Dec 25, 2016

I came back to my grandmom's on Christmas morning to finish putting everything together for the trip and charging things and taking photos off cards-- the usual. When Sarah, Ken, Isabel, and Aiden showed up I went out to give them their gifts. Aiden seemed happy with the Tsum Tsums and moved quickly on to the next gifts of course. That all went quickly. I opened my envelopes of cash and gift cards and it was all over.

Becca and I hopped in the car, got gas at Wawa, and then asked, "How the hell do we get to Maine?" We started by driving north and stopped 3 hours in to play the animal course at Warwick. It was a great break in the drive and we played a good game. Becca had some really great putts and I threw one of my discs in the water. I forgot how beautiful parts of the course are with a stream running through it and a nice foot bridge.

After our round we got right back on the road, eating quinoa and brussel sprouts on the go. It was a smooth drive with no traffic; the only snag came when we got off the exit for gas we realized everything was closed. The Shell that we were heading for had all the pumps roped off and only the inside was open. We had to improvise to find a place to pee, and then we drove a little farther to get to an open gas station.

We decided we would stop in Portsmouth for the night and we found a hotel right off the highway. It was nice to stop and get to sleep at a good time after a day of driving.

Dec 24, 2016

I began Christmas Eve by going to Ryan's to both play Super Mario 3 side by side and race. It was a really close and fun game. It was nice both playing constantly instead of trading off, and it was nice to be motivated by something. I ended up winning by just a little because he used his skip clouds early in the game and I saved them for the more difficult later levels. We played some Mortal Kombat 3 afterward and did the one button fatalities so that was fun to watch. Especially Friendship.

Becca and I went to my mom's for a night of wine, beer, vegan chili which was INCREDIBLE, and vegan pepperoni bread. Larry's sons and Joyce were there as well. We mostly stayed in the kitchen talking to my mom. I gave her the bottle of wine I got her and her photo of the bridge I printed. The frame Becca picked out went really well. It was a really nice night and we had a nice time talking and stuffing ourselves with good food.

We also spent our time in the kitchen making faces and taking photos of ourselves.

We went to Becca's parent's house for some family time right after. That was a little awkward/boring for me. Mostly boring. I sat while people talked about fishing and the nephew smashed cookies into the rug. It was over pretty quickly and we went back home where I gave Becca her gifts. She really liked what I got her: headphones, her favorite ice wine, stuff to make sushi, tickets to Mike Birbiglia, and rock climbing lessons. We finally had our nice night in sitting around making sure we had everything ready for the trip tomorrow.

Dec 23, 2016

After not enough sleep I ended up getting to work a little late because I couldn't find my keys. I got there before homeroom was over and began my day unaware that the half day was even more shortened because they were having an assembly at the end of the day. It ended up being great since my 3 classes were only 47 minutes long and then I had off so I left work by 11. Becca and I took advantage of the early release by meeting at South Vineland Park to play disc golf.

Halfway through the game I got a call telling me my dentist appointment wouldn't be covered by insurance today because it was scheduled one day early.  I was annoyed, but we decided to take advantage and headed to Iron Hill DGC in Delaware. It was a beautiful day for playing and we had a good game. Becca had some great putts and I played alright. I'm glad we got to go out since it was so nice. The canceling appointment was a good thing after all.

We were both really hungry after playing so we went to Drop Squad Kitchen for dinner. We each got the cheesesteak and were really happy with it. I need to go to that place more often. The guy is a little overzealous with trying to upsell, but he's very nice. We went down the road to Bellefonte Brewing afterward and got a flight and a glass of their brett raspberry "secret" sour. The beers were okay, but nothing to write home about. The sour was really pretty though.

It was time to head home after that. I went to Walmart to brave the Christmas crowds and get a few last minute things for Becca and Aiden. The lines were even shorter than an average day so it wasn't bad. We went to Glasstown before they closed for the holiday to pick up a growler of Fisherman's Ale and we each had a pint. It was super crowded there AND a guy kept talking to us and commenting that we were wearing green so we must be Irish. And he was wearing green. Then he told us about how to get stickers and bring them to your local brewery for the wall. There he is in the photo.

To finish out the busy holiday evening we went to Michael's, Marshall's, and Shop Rite to get all the rest of the things we needed. It was finally time to come home and chill after what was supposed to be a relaxing night in.

Dec 25, 2013

Christmas. I was awoken by talking in the living room, so I got up and exchanged gifts with my dad and grandmom. I gave my dad a photo of the Devil's Hole from Oregon, and I gave my grandmom a typing software so she can learn to use the computer on her own.

We went down to Tracie's house after a while so my dad could present me with my gift: an awesomely packaged sampler from Rumpsringa Brewing. It came with a growler (sadly empty,) coasters, a glass, and four bottles of their finest brews. The Christmas Ale is the only one I haven't had before, but it will be nice to have them in a larger quantity than just a sample this time.

I went to my mom's next to have dinner and exchange gifts as well. I gave her a photo of the Pittsburgh Skyline. She seemed to love it. Aiden wanted me to come play with him so he could show me all of his new toys in his room. 

We hung around downstairs talking about a bunch of things from electronics to healthcare. I was there for a few hours before I came home and took a nap. When I woke up I basically spent the night finishing up Burn Notice and eating broccoli bread. The series ended nicely and I was off to sleep right after.

Dec 24, 2013

I went to the gym with Ryan in the morning, avoiding any exercises that involved me peeling the skin off my hands even more. We did back exercises with the machines mostly. I went to his house for a short while after that to play some Mario 3D. Neither of us were feeling it for too long so we called it quits and I went home to exchange gifts with Kate. I got her a Clown Shoes beer, a Wolf, and a Doctor Who scarf that she loved. She claims she will wear it all the time.

 I was quite happy with my gifts from her also. She got me a putter from New Belgium Brewing, an MxPx shirt, a bottle of wine, and a camera lens bracelet. I don't think I've had an MxPx shirt that I've actually worn in a long time so that will be nice. And maybe one day I'll drink the wine, though I still have a bottle I got last year.

I finished up editing the photos I needed to get done and then had a nap. That's how my hair got awesome. I sat around watching Burn Notice most of the evening and then I felt like I had to get up and do something.

It was pretty cold out, but I decided to go for a run. I ran around the neighborhood in some different directions and some old directions. I was really enjoying myself listening to Proper by Into It. Over It. I ended up running 6.4 miles in just about 60 minutes. I was pretty happy with that. Ryan came over and we went for a walk in the same neighborhoods, but I was freezing at that point. I felt fine while running, but I think being sweaty and not moving as much was doing it. I had on a coat over my hoodie, jeans, and gloves and had my hood over my beanie and was still cold. Damn the winter!

Dec 25, 2011

Christmas day. I got up and said my greeting and went to my dad's to exchange gifts. Along with the cash, I got a set of tools. It's full of tools, too so I'm set up for a while. I'll keep it in the trunk for emergencies.

I met Ryan at his house and we went to the park for our workout since the gym isn't open on Christian holidays. We did a bunch of shoulder stuff that seemed more difficult than some of the things we do at the gym. The weather was quite nice for it though.

I went to Kate's after showering and her mom showered me with little gifts like magnets and a reflector vest for running and these tic tacs. Mmm.

We went to my mom's for some food later and I didn't end up staying very long or eating much. We hung out with Sarah and Aiden, trying to play a game of Jenga. It didn't really work out. Aiden doesn't get physics just yet.

I came back to Kate's later to exchange gifts. After we exchanged, we went upstairs and tried out the tea pitcher I got for her with the citrus loose-leaf tea. It was really good. No need for sweetening.

We hung out there for the evening and talked. I eventually headed home and watched things until I was tired.

Dec 24, 2011

Kate and I met Jamie and Nathan at Bob Evans for breakfast. It was a very entertaining breakfast. We laughed a lot. And Nathan and I tried explaining our speech impediment naming idea for kids. Wobelt instead of Robert. But that's how you spell it.. never mind. A bit after breakfast I met Ryan for a run at Parvins. We only did one lap this time.

Later, Kate and I went to dinner with her dad and Marilyn at Carolina Blue again. I tried a few new beers like the Flying Fish Extra Pale, Hop Rod, and a Peche Lambic. The last one was a little too sweet, but the Hop Rod was fantastic. We had a good conversation and a nice dinner; I had crab cakes sans the bun this time.

We went to Kate's cousin's house for a little party when we got back. There weren't that many people out at first, but it began to grow and Santa showed up! He was drinking a little bit.

We played Battle Shots but replaced the shots with sips of beer. That's more my speed. It was fun nonetheless. There was good food, but I was still stuffed from the dinner so I just mostly drank from our Yards variety pack.

We didn't stay too long. I got tired quickly. It was an early evening for me.

Dec 22, 2011

I worked in a resource room class at Memorial, watching Freedom Writers and A Christmas Carol all day. It was a fine day and I spent some time trying to download Sherlock Holmes (the books) to my phone. That didn't work, but I did eventually get Bear Grylls's book, "Mud, Sweat and Tears" and started reading that.

It was beautiful outside so Ryan and I went to the park to do our workout instead of the gym. We did the wall walk on a small building and other exercises with a rock instead of a medicine ball. Then we had a run around the lake. It was a nice change.

We met at Kawa later to do our present exchange. We also had beer and good food. We gave Kate her coat, Sarah her gift certificate to the tattoo place, and Chuck the tickets to Demetri Martin and a few other little things.

They got me a ticket to the Grilled Cheese & Craft Beer event at World Cafe Live next month. I was pretty excited to get that. I've been wanting to go for a while and now we'll all be going!

Dec 25, 2010

I didn't get much sleep but I was woken up when my cousins came over to open gifts. Everyone exchanged and then my dad came over with the gift he and my uncle got for my grandmom: a new TV. The kids helped open it and I helped install it. I went to my mom's for a while to exchange gifts and hang out for a while and then came home to get ready for dinner.

I got to Sam's in time for pre-dinner mingling. We had some beers and talked about what was going on for the holidays. Jordan and I kept each other company since we were both there alone together.

The dinner spread was nice and we all sat down to have salads before the big meal came out.

There were cashew stuffing-filled portobello caps, cauliflower, green beans and au gratin potatoes. It was a delicious meal! Dessert was great also, though it was hard to decide what to have between the four or so cakes on the table and the three-tiered tray of cookies. It was a nice meal and a good time to spend the day with some friends.

I fell asleep for a while after I got home and when I got up I decided not to go out for the night because I bought into the stupid weather forecast about snow. I went for a walk down by the river to take some photos and just to get outside for a while.

It was cold out but somewhat refreshing, even with the gently falling snow. It's going to be a long winter.

Dec 24, 2010

I got up and went out to run a few errands before Sarah and Ken came over with Aiden. We decided to open gifts first. Sarah gave me a couple t-shirts, one of which is really awesome. Hope it fits. Then Aiden started opening the first of his many, many gifts.

He had fun with his stuff for a few seconds after he opened it and then he wanted to open another. I got him a set of Woody pajamas from Toy Story. He really just seemed to want to open things because after there were no more presents he got upset.

We sat down to have dinner (or breakfast for me) after opening things was finished. Broccoli casserole, sweet potatoes and potato salad. It was all really good, though Aiden was only interested in his root beer. Kids.

After the festivities I hung around for a while until it was dark and went out to take some photos. I wanted to shoot the moon but it wasn't out when I was at the river so I just got some shots of the bridge and lights.

I stopped by Carolyn's while I was in the area and she made me a cup of hot chocolate while we caught up. She was about to go see Caryn so I tagged along.

I haven't seen Caryn in years so it was nice to see her. She was busy wrapping gifts at her grandparents' house so we just sat and talked with them while some interesting wrapping took place. Her grandparents are really friendly and I had a nice night there.

Surprise, it's almost six. I've been up all night talking online and not being tired. I'm almost tired now. Should I just stay up? No. I have to try to sleep a little. Oh, Christmas, how you've changed.

Dec 11, 2010

Three hours of sleep later I got up and met Jeff to go to the flea market. I unloaded my truckload of stuff as a few people came to scavenge before I had even finished. It was way too cold to be out there with just a sweatshirt but I didn't have anything else.

I kept moving around to stay warm and because I got bored when there was a lag in people. I sold a good deal of my stuff. There were a lot of random items on the table that didn't go, but I was happy with what I sold.

Jeff didn't have nearly as much as me, but he made some sales. Toward the end of the day we were getting desperate and selling things cheap. Jeff even put up a special. No one took him up on it, though just as we were packing up someone bought his box of comics and someone bought my printer. Not a bad day of work.

We went to Moe's for some much-needed lunch after our seven hours of standing in the cold. I ate that whole burrito.

Later in the evening I went to Sam's for the annual holiday party. She was hard at work making veggie pizzas so we congregated in the kitchen.

We got into our seasonal variety packs of beer to try some new flavors. Troegs has a lot of good winter ales.

When the pizzas were finished we had some slices as we tried to figure out the rules of the game we were about to play for our beer swap.

After much deliberation and re-reading, we got into the game. The beer was all wrapped so one person chose a package, opened it and then the next person chooses a package and decides whether they want to open it and keep it or switch it for what is already opened. It's not that confusing, but it is easy to get it mixed up.

We all opened our packages except Allie, who traded with me. There were some good beers out on the table; Rogue, Troegs, Left Hand.

After the game was over we all traded a beer with each other so all of us ended up with basically the same six-pack grab bag, except Chuck, who got two big bottles of Rogue. It's still fun to play the game..

We sat around post-game trying some of the beer we just got and talking.

I brought everyone to the table and got us started on a rousing game of Scattergories. There we desserts of cake and oatmeal cookies circulating the table as we thought of alliterations to rack up the points.

It was a long, fun twelve rounds. Bob Barker, Chris Carter and King of Queens, which doesn't get points for alliteration, were all answers, along with some clever adjectival placements. It was a good game, but it's so hard to think of things when the clock is ticking. I couldn't think of a president whose name started with K.

After the game we were all pretty tired so we called it a night and headed out. I was ready to sleep as soon as I got home after a long day and little sleep.