Goodbye NaBloPoMo! It's been nice

(click photo to visit my Flickr gallery)

Well, I did it.

My official count was 28 posts in 30 days. I got started one day late, and I missed one other day. Not too shabby for National Blog Posting Month coming from only posting a couple of days a week.

It's been frustrating, maddening, therapeutic, calming, nerve wrecking, and satisfying all at once. I even learned a few things about myself along the way, and no doubt you probably did too. Not only that, but I have some new-found friends as well.

So I will continue to blog here; probably not every single day, but often. I'm on a roll, why stop now?

So for my last post of this month, I will celebrate with my fellow NaBloPoMo bloggers in posting 7 random and weird things about myself:

1. I experimented with smoking a cigarette when I was younger with my best friend in his garage only because we both thought it was cool. I thought nothing of it and thought it was dumb, so I never picked up the habit. My friend, on other hand, became a smoker.

2. I once choked on a candy Life Saver that went down my airway while I was sucking on it laying in bed. My mom had to force it out. The only way I could breathe was through the little hole.

3. I don't like eating jelly filled donuts. At some point in my life I started eating a donut-type dessert that I thought was, well, a donut (without the hole of course), only to find out it had a gooey surprise in the center. I was scarred for life.

4. I failed a previous employers required hearing test at 18 years old. They said I had the hearing loss of a 30 year-old male at the time. Say what?

5. When I was younger, I wanted to grow up to be a fireman. I would set small fires on purpose only to put them out with a garden hose. Then I got my first computer- a TRS-80 my dad bought me at Radio Shack. I loved the thing! I started to program my own computer games, and thought that's what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Instead, when my computer broke, I fixed it myself, and the computer geek in me was born.

6. I once stayed for a few days at a friends farm in Tennessee and rode a cow. I was also dared to touch my tongue on the electric fence, that, my friends, was a no go.

7. I once had my own zoo in the back yard of a house I grew up in. I had bullfrogs, turtles, toads, a chameleon, and a couple of garter snakes. It wasn't until I tried to feed a chicken egg to the snakes that one bit me, so I let them go after a good cry.

Until next time!

The Eyes have it

For the longest time I've always said I would take some time off in the winter months to get Lasik surgery done on my eyes. I'm VERY near sighted and have been since I was really young. Without glasses or contact lenses, I can't see a darn thing!

My sister had it done with good results. I've known other people that had it done that rave about it, and others not so much. I think the technology has improved since they've started doing the procedure, so I shouldn't have anything to fear- or so my optometrist says.

Still, I've gotten so used to maintaining my contact lenses, that they don't bother me much. It would be nice not to have to fuss with them when I'm camping, or when riding a jet ski without having to put on nerdy goggles.

Then again, having a laser beam slice through my eye is not a comforting thought. I pick the winter months to do this only because I'm not as active as I am in the warmer months, and I can stay away from the office since it's slower this time of year.

I just don't know. I should really research it further, and talk to more people that have had it done. I've just gotten into the routine of dealing with my lenses that actually doing the procedure feels like I'm taking a risk I don't really need to take.

Something to think about.

We all need Chaos, don't we?

You know the routine. You probably live it every day.

You wake up, take a shower, get dressed, maybe make a cup of coffee, make your lunch, get in your car, go to work, maybe see the same people also going to work, earn you dollar, come home, watch TV, and go to bed only to start over again.

Then, something drastic happens to you to throw everything off completely. Sometimes I think these little events are supervised by a Higher Power to test you.

Like cars that don't start in the morning, for example. A car not starting for you on a work day is like being tied down and having your right arm severed by little elves with sharp plastic spoons while they poke your eardrums with drinking straws. Sure, you're annoyed, and maybe a little pissed off, but what are you going to do?

My car didn't start this morning. I knew something was up when it was having trouble cranking up the past couple of days. You know... then you start to think about what COULD happen, but wait to see what WOULD happen, and then hope that it DOESN'T happen. And when it DOES happen, you're like, damn! I knew it...

You see, I had my car battery replaced two months ago, so I didn't suspect it was the problem. I thought it could be the starter or something. Hell, I can barely change the oil in a frying pan let alone try to figure out how to change the oil in the car on my own. I don't know squat about them except to know how to make them go fast.

Long story short- running a little late, car doesn't start, I try a jump start and nothing. Then I sit back and figure out my options one by one. Fortunately, I got a ride to work, and then I had to have my car towed, and then swap cars again so I have a ride to school.

The auto mechanic people ended up replacing the bum battery they gave me with a new one, and paid for my tow. Everything turned out fine in the end.

We all need this once in a while, I guess, to see how we will react. Perhaps test our patience or see how we handle unexpected surprises.

Have you ever taken a shower and started opposite of where you normally do? Like start at your feet and work your way up to a shampoo? I have...

It will fuck with your head the rest of the day. Seriously.

Hitting the books.

It's test time.

Crossing fingers!

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Sent with a Sprint Treo 755P Smartphone

Monday's are.... Monday's

Ugh. It really felt like a Monday today- back to work and back to school. I haven't had a serious workout at the gym since my run on Thursday. I went for a couple of hours on Saturday, but I was totally not into it. I could tell, because I didn't stretch before OR after my 5 mile run, and I was really feeling it. I'm mostly taking it easy because of my knee, and I can't wait to start up full steam ahead this week.

I've made an executive decision to run the 5 mile Rudolph Ramble in Chicago on December 9. I was ready to take a break from races for the rest of the year, but I had so much fun on the last one that I said, "What the heck?" Nothing's really stopping me. Plus, it keeps me motivated to stay in shape over the winter months.

I've got a busy week, and December is starting to fill up with fun stuff as well which I'm sure you'll hear more of right here! Right now, it's time for bed!

Holiday Weekend Done

Wow... the posts were a bit short the past few days... and I missed a NaBloPoMo day on Saturday- got a bit busy, I guess.

I was going to put up some photos of my run through Lincoln Park last Thursday, but the ONE sales associate in the electronics/camera dept, where seemingly MILLIONS of people are shopping and bugging this ONE sales associate for help, and he decides to blow me off saying he was too busy to go get my photos.

Poor thing. Perhaps this store should get a clue and realize that this IS the busiest shopping weekend of the year and they should have more help on hand.

This weekend, I got a chance to check out a couple of local shows for the first time in a while, and made me realize how much I enjoy going to them. I'm going to make it a point to see more of them in the future.

My weekend in a nutshell:

• Thursday- Ran the Chicago Turkey Trot in the a.m. and then ate LOTS during holiday dinner with the family.
  
• Friday- Met up with some friends to head down to Chicago to see some Lake County area bands play a show. No shopping today.
  
• Saturday- Did a little shopping, and then saw another show in Lake Villa later in the evening and took some photos.
  
• Sunday- Homework! I've got a test on Wednesday, so I spent it at Borders and Panera hitting the books.
  

Another long holiday weekend down, and one more to go during Christmas. I'm looking forward to going back to work to tie up some projects. It usually slows down this time of year, so the quiet days at the office will be welcome.

Until next time!

Blind, anyone?

Super-giant calculators.

Who needs these?

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Sent with a Sprint Treo 755P Smartphone

Rock Show night

Enjoying some Lake County area bands at Reggie's Live in Chicago.

Pictured is Dormlife.

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Sent with a Sprint Treo 755P Smartphone

Through freezing wind and blowing snow

Preparing for the 5-mile Chicago Turkey Trot on 11/22/07.

Update: Despite a 30 degree temperature and a nasty 24 degree wind chill with a spat of heavy snowfall along the lakeside course... I went and I conquered.

LOVED every 53 minutes:54 seconds of it... loved, loved, loved.

A full report soon with photos.

Just run!

It's 6:30 a.m. on turkey day and I'm off to run the Turkey Trot in Chicago's Lincoln park. It's going to be a really last minute decision to run if it's absolutely miserable outside- rain/snow- all that good stuff.

Still, I'm taking my food donations down there and see how it goes.

More later.

Wish me luck!

And so it begins

I woke up this morning hearing of our first winter storm advisory! I have to run a 5 mile race tomorrow morning, lord. Geez!

I've done outdoorsy stuff in extreme cold before. I fished a bass tournament in 20 below weather with 35 below wind chills at a power plant lake in southern Illinois. Believe it or not, I was comfortable the whole time, so I'm no stranger to knowing how to dress in cold weather. Running, however, is a different story.

Let's see... forecast is for 35 degrees with rain/snow mix. The lowest temperature I've run in was 41 degrees. The books say to dress in layers and expect to get 20 degrees warmer than air temperature when running. My feetsies are probably going to get wet, so bring extra socks. Hat... check, gloves... check, pants, running jacket, blah blah. I'll be dreaming of a sunny 80 degree day.

I'll spend today eating some good meals and hydrating properly. I've got class today and then hit the gym for a walk later, then off to bed early. The race begins at 9 a.m. in Chicago's Lincoln Park Thanksgiving morning.

Watch this space for updates on my progress, and then pictures later.

I'd like to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Real Guitar Hero

My nephew Danny shredding Lamb of God on hard.

I'm not worthy.

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Sent with a Sprint Treo 755P Smartphone

I hate it when...

...we can enjoy a wonderful evening together doing something we both love, and to enjoy one another's company again.

And then, when it's over, go days on end without talking to each other, when all I want to do is hear her voice again.

I just wish the night would've gone on forever.

I'm not sure how much longer I can do this.

A glorious run yesterday

I had a wonderful run this past Sunday, after only going to the gym to run once last week- ONCE- a quick 2 miler on the track. I've been babysitting a left knee that bothers me when I'm in a mile or so into a long run. It's been frustrating because it bothers me NO OTHER time but when I need it most.

My attempt to run six miles last Saturday was a disaster, and_barely_did three after the knee acted up. This past Sunday, I went to Independence Grove to try the knee out on an easy four miles doing five minute run/one minute walks all the way through. I was ELATED to have completed a total of five miles!

You don't understand how happy I was. I had a little discomfort about three miles in, but it slowly went away- and NO DRUGS this time! I started at an 11:43 minute-per-mile pace and finished at around a 9:30 pace.

I just threw my hands up and smiled.

OK, so I wasn't running the whole time, but I'm still being careful not to overwork the knee. The temperature was about 43 degrees and perfect. I was just coasting and SO GLAD to be off of that running track for a change.

The 5-mile Chicago Turkey Trot is Thursday, and I'm thinking of using the same run/walk strategy, unless I feel otherwise. I'm NOT looking forward to the predicted 35 degrees and snow, though! I'm not thinking about time, but I would hope to finish in under an hour.

The course map and the distance involved looks quite daunting from above!

Weekend in a nutshell

Well, there are five minutes left until midnight, and I've got just that much time to squeeze a quick report in...

Friday- stayed late after work to switch out a major component that runs my company's computer network and was successful. This is the first of many projects just like this to keep me busy for the rest of the year.

Saturday- I went to see Chicago's Naked Raygun who was playing at the Congress Theatre as part of Riotfest. I had a blast, got a bruise or two, and sang really loud to my favorite band of all time.

Sunday- long run day. My 4 mile run turned into a glorious 5 miles which I will write about on Monday!

Two minutes 'til midnight... post!

Punk Rock at its finest

Stiff Little Fingers opening for the amazing Naked Raygun at the Congress Theatre in Chicago.

Getting ready!

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Sent with a Sprint Treo 755P Smartphone

It really is all about the heart

I was moved by this incredible story of Ohio high schooler Claire Markwardt who sustained multiple fractures in her left leg just a few meters from the finish line at the Ohio state cross country championship two weeks ago.

She made a commitment to run her school's state meet her senior year after seeing the meet from the stands a year earlier.

Anything is possible if your heart is in the right place at the moment you need it most- to think not only of yourself, but of those who are counting on you finish what you set out to accomplish.

You can read the entire story on ESPN.com here.

(Claire appears in the YouTube video about 2 1/2 minutes in)

Reliving the music

I was rummaging through photos on my hard drive when I ran across this image, which is a compilation of photos taken by myself and other photographers in 2002. This image was slightly modified and placed on this plaque that was presented to the City of Waukegan as thank you for their support of local musicians and artists at the time. The plaque was hung in a hallway at Waukegan City Hall.

It was nice to relive some of the best years of local music in the area by looking at this photo. The music scene was at its peak back then. It's a bit quieter nowadays, but the local bands are still there even though there aren't many places to play.

I would love to start up my band photography again, which was put on hiatus mainly because my camera is showing its age. Perhaps I'll look into getting a nicer one someday soon and hit up some shows to see how they turn out. I'm sure I'm a bit rusty!

Down for the count

Well, my home computer decided to take it upon itself to install it's usual dose of Microsoft Windows Updates, which seem to be taking forever.

I'll have to settle for this post via my trusty Treo for now.

Sorry, not much to see here. I'll have to make it up soon!

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Sent with a Sprint Treo 755P Smartphone

Twelve things you should know...

... or don't care to know about me, but I'm going to write about it anyway!

For a little change of pace during my NaBloPoMo marathon posting thingy:

1. Something I am very afraid of: Violently flushing toilets. You can usually find these in public restrooms. I always have to get the hell out of the stall pretty quick for fear of getting sucked into the vortex.

2. One thing I dislike about myself: Even though I set 3 alarms in the morning, I still fail to wake up on time.

3. One profession I have absolutely no respect for: I don't mean to offend anyone here, but it's Car Salesmen. I absolutely detest dealing with them. DETEST!

4. My favorite type of music: The local and indie kind. I'm always out of the loop when people talk about the popular stuff on the radio. I can't remember the last time I actually listened to a music radio station. Brittney who?

5. A unique place I have visited: San Francisco,CA was unique in its own beautiful way.

6. Age at which I got my first real kiss: 14-ish while my pretend "wife" and I were sitting on a swing encompassed by a thicket of tall pines (romantic, eh?)

7. My dream job: Professional Tournament Bass Fisherman. Make tons of money and fish all day. What else is there?

8. A sound I love to hear: The ocean. I was on a business trip in Florida and I stayed in a hotel on the beach. Complete bliss...

9. A food I cannot eat enough of: Chilled cheesecake topped with real strawberries.

10. Something new I really want to do as a hobby: Rock climbing or some serious model rocketry (which I've dabbled in).

11. My favorite word: Ridiculous!

12. Something that other people do that I hate: Fiddle with candy wrappers during quiet parts in a movie (cringe!)

King of the Hill Loser

So as I'm sitting back this week taking a complete rest from the gym to take care of this knee, I began to think back at some of the injuries I've suffered over the years. I've been rather fortunate to not have suffered anything serious, but I can distinctly remember a couple I suffered as a young kid.

I spent some of my most cherished years as a teen growing up in Wauconda, IL. One day, my best friend and I were playing King of the Hill over the small creek that ran through my back yard. Each side of the creek had rather tall hills on each side and we were jumping across them trying to knock each other into the chilly water- well guess who lost?

I remember falling down, leading with my right arm to cushion my fall, and ended up landing with my elbow on a large rock. I remember hearing the break, but thought I had just bruised it. I couldn't bend my arm back down because it hurt so much, so I ran inside crying to my dad.

He ended up pulling on my right arm thinking it was dislocated, and every time he would pull, I would black out. I remember my temperature being really warm, so I layed down and fell asleep in front of a large fan.

It wasn't until my mom came home from work that she ended up taking me to the emergency room after seeing the large balloon encompassing the area near my right elbow. The diagnosis? a hairline fracture of the radius bone- one of two bones in the part of your arm between your wrist and elbow.

I spent six weeks in that cast, and remember how cool it was to have something all of my classmates could sign. I ended up healing rather well, but couldn't turn my right arm without some soreness for a time.

So did I gross you out enough? Broken bones aren't fun- except for the cast- do they even heal bones that way anymore?

I don't want to find out.

Weekend thoughts

Well, I already know this is going to be a short post. I'm quite tired.

This has been a rather trying weekend emotionally beginning with my crappy run on Saturday morning. I will most likely call up my doctor this week to make arrangements to have my knee checked out, just to make sure nothing is seriously wrong.

I've got another busy week ahead. One bright spot is that I have a total of six days off over Thanksgiving weekend which will be a welcome break.

'Til next time.

Running Log 11-10-07

I had a disappointing run today.

My intent was to run six miles this morning that turned out to only be three as my left knee began to hurt not even a mile into my run.

I'm a bit confused as to what happened. I was doing so well with my lighter runs the past couple of weeks, with no pain whatsoever- I'm talking walking, light running, weights, bikes, steps... the only difference this morning was that I was outdoors and around 50 degrees. I specifically chose to run at Van Patten forest preserve in Wadsworth because of its vast network of softer gravel trails.

Perhaps it was the colder temperatures? Although I was dressed warmly, I elected to run in shorts because I knew I was going to get warm the further I ran. I've run in these temperatures before, although not much. Either way, something is still wrong and I have to take care of it.

My feelings right now? I'm finding it hard to keep my spirits up since the morning, but I know I will get through this- I have to.

It's important to me.

Putting the spotlight on Lake County, IL

I'd like to take a few minutes to thank the folks over at the Lake County Visitors and Convention Bureau for publishing my review of the new Keylime Cove Water Resort to their blog space.

The LCVCB website does a great job of putting the spotlight on Lake County and all it has to offer. Even I haven't seen everything there is to see in the place I've called home for nearly all of my life.

Speaking of Illinois, I think I'm going to make it a goal to do more outdoorsy stuff in this state next year. I've really enjoyed going camping in Wisconsin, and do so at every opportunity. The Wisconsin state parks are a real treat to spend time in, but Illinois does an equal job of showcasing the outdoors, and I'd love to see more of it.

The furthest south I've been camping is Beaver Dam State Park in Macoupin County, IL. which is a nice little hideaway near the Illinois/Missouri border. The drive (which I love to do) gets a bit more scenic the further south in Illinois you go.

Oh, how I miss camping already. I just can't wait until I get to do it next.

Seven posts and counting

Well, I've made it to seven posts in a row for National Blog Posting Month- I'm hoping I can keep it up! It's been nice to sit down, relax, and write about what's on my mind for a few minutes.

I've been exposed to some really interesting people around the world as I'm scanning the various blogs participating in NaBloPoMo the past few days. In the past, I haven't been much attracted to personal blogs by people I don't know until just recently. I do wish that some of my friends would post more, or start up blogs so that I can read what they've been up to. It's not that I'm nosy or anything, it's just that most of them are such interesting people in real life, and a pleasure to be around, that it would be nice to read about what they've been up to.

One blog in particular that I've been following for close to three years now is On the Road With Larry and Teddy. This is a blog done by a rather tech-savvy retired couple who travel the U.S. in their RV, blogging about their experiences to keep their family up-to-date on where they've been, and what they're doing.

I've always dreamed about retiring in an RV, traveling the world with my future wife, and living out of a home that we can just pack up and move around. In following Larry and Teddy's blog, I live that life through their eyes, and dream about how it would be to do that. I don't know them personally, mind you, but I feel like I'm traveling with them- seeing the sights and meeting new faces.

I've linked up a few of my favorite NaBloPoMo blogs in my new "blogroll" that you'll find along the right side of this blog, just underneath the "Shared Feeds" section.

Until next time!

Food is good

New employee introductions at the office means bagels!

Oh, there's also a birthday too which means even more food today.

Food is good.

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Sent with a Sprint Treo 755P Smartphone

Holy Grocery List Batman!

Meh... the post title is kind of lame... oh well... it's late!

This is sort of an addendum to this post where I talk about the fact that I'm considerably hungrier ever since I've ramped up my marathon conditioning.

Well, I spent the most I've ever spent on groceries this week! I've got some serious food here people... we're talking all the healthy goodness to keep me fueled up for these 13 mile weeks that I've been putting in- with even more miles to come.

Still, my weight has remained the same, never really moving out of the usual 125 to 128 pound range that I've registered most of my life. I no longer crave the junk I usually spoil myself with when I'm constantly on the go:

• Coke (now usually replaced by chocolate milk)
• French fries (I get an upset stomach nowadays when I eat these)
• M&M's and LOTS of sweets (my dentist will thank me for this one)
• Fast food joints (OK, so I cheat SOMETIMES)

Miles since Saturday: 14.20

Here's my schedule for the next few days as I prepare for the Turkey Trot in Chicago!:

Today: 3 miles (done)
Thurs: Rest
Fri: 3 miles
Saturday: 6 miles (unless my knee tells me otherwise)
Sunday: Rest
Monday: 3 miles
Tues: 3 miles
Wed: 3 miles

I've got a super busy day at the office tomorrow. Catch ya on the flip side...

Autumn Morning

These chilly autumn mornings always seem so drab
Why can't we just grow summer in a lab?
It's that last thread of my sanity I find hard to grab
And makes me crawl into my shell like a lowly hermit crab

photo and poem by:
J. Mendoza
11-6-07

Monday Blah's

So I nearly panicked when I saw the clock on my wall read 12:15 a.m., and then realized that it was only 11:15 p.m. I'm still trying to get used to this standard time deal. It's always depressing to see it getting dark on my way home from work. It didn't help that I saw a near-blizzard through my car windshield on the way home tonight.

Not much to report today. I had class and was a bit overwhelmed by some of these algebraic problems the instructor was throwing at us! I swear these problems took over 15 steps to complete. It was a bit exhausting really, but refreshing at the same time (yea, figure that one out).

I ran a good three miles today with little to no pain in my knee. I ended up taking it easy doing a 45 minute set of 5 minutes running and 1 minute walking on the softer track at the gym. It was encouraging to know my knee is coming along well.

Well, that's all for now. Off to bed.

Weekends must be longer

I just got back from a good one on one with my math book doing homework for my class. I must admit that I actually enjoyed it- especially when I knew what the hell I was doing. Actually, using a pencil and paper isn't too bad after all- a good escape from the usual keyboard and mouse!

I had a good weekend. I spent a big part of it rehabbing my left knee, going on a 4.5 mile run Saturday, and then hitting the bicycle at the gym on Sunday. No matter how much I abused it this weekend, it still doesn't hurt as bad as I thought it would. Saturday's run brought on some knee pain after about 2.5 miles. I've got a pretty good hunch that running on that paved trail might have something to do with my knee getting banged up. My plan for this coming week is to rest it up, and do some walk/running on a softer surface. I've got my eye on a spring marathon, but having this in the back of my head has me a bit panicked.

I went to a friends birthday party/bonfire Saturday night. There were a lot of young Whipper Snappers there, and a good part of the evening was spent listening to them talk about getting high, getting drunk, being 18 and cool to be drinking from a keg, and puking in weird places. It was entertaining to say the least.

This week I'll be traveling to Indiana on business, then more of the studying stuff for my first big test on Wednesday!

I'm ready. Bring it on (notice the forced positive attitude!)

It's not so dangerous, is it?

It's happened again.

Elite distance runner Ryan Shay, 28, died today not even six miles into running the 2007 U.S. Olympic marathon trials in New York. The top three finishers in this marathon win a spot on the U.S. Olympic marathon team. A runner died during the 2007 Chicago marathon last month. Some statistics say 1 in every 50,000 runners will die during a marathon.

I think about it sometimes, but like anything else, you never think it could happen to you. I know I'm healthy, and I got good marks on a health check up last year. I guess there's danger in anything you do from driving, walking, or just standing there. It's a risk we all take, I guess.

Perhaps I should rethink my dream of parachuting from a plane someday.

Ok, I'm game: NabloPoMo

Just found out it's National Blog Posting Month - one blog post for every day in the month of November, although can you tell I'm behind? One day isn't so bad, I guess. Although I could cheat and back-date my post, but NO. Perhaps I'll get points for my honesty and win one of these cool prizes :-)



So here I go. I'll probably fail miserably, or bore my faithful readers to death!

As for Nov. 1? I spent the day at the office in meetings and conference calls about firewalls, T1 circuits, and corporate web filters (see? you're bored already!)

I also spent sporadic periods during my day trying to figure out how I can get a hold of a Palm Centro to play with before returning it to the store in favor of my trusty 755P (!) It will be interesting to see how I can pull that one off...

Today, after work, I will attempt to run two or more miles to see how my knee feels. I ran 2.5 miles on Wednesday with no problems, so I'm looking forward to hitting the pavement to see how I feel.

Chat again tomorrow!