Lewis Creek.
Some day...
This...
Sierra Sky Ranch Road.
Downtown Oakhurst. For a late Saturday morning, this is surreal. Normally, traffic abounds this time of day. Not on this one.
Pan shot.
Oakhurst sign.
The valley below.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
PRESIDENTS' DAY SNOW STORM
What a way to start off a three-day weekend with fresh snow. Not too little, and not too much.
Lewis Creek.
Some day...
This...
Sierra Sky Ranch Road.
Downtown Oakhurst. For a late Saturday morning, this is surreal. Normally, traffic abounds this time of day. Not on this one.
Pan shot.
Oakhurst sign.
The valley below.
Lewis Creek.Some day...This...Sierra Sky Ranch Road.Downtown Oakhurst. For a late Saturday morning, this is surreal. Normally, traffic abounds this time of day. Not on this one.Pan shot.Oakhurst sign.The valley below.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
DO WE DO DEWEY DEUX
Another snowshoe trek to Dewey Point. Took us 4 hours and 37 minutes (including 1 hour break). 7.35 miles.
Only this time we went with 20 other snowshoers!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
WE DO DEWEY
Oops. A driver lost control of his pickup on the black ice about a mile away from Wawona Campground heading toward Chinquapin. When he hit the ice, his truck slid off the road up a dirt embankment and slid about 30 feet on the driver's side. Nobody was injured.
Half Dome way in the back. The views were spectacular.
Speaking of views being spectacular, here is my beautiful wife.
Some guy.
Having fun and enjoying.
Heading towards Summit Meadow, which is the easier part of the hike.Dewey Point from Badger Pass.
7 miles...4 hours...
A lot of snow at 7,300 feet but there still needs to be more for the snowpack.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
JACK LALANNE
To the man who started it all...
My mom worked out with Jack in the early and mid-1960s. I remember the show well. Right before I would catch the bus to school, his show would come on and mom would be right there working out with him.
I thought she was nuts.
Later in life, I guess she wasn't nuts after all.
I have adoped a personal fitness regimen of my own as well as my wife. We are better for it.
Well, Jack, the heavens are yours now...
Try not to pull any stars out of alignment.
My mom worked out with Jack in the early and mid-1960s. I remember the show well. Right before I would catch the bus to school, his show would come on and mom would be right there working out with him.
I thought she was nuts.
Later in life, I guess she wasn't nuts after all.
I have adoped a personal fitness regimen of my own as well as my wife. We are better for it.
Well, Jack, the heavens are yours now...
Try not to pull any stars out of alignment.
Monday, January 17, 2011
MOVIE MOVIE
The very first movie we saw before we were married was "Premonition" starring Sandra Bullock. Ho hum. Yawn. Geesh, that was over 3 years ago!
We hike and camp a lot so we decided on a "date day" on Sunday, January 16, and make good of the "have fun" and "enjoy" portions of our resolutions by watching a movie at the Edwards in Fresno.
We saw our FIRST movie as marrieds: The King's Speech. Definitely an Academy Award winner. Gotta see it. It is a "makes-you-feel-good" movie.
We wanted to see "True Grit," but we had just missed the 2:30 (time was 2:35) start and seating was limited to the front row meaning neck strain. Not!
We opted for the 4:15 start for the "The King's Speech" movie.
At first, we thought the place would be empty. Within 15 minutes of that thought, the crowds came strolling in. Whoa! Good thing we got here early! SRO.
Instead of purchasing the regular faire of popcorn and soda, we brought in our own popcorn and water into the theater in our ultralight pack. Security accosted us and inquired as to what was in our pack. I told them, "Popcorn and water. We are diabetics. The popcorn here is too buttery and salty and the sodas we cannot drink." He let us through.
I guess we saved $20!
As we sat in the theater, commercials flashed on the screen. My how times have changed! Hell, we see these commercials on television, why are we seeing them here in the theater?
We thought that we would go straight into the movie, but no! Previews! Now, that's more like it!
After the fade to black, the theater erupted into a thunderous round of applause! Yes, my how times have changed.
After the movie, we "feasted" at Outback compliments of the gift card we got from JayMi for Christmas. My wife ate the salmon and I pigged out on the babyback ribs. Keep in mind, this does not count as "fast food faire." The streak continues.
Then, the next day we went to see "The Fighter" at the Met Plex in Oakhurst. Another "first" in Oakhurst. We went to see this movie, because JayMi likes "Marky Mark." The movie was so-so.
A "double" first. Back-to-back!
Again, we brought in our ultralight with popcorn and water. No one said a word even though there were signs posted, "No outside food and drinks allowed in theaters." Yeah, right. We waltzed right in and no one said a word. The popcorn was a bit "noisy" while trying to open up the bag. I had to get up and go outside the theater to open it up.
Note to selves: bring popcorn in plastic containers that are quiet.
We definetly had fun.
We hike and camp a lot so we decided on a "date day" on Sunday, January 16, and make good of the "have fun" and "enjoy" portions of our resolutions by watching a movie at the Edwards in Fresno.
We saw our FIRST movie as marrieds: The King's Speech. Definitely an Academy Award winner. Gotta see it. It is a "makes-you-feel-good" movie.
We wanted to see "True Grit," but we had just missed the 2:30 (time was 2:35) start and seating was limited to the front row meaning neck strain. Not!
We opted for the 4:15 start for the "The King's Speech" movie.
At first, we thought the place would be empty. Within 15 minutes of that thought, the crowds came strolling in. Whoa! Good thing we got here early! SRO.
Instead of purchasing the regular faire of popcorn and soda, we brought in our own popcorn and water into the theater in our ultralight pack. Security accosted us and inquired as to what was in our pack. I told them, "Popcorn and water. We are diabetics. The popcorn here is too buttery and salty and the sodas we cannot drink." He let us through.
I guess we saved $20!
As we sat in the theater, commercials flashed on the screen. My how times have changed! Hell, we see these commercials on television, why are we seeing them here in the theater?
We thought that we would go straight into the movie, but no! Previews! Now, that's more like it!
After the fade to black, the theater erupted into a thunderous round of applause! Yes, my how times have changed.
After the movie, we "feasted" at Outback compliments of the gift card we got from JayMi for Christmas. My wife ate the salmon and I pigged out on the babyback ribs. Keep in mind, this does not count as "fast food faire." The streak continues.
Then, the next day we went to see "The Fighter" at the Met Plex in Oakhurst. Another "first" in Oakhurst. We went to see this movie, because JayMi likes "Marky Mark." The movie was so-so.
A "double" first. Back-to-back!
Again, we brought in our ultralight with popcorn and water. No one said a word even though there were signs posted, "No outside food and drinks allowed in theaters." Yeah, right. We waltzed right in and no one said a word. The popcorn was a bit "noisy" while trying to open up the bag. I had to get up and go outside the theater to open it up.
Note to selves: bring popcorn in plastic containers that are quiet.
We definetly had fun.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
CHILNUALNA FALLS
Nice paunch!
Beauty twofold.
Having fun with our new camera.
Ditto.
Post says it all.
Evidence that all is still wild.
My boot width is 4.75 inches wide or the size of my fist.
3.75 miles in 2:28.
Beautiful hike.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
MARIPOSA GROVE 2011
We decided to make good on those "have fun" and "enjoy" resolutions and snowshoed in the Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park.
Plenty of snow although there the Sierra Nevada could use a lot more.
So, we stop to change out of our Yak Trax into our snowshoes at the trailhead kiosk. My first step...splat...snow facial. I trip over my snowshoes.
My wife turns and stands about ten feet away...laughing.
"Gee, how about a little help?" as I try to make it back up to my feet.
Again, she just stands there smiling at me.
"Hmph!"
Perspective
Tempting
Plenty of snow although there the Sierra Nevada could use a lot more.
So, we stop to change out of our Yak Trax into our snowshoes at the trailhead kiosk. My first step...splat...snow facial. I trip over my snowshoes.
My wife turns and stands about ten feet away...laughing.
"Gee, how about a little help?" as I try to make it back up to my feet.
Again, she just stands there smiling at me.
"Hmph!"
Perspective
Tempting
Saturday, January 01, 2011
2011 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
Have fun.
Lose 10 pounds. Where have I heard that before? Even if I don't and maintain my current weight, then all is not "lost."
Do 75,000 pushups, 75,000 crunches, 2,000 pullups, 2,000 vertical knee raises, and 2,000 bardips. Realistic goals. Can do.
Hike, walk, and/or run 365 miles. This is a definite can-do.
Visit places we never have been to before. Here we come Maryland!
Do things we never have done before. Here we come Maryland!
Enjoy.
That pretty much does it.
Happy New Year everyone!
Lose 10 pounds. Where have I heard that before? Even if I don't and maintain my current weight, then all is not "lost."
Do 75,000 pushups, 75,000 crunches, 2,000 pullups, 2,000 vertical knee raises, and 2,000 bardips. Realistic goals. Can do.
Hike, walk, and/or run 365 miles. This is a definite can-do.
Visit places we never have been to before. Here we come Maryland!
Do things we never have done before. Here we come Maryland!
Enjoy.
That pretty much does it.
Happy New Year everyone!
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010: A YEAR IN REVIEW
January
1: Gas $2.839, weight 208.
1: Snowshoe hike through Mariposa Grove. 7.30 miles; 3 hrs 57 min.
2: The outside Christmas lights and lights and decorations on the tree come down.
3: Papou takes a fall in the hospital. No bed alarm.
4: First day of work in 2010.
5: Gas $2.879.
7: Gas $2.899.
9: FIL discharged from hospital and admitted to skilled nursing facility.
9: The 3-hour "test."
10: Lewis Creek hike. Hot springs located.
11: Gas $2.949.
11: Palindrome Day 01-11-10 .
13: The first major deluge of 2010.
15: BroIL gets married to AllA.
16: Death Valley National Park.
18: Witnessed rain in Death Valley.
18: Gas $2.899.
20: FIL is discharged from skilled nursing facility.
21: IL's 54th anniversary.
21: Gas $2.839.
22: Carpool. A lot of driving especially when you throw in a Starbucks run.
26: Scorpion on our bedroom ceiling. He not there no more.
27: Gas $2.799.
February
3: Papou's shoulder surgery.
7: That game.
8: Scorpion kill #2. Front porch wall.
9: Gas $2.779.
13: Lake Tahoe. Vikingsholm.
14: Lake Tahoe. Spooner Junction with my favorite Valentine.
15: Lake Tahoe.
16: Scorpion kill #3. Same location as the last on 02-08-10. Must have been kin.
22: Gas $2.799.
24: Gas $2.859.
25: Gas $2.879.
27: KC's 23rd birthday.
28: Mariposa Grove 8-mile snowshoe hike.
March
1: Gas $2.899.
4: Gas $2.959.
7: Eight-mile snowshoe hike to Dewey Point.
10: Gas $2.999.
14: Scorpion kill #4 on the bedroom ceiling in the corner.
18: Freezer goes pfft.
19: Refrigerator goes pfft.
20: Alder Creek hike and camping at Wawona campground.
26: Scorpion kill #5: Front porch ceiling.
27: Let the spring mowing/cutting begin!
27: Changed the spa water.
27: Weight 198. I did it!
28: The Lilley Mountain March. 9.62 miles in 3:22.
28: Weight hits 195 after that long march.
April
3: Zojurishi rice cooker goes pfft.
5: Flat tire. Driver side rear.
6: Scorpion kill #6: On our bed while making the bed.
10: The terrace is "cleaned up" of old dead growth.
11: Gas $3.099 in the morning...
11: Aunt Dena's 90th birthday.
11: Gas $2.999 in the evening...Up 10 cents and down 10 in one day. Profiteers...
12: Purchased new refrigerator at Lowe's.
13: New refrigerator delivered.
17: The terrace is "irrigated."
18: The terrace is replanted.
20: We attend our first homeowners' association meeting.
23: New bathroom scale and new weight measurements.
24: Planted lemon tree in observance of Arbor Day
25: Took truck in to get new struts, tires and shocks.
25: Planted orange tree.
26: New tires, struts and shocks.
28: Purchased a new eco-friendly toilet.
29: Gas $3.059.
30: Back "flares up" again.
May
1: New toilet.
1: Planted lime.
1: New struts on the Sub.
1: Weedwhacked.
2: More weedwhacking.
8: Installed new sprinkler control and new front porch light.
9: Mother's Day at The Grind for brunch and later at Sidoti's for dinner.
15: JayMi's car is repaired.
16: More planting on the terrace and mowing.
19: Gas $2.979.
19: Gas $2.959. Hey! Ten cent drop in one day!
21: Fresno Grizzlies versus Nashvile Sound baseball game. Grizzlies lost 3-1.
22: IKEA in West Sacramento. Our first visit.
25: Gas $2.899.
28: Gas $2.859.
28: Sacramento bound.
29: IKEA! Purchased new bedroom furniture.
30: Assembled our new bedroom IKEA furniture.
31: Completed assembling of our new IKEA bedroom furniture.
31: Scorpion kill #7 on the front porch.
June
5: FIL's 78th birthday.
5: Gas $2.959.
11: Lone Pine to deliver computers.
12: Thor Peak summit.
16: Gas $2.999.
18: I get a foul ball. Reno Aces vs. Fresno Grizzlies.
19: Blackberry harvest.
20: Kayaking and fishing with my wife on Blackhawk Lake.
26: Changed the spa water.
26: Goodbye, old mattresses and boxsprings. Taken to the dump.
27: JayMi involved in an auto accident. Okay. Other driver pulled out in front of her.
28: Gas $3.059.
28: 109°. HOT!
July
1: Moraine Campground.
2: Moraine Campground. Pam catches 1 trout.
3: Moraine Campground. Pam catches 4 more trout.
6: Gas $2.999.
10: Helped the ILs clean their new place in Oakhurst.
10: See my friends, Ken and Gary, at the Elbow Room in Fresno before Ken moves east to Virginia.
11: Helped the ILs move into their new place.
12: ILs have moved out. The last of the furniture relocated.
12: Mom has bypass surgery.
13: Cleaned the carpets. Gone are the residues of dog, cat, and a spilled drink or two.
14: Anniversary #3. Dinner at Pismos's in Fresno.
15: Gas $3.059.
16: Lone Pine Campground.
17: Lone Pine Campground.
18: Lone Pine Campground.
26: Flyfishing for the first time at Lone Pine Lake. I land two rainbow trout and release them.
27: We see Uncle H. in Escondido.
29: I catch my first freshwater fish (trout) as a "keeper" in Lee Vining Creek. I catch four (two got away) for the day, my wife catches eight. Got 10 for the day!
30: Uncle H. passes away.
August
3: Gas $2.999.
14: Scorpion kill #8 on the floor between the kitchen and dining room.
25: Twenty-five years living in California.
27: Susanville, CA
28: La Pine, OR
28: JayMi gets a "new" used car.
29: Portland, OR
30: Mt. St. Helens, WA
31: Newport, OR
September
1: Brookings, OR
2: Ft. Bragg, CA
3: Sacramento, CA
4: Gas $2.859.
7: Black widow kill #1. Front porch.
18: Scorpion kill #9 on den floor.
28: Wife is selected for the LDP.
29: Gas $2.799.
30: MIL's 80th birthday.
October
1: Gas $2.859.
4: Gas $2.899.
6: 103.7 KRZR changes it format from hard rock to dance music.
8: Gas $2.959.
8: Scorpion kill #10 on the living room wall.
12: Gas $2.999.
13: 3 years at our home.
14: 1,000,000th pushup at 5:19 a.m.
14: Scorpion kill #11 on our bedroom ceiling.
21: JayMi involved in yet another accident. Her "new" car totaled.
29: My wife's last day at "Mad Era."
30: Autumnal storm brings snow to the 4,000 foot level.
31: My SIL celebrates her first birthday in the United States.
November
1: Scorpion kill #12 on our bedroom ceiling.
1: My wife's first day of LDP.
8: Scorpion kill #13 on hallway floor.
11: My wife has all of her dental amalgams removed.
12: Purchased a new water heater, changed to Verizon, upgraded to Costco Executive Member.
13: New water heater installed.
15: Gas $3.059.
15: Scorpion kill #14 on bedroom ceiling.
17: New "pre-owned" dining room furniture delivered by the ILs. Seats six!
19: "Winter" storm cometh.
20: Changed the showerhead.
21: Snow levels at 2,000 feet.
21: We purchase 2 cords of almond wood.
23: Gas $2.999. Just before the big Thanksgiving Day travel period!
25: Got a new rice cooker and a fleece Dallas Cowboys blanket.
26: Got a Ruger .177 pellet rifle. Hello, Ruth! Also got a crock pot.
28: First confirmed kill of one of those dang ground squirrels. Head shot.
29: Got a soundbar for the television. Amplified sound!
30: Got a new Kobalt 2 1/4-ton floor jack.
December:
1: Gas $3.059.
4: Party at Pam's boss' house.
5: Purchased new furniture.
5: Spa water changed.
6: Picked up new furniture using the U-Haul.
6: Scorpion kills #15 and #16 on front porch by the water fountain.
7: Gas $3.099.
8: Amalgam free! Plus, a new ceramic crown to replace the gold!
11: Black widow kills #2 and #3. Hidden underneath fountain.
12: Silpada party. Nobody showed but us. Not even my ILs.
14: Gas $3.129.
18: The Claim Jumper restaurant in Fresno is shuttered. Damn!
23: Gas $3.159.
24: Caulked the shower stall.
27: Scorpion kill #17 on bathroom floor.
29: Purchased a new electric blanket since we gave ours away to JayMi.
31: No fast food for the entire year. No McDonald's, Wendy's, Carl's Jr., etc.
31: Weight 215.
31: Had fun.
31: No cold or flu for the second year in a row.
Pushups: 110,100 / 1,015,300
Crunch: 104,800 / 1,354,540
Pullups: 1,970 / 27,695
Vertical knee raises: 4,460 / 14,200
Miles: 325.43 / 121:11:40
Our 2010 resolution: Have fun. We definitely had fun.
Our New Year's resolution for 2011?
Have fun...and still eliminate the white spaces on our weekend calendar!
What happened in 2010.
1: Gas $2.839, weight 208.
1: Snowshoe hike through Mariposa Grove. 7.30 miles; 3 hrs 57 min.
2: The outside Christmas lights and lights and decorations on the tree come down.
3: Papou takes a fall in the hospital. No bed alarm.
4: First day of work in 2010.
5: Gas $2.879.
7: Gas $2.899.
9: FIL discharged from hospital and admitted to skilled nursing facility.
9: The 3-hour "test."
10: Lewis Creek hike. Hot springs located.
11: Gas $2.949.
11: Palindrome Day 01-11-10 .
13: The first major deluge of 2010.
15: BroIL gets married to AllA.
16: Death Valley National Park.
18: Witnessed rain in Death Valley.
18: Gas $2.899.
20: FIL is discharged from skilled nursing facility.
21: IL's 54th anniversary.
21: Gas $2.839.
22: Carpool. A lot of driving especially when you throw in a Starbucks run.
26: Scorpion on our bedroom ceiling. He not there no more.
27: Gas $2.799.
February
3: Papou's shoulder surgery.
7: That game.
8: Scorpion kill #2. Front porch wall.
9: Gas $2.779.
13: Lake Tahoe. Vikingsholm.
14: Lake Tahoe. Spooner Junction with my favorite Valentine.
15: Lake Tahoe.
16: Scorpion kill #3. Same location as the last on 02-08-10. Must have been kin.
22: Gas $2.799.
24: Gas $2.859.
25: Gas $2.879.
27: KC's 23rd birthday.
28: Mariposa Grove 8-mile snowshoe hike.
March
1: Gas $2.899.
4: Gas $2.959.
7: Eight-mile snowshoe hike to Dewey Point.
10: Gas $2.999.
14: Scorpion kill #4 on the bedroom ceiling in the corner.
18: Freezer goes pfft.
19: Refrigerator goes pfft.
20: Alder Creek hike and camping at Wawona campground.
26: Scorpion kill #5: Front porch ceiling.
27: Let the spring mowing/cutting begin!
27: Changed the spa water.
27: Weight 198. I did it!
28: The Lilley Mountain March. 9.62 miles in 3:22.
28: Weight hits 195 after that long march.
April
3: Zojurishi rice cooker goes pfft.
5: Flat tire. Driver side rear.
6: Scorpion kill #6: On our bed while making the bed.
10: The terrace is "cleaned up" of old dead growth.
11: Gas $3.099 in the morning...
11: Aunt Dena's 90th birthday.
11: Gas $2.999 in the evening...Up 10 cents and down 10 in one day. Profiteers...
12: Purchased new refrigerator at Lowe's.
13: New refrigerator delivered.
17: The terrace is "irrigated."
18: The terrace is replanted.
20: We attend our first homeowners' association meeting.
23: New bathroom scale and new weight measurements.
24: Planted lemon tree in observance of Arbor Day
25: Took truck in to get new struts, tires and shocks.
25: Planted orange tree.
26: New tires, struts and shocks.
28: Purchased a new eco-friendly toilet.
29: Gas $3.059.
30: Back "flares up" again.
May
1: New toilet.
1: Planted lime.
1: New struts on the Sub.
1: Weedwhacked.
2: More weedwhacking.
8: Installed new sprinkler control and new front porch light.
9: Mother's Day at The Grind for brunch and later at Sidoti's for dinner.
15: JayMi's car is repaired.
16: More planting on the terrace and mowing.
19: Gas $2.979.
19: Gas $2.959. Hey! Ten cent drop in one day!
21: Fresno Grizzlies versus Nashvile Sound baseball game. Grizzlies lost 3-1.
22: IKEA in West Sacramento. Our first visit.
25: Gas $2.899.
28: Gas $2.859.
28: Sacramento bound.
29: IKEA! Purchased new bedroom furniture.
30: Assembled our new bedroom IKEA furniture.
31: Completed assembling of our new IKEA bedroom furniture.
31: Scorpion kill #7 on the front porch.
June
5: FIL's 78th birthday.
5: Gas $2.959.
11: Lone Pine to deliver computers.
12: Thor Peak summit.
16: Gas $2.999.
18: I get a foul ball. Reno Aces vs. Fresno Grizzlies.
19: Blackberry harvest.
20: Kayaking and fishing with my wife on Blackhawk Lake.
26: Changed the spa water.
26: Goodbye, old mattresses and boxsprings. Taken to the dump.
27: JayMi involved in an auto accident. Okay. Other driver pulled out in front of her.
28: Gas $3.059.
28: 109°. HOT!
July
1: Moraine Campground.
2: Moraine Campground. Pam catches 1 trout.
3: Moraine Campground. Pam catches 4 more trout.
6: Gas $2.999.
10: Helped the ILs clean their new place in Oakhurst.
10: See my friends, Ken and Gary, at the Elbow Room in Fresno before Ken moves east to Virginia.
11: Helped the ILs move into their new place.
12: ILs have moved out. The last of the furniture relocated.
12: Mom has bypass surgery.
13: Cleaned the carpets. Gone are the residues of dog, cat, and a spilled drink or two.
14: Anniversary #3. Dinner at Pismos's in Fresno.
15: Gas $3.059.
16: Lone Pine Campground.
17: Lone Pine Campground.
18: Lone Pine Campground.
26: Flyfishing for the first time at Lone Pine Lake. I land two rainbow trout and release them.
27: We see Uncle H. in Escondido.
29: I catch my first freshwater fish (trout) as a "keeper" in Lee Vining Creek. I catch four (two got away) for the day, my wife catches eight. Got 10 for the day!
30: Uncle H. passes away.
August
3: Gas $2.999.
14: Scorpion kill #8 on the floor between the kitchen and dining room.
25: Twenty-five years living in California.
27: Susanville, CA
28: La Pine, OR
28: JayMi gets a "new" used car.
29: Portland, OR
30: Mt. St. Helens, WA
31: Newport, OR
September
1: Brookings, OR
2: Ft. Bragg, CA
3: Sacramento, CA
4: Gas $2.859.
7: Black widow kill #1. Front porch.
18: Scorpion kill #9 on den floor.
28: Wife is selected for the LDP.
29: Gas $2.799.
30: MIL's 80th birthday.
October
1: Gas $2.859.
4: Gas $2.899.
6: 103.7 KRZR changes it format from hard rock to dance music.
8: Gas $2.959.
8: Scorpion kill #10 on the living room wall.
12: Gas $2.999.
13: 3 years at our home.
14: 1,000,000th pushup at 5:19 a.m.
14: Scorpion kill #11 on our bedroom ceiling.
21: JayMi involved in yet another accident. Her "new" car totaled.
29: My wife's last day at "Mad Era."
30: Autumnal storm brings snow to the 4,000 foot level.
31: My SIL celebrates her first birthday in the United States.
November
1: Scorpion kill #12 on our bedroom ceiling.
1: My wife's first day of LDP.
8: Scorpion kill #13 on hallway floor.
11: My wife has all of her dental amalgams removed.
12: Purchased a new water heater, changed to Verizon, upgraded to Costco Executive Member.
13: New water heater installed.
15: Gas $3.059.
15: Scorpion kill #14 on bedroom ceiling.
17: New "pre-owned" dining room furniture delivered by the ILs. Seats six!
19: "Winter" storm cometh.
20: Changed the showerhead.
21: Snow levels at 2,000 feet.
21: We purchase 2 cords of almond wood.
23: Gas $2.999. Just before the big Thanksgiving Day travel period!
25: Got a new rice cooker and a fleece Dallas Cowboys blanket.
26: Got a Ruger .177 pellet rifle. Hello, Ruth! Also got a crock pot.
28: First confirmed kill of one of those dang ground squirrels. Head shot.
29: Got a soundbar for the television. Amplified sound!
30: Got a new Kobalt 2 1/4-ton floor jack.
December:
1: Gas $3.059.
4: Party at Pam's boss' house.
5: Purchased new furniture.
5: Spa water changed.
6: Picked up new furniture using the U-Haul.
6: Scorpion kills #15 and #16 on front porch by the water fountain.
7: Gas $3.099.
8: Amalgam free! Plus, a new ceramic crown to replace the gold!
11: Black widow kills #2 and #3. Hidden underneath fountain.
12: Silpada party. Nobody showed but us. Not even my ILs.
14: Gas $3.129.
18: The Claim Jumper restaurant in Fresno is shuttered. Damn!
23: Gas $3.159.
24: Caulked the shower stall.
27: Scorpion kill #17 on bathroom floor.
29: Purchased a new electric blanket since we gave ours away to JayMi.
31: No fast food for the entire year. No McDonald's, Wendy's, Carl's Jr., etc.
31: Weight 215.
31: Had fun.
31: No cold or flu for the second year in a row.
Pushups: 110,100 / 1,015,300
Crunch: 104,800 / 1,354,540
Pullups: 1,970 / 27,695
Vertical knee raises: 4,460 / 14,200
Miles: 325.43 / 121:11:40
Our 2010 resolution: Have fun. We definitely had fun.
Our New Year's resolution for 2011?
Have fun...and still eliminate the white spaces on our weekend calendar!
What happened in 2010.
SUPERSIZE NOT
As an "experiment" I vowed not to eat at any fastfood restaurants for 2010. No In-N-Out (my wife's favorite), Carl's Jr., Wendy's, Burger King, McDonald's, Chick-Fil-A, KFC (definite no-no).
Imagine a whole year without.
I did it. We did it.
Imagine a whole year without.
I did it. We did it.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
AMALGAM FREE
Amalgam free. No more mercury in my system.
Plus, a new ceramic crown to replace the gold one I had back in September 2008.
Plus, a new ceramic crown to replace the gold one I had back in September 2008.
Monday, November 15, 2010
GOLIATH VS. DAVID
David wins again!
Goliath...
One-hundred twenty gallons...yes, 120 gallons!
It was definitely a lot "worse" than it looked.
The grey box was the timer for the solar panels.
Ugly, definitely ugly. Definitely not the Pillsbury Dough Boy.
David...
Fifty gallons.
Professional job (well, sort of)!
We purchased our new 50-gallon at Lowe's along with the 10% military discount on Saturday, November 12. Add in the hardware and we were set to change our lives once more in our home.
The best thing was that there were no "additional" drives to the hardware store to get "this" or get "that." That was a major first! Usually plumbing projects require "at least" two additional trips to the store...
Not this time...
Lowe's did a great job of making sure I needed all the required hardware plumbing.
I even had parts I didn't need...
RETURN!
The hardest part was extracting Goliath. I thought all of the water drained from it, but when I strapped the appliance truck, and gave a pull, it didn't budge. It took a lot of effort and maneuvering but I finally manage to get Goliath out and onto the back patio.
Once David was hooked up it was time to turn on the main water supply. Then I went and opened up the intake to fill the tank up. A little drip from the intake valve that required a tightening up, but everything else was good to go. The soldering job held up!
I set the thermostate at 120°. A couple of hours later, hot water. I called my wife, who went shopping with her mother, about the great news.
On Sunday, I applied the quake straps to finish up on David.
I then proceeded to work on Goliath knowing there was still water in him.
I laid Goliath on its side. I swung a pick axe into the bottom hoping to puncture the steel tank since I figured it was corroeded, too. Nothing. Solid. Not even a dent.
I then proceeded to remove the drain plug assembly and lifted Goliath to its upright position. All of this water came cascading out. In the water were oily opaque gelatinous globs. I have no idea what they were or where they came from. Never seen anything like it before.
No more lukewarm showers in the mornings and dishes become squeaky clean again.
There was actually steam on our bathroom mirror this morning. That's a good sign.
Yes, all is definitely good.
My wife is very happy now.
Goliath...
One-hundred twenty gallons...yes, 120 gallons!
It was definitely a lot "worse" than it looked.
The grey box was the timer for the solar panels.
Ugly, definitely ugly. Definitely not the Pillsbury Dough Boy.David...
Fifty gallons.
Professional job (well, sort of)!We purchased our new 50-gallon at Lowe's along with the 10% military discount on Saturday, November 12. Add in the hardware and we were set to change our lives once more in our home.
The best thing was that there were no "additional" drives to the hardware store to get "this" or get "that." That was a major first! Usually plumbing projects require "at least" two additional trips to the store...
Not this time...
Lowe's did a great job of making sure I needed all the required hardware plumbing.
I even had parts I didn't need...
RETURN!
The hardest part was extracting Goliath. I thought all of the water drained from it, but when I strapped the appliance truck, and gave a pull, it didn't budge. It took a lot of effort and maneuvering but I finally manage to get Goliath out and onto the back patio.
Once David was hooked up it was time to turn on the main water supply. Then I went and opened up the intake to fill the tank up. A little drip from the intake valve that required a tightening up, but everything else was good to go. The soldering job held up!
I set the thermostate at 120°. A couple of hours later, hot water. I called my wife, who went shopping with her mother, about the great news.
On Sunday, I applied the quake straps to finish up on David.
I then proceeded to work on Goliath knowing there was still water in him.
I laid Goliath on its side. I swung a pick axe into the bottom hoping to puncture the steel tank since I figured it was corroeded, too. Nothing. Solid. Not even a dent.
I then proceeded to remove the drain plug assembly and lifted Goliath to its upright position. All of this water came cascading out. In the water were oily opaque gelatinous globs. I have no idea what they were or where they came from. Never seen anything like it before.
No more lukewarm showers in the mornings and dishes become squeaky clean again.
There was actually steam on our bathroom mirror this morning. That's a good sign.
Yes, all is definitely good.
My wife is very happy now.
Friday, November 12, 2010
OF MEMBERSHIP, WIRELESS, & WATER HEATERS...
My wife and I went all out today. We both had the day off so we thought we would take advantage of our time together.
We head into Fresno to take care of our Costco membership. Her parents dropped us from their account. I guess in retaliation for their moving out of our humble abode. Whatever. We upgraded to Executive Membership. Hah, take that, in-laws! You can have your "Business Membership."
Next, we went to the Verizon kiosk in Costco and switched from AT&T to Verizon. Now, we will have reception in the hills and far away. AT&T did us no good, so we decided with Verizon. We are locked in for two years. Since we switched carriers, we had to get new phones as well. My wife got the Motorola DroidX and I got the LG Octane. But, honey, I wanted a Droid, too! Anyhow, we are happy.
We also purchased survival items such as bathroom tissue (aka toilet paper), paper towels, laundry detergent, turkey slices (two pounds for $11.99!, and organic olive oil (two 1.5 liters for $20.39 is a steal, too). That Executive Membeship does wonders for the ego. Let's see...two percent back for every purchase...Yep, we raked in the benefits of membership.
Next, we drive down to Lowes to purchase a 50-gallon electric water heater and some plumbing hardware.
We head into Fresno to take care of our Costco membership. Her parents dropped us from their account. I guess in retaliation for their moving out of our humble abode. Whatever. We upgraded to Executive Membership. Hah, take that, in-laws! You can have your "Business Membership."
Next, we went to the Verizon kiosk in Costco and switched from AT&T to Verizon. Now, we will have reception in the hills and far away. AT&T did us no good, so we decided with Verizon. We are locked in for two years. Since we switched carriers, we had to get new phones as well. My wife got the Motorola DroidX and I got the LG Octane. But, honey, I wanted a Droid, too! Anyhow, we are happy.
We also purchased survival items such as bathroom tissue (aka toilet paper), paper towels, laundry detergent, turkey slices (two pounds for $11.99!, and organic olive oil (two 1.5 liters for $20.39 is a steal, too). That Executive Membeship does wonders for the ego. Let's see...two percent back for every purchase...Yep, we raked in the benefits of membership.
Next, we drive down to Lowes to purchase a 50-gallon electric water heater and some plumbing hardware.
Friday, October 29, 2010
LAST DAY
From left to right: Shanise (Operations Supervisor), my wife, Richard (security)
The "Mad Era Gang."All good things must come to an end...but great things continue...
Back on November 9, 2009, my wife was assigned branch manager duties for one year.
On September 28, 2010, she was notified by email from the Regional Commissioner's Office that she was accepted into the Leadership Development Program for one year effective November 1, 2010.
Today, was her last day as that branch manager.
The LDP is a challenging, rewarding and very demanding program. She will be assigned duties not only in central California, but in Woodlawn, MD, and Richmond, CA, as well. It is not a cake walk, but she knew what she was about to face.
At first, she didn't want to apply for the program since we both pondered retiring in a couple of years and that she didn't have a college degree. I reminded her that the knowledge and expertise she has amassed for over 20 years is a lot better than a college degree.
It would be impossible for me to relocate with her in Woodlawn and in Richmond, although Richmond will be a "weekender" for the both of us. Just another readjustment in our lives, but on a very positive note.
The office did a potluck and presented her with an REI card as a parting gift. Some of the employees came by her office to say their see-you-later-and-good-luck and exchange hugs.
As we took down the last of her office plaques, pictures and decorations and placed them on the box on her desk, I gave her a hug and a kiss. "Job well-done here."
I wish her all the best.
I am very proud of her.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
4,730 DAYS LATER
On November 1, 1997, I decided to do pushups everyday...
I did 110...
On October 14, 2010...
4,730 days later...
999,890 pushups later...
I did my 1,000,000th...
At 5:19 a.m...
If you do the math that averages to 211 a day...
That's all?...
I interrupted my wife who was applying her makeup to witness the lifetime event...
Since we have been married, my wife has done 100 pushup and 200 pushups everyday...
The days I didn't do, neither did she...
I make a little announcement to her as I drop down to the bathroom floor and crank out just one slow pushup...
No confetti, no banners, no fanfare...
Just a kiss and a hug from my wife and...
The satisfaction knowing I did it...
There may be a few people who could do one million in a year or a million in three years...
For me, it took almost 13.
I wanted to do 100 every day...
I became "obsessed/compulsed" every morning...
Routine was 100 pushups and 200 crunches...
1997: 38,020
1998: 173,400
1999: 106,180
2000: 39,300
2001: 37,200
2002: 36,800
2003: 37,500
2004: 39,400
2005: 66,100
2006: 114,500
2007: 69,100
2008: 37,400
2009: 110,300
There was a day I didn't do any and I thought the world would end...
It didn't...
Been a few more days where I didn't do any...
Still the world didn't end...
After attaining 1,000,000 crunches on May 16, 2007, and crunching the numbers, I had a long way to go to reach my second milestone...
So, I kept at it...
On January 1, 2010, I decided that this was the year...
I have to do 94,800 to hit the "Big One."
I decided my target date was to November 1, 2010, exactly 13 years to the day...
Januaary: 9,400
February: 10,000
March: 12,700
April: 11,500
May: 9,600
June: 10,100
July: 6,500
August: 10,200
September: 10,400
Now, if I only had a dollar for each...
As for the next million?
Knowing what I now realized I have done, I am in no hurry...
One million pullups? No way.
One million bardips? No way.
One millilon vertical knee raises? Hah!
Then again, if I put my mind to it...
The following quote from Joe Tasker's book, Savage Arena, applies to mountaineering, but can also apply to this matter in particular:
"…the objective so long striven for should not, once achieved, be sufficient in itself.
It was in the nature of such objectives, and of us who sought them, that one horizon reached should lead to the next."
So life goes on for me...
One pushup, one pullup, one bardip, one vertical knee raise, one mile at a time...
As for tomorrow...
One million one, one million two, one million three...
211 a day?...
Guess I will do more and get that average up!
I did 110...
On October 14, 2010...
4,730 days later...
999,890 pushups later...
I did my 1,000,000th...
At 5:19 a.m...
If you do the math that averages to 211 a day...
That's all?...
I interrupted my wife who was applying her makeup to witness the lifetime event...
Since we have been married, my wife has done 100 pushup and 200 pushups everyday...
The days I didn't do, neither did she...
I make a little announcement to her as I drop down to the bathroom floor and crank out just one slow pushup...
No confetti, no banners, no fanfare...
Just a kiss and a hug from my wife and...
The satisfaction knowing I did it...
There may be a few people who could do one million in a year or a million in three years...
For me, it took almost 13.
I wanted to do 100 every day...
I became "obsessed/compulsed" every morning...
Routine was 100 pushups and 200 crunches...
1997: 38,020
1998: 173,400
1999: 106,180
2000: 39,300
2001: 37,200
2002: 36,800
2003: 37,500
2004: 39,400
2005: 66,100
2006: 114,500
2007: 69,100
2008: 37,400
2009: 110,300
There was a day I didn't do any and I thought the world would end...
It didn't...
Been a few more days where I didn't do any...
Still the world didn't end...
After attaining 1,000,000 crunches on May 16, 2007, and crunching the numbers, I had a long way to go to reach my second milestone...
So, I kept at it...
On January 1, 2010, I decided that this was the year...
I have to do 94,800 to hit the "Big One."
I decided my target date was to November 1, 2010, exactly 13 years to the day...
Januaary: 9,400
February: 10,000
March: 12,700
April: 11,500
May: 9,600
June: 10,100
July: 6,500
August: 10,200
September: 10,400
Now, if I only had a dollar for each...
As for the next million?
Knowing what I now realized I have done, I am in no hurry...
One million pullups? No way.
One million bardips? No way.
One millilon vertical knee raises? Hah!
Then again, if I put my mind to it...
The following quote from Joe Tasker's book, Savage Arena, applies to mountaineering, but can also apply to this matter in particular:
"…the objective so long striven for should not, once achieved, be sufficient in itself.
It was in the nature of such objectives, and of us who sought them, that one horizon reached should lead to the next."
So life goes on for me...
One pushup, one pullup, one bardip, one vertical knee raise, one mile at a time...
As for tomorrow...
One million one, one million two, one million three...
211 a day?...
Guess I will do more and get that average up!
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