Brunch

Non race Sundays (NRS) are currently in season. Naturally I want to take advantage of these to the best of my ability. Lately this means putting my feet up and enjoying free brunch with a few beers at the Saucer. Last Wednesday while at the Saucer I met a guy at the bar who was big into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As a fan of submission grappling, we talked about fighting in general for the better part of an hour. He noted that the gym he works out at has the local sheriff and a lot of SWAT team officers that come out to roll. This is a bonus because it's the only place he knows of where you can legally choke out a sheriff. Bonus. It turns out he also climbs trees for a living and looks like he could definitely beat up anyone I know.

He mentioned to me that he got to know one of the managers at the Saucer well enough that they were going to let him use the back room for his club meetings. After drinking 200 different beers at the saucer you get a plate on the wall with your name on it, he's about to get his plate unveiled. You also probably get to know the manager. I asked what kind of club, and he hesitated. Then he looked around to see who else was listening.

"well, I'll just tell you" he said reluctantly, as he produced half of a hand knit neck warmer from his pocket. "It's a knitting club, I'm making this for my sister".

Well I didn't see that coming at all. He then noted that the hat he was wearing was something he had also made and then invited me to join him the following Sunday at brunch. I tried knitting once before and I was terrible at it, but I do like a lot of things about knitting. I like knots, I like making things, I like creativity and customization involved, I like learning new skills, I like wool and other natural fibers, and with very little hair on my head I like the option to keep my head warm.

"I'll be there", I was sold. So although NRSs are becoming fewer and fewer I'll be spending the rest of them eating brunch, drinking a few beers, and now, knitting.

So good

Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it. Lately this beauty has presented itself in the form of Norwegian black folk metal and fountain pens.

What?

Maybe this isn't the most obvious combination. Maybe it's less obvious than the name of the movie I almost quoted at the start of this ramble.

Please refer to exhibit A:





Now THAT'S what's up.

I'm looking to get my hands on the first one shown.

Now imagine writing with that pen while listening to Windir, yup exhibit 2:



(yes, I know I changed numbering conventions)

These dudes look like Halloween year round and sound like Ensiferum meets Fintroll. My heart feels like it's going to cave in, or explode. Maybe it's the caffeine.

Trick Question

Mostly because the Gun Show mentioned getting the youth over with, I'll share a quicky.

Last week the Buchi representative was installing our new toy that I'll be using a lot for my research.

The other creepy grad students were hovering over him as he worked, quite awkwardly. Obviously I was one of them. In a noble attempt at small talk the man lightheartedly presented the query , "so what are you going to do when you grow up?"

The others hesitated, but I knew the correct answer and immediately said, "Trick question! I'm not growing up."

For the most part this is true. I'm not entirely sure if anyone decides that they're going to 'grow up'. Maybe they do, but it's probably a way of rationalizing living a life they are less than happy about.

Weather

I might could get used to the weather around here. It is great for riding bikes.



All the other places I look at are worse for riding this time of year. The next step is to find more time to actually ride outside.

Making Approaches

There are good ways, and less-good ways to approach strangers. This is especially true if you want something from them. Last night while walking down the street I was approached by a stranger who, I assumed was homeless. He assumed I was willing to buy him food.

The thing is, he had a pretty good approach. Step one, "I don't want any money from you"

He just disqualified himself from being a beggar, nice.

"Ok..."

"Instead can you buy me a burrito from that fancy pants burrito place right there, it's only a dollar thirty five"

"I see"

Man, I could use a burrito too. I've never been to this place, it looks pretty good. Only $1.35? That's pretty reasonable sounding. Unless they have changed things from what I've learned about the drug culture from tv and movies, and burritos are now accepted in lieu of cash, he will not be buying crack with this burrito.

"Yea I can do that"

So we ate burritos. Not together, but at the same time just in different places. Next time we're eating this meal together. What has gotten into me? Am I nicer person than I thought I was? Is it the Holiday spirit sneaking in? Maybe he just had a good approach.