Birthday, T minus one days away. I want today to be the last day of bullshit for awhile.
Off To A Roaringly Frustrating Start
I woke early in order to get my turkey breast into my crockpot. The plan was to start the cooking early enough so that it would be ready when I returned home from work tonight. When I walked into the kitchen and flicked on the light I saw ants on the countertop. Lest you think I keep a dirty kitchen I assure you that I do not — though I’ll admit that I have no desire to eat off my kitchen floor. So much for cooking the turkey breast at home today… I whipped out the Windex (my miracle ant killer) and started spraying away.
In the meanwhile I had plugged my iPad into my computer only to see the backup fail. I was planning on performing software updates so with frustration I unplugged the iPad and began the software update process while seeking and killing ants.
The software update and reboot seemed to complete without issue. I started iTunes and went about the annoying procedure of entering my Audible password so that I can access the audiobooks for which I legally paid (fuck you, DRM!) and was returned a vague error message about not having enough privileges on my computer. No amount of Googling could help me find information about this error; the closest “solution” was a Windows Registry edit — something my Mac thankfully does not have — which was no solution at all. I now cannot sync my iPod until I resolve this issue, otherwise iTunes will remove the audiobooks from my iPod (seriously. fuck you, DRM!). I have four Audible credits in my account and I’m contemplating canceling my subscription once I’m assured that I can access my audiobooks again (DRM can kiss my ass).
I brought the crockpot into work — not that I know when I’ll be eating the turkey breast that I’m cooking now — though it was a nice conversation piece for a really attractive woman on the elevator this morning — not that I was able to close the deal.
JINX BE GONE! JINX BE GONE!
No Lion For Me, At Least Not For Now
I’ve frustrated myself enough over the past twenty-four hours just updating to the latest version of Snow Leopard that I am not about to upgrade to Lion anytime soon.
With the update to the current flavor of Snow Leopard I also had to upgrade other software on my Mac. One of those software upgrades was Safari, the default browser for the Mac operating system. The Safari upgrade also necessitated a reinstallation of 1Password, which somehow managed to lose my Facebook password inside the Safari extension.
Have computers’ complexity exceeded humans’ capability of maintaining them? I’m starting to feel that way.
I Know You Had Your Doubts
My Taco Mac instigator got a better offer last night, so I fought my way up to Roswell to purchase a new bike.
In a few days I’ll take possession of a Trek 2.3. I thought about the Madone 3.1 but I thought the “better” components on the 2.3 (for less money as well) outweighed the benefit of a carbon-fiber frame. Besides, I’m a soon-to-be 46-year-old man who’s not exactly going to be competing in any sort of cycling competitions, so the lowest end of the Trek line is fine by me. The delay in delivery is related to the lack of pedals that I wanted for the new Red Rocket (which is not red so I’ll have to come up with a new moniker).
ITP-Reader Barb, I met Jan and we chatted about the GarageMahal and the deck. I made sure to thank her for doing the insurance assessment for me.
I Might Not Make Five, But I Have Two Under My Belt
After purchasing my new ride I went to Lucky’s Burger And Brew in Roswell for dinner. I’d been to Lucky’s twice before but was reminded of it by ITP-Reader Laura (ITP-Reader Bob’s better half) who is a vegetarian and told me that Lucky’s serves a good black bean burger and sweet potato fries. Laura was soooo right. I had an unfortunately named “Georgia Dawg Pounder” with a black bean patty and sweet potato fries, all washed down with a Coke (Ha! You thought I’d be drinking a beer, didn’t you…) I ate the delicious meal as slowly as I could, referencing my iPad all the while, in order to wait out the terrible traffic that exists in that part of the city, which has been exasperated by road construction.
Map My Drive
The first weekend of August I’ll be heading OTP on a mini-vacation. While I subscribe to the high-tech world of GPS and iPhone directions I decided to go a bit analog “just in case.” A week ago I ordered some paper maps from AAA and was dismayed that they were predicting delivery the week after my departure. To my surprise my maps arrived the day before yesterday! Whew…
Stats & Goals
Daily
Current Mood – mega-frustrated — life, weight, lack of significant other, house, ants, software — you name it, it’s contributing to my frustration today
Current Music – it’s Tour de France time and today’s stage is insanely difficult
Website Of The Day – Thinking about upgrading to Lion? Wondering if your favorite app will still work? Check out Roaring Apps.
Mode Of Transportation To Work – my car
Exercise (b)Log – walking/running, ~3.0 miles
Morning Weigh-In – next week
Monthly
Foot Mileage – ~9.0 miles
Wheel Mileage – 0.0 miles
Pushups – 0
Situps – 0
Stairs – 0 flights
Consecutive Days Of Bed-Making (Longest Streak) – 0 (0)
Vegetarian Days – 2
Carnivorous Days – 18
Marta Rides To Work – 0
Bike Rides To Work – 0
July Goals
– “Completely” recover from the bike crash
– Buy a bicycle and start riding again
– 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
– Lose three pounds
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]
So glad you got to Cycleworks & got the bike ordered- did you get a black & white one like in the picture? And- I’m sure Jan had plenty of stories to tell you about Allan.
I’m so proud of you to take a paper map with you on a roadtrip. I am a paper map girl, I like to see the “big” picture when roadtripping – and seeing what else might be along the way.
Since I’m pretty sure you said you were going to NC previously, check out the wineries in NC, here’s a pretty good website.
http://www.visitncwine.com
I did. I think the black/white was the only color combination available — that white seat is going to make my ass look big. 🙁 Jan had some stories indeed, including have to talk to you in order to figure out what she was supposed to do with the Red Rocket. I highly recommend people shop at that Cycleworks. Mike, the guy who helped me the most explained all of the differences between the 2.3 and the 3.1 Madone. I was then able to try a 54cm and 56cm frame, which was good since the 54cm of today seemed so much smaller than the 54cm of the Trek 2300 (Red Rocket) and I wound up getting the 56cm. One of the mechanics watched me ride behind the building and agreed the 56cm appeared to be a better fit.
The only problem with paper maps for me is that I’m normally traveling alone. Driving and map reading do not mix well. I do like opening up maps and looking at them thought. Thanks for the wine link. I’ll be headed to Waynesville so I’ll see if I can stop in some places along the way.
is the Red Rocket still at Cycleworks? If I was you, I’d get your old saddle, just in case you don’t like the one that comes with the bike.
And – study the map when you aren’t driving, and fold it to the area youneed to look at while driving. (and – looking at your GPS/phone is better while driving?)
Red Rocket is at home. I may change seats, though admittedly the one on the Red Rocket is well worn.
It’s actually easier for me to read/see the GPS and phone while driving. Each also has the route highlighted making it even easier for me. I agree paper maps are superior for finding things surrounding the route.
GAME ON!!!
I’m pleasantly surprised, congratulations on the newest member of the family. Let’s go for a ride very soon.
Last night’s drive home was terrible. I sat around the office for a bit, hoping to wait it out. Then I discovered the connector was flooded (no thanks to GA navigator, which didn’t mention anything about it)…I then made the decision to drive north to Chamblee-Tucker/285 around the east side back to I20. Still took about 45 minutes but I made it.
Here’s a strange request, anyone have a recommendation for a good Mexican/Latino grocery store? Better yet anyone have some extra achiote molido laying around? I know I have a ton of them to choose from close to the office but was wondering if anyone had a favorite?
I have Sync in the Ford, so no need for maps and the such…but it nice to look at a big map for perspective.
I think I surprised Mike at Cycleworks because I knew a little about the bikes I was looking for, and I told him that “I’m here to buy today.”
Even “waiting out” traffic I had to take a circuitous route home. I was cruising until I saw how badly things were backed up on Roxboro Rd in Buckhead. I wound up turning around and taking Peachtree to North Druid Hills and winding my way to Buford Hwy.
The only two Latino groceries I’ve been in are the small one in the same shopping center as Lee’s Bakery and the one which has moved up to a building on Buford Hwy just past Chamblee-Tucker.
I can almost guarantee you’ll want your old saddle. The standard on the Trek line is a narrow little torture device and was the only part of my “new” bike I didn’t like.
I happened to be in Decatur yesterday afternoon when the bottom dropped out. I managed to come back into town and pick up 85 south without much trouble, but that also avoided the flooded parts of the connector.
Looks like we may have a new leader at the end of the day… TdF, that is.
-FP
Again. I do not like Alberto Contador, and I’m not thrilled with Samuel Sanchez constantly helping him out. I don’t care if they are countrymen, they are on different teams and should be competing against one another, not helping each other out.
Congrats on the new bike! Let me know when you pick it up and we can go for a beer.
Congrats on the new bike! I can’t wait until the weather cools down and makes after-work rides more bearable.
Regarding the TdF: I’m not a big Contador fan either. I am, however, a big fan of the guy who one today’s stage…which I will not mention in case some of you are planning to watch the stage rebroadcast later today.
Thanks all. I’m tentative but looking forward to climbing back aboard a bike.
Will do Bob. They’ve had to order my pedals so the bike may be ready in a day or so.
I won’t spoil anything either but I’m a fan of most of the riders — especially since I can’t imagine being able to ride stages like today’s.
Michelle, I feel exactly the same way. Wish there had been a bit more out of Cadel, but the fat lady hasn’t sung yet.
I have more respect for Tommy Voekler each day. I just hope that we don’t have any sort of scandal associated with him in years to come.
Mike (Coach Cl*t) says welcome to the Trek 2.3 family. He is the newest helper (I mean sucker) to work on the deck. Oops is back for day 4, Billly is back for day 3. And Allan’s mom & dad, I can’t count how many days they’ve been there……
It is use your brain day, they have to figure out the steps. Good thing Billy brought his teenage son, he might have the math skills to figure it out.
As usual, I’ll probbly be wtchign the Tour half asllep at about 11pm tonight.
Connie gets here around 4pm – her flight looks to be on time, so that means we get to hit some fun traffic probably on the way back home.