Normally that'd be a pretty rotten combination for anyone in their right mind. I'm kind of reveling in the sensation, however, since it's the result of so much activity over a long, wintery weekend.

Friday night was a blast. hypersnazz came into the city and we saw Zero 7, a band he's really fond of, at the Metro. I have to say that for a downtempo group that seems to have a niche in the "spacing out or on drugs" demographic, it was a very cool show.

Saturday was filled with chores, but I got a good long swim in which made the day melt away.

Now on to the REALLY good stuff....

Sunday we went skiing! I know, it didn't look like ski weather, but Chestnut Mt. in Galena blew their own snow. They only opened a few runs, but they were perfect for the season opener. I spent a lot of the day getting comfortable skiing backwards. Still sorta working on it, but my transitions have really improved. Probably the best part of the day was watching Hux play around on his telemark skis. How anyone can do lunges down a mountain is beyond me. Just... ow.

And yesterday, after sleeping in and making a nice big breakfast we headed back to Vertical Endeavors to do a little "rock" climbing. I passed the belay exam so now I can officially top rope with people. And if they're nice to me, I won't even drop 'em! =P

It's been a really active few days, and I see no reason why that should stop just because I'm a little tight. After I'm done with this post I'll probably hit the gym. The only question is... afternoon spin class or standard cardio routine? Guess we'll see. :3

That's the line isn't it? I mean we've all seen it. The annual Holiday explosion across television, the radio, magazines, stores, restaurants and most likely on every street you've driven down in the past week has happened. Know what the sick thing is? Unlike most people I talk to about the subject... I like it... and I DO think it's the best time of the year.

A lot's happened in the past few weeks. MFF has come and gone (had a blast... glad to see familiar faces and new ones alike). It was my first Thanksgiving with hypersnazz (yay!) where we proceeded to gorge ourselves on my Aunt's cooking. The beau is getting settled at his new place, which is much closer to mine than his last one was, making it a lot easier to see him. There's freelance work to be done and soon there'll be snow on the ground and skiing to be had! Life's sorta in fast forward at the moment, but I like that it's leading into the Holiday season.

I know that people get repulsed by the overabundance of cheer (btw, for those keeping track, Cheer = lights + bows + bells + egg nog + 30% off for a limited time) but I personally love it. I don't think there's anything wrong with reserving a time of year for a little extra sense of joy, however forced it might seem to some. For me this time of year conjures vivid memories, both good and bad, but incredibly special ones regardless. For those that don't like looking back, I hope this Holiday Season provides the opportunity to look ahead or create a new memory.

Enough sappy sentiment. I'd love to hear what people think about the Thanksgiving to New Years gauntlet and how it makes you feel. Step up! Be heard! And oh yeah... Happy Holidays! :3

So, let me preface this post with a little background. I was a lifeguard for 5 years of my life and taught swim lessons at a private swim club with a highly competitive race team. I guess all that has jaded me in the swimming world - I'm used to people who know what they're doing and respect the pool area (especially lap swimming).

That being said... holy crap... public gym pools..... *cries*

I went to the gym today to get in one last 1000m swim before MFF and was greeted by a circus of people that, by all accounts, should have been on a playground instead of in a pool. I got the swim in, and relaxed in the sauna for some time after, but just in case anyone out there is going to swim laps in the near future (it's amazing full body exercise) and needs to brush up on their poolside etiquette, here are my:

Top 5 Things NOT to Do in a Lap Pool: (as experienced by Dane on 11/18/09)

1) Play Frogger - There was an old dude (60-ish) who decided that he didn't need to pick just one lane. At that, he didn't even need to swim! He was content to bob up and down, from lane to lane, narrowly missing swimmers as they went by. Don't be that guy...

2) Share a Lane w/ Higher Level Swimmers - This is a judgement call. Sharing lanes will always happen, especially at smaller pools, but it's important to try to share with someone of a similar skill level. This thrashing lady bumped into the poor guy next to me 3 times. Eventually he asked to share my lane, which was fine because he could actually swim.

3) Make Out - They don't call my gym the "Gay Bally's" for nothing I suppose. But seriously, people are trying to work out right next to you. At least take it to a corner of the locker room... =P

4) Strut for Nothing - If you look good in a speedo, then believe me, I applaud you and will gladly look. But If the only reason you're in the pool area is to show off some abs and a bulge, you're taking up space. Move along. Join those above two in the locker room.

5) SPIT IN THE POOL - Now, spiting out water is ok. Everyone needs to. But this old dude (different old dude) really let one rip after sucking in with nauseating volume. We're talking full blown golden loogy. Yuck. Just.... yuck.

Ick, after writing that I need a shower....

Whew! The majority of this weekend was taken up by moving hypersnazz to Evanston. All in all it went really smoothly. The place is absolutely jam packed with boxes and THINGS that don't have a home, but hopefully the boys can make a dent in it before MFF.

Moving couches and boxes and beds (oh my!) from 10AM-10PM is always a cause for soreness, so instead of my usual workout routine I'm hitting my gym's pool. I used to swim 500m warm ups and then race back in high school. Now... I'm not so sure how many laps I'll be up for before I start uselessly splashing around (form is everything). Anyone else recently get into something they haven't done regularly in forever? It's an interesting feeling. I'll report back.

... are all really important things for rock climbing (get your minds out of the gutter =P).  

Yesterday hypersnazz , darkwolph , and I went down to Vertical Endeavors in the burbs to challenge this "gravity" fad that we've been hearing so much about.  Turns out that gravity won, but not before we scaled pretty much every moderate-difficulty route they had and tested a few of the harder ones.  Of the three of us, only Hux passed the top rope belay test, but luckily he was able to shimmy up a few of the taller walls with the assistance of another lone climber.  Note to self - don't stare blankly at the piece of equipment needed to hold the climber in place DURING the test.  So stupid....

After our forearms looked like Popeye's (and just before they fell off) we picked up perro and headed out for dinner at some pizza pub by their place.  I still say my name for the joint was better...

Then some crazy hours of packing happened back at Hux's place.  It'll be interesting helping him move while he's working.  Hopefully efficiency's on our side.  =/

Huxley - Oh no, don't hand this to a bunch of furries...

Poomie - My life stinks.

Zoober - MURR PURR 4 LYFE!

Seven - OMG, Fuckin' furries gettin' drunk  :D

Perro -   /wrist.... H8 M8......  heart furfags.... SHEEFERS!

Dane - So deep.  ^^

Lucky - Best quote from the parade, "Why don't you do someone of your own species!"

Nbowa - CHICAGO!!! SoFo is awesome!!  Beer and drinks consumed a-plenty.

Halfcab - *squeekasqueekasqueekasqueekasqueekasqueekasqueekasqueeka*

Tzup - Best time EVAR!!!  Need to pee....

Skroy - Bit was here <3

Perro - I'm red now, fuck!

Spork - Bibbity

Spork - Boppity

Lucky - I boned Jesus... on the cross.

Poomie - I was just a lil' Asian girl

Perro - Woody moaterboated a hot chick and she LOVED it.  Damn dairy queen.

Street - Ummm... uhhh... I don't remember...

Holy crap was that a good weekend!  First off, my costume was essentially - LiveJournal.  Since I'm sans fursuit I went as something furries can't live without.... THIS THING!  I'll be posting everyone's "entries" from the night a bit later.  SoFo was a blast, hilarity ensued, and I got to dance with Halfcab.  All things considered, a successful night.  I do find it funny that with the dozens of furs there, my bf was approached multiple times by non-furs with questions about the fandom.  He must have an approachable face (or tush  :3).  

Sunday was even more fun.  After sleeping late, having a nice breakfast, and walking the dog, hypersnazz   and I hopped in the car and drove up for the final day of the season at Six Flags Great America.  We were prepared for a financial sock to the gut, but we got really lucky and scored cheap entry.  Only $10 a ticket!  The fact that it was the last day of the season and sorta cold made ride lines crazy short.  We hit every coaster in the park with time to spare!  I haven't been there since high school, so it was both nostalgic and fun to introduce the boy to everything.

Hmmm, then Monday's a blur of going out to eat, and Marathons of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.  Good times.

Yeep... time to go.  Halloween entries to come... promise!

What up internet!?

It's been a while since I've actually posted something here on LJ - spending the summer mostly perusing other's entries instead of updating my own.   That'll probably change now that I have some extra free time (hell of a PC term for being unemployed, no?) but in the meantime, I've decided to get back in social media's good graces and dedicate my Halloween costume to it.  More on that in the next post.

See you all on All Hallows Eve!  (Get your tails to the bars!)

Everyone go wish my 'yote a very happy birthday!  Hurry!  Go!  NOW!!!!!  =3

hypersnazz