Odometer 7739 Mi Temp 26F 12:21AM "Gonna pump u up"

Things I did this afternoon:

Join the Gym "The Judgement Free Zone".

Activated my insurance card.

{while searching the insurance website} 1st hit result...Chiropractor.


umm...nope, no correlation there.

Odometer 7602 Mi Temp 50F 9:28 PM "Chowduh"

After much criticism of my turkey in the box meal over the Thanksgiving holiday, I decided to try to cook Christmas Eve dinner, much to amazement of my co-workers.

Now I always like to or try to cook. My problem was that I often lack the patience (this actually applies to me in general but more on this when I address my resolution for next year) doing all the prep work and waiting for darn thing to cook. So I often leave the cooking to others, such as the Phillsbury Doughboy or fine folks at ConAgra Foods. But of course that never leaves you having that grandma homemade feel to it...

Back to my Christmas meal, so I was looking for something simple, and after countless hours watching Food Network HD, I found this recipe for roast lamb. Simple, easy, elegant feel to it. And I must say it turned out pretty well in favor and taste, though I really wish I have a speed dial to someone with culinary skills for questions such as deglazing a pan.

Now that I'm drunk in culinary powers, my next attempt will be trying to cook this; Lobster Corn Chowder.

Will I become the next great Iron Chef in the making?




Or merely the next great Linguini?

Odometer 7575 Mi Temp 38F 4:58PM "Evolution"

Over the years, man has evolved into highly intelligent, extremely sophisticated and complex human beings. This is evidence by the following actual case study.


Text Message received from my carpool pal over the weekend:

"If man evolved from apes, then why are there still apes?"

Me via text: "Random"


Monday morning:

Carpool pal: "Did you give my message any thought"

Me: "uh no"

Carpool: "ok. check out that S4."

Me: "mint"



Like I said, advance evolution. Amazing.


Please note no actual animals was harmed during this experiment.

Odometer 7543 Mi Temp 25F 9:31 PM "Tradition"

Each year they always air 24 hrs of "A Christmas Story"

Each year I find myself, no matter where I am, at a relatives, at home, or anywhere that has a TV, I find myself watching it. And though I always end up catching bit and pieces of a scene from the movie, I'm equally engrossed each time and I'm always laughing at this (my favorite) scene...



This is follow closely by the Chinese Restaurant duck scene (bonus points if you know the restaurant's name)

It's one of my favorite movies of all time. I can't wait to watch again religiously this year. I love tradition!

Odometer 7255 Mi Temp 27F 10:54 PM "Gadgets"

I should be working on my annual review for work. Instead I find myself looking at my desk, completely space out and having absolutely NO motivation to type out my review.

Then I notice why do I have all these gadgets.

I admit I like having things...I like to have the latest technology. But truth be told I don't really think I use half of it nor can I justify my purchases. Just on my desk alone, there was my laptop (I love it!), there's my new iPod Nano (which I'm just now getting the hang off using), my Bluetooth earpiece that I have never used and my cell phone. Then there's the new GPS that I brought on a few weeks ago. And just to the right I have the wireless mouse and keyboard. I didn't mentioned that's in addition to the TV, DVD player and the mini stereo system.

All satisfying acquired to be sure but also left me depress and poor. Other than my laptop which I can't live without, why did I all these things? I can't think of a reason. I guess I'm one of those "you never know" types. You never know when you need to make a phone call in the car but can't pick up the phone because it's state law. You never know when you need the full keyboard to type out that important word doc. You never know when you might need an alternate route to work even though I know all the routes to work.

I think about all the cash I've could have saved and I could've spent towards a house which is slipping farther and farther from being a reality. Sigh.

I have to stop buying things. I will stop right now. Well, right after this Amazon.com purchase...

Odometer 6888 Mi Temp 41F 11:39PM "and then..."

And then she said it...the f word, no not the 4 letter word, worse the 6 letter word "friend." Story of my life.


Now it is true that nice guys do finish last, as this as been proven scientifically. In their new book "Sex and War" the authors Malcolm Potts and Thomas Hayden draws the comparison that in fact there is a direct relation between the two. As the Newsweek article simply puts it, it's why the football players gets more dates (hence the girls) while math nerds stays home. Regardless if you agree, this is an interesting read.


I'm optimistic that I can break from the former, just not today.

Odometer 6681 Mi Temp 19F 10:22PM "Becca the GPS"

A simple guide to understand your GPS :

Phrase: Destination Please.

Translation: Where to?

Phrase: Turn right in 500ft.

Translation: You should change lanes now.

Phrase: Recalculating route.

Translation: Can't believe you missed that turn back there!

Phrase: When possible make an U Turn.

Translation: Turn around now moron!

Phrase: Road not found.

Translation: Stay on the paved road idiot!

Phrase: No signal found, acquiring satellites.

Translation: Your screwed!

Phrase: Arrived at destination .

Translation: Congratulations, you've made it out of the driveway!

Odometer 6404 Mi Temp 37F 1:42AM "Bouncer @ Circuit City"

Though this year I was not one of the devoted shoppers lined up at 5 AM (actually if you just get there at 5, you're already too late, I heard folks lined up for 12 hrs +) on BlackFriday , I was still up plenty early on my computer to look for deals (walmart, already sold out, so was sears, and bestbuy. the others on my lists dell.com, eh, nothing impressive, apple.com, save $10 bucks?! com' on!) online. When I struck out at all the usually hot ticket items, I was forced to shop the old fashion way; by way of brick and mortar.

As I previously noted, I do have a plan when one goes looking for bargains at multiple stores. So here is my itinerary in order:

ToysRUs-Berlin Turnpike

DD-Somewhere on the Turnpike (no shopping but I NEEDED coffee)

JCPenny-Meriden Mall

RadioShack-Meriden Mall

Sears-Meriden

Bestbuy-Meriden (Round 1)

Circuit City-Meriden

Target-Meriden

Bestbuy-Meriden (Round 2)

Walmart-Southington

Bernie's-Southington

Kohl's-Plainville

Old Navy-Plainville

Wood n' Tap (Just because it was HH and I was hungry)

Target-New Britain

Walmart-Bristol

Now that's not to say I actually brought tons of things from each of these stores but I was strategically looking for particular items from each of those places. Let me tell you this is more exhausting work then actual work! But in the end it was all worth it, I got the items I need (iPod Nano...finally I have join civilization!) and saved a few bucks as well.

BTW, if any club in Hartford is missing a bouncer, he was moonlighting at Circuit City making sure I didn't swipe off with that $5.99 "The Kingdom" DVD.

Odometer 5831 Mi Temp 30F 11:17 PM "Vamps Madness"

"Did I just walked into a mall?!" That was the impression I got as I walking to Showcase Cinemas tonight.

Unless you missed it, this is the opening weekend for the movie Twlight; it is apparently all the rage with the tween crowd. Based on the best seller, it's about a teenage girl who falls in love with a vampire, convincing trapped in an Abercrombie and Fitch body. Convenient but it works. Now, it's been a while since I was a teenager, so I don't recall ever going crazy for a movie, though I did recall a TMNT phrase. We shall not speak about that.

Back at the movie, the girls was screaming and yelling; all the while poor tired weary parents opened up their wallets to paid for tickets only to have to come back and pick them up in 2 hours. Such is the life in the modern age I guess. There was a line especially setup for the 10:50 showing of which I'm sure was sold out.

In case you wondering, I didn't do them better as I actually went see Bolt, courtesy of my sister obsession to hamsters. As with any Disney movie, it does have a great heart so running at 95 minutes, it wasn't as bad as I thought, though I will never admit it.

Odometer 5691 Mi Temp 26F 6:20PM "Free Lunch"

You can find anything on the internet.

Same goes for investments. I don't claim to be an expert on researching stuff on the net, but seriously, when someone gives you a free buffet and you sign on the dotted line, shouldn't you find out just who a bit more about that person? For those folks, may I suggest the Finra Broker Check?

Course when I reach my retirement age, maybe I too, will be seduced by a plate of roast beef and gravy.

Odometer 5639 Mi Temp 59F 11:03PM "Liquid {gold} Assets"

This isn't your ordinary toilet.

In fact it is the most expensive toilet in the world. At a solid 24k gold, it belongs to Hong Kong entrepreneur Lam Sai-wing. He has spent the past decade constructing a palace of gold, decked out in six tons of the precious metal, all to get folks to buy jewerly.

The Swisshorn Gold Place has become an attraction mainland Chinese tour groups couldn't miss, and a boon for Mr. Lam's retail jewelry business.

Sadly though, Mr. Lam died unexpectedly recently but his very public center piece lives on. And before you ask, no he didn't die on the toilet, and no it's not available for public use. So while our investments are heading south, one man's dream and his company certainly knows how to stay ahead of the game with the "Royal Flush."

Odometer 5510 Mi Temp 37F 5:49 PM "Call me Bond"

You don't need to be James Bond to live like one, at least automotively speaking (His never failing liver and endless beautiful women is another story; can't wait for the new movie!) For just a bit more (starting price $148,325 MSRP) you can go to your local Mercedes dealer and request the Guard package that along with all the comforts of the standard S600:

"Coming in the long wheelbase only, the Mercedes Benz S600 Guard is equipped with the same 517 hp biturbo V12 engine installed on the base S600 model. The engine is strong enough to pull the vehicle from the crime scene even on flat tires and with its VIP cargo more or less alive and well (of course, only in case if the adversary didn't use attack helicopters or anti-tank missiles)



In addition to fully integrated armor, the S600 Guard also features a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system, as well as night vision system."

Personally, I think the fine folks @ MB should also offer the optional rocket launchers as well. I mean, I can't tell you how many times I wish I can just blow away that little subcompact in the HOV lane driving at 50 MPH?! (j/k!)

One final note, in case MBs aren't your cup of tea, BMW does offer a similar package. Though true James Bond fans knows there's only brand he prefers to drive.

Odometer 5420 Mi Temp 40F 10:52 PM "Here it comes"

Walking into Target in Meriden this afternoon and I can't help overhearing the music that was playing through the store's speakers. It was none other than Charlie's Brown Christmas, "Christmas Time is Here." Hence I looked up and there it is...lights and decorations, glimmer and all...hung from the ceiling and holiday ad sales in full force. Now I love Christmas but can't help but think that Thanksgiving got side shoved in the process. It's just not fair! Can't we give Thanksgiving a week worth of notice?! As such, I know its waaaayyy early but if you're already feeling nostalgic, here's your first chance this year to watch this classic.



Back to subject of shopping, it won't be long til Black Friday, the "traditional day" to kick start the holiday shopping season. Also, traditionally I have this day off, but over the years the novelty of standing in line a 6, then 5 and now it's starts at 4 A.M or earlier has worn off. Especially when that $3.84 food processor wasn't all the crack up to be. Still, in all likeihood I will stand outside in accordance to plan (and we have a plan, more on this later on) this year. Be sure to come back here to see if I come out alive unlike this poor woman.

Odometer 5275 Mi Temp 53F 11:03 PM "Aussie"

I admit I'm a sucker for ads and marketing compaigns. Many a hastily decision was made by a pretty face or Billy Mays (mighty putty anyone?!) And so I have feeling this will the next one
With special thanks to Steve who have brainwashed images of Australia in my head, I look forward (pending stability of the financial market and/or massive gov't bailout of themasterpat's finances) to spending Christmas in t-shirts and shorts or spending 4th of July wearing parkas and gloves. Decisions, decisions.

BTW, if anyone is going to get me a Christmas present, may I suggest business class on Qantas's A380?

Odometer 5270 Mi Temp 51F 8:07 AM "Boy Bands"

Apparently every decade has its moments...in the 80s it was the Atari 2600, Reaganomics, and MTV. In the 90s we traded in the Atari for the AOL, Dot Com explosion, and boy bands. Which led to today's post. Somehow many of these boy members manage to survive after their ill fated attempt at stardom. One particular member, with his solo gig after the implosion ends up on XM Hitlist (station 30) with his What's Left of Me Video.

This immediately prompted my co-pilot to randomly point out (amongst other things) that he was part 98 Degrees in the 90s. Even more randomly, he noted

I don't remember what video he was in but they were singing along the GoldenGate
Bridge waving their arms and wearing wifebeaters.

While I chuckled at the thought (actually it was a more of a LOL WTF are u talking about laugh) it was prompted me on a mission to locate this so call video. Well, my commuter friend, if you're reading this, I have found this video for you, and it is here!

Due do well financed and well crafted lawyers at Universal, I wasn't able to embedded into this post. But enjoy your flashback at the 90s! (Yikes!)

Odometer 5249 Mi Temp 56F 8:14 AM "Publicly Speaking"

It turns out that I have no trouble with public speaking. As initially I was a bit worry about speak with senior leaders of my company, I really didn't know what to expect with the #1, 2, and 3 in charge. I mean would they be like J. Jonah Jameson, the boss that everyone loves to hate?



Or are they completely nice? Well, it turns out they're completely down to earth, which for a company this massive in size speaks volumes about this global conglomerate. Not that they didn't grill us on some tough questions, and luckily we were prepare on that. I thank my chair partner for giving me the heads up on that. Until next year!

Speaking with the member of the opposite sex on the other hand, ...that's a different story.

Lately there's this girl that I've been thinking about a lot. Everything about her; every time she gets excited about something, that's this glow in her eyes that is most beautiful thing. It doesn't help that she is smart, funny and full of life. 'Course as usual, I'm not sure how to react so each time I see her it instead of telling her how I feel I end with small talk about nothingness. As she turns away, I could just bang my head against the wall.

I'm completely smitten with her.

Little does she know how much influence she had on me this year. She inspire me so much from getting physically in shape (err...still working on this one) to professionally setting a goal (cause girls dig a career man right?) I wonder if she knows how I feel about her or will I ever muster the courage to tell her...

Next post I promise we'll change subject for something fun.

Odometer 5122 Mi Temp 65F 5:46PM "Office Politics"

Office and Politics don't work! I know because I've always made it my rule not to talk about politics at the office. All of a sudden the person you respect and work well with its now your worst enemy! I was thinking to myself on how I got sucked in to the political vacuum but can't seem to remember, I believe it was started with an email about a week ago. Needless to say it was a mental beating from most definitely "left" and right. Kinda like this

except that if I had paintball gun I would feel a lot better!