@ss gagger

To Ski or To Board?

2010-02-23T10:14:00.001-06:00

So, from my last post you see that I'm taking a trip to New Mexico at the end of March. I think everyone going will be snowboarding...something I've never ever done. The last time I even went skiing was in 1996...and I wasn't good. Should have taken a lesson as I can only stop using the snow plow method. That doesn't really work too well on every run!

So my question is: should I take a snowboard lesson or ski lessons? Just how hard is snowboarding anyways? I'm picturing myself face-planting over and over! But also think it could be fun.

Thoughts?

Weights night

2010-02-23T10:09:00.000-06:00

My home internet was sketchy last night and I'm not sure what's up with it. But last night I met Carol (my step-mom) at the gym to do weights. Haven't done any in about a month. We didn't do just one area, we did anything and everything...kind of like the Body Pump class I used to go to. We'll see how sore I am tomorrow.

After dinner with my Mom and brother at Trudy's, I did a bunch of lunges and squats at home. I think my upcoming trip to New Mexico to ski/snowboard has me wanting to get my legs ready!

Training

2010-02-22T08:44:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I've been in a half marathon training group since the beginning of January. It's my very first Rogue group and I am really enjoying it! (Even though I'm always last.) Good people. I just joined a group that was a wee bit out of my league. I've already improved my time, but still have a long way to go. My eyes are on a 10-miler on May 1 and then the San Antonio Rock-n-Roll Half this Fall. I'm using this group to get a good routine going and I better keep it up once my group is finished!

Brownie wants me to put all my training runs on here, but I doubt that will happen. Nobody wants to see how damn slow I am!

Peace out.

High school girls..........they stay the same age.

2009-02-14T13:53:00.004-06:00

So, I'm at Z-Tejas having lunch and guess walks by our table?? Matthew McConaughey!
Yep, he is our for a nice lunch here in Austin. Think he is in town to run the Austin marathon?
Maybe. If only I could snap a photo. Too bad I can only see his buddy. No fiancée in sight.

Full Moon Hash!

2009-02-14T08:53:00.003-06:00

So, FRGM and I were a little late to the start. We found no chalk or flour, because Living Proof was the hare. But we did run into Strap-On Elvis and He-Whore. They were headed inside the Tavern (the start) after a bad zen to Deep Eddy's, so we followed. Good beer and food followed, until we got word from some houndson where the end would be. We made our way over to circle and joined the rest if the group. Living Proof Shouldve drank more for his shitty trail, but oh well. Who was I to say anything since I didn't run it!

On on to V-Day.

BEWARE!!!

2009-02-13T16:16:00.000-06:00

This Wanker will be in Austin from Saturday afternoon until Tuesday afternoon. Don't set your alcohol down while in his presence or it will be gone when you return!

Don't you just love his shirt? ;)

2009-02-13T10:07:00.000-06:00

This comedian that I love is coming to Austin for SXSW. I sure hope I can get in to his show without a wristband!

Go to this Wanker's blog to see the most recent version of Everyday Normal Guy...now it's his whole crew!

Movie Night

2009-02-13T08:56:00.002-06:00

Went to Client #69's house last night for Movie Night. He always has several movie options and a vote is taken. Any time he has movie night, I always try to make it because his home theater ROCKS. You can check it out here. The seats have some bass dealy-bopper in it that rumbles your booty when there is action on the screen/bass sounds. Love it!

Oh, and did I mention he has an awesome beer fridge that pretty much always looks like this? The bottom shelf generally has yellow beer (Lone Star, Miller Lite, etc. Guess he didn't want to photograph that...)

Good times!

p.s. Last night we watched Wall-E. I never would have seen it on my own, but in Carl's theater it was pretty good. That little robot is cute.

Stairs

2009-02-13T08:43:00.000-06:00

My co-worker and I have been taking the stairs at work lately. I've pretty much always used them to co back and forth between the 6th and 7th floors, but now we are using them from the garage to the 7th. Felt so lame getting tired only going 5 flights of stairs this morning. Damn, the next time I make it to Colorado and do the Incline it's gonna take me 1/2 a day!

Can someone kick and harass me so that I start running again, please? Anything I gained while running last June-August has been completely lost. I'm lame. I know this.

Rest of SA Weekend

2009-02-12T18:31:00.000-06:00

Before Other White Meat's wedding, I went to the Kiss My Hash. It was moved up to 10am due to the wedding...and what a great time to hash! All the pics were taken with FRGM's camera though, so can't post any until I see him this weekend.

On Sunday, FRGM was a co-hare for the SAH3 trail with Other Brother Darryl...and I was their food wench. We showed them how to eat after a run, instead of those horrible pretzel sticks and weird odds and ends they bring for the end. Everyone kept asking if it was someone's birthday. All the pics I took at that hash are on FRGM's camera as well. But I did use mine some at the On After at Baker Street Pub.... Ok, maybe I didn't get that many good ones. Here are a few...

The Hares

Other White Meat got hitched!

2009-02-11T16:39:00.002-06:00

FRGM and I went to the Other White Meat's wedding this past Saturday in SA. Was a very nice and short outdoor ceremony, and then a lot of partying inside. Good times!

Other White Meat & Daniel

Gay-Ho & Kit Kat
FRGM & Gagger

(that's 3)

Condo Cleanup

2009-02-11T09:29:00.001-06:00

Ok future r*cist visitors to the Gagger Pad... I worked on my place for 3 hours last night (my mom even came over to light a fire under my ass), trying to get it back to it's normal self. Man, I had clothes and laundry EVERYWHERE. Organized other odds and ends as well. Tonight it's time to clean. Tomorrow is grocery store time. Any special requests for pre or post marathon?

Snuggie

2009-02-10T15:59:00.001-06:00

This is what greeted me the other day as soon as I stepped inside HEB. I laughed hysterically, and then once I regained my composure I had to snap a photo....

That's one, Brownie. Nine more to go....

2009-01-29T11:47:00.003-06:00

This was blog worthy, so I came out of retirement!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/dining/28bacon.html?no_interstitial

Winter Park, here I come!

2008-11-20T15:27:00.001-06:00

I'm officially going to the InterAmericas Hash next Labor Day weekend in Winter Park, CO!!!
I bought a rego off a friend today. Woot woot!

And this trip will include my first attempt to hike up a 14er. Those who know me know that I don't do well above 10,000 feet....so we'll see how many times I puke!

We'll Miss You Jack

2008-11-19T18:50:00.002-06:00

Jack

Jack, my brother's sweet dog, passed away yesterday. He was diagnosed two days ago with cancer that had spread to most of his vital organs.
There was nothing that the Dr. could do.
Jack lived a happy life. He was a wonderful dog that gave nothing but love and joy. He will be missed terribly, but Mazzy will probably miss him the most. For close to 11 years, they have been best friends and have never left one another's side.

Jack, Luca & Mia

Jack & Mazzy in NYC

Michael, Monique & Jack in Miami

2008-11-18T10:16:00.000-06:00

I was reminded of this first pic at the Poodle Dog Lounge from Wanker's blog post. It's not quite as good as the one in Ouray, but whatever.

I LOVE this guy's shirt! Found him at Lala's during the BRC IV. Tried to trade him shirts, but mine wouldn't fit him.

Congrats to the new Junta!

2008-11-13T14:14:00.003-06:00

Here is your next Junta/Mismanangement for the Austin Hash. Yeah to Elvis...he is our next RA!!!

Grand Bitch/Bastard: High Beams
Hash Cash: The Body
Religious Adviser (RA): Strap-on Elvis
Beer Meister: Father Syphilis
On-Sec: Try A Fuck
Joint Masters: Gluteus Intrudeus & Client #69
Hare Raiser: She Mussel Bitch
Hash Hotline: Ass Gagger
Hash Webmaster: Father Syphilis
Haberdasher: Wicked Itch of the Yeast
Off-Sec: Just Buffy (the barbwire slayer)
Off-Off-Sec: Squeef
Hash Mattress: North-Death by Dildo; South-High Beams; Central-Easy Access
Hash Wanker: FRGM (Full Ride Goat Master); (Squeezebox runner up)
Hash Bimbo: Bump Her Stick Her

In Bruges

2008-10-07T12:55:00.000-05:00

Saw a great movie last night at Carl's Theater. Go rent this now! Colin Farrell gives a wonderful perfomance. He is fucking hilarious!

And it totally works for a new drinking game. You must drink every time they say the word "fuck." Try it.

Some memorable quotes:

Ray: One gay beer for my gay friend, one normal beer for me because I am normal.

Ken: Harry, let's face it. And I'm not being funny. I mean no disrespect, but you're a cunt. You're a cunt now, and you've always been a cunt. And the only thing that's going to change is that you're going to be an even bigger cunt. Maybe have some more cunt kids.
Harry: [furious] Leave my kids fucking out of it! What have they done? You fucking retract that bit about my cunt fucking kids!
Ken: I retract that bit about your cunt fucking kids.
Harry: Insult my fucking kids? That's going overboard, mate!
Ken: I retracted it, didn't I?

Ray: What are they doing over there? They're filming something. They're filming midgets!
Ken: Ray... [Ray runs off and watches Jimmy being instructed by the director, who Jimmy flicks off as soon as he leaves]
Ken: Ray, come on. Let's go.
Ray: Fuck off, Ken. They're filming midgets.

Ray: Hey-ho. Drowning your sorrows, huh?
Ken: What sorrows?
Ray: You know, being a sad, old, ugly little man.
Ray: [to the bartender] One gay beer please.
Ken: How'd your date go?
Ray: My date involved two instances of extreme violence, one instance of her hand on my cock and my finger up her thing, which lasted all to briefly. [pauses]
Ray: Isn't that always the way? One instance of me stealing five grams of very-high-quality cocaine and one instance of me blinding a poofy little skinhead. So, all-in-all my evening pretty much balanced out fine.
Ken: You got five grams of coke?
Ray: I've got four grams on me and one gram in me which is why me heart is going like the clappers, as is I'm about to have a heart attack. So if I collapse any minute now please remember to tell the doctors that it might have something to do with the coke.
[all of the this is said in forty seconds]

Last day to register to vote!

2008-10-06T14:36:00.003-05:00

The deadline to make your voice heard is upon us. Today is the final day for residents to register to vote in the November 4 election. Voter registration applications can be picked up at post offices, public libraries, hospitals, churches and most local grocery stores. Applications are also available here, if you live in Austin.

The following Austin locations will be open from 8 a.m. until midnight tonight to complete voter registration: the Travis County tax office on Airport Boulevard, Freebirds at Hancock Center, Güero's on South Congress Avenue, City Market on Airport Boulevard and all Thundercloud Subs and Blockbuster video stores.

TSO concert....tonight!

2008-10-03T10:50:00.004-05:00

This is where I'll be tonight. Woot woot! It's located at 401 W. 2nd Street. (Corner of 2nd and Guadalupe)

Get your Tex Mex regos!

2008-09-17T12:19:00.002-05:00

Toga Toga Toga

2008-09-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

My weekend didn't go as originally planned, but I still had some fun on Friday night at the Toga Party.

You can see all of the pics here.

2008-09-12T09:12:00.003-05:00

Early release for my birthday! Yay me!!!

Ok, so maybe it's not because of my b-day. Who cares? I'm outty at 2pm. :)

"THA will close the office today at 2:00PM based on AISD decision to shut down our schools. AISD and many other area schools made the decision to release students and commit early bus runs to reduce the volume on major thoroughfares today as there will be increased travel on our area highways by Gulf coast evacuees."

See you Austinites at the Multi-B-day Toga Party tonight!!!

Meltdown in Slo-Mo

2008-09-03T13:45:00.001-05:00

From a Sept 2 email from a co-worker...

On the same day that the Republicans were forced to dramatically cut back their convention activities, the Palin Meltdown unfolded with extraordinary speed. It's worth pondering the totality of what happened today, in a mere half day...

* The news that Palin once backed the Bridge to Nowhere went national.

* It emerged that Palin has links to the bizarro Alaska Independence Party, which harbors the goal of seceding from the union that McCain and Palin seek to lead.

* The news broke that as governor, Palin relied on an earmark system she now opposes. Taken along with the Bridge to Nowhere stuff, this threatens to undercut her reformist image, something that was key to her selection as McCain's Veep candidate.

* The news broke that Palin's 17-year-old daughter became pregnant out of wedlock at a time when the conservative base had finally started rallying behind McCain's candidacy. (I guess that abstinence only education paid off. Brilliant plan.)

* Barely moments after McCain advisers put out word that McCain had known of Bristol Palin's pregnancy, the Anchorage Daily News revealed that Palin's own spokesperson hadn't known about it only two days ago.

* A senior McCain adviser at the Republican convention was forced into the rather embarrassing position of arguing that McCain had known about the pregnancy "last week" -- without saying what day last week he knew about it.

* It came out that Republican lawyers are up in Alaska vetting Palin -- now, more than 72 hours after it was announced that she'd been picked.

* Palin lawyered up in relation to the trooper-gate probe in Alaska -- a move that ensures far more serious attention to the story from the major news orgs. (Troopergate: A separate probe, initiated by the Alaska Legislature, is looking into Palin's dismissal of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan in July. Monegan has said he was pressed by members of the governor's family and administration to fire a state trooper who was involved in a contentious divorce from Palin's sister.)

What else will come out today?

Happy B-day Goat!!!

2008-08-26T08:49:00.000-05:00

2008-08-23T08:53:00.002-05:00

So, what started as little mosquito-like bite marks, have now turned into patches of red rash-like marks. Not mosquitos at all. Had it checked out and was told it's a mixture of chigger bites and poison ivy. Niiiiiice. I've never had it on so many random places all over my body.
But it makes sense because it always takes almost one week for poison ivy to show up on me. Guess this is my punishment for skipping out early on work last Friday and playing over at Red Bud Isle.

Summer Fun

2008-08-22T10:46:00.001-05:00

Today is our Summer Event at work. We'll be out on Lake Austin on one of those double decker boats from noon-3pm. Hopefully it won't suck too much. Hey, at least they will have fajitas, margaritas and beer. I know where I'll be camped out.

We get to go home after that, so after a pit stop at my house (to see if the AC guy is still there), then it's On On to Chon Som's 2nd Anniversary Party. I'm meeting the Keever's up there, plus I'm sure many more hashers will be there too.

Have a great weekend!

Slight edit....some of my fun co-workers and I will be hitting up the Hula Hut once we get off the boat. THEN, it'll be off to CS. Check ya later...

Die MoFo's, DIE!!!

2008-08-21T10:31:00.002-05:00

To all the mosquitos out there. JUST GO AHEAD AND DIE ALREADY! I seriously hate them. Went to dinner on Tuesday night at Trudy's and sat on the patio since it was such a beautiful day. Came home with a TON of mosquito bites. I counted in the bathroom mirror this morning. The ones I could actually see totalled 54. My Calaclear gel just isn't doing it's job today. ARGH!!!

BRC is upon us!

2008-08-20T20:28:00.000-05:00

The first BRC meeting of 2008 was held on Monday. We all met up at Ginny's. A whole lot more people showed up than I was expecting, but that just made it all the more fun. I was actually quite tired from staying up too late on Sunday night and was just going to have one beer, try to lobby for a different weekend and then bolt to hit the hay early. As if that would ever happen!!

While at the Poodle Dog Lounge, we got to talking about adding in some sort of game for a challenge. Tippy Cup was suggested, but that would take too damn long. Then the idea of a Tour de Chug hit us. In the pic below, Grabber and Elvis are challenging each other to show an example to the others.

While at Buddy's Place, Elvis gave me a Sharpie tattoo.

Kristin told us about the stash of Yuengling that someone brought back for her from the East Coast. I've only heard Brownie rave about it, so I had to try one. Several of us headed to Munson's house to continue the party.

So how long did I stay at Munson's? Let's just say that I somehow woke up at 3:55am, still in my work clothes, on the couch. I drove home and got into my bed. Tuesday was pretty shot. Overslept for work. Was about to finally head in to work 1/2 a day when I got a call from my mom. The AC repairman could come that day! So I took a personal day and stayed home while the AC guy worked on stuff for 4.5 hours. Was a nice, relax on the couch and be a bum day. :)

You can see all the pics here.

Fun-filled weekend!

2008-08-19T23:22:00.001-05:00

Check it out, I'm actually updating my blog!

So, last Friday I left work for "lunch" around 12:45pm. Had a friend coming in town to visit and all the big bosses were out of the office at a board meeting. Soooo, I planned on not returning once I left for lunch. Funny thing is, I got a call from I Like Your Boobs. He and a friend were in San Antonio for a conference and decided to come to Austin to have some BBQ. So they met me at Baby A's for some drinks after their lunch, and then my friend finally arrived. :)

Boobs, Gagger & Just Alex

Boobs is doing a double Gig 'Em!

Barton Springs Pool was supposed to be the next stop, but lightning closed the pool. Boobs and his friend took off for SA and my friend and I went to check out Red Bud Isle for a swim. It was perfect. Clouds went away and the sun came out. Totally awesome location!

After playing in the water for quite some time, we changed clothes in the parking lot and headed for Lavaca Street Bar to meet some friends. I hadn't been there in a while and was pleasantly surprised to discover they had expanded and moved the shuffleboard table into a much bigger room. Kick ass!

Two Drinks, Gagger & Teen Fanny

Saturday was pretty much a lazy day. I blame it on all the purple ritas at Baby A's and all the vodka I drank on Friday. We had mixed pretty strong vodka drinks during the fun in the river on Saturday. Anyways, we went to my favorite kolache place for breakfast and then checked out the new Rogue Equipment store. My friend needed to pick up his race packet for the Austin 10K Plus. Sat night was the wiffle ball home run contest at the RR Plucker's. Only 6 teams showed up though, due to the rain. I wasn't feeling so hot, so then we went home to watch The Bank Job. I love that Jason Statham!

Sunday morning came early due to the race that started out at Dell Diamond. Kristin was out there to give away wings from Plucker's to the finishers, so I had someone to chat with while the race was going on since we could only see the start and the finish.

And they're off!

And guess who won the whole thing? That's right, my buddy. Woot woot!

After hanging out and drinking the free beer after the race and waiting for the awards, Kristin, my friend and I went to Trudy's for brunch. I sooooo love their migas. After a nap it was time for the Austin hash. We showed up about 10-15 minutes after the pack took off, so it took a while to figure out what direction it even started in. I didn't have my camera for circle since it was in my hash bag back at the start, but the pics that Client #69 took are here.

After circle, we headed over to Client's house to watch the Olympics in his big home theater. Gosh, I love that movie theater!

What a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Wanker!

2008-08-06T00:22:00.001-05:00

Congrats Bridgett & Gordon!

2008-07-18T10:09:00.001-05:00

Bridgett and Gordon (Sphincter Blinker) welcomed their little baby, Ronan, last night at 6:36pm.
He is 7 pounds and 14 ounces.

Pandora

2008-07-17T09:06:00.001-05:00

Am I the last person to discover Pandora?! It's a new application on my phone that I downloaded. I've been showing some co-workers and they all say they've known about it for ages! What the?

Guess I'm just slow...

Reunited!

2008-07-16T16:14:00.000-05:00

An old high school buddy of mine (who I haven't been able to find on Classmates.com or Reunion.com, etc.) found me on LinkedIn! I thought she was still living up in Chicago, but she is back in Austin now. We are meeting for drinks next Tuesday after work. I haven't seen her in 8 years! Coolio.

2008-07-15T19:27:00.008-05:00

Let's go National League! We are due a win this year. And my favorite player from the Astros is starting. Let's go Lance!

Update: NL is up 2-0 in the 6th! And my boy Berkman got an RBI. Woot woot!

Update #2: Frikken Boston. It's now a tie game at 9:56pm.

Update #3: Way to go Tejada! (He is with the 'Stros, brownie) NL up by 1 now.

Seriously? Bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th? Really??
OMG OMG OMG! Tejada ROCKS!!! And we're going to the 11th....

ARRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!! Now the NL just stranded 3 runners.

Ok, it's 12:12am, the middle of the 14th inning, and I ate dinner so long ago that I'm hungry again!

FUUUUUUUUU*K! 12:37am and the game just ended in 15 innings. Freakin American League won again.

Congrats Brownie!!!

2008-07-13T04:01:00.001-05:00

I just woke up and checked the stats. Brownie finished the Hardrock 100 at 00:55 this morning! Woot woot!

You are one bad ass mother fucker.

Ok, back to sleep for me. It's 4am.

The home stretch

2008-07-12T23:29:00.002-05:00

Wanker boy checked in to the last aid station (mile 91.3) at 8:11pm Colorado time. He is on the home stretch now. Keep up the good work!!

Let the pain begin....

2008-07-11T10:15:00.002-05:00

So it's already 3 hours and 15 minutes into the Hardrock 100. What have I done today? Woke up, showered, ate my migas once I got to work, played on the internet and actually did a little bit of work....all while Wanker Boy and 140 other hardcore ultra athletes have been running for over 3 hours.

You can check live stats here. If you don't know Brownie's nerd name, search for bib 170.

Good luck out there! Oh...I noticed Joe is running as well. He is bib 156.

What a weekend!!!

2008-07-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

My sweet Alex came to visit me this weekend, but sadly, left last night. We had such a blast hanging out together. We went drinking late Friday night, did the Bubba Hash Pool Party on Saturday, SMB's King Ranch Chicken casserole taste test Sat night, Club Med Austin Hash on Sunday, and South Congress shopping on Monday. Haven't been home to load my pics yet. Not too many at that since we were in the pool most of the time...even circle was held in the pool!

I left the airport at 6:30pm yesterday and raced up to Round Rock to hit the Express game. Elvis scored some free tickets to the game...in one of the suites. That meant free beer and food all night! THEN, the night got even better. We went to the bar that is for suite members only and drank with this guy. Super cool, nice, funny guy. After the big bar closed, Jay (the cool President) took us all over to the Executive suite to continue drinking from his keg. After a while folks were dropping out due to work. Did that stop me? Hells no!

THEN, only 4 of us remained...me, 2 guys from Plucker's and an Express employee who has keys to every lock in the stadium. One of the Plucker's guys (Matt) wanted to check out the dug out, so down we went. We walked all around the field (on the dirt only, unfortunately. had to stay off the grass) and pretended we were leaping to catch a fly ball and crashed into the padded wall. I sooooo wish I had my camera with me. Only had my phone, which has no flash. Bummer.

Anyways, checked out the bullpen and some behind the scenes room. Then we came upon the hot tub out by right field. Skinny dipping time! Too bad that cute Bud guy had a 6:30am meeting and left before we got the tour of the stadium... Finally, about 2:30am we decided we should all head home. My receipt from Taco Cabana says 2:50am and my last text message was sent at 3:24am, so I'm guessing I finally passed out around 3:30am. Damn, is it 5 o'clock yet?!

p.s. Yahoo mail isn't working right now for me, so no phone pics for ya right now.
p.p.s. I'm ready to visit Colorado now. Love you Alex!!!

Update

2008-06-24T09:19:00.000-05:00

The ASS Hunt was awesome!

2008-06-19T16:03:00.001-05:00

So...YOU are so bored that you harass me and tell me to update my shitty blog, eh? Well, this is what you get! At least it's Kimchi approved. ;)

12PM That's a Sobriety Test in and of Itself
Lab tech: He needs to retake the drug screening.
Nurse: Why? He said he was ready to give a urine sample.
Lab tech: Well... How do I put this delicately? He did give us *a* sample... Just not the kind we needed.
Nurse: Wait, you mean... he... Oh my god! How the hell did he poop in that cup? I am impressed!
Lab tech: Yea, I kinda am to.

Hospital
Columbus, Ohio
Overheard by: Workin' here for the insurance
Posted 2008-06-19

Want to read more "Overheard" quotes?
Go to Overheard in NYC and Overheard in the Office .

OTR tonight...bleeders unite!

2008-06-03T16:18:00.001-05:00

I'm going to the OTR (On The Rag) hash this evening. Haven't been in ages. But this one is special....we're checking out the new Alamo Ritz theater for the On-After and will be watching the new Sex & The City movie. Chick flick!

And for those who don't know...the new Ritz location not only serves beer and wine....they serve liquor!!!!!!!

So after I meet my mom for a real quick dinner, I'm jetting over to Lovejoy's at 7pm for the start of the hash. Then at 10:15pm the movie begins!

Weezer!

2008-06-03T16:11:00.001-05:00

The new Weezer album came out today. So of course I went down to my local record store to pick it up at lunch. I have to set the volume too low right now to really hear it well. But I'll be jamming in my car after work!

Oh well. T minus 49 minutes....

2008-05-30T15:52:00.001-05:00

Coney, I'm bringing one of your offspring to SA! I'm on my way at 4pm. Woot woot!

CONGRATULATIONS MIKE & MO!!!

2008-05-30T09:05:00.003-05:00

My brother's wife had their little boy this morning...24 days early! He is healthy and weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces. No name yet.

I'm going to Miami next week!!!! Whoo-hoo!!!

This is one of my favorite pics of them, back when they lived in NYC.

2008-05-23T10:07:00.001-05:00

Overheard at the Purple Castle today.....

A customer, new to the PC, asked for some decaf coffee.
Sue, one of the awesome employees of the PC said, "We don't believe in decaf coffee."
The customer then opted for the regular coffee and remarked, "Guess I'll be having caffeine today!"

Who the fuck wants decaf coffee in the morning? What good does that do? Actually, who the hell would ever want coffee? It's gross. I drink a diet coke in the morning...or sometimes some caffeinated hot tea. I mean, seriously, it's freezing in my office. I was hoping the new building wouldn't be so damn cold. Oh well.

Finished!

2008-05-14T15:23:00.001-05:00

I have officially finished clearing out old files, I've recycled so much paper, packed up all my crap in my office and HOSPAC storage area, etc. I am ready to move downtown! Sure wish I could leave right now....and why do I even have to come to work tomorrow? Guess I'll be playing on the internet until noon (that's when the IT boys come take my computer and phone).

On On to the Saucer and Emos! Come on 5 o'clock....

P.S. Click here to see my new building.

TSO at Emos Lounge...tonight!

2008-05-14T08:42:00.003-05:00

Once I get out of work, I will be hitting up the Saucer for glass night. It's a special one today! Then I'll be heading downtown to Emos afterwards for 101X's Homegrown show. Alex said they play 2nd out of 3 bands. Now I just need to figure out if the doors are at 9pm or if the first band is at 9. I bet it's doors at 9 though. Thank goodness I'm almost finished with packing at work, so it should be a short day tomorrow. Come meet me out!!!
This is their last show for the summer since they will be concentrating on writing their new album.
Ok, heard a radio spot about this concert on 101X during lunch. Doors are at 9pm. Guessing my friend will go on around 11pm-ish. Thank GAWD I won't have anything to pack on Thursday because I'm gonna be tired. :) Party on Wayne!

2008-05-14T08:37:00.001-05:00

Go away sugar ants! I will get rid of all of you!!! What the hell do you want in my bathroom anyways? It's not like I eat in there and leave crumbs.

2008-05-12T13:09:00.000-05:00

It's sad, but do you know what I'm sore from? Paddling in my tube on the river while trying to catch up with friends or from maneuvering around all those trees!

Just for Jes....

2008-05-08T13:37:00.003-05:00

I know how much you *love* mayo! hee hee hee.

Ok, this grosses me out too. But I still like mayo on my sandwiches!

Semi-Liquid Lunch

2008-05-08T13:32:00.003-05:00

This was soooooo delicious during lunch! And boy, did I need it. Oh yeah, that glass is mine now too. Woot woot!
Ok, back to going through a gazillion files, recycling, packing and throwing crap away....

New local micro brew

2008-05-07T13:29:00.000-05:00

Article says they hope to have beers on tap in local restaurants and bars around Memorial Weekend, bottles to come after that. I'm ready to try them all out! Well, maybe not the extra hoppy IPA.

The Church

2008-05-06T22:55:00.001-05:00

I'm driving home and just heard a flashback from high school. Under the Milky Way by The Church just came on. Loved the song then and still did just now! I still have that cassette in a box in some closet. I need to make some CD purchases, huh?

I also just remembered a new feature on my iPhone. When using my Maps function yesterday I discovered the new GPS feature! That's right, I can click one thing and see where I am ok a Google map. SWEET!!!

Oh yeah. Work is gonna be crazy this next week, just like today. We ordered in lunch so we could keep packing, recycling and throwing stuff away. Have to be totally packed up by next Thursday for our big move. Scarfed it down in 10-15 minutes and then back to work. My point is...Dont expect a return email or comment in response to hashspace or blogs as quickly as usual. I won't be sitting in front of my computer all day.

Pecan Street Festival

2008-05-06T21:39:00.001-05:00

Went to the Pecan Street Festival on Saturday. Mainly went to see some free, live music. But it's also fun to check out some of the items being sold and always important to eat a corndog! When I arrived, Bonesucker and her kids were in line to do some bungee trampoline thing. Anal Fission and Trojan were watching and I joined them because no way in hell was I doing that! Plus you had to wait in line forever and I was in need of a corndog and beer. :) Smeets was out taking pics for the A-list as well and got some cool shots.

The worker helped launch Bonesucker up even higher...

We wandered around a bit and then ended up at the Chuggin Monkey so we could use the restroom. Then Pornarotti, Two Drinks Away From My Sister and Padre joined us. After a quick beer it was time to head back out to the festival. Two Drinks and I shared some BBQ nachos. Holy hell, those things were AWESOME!!!!! Pretty much looked like movie nachos with a big pile of chopped BBQ on top. Fucking delicious.

Then, I stopped in a booth to check out some stuff and lost everyone. Ran into some non-hasher friends of mine, Beth and Robyn and C-Lo (not the BFC C-Lo), so I wandered with them. And then I ran into FU Knave and his wife Jennifer.

By now it was time for one of the bands I wanted to see to play, so I slowly headed through the crowd. (Well, I missed Peel earlier since they played really early. ) Luckily, Nelo started late because it took forever to get to the Main Stage. I'm am a new fan of Nelo! I bought their CD on the spot as soon as their set was over. Go check out their web site. :)

Nelo had some young groupies.

Padre was there for Nelo and I think K-Dub and Squeezin made it for the next band, The Lemurs. I had heard Andy Langer's praise (you know, he used to host 101X's The Next Big Thing for the past 10-12 years and he still comes in every Thursday for live music updates) about this band numerous times, so I was excited to finally see them. They rocked. Well, I liked them. Read Squeezin's write-up here. I don't think he was as impressed.

We then needed another bathroom break and decided to try out some new bar by Mug Shots (since they weren't open yet). It was called Black & Tan. Squeezin, K-Dub and I did shots. Mine was Jager....not sure what theirs was. The bartender even did a Jager shot with us. I tried to get a quick overhead shot of all 4 of us cheers-ing our shots, but I barely got the bartender in only. Oh well!

Then FINALLY, Grupo Fantasma took the stage. Woot woot! Their music is fun and makes you want to move your hips...even if you have no rhythm like me. Ok, so their songs sound similar. Who cares? They were FUN!

Thanks to Padre for dropping me off at home after the festival and picking me up on Sunday so I could get my car and get to the hash! Oh, and Taco Cabana for dinner was awesome. But when isn't it?! Yes, I'm obsessed with TC. I admit it. That is one fast food I will NEVER give up!
You can see all the pics here.

2008-05-05T15:10:00.001-05:00

Upsetting news of the day can be read here.

Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-04T13:10:00.000-05:00

What's going on for Cinco de Mayo?? I haven't heard of anything yet.

2008-05-02T09:27:00.001-05:00

About to go into an all day meeting. Got to the hotel at 7:30am after partying way too late last night. Think I got to bed a little after 1am. It's gonna hit me after lunch!

Last night's concert

2008-05-01T17:48:00.002-05:00

I wasn't really hyped about going to the concert last night, but it turned out to be pretty good. I just wish I had been in fun, party mode. I was still tired from being sick the night before. Oh well.

First up was Lupe Fiasco. I actually knew a couple of songs, to my surprise. They would've sounded tons better had the bass not been so crazy loud and thumping. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love bass, but this was so bad that you could barely hear the voices. Then some little white guy with a mohawk came out on stage to sing a few songs with Lupe. You'll recognize this one.

Then next up was N.E.R.D. I must say, I enjoyed them the most! I knew Pharrell was a bad ass and had collaborated with a ton of people, but damn, he knows how to make a concert fun and have a good time. Hey Brownie, here he is with Snoop. I am totally buying their album.

Then Rhiana took the stage. You know, that Umm-ba-rella song. Great voice, but I still liked N.E.R.D. better. My friend said she is dating Chris Brown, so she was hoping he'd show up and sing with her. Sorry Christine, he didn't make an appearance.

Then we had to wait a while for the stage to be all rearranged. Looked like a skateboard park for a little bit, except with holes here and there. Turns out those holes were for fire to shoot out of later....

Then, lights out. Kanye West finally took the stage. All by himself. His band was underneath the stage. He had some weird "my spaceship crash landed onto this planet" bit and he talked to his ship (which was some chicks voice). Whatever.

He looks like one mean ass, scary mutha fucka. But he sounded quite good. I don't really know many of his songs (except for my 2 year old niece's favorite one called Stronger and a couple other). But damn, the entire crowd did. They sang every word and swayed and jumped up and down the entire time. One funny part was when he was talking to this fake alien chick (recall, he wants all eyes on him) and said that he would behave at awards shows if she helped him get back home! Hee hee hee...

He ended the entire show with this song, which made everyone go crazy. But I still liked N.E.R.D. the most!

Eeyore's Pics

2008-05-01T17:07:00.001-05:00

Grabber, showing off his master egg toss skillz.

Where's Waldo & the Birthday Girl

No Dick Doc & Easy Access

Empty Live Oak kegs

Free Beer! Oh, and I got a "pearl necklace" too.
Closet Freak came into town!
Felice, our wonderful hostess and Grabber

Lovebite with his unique beer glass

Wish I could remember why they were laughing at Rick.... You can see all the pics here.

New specs

2008-04-30T13:59:00.000-05:00

And I don't mean the liquor store.

My new glasses came in. Yay!
Here are the old ones on the left....and the new ones on the right!

Crappy night

2008-04-30T11:50:00.001-05:00

Didn't feel like myself last night. Was completely exhausted and got in bed around 9:30pm. Immediately got the chills and started shaking, and I hadn't even turned on the A/C when I got home. Finally got up to get my thermometer. Sure enough, I had a fever. It was hard to breathe last night as well due to my swollen throat. This morning my temperature was below normal, so I guess my body killed whatever was wrong. Is there a 12 hour flu?

Hope I am revived by tonight because I have to go to a concert. Not really excited about it either. I'd rather just curl up in my bed with the book I'm currently reading.

It's the Shiznit

2008-04-28T16:20:00.000-05:00

I missed last week's glass at the Saucer, but the week before that was for 4:20 and had Snoop Dogg on it.

You can see all the pics here.

My very first Eeyore's Party

2008-04-28T12:15:00.002-05:00

Went to my very first Eeyore's Birthday Party on Saturday. I was worked the beer booth during the second shift (2:30-5:30pm). It was quite busy at the St. Arnold's booth where I worked. What didn't help things was that several of the taps were coming out almost all foam. We had to fill up cups with the foam, let it settle, then marry the 2-3 in order to get one beer. Took some time, but we still got the customer a full beer!

After my shift, I walked around the park with Grabber and some others and we bagged trash and put new trash bags in the containers. Of course, one hand was carrying Grabber's beer as well as mine...so carrying trash bags in the other was tricky. I totally slipped and fell on the path made of small pebbles, but saved the beer!

We then came upon the Egg Toss. That was fun to watch. I mean, who doesn't love watching folks get splattered in egg gook?!

After Eeyore's, a bunch of us went to Felice's place for the after party. She lives right across the street in a little hidden apartment complex (6 units total) on the corner of 15th and Lamar. Quite handy for events at Pease Park, I must say. There was tons of beer, some wine and tons of appetizers. Felice knows how to feed the masses. And all without a microwave.

Felice then organized her own Egg Toss in the parking lot. JD and I won on the very first throw! I am a Champion Egg Tosser!!! Ok, so all the other teams broke their eggs on the first throw. Doesn't matter...we still won. :)

I ended up crashing there since I was too lazy to walk up the 15th Street hill to get my car and drive home. What's new? I am the ultimate "crash on your couch" friend because I hate driving home late at night.

Pics to follow.

p.s. I forgot to mention that I kept molesting Grabber's arms. That guy has some delicious biceps!!!

Where did my sight go?

2008-04-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

I finally made an appointment to see the eye doctor today. I think the last time I went was 2-3 years ago. I have been noticing how my long distance sight was getting more and more blurry. I am totally near sighted. They said staring at a computer all day doesn't help with that. Dang it.

So next week I will be getting in my brand new, super cool, funky glasses! Can't wait. :)

I love the cardio theater!

2008-04-24T09:05:00.001-05:00

Since everyone bailed on Saucer glass night last night, I went to the Tech Ridge Gold's instead of the one by my work. Their cardio theater rocks! It's like you're at a movie theater, but with cardio equipment instead of seats. Dark room, cool and a huge movie screen. Did the treadmill for 38 minutes while watching the last part of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It was the good part where they were shooting up their house at each other. I would have stayed on longer, but there were a lot of folks waiting towards the end and I'm not sure if there is a 30 minute limit during peak periods. I need to check on that.

I'll have to ask the cute guy who signed me up when I go back tonight after work. ;)

P-ville Hash

2008-04-23T15:10:00.000-05:00

Don't think I posted the pics from the Pflugerville Hash on April 13. The first part was fun and interesting, but the last 2 legs were straight and boring. At least we ran by some body of water at one point, although the wind almost blew me over. Crappy place was where it ended....nowhere at all to hide and go pee!

At Beer Check #1

Cum Union gets her 25 Runs magnet.

You can see all the pics here.

2008-04-23T11:35:00.002-05:00

It's official. I just re-joined my old gym. We got dropped December of 200-6 and I can't seem to get myself to go jogging around my neighborhood or Town Lake. The guy who signed me up was pretty cool...and cute. Yay to cute boys to check out while working out! I'll be heading over there after work. Woot woot!

I should take all of my measurements so I can watch my progress....

I brought a change of clothes so that I can stop in at the Saucer for my 7pm glass night beer too. :)

Dorkatron

2008-04-23T09:08:00.005-05:00

As I pulled into the parking lot at my work earlier this morning...late...an old song (that I still love) came on the radio and I had to sit there until it was over with. Semi-dancing in my driver's seat. It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing. If I hear that song it makes me smile. Know what it was? I actually just found a video of it! You're gonna laugh, but hell, I laugh at myself all the time. :)

Video link.

Rocky Hill aid station

2008-04-21T19:00:00.000-05:00

I woke up at 5am on Saturday morning, stopped to get a bag of ice for the beer, a donut and diet coke, and then picked up Client #69. We headed out to Smithville to work one of the aid stations at the Rocky Hill Trail Race. I had a blast while helping out at the Cactus Rose 100 last year, so I was happy to help at this race. I got lucky and got the best location ever!

Gorgeous views

The Tunnel O'Pines Aid Station

Lulu!

Here is the photo op that Carl (Client #69) had us take. Blame him, blame him (for your lost minute)!

I had just been checking out the water crossing when Wiley came through the aid station a few minutes before Lulu, so I didn't have my camera handy. He was too quick, so no pic.

Talked to some very nice, interesting folks who stopped to refuel along their run. Trail runners are sooooo damn nice. One guy sat and chatted for a bit. He was doing the 50 miler and was running with an 18 pound pack to train for some run across the Gobi Desert where you have to carry in all supplies you might need. They only provide water. I think his pack will start off at 30 pounds when he begins that race. He said it's a 150 mile, 7 day run across the desert. You can read all about it here.

Here is the 1st person to take us up on our beer offer! Time was 8:54am.

We finally got the idea to make a sign.

You can see all the pics here. Wish I would've taken more of all the people, but I was too busy refilling water jugs, etc.

Special congratulations to Lulu for finishing 2nd place in the female division! You can read her race report here. And Wiley beat his goal of 2 hours and 17 minutes. Woot woot!

I'm an idiot..and Mike Doughty show

2008-04-21T17:57:00.003-05:00

Ok, so yesterday I didn't make the best decisions. Glad everything turned out ok!

So, where to begin..... I thought I had found some friends to go check out the Reggae Fest with, once they finished with brunch. They bailed. What to do...go by myself? That's no fun. Another friend of mine wasn't going until later that evening and I was already going to see Mike Doughty at Antone's. I got a text from Trojan saying she and C'Em were gonna go get some drinks downtown. I was pissy and tired of waiting around. I was in.

We started at Manuel's on Congress (because Cork & Co. wasn't quite open yet). Had a margarita. Then went next door once Cork opened. They made me try a cheese plate. I actually tried everything...turns out I really like Brie (I knew that one already) and Gouda. Oh yeah, and 2 glasses of Pinot Noir.

Next up: Fado. One large beer and a bite of some homemade banana pudding from the cute bartender.

Another stop on our tour of the Warehouse District: the Gingerman. I almost forgot about going to that place. Christine met us here. Then it was time to part ways. Trojan and C'Em went to get dinner and Christine and I went to Antone's to meet Eric and another Jen for the show. That would help with my downfall....not eating anything for dinner except crackers and cheese.

We got there and the 1st opening band was on stage. We notice that they are all wearing long fake beards. I want a picture of that! We order and beer and whammy, they run off the stage. We just barely caught the end of their last song. I managed to get a pic of one of them though...which will come in handy later on.....No idea what they called themselves. Ok, just did some digging around. The bearded group is collectively called Ron Blackmon. And after seeing some good pics of them on this blog, I recognized a tattoo of the lead singer which matches Mike Doughty!

Next up was a group called The Panderers. I thought the drummer was kind of cute...in a scruffy kind of way. Which is weird, because I usually like the bass players. They had a big stand up bass (which I LOVE), but that guy wasn't doing it for me. I liked the music and wanted to buy one of their CDs...but forgot later on to stop by the merch table. I'll have to check out their web site to see if I still like them sober. :)

Next it was time for the Mike Doughty Band. He is the former lead singer of Soul Coughing (you know, that Super Bon Bon song from ages ago). He has a very distinctive voice. Love it! Two of the guys looked very familiar. Umm, they were the drummer and the stand up bass player from the previous band! Only this time, they put on suit jackets. And after looking closely at the pic I got of one of the long fake bearded guys from the very first band, turns out he is the same stand up bass player! I bet the drummer was the same as well. Too freakin' funny.

You can see all the pics here.

Several Lone Star tall boys later and the show was over. I don't remember this part at all. Did I walk to my car on 3rd at Congress by myself? It wasn't too far from Antone's, so probably. Next thing I know I am waking up in the backseat of my SUV. Look at my watch and see that it's a little after 1:30am. Found out this morning that the concert ended at 11:30pm. So I took a 2 hour nap after the show. The idiot move of the night? I get in the front seat and don't remember having to unlock the door to get in. Notice that my keys are in the ignition. Damn, I'm brilliant. I know better than to have your keys anywhere near the driver's side and what do I do? I have them hanging there with the doors unlocked and me passed out in the backseat. IDIOT drunkard!

I would've probably slept the rest of the night in my car, but I had to pee. Did I go to a 24-hour Taco Cabana? Nope. I drove up to the top of my work's downtown parking garage and peed up there. If anyone who lives in the Westgate Building was awake and looking out their window, they saw my ass. Nice. Then I made the trek home to North Austin. That drive sucked. My alarm came way too early as well.

OMG Becky

2008-04-21T08:31:00.002-05:00

What did I do to myself yesterday? Guess I started WAY too early because I really should've had a DD to drive me to work this morning. I predict an early lunch today, followed by a power nap in the quiet room. :)

Awesome Speech. Seriously??

2008-04-17T13:44:00.003-05:00

Wow. That's our Prez. Now if only I could find the short version of Jon Stewart's impersonation of Bush...

Shoal Creek Crawlers

2008-04-14T20:14:00.001-05:00

On Weds, April 2 there was a Shoal Creek Crawlers hash. Started and ended at the Pleasure Palace. Maybe about a 3-miler? I brought a virgin, Just Christine. She must have enjoyed it because she came out to the Austin hash yesterday. Woot woot!

TAF was the hare

Just Christine's first hash ever.

SMB broke out the Jager!
You can see all the pics here.

Wanksgiving's Hash

2008-04-14T19:45:00.002-05:00

Wow. I am super behind on posting pics. Things have just been really busy at work and socially after work. Maybe if I get internet access at home again, I can keep up. We'll see. I'm finally getting tired of having to go eat at places during lunch with wifi just so I can upload pics.

Anyways...Wanksgiving laid a hash on March 30. It was all in the greenbelt. I suck at running the greenbelt (cause I never run period), but it was fun. Although, I did totally eat it once and landed on my left hand and right knee. Blood on trail! Guess I landed pretty hard on my hand because typing at work that next week really hurt my wrist.

You can see all the pics here.

Raise a pint tonight!

2008-04-07T16:55:00.000-05:00

On April 7, 1933, beer was again legalized. It was not until 8 months later that the entire Volstead Act was repealed allowing for the sale of wine and liquor.

Most Americans have heard of the Volstead Act. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1919, banning the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquor." The Volstead Act authorized federal enforcement of that amendment, putting the teeth in Prohibition.

What most Americans have never heard of is the Cullen-Harrison Act, signed by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1933. Cullen-Harrison put the first chink into the armor of Prohibition, by basically adopting a new definition of "intoxicating." Under the Volstead Act, beer or wine could not contain more that .5% alcohol by volume. In March 1933, Roosevelt urged the Congress to modify the Volstead Act, and raise the legal limit to 3.2%. They did, Roosevelt signed, and the modifications contained in the Cullen-Harrison Act became law on April 7, 1933.

This was big news, and it was definitely celebrated at the time. It was reported that beer drinkers in Milwaukee even lined up outside breweries the night before! But is it something to celebrate now? There are probably few people today that get excited about a 3.2% beer - although it should be noted that there are still several states that prohibit anything stronger from being sold in grocery or convenience stores. (If you don't live in one of those states, be grateful. It's very annoying.)

And there are people who say it's ridiculous to pay attention to this insignificant piece of legislation. After all, it didn't really do anything about Prohibition. But if I hadn't been able to get a legal beer for, oh, say 14 years or so, I think I'd be dancing in the streets even for 3.2, thank you and pass me another. So, count me among the folks that will be raising a pint on April 7, and toasting my best friends, Mr. Cullen, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Roosevelt.

2008-04-07T16:22:00.001-05:00

Check out my lovely work outfit today...didn't have many options to choose from in my car...only campout clothes! Thank goodness I had some shoes from Thursday in my car that weren't all jacked up from the rain. I've been hiding in my office so nobody sees my muddy jeans....
...or my red face and tired ass eyes. This pic makes me look more red than I really am, but it's close! Gagger is ready for a nap.

I'm a Sexy Bitch

2008-04-07T08:40:00.003-05:00

So apparently it takes longer to get from The Woodlands to Austin than it does from downtown Houston to Austin. FM 1488 is a much slower road, especially with all the damn fog this morning. Ended up driving straight to work since I hit that first on 290 at 8:15am. Since this wasn't in my original plan, I don't have any work clothes with me. I am currently wearing jeans that smell like a fire pit with mud all over the bottom of them, my TXIH shirt with a short sleeved cardigan/jacket thing and my Pumas...hair in a pony tail and a slightly sunburned face and neck. A lovely sight, huh?

I couldn't have done this if the CEO was in town (his office is across the hall from me), but he is in DC along with my boss, so it worked out nicely. I'll be going home for an early lunch to switch into something more appropriate, but this will have to do for now! Guess I'll hide out in my office and pretend it's a de-clutter day (in preparation for our move downtown). :)

2008-04-07T06:03:00.002-05:00

I extended TXIH as long as possiible, but it's now over. :(
Went to Donnie the Retard and ESPN with GayGay and Begging For It. Showered and chowed at Chuy's...mmm, liquid crack!!

I'm currently driving so stories later. Left donnie's at 5:15am, got a 44 ounce diet coke, a water and 2 kolaches. Hit the road at 5:25...hope I can make it home in time to get to work by 8am!

Ciao.

Finally!

2008-04-03T18:54:00.002-05:00

Today was crazy at work and I had to stay late to finish a project. Now it's off to my casa to pack, then I can finally head to Knave's! Thought I'd already be there by now, but things didn't go as planned. Bummer.

Can't wait for TXIH!!!

UFO Party

2008-04-03T09:19:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night Padre had his UFO Club party at the Flying Saucer. $100 to spend on whatever. He is #4 on the Ring of Honor wall, so they were trying to make a 4 in this picture. We quickly changed this gang sign to mean "Fuck You, Loser!"

After the Saucer we headed over to Ginny's Little Longhorn. Hadn't been in a while and I was in need of a good dive bar. Since it wasn't a Sunday and there were no chili cheese dogs out on the table, four of us (Client #69, UniPorn, Just Senad and myself) went to the original Kerbey Lane Cafe for some late night grub. Damn, I love the Paris, Texas platter!

You can see all the pics here.

THA "Fun" Day

2008-04-03T09:01:00.001-05:00

So last Friday we worked a half day and then all THA employees met downtown for a Duck Tour. My company is trying to get us jazzed up for our big move to our new building downtown next month. I grew up in Austin and have never been on one...it's more of a touristy thing. But hey, it got us out of the office! Turned out it was cool learning neat little facts about Austin and buildings downtown, etc. But I'm a dorkatron and love those kinds of tidbits. If you don't know what the Duck Tourmobile is then click here to see how it all began. It goes into Lake Austin on the trip around town. Pretty cool.
The really cool part of the day was going to Mandola's for lunch with my buddy at work. We had pizza and wine. I've never had alcohol during lunch on a work day, but it was supposed to be our "fun day," so we made it fun. :) It was all over by 3pm, so we got to go home early. Score! I needed a nap before Friday evening's events due to staying out way too late with the softball guys the night before.

Ughhh

2008-04-01T16:02:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had so much crap to do at work but didn't feel like doing any of it? I am just tired of this job and the stupid stuff that comes up all the time. I mean, if you tell me you've worked on a data file for hours and hours, then give it to me...I damn sure better not find 1,000 edits to make. Seriously! Stop fucking telling me lies!

I think I'm going to just quit. Who cares about finishing my resume first? My tax refund will be here in less than 2 weeks, right?

Fuck it. I'm gonna sneak out to my car and not come back. I quit! Who's thirsty??

Hiphopopotamus

2008-03-27T11:17:00.003-05:00

Haven't given any updates lately...and I have a couple stories....later. I'm already hungry from lunch, probably from last night's drinking and from only eating a hot soft pretzel for dinner. Maybe it's the End of the World beer that I drank. Damn, that stuff is strong!!!

For now I give you Hiphopopotamus!

2008-03-26T10:20:00.001-05:00

Guy in Dallas witnesses a car accident involving 4 elderly ladies. Listen to it here. He had me laughing!

ACL Festival...Rumors!

2008-03-25T14:59:00.000-05:00

Just discovered this web site devoted to rumors about ACL 2008. Some of the bands they are guessing/semi-confirming sound tons better than last year's crappy lineup. I ended up selling my wristband last year because I just wasn't hyped up about many folks at all.

Here is a blog devoted to ACL 2008.

Damn. I didn't even know the Advance 3-day Passes went on sale already. They sold out in 48 hours. It's down to the $170 3-day pass...or you can wait and hope to get a 1-day ticket later on. Looks like I'm buying one of these 3-day passes with my tax refund (instead of a CO Invihash rego)!

ACL tickets.

I think this was the year of the Dust Bowl. That shirt has never been white since! After a long, full day of drinking and jamming in the sun.

TSO at the Parish

2008-03-23T22:12:00.001-05:00

Good Friday continued to be a fun one. I met Christine at BD Riley's for some pre-drinks. My new friend Senad showed up shortly thereafter.

Shots at BD Riley's

The Story Of at The Parish Room Senad, Gagger & Christine
The other IT boys from my work.

While there, I spotted Minnesota Butthole. He hasn't been around in ages. He said he was actually gonna hash this past Sunday. I wasn't there due to family stuff, but I wonder if he really showed up.

After the show we went to Katz's for dinner. Ok, so it was 1am, but I hadn't eaten anything since lunch at Plucker's. I haven't been to Katz's in ages and I was reminded why. The food was ok, but not worth the price. Plus, the service wasn't that great...and it wasn't even that busy yet. All the drunkards were wandering the streets once we finished eating. Next time I'll just stick with Taco Cabana! At least the concert was a great one. :)

March Madness at the Pluck

2008-03-23T21:14:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday I left work a little early to go walk the dogs and feed them dinner. Then I bolted to the Round Rock Plucker's for some first round games of the NCAA Tourney. My Aggies were playing their 1st game. Whoop! There were some good games that night! I left around 11:30pm (it closes at midnight anyways) and got in bed with the pups to watch some tv before bed.

At 12:30am I got a call from a drunkard friend who needed a ride. So I headed back up there and found one guy passed out in his truck and my friend on the phone. We somehow got the passed out guy into my car and into my mom's house. But the funny part was Friday morning. When the passed out guy woke up early in some random house and had no idea where he was. He found me sleeping and by the light of his cell phone, shined it in my face and asked, "Who are you and where am I?" Classic. So I told him the story about how I fetched their drunk asses while in my pj's, tried to get him into a guest bedroom but he only wanted the couch.

Then, while giving the boys a ride back to Plucker's on Friday, the one who didn't know me got a call from his roommate saying his ex-girlfriend had driven in from Houston and was sitting on their couch. (She still had a key because the break-up was recent and she lives in another town.) Apparently he drunk dialed her that night at Plucker's and said he loved her. Idiot! So what does he do? He goes to Academy to buy a bathing suit and met his friends at the lake...totally bypassing his house. Hahaha! I wonder how long she waited at his house?

I stayed at Plucker's to have lunch and watch more basketball. More awesome games. But I was beat from staying up late and getting up early. Decided to leave at 5pm to take a nap and then get ready for the TSO concert. More on that later.....

Congrats to Padre

2008-03-23T20:29:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday, Padre drank his 200th beer at the Flying Saucer. He should have his personalized plate hung soon. I'm scared to think about the amount of money he has spent in that place though! We also discovered that Tuesday nights at the Saucer means trivia night. Our team came in 3rd place. Woot woot!

Green Dress Run pics

2008-03-23T20:01:00.004-05:00

I finally got my 69 Runs hat!

Just Carl was named....Client #69

A large group of hounds stopped to take a pic by the big bird at the Domain.

The pics from the Green Dress Run are here.

2008-03-22T22:58:00.001-05:00

FUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!!! So close, so close. That was a heart breaker.

Come on May 9!!!

2008-03-18T14:29:00.002-05:00

Below are the schedules for economic stimulus payments related to tax returns processed by April 15, 2008.

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns Received and Processed by April 15

Direct Deposit Payments:
If the last two digits of your Social Security number are:
Your economic stimulus payment deposit should be sent to your bank account by:
00 – 20 May 2
21 – 75 May 9
76 – 99 May 16

Paper Check:
If the last two digits of your Social Security number are:
Your check should be in the mail by:
00 – 09 May 16
10 – 18 May 23
19 – 25 May 30
26 – 38 June 6
39 – 51 June 13
52 – 63 June 20
64 – 75 June 27
76 – 87 July 4
88 – 99 July 11

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

2008-03-17T08:30:00.002-05:00

The Hares from the Green Dress Run yesterday.

Things don't always go as planned

2008-03-13T13:10:00.002-05:00

When I arrived at 3:45pm to the Victory Grill yesterday, I saw my co-worker and went up to him. He immediately had a bad look on his face. Turns out, they had to cancel their 4pm show due to the lead singer losing his voice. And since their actual SXSW showcase was at 8pm that night, they killed the free day show.

Lesley still met me and we decided to check out the band that moved into TSO's spot. I really liked them...enough to buy their CD. They are called Southeast Engine and are from Athens, OH.

Next up, we bolted for the Saucer for free glass night. Upon arriving, Padre notified us that the glass shipment didn't make it! Something about the weather. Boo hiss. But, they gave us IOUs for the special St. Patrick's Day glasses anyways. We had a large group show up, which is always fun. And then when leaving, I found a huge table of my non-hasher friends. Chatted with them for a bit before heading off to snoozeland.

There was no way I was gonna make it to an 11pm show. I was just too tired. My original plan was to see that 11pm show, then go chill outside of Stubb's for REM's midnight show. Since I don't have a wristband or badge, there would be no way I could get in. But I haven't seen them since their Green Tour back in 1989. Thought it'd be cool to at least hear them from outside the gates. Oh well, I was probably in REM sleep by midnight. Hee hee hee. :)

So, things didn't go as I had imagined them to go yesterday, but I still had a great time! Gotta be able to roll with whatever comes your way.

Tonight it's trail preparations...just wait until you see the food we are concocting for the Green Dress Run this Sunday! It's gonna be sooooooo yummy.

TSO...again!

2008-03-12T10:12:00.003-05:00

Seems as if I've become a bit of a groupie these days. I'm "taking my lunch" at 4pm today, and sneaking out earlier to head to a 4pm TSO show at the Victory Grill. They are 3rd out of 4 bands. My co-worker's band is playing 3 times today. The first is a free SXSW day show. Woot woot! If anyone else has the afternoon off, come meet me on the East side. It's located at 1104 E. 11th.

After the TSO set, I'll be heading over to the Saucer for free glass night....it's gonna be a St. Paddy's Day glass!!! And I'm bringing a Saucer virgin. So Padre and Carl...save me 2 seats!

Gorgeous Day!

2008-03-12T09:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was awesome. I hope today is the same...although, it might get too hot. I didn't want to return to work after lunch because it was just so gorgeous outside. It was sunny with blue skies and fluffy clouds and only hit about 73 degrees. Absolutely perfect! If it didn't get over 75 here in Austin, I would probably never want to move. But, triple digits are sure to come. Boo hiss.

Austin Green Dress Run

2008-03-11T17:28:00.001-05:00

Headbanger and I scouted trail last night for our Green Dress Run, which is Sunday, March 16.

Here is all the info...

Date: Sunday, March 16, 2008
Hash: Green Dress Run

Come join @ss McGagger and Head O'Banger as they celebrate St. Paddy's Day, as well as Head O'Banger's 10th Hashiversary!

Start Time: 2:30pm

Start Location:
View Larger Map'>9200 Neils Thompson Drive

Directions: Travel on Mo-Pac and exit 183 South. Take 1st exit (Burnet Road) and go left at the light onto Burnet (North). About 2 lights down, turn left at the light onto Longhorn Blvd (Diamond Shamrock will be on your right). At dead end, turn left onto Neils Thompson and follow until it dead ends. Look for hashers and park on the street.

Details: Wear a green dress! Trail is semi-dog friendly. (Only well behaved pups need apply.) You will need a leash at a couple of spots.
If you are a wimpy wuss, then bring dry shoes.

Weekend Goodbyes

2008-03-11T17:15:00.001-05:00

Once I finally rolled out of bed on Saturday morning, I headed to San Antonio to visit my friends Emily and Royce. Emily and I were buddies in college and now she and her hubby are moving to Capetown, South Africa! It's for Royce's job. He has been traveling back and forth for the last 2 years. They decided to all go now. Sooooo, I had to get in some good hang out time since she will be so far away and I can't afford a $1500 plane ticket. They fly to Africa tomorrow! Boo hiss.

Saturday early evening we had a big birthday dinner at some Mexican restaurant where they have Everclear margaritas. Yum yum. Then we sent the chitlins home with Emily's parents and we went out for more fun. Ended up at the SA Flying Saucer (so I got in 3 more beers towards my UFO Club!)

Emily & Royce

Emily's little sister Erin (I'm trying to get her to move to CO!)

While driving home Sunday night I got the HashSpace email invite. (If you don't know what that is yet, let me know and I can invite you.) During the entire drive home I was sending out other invites and commenting on individual sites. Not safe at all, I know, but it sure passed the time quickly. I'm addicted to my iPhone...can't help it! :)

TSO at Emo's

2008-03-11T13:24:00.003-05:00

Last Friday I headed down to Emo's Inside for another TSO concert. My new friend Christine met me there with some of her friends...Mark, Eric, Mariah and Tess. Then Squeezin' Semen showed up as well. Had a blast. Then we moved to the outside stage for What Made Milwaukee Famous. Good times! Unfortunately, I wasn't really in picture mode that night...