And, You Are?

Road Trip 2009 - Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:41:00 +0000

Road Trip 2009 - Day 4
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I am currently in the car en route Sandusky, OH heading to Cedar Point
Amusement Park. The trip so far has had it's share of delays.

The rental car we got from Hertz during the car ride from Dallas to
Memphis ended up breaking. Some screws fell out of a plastic panel
under the grill causing it to fall and scrap the pavement. We got the
car replaced at the Memphis Airport Hertz location which ate up an
hour or so of our time. We ended up getting the same vehicle, 2009
Chevy Malibu, but it was a high class version with leather seats,
Bluetooth, etc ...

We ended up in Chicago area around 11pm after a 9 hour drive on Day 2.
It rained on day 3 and we couldn't do much of anything outdoors so we
headed to the downtown area and walked the Michigan Avenue shops and
stores. Later that evening we headed to dinner in Chinatown, and
luckily the rain stopped by then. We had some authentic Chinese dishes
at a popluar szechaun restaurant, and finished the meal with a
pineappple/mango smoothies with Boba.

We left Chinatown and heading to Boystown, Chicago's gay strip. It was
oddily empty for 10pm on Saturday night. We walked for a short while
before leaving and heading back to the hotel for the evening.

This morning we headed to the Navy Pier and walked around and took
some pictures. It was very touristy, but the view of the Chicago
skyline were great. We stayed for about an hour before continuing to
Ohio.

Chicago was fun. Due to time constraints I didn't get some deep dish
pizza or see Oooopraahh WinFreey! Maybe another time.

Wimbledon 2009 - My Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:30:00 +0000

Wimbledon is upon us once again, and clay courts have been replaced by grass. The news that Rafael Nadal, 2008 Gentlemen's Champion, will not be playing this year's tournament due to an injury. So who will be this year's champions? My picks were correct for last year that Venus Williams and Rafael Nadal would win, but this year tournament seems open to anyone.

2009 Picks

Gentlemen's Champion: Roger Federer

Hot off his 1st French Open title, which completes the career Grand Slam, and Nadal being out of the tourament ... it is his tournament to lose. Winning this title would put him past Pete Sampras for the most Slam titles in the open era AND he would regain his number 1 ranking from Rafael Nadal. Good luck, Roger!

Ladies' Champion: Serena Williams

I chose Venus Williams last year, because she is my favorite player (and namesake in my tennis club ... long story) and she won the year prior. She is reigning Queen of Grass having 5 titles on this surface ... but 2009 is not going to be her year. I think Serena will take home this year, provided that she doesn't have a meltdown and lose focus during a match. I want Venus to win, but I don't want to jinx it by picking her.

My picks have been committed to the blogosphere, and we will see in the next fortnight if I am correct.

[Photos: Yahoo! Sports via AP]

Gadgerty: Apple Mac Book Pro 13"

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:08:00 +0000

It will be mine. Oh, yes .... it will be mine. I am thinking about getting it in the next month or so. I got my Apple iBook over four years ago is running really slow and I can barely watch YouTube videos on it. Also, I has the old IBM chipset so it will not be able to run Snow Leopard when it comes out in September.

I am still deciding, but more than likely I will get it soon.

[Apple Mac Book Pro]

Road Trip 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:18:00 +0000

I will going a 10 day road trip traveling through the midwest and beyond. Planned stops:

- Memphis, TN
- Chicago, IL
- Cedar Point Amusement Park (Sandusky, OH)
- Cleveland, OH
- Buffalo, NY (Passing through but will stop at Wegmans and Tully's)
- Toronto, ON, Canada

There maybe some other stops along the way but not sure as of yet. I will be blogging during my travels, but not when I am driving ... obviously. :)

Stay tuned!

Movies: Angels & Demons

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:45:00 +0000

This past Memorial Day, I decided to head to the local theater to watch Angels & Demons. Out of all of the Dan Brown's books, I like Angels & Demons the best and I didn't want to see it ruined because I absolutely HATED The Da Vinci Code.

The beauty of the book was that it allowed the readers to figure out the clues as the story advanced. The movie, I felt, treated the viewers as not intelligent enough to figure the clues out, so they were illuminated on the screen for all to see. It was not a wise choice, and I think Ron Howard realized this and Angels & Demons had none of that ... thank Jeebus.

Even though I read the book, I still found myself engrossed in the movie. I think I like this movies more because they brought David Keopp to help write the screenplay with Akiva Goldsman (the bastard who ruining the Batman franchise, along with Joel Schumacker, by writing Batman Forever and Batman & Robin). I am still not sold on Tom Hanks being Robert Langdon and would have preferred someone like Dennis Quaid or Jon Hamm ... but they had to put butts in the seats so they went and bankable International star.

I recommend the movie, but you don't have to have seen The Da Vinci Code to follow the movie because Angels & Demons chronologically happened first, so there aren't any plot points or references to the first movie.

Housewarming

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:11:00 +0000

This past Saturday I had my housewarming party. I wasn't sure if I would pull of the party because I never been a host for many people, but somehow I managed to pull it off ... but there were some missteps.

I got up at 9 and I began cleaning, and my goal was to have all that done by 1pm. At 1 I was complete and went to take out the trash, and I returned to my home only to realize my door was locked. Apparently, the lock on the door knob was locked and my keys were inside, along with my iPhone and wallet. I tried the side door, and it was also locked. I curse the gods and made it to the sales office and called a locksmith to let me in. It would have taken 30 minutes so I hung out for a bit before heading back to my place to wait for the locksmith. I went to the front door to wait, but I thought I would try the door. Typically, this door is always locked so I thought it was a lost cause. I pressed the door latch, and it opened, as if magically. I lost 40 minutes because I didn't open try the front door, and I had to call the locksmith and cancel the request. He was nice and didn't charge me, and I got back to work.

The party was scheduled for 5pm and at 5:05 people showed up. Soon this space:

filled with over 33 people. I gave tours of the house and tried to be a good host, and hopefully I was. Everyone was impressed with the glass tile backsplash...

...even more so when they found out I did it myself.

Everyone congregated in the living/dining/kitchen area, and even though it was perfect weather outside, only a few people gathered there.

Around 7pm we all made plans for dinner and ventured out the Gloria's for Salvadorian food. I got some gifts, which weren't necessary, but glady accepted them. :)

Since I am now an experienced host, I am thinking about having people over to watch the Wimbledon finals next month and serve Fish N' Chips and strawberries and cream. Or maybe not ... it is too exhausting to host. But new house is finally felt like a home since the party, so I guess the stress was worth it.

Home Projects

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Home Projects
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I have been busy with doing thing a with my house, amongst other things, so I haven't been blogging much. I've been trying to get things in order for my house-warming party. In the midst of all that I ended up getting sick with, perhaps, Swine Flu. I feel better now but missed two days of work as a result.

I finished staining my Rast drawers from IKEA mahogany and added some new hardware I purchased from Home Depot. It looks really good, if I do say so myself. :)

Now I am hanging pictures around my place and still organizing things. I will be ready for the party in a few weeks.

Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:36:00 +0000

Gone
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I have officially moves out of my first apartment in Dallas. I lived
somewhere prior to this but I didn't choose it. I saw this place
shortly after my road trip to California in 2007 moved in weeks later.
I enjoyed apartment living, but not the fact that I paid A LOT for
this place which could have paid for a mortgage. It was time to move on.

Backsplash Install - 2.95 of 3 Completed

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Before:

After:

After the grout dried it left a residue on the glass so I spent about an hour cleaning with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad. I thought about using a chemical but I didn't want to deal with a hazardous substance, so I used elbow grease instead. The tiles were gleaming when I finished. After that, I applied a sealer to make it water and stain resistant. When it dried, I caulked the gap in between the granite and tile ... and viola, project completed ... mostly. I need to replace the plastic wall plates for the outlets with a brush nickel version. Hopefully this can be done with having get them custom made.

So that is pretty a wrap on the backsplash project, and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. In total it took about 10 hours, and saved about $500. I can finally cook food now. Yay!

Next project: staining wood bed-side tables. Something else I have never done, but seems easy.

Backsplash Install - Step 2 of 3 Completed

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:32:00 +0000

Backsplash Install - Step 2 of 3 Completed
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Last night I put the grout in between the glass tile backsplash. It
took about 1.5 hours to do but it was surprisingly easy.

I really love the way the grout makes the tile stand out a bit more.
After I installed the tile, I was not really happy with it, but after
putting in the "linen" colored grout it looks much, much better.

The last step it to polish, seal and caulk the tile and I will be
done. I will do the tonight and then I will finally be able to cook in
my kitchen on Saturday.

Backsplash Install - Step 1 of 3 Completed

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Backsplash Install - Step 1 of 3 Completed
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

The tile is up and now I have to wait until it all dries. When it is
dry, the grouting will begin.

Backsplash Install Progress Update

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Backsplash Install Progress Update
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I spent more time worrying about cutting the tile than putting it up.
What you see is the smallest that was completed late last night. This
is not pattern I was looking for but I had to take apart the tiles lay
them evenly to fit that wall. The main wall (middle) will have a less
uniform look. I will end it with the last wall in the uniform pattern
as sort of bookends.

Update you when I am finished.

Backsplash Install - Prepping

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:18:00 +0000

Backsplash Install - Prepping
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I am beginning the backsplash project after spending about an hour at
home depot and lowes looking for a tool to cut the glass tile. I
finally just bought a tile score and snapper for $17. I think I am all
ready to go, so....

... it begins.

Updates later.

The Trouble with Tile

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:41:00 +0000

I have been mulling over whether or not to install my new backsplash glass tile in the kitchen of my new condo myself, or pay someone else to do it. I have been doing a lot of research, and I think I am going to put it up myself.

The average cost to install this by a contractor is $400, and the job is really small. It will only cost me about $100 in supplies, which I would have to supply the contractor with anyways, so why not do it myself?

It's pretty simple but the only hard put seems to be cutting the glass to go around outlets. I thinking of using a wet saw, but I decided to try to do it by hand with glass snippers. After work I am heading to Home Deport (or its equivalent) to pick up supplies and I will start the project tomorrow morning.

I will post photos of my progress ... if any.

Wish me luck!

First Time Homebuyer

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:24:00 +0000

As of 3/31/2009, I am now a homeowner.

It funny because just about 2 months ago I was joking with some friends during dinner and stated that I love being a renter. I am a renter no more, thanks to the $8000 tax credit provided by President Obama.

I was really nervous prior to closing and I thought about backing out of the deal. Cooler head prevailed and still back at ease regarding my future purchase. Closing day came and went with any thing major happening but now it is all about the move. I am in the process of packing my things, transferring services and change my address on anything that requires my address. I just did all this less than two years ago, but this time seems easier. I plan to be fully into my condo by 4/15 and plan on throwing a party in mid-May.

Let the fun of packing/moving begin.

Flooring and Tiling

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Flooring and Tiling
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Currently at Home Depot about to take part in a tiling and flooring
workshop. I am looking to learn how to install a kitchen backsplash
for a future project. I am the only person hear and the instructor is
15 minuntes late. Will give him/her 10 minutes before I leave.

Tennis Tournament: Austin, TX

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:44:00 +0000

Friday

Singles Match - Lost: 6-2, 2-6, 0-6

I was playing well and feeling good after the first set but during the second set both of my quads began to cramp. I tried to shake it off but I was not able to move like I did during the first set. I was so in control of this match but then my body decided to go on holiday. It was warm but not hot, so I am not sure why I began to cramp. I guess playing 40 degree weather one week, then 75 the next can do horrible things to your body.

Saturday

Consolation Singles - Won: 8-4

I played well during this match and manage to serve well. My opponent was good, but his weakness was his backhand so I went after that a lot.

Doubles Match - Won: 7-6(5), 7-6(3)

My doubles partner and I were the number seed in our division, which was a surprise to both of us. We played against a team from Austin and we played on of the members before with a different partner. There were a very difficult team because they had really good serves and were hard to break. We won the first tie-break 7-5 and the second set, I was serving for the match at 6-5 and we were up 30-0 but a few costly mistakes put us back into another tie-breaker. We upped our game and capitalized on their mistakes to win the second breaker 7-3.

Double Match - Won: 6-4, 0-6, 7-5

This was a horrible match. Our games were really off and we just lost focus during that second set. I was really frustrated because my partner wasn't playing like his normal self. Instead of hitting the ball he was just lobbing it over the net. It was a windy day so he lobs were short and giving the other teams easy points. After the second set, I talked to my partner and he wanted to know what was happening. I just told him to stop lobbing and hit the ball. He got defensive and said that he wasn't lobbing, I gave him a look and said nothing else.

The beginning of the third, my partner began lobbing again ... which pissed me off because we were losing points because of it. I am not saying that I was perfect, because I made mistakes as well, but was still being aggressive. We we down 3-1 and things began to click again. We won the last 3 games at 4-5 to win the match.

Sunday

Cons. Singles Match - Won: 8-1

I wasn't playing well during this match but my opponent was playing even worse. I just got the ball of the net and waited for my opponent to make the mistake. I should have won this match 8-0 but I lost my serve when I lost my service rhythm. But it was a good warm-up.

Cons. Singles Match - Lost: 6-8

I lost this match, but this was my favorite match of the tournament. I was playing a big guy who couldn't move well, but his hands were great so if you put the ball anywhere near him, he would win the point. I was down 3-1 at one point and then I decided to try something new. I tried slice serving out wide and hit the point cross court for the winner. This worked well and I got the match to 6-6. I lost my serve and then I was down 7-6. I on the verge of breaking my opponent when I missed drop shot that landed 2 inches out. A few points later he won ... but I had fun. The only bad thing is that I slipped while going after a ball. I won the point, but hurt my right leg in the process.

Doubles Match - Lost 1-6, 1-6

My leg was okay in the beginning but after a few points it really started to hurt. I could hardly move so it was pretty much a non-starter. The guys we lost to were friends of ours, so at least someone from Dallas would make it to the finals. And they ended up winning the title, so that was good. My partner and I were looking forward to this make, but me being hurt didn't make it competitive. Maybe we will have a rematch in the future.

I had a good time in Austin, and I am looking forward to my next tournament. I am going to NYC in July, but I am looking for another tournament outside of Texas before then. There is a tournament in New Orleans, LA which is three weeks away, but I would like to play in Chicago, IL or Louisville, KY during Memorial Day weekend. I have to decided which I will play.

Puffy Tacos

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 04:45:00 +0000

Puffy Tacos
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

After seeing the "famous" puffy tacos over a year ago on the Food
Network's Showdown with Bobby Flay, I had to try them. I was in San
Antonio for work on Wednesday, I decided to stop by Haceinda de Los
Barrios to sample the puffy tacos. I had two at the beginning (beef
and chicken) and ended up getting an additional chicken puffy taco.
The were good but not spectactular.

My next "as seen on tv" meal will be at Flip Happy Crepes in Austin.

Tennis Tournament (3/13 - 3/14)

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:51:00 +0000

This past weekend was my warm-up tournament in Dallas, TX before my first major tournament in Austin, TX this coming Friday.

Friday (3/13)

1st match - Won: 6-4, 6-0

My match was suppose to start at 5pm, but due to a rain delay my match didn't start until 8pm. The guy I played was okay, but I couldn't return his serve at all. I finally broke his serve at 4-4 and didn't look back. The match was played indoors, which is fine, but I prefer to be outside. At the end of the match of the match, the guy I played thought I would be in a higher level. I guess all the winter practice paid off.

Saturday (3/14)

2nd match - Won: 6-1, 6-1

This match was suppose to start at 8am but was delayed until 12pm. I didn't do much this match but just keep the ball in play. My opponent was okay but he was very predictable. He would serve and run to the net. I would hit a passing shot or lob it over his head, with various results.

After the match was I had a chat with my opponent. I met him a couple years ago, and he is currently friends with an ex ... and he started to question my abilities as a player. He thought I should be at a higher level, and we talked for a bit. We said our goodbyes and prepared for my next match. But I started to wonder if I really should in a higher level.

3rd match - Lost: 5-7, 6-3, 9-11 (first to 10 points)

This match was interesting. In the first set, I was up 4-0 and I realized that maybe my last opponent was correct and I was in the wrong level. So I decided to not try so hard to win this match. I was doing a bunch of crazy things that I wouldn't normally do. I lost the first set, and the I was down 0-3 in the second when i decided that I didn't want to lost in straight set. I won easily won the next 6 games to take the set. The third set I was just trying different shots (slices, drop shots, angles etc...) and I was up 8-5 in the 10 point tie-breaker. I was like "oh, crap ... I don't want to win this match." Took it down a couple of notches and lost 9-11. When people ask about the tournament I downplay that fact I took a dive, because it would hard for them to believe. I am not hyper-competitive, I am all about fun.

So, 4 more day until Austin.

Open Letter to Roger Federer

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:18:00 +0000

Dear Roger,

So ... it looks like Mirka finally did it. She has finally trapped you in a relationship that we both know you don't want to be in. You know who you really want to be with, don't you?

Well congratulations on the impeding birth of your child, and good look at BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Bitterly yours,

Killervirgo

(source: Down the Line!)

Today's Weather In Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Sloppy, with slight chance of messiness.

LRC (left right center)

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 06:17:00 +0000

LRC (left right center)
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

We played many games of LRC in our cabin over the past couple of days.
I won twice a couple nights ago, and made it to the final two a couple
other times last night. It's a fun game. Even if you lose you have a
good time...but winning is better. :)

OK "Camping" In Oklahoma

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:42:00 +0000

OK "Camping" In Oklahoma
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I am in Oklahoma at a national park camp ground in a cabin having fun.
We played horseshoes and washers for a couple of hours, now we are
having appetizers and about to play more games before dinner.

Cookie Monster at Cheddar's

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 23:14:00 +0000

Cookie Monster at Cheddar's
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Diet starts Monday.

Hello, Hello, Hello

noreply@blogger.com (Killervirgo) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:11:00 +0000

It's been a while since my last post, but you know how things go when you are busy. I am in the process of looking out houses/condos to possibly move to. I have a couple of months on my current lease, so I have been really focusing on that. I would like to stay in my current area, but I haven't found anything I really loved and had to have. I found 10 more properties outside of my target area, so we'll see what will happen.

The 2009 tennis has officially started and I am trying to get match ready before my first major tournament in 6 weeks. I am still knocking off the rust but I think I have the time to get things in order before the tournament in Austin, TX. Historically, I have never done well at the tournament because of lack of preparation ... so I am looking to change things.

With all of this, I am contemplating recapping Project Runway Canada Season 2. But I am not sure if time will allow. I am hoping to a recap on ep 1 and 2 on Monday .