Scott's One-Line Journal

Orange Iced Cookies for Halloween

2009-10-31T21:40:00.000Z

After singing at a wedding this afternoon and exercising, I decided to make soft sugar cookies with orange icing for Halloween. The icing was good but the cookies needed to be a little less rich and a little cakier. I'll try a different recipe next time.

Home From a Crazy Week

2009-10-30T21:41:00.000Z

The week is finally over, a couple of late nights working at home, and I'm not working at all this weekend. The exclamation point of the week was having to dust both cats with flea powder, as the Frontline was just not doing the job. Now I'm relaxing to Anji Bee's Halloween Chillcast.

Crazy Day and Week

2009-10-28T23:23:00.000Z

Work is just nuts this week. In comparison, doing multiple kid transportation runs, grocery shopping, and fixing Beth's birthday dinner was a cakewalk!

New Blog - Scott's Workouts

2009-10-25T20:03:00.001Z

I created a new blog today, called Scott's Workouts. It is, at minimum, a workout log. But hopefully it'll be more than that - an opportunity to discuss workouts and how they're working out.

Up to Clarion

2009-10-24T21:21:00.000+01:00

We went to Clarion to see Stephen beat on the big bass drum in the Golden Eagle Marching Band.

Back to P90X

2009-10-23T23:00:00.000+01:00

It was kind of a rainy dreary early evening after work, and I didn't feel like running in it. So I reconnected the DVD player and did the P90X Kenpo X workout. Felt great. But it's kind of interesting. The people on the DVD wear heart monitors. One person, and I think it's Tony Horton, reports their pulse as being 160. I don't think the Kenpo X workout has ever got my pulse above 120. Surely my conditioning isn't that good...

Emerald Ash Borer

2009-10-22T22:34:00.000+01:00

I think I saw one of these bad boys sitting on the hood of my tractor while I was doing leaf cleanup duty yesterday afternoon. I hope it was something different - I like my two ash trees.

Great Weather and Afternoon Off

2009-10-21T21:46:00.000+01:00

Had a great 1/2 day vacation this afternoon in beautiful Indian Summer weather. Took care of the leaves, cut some grass, went to the Ultimate game, and did soccer transportation. I'd do the same tomorrow but I have an offsite class in the afternoon.

Back Spasms and Heating Pads

2009-10-19T23:31:00.000+01:00

I can't take any pain killers like ibuprofen or naproxen. Which is too bad, because they're great for taking the edge off the pain of back spasms.

I've been told that back spasms should be treated with ice. But ice doesn't make them feel any better, and heating pads do. Today's spasm is much better, thanks, after the heating pad treatment. I was able to go to work in the afternoon.

2nd Degree Black Belt Test

2009-10-18T23:59:00.001+01:00

Beth and I both successfully tested for 2nd Degree Black Belt in our Taekwondo system today!

Michael Phelps - Not

2009-09-26T22:18:00.000+01:00

I took Philip to Ross Park Mall to get his "I Swim" hoodie autographed by Michael Phelps, but they had already cut off his line. We decided not to get in the Peggy Fleming line.

Running Behind, Then VERY Late

2009-09-25T23:07:00.000+01:00

Things were going OK this morning. I was running behind, but still on time for work. And then I discovered that I didn't have any keys for the car in my driveway. I got a set later in the morning. But I had a rather productive morning working at home.

G-20 Ghost Town/High School Open House

2009-09-24T23:18:00.000+01:00

Everyone I had to call downtown at work was working from another location or from home. I went running again in my new running shoes, then it was off to the high school open house. It was nice of most of the teachers to show up.

Welcome to Pittsburgh

2009-09-23T21:58:00.001+01:00

Had a nice warm Pittsburgh welcome at the airport this afternoon - cops and dogs. At least they weren't decked out like these downtown thugs.

New Running Shoes

2009-09-22T23:59:00.000+01:00

Got new running shoes and had a great, albeit hot and humid, run in them prior to PCC rehearsal. REALLY bummed when I opened the fridge door to discover that all the beer was gone!

Tae Kwon Do Test

2009-09-21T23:59:00.000+01:00

It's different sitting with the test panel and watching other people test. Makes me wonder if that's the way I looked as a beginner.

Should've Replaced the Bleachers, Too

2009-09-20T23:59:00.000+01:00

Hampton's Fridley Field has a nice new artificial turf. And track. You knew they were gonna replace the track even though they said they wouldn't. Something about my money burning a hole in their pockets.

But they should've replaced those bleachers, which are guilty of felony posterior assault and battery.

Topeak Alien Tool - Lost But Now Found

2009-09-19T23:59:00.001+01:00

My Topeak Alien Tool fell out of my seat bag during my ride in Hartwood this afternoon. Fortunately, I re-rode part of my ride and found it.

Pirates Game, And a Man With His Doll

2009-09-18T23:59:00.000+01:00

Went to see the Pirates beat the Padres tonight. In our section were 2 guys dressed as pierogies, and this guy playing with his doll:

Ultimate Boosters

2009-09-17T23:15:00.000+01:00

Time for work, a run, and then the Ultimate Club Parents' meeting. ATTENTION: If you let your kid out of your bubble he might get a scratch!

Drooling

2009-09-16T23:01:00.000+01:00

This is what my backyard deer did today when it wasn't eating my apples.

The Woodlands Foundation

2009-09-15T23:06:00.000+01:00

Spent my United Way Day of Caring painting at The Woodlands Foundation. Seems like a pretty good organization.

Ran to Taekwondo

2009-09-14T23:59:00.000+01:00

I ran to TKD tonight and then worked out. The run went well. Had to be careful with kicks. Had a real TKD workout!

Takin' It Easy

2009-09-13T21:50:00.000+01:00

I'm taking things easy with the hip. Took a nice walk through Hartwood with a camera.

Popped My Hip

2009-09-12T23:41:00.000+01:00

Bummer - I popped my hip doing a taekwondo jump kick. Time to shower and ice it.

9/11 Memories

2009-09-11T22:50:00.000+01:00

What do you remember about 9/11?

I watched the pictures on CNN.com at work.

A work associate, married to the Somerset County coroner, left early. She subsequently took a leave of absence to assist with the recovery of Flight 93 remains.

I came home and went running after work at Hartwood. The skies were blue. Cloudless.... Empty. Quiet.

One of my kids needed a picture for school. I found ones of me on the observation deck of the World Trade Center.

What do you remember?

Middle School Open House

2009-09-10T21:59:00.000+01:00

Another Middle School Open House. It's amazing how wonderful our children are. They're all doing so well. Just like the children from Lake Wobegon.

Reading More

2009-09-09T23:59:00.000+01:00

I'd be able to read more if I went to bed earlier. Or sleep more, maybe. Those would both be good.

Pittsburgh Concert Chorale Audition

2009-09-08T23:25:00.000+01:00

I successfully auditioned for the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, and we had our first rehearsal tonight. Really looking forward to it!

Labor Day Visit

2009-09-07T22:30:00.000+01:00

Had a nice visit with my parents (and they brought Stephen with them) to celebrate Philip's birthday. Too bad the forecast turned from sunny to drizzle-and-be-overcast-all-day.

Fantasy Football Draft

2009-09-06T21:00:00.000+01:00

More log splitting and stacking, then came home in time for my fantasy football draft. Now getting organized for my parents' visit tomorrow

Log Splitting and Moving

2009-09-05T23:59:00.000+01:00

Spent time at the cabin splitting and stacking wood. Then, moving furniture between different residences, which entailed following an illogical workplan that involved an extra unnecessary trip.

Another Week Checked Off

2009-09-04T22:11:00.000+01:00

Work, a bike ride, and early to bed before leaving for the cabin tomorrow.

Perfect Weather

2009-09-03T23:34:00.000+01:00

Another great run in absolutely perfect weather today. Just a bit warm, but low humidity, clear skies, and another cool night on tap. And then it was off to another voice lesson. Working on Sea Fever for my Pittsburgh Concert Chorale audition.

Lunch at the Hartwood

2009-09-02T23:59:00.000+01:00

Had lunch at the Hartwood Restaurant with the INL folks today. I still would like to own a place like that.

Straight Into The Dishwasher

2009-09-01T22:44:00.000+01:00

I am the only one in my family with the ability to comprehend that putting the dirty dish/bowl/whatever into the dishwasher is inherently simpler than letting it sit somewhere else, where it will be in the way, first.

Headache Better

2009-08-31T22:09:00.000+01:00

The headache was better after taking Sudafed but my stomach pain came back after Tae Kwon Do class.

Day in Bed

2009-08-30T23:59:00.000+01:00

Spent most of the day in bed with a headache and some pain at top of my stomach. I may have eaten too much at the North Park Clubhouse last night.

Catchin' Up

2009-08-29T23:59:00.000+01:00

Catching up on Babylon 5 first season episodes, that is. Watching Episode 12 "By Any Means Necessary" tonight.

Laser Tag

2009-08-28T23:27:00.001+01:00

Well, I didn't play Laser Tag. The kids played Laser Tag. I went to Office Max and Borders.

Voice Lesson

2009-08-27T22:50:00.000+01:00

Had my first voice lesson today. Interesting!

Up Late...

2009-08-26T23:59:00.000+01:00

...and have to go downtown for a class tomorrow.

2 Doctor Visits

2009-08-25T21:18:00.000+01:00

The last time I had a TB test, it was like little velcro needles that they'd stick into your forearm. A strange kind of ouch. Now, it's a regular hypo stuck subcutaneously into the forearm. Not sure which I prefer.

Stupid

2009-08-24T23:59:00.000+01:00

I'm not saying what, but some things are just stupid.

Rake

2009-08-23T23:59:00.000+01:00

It's time to get the rake to clean up Andrew and Philip's floor.

Getting Him Ready

2009-08-22T22:34:00.000+01:00

Washing Stephen's clothes and getting his stuff ready so he can leave for Band Camp tomorrow. Not that he's here to do any of it...

Sunny Day

2009-08-21T23:19:00.000+01:00

Turned out to be a sunny afternoon for our Kennywood Day. And, Andrew's film won for Best Ending Credits at the Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Project.

Kennywood

2009-08-20T22:40:00.001+01:00

Our family Kennywood day is tomorrow. I hope we get a non-rainy period.

Just When You Thought Things Were Under Control...

2009-08-19T22:35:00.000+01:00

The ride on the rudderless ship gets wilder.

Bad Meetings - Or Is That From the Department of Redundancy Department

2009-08-18T23:48:00.000+01:00

This string of awful work meetings has me all stressed out.

A Past's Future, Directed by T.J. Williams

2009-08-17T22:36:00.000+01:00

Attended the premiere of the latest T.J. Williams film, A Past's Future. Great job! I'll probably need to see it again to keep the characters straight, especially at the end, though!

Long Hilly Ride

2009-08-16T22:56:00.000+01:00

Went to a 2 hour Tae Kwon Do seminar today and rode my bike 14 miles to get there. Mapped out the ride on Mapquest. A very very hilly and tough and hot ride.

Cramps, Cramps, Cramps

2009-08-15T23:59:00.000+01:00

When does it end?

Today's Bike Ride

2009-08-14T22:54:00.000+01:00

Nice 16.5 mile bike ride. More energy than the last ride. The prednisone has been upped to 10 mg/day and that's making things much better, but not all the way there yet.

48 Hour Film Project

2009-08-13T23:05:00.000+01:00

Went to the 2nd night of screenings for the 48 Hour Film Project, where people have 48 hours to produce a short film. It was a blast, and it was held at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, which I had never been to before, but is a great place!

My Genetics Research

2009-08-12T23:59:00.000+01:00

I have developed an interest in the study of Genetics, and have now proven that the gene controlling the movement of the TV switch to the OFF position is one that skips a generation.

My Insides

2009-08-11T23:59:00.000+01:00

...are turning inside out...

Rain & Lawnmowing

2009-08-10T22:14:00.000+01:00

I cut and I cut, and it started to rain and thunder, and still I cut. Fortunately, when the rain really began to increase in intensity, I ran out of gas. At which point I knew when to say when!

Before The Bike Ride

2009-08-09T22:25:00.000+01:00

Andrew rode my bike last. So I had to

find the pedal wrench
change the pedals
lower the seat
find the pump

before my 16 mile ride.

Splitting Headache

2009-08-08T21:35:00.000+01:00

Other than getting out of bed at 11:30 to go pick up Stephen at Clarion, I spent the whole day in bed with a splitting headache. Had 2 pieces of toast and a few pretzels for sustenance. I hope I can sleep tonight.

Naps Are Great, But...

2009-08-07T19:17:00.000+01:00

It's ~~nearly~~ impossible to motivate to do anything after an after-work nap!

Pittsburgh CLO's Into The Woods

2009-08-06T23:53:00.000+01:00

Just got back from the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. Great! But it really gave me an appreciation for how well Hampton High School did it in 2008.

Skinhead

2009-08-05T22:50:00.000+01:00

I cut Philip's hair today. And while it's not exactly a skinhead, it's almost as close as I can get it with my Oster Fast Feed clippers.

Chicken & Rice Soup

2009-08-04T23:59:00.000+01:00

Beth made the best chicken and rice soup today. Most of the time, I don't even like the stuff.

The Cycle Will Continue

2009-08-03T23:59:00.000+01:00

I might as well go to bed. Doesn't matter. Either in the middle of the night, or once I wake up tomorrow morning, the cycle will begin anew, and another day will be (literally) down the drain.

(Re)Learning The Basics

2009-08-02T18:16:00.000+01:00

After church, I managed to squeeze in a short nap before going to a 2 hour tae kwon do seminar. It's amazing how much I either forgot, or, more likely, never learned.

John Deere LA 145 vs John Deere 400

2009-08-01T22:50:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago I picked up a very gently used John Deere LA 145 to replace my vintage 1976 John Deere 400, which broke a rod in one of its cylinders. Second time this has happened in this supposedly good quality Kohler engine. The first time I had it replaced. This time, no way I'm throwing good money after bad - they wanted $2300 or something like that to replace the motor, so the tractor is going bye-bye.

Anyway today is the first time I used the LA 145 - the kids and wife used it before. The operation is just slightly less convenient then the 400, and it does take a little longer to cut with a 48" deck instead of the 60" that the 400 had, but the grass cutting is so much better that it's unbelieveable. I should have "downgraded" a long time ago.

Another Driver

2009-07-31T22:34:00.000+01:00

Andrew got his driver's license today. Yikes!

Workout Change

2009-07-30T23:59:00.000+01:00

I have been so tired after running recently that I haven't been doing my other exercises. So today I started with Ab Ripper X, then did my Tae Kwon Do patterns, then went for a run. That wasn't so bad.

Tired, But No Nap

2009-07-29T18:44:00.000+01:00

So tired. Yesterday's run was a long one and I was tired from the start, and exhausted the entire evening. Today was rainy and it would have been a great day for a nap. But our executives were the only ones doing that.

Back To Work

2009-07-28T22:44:00.000+01:00

Back to work after a 5 day weekend. 'Nuff said.

Last Day Off

2009-07-27T23:19:00.000+01:00

Good last day off before going back to work tomorrow. Saw the in-laws off, shuttled the kids from place to place, started and completed an overdue college financial form, changed the oil in the car, took a short nep (YES!), went to Tae Kwon Do, etc., etc. Need to retire soon so I can have Philip to swimming by 7:15 tomorrow.

Everything But A Comfy Chair

2009-07-26T22:09:00.001+01:00

We're back home with more furniture than I know what to do with. No comfortable sofa or easy chair, though.

A Long Hot Road

2009-07-25T23:59:00.002+01:00

Went for a long run (long for me) in the 90 degree heat, took a wrong turn, and had to walk the rest of the way home, when I took another wrong turn. I learned that a "lane" might still be a dead end.

Pig Roast

2009-07-24T23:59:00.000+01:00

Went to a going away party for my in-laws, who are relocating. Had roast pig for the first time...yummy!

Cleanup

2009-07-23T23:59:00.002+01:00

Spent a lot of the day cleaning, but didn't seem to get much done. I did enlist the kids in weeding in front of the house, though.

Time Off

2009-07-22T22:59:00.000+01:00

Today was my last day of work this week before 2 mandatory days off. Unfortunately, those 2 days of work aren't gonna go away.

Do You Support Universal Health Care

2009-07-21T23:59:00.001+01:00

Question for people who don't support universal health care: What's your plan if you lose your job?

Or do you only oppose it because someone with an accent might get it?

Mandatory 2 Days Off

2009-07-20T04:13:00.001+01:00

Good thing I'm only working 3 days this week before my mandatory 2 days off. It's mandated by my company because those of us who are left are so motivated and working so efficiently that we have extra time that we spend sitting on our thumbs so naturally we need to have 2 unpaid days off.

Aging, But Not Gracefully

2009-07-19T20:27:00.001+01:00

Same schedule as yesterday but got home at 5 since Philip swam the last event of the day. Then, instead of a nap, I went on a run, which exhausted me. Now, after a shower, I'm in bed icing my knee and later I'll ice my hip. Nothing like aging gracefully...

Exhausted

2009-07-18T22:05:00.000+01:00

Up at 5:45 am. At swim meet by 7:15 am. Arrived home at 4 pm. Thought a nice slow walk might be good, but a nap turned out to be better.

Swim Meet

2009-07-17T23:04:00.001+01:00

The work week is done. I'm behinder than I've ever been. And I'm off to a swim meet for the next few days. I'll have to get up earlier than I do for work!

Tired, So Tired

2009-07-16T22:59:00.000+01:00

I need to sleep through the night. It's just like having an infant in the house, except it's harder to get back to sleep.

A Task That Should Be Easy

2009-07-15T23:25:00.000+01:00

Today I successfully completed a difficult task that should be easy. That's right, I'm talking about changing a watch band. I have my trusty Casio W-71, that does everything I need a watch to do. The band finally failed today. So it was off to Wal-Mart, with Andrew driving, to get either a replacement watch or replacement band. Got the replacement band, brought it home, and remembered why I prefer to get a new watch. Those bands are tough to get off! But I got it changed. Next couple of days will determine if the band is leaching enough plasticizer to irritate my skin.

It's always something...

Sleepless in Pittsburgh

2009-07-14T23:35:00.000+01:00

I've had trouble sleeping the past few nights. I am reading Hyperion, by Dan Simmons, and was having trouble sleeping when I was reading his newest book, The Terror. I wonder if that's what's keeping me awake?

Sick

2009-07-13T14:35:00.000+01:00

Home sick today. Ugh!

Offense vs Defense

2009-07-12T22:41:00.000+01:00

I'm really happy that Rinaldo Nocentini is wearing the yellow jersey in the Tour de France. He got the Jersey because of his aggressive riding. And aggressive riding is exactly what the favorites are not doing. All the riding in the pelaton is about being defensive.

I hope that Nocentini or some other risk taker wins this year's tour while the Astana prima donnas play their games.

Terrible Tour de France Coverage on Versus

2009-07-11T22:18:00.000+01:00

I am greatly bothered by the evening coverage of the Tour de France with Bob Roll and Chris Hummer on Versus. It's terrible! I got up early today to watch the live coverage with Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin and it was much better. Highly recommended!

Watching The Tour de France

2009-07-10T23:07:00.000+01:00

What a great Tour de France this year! Two breakaways have succeeded thus far, with the winners not being amongst the media darlings Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, and Team Astana.

Congratulations to today's stage winner Brice Feillu and GC leader Rinaldo Nocentini. Bring it!

The High Cost of Living Simply

2009-07-09T12:52:00.001+01:00

Got a new REI catalog yesterday. I am increasingly amazed by how expensive it is to engage in activites (backpacking, camping, hiking, etc.) characterized as living the simple life.

Could it possibly be that living simply is something different entirely?

Trek Bike vs Trek Bag

2009-07-08T23:31:00.000+01:00

I like my year 2000 model Trek 7000 mountain bike. One of the best hardtails Trek ever made. Their seatpost bags are junk, though. Simultaneous complete failure of both straps. I don't need to waste my limited riding time repairing my bag!

It's Great to Have a Good Run

2009-07-07T22:49:00.000+01:00

...to provide some meaning after another unsatisfying day at work.

No to Armstrong, but...

2009-07-06T23:09:00.000+01:00

I'm not the biggest fan of Lance Armstrong's Tour de France comeback, but you've got to hand it to him - he really used his experience to take advantage of the opportunity to move up in the general classification in a crosswind in today's Stage 3 through the Camargue. Exciting stuff.

Wanna Head For The Hills

2009-07-05T16:37:00.000+01:00

Out of the mountains and back to hot humid Pittsburgh. Gonna have to do something about that...

Wildlife Condo Construction

2009-07-04T21:13:00.000+01:00

Spent July 4 building a wildlife shelter (i.e. a glorified brush pile) in the woods of Western Maryland.

Bad Start to Holiday Weekend

2009-07-03T23:59:00.001+01:00

Our holiday weekend was going great until my brother-in-law was taken to the hospital after blacking out after fainting or having a seizure.

Pink Hair

2009-07-02T22:10:00.000+01:00

Philip's in the process of getting his hair dyed pink. It turned out to be more complicated than normal and they had to bleach it first because it was just a little too dark for the light pink to show up. Fortunately, his hair is only 1/4" long.

Second Viewing

2009-07-01T23:59:00.001+01:00

Second funeral home viewing and second parastas in 2 days.

And Blogger is good - I noticed as I was publishing that a florist ad appeared in the sidebar.

Back To Work

2009-06-30T23:59:00.000+01:00

Back to work today after 11 days off. I was already behind, and now it's worse. Even moreso, given that I was slapped with some busy work that will continue on into tomorrow.

Beth's Back!

2009-06-29T22:07:00.000+01:00

I picked Beth up at the airport after her Caribbean cruise. Great to have her back!