Sunday, May 22, 2011

Sometimes, I Suck At Life

Mainly because I had these great plans of keeping an updated blog this year, but notsomuch. I have a tendency to let stuff like this go when I'm taking classes - since I choose to spend my "down time" doing what most resembles "absolutely nothing."

So today, I'm going for an information dump, with the best of intentions to keep this going at least over the summer while I'm not in school. Wish me luck.

2011 Goals:
After being inspired by Tha Cote (as is often the case), I actually wrote down a list of goals for the year. I'm not going to post an exhaustive update, but I'm more on track than I thought I'd be, which is good. I've gotten off my ass and have lost about 12lbs since February, but that's just enough to piss me off and get me motivated to do more. Stay tuned. I'm consistently putting less shit into my body - over processed crap, meat, stuff my great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. The next step involves this little gem:

I'm not saying I'm hoppin on the eCig train, but I'm taking it downtown for an afternoon to see how it goes. This handy little guy is a disposable version so I can give it a test run without dropping a hundo on a full setup.

MBA:
I am not officially halfway done. I should be more excited about this, but at this point all I can think of is....shit, I'm only halfway done.

Simplify:
Well...sometimes I think I've made progress, sometimes I think I've made it worse. We successfully pared down the contents of the kitchen, to just what we actually use. I still want to do more. The garage now has a respectable "we should have a garage sale" pile. But I'm torn between actually taking the time to do that, or craigs listing it up - since I'm notorious for taking good care of my shit, and could feasibly get some decent cash.
The next step is the office and a lot of the paper things in this house...

Speaking of The House:
We totally got new floors put in a couple months ago. It seriously changes the way the whole place feels.
The Living Room, and what Tha Cote calls my chocolate floors.

And the kitchen, still shiny for the last cleanup.


Derby Derby Derby:
I'm continually amazed that this little thing that snuck into the back of my brain months ago has turned into what it has. See my earlier comments about getting off my ass. It's kind of magical - finding something that makes me better, and that I actually enjoy doing. Kind of makes me wonder where it's been all my life.
So, I got through the first 90 days, and passed assessment - I remember thinking how excited I should have been (which I was) but all I could really think about was how much farther I had to go. An instant list of "shit I want to be better at" started forming in my head. So, as is my typical "steal my own joy" self, I feel less like I accomplished something and more like a beginner again. It's weird. I'm not normal.
Having said that, I've met some amazing women, and several of them are my new heroes.

I suck at wrap-up paragraphs - sad, because I used to be an amazing writer - so this time, you don't get one.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Sundays are for Blogging

And coffee, and time wasting. Except this week, when I got distracted by doing my taxes. Oops. But now that I've been shut in my house for two days (thanks to Ice-Mageddon '11), I decided I probably had time to get around to making progress on one of my goals for the year: Blog once a week. Which will probably turn into once a month, but at least I know myself...
But I really should do this weekly, so that I can further avoid posts like this one, where I recap the past two weeks with little rhyme or reason.

Topic the First: I Miss My Boys
The boys left for Seattle on the 21st, after living with Scott and I for close to two months. I'm an only child, and have lived without roommates my entire adult life (except that first year of college, living in the dorm, which is probably why I never wanted another one). So I was a little apprehensive, but optimistic. Who wouldn't love having two of the funniest, like-minded people on the planet sharing living space and being a nest of friendship and video games? Thankfully it was during my annual "I'm not working for two weeks" break over the holidays, so it was like we were all on vacation...and we didn't get a damn thing done. And I love it.
I'll also add that I'm pretty sure we got crazy lucky. Brian and I are probably the same person. Seriously. Our brains were split at birth and separated so we wouldn't terrorize any one set of parents. Tim and Scott are such good friends and keep each other laughing for hours on end. Put the two together, and we all re-discovered great friendships and confidants that I know we're all grateful we got to remind ourselves of.
So when the day came for them to leave, I ran home for lunch, new attendance policy be damned, to see them one more time before (in my mind) they were gone forever. It was hectic, as they were scrambling to make sure all was done before hopping on a plane. But they made a few minutes for me to be a dumb girl. By that, I mean cry like an idiot while saying goodbye. I was shocked. Literally. I had no idea how much their leaving would affect me, which made me feel both sad and awesome.
So they've been up in Seattle for a couple of weeks, and have (as of today) found a place and begun moving. I'm so proud that they actually made the trip, and have taken the steps to settle in and make a life that's amazing for them.

Topic the Second: I Take On Too Much
School started in mid-January, and, as fate would have it, on the same day I went back to work. I've gotten used to the hectic schedule of working full time and going to grad school. It sucks, but I'm making it work, with varying degrees of success. So this semester, I added the Roller Derby factor. I knew it would be a lot of time, but joined up right before the first bout of the season, and therefore into a ton of work and extra time demands. It's cool, I'll figure it all out, but I'm a little crazy right now.

Topic the Third: Ice, and Working from Home
Lucky for me, I had this handy little laptop that I'd checked out from work in December for the Chicago trip. So, when the entire city got iced in this week and my driveway turned into a slippery slope of doom, I was able to plug in and get some stuff done. I'm not a fan of working at home, but I am a major fan of not having to use sick or vacation time because the weather goes left and my employer refuses to close for any reason ever. Unfortunately, I'm getting stir crazy. And after "working" all day, I don't want to re-motivate and be studious. Add to that, Scott is working for the next five days for the Super Bowl, so there is no one here to keep me accountable but the dogs. So in my head, if no one sees me smoke, eat, or drink too much, then it doesn't count. Right? Right?

But I digress...thanks for reading this far, if you did. I'm pretty sure most of this was pointless, and yet another excuse to not study.

And also, Holy Shit I forgot we took these pictures. Camera dump!

Leaving the Mountains


And looking forward to ten hours of nothingness:


Scott was Cah-Learly excited. He's a good liar.


And now...the signs of hilarity....
Bennett, Colorado, Kansas, Kanorado?








Oh, and this little guy...


And some pictures of Sabbath playing in the snow. Because we didn't get enough of it in Colorado. It was pretty surreal...we went to bed, exhausted at 3am when we finally got home, and woke up, to this...


And dude...look at his fecking eyes...


That is all.

Monday, January 17, 2011

It Begins

For the past few years, I've had a sometimes fleeting obsession with these women who I can only describe as my heroes. They are bad-ass, beautiful, and powerful.

Photo courtesy of acderby.com. Please don't hate me for using it :-)

They've also got bigger balls than most of the guys you will ever meet.

I've told myself a few times that it would be fun. And that it's probably something I would love from day one, and should really look into. But I never did. I wasn't sure I had time, especially now that I'm back in school and working in a role that requires me to actually work while at my place of employment. For one reason or another, it remained a pipe dream, or a hypothetical, "Yeah, that would be pretty awesome."

But, over the last couple of months, I've been reminded of my infatuation on several occasions. First, I met one of their stats guys at a party. I'm sure I've met him before, in the dozens of times we've gathered at my friend Sara's house. But I didn't know until this moment, that he was involved with them. We talked about the sport a little, and he said I should totally join up. I was pretty motivated in my four-beers bravado, and said I probably would. I didn't. But it was still in the back of my mind.
Earlier this month, through a serendipitous Facebook add, I saw that a girl I knew a few years ago was part of the Assassination City league. Not only was she a skater, she was on the all-star travel team. It was then that I saw how to contact recruiting, and really take steps to get involved.
I started seriously considering it, and got overwhelming support from the few people to whom I mentioned my crazy idea. Coincidentally, my friend at work knows one of the girls in the league. The same girl who had a write-up in D Magazine in October.
It seemed that there were too many things just kind of falling into place to motivate me and stoke my excitement.
So I emailed the recruiter. I went to a practice. And fell in love. At least, I hope I did.
Because I've ordered my skates and gear, and will hopefully be attending practices as "Fresh Meat" within a week or two. I even got along pretty well with the other girl who was there to "check it out." She also lives in Plano and we've already discussed carpooling to save on gas. It seems that all signs point to "do the damn thing."
I sincerely hope this is everything I want it to be: a way to stay active, to re-tap my inner bad ass, to build friendships with like-minded women, and give back to myself a hobby (obsession?) that is truly mine. It's been awhile since I've made an investment like that in myself.

Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted.

New Belgium Brewing Co.

I'm a little late in getting this posted, but since returning from Vacation-Con 2011, I've been incredibly busy getting my house and head back in order for the real world. So, I love this company. The memory of the tour itself has begun to fade, and some of the details will surely escape me. But I'm going to give it my best shot, and hopefully convince you how amazing this place really was, and is, I guess. I knew it would be awesome when we drove up, and the place looked just like a little ski lodge. Aesthetics are important, and these guys do it right. It's one thing to work at a brewery, but quite another to soak in the "we're not a corporate sweatshop" view every time you ride to work.

Yes. Ride to work. I didn't realize how deep into bike culture these guys were. It goes way beyond putting a picture of an old cruiser on the label of one of your beers. Bike parts and themes were everywhere, as you will see later. Bikes were parked everywhere out front. One of the first of the many awesome things we learned that day is that the company actually offers perks to employees who ride to work. Living the values guys, living the values.

We did realize that this little place had gotten so big that tours required a 24-hour advance booking. So when we arrived, we talked to the guy in charge of coordinating tours, and got on a standby list, hoping we could just jump on the first one of the day if not everyone showed up. While we patiently waited, we took the opportunity to ridiculous photo-opportunity it up.



Bike-decor-o-rama

We were lucky in that they still had the Christmas decorations up. Here are Scott and I, under the "Get a Room" mistletoe.


A kitchy shrine to the Patron Saint of Brewers, Saint Arnold.

And me doing my best to be Patron-Saint-y.

One of the major themes that emerged during our incredibly educational experience was environmental responsibility. This place not only says they believe and support it, but evidence is everywhere. Check out the trash bins outside. It's subtle, yet incredibly powerful.


Also impressive was their offering to those who don't drink, or had been designated as the responsible driving party of the group. We tried this, too. And it was pretty delicious. Apple flavored seltzer. Good job, New Belgium.


After waiting patiently in hopes that we would be able to tour the brewery and not walk away with only pictures of the outside, we were told that there were exactly three spots open on the first tour, and we were able to join up right as the tour started. In the first brew room, we got a little history on how the owner started off in his basement, making Abbey Ale, which was our first sample. We also got the story behind the naming of Fat Tire. Before starting on the magical journey toward making some of the best beer in the US, our story's hero traveled to Belgium to learn what he could about crafting Belgian beer (my personal favorite style). It was the 80's and mountain bikes had just begun their rise to popularity in the states, and this guy was addicted. So he took his bike with him, and used it as his mode of transportation throughout much of the countryside while visiting breweries there. And all over, he was asked the same thing: "Where did you get that bike with the fat tires?"

We then proceeded to the second brew room, which was breathtaking. We found out that it's so beautiful, that at least two employees have had their wedding receptions in this room. And you can see why. Huge copper tanks with mosaic tile around each one. Vaulted ceilings with bike-rim mobiles, and a full service bar in the back. It was like a ski lodge meets beer heaven. Who wouldn't want to affirm their love for another person, and beer, in a place like this?

It was here that we were given our second sample, Sunshine Wheat. This was one of the first American-made beers that I tried years ago, and actually liked. It was also my introduction into the heaven that is wheat beer, and we've been in love ever since.
We then headed out to the bottling building, which was pretty standard, except for the massive light fixture in the lobby, that spiraled with the stairs all the way to the second floor. These are not actually beer bottles, but individually blown replicas made just for this thing. I was thoroughly impressed, to say the least. It was during this section of the tour that I truly fell in love with what this company does, and stands for. This is where we got the low-down on what it's like to work for New Belgium. As a new employee, you get a key to the facility on your first day, because you are now an owner. Every week, each person gets an "allowance" of one twelve pack, to be picked up whenever, on the honor system. Miss a week? No problem, grab a case next time.
On your first anniversary, you are given a personalized cruiser bike, similar to that which is on the Fat Tire label. After five years, you are sent to Belgium, for a week-long bike tour of local breweries with the owners. Not only is the trip paid for by the company, but you are paid your 40-hour weekly salary the whole time. At ten years, a fruit tree of your choice is planted in orchard behind the buldings, with a plaque showing your name and stuff. But that's not even the best part. The best part is, that you also get a one-month paid sabbatical. That's a month off work, to do whatever you want, and get paid to do it. You can also add vacation days to the time off. So you can tack on two weeks to that, and have a six-week paid vacation.
To wrap up the tour, we headed upstairs in the main brew house, to get a taste of the tenth value of the company: "Have Fun". This was a metal speed slide, playground style. And trust me, this thing was not messing around. It. Was. Fast. And awesome. The last guy down brought his six month old along for the ride.
We were then taken to the hospitality room, where we could write postcards to whoever we wanted, and were promised they would be mailed for us. For free. Cortney pointed out that it felt much like Bolvangar, where the kids wrote letters to their parents, which were promptly just burned instead of sent. As of today, we have not received the one I sent to our house. I'm beginning to think she was right.
Nevertheless, we were given two more samples, and sent on our way.


We left, not only pleasantly intoxicated, but supremely educated on the ability of a not-so-small company's ability to get it right. For the community, the employees, and the earth. I'm compelled to include more of their beer in my regular rotation. Not because it's the best, because honestly, it's not. But because they truly believe in what they do, and more importantly, how they do it. It's inspiring, and anything I can do to support a company that actually lives the values they profess is a small step in the right direction.

And any place that gets Scott to make a face like this is worth it.


Sunday, January 9, 2011

Snowbirds and Snowboards

Scott and I finally got around to taking a proper damn vacation.

We decided to head out to Colorado where we could see our friends Cortney and Bob. So we got to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and some of the most beautiful people we know. Double win.

After the longest drive I can remember ever attempting, we landed in Ft. Collins around 8pm on the first night. We were taken to one of the cutest sushi places I've ever been to, and ate ourselves stupid. At least I did. Something about delirium and hunger working together makes for a state of food-drunkenness the likes of which few have ever seen.

The next day, we went shopping for some proper snow gear for the upcoming snowboarding adventure. But first we grabbed lunch at the Rustic Oven. It may have been one of the best cups 'o tomato soup I've ever had. It was also our first photo-op moment.



Oh, and another chance for Tha Cote to take yet another picture of me with a drink in my hand. As is the custom.



We headed out to Breckenridge, with Bob at the wheel so no one died, since he was used to driving the treacherous mountain roads. Although, looking back, he was clearly drunk.



We found this little guy during a pitstop at a Sinclair station. I searched diligently for a "Please do not climb on the dinosaur" sign, and in its absence, we decided it was photo-op-tastic.



Apparently the best pictures were those of us attempting to climb on...Thanks guys.



We dropped our stuff at the hotel, then headed out to forage for dinner. We found ourselves at a place I would love on any day, but were skeptical as to the vegetarian options for our hosts. Thankfully, they had a rockin veggie burger and some kick-ass horsey sauce on the side. Thanks Murphy's. Your Irish Stew was pretty damn tasty, too.
A rare moment was also captured on film. This is the preparation for a photo done by every person who has long hair.

And the proper photo that followed.


That evening, we hit up the awesome hot tub, and settled in for some (hopeful) rest before hitting the slopes in the morning. Cortney wasn't feeling her best the next morning, but was quite the trooper, insisting that it was going to be a good damn day, and it would be documented as such.

We booked it over to the rental place and got fitted for our boots and our boards.


But first. We pause to bring you this moose moment.


We squeezed into the car to begin the first true adventure of the day: Operation Where the Hell do we Park.



Gon-Do-La


Cortney and I both learned how to snowboard that day. It was great having another newbie to learn with, so we weren't alone in our we-don't-know-what-we're-doing-ness. We all got in a few good runs, and I'm stoked to go back, now somewhat knowing what I'm doing. It's rare that you learn to do something new like this at this point in your life...usually one gets on the sports and rec bandwagon of choice at a young age. It was great knowing that there's still so much more to do in the world.


We headed back home, stopping Denver to eat at this vegetarian place called Water Course. It was pretty freakin awesome, according to the veggie Reuben. I will say tho...the one you can get at The Old Monk is much better. At least there's one favorite thing I can still get back home.