BlaringSmelly

Record-breaking day in my short cycling history. Today we started from Seattle, Gas Work Park near Fremont to be exact. We started after a late lunch, I didn’t think we’d have enough time to reach Woodinville then with remaining strength still make it back before the day turned dark. But once we started, I was determined to make it all the way.

Getting there was fairly easy, today was no exception. Thinking I will probably stop for breaks in the returning journey, I asked to get a head start. Paddling and breathing took more efforts, the gear was adjusted so I can conserve energy. I was making progress surly and steadily. I didn’t make any stop to rest except one time I stop to wait for ktula. After a while I got tired of waiting so I hopped back on the road.

I got pretty hungry when I reached UW. Likely Ivar’s Salmon House was just off the trail. Fish and Chips were the kind of hearty grub I was looking for. Docked my bike at the rack, I joined group of hungry people in the chaotic scene of ordering and picking up food at the fish bar.

As I was enjoying my satisfying meal, I saw a mini van pulled into the parking lot, trying to squeeze into the space in front of the bicycle rack. Two people came out of the van to guide the van getting as close to our bikes as possible. Pardon my French, what were these fuckers thinking? By parking there, the van was blocking the bikes from getting out and other cyclists to use the rack.

That was clearly not a parking space for cars, still the mini van tenaciously inched its way in. I threw down a half-eaten fish piece to rescue my bike. I stopped the van before it physically about to touch my bike. I told them I’m moving my bike before they blocked me in. I didn’t hide my disapproval of what they were doing. I told them this is not a parking space.

The woman came out of the van agreed but sounded like there’s nothing she can do about it. I checked out the driver, an older man was behind the wheel. Probably stressed out from having to drive the family around unfamiliar city. Still, that was no excuse to be disregard of others. If you ever see this Oregon plate green van on the street, don’t forget to wave at it with your middle finger.

On a brighter note, my returning time was about the same as getting there. At first I thought I came back in a much shorter time. Turned out it was just a human error.

I’m bored.
Everyday is the same-old-thing.
Automatic…Repetitive…Predictable everything.

Is this just the weather talking? I hope.

(photo taken by Photo Booth)

The Allium Rosenbachianum bulbs I planted last fall are now in full bloom. I didn’t think they were going to do well when slugs chewed the leaves up just last month. Looks like they are going to be just fine.

This afternoon was sunny and warm, the kind of weather perfect for gardening. I planted the 3 tomato plants Tab gave me last week. Another new addition to ktula’s backyard is a good number of ants. They don’t seem to be harmful to plants. But their sheer gigantic size alone is quite an eye sore.

Thumbs up to the movie Iron Man, and here’s why it rocks my world (Spoiler Warning).

The ultimate dream garage

Our billionaire superhero’s garage has: half dozen race cars (including 1 hot rod that inspired Iron Man’s suit design), couple motorcycles, and state of the art workstation…

Granted he is a billionaire. He can geek up and money is no object to him, this dream garage is certainly inspirational. Imaging what kind of cool projects you can work on if your garage is this awesome. Your very own armor perhaps?

First fly test

Despite warnings from the suit’s built-in computer, Tony commanded his first outdoor pilot test. The take off was sketchy, but in seconds, he soared in the night sky in full speed. His face lit up and eyes wide-open. In the thrill of the moment, he went “Woooo-hoooo!”

That scene brings back memory. Watching Tony (played by Robert Downey Jr.) dashing through the sky, I had flash back of my first time riding my Buell at night, full speed on Alaskan Way Viaduct. At the time I just started riding, regardless that night I went fast. I felt I was so close to the street, and night, and downtown Seattle. The experience was exhilarating. In the thrill of it all, I also went “Wooooo-hooooo!”

Likable superhero personality

The usual character approach in superhero movies tends to produce superhero that’s too dark, too remorse, and too twisted. Also computer technology takes over character development; dehumanize the superhero into demos of Hollywood CG technology.

Robert Downey Jr. did an exceptional job portraying the playboy industrialist. He transforms this far from perfect Tony Stark to a personable human being. The movie didn’t play the technology card so blindly. Other supporting characters also had the chance to progress into personalities we can relate to.

It’s an A- movie

I love fantasy and sci-fi genres. Sadly most of these type movies failed so miserably I no longer look forward to their debut on the big screens. Then came Iron Man. Like any Hollywood blockbusters, glamour and excitement were rightly formulated in the movie plot. What’s more in Iron Man is the dialogs are actually enjoyable, and the superhero wears the suit, not the other way around.

Long story short, recently I discovered Marc Jacobs original Eau de Parfum and decided to get it for myself. I chose to get a gift set because in addition to the gift set, a “splash to go” kit was also included in the purchase. Inside the kit were a travel size perfume bottle and a funnel. The travel size bottle is perfect for my upcoming trip. Sounded like a good idea at the time.

It was when I attempted to open the large bottle the next day then I realized maybe this “splash to go” is not such a great idea.

The bottle was impossible to open. Screwdriver, plier…, I was operating on this delicate bottle with no mercy. When I finally pop the top cap, another metal cap and a thick plastic ring around it tightly sealed the bottle top.

Damn it, no matter how hard I pulled, nothing is coming out or loosen up. Ktula was summoned to help out with the perfume mission. He managed to destroy the plastic ring and pull it out but wasn’t making a dent on the metal seal.

Finally he gave up. He said maybe the bottle wasn’t meant to be open. I should just spray into the funnel until the bottle is filled.

Wholly cow, as stupid as it sound, I actually believed that’s what the perfume manufacturer intended us to do. Hundreds of sprays later, I did have a travel size bottle filled and a Marc Jacobs perfume scented bathroom.

I really ought to talk to the guys and gals working in the perfume department if they know something I don’t about how to open the perfume bottle. I am so not looking forward to the next time I have to fill the bottle again.

We’ve being craving for barbeque since last Tuesday. Ktula’s friend invited us to Rainier BBQ for dinner. We were expecting top-notch smoky ribs and messy sauce. The place ended up serving Asian style barbeque meat and Vietnamese dish. What da??

Today we decided to try Jone’s Barbeque. We usually drove by this barbeque joint on Saturday, on our way to Pho Cycle for lunch.

We ordered a dinner combo to share. It came with a pile of Jones pork ribs and small ends, a side of baked beans and coleslaw. I wasn’t sure what is small end. Turned out small ends were also ribs, only it’s the small end part of the ribs. Ok, silly me. We also pick our bbq sauce spicy.

Compared to the street-side barbeque joint we ate during our shrimping trip last summer, Jone’s coleslaw was much better and refreshing. Ribs were a bit too fat for my liking, but the meat was smoky and the sauce delivered the spicy hotness as we requested.

Jone’s Barbeque was voted one of the people’s favorite barbeque joints finalists in the 2006 People’s Picks. However, Ktula thought the barbeque was just ok. I personally didn’t try enough barbeque joints to really tell the good from the bad. I recall watching a show on Food Network featuring 3 distinct BBQ styles in the US – Memphis, Carolina, and Texas. Giving me the opportunity, I wouldn’t mind traveling to these places and try out some of them good BBQ ribs.

Today was pretty cold but sunny for most part of the day. Good thing the bus to UW stops in the tunnel. If I had to wait on the street like I did for the morning commute, I would skip the class for sure.

Walking across the campus, I spotted the pond I took picture of 2 weeks ago was now frozen solid. The poor ducks were wobbling on the ice.

Today is my first time went jogging after coming back from a 2-week vacation. Although the trip involved lots of walking and I actually managed to sneak to the hotel gyms a few times, it didn’t make today’s jogging any easier. The 2-lap Green Lake jog took me extra amount of efforts and time. About to finish my first lap, I almost wanted to stop and called it a day. But the thought of giving up so easily annoyed me so I said to myself that I can take as much time as I want, but giving up is not an option.

I did finish the 2 laps. Hopefully I’ll do better next week. After the trip, I found that I also lost some weight, but also lost my abs. Oh boy, do I have a lot catching up to do.

6 months ago, I invested in a fancy Fish in Space Cosmic Desktop Aquarium. I really enjoyed Fishy’s companion. But today, I had an accident and lost Fishy.

I figured I’ll be gone for my vacation in couple days. I should probably clean the fish tank before my 2 weeks leave. As I was pouring the water out of the tank, I lost my concentration and before I knew it, Fishy got poured out of the tank and was flapping in the drainage hole. Then off, she went down the drain.

My Fishy, gone….

I had a good visit to the dentist. First of, my shinning pearly teeth are back after a longer than usual cleaning session.

The dentist assistant also complimented me on job well done flossing.

“People usually bleed like there’s no tomorrow when I floss their teeth.” She said.

“But you don’t. So whatever you do, keep doing it.”

I took my flossing seriously, and I really appreciate that she recognized it. Few visits back, someone else was cleaning my teeth. She told me I should floss more often. Secretly, I wanted to punch her face.

Although the lady sucker punched my face twice with the x-ray machine, later washed my face with refreshing mouth rinse water, it was still a good visit.

And no new cavity, yappy!