Birthday

Well, the rumors are true. I am 46 today. Damn. Any way you look at it, that's old. The only consolation I take in that, is I am in far better shape at 46 than I was at 26. So I have that going for me.

We celebrated the day yesterday. Uncle Rob came over early in the day to hang out and after a six mile run with the Little Girl we headed to the pool and swam a bit (the little girl must have swam a mile - at least - after her six mile run. Her energy is off the charts). Afterwards, we had a few friends and their kids come over for a little pizza/pool/beer party. The amazing Wife did a great job, per usual and a most excellent time was had by all.

For all of you who reached out to my on my birthday: much love.

And now I am going to go back to drowning my sorrows about how old I am.

Car Accident

Unreal. Was driving to the Boy's baseball game this afternoon, not bothering a soul, talking to my father - and this young girl, barely 20 plows into my car from behind. Unfreakingreal. I literally saw this coming, too. I saw her in my rearview mirror and I knew she was going to hit me - she was flying down the hill.  She gets out of the car, crying. Her parents come to pick her up, more crying, the whole thing.

My car doesn't look "that" bad but I suspect it's all under the carriage and worse than it seems. Her car was utterly totaled. It was incredible, the relative damage between the the two cars - hers looked like it was in a much worse accident. I'll post pictures later.

I guess the only thing you can say in a situation like this is thankfully, no one was hurt. So I got that going for me, I guess.

Quiet

Sorry so quiet this week. Was in New York running around like a chicken with its head cut off. New York is getting complicated for me; it's always home and I still know that City like the back of my head, but everything about it is frustrating when I travel for business: the travel (took me seven hours to get home last night), the jet lag, the running around, etc etc. It sure isn't as "easy" as my regular back and forth travel to LA.

I will say though that there is no question - there's no City quite like it. I was coming home form dinner at around 10 pm and the pace and pulse was greater than that of nearly any other city during peak hours.

New York, New York.

(Also - apologies for those i didn't see -once again, work kept me pretty locked down).

(Also - I stayed in the worst hotel ever. I am not a travel primma donna but this place was beyond unexceptional. Debating as to whether I should call them out in a separate post)

The Yankee Captain

We're less than a month into baseball, but I have to say that thus far, I am really enjoying this season. We have all sorts of intrigue, already: the Rangers are playing well, even without their ace, CJ Wilson. The Nationals are starting to deliver on their promise and are often to great start, anchored by Stephen Strasberg. The Dodgers, led by arguably my favorite player of all time, Don Mattingly, are also off to a great start and Matt Kemp is earning that big contract he got this off season.

But my favorite storyline of the year? Derek Jeter. The Yankee Captain. the same Derek Jeter who people were writing off a good portion of last year. The 37 year old captain is off to arguably his best start ever. He's hitting .417, has three homers already and is in the midst of a 14 game hitting streak. Oh, and he passed Dave Winfield in the all-times hit department to move to number 18, overall.

The dude is unreal. It would be a dream come true if he won the one thing that's eluded him in his illustrious career: MVP.

If anyone could pull this off at age 37 though, it's the Captain. The guy is such a role model for kids (and adults too in a sense) that it's indescribable. Maybe not the great athlete of our generation, but certainly the greatest athlete role model. It's like to know who compares.

Swim Meet

We had a long course meet today in Moraga. Long course is pretty gnarly. Even I was a tad intimated. Both kids swam three events and they did great - best times in everything. The Little Girl fared particularly well against a pretty solid field.

The other girl in the picture with her below is her role model; she's the top ranked 13 year old in the nation. Watching her is truly a sight to behold. Could very well be a future Olympian.

Favorite Picture Ever?

This is a photo of our 2012 Little League guide. Maybe my favorite picture ever. The little kid in the middle jumping up with mouth agape is the Little Boy. Watching the action in the middle is yours truly. And the dude to the far right in the tan jacket is my Old Man.

Of all the pictures they selected to use I can't believe they chose one that features the three of us. So cool.

4th Best Small Town

I know I talk a lot about how much I like Northern California, but I guess I am not alone. I was stoked to see ole Mill Valley voted 4th best small town in America. I would have voted it number one, but I guess I will take the four spot. At the risk of being dramatic, it really is a spectacularly cool, almost magical place. I truly dig it that much.

It was also nice to see New Jersey (Red Bank) represent, along with Laguna Niguel, CA and one of my new favorite places, Ashland, Oregon. If you haven't been to Ashland, put it on your list. I've written about it in the past and I can't wait to visit again.

Funny, though I consider myself a city person, I'm growing increasingly fond of the small town and I found this list to be fascinating and well thought through. If I had the chance, I'd genuinely like to visit all 25.

The End

Well, all good things come to an end and I'm thinking it might be time to retire this old blog. It's been a spectacularly fun five plus year ride, but like all good things, I am thinking its time has come. Not that it is a huge deal, but rarely anyone comments and daily "traffic" is down. Let me be clear - I'm not grovelling for comments or "views" - sincerely. I get it. I genuinely appreciate the sense of community that's formed around this site. It's all good.

So, here's what I am thinking. I am at post number 1130 (which is hard to believe in and of itself). I like nice, clean, round numbers so I will move towards 1200 posts and call it a day at that. That gives us a bit more time together.

I'll get more sentimental as the big day arrives but I've enjoyed doing this for multiple reasons, not the least of which is getting a little writing in each day. I suspect I will keep on going *something* but likely under a new name, on a different platform and with a little different "mission" (don't ask me what that means - I have no idea. But I have some time to think it through).

Anyway - that's the deal.

Coachella

Thank to one of my awesome clients, I am going to Coachella this weekend. And I am going in pretty grand style, too. Will be interesting to see how my soon-to-be 46 year old self does at a three day music festival (though I'm only staying two days, in all likelhood). Should be pretty interesting, to say the least.

On Friday, I am hoping to see Jimmy Cliff, GIRLS, Neon Indian, Yuck, Pulp, Death Grips, Frank Ocean, M83 and the Black Keys. Man. I'm tired just writing all of that.

On Saturday the plan is to check out AWOLNATION, Kaier Chiefs, the Shins Miike Snow, Destroyer, Buzzcocks, Flying Lotus, Feist, St. Vincent and of course, Radiohead.

I'm bummed to miss Sunday, particularly Snoop and Dr. Dre and Girl Talk but I think by then I will have had it.
I will be sure to send updates and pictures form the road.

And That's a Wrap

Typing her eon Friday night and headed home tomorrow in the am. Had a very nice time here in Scottsdale. In no particular order  we: went to a Diamondbacks game, an Arizona State game (don't ask me how I got roped into that - but we did have fun), checked out Sedona and went on an amazing jeep tour and hiked/trail ran a TON (Pikes Peak two times, Camelback and McDowell Sonoran Preserve twice). ALso managed to pay two visits to Crossfit Scottsdale, which was an awesome experience.

This am we went trail running and for the first time, the kids legitimately kicked my ass. As in - I simply could not keep their pace. That goes not just for the boy, but the girl too. They are a site to behold, those two.

Most importantly, we had a great time hanging out with family. The kids just adore their little cousin and I am pretty sure the feeling is mutual.

Anyway -  a fun time and I'm sorry it's over but alas, all vacations must come to an end.

Sedona, Arizona

After going for a 3.5 mile run/hike this am we headed to Sedona for the day. If you haven't been to Sedona put it on your list. Indescribably beautiful - I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

First Game of the Year

Greetings from Chase Field in Arizona. Giants vs Diamondbacks. We got here an hour plus early and the little dude got three autographs, including one from Justin Upton. He is one happy camper.

Play Ball!

I'm sitting in my office on a quiet, pre-East Friday afternoon, knocking out a ton of work. The weather in San Francisco is a perfect 68, with blue skies. Tomorrow I leave for vacation in Scottsdale. And most importantly, the Yankees are on my office TV on opening day. Though they are currently losing 4-2, it doesn't matter. Because baseball is back. Hope springs eternal.

Play ball!

Bands that I Don't Get/Annoy the Crap out of Me

In no particular order, bands that either annoy the living crap out of me - or ones that I simply do not understand, include:

-- Vampire Weekend (maybe the top offender. I hear them on the radio and want to jump out the window. Every. single. time.)

-- Pavement (what am I not getting here? Folks who I deeply respect, including guy RTP boys love them but I have yet to see the light)

-- Andrew Bird (what's all the fuss?)

-- Bjork (sounds to me like cats having sex)

-- Grizzly Bear and all of his associates (anything Pitchfork likes that much has got to be wrong) except Ariel Pink (who's awesome)

-- The Strokes (over-rated!!!)

-- Belle and Sebastian (For real?)

-- Peter Bjorn and John (See Belle and Sebastian)

Any others out there I am missing? RTP boys?

More Milk

I'm on glass number six and am already finding this revolting. Might be a short-lived experiment.

Gallon of Milk a Day

For years I have been unsuccessful in my efforts to gain weight, despite the fact that my appetite is both constant and voracious. I've tried pretty much everything, but the problem as I see it is threefold: 1. genetic predisposition 2. a wonky thyroid (actually, no thyroid) and 3. with all the working out, my metabolism is pretty revved up.

My Crossfit guys suggested something that seems to have merit, but is pretty damn gross; drinking a gallon of milk a day. One dude at Crossfit is doing it and had put on eight pounds in two weeks. Like me. he's on the skinny side.

A gallon of milk a day. For those keeping count, that's a lot of milk. I started last night and am only four glasses in and already it's kind of gross. But - I will give it a go and see where it takes me. My goal is to hit 160 pounds - a weight I have never before seen. As of last night I was at 152, which is around where I have been hovering these past few months (I was unsurprisingly down to the mid 140's when training for the 100 miler).

I'll be sure to chronicle my "progress" in the coming weeks. In the interim, wish me luck. Think I am going to need it.

My Main Man B

My main boy B (I won't say his name quite yet)  hasn't been doing too well lately physically. Along with his name, I'll spare the details to protect his privacy but he's in the hospital dealing with some significant health issues (though I WILL say it isn't cancer). He had major surgery today which will hopefully ameliorate his present condition. Regardless, he has a long way to recovery and is looking at a few more weeks in the hospital. If you would, send some healing vibes his way. I suspect he can use them.  My poor boy - he is a most excellent dude. Get better soon, Amigo.

Sunday Night Lineup

I think last night was one of the greatest nights of television. It started off with the kick off of the second season of Game of Thrones. That might very well be the best show that utterly confuses the hell out of me. I mean, I have virtually no idea what in the hell is happening during that show - and yet I'm somehow utterly engrossed. I'm sure my brother Neil will weigh in on this and suggest I read the books. I suspect he might be right.

Anyway, Game of Thrones was followed by the season finales of three terrific shows: Shameless (madcap is the only way to describe this one), House of Lies (came along very strong as the season progressed) and Californication (maybe my favorite show of the past four years).

That's a murderer' row of TV. Alas, it's only to be for one special night.