Random Memo 103005: Making Up For Lost Time

A lot has happened since I last blogged. And I've been busier than busy. If idle hands are the devil's playground, then I'm in good shape!

1. The Astros won the National League title. I'll admit it... I was in bed when the title was clinched, but I got up and dressed and went out to the street where neighbors were gathering to celebrate (hugs, high fives and fireworks).
2. The World Series fell far short of my long-awaited expectations. And it didn't have anything to do with how the Astros played. I think our guys did an outstanding job, played hard and displayed the heart and good character I know they have. It was the media degradation and incessant criticism... of not only the team, but the City of Houston, in general. I grew from weary and saddened... to outright engraged. I remain proud of my Astros and their accomplishments, but I've developed a pretty powerful disrespect for Fox Sports and their commentary.
3. Some really good neighborhood relationships solidified during the preparation for Hurricane Rita. Good things DO sometimes arise from difficult situations.
4. I picked up a great moonlight project, and I'm stoked about the potential.
5. I had a great belated birthday celebration, put together by Dude and KBJ. It rocked.
6. Work has been WAY more stressful than usual. I've got a fast-track project, with a tight budget, and I've been working as hard as I can to meet all of the requirements. It's kinda neat because I'm working with a principal who is really involved, and he's helping A LOT. Too, the project is located close to my hometown, and I am childhood friends with the general contractor. I want to do an extraordinarily good job (like always), for all of the parties involved... which doesn't change my work habits, but adds a layer of internally initiated responsibility and stress.
7. Tragedy. An acquaintance of my aunt and uncle... hit an 18-wheeler head-on. He was killed instantly, as was one of his dogs. The other dog was at home. Long story short (link provided later), the man's father took the surviving dog to the pound. My aunt and uncle rescued him from the pound and have placed him in a private kennel, while we can find him a permanent home. Look for more links later, while I agonize over whether Miss C would accept him!
8. I'm getting ready to go on a road-trip vacation. The timing is poor on all accounts, but there are extenuating circumstances. Miss C and I are swinging through Doches and picking up my aunt. It will be a week of relaxation, games and jigsaw puzzles, hanging out, old movies, good food, long walks and a little antique shopping. Check out my blog from the road!
9. Went to a club last night to witness, for the first time, (my pal) Mike's band. Check out 2nd Wind. I rode over with (my pal and) Mike's wife. We had a great time and the band rocked the house! I can't wait to see/hear them again!!!

Cooking Chili for Boss' Day

Long story, but I find myself, as do several of my co-workers, cooking chili for a Boss' Day celebration tomorrow. And while it's not a competition... it really IS!

I've never cooked chili before, so for this endeavor, I interviewed many who have... and I researched the history of the delicacy.

I won't share my secret recipe at this point, as it is a little of everything I've learned, but I WILL reveal my recipe's name:

"East Texas Rib Sticker"!

It's tasting pretty dad-gum good. I think I might just have it in the bag... And, on the off chance it doesn't go over well, I'll have good eats for the weekend!

Change of Pace

The thing about my job that's so disjointing is... you run at 1000mph for so long, and then you stop for a day to travel and meet with a client. And that day is often (like today) comprised of a long car ride, waiting for parties to arrive, lengthy conversations, and not so many decisons before a leisurely, late lunch and car trip home.

It's like blasting off at full throttle and coasting to a stop. And tomorrow, somehow, I must find the fuel to blast off again.

Random Memo 100905

1. Met with new clients. They seem like great people. Our personalities gelled, and I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life.
2. Completed a drawing for MMSP.
3. Wrote a proposal for professional services.
4. Pulled some OT.
5. Shmuggled with Miss C.
6. Bleached the kitchen counters.
7. Washed and dried clothes and sheets and towels.
8. Made a vacation list and terms of agreement for my vacation companion. Ha.
9. Gathered pecans.
10. Piddled in the yard.
11. Watched a healthy share of television, including old movies and a ton of Made.
12. Enjoyed the Astros' results!
13. Checked out some other blogs.
14. Cleaned house.
15. Made lists and plans.

Good News, and Sad, Sad News

Good: Andy Pettitte leads the Astros to a win in Game 1 over Atlanta.

Sad, sad, sad: The body of Taylor Behl was found today, confirming everyone's fears.