Yes, this guy is wearing a dead red fox.
Saw him today while shopping at a warehouse club store.
Animal cruelty is a statement, but certainly not a fashionable one.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Cruel and Tacky
Nothing completes an outfit quite like a dead animal on your head.
Yes, this guy is wearing a dead red fox.
Saw him today while shopping at a warehouse club store.
Animal cruelty is a statement, but certainly not a fashionable one.
Yes, this guy is wearing a dead red fox.
Saw him today while shopping at a warehouse club store.
Animal cruelty is a statement, but certainly not a fashionable one.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Cycling Jersey Insanity
For people who have considered cycling, but just haven't made the leap into the sport yet, I am sure at least some of the hesitation must be due the hideousness of most cycling jerseys.
This one tops them all.
Yes, it's just what I always wanted, a cycling jersey that looks like I am wearing a wedding gown. My favorite detail on this stunning number is the peek at the bride's butt hat. Classy.
Of course, there's the male equivalent--a tuxedo cycling jersey:
Potential cyclists, let not these tacky togs deter you!
This one tops them all.
Yes, it's just what I always wanted, a cycling jersey that looks like I am wearing a wedding gown. My favorite detail on this stunning number is the peek at the bride's butt hat. Classy.
Of course, there's the male equivalent--a tuxedo cycling jersey:
Potential cyclists, let not these tacky togs deter you!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Extraordinary
In my pastor's homily this morning, he brought up a great point about today's readings (1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1 and Mk 2:13-17). Both of these stories are about being called and the call is heard by people in the midst of doing ordinary things; Saul is trying to find a couple of stray donkeys that got away from the herd and Levi is doing his job at a customs post.
My takeaway from these readings is it's a great reminder that God is with us all the time -- not only in the exciting and fantastic or even grief-stricken moments of our lives. Even the ordinary of everyday life is extraordinary, because God is there with me always.
My takeaway from these readings is it's a great reminder that God is with us all the time -- not only in the exciting and fantastic or even grief-stricken moments of our lives. Even the ordinary of everyday life is extraordinary, because God is there with me always.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
2008 Goals
Been thinking about goals for 2008, especially cycling goals.
Last year, my goal was to ride at least one century (100-mile ride). I did that three times over -- my first one ever on May 12, then on July 7, and the final one on October 7. Between the July and October one, I was off the bike for 2 months due to a shoulder injury sustained while doing some off-road biking.
The next logical goal would be to do a multi-day ride or harder century rides (e.g., more hills, tougher riding conditions). Or if I were really a glutton for punishment, randonneurring. It's safe to say that while randonneurring intrigues me from an endurance standpoint, I am not all that keen on 3 AM start times!
RAGBRAI is one of those must-do at least once in your lifetime deals. It also requires a lot of gear -- camping gear -- that I don't have. Plus I'm not sure I am ready to camp in a field with a few thousand of my closest friends.
MS150 is a good intermediate level challenge. 150 miles in two days. Not too hard -- I'm in the condition to do it now. Plus the dollars raised go to a good cause. There's a team at work I have been invited to join.
Team in Training is one of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's fundraisers. I hear it is a stunning ride, but also challenging. The other challenge is meeting the fundraising requirements, which are a substantial.
The Tornado Alley 100 is high on my list for its uniqueness (the ride touches 4 states in one day), its proximity to STL (it's in Joplin), and its fun jersey.
The Hotter 'n Hell 100 is compelling because of the conditions (August in Texas), but also because they claim to have one of the fastest 100-mile road courses. It would be very cool to be able to get a century done in under 5h:30m (so far my best time has been 6h:19m).
Last year, my goal was to ride at least one century (100-mile ride). I did that three times over -- my first one ever on May 12, then on July 7, and the final one on October 7. Between the July and October one, I was off the bike for 2 months due to a shoulder injury sustained while doing some off-road biking.
The next logical goal would be to do a multi-day ride or harder century rides (e.g., more hills, tougher riding conditions). Or if I were really a glutton for punishment, randonneurring. It's safe to say that while randonneurring intrigues me from an endurance standpoint, I am not all that keen on 3 AM start times!
- Do I do RAGBRAI?
- How about the MS150?
- Team in Training's Lake Tahoe Ride?
- Tornado Alley 110?
- Hotter 'n Hell Hundred?
RAGBRAI is one of those must-do at least once in your lifetime deals. It also requires a lot of gear -- camping gear -- that I don't have. Plus I'm not sure I am ready to camp in a field with a few thousand of my closest friends.
MS150 is a good intermediate level challenge. 150 miles in two days. Not too hard -- I'm in the condition to do it now. Plus the dollars raised go to a good cause. There's a team at work I have been invited to join.
Team in Training is one of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's fundraisers. I hear it is a stunning ride, but also challenging. The other challenge is meeting the fundraising requirements, which are a substantial.
The Tornado Alley 100 is high on my list for its uniqueness (the ride touches 4 states in one day), its proximity to STL (it's in Joplin), and its fun jersey.
The Hotter 'n Hell 100 is compelling because of the conditions (August in Texas), but also because they claim to have one of the fastest 100-mile road courses. It would be very cool to be able to get a century done in under 5h:30m (so far my best time has been 6h:19m).
This is a very complicated case, Maude. You know, a lotta ins, a lotta outs, a lotta what-have-yous. And uh, lotta strands to keep in my head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder's head.I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Recycling Styrofoam
Ever wonder what to do with those huge chunks of styrofoam packing materials that come in appliance or computer boxes? Someone on the stlbiking.com forum had the same question. Turns out, it is a little difficult to find resources who will take it for recycling, but not impossible.
Whole Foods will take your styrofoam while a lot of municipalities will not. There are currently two Whole Foods stores in the St. Louis area -- you can use their store finder to locate them.
Whole Foods will take your styrofoam while a lot of municipalities will not. There are currently two Whole Foods stores in the St. Louis area -- you can use their store finder to locate them.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Three Monkeys
Hubby and I just tried a relatively new (open just a couple of months) restaurant last Thursday called Three Monkeys.
We ordered the Romeo's Red Wings tossed in Jamaican BBQ sauce. Having had some exposure to West Indian and Jamaican food -- maybe a little more than the average St. Louisan -- I had a hard time discerning what about these wings made them "Jamaican BBQ" style, but it didn't matter that much to me since they were pretty darned tasty. I also ordered a bowl of their chili, which, according to their menu has beer and tequila in it. If it does, I couldn't taste it or, if I did taste it, it didn't seem to add much to the flavor. The menu also says it is served piping hot. On a cold January evening, I was looking forward to a steaming bowl of chili, but it was served just a little warmer than lukewarm. The final nail in the coffin on the chili selection was the consistency. I hate to say it, but it looked like the consistency of Alpo. Sorry -- it's the truth, though. So, if I were you, I would give the chili a miss.
However, 3mstl redeemed itself with its wood-fired pizza. Boy oh boy, was it good! We had the "Quick-Sand" variety, which is topped with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and andouille sausage. And, at the risk of offending my native St. Louisan friends, thank God there was no icky provel cheese on it -- mozzarella is the only way to go!
Their interior is by far one of the most beautifully done bar/pub spaces I have ever seen. The details of the wavy glass in the doors is captivating, the woodwork is so warm and inviting, and even the bathrooms are stylish.
They have half-price pizza Tuesday through Friday from 3 - 6 PM, and drink specials during the same hours. I look forward to trying other menu items in the future.
We ordered the Romeo's Red Wings tossed in Jamaican BBQ sauce. Having had some exposure to West Indian and Jamaican food -- maybe a little more than the average St. Louisan -- I had a hard time discerning what about these wings made them "Jamaican BBQ" style, but it didn't matter that much to me since they were pretty darned tasty. I also ordered a bowl of their chili, which, according to their menu has beer and tequila in it. If it does, I couldn't taste it or, if I did taste it, it didn't seem to add much to the flavor. The menu also says it is served piping hot. On a cold January evening, I was looking forward to a steaming bowl of chili, but it was served just a little warmer than lukewarm. The final nail in the coffin on the chili selection was the consistency. I hate to say it, but it looked like the consistency of Alpo. Sorry -- it's the truth, though. So, if I were you, I would give the chili a miss.
However, 3mstl redeemed itself with its wood-fired pizza. Boy oh boy, was it good! We had the "Quick-Sand" variety, which is topped with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and andouille sausage. And, at the risk of offending my native St. Louisan friends, thank God there was no icky provel cheese on it -- mozzarella is the only way to go!
Their interior is by far one of the most beautifully done bar/pub spaces I have ever seen. The details of the wavy glass in the doors is captivating, the woodwork is so warm and inviting, and even the bathrooms are stylish.
They have half-price pizza Tuesday through Friday from 3 - 6 PM, and drink specials during the same hours. I look forward to trying other menu items in the future.
Monday, January 07, 2008
One for the Monty Python fans
I was registering on the stltoday.com site today and saw this in their list of security questions. In working in the web development world/IT, I have often joked this should be one of the security questions offered to users.
I am sure they shortened it in the interest of space, removing the term "velocity" from the question. Still funny, though.
I am sure they shortened it in the interest of space, removing the term "velocity" from the question. Still funny, though.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Highway 40/I-64 Shutdown
Well in case you haven't heard -- and you should have if you live in/around the St. Louis metropolitan area -- MoDot closed a major portion of I-64 this week. Starting Jan. 2, I-64 (or highway 40 as it is affectionately known to many St. Louisans) was closed in both directions from Ballas to the I-170 interchange. It won't reopen again until December 31 of this year. Then, once that is reopened, all lanes in both directions will be closed between I-170 and Kingshighway for a year.
So far, the construction efforts I have seen have been pretty impressive. Last year, I worked in a building at the corner of Hanley and Eager roads, and was afforded a pretty good view of the construction of the new I-170/I-64 flyover ramp interchange. Amazing what was accomplished in just one summer!
There doesn't seem to be a lot of dilly-dallying around in this construction effort and while I appreciate there are going to be some major inconveniences for people who are trying work around the closures, I would rather see the project get done in a couple of years and in relatively safety for the workers vs. it dragging on for years on end. And hey, you could always live and work in the city, where no such headaches exist; even if a major interstate is closed, there are lots of ways to get into downtown via the streets. ;)
So far, the construction efforts I have seen have been pretty impressive. Last year, I worked in a building at the corner of Hanley and Eager roads, and was afforded a pretty good view of the construction of the new I-170/I-64 flyover ramp interchange. Amazing what was accomplished in just one summer!
There doesn't seem to be a lot of dilly-dallying around in this construction effort and while I appreciate there are going to be some major inconveniences for people who are trying work around the closures, I would rather see the project get done in a couple of years and in relatively safety for the workers vs. it dragging on for years on end. And hey, you could always live and work in the city, where no such headaches exist; even if a major interstate is closed, there are lots of ways to get into downtown via the streets. ;)
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Celebrating the Mother of God
Today was the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. You may know that the rose is a commonly used symbol for Mary. While out shopping before Christmas on the Hill at Viviano's market, I ran across one of Father Dominic's books, called Tis the Season to be Baking: Christmas Reflections and Bread Recipes. Always looking for interesting recipes to try, and since it was a signed copy, I picked it up on a whim.
It's a lovely little book filled with reflections on bread making/breaking, stories about Christmas traditions, and spiritual lessons. One of the items in the book is something called a rose roll, which is a dinner roll made to resemble a rose. Since Mary's feast began last evening, I decided to make this roll for a little dinner party last night.
Happily, they turned out very much resembling roses! It was a lovely addition to the table and a nice reminder of Mary.
It's a lovely little book filled with reflections on bread making/breaking, stories about Christmas traditions, and spiritual lessons. One of the items in the book is something called a rose roll, which is a dinner roll made to resemble a rose. Since Mary's feast began last evening, I decided to make this roll for a little dinner party last night.
Happily, they turned out very much resembling roses! It was a lovely addition to the table and a nice reminder of Mary.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Jive and Wail
I love the new dueling piano bar, the Jive and Wail, which is in Maplewood. Hubby and I were there on opening night in September, which happened to be our wedding anniversary. We were brought there that night by a happy coincidence.
I had read info on the web about this dueling piano bar coming to Maplewood. I was interested to go, but hadn't heard/seen much about an open date. Then one day, I was inside a Bread Company near my work, standing in line waiting to make my lunch order. There was a fellow in front of me who turned to me and said he was originally from the east coast, and now lived in Florida, but everywhere he had ever been, the Bread Company was called Panera Bread Company, while here in St. Louis it was called St. Louis Bread Company. He wondered aloud to me why that was. I said that it's because they are headquartered here and while they tried to change the name in this area, I think they must have gotten some feedback about it from St. Louisans who didn't like the change, so it still remains St. Louis Bread Company. So after that, we talked for a couple of minutes and he told me he was in town to play piano at the Jive and Wail and invited me. I told him I had heard about it before, but didn't know it was open yet, and he said that very night was going to be their soft open, so I should come on down.
So, hubby and I made it there that night after dinner, and it was a great time, even if there weren't that many people there that first night. We really loved it from the beginning. I had never been to a dueling piano bar before, so it was a new experience and one that I enjoyed much more than I expected I would. It's just a great time to sing along to songs played live for you by two folks on pianos -- amazing to watch/hear them sing and pluck these songs out on the piano with no sheet music!
Well here it is going on a couple of months now since that first night, and this place has gone nuts -- it's so busy now we can barely get into the place ourselves!
We stopped in again last night because the pianist I mentioned above, Matt Nichols, was playing. It was good to see him again; very nice guy. If you get a chance you should go see him -- he'll be playing there now through New Year's Eve. Here's a pic of me and him from last night. He had the cutest t-shirt on that you can see in the pic -- Linus playing on the piano with Snoopy watching and the word "PLAYER" underneath. Clever.
I had read info on the web about this dueling piano bar coming to Maplewood. I was interested to go, but hadn't heard/seen much about an open date. Then one day, I was inside a Bread Company near my work, standing in line waiting to make my lunch order. There was a fellow in front of me who turned to me and said he was originally from the east coast, and now lived in Florida, but everywhere he had ever been, the Bread Company was called Panera Bread Company, while here in St. Louis it was called St. Louis Bread Company. He wondered aloud to me why that was. I said that it's because they are headquartered here and while they tried to change the name in this area, I think they must have gotten some feedback about it from St. Louisans who didn't like the change, so it still remains St. Louis Bread Company. So after that, we talked for a couple of minutes and he told me he was in town to play piano at the Jive and Wail and invited me. I told him I had heard about it before, but didn't know it was open yet, and he said that very night was going to be their soft open, so I should come on down.
So, hubby and I made it there that night after dinner, and it was a great time, even if there weren't that many people there that first night. We really loved it from the beginning. I had never been to a dueling piano bar before, so it was a new experience and one that I enjoyed much more than I expected I would. It's just a great time to sing along to songs played live for you by two folks on pianos -- amazing to watch/hear them sing and pluck these songs out on the piano with no sheet music!
Well here it is going on a couple of months now since that first night, and this place has gone nuts -- it's so busy now we can barely get into the place ourselves!
We stopped in again last night because the pianist I mentioned above, Matt Nichols, was playing. It was good to see him again; very nice guy. If you get a chance you should go see him -- he'll be playing there now through New Year's Eve. Here's a pic of me and him from last night. He had the cutest t-shirt on that you can see in the pic -- Linus playing on the piano with Snoopy watching and the word "PLAYER" underneath. Clever.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Preparing for Christmas
Here's what I did today -- made a ton of cookies:
Here's what everyone else did:
Here's what everyone else did:
Saturday, December 22, 2007
What's it like to party at the biggest brewer in the world?
Short answer -- lots of fun! I contract at Anheuser-Busch and they were nice enough to invite me to a holiday party earlier this week. I grabbed some pics while I was there.
You had ice sculptors:
Penguins:
Arcade games galore:
Musicians:
A Clydesdale:
Lots and lots of people:
There was also an old-fashioned style photo snapshot booth, a mechanical bull, an oxygen bar, a nightclub with a DJ spinning, and food. Oh yeah, and there was beer. It was a great time.
You had ice sculptors:
Penguins:
Arcade games galore:
Musicians:
A Clydesdale:
Lots and lots of people:
There was also an old-fashioned style photo snapshot booth, a mechanical bull, an oxygen bar, a nightclub with a DJ spinning, and food. Oh yeah, and there was beer. It was a great time.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Light of the World
My parish is currently holding its annual seven days of prayer prior to Christmas. As my pastor wrote in our bulletin last week,
Since everyone's candles are lit from the flame on the Paschal candle, I can't help but think of the symbolism of Jesus Christ being the light of the world and how each of us carries that light with us. Not only do we carry it with us, but even though sometimes that light may be hard to see, we can still feel its warmth.
Beginning with December 17, the Church proclaims daily one of the significant events that happened immediately before the birth of Christ. Each of these stories such as the Annunciation or the Visitation help to prepare us for the great celebration of the Mystery of the Incarnation. In liturgy of Evening Prayer for these days, the Church also reflects on one of seven titles from the Hebrew Scriptures given to the Messiah. Those titles have come to be known as the O-Antiphons.The evening begins beautifully with prayer and song. The presider lights a small candle from the Paschal candle, then he in turn lights another individual's candle, who lights another's and so on until all candles are shining brightly.
Since everyone's candles are lit from the flame on the Paschal candle, I can't help but think of the symbolism of Jesus Christ being the light of the world and how each of us carries that light with us. Not only do we carry it with us, but even though sometimes that light may be hard to see, we can still feel its warmth.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Blade Runner
Rachael: May I ask you a personal question?
Deckard: Sure.
Rachael: Have you ever retired a human by mistake?
Deckard: No.
Rachael: But in your position that is a risk.
The four-disc edition comes out tomorrow! Hoping Santa brings me one. . .
Deckard: Sure.
Rachael: Have you ever retired a human by mistake?
Deckard: No.
Rachael: But in your position that is a risk.
The four-disc edition comes out tomorrow! Hoping Santa brings me one. . .
Sunday, December 16, 2007
December Snow
We had a lovely snow this weekend. It made everything beautiful and quiet.
We popped over to 8 AM Mass today . . .we got in quite a bit earlier than we expected, so I grabbed a pic of the church while it was still very quiet
Later in the day, the sun shone so beautifully that I went to Carondelet park to take pics at Horseshoe lake. Here's one of my favorites:
More are in the album:
 |
| From Snow 12/15/07... |
We popped over to 8 AM Mass today . . .we got in quite a bit earlier than we expected, so I grabbed a pic of the church while it was still very quiet
 |
| From Snow 12/15/07... |
Later in the day, the sun shone so beautifully that I went to Carondelet park to take pics at Horseshoe lake. Here's one of my favorites:
 |
| From Snow 12/15/07... |
More are in the album:
 |
| Snow 12/15/07 - 12/16/07 |
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Grumass!
A couple of my brothers-in-law are in a local band called Grumass. Went to see them play last night for the first time at Off Broadway -- lots of fun and they played great!
I had a good time dancing, which I haven't done in a while!
I hope to see them put together another show in the near future.
Neat thing about last night was that all six of the Ryan siblings were partying together.
I made the mistake of thinking they were playing at Broadway Oyster Bar, so hubby and I accidentally went there first. Oops! We decided to stay for a few minutes to grab something to eat and ended up chatting with a vivacious bunch of SLU students, who were there to celebrate one of their sorority sister's 21st birthday.
We offered them some of our chips, since we weren't going to be able to finish them, and they gratefully accepted.
They were a lot of fun and engaged us in conversation, asking lots of questions about us, where we go/what we do on the weekends, about my husband's kids, etc. It seemed like they were looking for info on what "real St. Louisans" do/are like. They were cute/fun!
 |
| From Grumass! 12/... |
I had a good time dancing, which I haven't done in a while!
 |
| From Grumass! 12/... |
I hope to see them put together another show in the near future.
Neat thing about last night was that all six of the Ryan siblings were partying together.
 |
| From Grumass! 12/... |
I made the mistake of thinking they were playing at Broadway Oyster Bar, so hubby and I accidentally went there first. Oops! We decided to stay for a few minutes to grab something to eat and ended up chatting with a vivacious bunch of SLU students, who were there to celebrate one of their sorority sister's 21st birthday.
 |
| From Grumass! 12/... |
 |
| From Grumass! 12/... |
Friday, December 14, 2007
Dan Schmatz Transitioning from Pro Cycling
Nice article from VeloNews about a native St. Louisan former pro cyclist and his decision to leave the pro circuit this year.
I met Dan at the Rally in the Valley in September, not long after his TOM accident when he broke his collarbone after a very unfortunate run-in with an armadillo (yes, a real armadillo). Very nice fellow and was very good about chatting with me for a few minutes. We compared our respective shoulder injuries (I had a grade 5 shoulder separation on July 21 that resulted in surgery July 30) and chatted about the baby he and his wife are expecting. Seems like a really nice fellow and I wish him every success with his new endeavors and hope he and his wife enjoy their little guy when he comes along soon.
He also has a blog, if you are interested.
I met Dan at the Rally in the Valley in September, not long after his TOM accident when he broke his collarbone after a very unfortunate run-in with an armadillo (yes, a real armadillo). Very nice fellow and was very good about chatting with me for a few minutes. We compared our respective shoulder injuries (I had a grade 5 shoulder separation on July 21 that resulted in surgery July 30) and chatted about the baby he and his wife are expecting. Seems like a really nice fellow and I wish him every success with his new endeavors and hope he and his wife enjoy their little guy when he comes along soon.
He also has a blog, if you are interested.
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