local church. Say this prayer,

 

“Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” God Bless You All

 

Side Note: I find it Amazing how many of you think this is fake. Yet 9/11 couldn’t be a set up and the NWO doesn’t exist regardless of the most evident incriminating evidence seen here on YouTube and before you in the news. This is very much real and it will be used to the disadvantage of all mankind. Beware of what’s to come for out of this technology and it’s successors will come the ability to greatly deceive the people. Although, It is clear that the vast majority of you are already deceived.

 

wha..? It gets better. One person shares this nugget of wisdom using the appropriate handle, “airraideagle”:

 

 

The stunning rise of Barack Obama is just a “test run” for the true AntiChrist of the Book of Revelation in the Bible. Obama is very much adored by much of the world. The AntiChrist will be even more so when he appears. I agree with most prophecy teachers that AntiChrist will come out of Europe, a revived ‘Holy’ Roman Empire.

It could very well be that Obama as President works with the AntiChrist, getting America to submit to his power, World Government and BEAST SYSTEM.

 

From Europe? Europeans are awesome. They’ve got better cheese, cars, clothes, music, I could go on. I guess Europe is so bad ass, it’s bringing the anti christ too. Wankers. AirRaidEagle-ForceAlphaExtreme! adds this additional comment

 

Obama will not be changing anything from Bush, or Clinton, only the public face of the elite. The Presidency is nothing more than puppet position, not where the real power is. The real power is in the hands of all the secret and not-secret organizations. The central banks, mega corporations, the military-industrial-complex, the Vatican, Trilateral Commission, CFR, Rothchilds, Rockefellers, Bilderberg Group, the Occult, Illuminati, and all the groups that make up the New World Order.

 

I love the internet. Internet for President 2012! “corybrad” puts it best in a comment made on the same page

 

this shit is stupid as hell. Idiots being impressed by relatively basic technology because its the first time they’ve ever seen it, freaking out and running for their bibles and churches like confused children.

 

 

Obama may have beat McCain last night, but the real loser yesterday was Holograms around the world. God bless you, you ephemeral witchcraft of light.

 

 


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Categories : misc., people, personal, politics, web

So this is goodbye.

29 10 2008

I just said goodbye to a good friend forever. 

When I met Jen she was still sporting a sock and jersey tan from riding the MS150 her second time. She rode a 20 year old steel Bianchi and when I bought GRIMACE she really felt she could use a new bike. For Christmas we had decided that we weren’t going to spend more than fifty to one hundred dollars on our gifts to each other. Well of course I didn’t stick to the plan:

 

I drove to Austin and bought her a new Bianchi. She was mad excited. She rode the MS150 on it this last time around and loved it. We also brought the bikes with us to Big Bend and Marfa where we had to call the cops for a ride home. Eventually Jen decided that she wasn’t a cyclist. She would rather enjoy her bike ride than worry about stats and power output. So The Bianchi was handed down to me after she bought her Dahon. After riding my KLEIN it felt light and fast as heck, so naturally I rode it more. Now I’m attached. Like everything though, nothing is permanent or forever. 

Two days ago I got an email from someone very interested in seeing the bike. I invited the guy over and he was pretty much taken by the bike. He made an offer so I took it. I’m sad and ashamed to have sold the bike. I’m sad because it was a part of us. I never understood how people would get attached to their bikes, but I get it now. The novelty of change is still something that I have to deal with. I hang onto things. This should help with that. I’m ashamed because it has always truly been Jen’s Bike. She said it was OK but I still feel kind of guilty. Also, she’s mad sexy in that picture.

Before I dropped the bike of I gave it a long look and thanked it. I hope this cat takes care and appreciates it as much as I did. 


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Categories : GRIMACE, The Bianchi, bikes, cycling, home, personal, the Lady

Austin

27 10 2008

is fun.

The record for Largest Simultaneous Dance with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was broken in Austin this Saturday. Watch a video clip here and photos here.


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Categories : people

Tonight

24 10 2008

I went to a friend’s reading at a local book store. There were three people reading but BlanJust and I were there for PowerMike. It started off pretty well with a girl who I’m convinced I know from somewhere. Perhaps at Apple or WFM, who knows, but I’m dead certain that I’ve met her before. Anyway, by the time he got up there to read, I was starting to feel like I should have just gone straight to Anoop’s place for some homemade Indian food (I went anyway after the reading). When PM got up there to read his work, I was drawn to his story and thought of all the friends that I’ve made through the different jobs I’ve had since moving to Houston. There are about two or three from each job that I’ve kept in touch with. At that moment I wished that my friendship with these two guys isn’t one that dissipates with time. I’ve grown fond of the people I work with. This job more than the others. There are so many days when it doesn’t even feel like work. I thought about all this as he read the last few lines and it really made me miss having my brothers close. Needless to say I was impressed with his work.

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I went to check the mailbox this morning and found a pink envelope with my name on it. I thought it was an invitation or something. I opened it and it was a sweet letter from Jen sending her love. She mailed it out before she left. She’s amazing. Quality paper stock too. Naturally.


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Categories : Houston, home, people, personal, the Lady

10

22 10 2008

days and counting.

Jen left today for her ten day retreat at the center somewhere close to Dallas. I’m gonna miss that kid.

In the mean time I’ll be playing with this:

 

BlanJust sent me a text message informing me that it was ready for pick up. So I did. I gave away the standard pedals and replaced them with the sweet yellow Candy pedals I bought for Jen, back when she rode The Bianchi. It adds a nice spot of color to all that black. I listed the KLEIN and Bianchi and haven’t had any serious responses for them just yet. The MS150 is coming up and people who have never done it before are will be scrambling around for a bike. Hopefully, I’ll have enough money by Dec 28th for this lovely hotness:

Why Specialized you ask? I’m going with the Tarmac Pro because the deal I’m getting is a real massacre. 

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Back in school I came across a high-school friend’s sister that I hadn’t seen since I moved from McAllen. She introduced me to her boyfriend and it was a kind of tense for some reason. Then I got to hang with the guy and eventually had classes together and hung out outside of school. He’s a very talented illustrator and I pitched an idea for a comic book I had since high school. For a while we got started on writing out the story, building back stories for characters, looks, and theme for the book. We got knee deep then, for whatever reason we sort of just stopped talking to each other. He moved back to Louisiana and recently I found him on FaceBook. Check out his online sketchbook with images from his handy work.

It’s too bad we don’t as close as we used to anymore. I had tons of fun with that cat. 

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Interesting article in the NYT about tipping and whole it all began. 

 

Oded Ezer’s Flickr page owns. 

 

Every now and then I’ll find some really nice work, post about it, then go back and check for new work and it’s always good, but not as good as that initial hook that got me interested in the first place. Cristiana Couceiro doesn’t fall into this category. I added her RSS feed and it just gets better and better with every update. I want to own all of her work. I have a problem. 

 

 

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Categories : GRIMACE, The Bianchi, Typography, art, bikes, cycling, design, home, illustration, the Lady, web

Let

26 09 2008

me tell you about a little place by the name of Pizza Palm.

 

It’s a place where the framed “art” on the walls could have been used as backgrounds for Jack Handy shorts on SNL. It’s a place where a personal pizza costs three bucks and is made by a lady who smokes a cig between orders (I didn’t stick around to see whether she washed her hands or not). Down the assembly line goes your pie and is then sliced by the lady with who is trying to “beat” a cold and is not wearing any gloves.

Pizza Palm is a magical place where the public bathrooms are shared with an equally charming restaurant by the name of Chicken Expess. Outside, fake palmtrees light up the parking lot with their charming glow.

The food is palatable if you haven’t had a meal since 1pm after a 27 mile bike ride, sat in traffic for an hour, hopped on a plane, and landed in the middle of nowhere, oh and the time now is 9pm. Only then is it perfectly reasonable to order a second pizza for yourself to be put through the gauntlet of bacteria.


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Categories : personal

I’m

26 09 2008

currently annoyed that I can add widgets to my layout and not have them visible to the right. I know I’m doing something wrong, but just can’t figure it out. I’m going out for a bike ride.


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Categories : Uncategorized

It’s

21 09 2008

been almost a week with no internets. 

Today we went down to the Flying Saucer to get our internet fix, but I didn’t end up using Jen’s MacBook Pro at all. I used my phone to browse Digg headlines and read everyone’s Twitter updates and Facebook status. I was pretty much set with that. I do miss scrolling through my RSS feeds and wish I had access to more information and images on the web, immediately after Ike. Without cable we can’t use the TV for anything other than movies. We don’t have an antenna and I’m not about to go and buy one either. My parents and siblings call and ask for updates and see how we are doing. It seems like they’re seeing some heavy stuff on the news about Houston, even though it doesn’t seem that bad for those of us who are here. Most can get by with no power now that the water is mostly restored. At work MarqNath set up a TV set with bunny ears for reception and we’ve been getting updates here and there when it’s slow. Galveston seems to be a wasteland from what they show on TV. 

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I’ve been reading The Watchmen and I’m mostly through with it. I’m really enjoying it and wish I had read it years ago when I kept seeing it pop up and mentioned, back when I was heavily into comic books. Reading it reminds me of when I first read Frank Miller’s  Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Even though I’ve already seen the trailer for Watchmen, I try to forget what it looks like to take a closer look at it after I’ve finished reading the book. 

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BlanJust and I rode together this last wednesday for about 45 miles south of Houston and back. I really wasn’t feeling it. After about 23 miles I was ready to just tell him to go ahead without me. I hung in there though. I’ve been riding GRIMACE more and holding off riding Campesino until the usual Sunday ride. Speaking of; I REALLY missed the Sunday ride this last weekend after Ike. On Saturday we invited Amy and Amanda over to sleep over since they still have no power. They came over and we chatted, ate food, and gossiped about the old swinger at their workplace. We tried riding around town to check the damage, but I got a flat about a block away from our new apartment. Amy and Jen rolled back to our place to get my spare tubes. After a quick tire change, after their return, I got yet another flat no less than five minutes after changing the last one. Annoyed, I carefully rode to work on Monday and bought Armadillo’s for GRIMACE. Sure they feel like you’re rolling on tires made of concrete slabs and every single crack on the road is easily transmitted to your ass. Still, I’m flat free even after rolling all over the crap that’s out in the streets. Anyway, today BlanJust and I rode around through town and ended up doing about 40 miles again. We didn’t plan on it, it sort of just happened after Jen called to rescue her from work. It was a good ride, but I still need to improve. I can spin it up but I can’t hold it. I’m even impatient when I ride. I spin it up and blow up way too early. I need to pace myself or slowly wind it up when I ride. Someday I’ll get it right. For now, I’ll improve by keeping up with those guys. 

-

After having some food and a drink at Flying Saucer Jen and I headed to IKEA to buy a dresser to store our clothes. Since we moved in my clothes have been in two big boxes occupying the futon we’re trying to get rid of. This place has far less room for all the crap we’ve accumulated. We’ve got about 90% of it put away and are pretty much settled except for my clothes sitting in boxes. Jen likes to hang her clothes but not me. There’s something about clothes hangars that remind me of Buffalo Exchange. Even before I knew what Buffalo Exchange was, I hated how hangars stretched the collars on my favorite shirts, when I was in high school. There has to be more to it, but now I fold my clothes. I like stacking them and rearranging the stacks according to preference or which I wear more often. 

So…

We bought a dresser with drawers to store out clothes. We also bought a bedside table that took me about an hour to put together. Assembling IKEA furniture should be a competency test for everyone. If you can’t follow instructions through pictures then you’re screwed.

- Sept. 19


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My

13 09 2008

lady posted more pictures here. Included are pictures of us in the middle of the intersection by our place.


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We

13 09 2008

still have power.  In honor of that:

The power went out around 2:30 am only to come back on four hours later. We lucked out.

We walked around for a bit just now and it seems like our neighborhood is the only place left in Houston with power. Well in this part anyway. 59 southbound is a lake at Montrose.

Our neighbor’s boyfriend came back from spending the night at his place, The Mosaic. They lost power at some point last night. He’s in disbelief that we still have power. Anyway, the upside is that Einstein is back! Whimpering a bit but he’s back.


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It’s

13 09 2008

that time already. The power went out about an hour ago, finally. I’m impressed it lasted so long. We keep hearing things blow up and the worst of
it is minutes away.


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