Blood Sweat and Tears

Today was Valentines Day. I went traditional and gave the wife a card and a dozen roses. She did the same and got me a nice bottle of cologne. I don't know the full history behind VDay but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with the folks at Hallmark and Hershey's.

I've also bee trying to get in better shape. I've put on a few pounds since I started brewing. Delicious beer is much like delicious food. The best ones are loaded with calories. Most of mine were topping out at 300calories per pint. I've since gotten it down to about half that but when you drink 3 or 4 and then go to bed, it's easy to put on weight. I started a workout routine last week and it is kicking my ass. It's called the Spartacus: Blood and Sand workout. Supposedly the same routine the stars of the television show use. I've never seen the show but imagine they all look like Greek gods. The workout consists of 10 one-minute routines with a 45sec breather between each one. You are supposed to complete the circuit of routines 3 to 4 times and do that 3x per week. It sounded easy enough. After all, it only uses 10lb dumbells. The first time I tried it, I couldn't make it through a full circuit. I thought I was going to die. Tonight was my third attempt and I can almost make it through one full circuit. The thought of doing 3-4 of those in one day is scary yet exciting. My whole goal for this is to lose about 20lbs and get in better shape. Here is a link to the video if anyone is interested. I challenge you to go through a full circuit (does not count if you are under 25), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9LEjEV2n1Q

Monday the 13th

Had a battle with allergies today and they won. I spent the day just laying in bed wishing I could breathe clearly and stop all this misery.

Yesterday was much more productive, I was able to get my keggle all nice and polished. It's not perfect by any means but it is much nicer than it was. Doesn't have to be perfect. After all, its just for brewing beer in. Decided to take a few pictures during the process.

Now I can see all the imperfections in it. Oh well. Like I said, it's just for brewing beer.

Also spent a little time refreshing some of my woodworking skills. I've been wanting a wooden crate to carry my beers around with me. I wanted something small that could carry about 4 beers so I went to Lowe's on Sunday morning and got a small piece of luan and a some paint. About 4 hrs, one band-aid, and a few splinters later I had my box. Behold, my own little brewhauler. Now I have something to carry my beer in☺.

My oldest daughter(5) told me something that reminded me that at that age, the world is still a new place full of amazing things. She let me know that there are 12 months in a year. While this seems trivial, to a child, it is not. They are learning this for the first time. I was reminded of the day when she asked me if I knew we lived on Earth. She was so serious. I made sure to give her the full attention and respect that the conversation deserved. She can act so serious sometimes. She will walk up to me and say,"Daddy, Can I talk to you about something?" with all concern one might expect from an adult, and then she will ask something like if she can wear her pajamas with the horses tonight. I can't help but crack a smile.
 

Pumped Up Kicks

Been meaning to post for a few days now but every time I look at my laptop it reminds me of work and I have a sudden urge to do something, anything else. I need to get past that.

Giants won the Superbowl. I didn't really like either team but I respect Eli Manning so I pulled for the Giants. I was really hoping to win a few bucks on football squares but was't so lucky this year.

Decided it was time for some new shoes on the Lincoln so I took it to my local Discount? Tire. I sometimes question the discount but what do I know? It only cost me a couple pints of blood and the promise of my first born son. I feel much safer on the road but  I need to get the front end looked at. It sounds like a bearing is going out in the wheel assembly. I'm not a mechanic nor do I make any claim to have extensive knowledge of vehicles. I simply have good common sense and working understanding of mechanical parts. I'll have to deal with it next payday.

Got myself some new shoes as well. These didn't cost near as much. They were the first pair of shoes I have ever bought online. I only did it because I had these in high school and loved them. They're typically used for indoor soccer but they are also good casual shoes. Although this photo doesn't quite show, due to poor lighting, but the white parts are really baby blue. I sported them today and actually felt good with the color.

The plants and weather do not seem to know it is winter. The temperature has been in the 60s and 70s for the last month with a couple cold days in there. My grass is ready to be cut again. I'll have to do it this weekend. The trees have all started to bloom. I fear they will die if we get a bad freeze. At this point I am glad to not be a homeowner.