Cleaning up

X-mas celebrations have come to a close. Much fun and merriment was had with family and friends. We went with a minimalist gift theme this year as we suspect in future years we will feel obligated to spoil. Of course with the celebrations over, and guests departed, we are nearly finished with the clean up process.

Fortunately, we are not Andy, who, in anticipation of his girlfriend visiting, cleaned his bathroom and bedroom. Phil (Andy's old roommate and former st. kate's housekeeper) came to visit on the same day and inquired as to how long Andy's bathroom has been so clean. We informed him that this was the first time the bathroom had been cleaned since before Phil moved in (which I would guesstimate at around 1997). As a result, guests at Andy's annual party didn't get nearly as drunk as usual for fear that they would be the first to vomit in, on, or about Andy's freshly cleaned bathroom.

[edit] The unfortunate thing about using 'cleaning' as a theme for subject transitions is that it doesn't clarify the distinction between the end of humor, and the beginning of somber. [/edit]

Speaking of St. Kate's housekeepers, on Tuesday Heather and I attended the visitation for Dale Mrnak, a 10 year veteran of the St. Kate's housekeeping dept. It was clear by the numbers present that we won't be the only ones missing Dale. We were reassured of good things by Dale's brother who mentioned that Dale had peacefully went just in time to spend Christmas with his daughter and wife. Dale was silently honored in at least one toast (if not three) when Heather and I, Phil, Andy & Co. went to dinner at the Triple Rock Wednesday night.

Tune in next week for something more cheerful...

The lethargy of cold

I (David) done got ill. Just in time for Christmas. The good news though is that I got at least one sick day out of the deal. The (failed) day of recovery was well timed with the arrival of Dad (Mr. Brier). Dad arrived Tuesday evening bearing a station wagon load of gifts. Prior to Dad's arrival Heather and I did a bit of organizing and tidying so as to accommodate Dad's cargo. I finally got around to putting together my 28” wheeled Raleigh during this process, so that it could be properly hung out of the way of the basement work bench.

Coincidentally, I found this version of a 28” wheeled bike while cleaning my outdated amazon wish list. It's a very similar bike except for the double top tube and that mine has internal brakes. I figured I'd write the company and see if they'd even be willing to sell to someone stateside. We'll see if they respond.

Speaking of bikes, and of putting them together; Susie (assuming you read this) I now have parts to create two complete bikes (Kim never claimed hers), so you're welcome to stop by sometime and pick out the best option for your hilly commuting needs. Though you may want to want until my cold is gone, because not only am I contagious, I'm also too tired to be wrenching on bikes.

'tis the season...

...to donate or get involved (or treat yourself to an inexpensive bike as a gift).

...and for advertisements.

The Minnesota Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance and their shop, the Sibley Bike Depot are both doing their year end thing(s). This means that there is a lot going on that you could benefit from, or participate in. Anyone interested in being a board member [hey students: this looks great on a resume] should let the organization know sometime before their annual party/board-thing that will be happening sometime in January. Also, there is always a need for members, donors, and volunteers. Sign up at their web site. And of course, between remodeling, and events early next year comes the need for floor space. Which in turn means a need to move bikes fast. So stop by the shop (shop hours) and see if there is anything that tugs at your impulses, or perhaps find that rare item you've been looking for forever.

Hard Core Chmielewski

Fun Times!

I'm sure all of us are old enough to remember the old anti-drug TV ad campaign that featured the frying pan and the egg. Well let us now utilize the above image as an anti-anti-drug scare tactic. “This is what happens if you don't use drugs!” Sure... of course it is possible to have fun without drugs, but sometimes one ought to pause and wonder: have I gone too far? Perhaps those mullet-sportin' meth-heads on COPS are actually on to something.

Fortunately after pausing to wonder for a little bit, reality quickly returns and one realizes that drugs are way too expensive. Especially now that one is in debt to Andy's ma for the fancy new accordion.

Wee little one

We're having one. Grandmas and Auntie were with us yesterday when we went to have the ultrasound done. Obviously the wee little one likes to put on a show. The real pictures can be seen on Flickr.

This weekend's entertainment

I (David) saw a flyer at work this morning for Bill Holm at the Fitzgerald (Today). Sounds like fun, but at $30, it may be a bit steep for an author I haven't read in years. Cheaper entertainment alternatives include a theatrical version of a “Christmas Story” being performed at the neighborhood theater. There is also “Touch The Sound” at the Bell Auditorium. I think
this Evelyn Glennie character would be fun to see live, but a documentary on her could be an interesting substitution.

Yet the event most likely to be attended by yours truly is the ska show at the Whole Music Club on Saturday evening. Depending on which sources you most wish to believe, there could potentially be as many 7 different bands playing (one of which is the Second Hand Ska Kings). If you like Mustard Plug, rest assured that all sources can agree that they, at least, will be playing. Fortunately I'm not a big Mustard Plug fan, so if I do go, I may leave a bit early so as to put in an appearance at the Saturday Night Drink-Bike-&-Burn party.