On To The Finale!

Finished as much work as I was going to do on the kitchen a few days back and thus far it looks nice. Also finished reading Sunstorm and found it rather good. Had a hunger for hard sci-fi and this book quenched it. I liked the way the authors tied it to the previous book. Now I will eagerly jump into Mockingjay as a friend told me it was the best in the series.

There are so many books I want to read lately it is getting harder to pick the next reads. Plus I also want to read the Hyperion for the Sword And Laser book club.

The weather has turned to spring but I'm sure we may expect one more snowstorm. One never knows until after May. However I am looking forward to grilling in my porch and relaxing outside.

Hoping to start running soon. It is just a matter of getting out there and getting started. Sad because I have so many awesome trails and scenery around.

Don't forget to catch the latest Sword And Laser video episode at the Geek & Sundry Channel.

Wow!

Wow! is all I can say after finishing Catching Fire. I found this second book more engaging than Hunger Games. In Hunger Games you can see how the story will unfold, but the second book found me wanting to read more and getting excited at what may come next. This book even left you hanging at the end. I hope my reading partner keeps her mouth shut and doesn't spoil anything for me (you know who you are).

Instead of diving right in to the Mockinjay, I decided to read a some hard sci-fi. I started the second book in the Time Odyssey to give me that guilty pleasure. Hopefully a fast read.

Hopefully I get enough energy today to jump in the kitchen and get it almost fully done. So far energy levels are low.

A little on politics. I've been a good boy and never bring this topic up, but it seems Newt may be out of the race as well. That leaves Romney and Paul. I am very excited about that. I am on the Ron Paul camp, as to me it is a no "brainer" why anyone wouldn't want what  he stands for. However Romney winning the Republican ticket would also be very nice.

Off My Butt!

Finally got off my butt and started to redo the kitchen. Got most of it done today. Still need to pick up a board to extend the cabinet and hang the second piece up. After that is small tile job and some shelf for decoration. Its starting to look like a place I want to be at.

Almost done with Catching Fire. Can't wait to see what happens. Still unsure what my next read will be. I'm steering towards hard sci-fi.

Ex drama as usual nice and early. I have learned to ignore it. I can only hope someone sees her mental disorder. I am afraid for my daughter as she has already started to make things up. She has a good history of destroying families.

Birdhouse

Weekend almost over for me and it was a very nice relaxed time with Natalia. We stayed in town and had a great time. We built this birdhouse and more to come. We watched The Goonies many times in the past few days.

I will not be going to MCB 29  Palms as I was hoping. Orders were too short fused to get routed and approved but the NOSC tried very hard to get them approved.

I'm going to try to get the smoker to the house and do some cooking Monday. Now if I had someone to share the whole day with.

BBQ Weather

The weather has turned around and we are looking at summer like temperatures. I wish I had my barbeques  her as today would have been perfect day to smoke my famous Tri-Tip and  chill with Natalia. But as it is it was a great peaceful day. Walked around town for a little bit and chilled in the house. That is what Natalia loves to do. She is mot much to be out all day in the stores and such. Still no final word if I will be at MCB 29 Palms next week. If at home I will have my smoker here and will be doing that with Natalia.

Also finished Snow Crash and disliked it. Second Stephenson book and he is not for me. Started to read Catching Fire and thus far not bad.

Don't forget to catch the new Geek & Sundry's Tabletop Gaming Show!

Disappointed

Divorce almost settled and I am very disappointed at the system and my attorney. My ex never suffered any consequences for her actions and even to the end the system always see it the way of the female. There is never the fathers side to be seen. The system is so one sided that anything told by the female is always seen as truth. My attorney didn't even bother to argue anything. He was too busy typing and joking with the other attorney over the whole matter.What bothered the most was that non of he attorneys saw it fair that I concur all medical costs for my daughter. My ex doesn't have to cover any costs and she doesn't even think is her responsibility to provide medical care for her daughter. That issue alone was a shocked that will never be forgotten. I also saw how any violations of the divorce term will not have any repercussions. So the other party is free to do as she wishes with no avenue for me to fix, other than paying outrageous attorney fees to argue simple things.

In the end it is over and I now know where I stand. I can breath a bit easier now. I know the multitude of calls from my ex complaining and harassing me will never end as long as her mental illness is not corrected. No attorney ever saw her mental condition as a harm to my daughter. I saw the harm personally. The false accusations, self medication and suicidal attempts in the past that she mentioned. Only time will now tell how my daughter will turn out. At least I have the ability to control that. 

Drill Weekend Done

Drill weekend over and as usual busy. Had my hands full with personal paperwork and the PFA on Sunday. Ran my usual time but was hoping for the same time as last PFA. I believe those that had problems last PFA improved greatly and passed. Hoorah HM2 Key!

Ended up getting about a foot of snow over the weekend which was a bit of a hassle. I had to get up super early on Saturday to dig the car out. This week will present another hurtle in my life. Hopefully by Wednesday I can breath easier. 

I have the opportunity to spend a week in MCB 29 Palms in a few weeks for a course on Audiology and get certified to perform Audio grams. I'll see how it pans out. I much rather be home but work is not giving me the hours I need. I'm sure after the first day there I will settle in fine. 

Proud Papa

My daughter likes to watch Pippi Longstocking as well as The Goonies. I am so proud of this. She also loves to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as well as The Wizard of Oz. I grew up with these as well as many classic shows. Slowly I try to introduce her to the rest. I want her to have the same influences I did. Not these new shows that I see lately.

Tomorrow snow is expected throughout the day. A nice day indoors with the fireplace on is the plan for tomorrow.

Paris Roubaix

Paris Roubaix another year. One of the few truly special and unique events left in the world. Why? The length, terrain, weather, and most important is luck. Tom Boonen takes his fourth victory here while new comer Taylor Phinney not only finishes but was in the action all day to end up 15th. Phinney whom is seen by many as the new hope. Father and mother Davis and Connie Phinney both great devoted cyclists whom open up the way for many have a son whom is doing the same. What I think the story is, Taylor seems to be "pure"; by that  mean not touched by drugs and the evil side of the sport. That is what will give Taylor the headlines and more important a clear mind in his career.

This is probably the only race I wish I could see live in a bar full of fans. But I am here and not in Europe or among fans. I wish one day to have that occasion. Among cycling fans watching it live cheering for our guy and team. I miss those days.

Hunger Games Fever

Finished Hunger Games and found it very entertaining. Plowing through a hundred pages a day. The book was a bit predictable but it is targeted towards a younger audience. I can see where the controversy lies as it is much like The Lord of the Flies. I haven't read the second book, but I am thinking it touches more on the government structure. I would not mind seeing the Hunger Games movie to see how it was adapted to the book. Anyone want to go?

Decided to try another Neal Stephenson book with Snow Crash. I know the read will not be like Hunger Games but it has gotten rave reviews. I will see for myself.

In games, I've been playing a bit of Kingdoms of Amalur and thus far a bit hooked. But with Witcher 2 around the corner this game may also take a back seat. I will have a few games to catch up on when the gaming season slows down in the summer.