
I just finished power washing my front deck. It made a noticeable difference removing much of the mildew and dirt. Now I need to replace the planks with pieces cut out and treat the wood with Thompson’s (or something comparable).
Life
My 2009 Resolutions
- Make more quality social connections
- Visit my friend John in Australia
- Meditate more often
- Read a book per month
Trip to Fort Lauderdale
Mike, Zack, Travis and I met up with Roger (from Columbus), David (from NYC) and Ryan (from DC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, November 13-18.
Happy hour at our hotel. (L to R, Zack, Roger, me, Mike, David, Ryan and Travis)

At Score bar in Miami. (Disappointed Miami doesn’t have a smoking ban.)

Fort Lauderdale beach

Navigation via iPhone(s)

Attempt at synchronized dancing

In our hotel room

Happy 30th Clayton – Cruise photos
Below are photos from my recent (and first) cruise on Carnival’s Ecstasy. We left from Houston on Saturday, September 20th and returned Thursday, September 25th.
We visited Cozumel (awesome) and Progreso (not so awesome) Mexico. There were close to 30 friends and family onboard to celebrate our friend Clayton’s 30th birthday.
Afternoon drinks at JR’s in Houston

Artsy thing in downtown Houston

About to set sail on the Carnival Ecstasy from Houston on September 20, 2008

Mike and I in our cabin, aboard Carnival Ecstasy on September 20, 2008.

The gang at Society bar watching and doing Karaoke

Matt, Josh and Dave at a show on Carnival Ecstasy

The gang at Stripes club aboard Carnival Ecstasy

Derek, Matt and I awaiting birthday champagne

Garrett, Mike, Dave, Travis and Zack in Cozumel preparing to reboard

Socializing with the help at Stripes club

Who says you can’t drink during the survival drill?

Chichen Itza – ancient ruins

Formal dinner at Wing Song

Mowing the grass and yellow-jackets
Shortly after I began mowing the grass tonight, I felt a shocking sensation in my legs. At first I didn’t think much of it, until the pain became more intense. Upon looking down, I noticed 6-8 yellow-jackets on my legs. After swatting them off, I ran inside to get away. When I got inside I felt similar pain on my back and neck. I found two more yellow-jackets on my back and managed to swat them away.
I’m going to postpone mowing for a day or two. I still have minor pain and local swelling which should be better within a few hours.