Zeke's World

BEER

I started the daunting task of making my Pilsner. Much easier than my Porter, although the fermentation process is much more particular. It needs to ferment at cooler temps, which I can't quite provide so we'll see how this baby turns out. I bottled it on Sunday and then it has to sit for 7 days at room temperature before it can be refrigerated. But the longer I wait, the better it tastes. Still, I plan on having one on Sunday to check 'er out.



CRUISE


Amber and I booked the flight for our cruise coming up later this month! We're getting pretty excited. Don't know what to expect exactly. I've heard the first day on the boat can be rough; I may be vomit. Still, I'm looking forward to sitting on the deck, reading. Swimming. Eating. And of course the ports-of-call: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Amber and I were in Puerto Vallarta in 2004. We had a great time and ate at this restaurant called Las Carmelitas. This semi-fancy restaurant located high on this steep hill overlooking the ocean. Spectacular! We also would like to do para sailing, some snorkeling, kayaking and some general city explorations. On the Friday night before our trip we're driving down to O'Hare and staying at the Westin nearby. This is where we stayed the first night of our honeymoon. Sweet. We're going with Meaty and his wife and they are experienced cruisers so it shall prove to be a great time I'm sure. And it's all inclusive (except drinks and spa treatments) so that's a good deal!



INTERNET

Welp, I cancelled the Internet at last week. It was becoming too much of a distraction at home since we have full access to it at work. I'm hoping to read more books and be more productive in general with my time. We'll get it back eventually but we want to see how we can survive without it.


MUSIC

Last Tues. afternoon when I got home from work I found 3 huge boxes totalling 131 lbs. on the front porch. It begins! The keyboard had arrived. I set it up and organized the "studio". I still need to get a USB Audio Interface so I can record on my computer. But the keyboard sounds amazing and feels great! Let the creativity begin...


WORK

I got some pretty big projects kicking off at work. We started the process of upgrading the substation that "blew up" over the summer. I sent out the Request For Proposals (RFP) for the layout today. This will probably be at least a 2 year project. And I've also been assigned the Procurement and Materials Coordinator for this big project going up in the north side of Madison. But I cannot divulge the client yet. So don't ask :-) But, it's job security!

WEEKEND

This weekend should be a good one. On Friday we have the annual Blackhawk Dance at the Monona Terrace. They have a DJ and a live band! And amazing desserts. It's always a blast. I may have to shake a thing or two. Then on Saturday we are going to Lake Mills for my cousin's 12th birthday. So we'll have dinner and hang out with family there. Then on Sunday I work sound at B-Hawk all day. We had rehearsal last night and things went very smoothly and it sounded great.

RUNNING

On Tues. I started my half-marathon training. So far so good. I finished my physical therapy and I already see a bigger muscle in my left thigh! I have all these stretches and leg lifts I gotta do. But it's worth it. Can't wait for the warmer weather, though, Tues. was just a tease. 60 degrees in Feb.? Come on.

SOFTBALL

Spring is in the air, folks! And that means that softball season is quickly approaching. I sent out a pre-season email 2 weeks ago to touch base with the team. 4 players won't be returning but I already have leads on a bunch other quality players. I'm pretty pumped. We're in a good league, quality team, sweet jerseys, cool summer nights, good cheering section. What could be better. OH, having a winning season would be nice. And not to mention the Brewers pre-season starts in a couple weeks. I'm excited to see what we can do, Go Crew!