Ok, I'm going to start writing again. Nothing now, except I wanted to share a funny ancestry find:
Jakob Kielbasa came over to the USA from Poland in 1909. Exciting, huh?
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Tourney Thoughts
Why is Bob Knight wearing a St. Louis Cardinals shirt?
Anywho, a few thoughts on the tournament field...
I'm surprised Duke ended up with the third #1 over Syracuse. I figured they would get a 1 seed, but not ahead of Syracuse. Kansas, I think, has the toughest bracket. They're the #1 seed overall. How did that happen?? Also, it seems like the play-in game would play against the overall #1...why don't they? Michigan State ended up with a 5 seed, which is what I expected, but Purdue was put at a #4 without Robbie Hummel available (Wisconsin a 4 too). I think Purdue, in that sense, may be over-seeded (but I guess their overall profile is good enough). Temple/Cornell will be interesting (go Big Red!)... I'm a little disappointed Illinois didn't get in, and somehow 6 ACC teams still got in even though the conference was very down this year.
Anywho, a few thoughts on the tournament field...
I'm surprised Duke ended up with the third #1 over Syracuse. I figured they would get a 1 seed, but not ahead of Syracuse. Kansas, I think, has the toughest bracket. They're the #1 seed overall. How did that happen?? Also, it seems like the play-in game would play against the overall #1...why don't they? Michigan State ended up with a 5 seed, which is what I expected, but Purdue was put at a #4 without Robbie Hummel available (Wisconsin a 4 too). I think Purdue, in that sense, may be over-seeded (but I guess their overall profile is good enough). Temple/Cornell will be interesting (go Big Red!)... I'm a little disappointed Illinois didn't get in, and somehow 6 ACC teams still got in even though the conference was very down this year.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Snow Pics
I'll also be posting some pictures from the double blizzard we had a couple weeks ago. We had probably about 40-45 inches of snow with the two storms, less than a week apart. It was ridiculous!
Out of Service
So of course again a big break between entries. I think the reason is that I've been a little consumed with my family tree research. It's a little addicting (yes, I am strange). I think we've managed to trace my dad's side back to the 1850s or so. To go any further back, I'd have to either contract someone or visit Poland. I think it would be cool if we can find some relatives in Poland.
I've also been watching the Winter Olympics, of course. The opening ceremonies were pretty decent. They just had the one problem with the torch-lighting, which is a little unfortunate. I think my favorite thing was the big polar bear. That was pretty neat. My least favorite was that aerialist boy. At least I think it was a boy. There have been some good and some sad stories... I felt a little bad for the snowboarder who didn't medal as she was trying to make up for the stupid showoff mistake in Torino. It's hard not to root for the Canadian figure skater who lost her mom a few days ago. Good to see her win bronze! Johnny Weir is Johnny Weird. The U.S. beat Canada in men's hockey - great game! And result ;) The girl that won gold in the pairs figure skating from Canada was pretty cute - too bad she's probably like 16... The U.S. still leads in the medal count I think - can they hold on? I'm glad I got to watch some curling, and speed skating is real fun to watch. Oh, and Shaun White is really odd and I don't really care for him much. I just hate how talked up he is, however good he might be.
I've been able to run a little better lately (shin problems). I went to Road Runner last Friday and got a basic gait analysis. Apparently I should not be wearing stability shoes (I have been wearing the same style for like 8 or 10 years), so I'm going to give the Cumulus 11 a try. Training for Alaska started last week! I felt pretty good on my 5-mile tempo run tonight. I'm getting pretty sick of the treadmill already though. Glad the snow's finally melting!
Now for a little explanation of the entry title: The little yellow signs that usually say "wet floor" and the like have been in our tunnel walkway all week for the work they're doing down there. The thing is that I think they are really for the escalators, because they say "Out of Service" ... what, the floor is out of service?? Oh no! Where am I going to walk!? :)
Lastly, let's talk some basketball. MSU has been struggling as of late and has a big game at Purdue this weekend. Hummel just had a season-ending ACL injury, so that will hopefully help MSU a little. The Spartans troubles weren't helped by the Kalin Lucas ankle injury. Bucknell won 7 of 8 to tie for the conference-lead before losing badly at Lehigh (the co-leader) last night. Hopefully they win the first tournament game and have the semis at home so I can go! My work league team is actually doing quite well this year after only winning 2 or 3 games last year (if I remember correctly). We're 6-2 with two games to play before the playoffs. We won two straight overtime games before having two weeks off. Maybe that's why I didn't play all that well tonight. We still won :)
Alrighty. Bed time.
I've also been watching the Winter Olympics, of course. The opening ceremonies were pretty decent. They just had the one problem with the torch-lighting, which is a little unfortunate. I think my favorite thing was the big polar bear. That was pretty neat. My least favorite was that aerialist boy. At least I think it was a boy. There have been some good and some sad stories... I felt a little bad for the snowboarder who didn't medal as she was trying to make up for the stupid showoff mistake in Torino. It's hard not to root for the Canadian figure skater who lost her mom a few days ago. Good to see her win bronze! Johnny Weir is Johnny Weird. The U.S. beat Canada in men's hockey - great game! And result ;) The girl that won gold in the pairs figure skating from Canada was pretty cute - too bad she's probably like 16... The U.S. still leads in the medal count I think - can they hold on? I'm glad I got to watch some curling, and speed skating is real fun to watch. Oh, and Shaun White is really odd and I don't really care for him much. I just hate how talked up he is, however good he might be.
I've been able to run a little better lately (shin problems). I went to Road Runner last Friday and got a basic gait analysis. Apparently I should not be wearing stability shoes (I have been wearing the same style for like 8 or 10 years), so I'm going to give the Cumulus 11 a try. Training for Alaska started last week! I felt pretty good on my 5-mile tempo run tonight. I'm getting pretty sick of the treadmill already though. Glad the snow's finally melting!
Now for a little explanation of the entry title: The little yellow signs that usually say "wet floor" and the like have been in our tunnel walkway all week for the work they're doing down there. The thing is that I think they are really for the escalators, because they say "Out of Service" ... what, the floor is out of service?? Oh no! Where am I going to walk!? :)
Lastly, let's talk some basketball. MSU has been struggling as of late and has a big game at Purdue this weekend. Hummel just had a season-ending ACL injury, so that will hopefully help MSU a little. The Spartans troubles weren't helped by the Kalin Lucas ankle injury. Bucknell won 7 of 8 to tie for the conference-lead before losing badly at Lehigh (the co-leader) last night. Hopefully they win the first tournament game and have the semis at home so I can go! My work league team is actually doing quite well this year after only winning 2 or 3 games last year (if I remember correctly). We're 6-2 with two games to play before the playoffs. We won two straight overtime games before having two weeks off. Maybe that's why I didn't play all that well tonight. We still won :)
Alrighty. Bed time.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
thesixtyone
There's a site called "thesixtyone" that I've been finding some new relatively unknown music on. Just wanted to say that I LOVE the new look!
http://www.thesixtyone.com/
http://www.thesixtyone.com/
Friday, January 8, 2010
Ketchup, Part IV
(Random Stuff)
Overheard while Christmas shopping: Wife - "I don't want a foosball table, I want a Christmas tree!"
The arrangement of the national anthem that Josh Groban sang at the BCS National Championship game last night was a little cheesy.
It was a slow week at work.
I need to get my passport.
Boise State probably has one of the best looking drum majors I've seen.
The girlfriend of Bengals receiver Chris Henry (killed when he jumped off a moving truck) is either not the sharpest tool in the shed or is still severely shaken by the incident. Or both.
The x-rays on Wednesday showed no stress fracture but I have a strained ligament in my right thumb.
Elliptical machines feel weird, and I'm no longer a treadmill virgin. Work opened a new gym and I'm rehabbing.
My sister visits this weekend :)
My resolutions include sleeping more, doing my core workouts, eat less sugary sweets, take more ice baths, improve my posture, stretch better...
Overheard while Christmas shopping: Wife - "I don't want a foosball table, I want a Christmas tree!"
The arrangement of the national anthem that Josh Groban sang at the BCS National Championship game last night was a little cheesy.
It was a slow week at work.
I need to get my passport.
Boise State probably has one of the best looking drum majors I've seen.
The girlfriend of Bengals receiver Chris Henry (killed when he jumped off a moving truck) is either not the sharpest tool in the shed or is still severely shaken by the incident. Or both.
The x-rays on Wednesday showed no stress fracture but I have a strained ligament in my right thumb.
Elliptical machines feel weird, and I'm no longer a treadmill virgin. Work opened a new gym and I'm rehabbing.
My sister visits this weekend :)
My resolutions include sleeping more, doing my core workouts, eat less sugary sweets, take more ice baths, improve my posture, stretch better...
Ketchup, Part V
...III sir!
(Christmas)
We got about 20 inches of snow in Baltimore the weekend before Christmas. It was interesting to see how everyone around here reacted. The 6:00 news was a half hour of just storm coverage. Though, to be fair, 20 inches of snow in less than 24 hours and blizzard conditions is quite a bit. I didn't drive anywhere Saturday (day of the blizzard) or Sunday. Sunday afternoon I did dig my car out, though. With my bare hands... (guess what I got for Christmas?) ...but it was rather fluffy snow, so it didn't make it that much more difficult. Probably wasn't good for my thumb, though, which I injured at basketball on the Thursday before.
I had to get a front alignment and two new front tires (stupid Baltimore roads) before I drove home for Christmas on the 23rd. We decorated the tree after dinner the night I got in and I picked up a last minute Christmas gift the next morning. We had my mom's family over Christmas Eve and then again on Christmas Day. Of course Midnight Mass was in the plans as well. By the time we were done playing cards on Christmas night, it was too late to go out for our annual Christmas caroling run - even though we got instruments in our stockings! - so we missed it this year :( Saturday we went to my aunt's for my dad's family Christmas. Well, half of them were in Florida, but whatever.
Sunday I went out to dinner in Rochester with my friends (at The Hills). The food was pretty decent, but the dessert wasn't really worth the price (I want my cookie warm and soft!). We played games at home for New Year's. My cousin had another party (game night) on Saturday. I had to leave early again, this time because I had to drive back to Maryland on Sunday. I learned a few things in Trivial Pursuit and apparently I know all the questions about Georgia for some reason...
(Christmas)
We got about 20 inches of snow in Baltimore the weekend before Christmas. It was interesting to see how everyone around here reacted. The 6:00 news was a half hour of just storm coverage. Though, to be fair, 20 inches of snow in less than 24 hours and blizzard conditions is quite a bit. I didn't drive anywhere Saturday (day of the blizzard) or Sunday. Sunday afternoon I did dig my car out, though. With my bare hands... (guess what I got for Christmas?) ...but it was rather fluffy snow, so it didn't make it that much more difficult. Probably wasn't good for my thumb, though, which I injured at basketball on the Thursday before.
I had to get a front alignment and two new front tires (stupid Baltimore roads) before I drove home for Christmas on the 23rd. We decorated the tree after dinner the night I got in and I picked up a last minute Christmas gift the next morning. We had my mom's family over Christmas Eve and then again on Christmas Day. Of course Midnight Mass was in the plans as well. By the time we were done playing cards on Christmas night, it was too late to go out for our annual Christmas caroling run - even though we got instruments in our stockings! - so we missed it this year :( Saturday we went to my aunt's for my dad's family Christmas. Well, half of them were in Florida, but whatever.
Sunday I went out to dinner in Rochester with my friends (at The Hills). The food was pretty decent, but the dessert wasn't really worth the price (I want my cookie warm and soft!). We played games at home for New Year's. My cousin had another party (game night) on Saturday. I had to leave early again, this time because I had to drive back to Maryland on Sunday. I learned a few things in Trivial Pursuit and apparently I know all the questions about Georgia for some reason...
Ketchup, Part II
(Las Vegas Marathon)
As for the race itself, it was a bit chilly. It was about 34 degrees and maybe got up to 40. Maybe. Wasn't enough for me to take off my gloves. It was my first marathon wearing gloves and a long sleeve shirt. The gloves didn't bother me at the water stops or anything except a little when they got wet, and thus cold. Anyway, I felt great and my shin wasn't bothering me at all. I was right on pace at each mile and caught the 3:10 pace group around 19 miles or so. I stopped for water before 20 (my first walk break) and never caught them again. I started tiring a little bit after the 20, but managed to keep my pace through 22 and beyond. The last 4 miles I was absolutely running on fumes and had nothing left at the finish. For that reason, I'm not agonizing over missing a Boston Qualifier by 4 seconds. 4 seconds! Barring through my shoe across the line ahead of me...but then it would have taken more time for me to actually get my shoe off...haha. So, a 3:11:03, but I think Boston would let me get in if I asked. We'll have to see how this year goes before I try (if I decided to petition entry).
I took off of running until yesterday, actually, to help my shins heal. I was worried about a stress fracture when it started hurting again after a couple nights of basketball following Vegas. That cut my total mileage off for the year, capping a record year of 1295.5 miles and 3 PRs (3:11:03 marathon in Vegas, 1:31:16 half marathon in Harrisburg, and 1:08:17 for 10 miles (Harrisburg split)).
As for the race itself, it was a bit chilly. It was about 34 degrees and maybe got up to 40. Maybe. Wasn't enough for me to take off my gloves. It was my first marathon wearing gloves and a long sleeve shirt. The gloves didn't bother me at the water stops or anything except a little when they got wet, and thus cold. Anyway, I felt great and my shin wasn't bothering me at all. I was right on pace at each mile and caught the 3:10 pace group around 19 miles or so. I stopped for water before 20 (my first walk break) and never caught them again. I started tiring a little bit after the 20, but managed to keep my pace through 22 and beyond. The last 4 miles I was absolutely running on fumes and had nothing left at the finish. For that reason, I'm not agonizing over missing a Boston Qualifier by 4 seconds. 4 seconds! Barring through my shoe across the line ahead of me...but then it would have taken more time for me to actually get my shoe off...haha. So, a 3:11:03, but I think Boston would let me get in if I asked. We'll have to see how this year goes before I try (if I decided to petition entry).
I took off of running until yesterday, actually, to help my shins heal. I was worried about a stress fracture when it started hurting again after a couple nights of basketball following Vegas. That cut my total mileage off for the year, capping a record year of 1295.5 miles and 3 PRs (3:11:03 marathon in Vegas, 1:31:16 half marathon in Harrisburg, and 1:08:17 for 10 miles (Harrisburg split)).
Ketchup, Part I
(Pre-Christmas)
Well, it has been quite a while. With the holiday season and other events, I haven't gotten around to writing anything, though I told myself I would several times...We'll see how much I remember of what I wanted to say :)
We went to my cousin's the night before Thanksgiving for a foosball tournament. The rookie team of my brother and I took down the three-time defending champs but lost in the final. I had to leave "early" so I could get up early and run the Turkey Trot downtown with my dad. It was cold and crowded as usual. I didn't see any mile markers until mile 5, so after maneuvering my way through the first mile, who knows how fast I ran to nearly average the 7:00 pace I was hoping for (tempo run). My shins at this point had been continuing to get better after the week off earlier for shin splints.
I came back from the holiday to a short week, as I flew to Vegas Friday afternoon for the marathon. I wasn't aware that my plane stopped in L.A. before getting to Vegas, so that was a little surprise when I got to my layover in Memphis. Not that it mattered much, though. Besides, I met some "punk" looking girl from Seattle who said she was looking forward to getting wasted after the marathon...haha. We went to see La Reve on Sunday night, which was pretty interesting, but not really riveting. I flew back Monday afternoon.
Well, it has been quite a while. With the holiday season and other events, I haven't gotten around to writing anything, though I told myself I would several times...We'll see how much I remember of what I wanted to say :)
We went to my cousin's the night before Thanksgiving for a foosball tournament. The rookie team of my brother and I took down the three-time defending champs but lost in the final. I had to leave "early" so I could get up early and run the Turkey Trot downtown with my dad. It was cold and crowded as usual. I didn't see any mile markers until mile 5, so after maneuvering my way through the first mile, who knows how fast I ran to nearly average the 7:00 pace I was hoping for (tempo run). My shins at this point had been continuing to get better after the week off earlier for shin splints.
I came back from the holiday to a short week, as I flew to Vegas Friday afternoon for the marathon. I wasn't aware that my plane stopped in L.A. before getting to Vegas, so that was a little surprise when I got to my layover in Memphis. Not that it mattered much, though. Besides, I met some "punk" looking girl from Seattle who said she was looking forward to getting wasted after the marathon...haha. We went to see La Reve on Sunday night, which was pretty interesting, but not really riveting. I flew back Monday afternoon.
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