Rehab has presented conditions that I’ve not experienced in years — pain on top of pain. Yesterday, and unfortunately today, my hips (both) have been hurting. It’s the kind of pain that I associate with muscle fatigue. I pushed myself hard at physical therapy on Friday morning (ran for ten minutes at a 9:13 min/mi pace on the treadmill (“fastest” I’ve run in ages); did exhausting leg presses; and did multiple balance exercises) and I’m hoping that this pain is nothing more than recovery from that. The pain was so discomforting last night that feared not being able to go to sleep because of it. I wound up popping a few Advil and applying some muscle-relaxing cream on my hips, both of which made things a little better.
Another Reason Why I Need To Keep My Calendar Up To Date
While performing some weekly maintenance of my calendar data yesterday I was reminded why I had an item in my To Do list titled “Update Google Calendar.” Apparently I had bought a ticket for Friday night’s Over The Rhine concert at Variety Playhouse. In my defense I remembered buying the ticket, but in my mind this concert was to be in July and not in June. Ugh.
I hope those who remembered that they had tickets had a good time.
As an aside, on Friday night I had a fun night at Taco Mac with coworkers. I eclipsed 250 beers on my Brewniversity list (Yay!) and confirmed that my favorite waitress now has a boyfriend (Boo!). You win some, you lose some. I’ve updated my Taco Mac Passport list in the right-hand gallery if you want to see some of the beverages I’ve consumed over the years.
At Least I Didn’t Forget Saturday Night’s Plan Too
On Saturday night I met up with ITP-Reader Stacy at The Euclid Avenue Yacht Club prior to walking down to Horizon Theatre with her to see “Avenue Q.” I have to give Stacy credit for getting me to see the play even though I have season tickets for Horizon. From the promotional photo I assumed that “Avenue Q” was a children’s musical — that couldn’t be further from the truth — and I was planning on skipping this play because of my misconception. Instead, “Avenue Q” is a hilarious take-off on Sesame Street and is perhaps the biggest production I’ve ever seen at Horizon Theatre, complete with live band, a large set, and multiple performers (with puppets of course). It was good to see the Horizon packed on a Saturday night, even if it meant that I was asked to shift from one seat to another to accommodate a couple who arrived shortly before the play’s start.
If you get the opportunity to see “Avenue Q” you should.
And if you are a meat eater I urge you to get the brisket sandwich (chased with sides of mac ‘n cheese and tater tots) at the Yacht Club. Sure, I know that Fox Bros BBQ is in the vicinity, but this sandwich is a viable competitor. I really don’t think that you will be disappointed.
Speaking Of Theatre, I’ve Become A Subscriber Elsewhere Too
When I went to see “A Confederacy of Dunces” last year I was impressed with Theatrical Outfit‘s production. When Theatrical Outfit sent me information about purchasing season tickets I decided to jump on the bandwagon.
(Seriously, I know that I’m no “catch” but ladies I’m a Patron member at the High Museum and season ticket holder at the Hertz Stage, Horizon Theatre, and now Theatrical Outfit. Doesn’t being a Cultured, albeit disfigured, Man count for anything these days?)
On Saturday there was an odd package in my mailbox. As a token of their appreciation for season ticket purchasers Theatrical Outfit sent me a book which chronicles the history of the restaurant (Herren’s for you old-school Atlantans) which occupied their space back in the olden days. You know that I’m not much of a reader, but I think that I’ll be making an attempt to read this book in July.
I Might Need A Conversational Spanish Class For Landscaping
I really wanted to get out and start whacking back some of the overgrowth in ITP-Estate’s back forty but could not convince myself to do so. Saturday morning was somewhat ruined by sleeping in late (believe it or not that means 8:00am for me) and recovering from Friday night’s indiscretions; pity too, as the overcast morning would have been perfect for yard work. I was awake early on Sunday morning (you need to get up early to do a twelve-hour pork butt in a Crock Pot) but my lack of inside productivity on Saturday combined with what appeared to be a wet backyard convinced me to stay indoors.
I really want to clean up my backyard so that I can actually use it and enjoy it. Who knows, if I can manage that perhaps I can even get my ass out to the front yard to take down the humongous holly bushes at the end of my driveway and get on my roof to trim back some tree limbs. Success begets success, you know. Or should I say “El éxito genera éxito” (translation provided by Google so if it’s wrong then blame them instead of me).
Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – okay, though I hope that my hips improve today. Believe it or not, until they started hurting yesterday I was planning on going for my first run since February this morning.
Current Music – listening to a recording of Modest Mouse’s performance at this year’s Sasquatch Festival
Website Of The Day – Want to buy music but don’t want to be like everyone else? Check out the selection available at HD Tracks.
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – nothing
Morning Weigh-In – Wednesday
Monthly
Foot Mileage – 0.0 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0.0 miles
Pushups – 0
Situps – 0
Stairs – 0 flights
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 0 (0)
Vegetarian Days – 5
Carnivorous Days – 14
Marta Rides To Work – 0
Bike Rides To Work – 0
June Goals
– “Completely” recover from the bike crash
– Get back on a bicycle
– Not to get sick for the entire month
– Not get fired from my job
– Run at least once
– Eat vegetarian no fewer than five days done!
– Lose three pounds
– Go out on a date with someone else
– Finish The Laws Of Simplicity done! and read another book
2011 Goals [will be a little more fluid than in past years]
– Reduce my weight by 25 pounds based on the my weight as measured on February 1st
– Completely read the book Daily Negations which I received as a Christmas gift.
– Run Sharpened Stone as a real business — one which does not get penalized.
– Save $500 for the sole purpose of donating to charitable organizations of my choice
– Attend at least one professional photography workshop
– Enter no fewer than three photographic competitions / gallery showings
– Ride in no fewer than five 50 mile or 50K bike rides
– Run in no fewer than two one half-marathon
– Submit at least one application under the name “Sharpened Stone” to Apple’s iOS store
The Unmeasurable
– Continue backing up all data, including the off-site storage
– Become a proficient programmer in Objective-C
– Do not create a solution for something which is not a problem
– Eat smaller portions
Cheers,
Paulie [eatl/ga]
“Back in the day..” Herren’s was around the corner from where my sister worked and we had dinner there on several occasions. I can remember nothing except wonderful little cinnimon rolls brought out before the meal.
It was a pretty lazy weekend at JEFDSDR. We FINALLY made it up to see the garage majal Friday evening- made the 6:30 tour, as I heard the 8:30 tour was sold out. Saturday, had lunch with Debbie’s family in Williamson, then stopped by the feed store, where we ran into one of my co-workers and one of our neighbors. (I love when that sort of thing happens). Sunday, we cleaned house and Debbie cooked a delicious salmon dinner.
Watched Levi win the Tour de Suisse by 4 seconds!!
-FP
Paulie, no fear I think I did your share and mine of yard work and working out, today I’m paying the price.
And wonders of all wonders I made it to not one, but two hashes this weekend. AH4 was a lot of fun, Jill (with a little help from Harold) did a great job. It was nice to catch up with everyone. WH was also ‘fun’ and after 10 miles of on and off road riding, in the summer heat I was done…too bad the trail was 15 miles.
I also managed 22 miles on the SC Friday, got my ass handed to me but considering it was my first real ride in a year, I was happy just to finish.
My knee (the bad one) is throbbing a bit and my legs are tired but I think I will survive.
Avenue Q? A children’s play, ha hardly. I’ve wanted to see it, not sure if I can convince my other half to join me…
And…I was serious when I volunteered to help with the yard work…we could get a lot done in a short amount of time.
I’d love to get back on a bicycle. However, I still have not purchased a new road bike and my continuing hip/groin problems are making me a bit reticent to do so. 🙁
I considered Saturday’s AH4 but with dinner/theatre plans I decided I shouldn’t push myself. Oddly yesterday was also a Black Sheep Sunday and I wouldn’t have known that had I not seen a photo taken by Squid Dick which he posted on his Facebook page (I did mention that I was rather unproductive this weekend, right?)
I’d not heard of Avenue Q and if you just look at the promotional photo and see “a Musical” you’d not know of its adult theme. Force him to go, or go by yourself. I can’t recommend this show highly enough.
I might take you up on that offer Martha. 😉
It was nice to see Steve & Debbie Friday night & catch up, and give him his new Wheelhopper jersey. (BTW Steve, TJ will be in Augusta, so you can work on figuring out the Skyline dinner date)
Saturday ended up being a fairly busy day, a friend took me up on an invite for dinner, so ended up inviting a few others, and a impromptu dinner party was born.
Wheelhopper was a HOT ride, as to be expected this time of year, but still, it was a HOT ride. Grassy Hole & I decided to box around near Ansley golf course (didn’t feel like going down under the bridge & encountering the homeless folks on the way to Piedmont Park), couldn’t find marks, ran in to Puff & Stuff, decided to go to George’s for a beer to cool off, found marks again on the way, so ended up doing most of the trail after all.
Yeah, Martha – totally get Jerry to go. I think he would love it. It is absolutely hysterical; even the musical numbers that start out “slow” always take a turn and make you laugh out loud.
You know, I really wouldn’t mind helping with yard work either, Paulie! I could use the calorie burn and exercise. And if we all do it, it could even be fun!
So here is the yardwork plan… July 3rd. I’ll come up and we can do yard work and then go to Painful Member.
Who’s in?
okay, so let’s jump on the mountain bikes for a quick spin around the ‘hood. Just to get your legs back. Maybe ride over to Grant Park on Sunday for the Farmer’s Market?
AH4 ended in my back yard, so that motivated me to clean up the back yard. Maybe you just need to commit to a party?
I’m planning another hiking trip on Friday, if anyone is off work and wants to join us we’ve got room for at least one more. Not sure where we are going yet.
Paulie with this crowd you could get your whole yard cleaned up for a 12 pack of beer and not even have to learn Spanish.
Si. Muey Bien.
Mas cerveza por favor?
I can’t commit to any extra yard work, we’ve got a deck to get built by 7/23…… and most of you all have seen my yard, it is pretty damn big. But – maybe this fall………
and as to Martha’s suggestion, if you plan a party, you will find time to get some stuff done to get ready for it. It is amazing how that works out.
There is some sort of Confucius saying about many hands making light work… Perhaps I should post a photo of the jungle that is my back yard before you all commit to helping me out. 😉
Dude, there is no way your back yard is worse than mine was when I bought this place. I was pulling brush and yard wasted out of the back yard for a year. I can’t find the pictures I took back then but really, all you could see was overgrown weeds and huge blackberry shrubs. Oh and old water heaters and a 10 x 10 shed overflowing with crap…
so, now Allan is thinking about getting a small portable cement mixer…….. yes, this what I get to spend my spare time shopping for today…….
How often do you plan on mixing cement? Don’t people rent that sort of equipment? Would it be large enough to mix enough cement to pour and entire driveway after say, repairing one’s plumbing? 😉
As many footing as you’re going to be pouring, that might not be a bad idea, but they do rent those things, too.
yes, they do rent them, but it looks like we can get a decent one for $200 or so. (and, have you ever met Allan? He likes to buy tools)
and – it “could” do a driveway I suppose, but it would have to be in small sections……. and I think the big huge cement truck would be a better option for a driveway.
You “could” pour a driveway with a little mixer, but you would divorce Allan and your friends that helped would never speak to you again…
When we had a section of driveway replaced at the Tucker house, I did all the breaking up and hauling off of the old driveway, and found a friend of a friend who spoke “concrete” and ordered what he told me to order, and on a Saturday he came with some “talent” and formed up and finished the pour… the 9 yards of concrete was the most expensive part.
I was sort of screwed when I was trying to get my driveway fixed a few years ago. It was too small of a job for the big truck and too big for a small mixer. I ended up tagging along with my neighbor when they had their driveway replace, otherwise I would still be missing the last 4 feet of my driveway.
My biggest driveway concern is that the City of Atlanta has sewer grates at the end of mine, as well as a huge pipe that runs under my driveway all the way to the end of my backyard where it dumps into what was a creek (which was converted to an enclosed pipeline) which takes the water to Brownwood Park.
I’m sure that I’ll need a “special” permit or allow them to do some sort of maintenance if I replace my driveway.
Not that I’ll ever purchase another house, but I’ve learned a lot of expensive lessons with the purchase of this one.
I had no permits for the work on my driveway, don’t know if it was needed or not. I think when it comes to working within COA, it is better to beg forgiveness rather than ask permission.
I’d have taken the same stance had I not heard of all of the strife Surly Temple has been through since he put in a new driveway (“apron”) and was issued a citation by the CoA for doing so without a permit.
Oh, and here’s a funny aside I forgot to mention in the blog.
The play “Avenue Q” has a character called “Kate Monster” and for at least the first half of the play I thought that they named her “Cake Monster” as a funny homage to Sesame Street’s “Cookie Monster.”
Paulie – in your case, another reason to hire a “real” contractor to fix the plumbing/driveway, that way if there are permit issues – they have to deal with it. That was one of the main reasons we had the garage built professionally, with all the inspections that had to be done (and then re-done), it was the contractors problem to get it right.
(that, and I wanted it done in a timely matter, I didn’t want Allan to be Erection Master #2)
I agree with you Barb. Step #1 for me is to get rid of the holly bushes (or at least cut them way back) so that workers can do the job right, and so I don’t get cited for having bushes which go too far out in the street.
Cake Monster! Hahahahaha (okay, yeah. late chiming in with that one)
I’m heading out of town on the 2nd, getting the urge just to drive Southward for a day, snap some pictures. But I’ll be back that night. So if anyone’s really serious about doing your yard on the 3rd? I can definitely help out. Just let me know!
Yep, you better accept my offer of help soon, I got a call yesterday, looks like I’ll be heading back to work in a couple of weeks.