Boys' Trip to Sedona ...

Colby was going to work on his Sedona property with his bro-in-law last Friday, and invited Josh and I to go along. Of couse, I said I would go. It did not take much convincing as I think any excuse to get away from the city is a good one.

I drove to Colby's house Thursday evening in order to drive up together. Colby and Amy, his wife, were putting their kids to sleep. You know, giving a bath, brushing teeth, reading a story, etc. There were many Moments, which I tried to capture on my camcorder.

By the time we were able to leave, it was a little past eight. We drove to Josh's and picked him up. We stopped at a Circle K to air up a couple of tires on Colby's trailer. While Colby was working, I bought a package of SnowBall and a package of Chilli Cheese Fritos. Two of my favorites from college. We ate, drank, and talked all the way up to Sedona. I thought the trip was shorter than I remember.

I fell asleep once we got into the town of Sedona. I don't know what happened, but massive fatigue set in. I woke up to rattling truck. It turned out Colby and Josh were trying to park the trailer by driving back and forth. I still could not get up and help them set up. All I remember is laying down a sheet of tarp and putting my sleepingbag on top before crashing. I slept outside under the stars. It was a bit windy and cold. I occasionally woke up to admire the complete darkness and bright stars, which I don't get to enjoy in Phoenix.

I woke up a little earlier than the other two. It was a little chilly because it was breezy. I took care of my morning business first, and walked around a little to waste sometime. I did not want to prematurely wake the boys up. When the others woke, we were ready for breakfast. We ate mini donuts, bagels, and bacon. Mm, BACON!!!

Colby called Mark, his bro-in-law, after breakfast to see what work we were going to do today. Lucky for us, he was working on his house in the morning. We decided to take a stroll around his property. We shared stories, joked around, and just being silly and goofy. I took pictures and video footages for fun.

Soon it was lunch time. We ate Carolina style pork sandwich. Mm, PORK! After lunch, Josh drove the backhoe to Mark's. We did some yardwork for Mark before heading back to Phoenix.

It was a nice lazy FRIDAY!

Near Death Experience ...

Wow! I had one of those near accidents that scared the $h!t out of me. I was driving to my sub assignment this morning when it happened. I was driving north on Thunderbird near 7th Street. I noticed on the right a boat like car, a Caddie I think, was waiting to make a left. I did not anticipate it coming right out, because the street was busy. Well, I guess one never knows what the other is seeing or thinking. I swerve to the right to miss the Caddie, and the Caddie stopped just enough to avoid sideswiping me. I really hate to think what might've happen to me. Thank the lucky star, nothing happened.

Random Shots
I was called upon to serve my civic duty last Monday. You know, jury duty. Well, I was dismissed from the morning assembly, and then the afternoon. Shoot, I was kind of looking forward to serving as a jury. Does that sound very counter to popular sentimental?

Beer Update
My two beer entries received enough points to score a silver (saison) and a bronze (helles). I am hoping to score a gold one of these days.

Movie Recommendation
I am highly recommending a movie called, "Corpse Bride." Tim Burton's stop motion picture is short and sweet. It is delightfully dark and quirky. It is about a nervous groom accidently marrying a dead bride.

Postcard From My Sister ...

I got this postcard last week, which is postmarked San Francisco. I am pretty sure it is from my sister, who lives in San Francisco. I find this postcard quite interesting looking.

I am going to borrow a page from David Letterman. Here is my Top 5 reasons why my sister picked this postcard.

5. My brother should drink more Mexican beer.

4. My brother could use a sombrero.

3. My brother should become a mariachi.

2. My brother could really use that sexy mustache.

1. ¿dónde está el cuarto de baño?

Marathon Update
I am not so lazy about my training runs anymore although I can still be more enthusiastic. I just finished my 13-mile training run. I am tired.

Week 8: 25 miles, total 130 miles

Movie Recommendation
I just watched "The 40 Year-Old Virgin." The first half of the movie is funnier than any movies I've seen in quite sometime, and that includes "Wedding Crashers." The second half is not as funny but more sensitive and sentimental. Of course, I prefer the funnier half. Check out this movie if you could use some laughs.

Dinner With Anne ...

I received e-mails from Sinziana about our friend Anne visiting Phoenix for a conference. Lucky for us, Sinziana took charge of setting up the dinner arrangement. We were to meet at a restaurant called Carlsbad Tavern. It is a New Mexican style restaurant in Scottsdale, and one of Anne's favorites. I was looking forward to seeing Anne since I have not seen her in about two years and getting New Mexican food is not bad either.

I wanted to beat the traffic so I got an early start. Of course, the best plan never works. I managed to get delayed by construction and missed a turn, which led to a detour. I still got to the restaurant about a quarter hour early.

I ordered a beer at the bar while waiting for the others. I think ACC tourney was on tele. It was not too long before the gang showed up. I was waving to them and the barkeep started yelling. I told him that was quite all right, but he said he did not mind. Well, I did.

We were seated out in the patio area. It was a nice day for dining al fresco. Of course, all the girls said it was chilly. Pretty soon others joined us. There were Anne, Sinziana, Mark, Danielle, Scott, Jennifer, Dhumal, Carolyn, four of Anne's co-workers, and me. We conversed, drank, ate, and had a good time. I really enjoyed the Adovada pork burrito. It was so very chilly hot!!!

Anne and I rode up to Esteban's house. It's been sometime since I've seen Esteban and his family. I did not realize Esteban's mother was visiting the states. Anyhoo! It is always nice to catch up with your friends.

Photos from Carlsbad Tavern

Hate Cleaning Carpet Stains ...

My doggie, Cenya, has been a naughty lately. Instead of going outside to relieve herself like I taught her, she found a convenient place in the house. I found more than twenty spots like the picture on the left in what used to be my movie room. I tried to clean manually by blotting and blotting some more, but it was not very effective. I also got tired of cleaning really fast. I became aware of a machine called Spotbot by Bissell. It is a carpet cleaner, which automatically cleans after pushing a button. According to a local news program, it works well.

I decided to get me one, since I was tired of manual cleaning. My experience has been very positive. I just have to get some more cleaner solution. It is quite loud, but one would expect that from a carpet cleaner.





Marathon Update
I am still having all kinds of motivational problem. I was not looking forward to the last long run. Happy to report, I managed to finish a twelve-miles training run two days ago. It has given me more confidence, but it is still not fun for me. I hope my motivation comes back.

Week 7: 18 miles, total 105 miles
Week 6: 18 miles, total 87 miles

Beer Update
I just transferred Octoberfest beer to secondary. I am going to give it two or three days of diacetyl rest. I hope it turns out well.

Movie Recommendation
I have been watching documentaries lately. The one I am recommending is called, "Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." It is about a flock of parrots living in San Francisco and a bum like guy taking care of them. It is quite fascinating.