Rambles

It has been a while, but hopefully this quick ramble finds you well and distracts you pleasantly for a minute or two.

I just finished re-reading The Hobbit. I haven't read it in years. I was home for two days from work and really just couldn't put it down. I had begun reading another fantasy work, but began getting frustrated because, like so much fantasy out there, it suffers from the same personal and moral failings as the author. Hence, I turned to the classic Tolkien to remedy the situation and was not disappointed, not in the least bit.

The new tea order from Upton is in! Ah yes. I picked up a 2008 first flush of the Arya Estate Darjeeling and a tea from Nepal, which is presently brewing. The former is excellent and came highly recommended from my friend out west and fellow tea enthusiast, Jason B. The latter smells awesome and so different from other teas. Since college, I have striven to sample and explore teas from Nepal. I like teas from the region because they are grown at altitude in the Himalayas and are so unique and distinct in their flavor. This latest, which I am now sipping, is fantastic.

I purchased a new stock shotshell carrier from Cabela's for the shotgun. It looks and works prime. Honestly, it dresses up the shotgun and makes it a bit more practical. I need to mount the gun now in an accessible though inconspicuous place, and I need to pick up a safe for the pistol. Guns are an expensive hobby, but when I pump the shotgun or rack the slide, it brings a smile to my lips.

Yesterday, I had a prime Jeep moment. I needed to get out of my yard to work because the Mustang was stuck. No sooner than I threw her in 4 wheel low, and hit the throttle than I was gripping like a fiend and juking up and over a snow/ice covered hill in the yard. The thing is awesome and bad-ass to drive.

Obama's new administration continues the suckfest unabated since day one. If it wasn't for conservative talk radio, I'd feel so frustrated with the socialist actions of our government. I am so glad I do not own a TV. Like so many other possessions, it ends up owning you.

That's it for now. Time to get a move on. Until next time.

Over and Out,

--Nick-Dog

Bullet Points

Clare pretty much hit on the head that she could write a whole book about our trip to Chicago, let alone the rest of my break from work. Here are the highlights in quasi-bullet form.

Some of you may recognize the shot gun in the picture as the gift you gave me for my wedding--my personal favorite, I might add--except that it may look a bit shorter to you. Well, if you thought so, you'd be right. I purchased an 18.5 inch barrel from the factory, which installed easily in about a minute. It took more time to unwrap the thing. I tested it at about 20 yards and the Maverick performed flawlessly. If anything, the gun is now even more fun to fire.

Clare and I went up to the National Gallery of Art to check out the Pompeii exhibit. Pretty damn cool, if I may say so myself. In a word, the exhibit featured artifacts from the ancient homes of the rich and famous. Detail on the bronze work was incredible, and of course the sculptures are were astounding. A couple of my favorite pieces included a 1st century B.C. mosaic of Plato instructing his disciples and 2 griffon carved marble pedastals for a table. Also featured, was the head of Nero and Julius Caesar, which, for the historian, adds a fascinating new element to one's historical vision.

I spent most of my time at home chilling out--maybe zoning out is a better choice of words--after our week-long enduro in Chicagoland. We had a great Christmas and fabulous trip. I think much of that is due to our highly organized schedule. Specific highlights included a trip to Commander for one of the best skillet breakfasts I've had in my entire life, a trip to Intelligensia on Broadway downtown, and trekking across the snowy wasteland of Lincoln Park in our quest for the Polar Bear that decided not be there. I could easily get used to living on the North Side for part of the year and in Virginia for the rest of it, I think, if I was happily and independently wealthy.

My new year's reflections are many and multifarious. What the hell does that mean, you ask? I don't really know, except that this year will mark my 30th B-Day. Holy cow. 30. The big 3-0. It's hard to think I am going to be done with my roaring 20s and be 30. For starters, it's a big wake up call for me. A reminder, to not let life pass me buy but to make the most of my talents and treasure in this time on earth. Secondly, it's also a call to gratitude. I am entirely grateful for my family, faith , and friends. True riches in this life are things we cannot buy, unless, of course, your talking about guns. LOL.

And finally, it's a call to reflect, to take a hard look at ourselves, at our goals, attitudes and accomplishments, at who we've become and are becoming. I thought I would have saved the world by now, but apparently that's going to take some more time.

So there you have it, the first Update of '09. Don't less this year pass you by without kicking it's ass! Don't let up. Don't give up. There's only one way to win, and that's with determination. Second place is the first loser and you haven't lost until you are dead, or until you decide to give up in whatever it may be.

So fight! FIGHT! Rise up and kick some ass and take this year by storm!!!!

Over and Out,

--Nick