You don't see golf talk posts around here too often. At one time in life the SacTownGuy was a very avid golfer. It was not uncommon for me to play 2 or 3 rounds a week and 36 per day on vacations with the guys. Then kids came and life changed! Since the time my little dude was born in 2002 I have golfed 5 times I believe; 2 "charity" type scramble tournies and 3 times up here in Lake Tahoe (each of the last three July's). In fact, last year's, once a year game, was just a few holes as I was nursing a pinched nerve in my neck at the time. I thus have basically not played at all.
Even back in my "glory days" I was never great. I carried a 14.4 index which was accurate as I have always been a stickler for the rules and count all shots, all penalties and all lost balls. I was consistently in the 80's and have not broken 80 since my college playing days. Oh THOSE were the days... go to class for an hour or two, go home and watch re-runs of CHiP's and then hit the local course over in RP for 18; $5 per round on the locals rate! Anyway, bottom line I am not great but at one time in life did enjoy the game.
I teed off yesterday with expectations of having a hard time completing 18 holes. It's a Jack Nicklaus designed course up at Old Greenwood. It's not the hardest course ever but has a lot of sand that's for sure! Also some lakes... oh water hazards are extra scary when you haven't played a lot.
It's hard when you haven't played as the back hurts and the lost balls and penalty strokes start to weigh on a guy as the round continues. Well, if you told me I would play 18 holes with no lost balls and just one penalty stroke for an unplayable lye I would take it... and I did. 53 on the front which included an 11 on hole #8. The back nine ended with a 56 which included a 3 putt from about 4 feet... but also included a par on another hole and included hitting at least 3 greens in regulation. I will take that!
I teed off with the 4 iron for the most part and then pulled out the "big dog" (the 3 iron) on a couple of shots. Played a lot of 5 irons in the fairway! All in all it was a successful day.
peace out.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Gym Talk - Vacation Edition
The SacTownGuy likes going to the gym as you know. You know what I like better than just going to the gym? Going to a NICE gym. Today I had the pleasure of walking the mile over to the clubhouse here at Old Greenwood. The air was crisp at 6:15 but what a way to awaken the senses. Upon arrival I flashed my temporary membership card and asked for a copy of today's SacTown Bee. To my dismay the "deliver guy must have overslept" and they didn't have the Bee. They had the SF Chron which is fine but I like my local news and not all angles of Gavin Newsome's nuptials. She suggested the Bee should arrive any time so I said I would pay when I leave since I have to pay by credit card (since they don't take cash) and it seemed silly to charge 75 cents now and then another 75 cents in an hour or two. She then suggested I "just take the Chronicle, read it, return it and it" would be "our little secret." I explained it would not be a secret to anybody if I read the paper while on the exercise bike as I tend to sweat a lot.
Off I went, upstairs, to enjoy the fine gym. I have worked out there before so was familiar with the quality of equipment. A TV on each piece of cardio equipment, thick cotton towels, free headphones to keep after using, bottled water, etc.... I did my thing in the gym; about 75 or 80 minutes of cardio and then headed to the locker room. I must say the SacTownGuy likes a nice, country club quality, locker room!
I hadn't shaved in a few days so I approached the sink with that in mind. I had to navigate through all the bottles of stuff as they have everything for you: soap, lotion, deodorant, after shave, etc... and finally shaving cream. Several types of deodorant and shaving cream to make sure they have your brand. Nice!
Oh ya, plus combs in individual bags, razors and my favorite... individually wrapped toothbrushes with toothpaste on them. I love that! Don't tell anybody, and Kitty Kat hates this, but I do not brush my teeth every morning. However, when they make it that easy how can I not brush my teeth!? I thus left that locker room feeling clean and ready for the day! However, I still hadn't paid for my SF Chron so I went back downstairs and by the front desk.
The SacTown Bee never arrived so I owed 75 cents for the Chron. I wasn't buying water because they had bottles in a cooler by the pool (have I ever told you I like the country club lifestyle!?). The woman at the desk told me to give my cabin number and she would charge it to my room. I explained I had a private rental and thus could not charge to the room and would have to pay with credit card. She said, in a condescending voice, "JUST GIVE ME YOUR CABIN NUMBER." I said, "I can't charge to my cabin." She replied, again like I am an idiot, "JUST GIVE ME YOUR CABIN NUMBER AND I WILL CHARGE IT TO YOUR ROOM BILL." I repeated that we were renting from a private party who were country club members and thus we were just their guests for the week. The lady was looking at me like I snuck in or something, even though she had seen my guest pass, and was just treating me poorly. As Kitty Kat reminded me when I told her, they were treating me like a Macy's customer though I am paying Nordstrom prices! Anyway, finally one of the other front desk workers said, "ohhh, you mean you do not have guest charge privileges." He said it in a snotty voice and I was feeling too good with my cardio done, brushed teeth, shaved face, showered body so I let it all go. I told him I would pay him tomorrow. I just felt stupid charging my credit card for 75 cents. Seriously, what's their per transaction charge from Visa, 30 cents?
With my newspaper purchase out of the way I headed to town to get Kitty Kat a 44 OZ SUPER Big Gulp from 7-11. Then back for some golf ball hunting with the kids. Then it was time for the lady's to take off. The day was the lady's shopping day and thus the dad's had the kids. We all loves our wives but there is something a tad more relaxing about having only dads. The kids just don't cry/whine as much... and when we do we just ignore them. J/k. I remember last year when we had the dad's day Mr. Greg said, with a big smile on his face, "remember kids the rules are no crying and whining." My little girl repeated that many times throughout the year; "Mr. Greg says no crying and no whining." So, it's apparent they do learn good lessons on dad's day!
This year we hit a local lake for some jet skiing. Mr. Greg has a couple of wave runners. FUN! In typical suburban fashion we rolled out to the lake in 3 of our SUV's, a Sequoia, an Expedition and a Denali. We had the EZ-UP up in no time, sandwiches ready for the kids, and the wave runners in the water. A tad chilly in the water but a great day and fun was had by all!
peace out
Off I went, upstairs, to enjoy the fine gym. I have worked out there before so was familiar with the quality of equipment. A TV on each piece of cardio equipment, thick cotton towels, free headphones to keep after using, bottled water, etc.... I did my thing in the gym; about 75 or 80 minutes of cardio and then headed to the locker room. I must say the SacTownGuy likes a nice, country club quality, locker room!
I hadn't shaved in a few days so I approached the sink with that in mind. I had to navigate through all the bottles of stuff as they have everything for you: soap, lotion, deodorant, after shave, etc... and finally shaving cream. Several types of deodorant and shaving cream to make sure they have your brand. Nice!
Oh ya, plus combs in individual bags, razors and my favorite... individually wrapped toothbrushes with toothpaste on them. I love that! Don't tell anybody, and Kitty Kat hates this, but I do not brush my teeth every morning. However, when they make it that easy how can I not brush my teeth!? I thus left that locker room feeling clean and ready for the day! However, I still hadn't paid for my SF Chron so I went back downstairs and by the front desk. The SacTown Bee never arrived so I owed 75 cents for the Chron. I wasn't buying water because they had bottles in a cooler by the pool (have I ever told you I like the country club lifestyle!?). The woman at the desk told me to give my cabin number and she would charge it to my room. I explained I had a private rental and thus could not charge to the room and would have to pay with credit card. She said, in a condescending voice, "JUST GIVE ME YOUR CABIN NUMBER." I said, "I can't charge to my cabin." She replied, again like I am an idiot, "JUST GIVE ME YOUR CABIN NUMBER AND I WILL CHARGE IT TO YOUR ROOM BILL." I repeated that we were renting from a private party who were country club members and thus we were just their guests for the week. The lady was looking at me like I snuck in or something, even though she had seen my guest pass, and was just treating me poorly. As Kitty Kat reminded me when I told her, they were treating me like a Macy's customer though I am paying Nordstrom prices! Anyway, finally one of the other front desk workers said, "ohhh, you mean you do not have guest charge privileges." He said it in a snotty voice and I was feeling too good with my cardio done, brushed teeth, shaved face, showered body so I let it all go. I told him I would pay him tomorrow. I just felt stupid charging my credit card for 75 cents. Seriously, what's their per transaction charge from Visa, 30 cents?
With my newspaper purchase out of the way I headed to town to get Kitty Kat a 44 OZ SUPER Big Gulp from 7-11. Then back for some golf ball hunting with the kids. Then it was time for the lady's to take off. The day was the lady's shopping day and thus the dad's had the kids. We all loves our wives but there is something a tad more relaxing about having only dads. The kids just don't cry/whine as much... and when we do we just ignore them. J/k. I remember last year when we had the dad's day Mr. Greg said, with a big smile on his face, "remember kids the rules are no crying and whining." My little girl repeated that many times throughout the year; "Mr. Greg says no crying and no whining." So, it's apparent they do learn good lessons on dad's day!
This year we hit a local lake for some jet skiing. Mr. Greg has a couple of wave runners. FUN! In typical suburban fashion we rolled out to the lake in 3 of our SUV's, a Sequoia, an Expedition and a Denali. We had the EZ-UP up in no time, sandwiches ready for the kids, and the wave runners in the water. A tad chilly in the water but a great day and fun was had by all!
peace out
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Vacation Rentals
This is the third year that the SacTownGuy, Kitty Kat and the kids have been able to join our great neighbors for a week in Lake Tahoe. This year, we changed it up and are staying in Truckee. Just a "cabin." Here's a picture (obviously not taken right now) which may show why they get eight C notes a night. We are sharing it with our neighbors and two other neighbors are sharing a house in this same neighborhood.
I can remember vacation homes as kid down on Balboa Island. I was 5 and 6 years old but still remember those frozen bananas down there. As I got older I have many fond memories of vacation homes in college. After college have had a few opportunities to partake in enjoying someone else's home.
This year it's the cabin in Truckee. Ok, full story is it's in the Old Greenwood golf course community with country club amenities like a Jack Nicklaus golf course, huge pool for the kids with water slide, bar/restaurant with great pool side service (thanks Danny for keeping the iced tea flowing all day) and incredible out door resources to enjoy.
Here's another picture from the rental's website. Notice anything funny in it?
YES, the wine bottles which are not locked up. Most rental houses have ANYTHING of ANY value locked up... and with good reason. I remember my frat bros destroyed a few houses in Bodega Bay during our frat "retreats." Sometimes just one night and never more than 2 but I guarantee those people reconsidered renting their house out after that hurricane went through there.One year I remember breaking the hot tub after 12 (or was it 15?) guys piled into their little hot tub. Not sure what happened but it was broken. Of course, broke a lamp but that almost goes without saying when a group of frat boys takes over a house for the weekend. The best though was the year "Jethro," wearing his wet suit (for no good reason), driving his BMW (when he should not have been) and got all 4 wheels off the ground after hitting a median at the end of the street. I beleive he broke all four wheels on that move. However, you know what? It was worth it. The guys that were there can remember it, the guys that weren't can keep telling it as well, and all of us can use it as a good story of what not to do when talking to our kids when they head off to college. That lecture will be long!
Or maybe the time "J.C." kept betting double or nothing with "Turtle" after he lost a one dollar bet. It got up to $200 or some such number at which point J.C. stopped betting and, half assuming, Turtle would never make him pay. Well, J.C. was wrong. Took some years but I believe J.C. did finally pay Turtle for that gambling debt.
Ok, but back to the present so they left a bunch of bottles of wine as the picture above shows. Then we found the cabinet full of liquor. Oh my! Can you imagine if a group of frat bros found that in their rental house? It's not just that the liquor would be consumed (and I mean every ounce) but it would HAVE to be consumed because it was there and it was free and it was sort of rule breaking because no doubt the owner did not intend their renters to drink their booze. Of course, however, the cheap dumps the frat boys used to rent in Bodgea did not have a booze cabinet. They were pretty bare bones.
Seriously though, I can just picture Turtle and Flounder, among others, emptying the last drop of obscure liquor at about 4:30 AM. They would start with the tequilla and vodka the night before and by 4:00 it would have been a battle of attrition to see who was more "manly" to stay up later, drink more and drink whatever it was. The SacTownGuy would have been sleeping at that hour! Of course, I can remember trips where "Hacker" would be in with the blender going at 6:00 AM for the next day's drinks to start. Yikes! I am glad that was a long time ago... seems like a lifetime ago actually.
Anyway, the house in Old Greenwood is a tad nicer than the frat dumps in Bodega and probably out of the price range of most frat boys... except maybe those at U$C!? I should add that we probably won't touch a drop of their liquor or their wine... nor all the condiments and stuff they left here. Yuck! I don't know about you but I don't like the idea of eating some stranger's food. Especially condiments that might have been there for a year or two!? With that it's almost dinner time so time for the major "partying" to begin. I am sure I will drink a beer... if not TWO tonight. Oh times change.
peace out.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Gym Talk
Earlier in the week I missed my freeway exit going to the gym... for the second time in recent memory. I have been going to that gym for 5 years, most every day, drive the same route, and twice in short order I just drove right by my off ramp. Just day dreaming at 4:45 AM and drove right on past it! Getting old sucks... but that's not what I want to talk about today. I had an unfortunate incident at the gym that same morning. Someone passed gas and I am pretty sure the guy next to me was thinking I did it... just like I was thinking he did it! The fact is it was NOT me.
Ok, the situation was this. I was in the back row on a bike with a guy on the bike to my left. There was another guy on a stairmaster about two machines over to my right. There also were people on the two treadmills in front of the bikes. However, due to the length of the treadmill and the walk way behind the treadmill they were not as likely to be blamed for the incident. The situation reminds me of something George Carlin once said, "if there are two people on an elevator and one of them farts everybody knows who did it." How true!
In this situation we had the guy next to me who was most likely the culprit because the smell was very strong. However, it could have waifed back from the treadmills!? I remember there used to be a guy in the mornings that often ran on the treadmill in front of me. If nobody else was around and a bad smell waifed toward me I knew who to blame. He had his back to me so he didn't have to look me in the eye but the old George Carlin adage would be true in that instance... or maybe he thought the fans up above would dissipate the odor before it got to anybody? I know I have had thought in the gym before. Don't laugh, you know you have too!
So, again I am assuming it was the guy on the bike next to me because it was a strong odor and he was closest to me. However, what do you do? The options I considered were:
1) Say to the guy on the bike next to me, "wow, someone really let one go, eh?"
2) Say, "it wasn't me" and sort of look at him like I KNOW it was YOU to see if he would admit it.
3) Do nothing.
I decided it really didn't matter and did nothing. It's just the gym, who really cares, as I was sweating my bodily fluids all over the bike and the floor so really a fart is nothing compared to that!?
Keep this in mind next time you have to pass some gas at the gym. The smell does travel!
peace out.
Ok, the situation was this. I was in the back row on a bike with a guy on the bike to my left. There was another guy on a stairmaster about two machines over to my right. There also were people on the two treadmills in front of the bikes. However, due to the length of the treadmill and the walk way behind the treadmill they were not as likely to be blamed for the incident. The situation reminds me of something George Carlin once said, "if there are two people on an elevator and one of them farts everybody knows who did it." How true!
In this situation we had the guy next to me who was most likely the culprit because the smell was very strong. However, it could have waifed back from the treadmills!? I remember there used to be a guy in the mornings that often ran on the treadmill in front of me. If nobody else was around and a bad smell waifed toward me I knew who to blame. He had his back to me so he didn't have to look me in the eye but the old George Carlin adage would be true in that instance... or maybe he thought the fans up above would dissipate the odor before it got to anybody? I know I have had thought in the gym before. Don't laugh, you know you have too!
So, again I am assuming it was the guy on the bike next to me because it was a strong odor and he was closest to me. However, what do you do? The options I considered were:
1) Say to the guy on the bike next to me, "wow, someone really let one go, eh?"
2) Say, "it wasn't me" and sort of look at him like I KNOW it was YOU to see if he would admit it.
3) Do nothing.
I decided it really didn't matter and did nothing. It's just the gym, who really cares, as I was sweating my bodily fluids all over the bike and the floor so really a fart is nothing compared to that!?
Keep this in mind next time you have to pass some gas at the gym. The smell does travel!
peace out.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Awkward
Had a retirement party today for our incredible office receptionist. 23 years on the job (since July '85) and she is now moving away. Really one of the best employees I have ever seen. Anyway, had an awkward moment at the party. It was at a nice restaurant in a private room. Probably had about 20 people there. She opened her cards first thing. As typical of an office event we passed the cards around the office the last few days and everybody wrote a few nice words. Of course when you lose such a loyal and great employee some people said a lot. Now, I realize those messages are not "private" per se as you pass the card around the office. I don't know about you but I generally do not read what others have written. I consider it semi-private. This great employee started reading a few of them while we were all sitting there... and she read them aloud to the group. I found it awkward and was glad she didn't read what I wrote. I don't remember what I wrote and maybe it was the greatest thing ever but there is something about hearing your words, in a setting like that, which would not have been comfortable to me. Maybe it's just me but I found it a tad awkward.
Speaking of awkward I didn't tell y'all what happened at the barber shop on Saturday. I went to a small barber shop here in RoseTown with a very overly-friendly barber/owner. He was shaking hands, finding out the customer's names, etc.... I was waiting my turn for a cut when a woman walked in. She was in her mid 50's I would say. She said she was in to buy some shampoo for her husband as the shampoo this barber shop sells is the best dandruff shampoo he has found, yada, yada, yada.... Mr. Overly Friendly Barber asked the customer what her husband's name was. She replied, "it's Dave." [PAUSE PAUSE] "No, I mean it's Jim... Dave is my boss." She went on to say that her husband would find that funny. We laughed and then I told her we would keep that secret amongst us there at the shop... because I am not sure Jim would laugh as much as she thinks he would!
peace out.
Speaking of awkward I didn't tell y'all what happened at the barber shop on Saturday. I went to a small barber shop here in RoseTown with a very overly-friendly barber/owner. He was shaking hands, finding out the customer's names, etc.... I was waiting my turn for a cut when a woman walked in. She was in her mid 50's I would say. She said she was in to buy some shampoo for her husband as the shampoo this barber shop sells is the best dandruff shampoo he has found, yada, yada, yada.... Mr. Overly Friendly Barber asked the customer what her husband's name was. She replied, "it's Dave." [PAUSE PAUSE] "No, I mean it's Jim... Dave is my boss." She went on to say that her husband would find that funny. We laughed and then I told her we would keep that secret amongst us there at the shop... because I am not sure Jim would laugh as much as she thinks he would!
peace out.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Weekend
Well Kitty Kat and the kids have been out of town since Friday. The SacTownGuy has so much time on his hands I am sort of surprised there are not 25 new posts this weekend. However, have been busy cleaning up around the house (even did some painting), did some shopping, and went into the office for a few hours today. I have even relaxed a few times which I NEVER do. Feels strange to sit here and not do something though. I don't like this relaxing thing.
I must say I really prefer having my family around. You just get used to having them here. Chaos at times, very little down time, but that's what I am used to. I will be very happy when my peeps are back.
Went out for a beer Friday night with my neighbor, Big Jim, as he is bach'ing this weekend also. Went to Island's which is always good to me. Solid burger, with some guac on it, and a Skinny Deep beer. Not a bad dinner! I have often said how great it is to live where I live with such great neighbors and this was just one more example. If a house ever comes up for sale, in my hood, you all should try to grab it! Good people behind these gates!
Woke up Saturday morning and went to the Ranch for some hoops. Two hours of hoops with the old guys who I have never played with before. Coming off my great game Thursday night I was ready... but wasn't ready to start O for 3 and have my teammate on two occasions tell me to pass not shoot. Damn! That hurts. The only way to prove you can shoot is to keep shooting but you really don't want to miss it. Did lots of screening, moving without the ball, and defense (well, a little defense). I tried to avoid the ball for a few minutes. Then I found myself at the free throw line, cutting, ball coming at me, so I caught it, tossed up a little floater and... air ball. Ouch! The next game I caught a little fire, knocked down a couple of treys, caused a couple loose balls and even got a couple of rebounds as I was trying to find some way to make myself useful. All in all I balled for 2 hours and was just hurting after. Had to cancel my planned bike ride for Sunday, with D'smooth, as my body was hurting... and still is.
Did some stuff around the house, watched a little British Open (wow, that was almost a great story) and then went over to the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. It's their good sale. Just started Friday. Had been given a nice gift certificate for the holidays but have never had a chance to use it. I don't waste time and within 20 minutes I bought a sports coat, 3 nice white shirts, and a pair of Allen Edmonds.
I like being a guy. I dropped about $850 in 20 minutes and was done with my shopping for a year or two. I, of course, look better than this guy in the coat but just wanted you to see what my new coat looks like. My shirts are pretty sweet looking but I won't make you look at pictures of them.
Went home after Nordies and watched a little baseball. I ended up doing nothing Saturday night. Thought about calling Big Jim to go out for another beer, thought about watching a movie, and ended up doing very little. Spent some time prepping for my big family party in a few weeks. Evite should go out today! Oh ya, we still haven't ordered a party favor so I looked around on the net for that. Did a little work also.
Woke up early today, struggled through 30 minutes on the exercise bike, washed my car and then headed to work. Spent a few hours there and got some good work done. I felt pretty useful. Came home. Decided to break out the golf clubs. Has been about 5 years since I used my clubs so was like a time capsule. I have played twice in that time but with rental clubs. Found 3 Power Bars, an empty water bottle, some range tokens and 50 unused range tokens on a card (damn I guess that was a waste of money) from the country club I used to belong to, random scorecards, 3 pairs of old socks (why was I carrying 3 pairs of socks in my golf bag I want to know?), a nice Nike golf hat, and a bunch of other crap. Threw much of it away... yes, including the Power Bar's and one pair of old socks (the other two looked pretty nice). One Power Bar proclaimed it be to a new flavor... they probably don't even make that one anymore! I then headed to the crappiest, nasty, driving range I have ever seen in my life. It's over on Sunrise near the Sunrise Mall. Yuck. See, I have lived here in Rosetown for 5 years and have not been to a driving range during that time. I thus did not know where one was. Let me say this place sucked! I actually hit a few nice shots but tough to know as it was off the mat and not real grass. Those mats are awfully forgiving. I hope to get out there before another 5 years elapses.
Then it was back home to shoot some hoops (damn, I got wasps up in one of the rims) and hang out. I did get bored though so just played a game of Pac Man. I play but a couple times a year but it is still a cool game. Really everybody should own a cocktail Pac-Man table. There is nary a person, old or young, who does not comment on the table as it's in the living room. I did not quite get to the keys today nor did I have an incredible score. However, I only played one game and got about 88,000 and got to the first gold bar.
It actually wasn't bad as I lost my last Pac-Man when I was on the first apple after a couple of dumb mistakes. I thus went a long way on that last guy. You know if you were the guy who had slapped his quarter down for "next game" you would have been bummed watching me plow through the screens.
I must tell you my new laptop is in the shop due to some problem and I have been using this relic of a laptop the last few days. It's about 5 or 6 years old. The kids use it to go to webkins.com, barbie.com, etc.... Let me tell you it is SLOW. Plus, it never sleeps and is always making noises. I will be happy when the Geek Squad gets mine up and running again!
With that, it is nearing Sunday dinner. I may go grab a burrito... and I may just have some cereal. Have not decided yet. Early to bed as the alarm is going off at the usual time in the AM... while most of you are sleeping.
Happy Monday Eve.
peace out.
I must say I really prefer having my family around. You just get used to having them here. Chaos at times, very little down time, but that's what I am used to. I will be very happy when my peeps are back.
Went out for a beer Friday night with my neighbor, Big Jim, as he is bach'ing this weekend also. Went to Island's which is always good to me. Solid burger, with some guac on it, and a Skinny Deep beer. Not a bad dinner! I have often said how great it is to live where I live with such great neighbors and this was just one more example. If a house ever comes up for sale, in my hood, you all should try to grab it! Good people behind these gates!
Woke up Saturday morning and went to the Ranch for some hoops. Two hours of hoops with the old guys who I have never played with before. Coming off my great game Thursday night I was ready... but wasn't ready to start O for 3 and have my teammate on two occasions tell me to pass not shoot. Damn! That hurts. The only way to prove you can shoot is to keep shooting but you really don't want to miss it. Did lots of screening, moving without the ball, and defense (well, a little defense). I tried to avoid the ball for a few minutes. Then I found myself at the free throw line, cutting, ball coming at me, so I caught it, tossed up a little floater and... air ball. Ouch! The next game I caught a little fire, knocked down a couple of treys, caused a couple loose balls and even got a couple of rebounds as I was trying to find some way to make myself useful. All in all I balled for 2 hours and was just hurting after. Had to cancel my planned bike ride for Sunday, with D'smooth, as my body was hurting... and still is.
Did some stuff around the house, watched a little British Open (wow, that was almost a great story) and then went over to the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. It's their good sale. Just started Friday. Had been given a nice gift certificate for the holidays but have never had a chance to use it. I don't waste time and within 20 minutes I bought a sports coat, 3 nice white shirts, and a pair of Allen Edmonds.
I like being a guy. I dropped about $850 in 20 minutes and was done with my shopping for a year or two. I, of course, look better than this guy in the coat but just wanted you to see what my new coat looks like. My shirts are pretty sweet looking but I won't make you look at pictures of them.
Went home after Nordies and watched a little baseball. I ended up doing nothing Saturday night. Thought about calling Big Jim to go out for another beer, thought about watching a movie, and ended up doing very little. Spent some time prepping for my big family party in a few weeks. Evite should go out today! Oh ya, we still haven't ordered a party favor so I looked around on the net for that. Did a little work also.
Woke up early today, struggled through 30 minutes on the exercise bike, washed my car and then headed to work. Spent a few hours there and got some good work done. I felt pretty useful. Came home. Decided to break out the golf clubs. Has been about 5 years since I used my clubs so was like a time capsule. I have played twice in that time but with rental clubs. Found 3 Power Bars, an empty water bottle, some range tokens and 50 unused range tokens on a card (damn I guess that was a waste of money) from the country club I used to belong to, random scorecards, 3 pairs of old socks (why was I carrying 3 pairs of socks in my golf bag I want to know?), a nice Nike golf hat, and a bunch of other crap. Threw much of it away... yes, including the Power Bar's and one pair of old socks (the other two looked pretty nice). One Power Bar proclaimed it be to a new flavor... they probably don't even make that one anymore! I then headed to the crappiest, nasty, driving range I have ever seen in my life. It's over on Sunrise near the Sunrise Mall. Yuck. See, I have lived here in Rosetown for 5 years and have not been to a driving range during that time. I thus did not know where one was. Let me say this place sucked! I actually hit a few nice shots but tough to know as it was off the mat and not real grass. Those mats are awfully forgiving. I hope to get out there before another 5 years elapses.
Then it was back home to shoot some hoops (damn, I got wasps up in one of the rims) and hang out. I did get bored though so just played a game of Pac Man. I play but a couple times a year but it is still a cool game. Really everybody should own a cocktail Pac-Man table. There is nary a person, old or young, who does not comment on the table as it's in the living room. I did not quite get to the keys today nor did I have an incredible score. However, I only played one game and got about 88,000 and got to the first gold bar.
It actually wasn't bad as I lost my last Pac-Man when I was on the first apple after a couple of dumb mistakes. I thus went a long way on that last guy. You know if you were the guy who had slapped his quarter down for "next game" you would have been bummed watching me plow through the screens.
I must tell you my new laptop is in the shop due to some problem and I have been using this relic of a laptop the last few days. It's about 5 or 6 years old. The kids use it to go to webkins.com, barbie.com, etc.... Let me tell you it is SLOW. Plus, it never sleeps and is always making noises. I will be happy when the Geek Squad gets mine up and running again!
With that, it is nearing Sunday dinner. I may go grab a burrito... and I may just have some cereal. Have not decided yet. Early to bed as the alarm is going off at the usual time in the AM... while most of you are sleeping.
Happy Monday Eve.
peace out.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Aches and pains
I met with a little old lady client yesterday. She complained (several times as if she hadn't just said it a minute before) how "this getting old stuff is no fun..." and similar sentiments. I said, "you probably don't want to hear about my aches and pains at 40 then?" She smiled and agreed she did not. It's really all relative. I have aches and pains at 40 because I bust my butt to get out of bed at 4:20 to go the gym and then, once a week, I play basketball with a bunch of hacks (myself included). Last night was hoops night and I am feeling some aches and pains this morning.
The "E" league is way the heck out there. When people talk about "BFE" that's about where this is. If you don't what BFE is I guess you have to look it up. The school, a brand new shiny middle school with no kids to attend it, is northwest of Sun City Roseville. It thus is in Roseville but over 20 minutes from my house which is in southeast Roseville. Anyway, it's FAR. I went straight from work. I got there early and started warming up and was hitting a lot of my shots. Hmmmmmm, maybe this would be a good night....
Before I go on I have to tell you how nice these gyms are that we play in. It's a LONG way from the metal nets I grew up with at my school in LA. That was metal nets on outdoor asphault courts since we had no indoor building. How about that, high school basketball games could have been rained out back then! Not likely as it was LA but anyway a long way from that. Roseville has built nice gyms at every single elementary and middle school they have! This brand new school has TWO big gym buildings. We played in the main gym which is pristine, with bleachers on both sides of the court, nice bathroom facilities, nice climate control, etc.... I have to imagine the people that love the city rather than the 'burbs have never lived in the 'burbs!?
As the 6:15 tip time approached the other team, with their matching uniforms (how cute) did not have 5 players. First game of the night so they had a 5 minute grace period. Unfortunately they only had 3 players at 6:20 and thus no game. Well, you know the SacTownGuy is not going to sit. We had 5 players, they had 3, the refs didn't want to run with us (punks) so we started running full court 4 on 4. Before long a couple more showed up and we were running 5 on 5 with no refs. However, the scorekeepers were nice enough to keep score on the electronic scoreboard. I love the suburbs!
Put on your best Dan Patrick voice and repeat after me, "dare I say the SacTownGuy was en fuego!?" Damn. Flat out they couldn't stop me, contain me or even guard me... luckily they never really gave a great effort. One thing I have developed over the years is a very good 3 point shot... especially when not closely guarded. It's just like practice. I hit 3 or 4 of them from one side so the guy started guarding me. Then I slipped down low, cut across to the other side, caught and released and... swoosh from the other corner. Basketball is a lot of fun when you are on fire!
I threw in several tough lay-ups, along with a few missed lay-ups, and ended with at least 30 points. I don't really know how many but let's call it 30-something. In a 40 minute game where the final score is in the 60's that's a lot of points! We won the game but who cares. It's all about the points and the run!
We played with a 40 minute running clock and practically no fouls called so pretty much just up and down the court for 40 minutes. I was tired after that! Sure, sure, sure... in the old days we could run all day. I know. This isn't the old days. We played for 40 minutes straight and I was beat tired after that! Just 40 minutes of hoops and my legs are tight, my feet hurt, and I could barely peddle 40 minutes on the exercise bike this morning. However, you know where I will be next Thursday night? Damn straight!
peace out.
The "E" league is way the heck out there. When people talk about "BFE" that's about where this is. If you don't what BFE is I guess you have to look it up. The school, a brand new shiny middle school with no kids to attend it, is northwest of Sun City Roseville. It thus is in Roseville but over 20 minutes from my house which is in southeast Roseville. Anyway, it's FAR. I went straight from work. I got there early and started warming up and was hitting a lot of my shots. Hmmmmmm, maybe this would be a good night....
Before I go on I have to tell you how nice these gyms are that we play in. It's a LONG way from the metal nets I grew up with at my school in LA. That was metal nets on outdoor asphault courts since we had no indoor building. How about that, high school basketball games could have been rained out back then! Not likely as it was LA but anyway a long way from that. Roseville has built nice gyms at every single elementary and middle school they have! This brand new school has TWO big gym buildings. We played in the main gym which is pristine, with bleachers on both sides of the court, nice bathroom facilities, nice climate control, etc.... I have to imagine the people that love the city rather than the 'burbs have never lived in the 'burbs!?
As the 6:15 tip time approached the other team, with their matching uniforms (how cute) did not have 5 players. First game of the night so they had a 5 minute grace period. Unfortunately they only had 3 players at 6:20 and thus no game. Well, you know the SacTownGuy is not going to sit. We had 5 players, they had 3, the refs didn't want to run with us (punks) so we started running full court 4 on 4. Before long a couple more showed up and we were running 5 on 5 with no refs. However, the scorekeepers were nice enough to keep score on the electronic scoreboard. I love the suburbs!
Put on your best Dan Patrick voice and repeat after me, "dare I say the SacTownGuy was en fuego!?" Damn. Flat out they couldn't stop me, contain me or even guard me... luckily they never really gave a great effort. One thing I have developed over the years is a very good 3 point shot... especially when not closely guarded. It's just like practice. I hit 3 or 4 of them from one side so the guy started guarding me. Then I slipped down low, cut across to the other side, caught and released and... swoosh from the other corner. Basketball is a lot of fun when you are on fire!
I threw in several tough lay-ups, along with a few missed lay-ups, and ended with at least 30 points. I don't really know how many but let's call it 30-something. In a 40 minute game where the final score is in the 60's that's a lot of points! We won the game but who cares. It's all about the points and the run!
We played with a 40 minute running clock and practically no fouls called so pretty much just up and down the court for 40 minutes. I was tired after that! Sure, sure, sure... in the old days we could run all day. I know. This isn't the old days. We played for 40 minutes straight and I was beat tired after that! Just 40 minutes of hoops and my legs are tight, my feet hurt, and I could barely peddle 40 minutes on the exercise bike this morning. However, you know where I will be next Thursday night? Damn straight!
peace out.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Rockin' Out
Most of us have hobbies. As I acknowledged in my previous post this week I enjoy collecting baseball cards. I also enjoy running, riding my bike, and at one point in life was an avid golfer. In particular, the physical activities, like going to the gym every day, really help relieve the stress and tension of life. More of us should have stress relieving hobbies we enjoy doing.
Having said all that my man Rockin' Rubes (aka: Hockey Guy), the Jewish Eddie Van Halen, got back into music a couple years back. He started a rock band and before long they were playing gigs... real gigs where people paid them money to perform. How cool is that!?
Seriously, how many of you golfers would like to get paid for playing, even if not a lot, rather than only spending money on your hobby?
I would say it has become a very large part of his life with band practice, gigs, and partying all night like a rock star! Ok, well maybe no rock star partying but my man does rock the house. I have not been at the wild gigs but I have heard at one certain pub in Citrus HIIIIeights the crowd got pretty rowdy late at night!
The band originally was known as Silent Dissention, then become Silent Dissent and is now called Twice Divided. They are probably breaking up soon due to a couple of rock star attitudes but I bet Rockin' Rubes will find a new band soon!
I don't know how to load a video so go check it out at YouTube, right HERE.
Can you guess which is the Jewish Eddie Van Halen? Yes, the guy clearly enjoying what he is doing.
Party on Rubes!
peace out.
Having said all that my man Rockin' Rubes (aka: Hockey Guy), the Jewish Eddie Van Halen, got back into music a couple years back. He started a rock band and before long they were playing gigs... real gigs where people paid them money to perform. How cool is that!?
Seriously, how many of you golfers would like to get paid for playing, even if not a lot, rather than only spending money on your hobby?
I would say it has become a very large part of his life with band practice, gigs, and partying all night like a rock star! Ok, well maybe no rock star partying but my man does rock the house. I have not been at the wild gigs but I have heard at one certain pub in Citrus HIIIIeights the crowd got pretty rowdy late at night!
The band originally was known as Silent Dissention, then become Silent Dissent and is now called Twice Divided. They are probably breaking up soon due to a couple of rock star attitudes but I bet Rockin' Rubes will find a new band soon!
I don't know how to load a video so go check it out at YouTube, right HERE.
Can you guess which is the Jewish Eddie Van Halen? Yes, the guy clearly enjoying what he is doing.
Party on Rubes!
peace out.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Dorkiness
I like to think that I am not a dork (and certainly not a nerd) as I am aware of the dorky things I do (as far as I know). Also, I have NEVER played (or considered playing) Dungeons & Dragons and I have never watched an episode of Star Trek (in fact throughout life nothing makes me change the channel quicker than seeing Star Trek, Star Wars or any similar show/movie). I think those are the big two for our generation and I just don't go there. As a kid I collected comic books for a few weeks but that ended pretty fast. Also, I got big laughs from Revenge of the Nerds and did not personally identify with them. 
Having said the above I do enjoy a few dorky (or is it geeky or nerdy?) things. In particular, you are reading my blog and that is pretty dorky I admit. Also, I do enjoy collecting baseball cards and do enjoy visiting a baseball card message board on the internet. I sometimes am embarrassed by the dorky statements or actions taken by my "friends" there but by and large I am ok with that geeky outlet in life. Additionally, in the last few years I have taken to wearing sports jerseys on occasion but I normally select obscure jerseys rather than the most prominent athlete of the day. For example, I was rocking my New Jersey Net's Ed O'Bannon last week at Family Camp. Also, I wear my Matt Barnes UCLA practice jersey when playing in my old man basketball league. So, I have some dorky tendencies but am aware of them....
Not to defend myself but one of the two main influences that got me to blog is my man Jimmy from college who has an awesome blog and I don't think many would call it dorky. I mean with a name like the Top Mack Nigga how dorky could it be? I like to think of myself as the white suburban Top Mack. For a top notch, and not dorky at all, blog check Jimmy out at: www.topmacknigga.blogspot.com/
I am not a huge fan of autographs. I find it funny (borderline dorky) that people have obsessions with collecting someone else's written name. On the rare occasion I get an autograph (it's been years) I ask for it to be personalized to me and am more likely to get the obscure autograph than some more famous person. For example, the last time I went to a baseball card show was about 3 years ago down in SF. There were a whole host of athletes signing autographs. Many hall of famers. I opted to do a family picture with ex-UCLA great Ken Norton, Jr. because to me he was much cooler than the rest even if the others were much more well known. In fact, didn't even get his autograph... just the family photo. I did once wait in line for a half hour to get Leslie Nielsen's autograph at Tower Records so I guess that's dorky. Oh ya, and I also asked Trevor Wilson for his autograph at a Tower Records back during law school when he played for the King's (probably the last time I bothered a "famous" person for their autograph). The Leslie Nielsen situation was during summer break from college... plus he was one of my favorites back then.
If you didn't like Leslie Nielsen in Police Squad you don't know humor! I do not envision myself seeking others autographs and would throw away (or sell) my childhood collection if not for my kids one day wanting to have some of them.
I also am not a huge collector of sports memorabilia. I have a couple jerseys hanging up but they are random players: SSU "alum" Larry Allen, an authentic Joe Ferguson Dodger's jersey from about '72, and my man Keith Owens UCLA hoops jersey. Keith was buddies with my cousin BIG Drew, in fact they rode the hoops bench together in about eighth grade and played soccer together, and the fact he made it to UCLA and then a two year contract with the Laker's is f'ing amazing! So I have his jersey hanging.
Having said all that, I held an autographed baseball yesterday that I found to be pretty cool. NOT a life changing event or anything like that but pretty cool nonetheless. A friend of mine has a baseball signed by baseball hall of famer Tris Speaker and Babe Ruth! No kidding!
I mean holding a ball signed by the man, the myth, the legend... GEORGE HERMAN "BABE" RUTH is pretty f'ing cool to me. Call it dorky but I found it be pretty cool. He probably had a beer in one hand, cig in his mouth, and two young women behind him as he signed that right!? I would actually like to own an item like that in my collection of crap. Right in between my Brad Miller autographed shoe and my A-Team toy car set maybe!? Would definitely bring the level of crap up a notch or two, eh!?
peace out.
Having said the above I do enjoy a few dorky (or is it geeky or nerdy?) things. In particular, you are reading my blog and that is pretty dorky I admit. Also, I do enjoy collecting baseball cards and do enjoy visiting a baseball card message board on the internet. I sometimes am embarrassed by the dorky statements or actions taken by my "friends" there but by and large I am ok with that geeky outlet in life. Additionally, in the last few years I have taken to wearing sports jerseys on occasion but I normally select obscure jerseys rather than the most prominent athlete of the day. For example, I was rocking my New Jersey Net's Ed O'Bannon last week at Family Camp. Also, I wear my Matt Barnes UCLA practice jersey when playing in my old man basketball league. So, I have some dorky tendencies but am aware of them....
Not to defend myself but one of the two main influences that got me to blog is my man Jimmy from college who has an awesome blog and I don't think many would call it dorky. I mean with a name like the Top Mack Nigga how dorky could it be? I like to think of myself as the white suburban Top Mack. For a top notch, and not dorky at all, blog check Jimmy out at: www.topmacknigga.blogspot.com/
I am not a huge fan of autographs. I find it funny (borderline dorky) that people have obsessions with collecting someone else's written name. On the rare occasion I get an autograph (it's been years) I ask for it to be personalized to me and am more likely to get the obscure autograph than some more famous person. For example, the last time I went to a baseball card show was about 3 years ago down in SF. There were a whole host of athletes signing autographs. Many hall of famers. I opted to do a family picture with ex-UCLA great Ken Norton, Jr. because to me he was much cooler than the rest even if the others were much more well known. In fact, didn't even get his autograph... just the family photo. I did once wait in line for a half hour to get Leslie Nielsen's autograph at Tower Records so I guess that's dorky. Oh ya, and I also asked Trevor Wilson for his autograph at a Tower Records back during law school when he played for the King's (probably the last time I bothered a "famous" person for their autograph). The Leslie Nielsen situation was during summer break from college... plus he was one of my favorites back then.
If you didn't like Leslie Nielsen in Police Squad you don't know humor! I do not envision myself seeking others autographs and would throw away (or sell) my childhood collection if not for my kids one day wanting to have some of them.
I also am not a huge collector of sports memorabilia. I have a couple jerseys hanging up but they are random players: SSU "alum" Larry Allen, an authentic Joe Ferguson Dodger's jersey from about '72, and my man Keith Owens UCLA hoops jersey. Keith was buddies with my cousin BIG Drew, in fact they rode the hoops bench together in about eighth grade and played soccer together, and the fact he made it to UCLA and then a two year contract with the Laker's is f'ing amazing! So I have his jersey hanging.
Having said all that, I held an autographed baseball yesterday that I found to be pretty cool. NOT a life changing event or anything like that but pretty cool nonetheless. A friend of mine has a baseball signed by baseball hall of famer Tris Speaker and Babe Ruth! No kidding!
I mean holding a ball signed by the man, the myth, the legend... GEORGE HERMAN "BABE" RUTH is pretty f'ing cool to me. Call it dorky but I found it be pretty cool. He probably had a beer in one hand, cig in his mouth, and two young women behind him as he signed that right!? I would actually like to own an item like that in my collection of crap. Right in between my Brad Miller autographed shoe and my A-Team toy car set maybe!? Would definitely bring the level of crap up a notch or two, eh!?
peace out.
Monday, July 14, 2008
A Day at the Movies
Well, I scoured the far reaches of SacTown this weekend trying to think of something that my readership might find interesting. There were little things here or there but nothing really blog worthy. However, yesterday we had a babysitter (our old Ace Alli) so Kitty Kat and I went to the movies and to run a couple of errands. Just a typical Sunday in RoseTown....
We headed over to the theater for the "bargain" maitnee of Don't Mess with the Zohan. Now, please remember the SacTownGuy worked at a movie theater back when he was the LAGuy so knows a thing or two about movies. In fact, remind me and I will tell you about my time at the theater in LA. However, this was a day at the movies in RoseTown and 20 some odd years since the LAGuy worked a theater in Westwood.
As typical of too many places I had to be asked if I wanted to donate a dollar to some cause. You know I donate a lot to charity but I don't like feeling guilted into giving a buck with every purchase so I politely declined. We gave our tickets to the ticket-ripper inside and HE asked if we wanted to donate a buck. How about this for an idea, how about NOBODY asks me for money while I spend my money to go to your movie theater! I wasn't done though. Kitty Kat belongs to some frequent moviegoer club (not sure who she goes with because it isn't me) and got a coupon for a free popcorn. I don't even like popcorn but I like free so we hand it in as we purchase our five dollar Diet Coke. The lady asks if we want to up it to a medium for fifty cents more. NO, JUST GIVE ME MY FREE F'ING POPCORN... and NO, I don't want to spend $1.50 for your new Kettle Korn flavoring because I just tried the free sample and it tastes NOTHING LIKE KETTLE KORN! After successfully navigating the concession stand someone to the right tries to call me over so I can try my chance at winning a free trip to Napa Valley. Without even listening or looking I bet you ten cents that was some sort of timeshare presentation!
Finally got to our seat and watched 10 minutes of commercials BEFORE the trailers started and everbody knows trailers are just more commercials. Do you know why they call them trailers? Maybe I will tell you another time. The Zohan finally came on and he amused. Not great but I would call it a C+ with moments of solid B. It appeared Sandler gave up with about 15 minutes to go and just called it a wrap because the last 15 minutes was pretty stupid. However, the first hour had a lot of funny bits and one-liners. Ok, well maybe not a lot but some!
We left via the snack bar to fill up Kitty Kat's Diet Coke with the "free" refill as if the first 44 ounces wasn't enough for us. Sharing her Diet Coke all afternoon is probably why I couldn't sleep last night. Anyway, as I get the re-fill I witnessed something a little scary at the snack bar. A young couple (30ish) were enquiring about the "kid's meal" for their 3 year old daughter. The couple was heavy set (and I am being kind with that description) and their daughter will be heavy set by the time her parents are done with her! Do you know what's in a kid's "meal" at a movie theater? You have the choice of a hot dog or pizza, the choice of candy or popcorn and a drink. They chose pizza, candy and a Sprite. Who the F' gives their 3 year old Sprite? Have you heard of milk or water? Shoot, give her fruit juice if you must but Sprite? Maybe I am old fashioned but I am old enough to fill my body with the chemicals of soda if I want to but I don't think it should be allowed for 3 year old kids. Seriously, should be illegal.
Well, we left there, completely disgusted with humanity and went to Target. We passed some people that must have thought they were going to Wal-Mart, in the parking lot. I could do a whole blog on them but let's say they were 30ish (they looked 50ish) but have consumed more beers than my frat did... going all the way back to when Meyer Boskey and Charles Tonsor, Jr. founded the f'ing frat at CCNY in 1899. These people looked like they could navigate their way to a sleezy bar and make inroads with the biker selling crank out the back door. Anyway, the woman, with tattoos trying to escape from her large, but very sloppy, clevage said, "no, no... I am talking about the guy who is my supposed real dad...." We only heard one line but it was all I needed to sum up that couple. I needed to hear no more. Scary! Oh ya, dude had on fishnet jersey style shirt; shocking! Basically the 90's version of a wifebeater shirt. Ok, not quite as bad as this one I found on-line but something like this.
Happy Monday y'all.
peace out.
We headed over to the theater for the "bargain" maitnee of Don't Mess with the Zohan. Now, please remember the SacTownGuy worked at a movie theater back when he was the LAGuy so knows a thing or two about movies. In fact, remind me and I will tell you about my time at the theater in LA. However, this was a day at the movies in RoseTown and 20 some odd years since the LAGuy worked a theater in Westwood.
As typical of too many places I had to be asked if I wanted to donate a dollar to some cause. You know I donate a lot to charity but I don't like feeling guilted into giving a buck with every purchase so I politely declined. We gave our tickets to the ticket-ripper inside and HE asked if we wanted to donate a buck. How about this for an idea, how about NOBODY asks me for money while I spend my money to go to your movie theater! I wasn't done though. Kitty Kat belongs to some frequent moviegoer club (not sure who she goes with because it isn't me) and got a coupon for a free popcorn. I don't even like popcorn but I like free so we hand it in as we purchase our five dollar Diet Coke. The lady asks if we want to up it to a medium for fifty cents more. NO, JUST GIVE ME MY FREE F'ING POPCORN... and NO, I don't want to spend $1.50 for your new Kettle Korn flavoring because I just tried the free sample and it tastes NOTHING LIKE KETTLE KORN! After successfully navigating the concession stand someone to the right tries to call me over so I can try my chance at winning a free trip to Napa Valley. Without even listening or looking I bet you ten cents that was some sort of timeshare presentation!
Finally got to our seat and watched 10 minutes of commercials BEFORE the trailers started and everbody knows trailers are just more commercials. Do you know why they call them trailers? Maybe I will tell you another time. The Zohan finally came on and he amused. Not great but I would call it a C+ with moments of solid B. It appeared Sandler gave up with about 15 minutes to go and just called it a wrap because the last 15 minutes was pretty stupid. However, the first hour had a lot of funny bits and one-liners. Ok, well maybe not a lot but some!
We left via the snack bar to fill up Kitty Kat's Diet Coke with the "free" refill as if the first 44 ounces wasn't enough for us. Sharing her Diet Coke all afternoon is probably why I couldn't sleep last night. Anyway, as I get the re-fill I witnessed something a little scary at the snack bar. A young couple (30ish) were enquiring about the "kid's meal" for their 3 year old daughter. The couple was heavy set (and I am being kind with that description) and their daughter will be heavy set by the time her parents are done with her! Do you know what's in a kid's "meal" at a movie theater? You have the choice of a hot dog or pizza, the choice of candy or popcorn and a drink. They chose pizza, candy and a Sprite. Who the F' gives their 3 year old Sprite? Have you heard of milk or water? Shoot, give her fruit juice if you must but Sprite? Maybe I am old fashioned but I am old enough to fill my body with the chemicals of soda if I want to but I don't think it should be allowed for 3 year old kids. Seriously, should be illegal.
Well, we left there, completely disgusted with humanity and went to Target. We passed some people that must have thought they were going to Wal-Mart, in the parking lot. I could do a whole blog on them but let's say they were 30ish (they looked 50ish) but have consumed more beers than my frat did... going all the way back to when Meyer Boskey and Charles Tonsor, Jr. founded the f'ing frat at CCNY in 1899. These people looked like they could navigate their way to a sleezy bar and make inroads with the biker selling crank out the back door. Anyway, the woman, with tattoos trying to escape from her large, but very sloppy, clevage said, "no, no... I am talking about the guy who is my supposed real dad...." We only heard one line but it was all I needed to sum up that couple. I needed to hear no more. Scary! Oh ya, dude had on fishnet jersey style shirt; shocking! Basically the 90's version of a wifebeater shirt. Ok, not quite as bad as this one I found on-line but something like this.
Happy Monday y'all.
peace out.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Bumper Sticker
It's a lovely Friday morning... ok, well not lovely but it is FRIDAY so it's all good. I had a quick trip to Probate Court this morning where the Judge granted my order and I was quickly back on the road to my SacTown office. I then saw a bumper sticker that made me do a double take, I re-read it and drove on... however, I thought to myself I must have read that wrong because nobody would drive around with that on their car would they!? I thus moved over a lane and slowed down so the car could pass and I could re-read it.
Yuck, how crude! Who would put that on their car? Some young gal is who. She was about 20, some tattoos visible, and driving this beat up Camry (or whatever it was). Here's a picture. Sorry the bumper sticker isn't readable but I kid you not as to what it says. Political commentary aside as I understand she doesn't trust the president and I can't disagree with her... but what a crude bumper sticker. If she was my daughter that sticker would be coming off the car or she would be cut off!
The sticker read, "THE ONLY BUSH I TRUST IS MY OWN."
With that as her bumper sticker I can only imagine the potty mouth that young gal must have. Yuck!
Happy Friday!
peace out.
Yuck, how crude! Who would put that on their car? Some young gal is who. She was about 20, some tattoos visible, and driving this beat up Camry (or whatever it was). Here's a picture. Sorry the bumper sticker isn't readable but I kid you not as to what it says. Political commentary aside as I understand she doesn't trust the president and I can't disagree with her... but what a crude bumper sticker. If she was my daughter that sticker would be coming off the car or she would be cut off!
The sticker read, "THE ONLY BUSH I TRUST IS MY OWN."
With that as her bumper sticker I can only imagine the potty mouth that young gal must have. Yuck!
Happy Friday!
peace out.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Family Camp
Had a great 3 night trip to Camp Sacramento. It's a family camp the City of SacTown has owned since 1920. It's near South Lake Tahoe, along highway 50, has about 60 cabins, and thus I would guess about 150 total "campers." Now let's remember the SacTownGuy lives the old joke about what is "roughing it" to a J.A.P. (if you don't know what that is, you can look it up on wiki as it should be there, and has NOTHING to do with our Asian friends from Japan)... and the answer is, a hotel with no room service. Camp Sac had no room service, no pool, no bell hops, no air conditioning, no towels, no nothing. To this city kid it was about as close to camping as I need to get! It is, however, in very pretty country, about a mile east of Strawberry, and within a few miles of some ski resort (I know this as we got lost during a long run and ended up under the chair lift).
We took the whole gang, in-laws, out-laws, everybody. Even my boy D'Smooth and his family came up with us. Coincidentally some other friends of ours were there the same days so the kids had extra playmates. There were a few characters there like Mandolin Mike (who even took his mandolin on the hike up to the top of Lover's Leap) and also the dude that was seen drinking beers (bottles of Bud Light) at most every hour of the day (noon, evening, 3:30 AM, 8:00 AM)... including the day he was driving to Lake Tahoe. He made it back somehow! If he ever went to AA Anheuser Bush stock might take a tumble!
The kids had 2 or 3 age group activities each day; arts/crafts, tye-dye shirt making, nature hikes, playing, etc.... The parents fished, hiked, chilled, etc.... Almost everybody caught a fish including Kitty Kat who caught several! Luckily Grampa Tractor was there to help clean because I don't think Kitty Kat or the SacTownGuy would be doing that!
The weather was perfect, the air not as smoky (or as hot) as SacTown and all in all it was a great trip. Oh ya, the food was pretty decent and the people that work at Camp Sac are very friendly. The counselors are all very nice, friendly and the kids adored them. There were camp fires at night, camp legends (like the ghost, Chonsen, who lives in cabin #46), and all of that! Memories the kids will have forever I am sure!
One highlight was driving there. The Little Dude asked Kitty Kat if we had any food. Of course we had packed all sorts of junk food to snack on during the trip so Kitty Kat assured him we had brought food. The Little Dude responded, "good because I don't know if I could go four days without food."
One morning, the SacTownGuy took a run with our friend, we will call him "The Don", which ended up as a 90 minute adventure run. The Don is more adventuresome than the SacTownGuy. Look, the SacTownGuy is from the city. Yes, they have gang members and things like that in the big city but they don't have snakes and bears! The SacTownGuy is more comfortable with gang members than snakes and bears! Another friend of the SacTownGuy had mentioned going on a long run, up at Camp Sac, and running into a bear. Some other people encountered a rattle snake during a hike the day before our run. I don't do snakes and bears!
The SacTownGuy was thus on high alert! Looking down for snakes and listening to every rustle in the trees for a possible bear. It crossed my mind that The Don was in better shape than I and thus I was reminded of the old adage, you don't have to outrun the bear, you just have to outrun your friend!
After climbing to the top of Lover's Leap, we ran down the back side of the mountain before deciding it may not loop around. We headed back to the top of Lover's Leap, down to the Pony Express trail, and headed east.
Eventually we ended up under a ski lift of some ski resort. During the way we encountered a baby rattlesnake which caused the SacTownGuy to about jump out of his skin. I was ready to keep running but The Don wanted to look close to confirm it really was a rattler. Look, the way I see it whatever it was I would call it a rattlesnake when re-telling the story! However, he confirmed it was a rattler and I believe him. Let's not forget that baby rattlers can be the most dangerous since they don't know to just give a little jolt with their rattler... they empty the whole clip!
We will definitely be doing back next year and look forward to many years of family memories there!
Upon return I went into the office. There is record breaking heat right now in SacTown (108 yesterday) and awful smoke from the fires. Makes me feel like I am back in LA with the air quality! Anyway, here's a picture pulling out of my office parking lot yesterday afternoon.
peace out.
We took the whole gang, in-laws, out-laws, everybody. Even my boy D'Smooth and his family came up with us. Coincidentally some other friends of ours were there the same days so the kids had extra playmates. There were a few characters there like Mandolin Mike (who even took his mandolin on the hike up to the top of Lover's Leap) and also the dude that was seen drinking beers (bottles of Bud Light) at most every hour of the day (noon, evening, 3:30 AM, 8:00 AM)... including the day he was driving to Lake Tahoe. He made it back somehow! If he ever went to AA Anheuser Bush stock might take a tumble!
The kids had 2 or 3 age group activities each day; arts/crafts, tye-dye shirt making, nature hikes, playing, etc.... The parents fished, hiked, chilled, etc.... Almost everybody caught a fish including Kitty Kat who caught several! Luckily Grampa Tractor was there to help clean because I don't think Kitty Kat or the SacTownGuy would be doing that!
The weather was perfect, the air not as smoky (or as hot) as SacTown and all in all it was a great trip. Oh ya, the food was pretty decent and the people that work at Camp Sac are very friendly. The counselors are all very nice, friendly and the kids adored them. There were camp fires at night, camp legends (like the ghost, Chonsen, who lives in cabin #46), and all of that! Memories the kids will have forever I am sure!
One highlight was driving there. The Little Dude asked Kitty Kat if we had any food. Of course we had packed all sorts of junk food to snack on during the trip so Kitty Kat assured him we had brought food. The Little Dude responded, "good because I don't know if I could go four days without food."
One morning, the SacTownGuy took a run with our friend, we will call him "The Don", which ended up as a 90 minute adventure run. The Don is more adventuresome than the SacTownGuy. Look, the SacTownGuy is from the city. Yes, they have gang members and things like that in the big city but they don't have snakes and bears! The SacTownGuy is more comfortable with gang members than snakes and bears! Another friend of the SacTownGuy had mentioned going on a long run, up at Camp Sac, and running into a bear. Some other people encountered a rattle snake during a hike the day before our run. I don't do snakes and bears!
The SacTownGuy was thus on high alert! Looking down for snakes and listening to every rustle in the trees for a possible bear. It crossed my mind that The Don was in better shape than I and thus I was reminded of the old adage, you don't have to outrun the bear, you just have to outrun your friend!
After climbing to the top of Lover's Leap, we ran down the back side of the mountain before deciding it may not loop around. We headed back to the top of Lover's Leap, down to the Pony Express trail, and headed east.
Eventually we ended up under a ski lift of some ski resort. During the way we encountered a baby rattlesnake which caused the SacTownGuy to about jump out of his skin. I was ready to keep running but The Don wanted to look close to confirm it really was a rattler. Look, the way I see it whatever it was I would call it a rattlesnake when re-telling the story! However, he confirmed it was a rattler and I believe him. Let's not forget that baby rattlers can be the most dangerous since they don't know to just give a little jolt with their rattler... they empty the whole clip!
We will definitely be doing back next year and look forward to many years of family memories there!
Upon return I went into the office. There is record breaking heat right now in SacTown (108 yesterday) and awful smoke from the fires. Makes me feel like I am back in LA with the air quality! Anyway, here's a picture pulling out of my office parking lot yesterday afternoon.
peace out.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
NBA Summer League
Just back from vacation. Thanks for checking in. I will be throwing up some details on our family trip to Camp Sacramento in the mountains but I got to be quick today as I got emails and phone calls that need some returning... however, the SacTownGuy doesn't want his readers to think he is on a long hiatus again. I was debating about buying a Russell Westbrook Seattle Supersonics jersey last week. It would look like this as NBA.com shows you a sample but damn that's a lot of money ($179 for a real stitched letter/number jersey or $79 for silk screened). It was in the morning when I learned Russell would be wearing number zero in the Orlando Summer League games so I thought about buying it as I knew the team would be moving to OK City in a year or two... and then later that same day it was announced they would be moving for this coming season. So now the debate is will that Seattle jersey be old skool cool and eclectic or will it just be old!?
Then today I was reading on espn.com (just taking a quick break from work) and saw this article (highlights only) on the Oklahoma City _______'s (don't know the team name yet) second summer league game. It's getting me pumped up for my man Russell. By the way, what would be a good nickname for him? Maybe I can come up with something catchy!? Here are some excerpts from the espn.com article:
ORLANDO -- P.J. Carlesimo knew this moment was coming the day he agreed to allow Kevin Durant to join his new Oklahoma City teammates at the Orlando Pro Summer League.
...
The league's runaway winner of the top rookie award was the buzz of the summer league Tuesday when he made a surprise appearance and proceeded to throttle the Magic with a seemingly effortless 22 points and five rebounds in 27 minutes. Durant, who sat on the bench and watched in Monday's opener, couldn't stand the thought of being that close to the action and not playing in Tuesday's game.
...
The combination of Durant, Green (28 points) and rookie point guard Russell Westbrook (19 points, three steals, three assists) proved to be far too much for an overwhelmed Magic team. Oklahoma City led by as much as 32 points and won, 100-77.
Durant's surprise appearance Tuesday had Orlando rookie Courtney Lee wondering about his luck of the draw. The 6-5 Lee tried contesting several of Durant's shots, mostly to no avail as each hit the bottom of the net. The 6-9 Durant gave him fits with his length and feathery soft shooting touch. Not surprisingly, when the game was over, Lee -- a Western Kentucky University product -- admitted that Durant is the best talent he's ever faced on a basketball court.
...
Durant notwithstanding, Westbrook has been the best all-around player in the Orlando summer league through two games. The 6-3 point guard made 8 of 10 shots Tuesday and seemed able to get to the rim anytime he pleased.
Durant admitted after the game that he's already dreaming of the possibilities of running the wing next season as Westbrook pushes the ball frantically up the court. Durant studied game tapes of Westbrook's college days at UCLA before the draft, but already he's topped his expectations.
Westbrook's presence was just another reason that Durant couldn't fathom the thought of sitting out of another game.
"I knew [Westbrook] was a good defensive player and really athletic, but I didn't know he was this good," Durant gushed. "He's shown me a lot and I'm already excited about playing with him."
Not bad, eh? Anyway, I am really unsure which jersey to buy. I just hate to drop big coin on something like a jersey but since I have been saying Westbrook looks like a young #23 (yes, you know who) I maybe need to step up and drop the coin!? We shall see....
In the meantime keep an eye on Mr. Westbrook! Here's a picture for the SacTown King's to look at. I call it DEFENSE. Maybe the King's can incorporate something like this into their games this season!?
peace out.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Have it your way
The SacTownGuy has always had an infinity for Burger King. Ok, well I don't like to eat the slop there much but I have a long history with the King. You may not believe this but the SacTownGuy had two tours of duty working at BK back in the 80's. The first one, in 11th grade, was my first real job. Or at least the first job where I was hired without knowing anybody. Just walked in and got the job. Went from fry cook to smartest guy there in about a week. It was during my 7 months living in eastern TN so not hard to be the smartest guy there. $3.35 an hour and they didn't pay overtime. I worked the 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM shift. Those were the days. Cleaning the fry vat out with a red neck with a thick accent at 2 or 3 in the morning... oh the joy! Drove in to Knoxville every week or two and spent my whole pay check after cashing it at the Food King. All spent on important things like "big" 6 x 9 speakers for the car, new Run DMC tape, etc.... Then I went back for a second tour at BK in the Friendly City my freshman year of college. That lasted a week or two... and still at $3.35 an hour I believe. You may recall the BK logo looked about like this back then. 
A long way from cleaning the fry vat at two in the morning, today I took the kids for a little lunch with daddy. Pretty much the choice is either BK or Micky D's and really depends on who has the better happy meal toys. Either way I am stopping to get myself some food somewhere else so really doesn't matter to me. After stopping at Q'doba for a burito and a SacTownBee we headed over to BK as they have the Incredible Hulk toys right now. By the time we finally got seated in the play area my veggie burito was a little cold but life is good when you have lunch at one of these places. The kids LOVE IT, you got some decent food for yourself, you read the paper, the kids play with whoever is there, and all is good.
After finishing my burito, iced tea from the King (I forgot they have that crappy machine made iced tea) I read the Bee and watched the kids. Fun was had by all. Here's the little girl running off for more fun.
We were there 45 minutes or so and all three of us had a great time. Plus, Kitty Kat was getting a breather at home so the whole gang was happy. However, when you go to BK you have to interact with the employees of BK. In my experience there are good people working there but not always the swiftest. Today the little dude had been given a toy of the bad guy from the Hulk. Of course, he wanted the Hulk. He kept telling me, "I want the big green Hulk doing this" (showing me his version of the Hulk flexing his arms overhead and frowning). He went up and tried to exchange it himself, as he was able to do so last time we were there, but he got nothing. He told me they needed to talk to his daddy so I went and asked the rocket scientiest at the counter if we could trade. She said, with little conviction, "I can't do that." I said, "well they did it last time we were here...." She relented and went and look through all the bags to find a Hulk for the little dude. No such luck but he got another one he liked better so we made the trade after a good 30 seconds of indecision by the little dude. Seriously though, shouldn't they make about 95% Hulk's and 5% other toys? Who wants one of the other toys? Doesn't everybody want a Hulk? Why not just have 4 or 5 different Hulk's and maybe 1 bad guy for the contrarian kids? Plus, I think a good percentage of people are NOT there for the food so be a little nicer about trading toys! The way I see it I am paying four bucks for a Hulk toy and coincedently they throw in some free food with it.
Oh ya, they have a new thing at BK... apples shaped like french fries. No joke. They are in a sealed plastic bag but they give you a fry looking container to put them in. Since my kids get apple sauce or apples this was a nice treat. They really liked them. Oh ya, they were NOT fried apples. When I first saw the picture I thought they were fried apples. Nice job Mr. King! Give a raise to whoever came up with that idea!
Oh ya, just remembered the manager at the BK in Pigeon Forge, TN was named John Henry. I bet he is still there in the Smokey's somewhere. He was a good dude.
Peace out.
A long way from cleaning the fry vat at two in the morning, today I took the kids for a little lunch with daddy. Pretty much the choice is either BK or Micky D's and really depends on who has the better happy meal toys. Either way I am stopping to get myself some food somewhere else so really doesn't matter to me. After stopping at Q'doba for a burito and a SacTownBee we headed over to BK as they have the Incredible Hulk toys right now. By the time we finally got seated in the play area my veggie burito was a little cold but life is good when you have lunch at one of these places. The kids LOVE IT, you got some decent food for yourself, you read the paper, the kids play with whoever is there, and all is good.
After finishing my burito, iced tea from the King (I forgot they have that crappy machine made iced tea) I read the Bee and watched the kids. Fun was had by all. Here's the little girl running off for more fun.
We were there 45 minutes or so and all three of us had a great time. Plus, Kitty Kat was getting a breather at home so the whole gang was happy. However, when you go to BK you have to interact with the employees of BK. In my experience there are good people working there but not always the swiftest. Today the little dude had been given a toy of the bad guy from the Hulk. Of course, he wanted the Hulk. He kept telling me, "I want the big green Hulk doing this" (showing me his version of the Hulk flexing his arms overhead and frowning). He went up and tried to exchange it himself, as he was able to do so last time we were there, but he got nothing. He told me they needed to talk to his daddy so I went and asked the rocket scientiest at the counter if we could trade. She said, with little conviction, "I can't do that." I said, "well they did it last time we were here...." She relented and went and look through all the bags to find a Hulk for the little dude. No such luck but he got another one he liked better so we made the trade after a good 30 seconds of indecision by the little dude. Seriously though, shouldn't they make about 95% Hulk's and 5% other toys? Who wants one of the other toys? Doesn't everybody want a Hulk? Why not just have 4 or 5 different Hulk's and maybe 1 bad guy for the contrarian kids? Plus, I think a good percentage of people are NOT there for the food so be a little nicer about trading toys! The way I see it I am paying four bucks for a Hulk toy and coincedently they throw in some free food with it.
Oh ya, they have a new thing at BK... apples shaped like french fries. No joke. They are in a sealed plastic bag but they give you a fry looking container to put them in. Since my kids get apple sauce or apples this was a nice treat. They really liked them. Oh ya, they were NOT fried apples. When I first saw the picture I thought they were fried apples. Nice job Mr. King! Give a raise to whoever came up with that idea!
Oh ya, just remembered the manager at the BK in Pigeon Forge, TN was named John Henry. I bet he is still there in the Smokey's somewhere. He was a good dude.
Peace out.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
P.S. Customer Service
Read the post below this one before reading this P.S.
So at 9:15 this morning Bill called and left a VM for me. He did apologize so I will not quit the Ranch today. However, I do like the idea of saving a C-note, or more, a month on gym dues.... Anyway, his apology was fine but missed the mark in two major ways.
First, he said he did not put the card on my windshield, does not know who did, and nobody was authorized to do so. Ok, fine. However, I think he should also have said, "I will find out who did this, tell them not to do it again, because our customers are so important to us... and in the end this is on me because I am the GM." I felt he was just passing the buck. He is the GM and thus he needs to take that on HIMSELF. I know I do so just about every day around my office!
Second, he told me he was really surprised about my complaint about the bikes as they spent $26,000 about a year ago on new bikes at the Ranch. Either he is CLUELESS or... well, I don't have anything else, he must be clueless. It doesn't take a fitness guru to know the bikes at the Ranch I go to has bikes that are about 10 years old. I have been working out there for 5 years and during the entire 5 years the bikes have squeaked, do not have straps on most, etc.... Now, there are two facilities across the street from each other. Possibly the old Ranch building has $26,000 worth of new bikes? Possibly the spin class room has $26,000 worth of new bikes? However, the newer Ranch building with the kid's club and the basketball court has REALLY OLD BIKES. Plus, only about 6 bikes. Just pathetic. Does he really not know that? Playing dumb like that just makes him look stupid in my opinion.
Ok, back to work.
peace out.
So at 9:15 this morning Bill called and left a VM for me. He did apologize so I will not quit the Ranch today. However, I do like the idea of saving a C-note, or more, a month on gym dues.... Anyway, his apology was fine but missed the mark in two major ways.
First, he said he did not put the card on my windshield, does not know who did, and nobody was authorized to do so. Ok, fine. However, I think he should also have said, "I will find out who did this, tell them not to do it again, because our customers are so important to us... and in the end this is on me because I am the GM." I felt he was just passing the buck. He is the GM and thus he needs to take that on HIMSELF. I know I do so just about every day around my office!
Second, he told me he was really surprised about my complaint about the bikes as they spent $26,000 about a year ago on new bikes at the Ranch. Either he is CLUELESS or... well, I don't have anything else, he must be clueless. It doesn't take a fitness guru to know the bikes at the Ranch I go to has bikes that are about 10 years old. I have been working out there for 5 years and during the entire 5 years the bikes have squeaked, do not have straps on most, etc.... Now, there are two facilities across the street from each other. Possibly the old Ranch building has $26,000 worth of new bikes? Possibly the spin class room has $26,000 worth of new bikes? However, the newer Ranch building with the kid's club and the basketball court has REALLY OLD BIKES. Plus, only about 6 bikes. Just pathetic. Does he really not know that? Playing dumb like that just makes him look stupid in my opinion.
Ok, back to work.
peace out.
Customer Service
Is it a lost art or what!? Yesterday morning I dropped my little dude off at the Ranch for swim practice. I parked in one of the 5, or so, parking places closest to the door as I was just dropping him off. The places are clearly marked with signs that proclaim them as 10 minute parking. The other 10 minute places were empty so not as if the SacTownGuy was taking the last one. I don't know about you but I am assuming that a 10 minute parking place is to drop someone off. If not for that purpose what else would it be for? Well, later in the day I noticed a card on my windshield. I assumed it was an advertisement of a great "job" where I could make $20,000 a month working from home and I would only have to work 5 hours a week, blah, blah, blah.... However, it was not. It was the following business card from the General Manager of the Ranch.
I noticed this at the end of the day so emailed him. Had I noticed it when I was at the gym I would have gone in and talked to the guy face to face. They are charging me as if it's a f'ing country club and thus I don't want to be treated as if I am at the public park. My email was as follows:
Bill-
I found your business card on my car windshield alerting me to the 10 minute parking at Johnson Ranch. I can read the signs fine and am thus aware of the 10 minute rule. I was dropping my son off at swim team and am pretty confident I was there 5 minutes or less. I certainly was parked there no where close to 10 minutes. It’s a tad rude to put a card of this nature under these circumstances in my opinion. I suggest you do not put a note on someone’s car unless they have actually been there for 10 minutes. I pay $200 a month and would appreciate better treatment. I can get sloppy treatment at 24 Hour Fitness for a lot less per month! While I am at it let me also say that the cardio equipment, in particular the bikes, at Johnson Ranch are so pathetically poor that they really should all be replaced. I go to many different Spare Time clubs and your bikes are THE worst I have seen. Even Natomas has better bikes these days! Thank you.
Seriously, is it just me or what!? I was there 5 minutes and I get a note on my windshield!? Even if I had been there, dare I say, 11 minutes (which I was NOT) who cares if all the other sacred 10 minute places are available?
I have not yet heard back from this guy but I hope he says something other than "I am so sorry Sir, I will be more careful, we are ordering more bikes, etc...." If I do get something other than that I can quit the $200 a month club and move to 24 Hour which has better hours (because I won't have to wait until 5:00 AM to arrive) and will cost me a ton less each month. It's currently 8:30 in the morning and no reply. The note on my car yesterday was at 6:45 AM so I am assuming he is there. We shall see.... As I wait for the reply I am starting to surf the net and I am starting here...
If I understand it right I could go to all their clubs in the country for $35 a month and could add other members of my family for $35 each so max $140. My math skills tell me that $140 < $200.
I am still waiting Bill. Please reply soon....
peace out.
I noticed this at the end of the day so emailed him. Had I noticed it when I was at the gym I would have gone in and talked to the guy face to face. They are charging me as if it's a f'ing country club and thus I don't want to be treated as if I am at the public park. My email was as follows:
Bill-
I found your business card on my car windshield alerting me to the 10 minute parking at Johnson Ranch. I can read the signs fine and am thus aware of the 10 minute rule. I was dropping my son off at swim team and am pretty confident I was there 5 minutes or less. I certainly was parked there no where close to 10 minutes. It’s a tad rude to put a card of this nature under these circumstances in my opinion. I suggest you do not put a note on someone’s car unless they have actually been there for 10 minutes. I pay $200 a month and would appreciate better treatment. I can get sloppy treatment at 24 Hour Fitness for a lot less per month! While I am at it let me also say that the cardio equipment, in particular the bikes, at Johnson Ranch are so pathetically poor that they really should all be replaced. I go to many different Spare Time clubs and your bikes are THE worst I have seen. Even Natomas has better bikes these days! Thank you.
Seriously, is it just me or what!? I was there 5 minutes and I get a note on my windshield!? Even if I had been there, dare I say, 11 minutes (which I was NOT) who cares if all the other sacred 10 minute places are available?
I have not yet heard back from this guy but I hope he says something other than "I am so sorry Sir, I will be more careful, we are ordering more bikes, etc...." If I do get something other than that I can quit the $200 a month club and move to 24 Hour which has better hours (because I won't have to wait until 5:00 AM to arrive) and will cost me a ton less each month. It's currently 8:30 in the morning and no reply. The note on my car yesterday was at 6:45 AM so I am assuming he is there. We shall see.... As I wait for the reply I am starting to surf the net and I am starting here...
If I understand it right I could go to all their clubs in the country for $35 a month and could add other members of my family for $35 each so max $140. My math skills tell me that $140 < $200.
I am still waiting Bill. Please reply soon....
peace out.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Morning Run
There is really nothing like a morning run (or bike ride) to be reminded how great life is! This morning I woke up at my usual 4:20 but I worked out at home as I was doing the green thing and carpooling with my neighbor. How cool, right!? I will tell you about the carpooling another day. Anyway, rode the stationary bike for 50 minutes, reading a good book, and waiting for the sun to come up. About 5:20 I hit the road for a 45 minute jaunt around the area.
The air was crisp when I started out but I quickly got used to it. My mind wandered into all different topics as I slowly cruised down the street. I checked out cars, I noticed some people that need to hire a gardener, wondered why the King's signed Beno for 5 years as he has such a bad assist to turnover ratio and seems to get injured easily, wondered why someone doesn't fix the aim of their sprinkler so it doesn't force me to jog around it as it douses the sidewalk, I thought about work, I thought about commuting to work, and occasionally I actually noticed what Old Skool rap song was playing on my IPOD.
I recently had about 15 old Rodium Swap Meet mix tapes made digital and I downloaded them onto my Ipod. Many of them including intros by Dr. Dre and others as they mixed the tapes their at the Rodium. They are all from 1986-1989 and just have a gang of classic songs on them. As great as they are my mind wandered away so often that I didn't even hear all the great songs.
I noticed a runner jogging the other way, we gave the quick hi sign, and kept going. A few minutes later that same jogger went storming by me like some Ethiopian marathoner passing a rank amateur. She quickly passed and created distance. I then decided I was going to keep up with her as I was in the home stretch... well that thought lasted for about 10 strides as it became clear she was training for Boston Marathon qualification or something because she was way out of my league! With that, I went back to random thoughts like the pollution coming out of the back of cars, could I make the light if I ran fast enough, and other such thoughts.
I highly recommend you go for a morning run. Who knows what might happen....
peace out.
The air was crisp when I started out but I quickly got used to it. My mind wandered into all different topics as I slowly cruised down the street. I checked out cars, I noticed some people that need to hire a gardener, wondered why the King's signed Beno for 5 years as he has such a bad assist to turnover ratio and seems to get injured easily, wondered why someone doesn't fix the aim of their sprinkler so it doesn't force me to jog around it as it douses the sidewalk, I thought about work, I thought about commuting to work, and occasionally I actually noticed what Old Skool rap song was playing on my IPOD.
I recently had about 15 old Rodium Swap Meet mix tapes made digital and I downloaded them onto my Ipod. Many of them including intros by Dr. Dre and others as they mixed the tapes their at the Rodium. They are all from 1986-1989 and just have a gang of classic songs on them. As great as they are my mind wandered away so often that I didn't even hear all the great songs.
I noticed a runner jogging the other way, we gave the quick hi sign, and kept going. A few minutes later that same jogger went storming by me like some Ethiopian marathoner passing a rank amateur. She quickly passed and created distance. I then decided I was going to keep up with her as I was in the home stretch... well that thought lasted for about 10 strides as it became clear she was training for Boston Marathon qualification or something because she was way out of my league! With that, I went back to random thoughts like the pollution coming out of the back of cars, could I make the light if I ran fast enough, and other such thoughts.
I highly recommend you go for a morning run. Who knows what might happen....
peace out.
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