The Sun?

I'm feeling better after a few weeks of a weird viral infection. A doctor thought it was just "taking a long time" to get through me... well he was right, it did. Nothing else could be done about it either, just let it run it's course. Felt like mono again, but not as bad or as long (thank God). My pancreas never swelled (fun) like with the mono.

In any case, I feel about 80-90% normal depending on the time of day. But I can still fill a Kleenex or two upon waking in the morning. Sorry. Anyways, I went for a walk today just to be outside and do something physical and it's not too bad out, relatively dry and just above or at freezing. It got me thinking though - when was the last time the sun was out? I know early in the week, like Monday or Tuesday it was out really bright (everyone at work commented on it). But, I don't think it's been out since that time, so maybe 4-5 days.

I know this affects people, usually in a negative way. I've no doubt it affects me in the winter, but staying active (and drinking heavily... kidding, mostly) helps alleviate the effects. It also makes me want to take a long trip to someplace sunny. Or more drastically, move altogether to a sunny climate. I mean, cycling is something that defines me to most people, yet I can only do it about half of the year. What if it was sunny all the time and you could be outside most days of the week.

Ok, '60 Minutes' story about FaceBook just starting, later.

Our cousin, Kristin.

So, maybe some of you know that I have a cousin that sings opera. And I don't mean in the shower before her day job. She is a trained opera singer (San Francisco Conservatory of Music) and singing opera IS her day job... ok, evening job.

Anyways, my whole family heard she was on YouTube at Christmas dinner (I was driving home sick... still am) and have now started to send out the links.

Check it out:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=x6qMcjB4ktg . A piece you might know is this duet http://youtube.com/watch?v=71cxBNvq1Eo. (Kristin is the blond)

Getting away from the old format, I guess.

"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or demons, heaven or hell."

- Prince Gautama Siddhartha (563-483 BC)

Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone got drunk on cheap champagne and kissed someone they hardly knew... of course, I didn't do that.

Here's a snap of the tshirt I had made for everyone this year. It went over better with the friends yesterday, which made up for any confusion on Christmas morning.

That's it for now. Back to work tomorrow, still getting rid of a cold.

And GO ILLINI!!!!

two new transplanted.links (on the left)

"Dear Frances" - this is the site of Tom's friend Miles, who I've met before. He's a woodworker. He offers handmade wood kitchen utensils. Tom gave me a few and I have to say, they are wonderful. This is further proven by the fact that his site says they are all sold out. I would keep going back if you like nice kitchenware.

"Food Network Addict" - this is the site of Abby's friend Jacob Strauss. He started this sometime back (I believe), so far in fact that the FN actually gives him info and access over other media outlets. It's pretty cool. Also, if you watch any of the shows or like the FN in general, I think you'll like this site.

Merry Christmas!!!

It's already post-present time at my sister's house as I write this. I hope everyone has a good holiday spent with family and friends. I caught a cold from work on the last day, but the BIG present seems to have gone over. That's it, it just went over. I'm sure I built it up bigger in my mind and on this blog than it needed. I'll post a pic of the finalized version after the New Year (once everyone has theirs).

Little Christmas Trivia - I heard Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer was originally written as a holiday jingle for the Chicago Montgomery Wards store, by none other than Gene Autry, in 1938. He also has writing credits on IMDB for one or two other popular Christmas songs ("Here comes Santa Claus")... pretty good for the man known as the "Singing Cowboy".

Happy Ho Ho, Everyone.

"In 5 days, every secret will be revealed!"...

This is the trailer copy for National Treasure II. George and I saw the first one on some free passes out in the suburbs around noon on a Saturday morning. We've made fun of the that trailer copy "In order to break the code, one man must break all the rules!" ever since. I still think the 2nd movie will be a good holiday flick, why not?

Family - I'm sure it's holiday crunch time for everyone. Talked to John last week to give him my gift ideas. And also texted with Vic. She finished her first semester at UofI - CONGRATS!!! She knows she already has a couple of "A"s, so that's good. Got through her finals, even one on the last Saturday (I know, Saturday!).

Plus, my custom gift work is all wrapped now and ready to go. I'm not sure all of the sizing will be correct, but I can send in a follow-up order if needed.

Friends - I got a welcome call from Miss Emily Holliday last night. This is a good friend and former SRAMmie. She now lives in Minneapolis with her boyfriend/babydaddy. She is literally 8.75 months pregnant and about to pop. She's frustrated that it hasn't happened yet. I'm sure it won't be long. It was good to catch up with her and I think I'll be visiting when I go up there for a work trip in Feb.

Haven't heard much from others, but Jenny's been coming to MKE for work the last couple weeks. Some client in town. We're thinking she'll be able to stay for dinner one of these nights.

Went to the opening of MKE's first Urban Outfitters this Friday. It's just like every other UO. So, we hit some more local shops and got more drinks after that. Better than sitting at home.

Bike - Sold one out. Kona is disassembled and ready to be boxed. Finding a proper box for them has been a problem. I've gone to two shops already and it will probably involve a third. Once I have the box, it shouldn't be a problem - out before midweek with the Christmas gifts too.

Ran in the snow on Sunday morning... not good footing at all.

A/R - Rearranged the apartment this weekend. This entailed moving the bookshelves (taking most everything off, dusting, then replacing). Switching the couches up, moving the carpet, lighting, etc. Before everything went back down, or in the new spot, I also vacuumed and wet-Swiffered the floors too. This took a good part of the Packers game, but no big deal. I like it better too, so far.

Wiperblade update - I had to zip-tie one of the $15 wiper blades onto the wiper arm. It wouldn't stay on otherwise; some great product for them money. I needed them too... we've now had 22.8" of snow so far this season.