Ahh, the second annual list of things I'm thankful for...It's pretty much the same but worth thinking about and mentioning again. And worth repeating an old joke.
1) Loved Ones. yes, you still make me crazy. also we lost our dog this year and it hurts.
2) Health. don't underestimate the importance of your health and how hard it is to regain it once you've lost it.
3) Food. another year of not being hungry.
4) Having a home sweet home.
5) In the United States of America. though I wonder how Canada is.
6) Having corrected vision. Without it I'd be naturally selected, out.
Really, everything else is gravy.
7) GRAVY!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
UPDATE. Gear Review: Klean Kanteen 12oz Wide Mouth Bottle
So I've been using my 12oz wide mouth Klean Kanteen daily for about 4-1/2 months now and I am mostly happy with it. The wide mouth makes it very easy to fill, drink, and (theoretically) clean. The size is very convenient. I can put this in a jacket pocket or even in the back pocket of my jeans for quick transport. You really do not need a larger size unless there are no water sources available throughout your day.My one gripe is the wide mouth cap. It is mostly well designed to ensure your water does not touch plastic. I have a feeling the tight seal can retain water and encourage mold. Also you have to make sure the cap is on very tightly or else some
water will leak out. One last gripe about the cap. No matter how careful you are, water will drip from the cap, often on you, your wood floor, or important papers. I think it is due to the flat stainless steel inside surface of the cap. I am now used to tapping the cap over the bottle to shed excess water before I move the cap away from the bottle. It's annoying.
What's next for this bottle?I will probably order the Cafe cap (with my REI dividend!) so I can drink from the bottle in the Hummer without having to remove the top. This Cafe cap is not leakproof.
I also am very tempted to plaster the bottle with stickers, but they will get burned off when I hopefully am forced to boil water in the bottle.
BONUS PRO TIP FOR THEEVILDRSIN READERS!
If you have this 12oz wide mouth Klean Kanteen you know it is not insulated. If you drink hot liquids you will burn your hand and hot or cold liquids will cool or warm quickly without the insulation. Well, this bottle is sized like a Coke (call me) can and fits those can Koozies (gives phone hand sign next to head and silently mouths "call me"). Taadaaa! now you have a makeshift insulated bottle! As an additional bonus it protects your bottle from dents if you drop it. Bam. You are welcome.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Gear Review: TAD Gear Shag Master Hoodie. Part One
After three years of deliberation and missed opportunities I finally purchased a TAD Gear Shag Master Hoodie (www.tripleaughtdesign.com) $199. Quite honestly what attracted me to this jacket was the shaggy, animal fur-like appearance of the fleece. Heck, if the fleece was even longer I'd be even happier. And make matching pants!
Also, this jacket is made in USA* and TAD Gear has a reputation for well-designed and quality made products. My personal goal is to invest in a versatile jacket for long term ownership rather than need a variety of clothing for specific uses.
FEATURES
This jacket has a two way full length zipper. On my jacket it is a little stubborn to start, probably due to the fat bartack next to the zipper. This is the only "defect" I've found on my jacket. I just have to angle the left side of the zipper away from the fabric to get it going.
There are two chest pockets which can still be used as hand warmer pockets, albeit a little high. The pockets have a vented panel so can unzip the pocket for extra ventilation. Each chest pocket has a slot for small items like a flashlight or knife. All pockets on this jacket also feature 1) a D-ring to keep items attached to the jacket 2) a media port to thread earphone cords through the jacket.
There are two upper arm pockets with vents and the aforementioned features. Next to these pockets are loop patches to attach patches to personalize your jacket. These patches are a little stiff and I'd either prefer them deleted or would like a pen pouch to attach to this area.
There are three more little loop patches. One on the lower right front with a glow in the dark TAD logo and two on the back of the hood. You can purchase glow in the dark patches to place there so your "team" can follow you in the dark.
The thumb holes in the sleeve cuff help keep the sleeves in place when active and also warm your hands a little. All zippers pulls have 'garages", little folds of fabric to hold the zipper pull in place when zipped up. This is useful in high wind conditions so the pulls don't whip around, possibly in your face. Also the underside of the sleeves to the elbow are reinforced.
One last detail impressed me. On each side of the upper interior of the jacket, just inside of the zipper teeth is a small plastic slit tube to function as a guide for your earphone wires.
WEARING THE SHAG MASTER HOODIE.
So this jacket has tons of features but really how is it? I put the jacket on, zipped it up and flipped the hood...
HOW DO I LOOK?
A rancher promptly walked up to me and shot a tag into my ear. Ouch!
This is a warm snuggly cozy jacket! Um, I mean this jacket is a highly functional piece of equipment that enables me to accomplish all my covert missions.
Seriously though, this jacket is very comfortable and fits me well. Not too snug but no excess fabric bulk to get in the way of activities.
That's it for my initial review. More to come as it gets colder and I'm able to use the jacket more frequently.
*If Made in USA is important to you, pay attention when buying TAD gear products. Some are not made in USA. I tweeted TAD gear to ask why but they did not respond. If I had to guess, I'd say the products in question were clothing with waterproof/ breathable membranes and perhaps the equipment and labor required to assemble this in USA were cost prohibitive. TAD if you read this please let us know!
Also, this jacket is made in USA* and TAD Gear has a reputation for well-designed and quality made products. My personal goal is to invest in a versatile jacket for long term ownership rather than need a variety of clothing for specific uses.
FEATURESThis jacket has a two way full length zipper. On my jacket it is a little stubborn to start, probably due to the fat bartack next to the zipper. This is the only "defect" I've found on my jacket. I just have to angle the left side of the zipper away from the fabric to get it going.
There are two chest pockets which can still be used as hand warmer pockets, albeit a little high. The pockets have a vented panel so can unzip the pocket for extra ventilation. Each chest pocket has a slot for small items like a flashlight or knife. All pockets on this jacket also feature 1) a D-ring to keep items attached to the jacket 2) a media port to thread earphone cords through the jacket.
There are two upper arm pockets with vents and the aforementioned features. Next to these pockets are loop patches to attach patches to personalize your jacket. These patches are a little stiff and I'd either prefer them deleted or would like a pen pouch to attach to this area.
There are three more little loop patches. One on the lower right front with a glow in the dark TAD logo and two on the back of the hood. You can purchase glow in the dark patches to place there so your "team" can follow you in the dark.
The thumb holes in the sleeve cuff help keep the sleeves in place when active and also warm your hands a little. All zippers pulls have 'garages", little folds of fabric to hold the zipper pull in place when zipped up. This is useful in high wind conditions so the pulls don't whip around, possibly in your face. Also the underside of the sleeves to the elbow are reinforced.
One last detail impressed me. On each side of the upper interior of the jacket, just inside of the zipper teeth is a small plastic slit tube to function as a guide for your earphone wires.
WEARING THE SHAG MASTER HOODIE.
So this jacket has tons of features but really how is it? I put the jacket on, zipped it up and flipped the hood...
HOW DO I LOOK?A rancher promptly walked up to me and shot a tag into my ear. Ouch!
This is a warm snuggly cozy jacket! Um, I mean this jacket is a highly functional piece of equipment that enables me to accomplish all my covert missions.
Seriously though, this jacket is very comfortable and fits me well. Not too snug but no excess fabric bulk to get in the way of activities.
That's it for my initial review. More to come as it gets colder and I'm able to use the jacket more frequently.
*If Made in USA is important to you, pay attention when buying TAD gear products. Some are not made in USA. I tweeted TAD gear to ask why but they did not respond. If I had to guess, I'd say the products in question were clothing with waterproof/ breathable membranes and perhaps the equipment and labor required to assemble this in USA were cost prohibitive. TAD if you read this please let us know!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Gear Review: Wacom Bamboo Stylus
When it comes to sketching a design (ideating), I'm rather Old Testament. I'm most comfortable with a sheet of regular typing paper (wait, I guess they call it printer paper now!) and a Bic pen from a hotel. If I needed to edit the drawing I would use White Out or the ol' Xerox and Post-It note trick (wow that's a lot of brands name dropped. Call me!). This allows quick editing to your design - almost as fast as you can sketch. Another technique is using a lightbox to do overlays over a previous sketch. However effective, it definitely uses a lot of paper.
My girlfriend just gave me a Wacom Bamboo Stylus for use with Apple touchscreen products like the iPad. I've played with drawing apps before, mostly editing photos for amusement. See my Anne Geddes photo! While using your finger is ok for touching up photos, it kind of sucks for drawing or writing on a touchscreen.
For about $30 one can purchase a Wacom Bamboo Stylus. It is about the length of an uncapped Sharpie and about the same diameter of a Bic pen (seriously, brand managers, call me to advertise your products!). Except for the rubber tip, it is an all metal construction. The pocket clip is removable if you want it out of your way while you draw.
How does it draw/write? While I am still getting used to drawing and writing with the Bamboo, it works rather well. The tip is rather blunt so it is a little tough to know exactly where your line will be. If you write fast or are laying down some sweeping lines, there is a little lag time, which is more likely due to the touchscreen sensors than the pen.
Overall I think this is a great drawing and writing tool. To get the best use out of it I need to get used to the lag time and the specific drawing application. Warning, you will see a lot more sketches and modified photos on this blog!
If you would like one, consider purchasing through this link. I do get a commission if you buy through this link.
Wacom Bamboo Stylus - Other Tablet Accessories
My girlfriend just gave me a Wacom Bamboo Stylus for use with Apple touchscreen products like the iPad. I've played with drawing apps before, mostly editing photos for amusement. See my Anne Geddes photo! While using your finger is ok for touching up photos, it kind of sucks for drawing or writing on a touchscreen.
For about $30 one can purchase a Wacom Bamboo Stylus. It is about the length of an uncapped Sharpie and about the same diameter of a Bic pen (seriously, brand managers, call me to advertise your products!). Except for the rubber tip, it is an all metal construction. The pocket clip is removable if you want it out of your way while you draw.
How does it draw/write? While I am still getting used to drawing and writing with the Bamboo, it works rather well. The tip is rather blunt so it is a little tough to know exactly where your line will be. If you write fast or are laying down some sweeping lines, there is a little lag time, which is more likely due to the touchscreen sensors than the pen.
Overall I think this is a great drawing and writing tool. To get the best use out of it I need to get used to the lag time and the specific drawing application. Warning, you will see a lot more sketches and modified photos on this blog!
If you would like one, consider purchasing through this link. I do get a commission if you buy through this link.
Wacom Bamboo Stylus - Other Tablet Accessories
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Municipal Geographic: Blue Ridge Parkway Edition
So my girlfriend tells me we're getting out of the house and gonna go to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cool, I like the driving and the views up there. Then she tells me we are waking up at 5am and leaving as soon as coffee is consumed. Not cool. I need my sleep.
The alarm goes off at 5am as promised. By the time coffee is consumed we are out the door at a still ludicrous for Saturday 7:30 am. But, my girlfriend was right. At that time on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you are the only soul there. No slow rubberneckers to get in your way. We proceeded at a legal, sporting pace.
"We need to say what we want to see because recently when we've said them, they come true."
I agreed and asked her what she wanted to see.
"Deer."
"Ok, I'm wishing for pirate treasure."
Bam. Around the next corner in a flash of movement on the side of the road was Blackbeard's gold, I mean a petite deer doing an about face and with a flash of white tail disappeared into the woods. Another benefit of waking up so early is seeing deer out to feed. We would proceed to see many more deer as we drove along.
Later as we crested a hill I saw a creature walking across the road. An OSTRICH! No, it was wild turkeys! We slowly drove by and my girlfriend desperately attempted to get some photos. We parked the car and quickly walked back to the fleeing turkeys. While my girlfriend peered into the mountain laurel for the turkeys, I saw a turkey take flight behind her, imitating a 747 and soar right past her as I tried to get her to turn around and capture the flight on camera. No luck.
a wild turkey runs for it.
The alarm goes off at 5am as promised. By the time coffee is consumed we are out the door at a still ludicrous for Saturday 7:30 am. But, my girlfriend was right. At that time on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you are the only soul there. No slow rubberneckers to get in your way. We proceeded at a legal, sporting pace.
"We need to say what we want to see because recently when we've said them, they come true."
I agreed and asked her what she wanted to see.
"Deer."
"Ok, I'm wishing for pirate treasure."
Bam. Around the next corner in a flash of movement on the side of the road was Blackbeard's gold, I mean a petite deer doing an about face and with a flash of white tail disappeared into the woods. Another benefit of waking up so early is seeing deer out to feed. We would proceed to see many more deer as we drove along.
Later as we crested a hill I saw a creature walking across the road. An OSTRICH! No, it was wild turkeys! We slowly drove by and my girlfriend desperately attempted to get some photos. We parked the car and quickly walked back to the fleeing turkeys. While my girlfriend peered into the mountain laurel for the turkeys, I saw a turkey take flight behind her, imitating a 747 and soar right past her as I tried to get her to turn around and capture the flight on camera. No luck.
a wild turkey runs for it.Next, we park the car again and go check out some shaggy cows.
This calf is so cute! I'd say a bovine version of my kitten Oliver!
This calf is so cute! I'd say a bovine version of my kitten Oliver!
The Municipal Geographic adventure continues with a trip to an alpaca farm! I wish we could raise one in the city. Shear its fur once a year and knit a sweater!
chewpaca.
chewpaca.
Tupaca
Overall, a long successful day for Municipal Geographic at the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Lightning Quick Movie Review: Fast Five
In an act of serendipity, my girlfriend and I viewed this movie on our Fifth anniversary (Happy Fifth! Here's to five more!). Guys, remember, you are not enjoying the movie if she is not enjoying the movie. And to skip to the punchline, she thought it was a good movie. "There's actually a lot of action right from the beginning!" Quite the car fan in her own right, she oohed and ahhed at the Honda NSX, DeTomaso Pantera, the Corvette Grand Sport, Koenigsegg CCX, and the Lexus LF-A.
"Ooh...what is that?"
"It's a Lexus LF-A."
"How much does it cost?"
"About 4oo grand."
"Is it reliable?"
It also didn't hurt that the driver of the LF-A is her current crush, Sung Kang, who plays Han, who died in part 3. Die again already! And may I add your wig was askew in a few scenes. So there.
Speaking of Asian guys, she laughed at the Asian federal agent, with his mini mohawk and EXTREMELY tight, comically tight Underarmour t-shirt.
In a nutshell, Fast Five is action packed, entertaining, and absolutely ridiculous. It is Ocean's Eleven (the remake) without the style. The cars are probably cooler than in any of the other Fast and Furiouses. A lot of the action takes place in Rio de Janeiro's favelas. Yes, you've seen this before in a bunch of other movies, including the Incredible Hulk. Must be trendy to show Brazilian shanty towns in movies. The two Dodge sedans towing a massive vault is so absurd it belongs in, well, a Dodge commercial.
So yes, Fast Five is worth watching. We watched it on my anniversary weekend with no hard feelings as a result. Your results may vary.
*I'd like to mention this is the first movie we rented under Redbox raised prices from $1.00 to $1.20. Boo. I think it sucks of Redbox to raise prices. It is still about as cheap as it gets, however I'll select my rentals carefully and be watching for future raised prices.
"Ooh...what is that?"
"It's a Lexus LF-A."
"How much does it cost?"
"About 4oo grand."
"Is it reliable?"
It also didn't hurt that the driver of the LF-A is her current crush, Sung Kang, who plays Han, who died in part 3. Die again already! And may I add your wig was askew in a few scenes. So there.
Speaking of Asian guys, she laughed at the Asian federal agent, with his mini mohawk and EXTREMELY tight, comically tight Underarmour t-shirt.
In a nutshell, Fast Five is action packed, entertaining, and absolutely ridiculous. It is Ocean's Eleven (the remake) without the style. The cars are probably cooler than in any of the other Fast and Furiouses. A lot of the action takes place in Rio de Janeiro's favelas. Yes, you've seen this before in a bunch of other movies, including the Incredible Hulk. Must be trendy to show Brazilian shanty towns in movies. The two Dodge sedans towing a massive vault is so absurd it belongs in, well, a Dodge commercial.
So yes, Fast Five is worth watching. We watched it on my anniversary weekend with no hard feelings as a result. Your results may vary.
*I'd like to mention this is the first movie we rented under Redbox raised prices from $1.00 to $1.20. Boo. I think it sucks of Redbox to raise prices. It is still about as cheap as it gets, however I'll select my rentals carefully and be watching for future raised prices.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Greta's last car car ride
Greta had her last car car ride today. I picked up her ashes from the vet. The box felt heavier than I expected. I briefly considered rolling down the window for her as usual. I was curious, so I unscrewed the lid to the wooden box and looked inside. Ashes in a double bag. I felt a little disappointed, expecting some flash of recognition of the dog I loved so much. I carefully screwed the lid back on. Part of me wants to keep the ashes in the house so Greta will stay close. Eventually we will bury her in the yard near the other dogs and cultivate a little site for her including flowers and a marker.
Greta was so intertwined with every aspect of our life that her absence is heart-wrenching. I open the front door and expect her to be there to greet me. I look over on the sofa to check on her but she is gone. Our meals now go unshared. We never went too far away for too long. We came back from vacations anxious to pick her up from doggie camp.
The daily walks are over. When I rattle the collar and leash there are no more sounds of toenails rapidly clicking down the stairs. The signs of her life here are now cherished artifacts. Dog hair, dog treats, raincoat, her beds, blankets, pillows, and even her doggy scent, savored and slowly fading.
In her last days as she declined, we continuously talked to her, touched her, kissed her, smelled her, desperate to cram every possible detail of her into our memory. Barely a few minutes were spent away from her. I close my eyes and imagine her weight as I carried her up and down the stairs. I imagine how her paws felt in my hands.
We still miss her terribly and try to get through each day. I am happy for all the memories and mementos we have of Greta and hope one day I will see her again.
Greta was so intertwined with every aspect of our life that her absence is heart-wrenching. I open the front door and expect her to be there to greet me. I look over on the sofa to check on her but she is gone. Our meals now go unshared. We never went too far away for too long. We came back from vacations anxious to pick her up from doggie camp.
The daily walks are over. When I rattle the collar and leash there are no more sounds of toenails rapidly clicking down the stairs. The signs of her life here are now cherished artifacts. Dog hair, dog treats, raincoat, her beds, blankets, pillows, and even her doggy scent, savored and slowly fading.
In her last days as she declined, we continuously talked to her, touched her, kissed her, smelled her, desperate to cram every possible detail of her into our memory. Barely a few minutes were spent away from her. I close my eyes and imagine her weight as I carried her up and down the stairs. I imagine how her paws felt in my hands.
We still miss her terribly and try to get through each day. I am happy for all the memories and mementos we have of Greta and hope one day I will see her again.
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