Dad and Daughter

Dad and Daughter
Originally uploaded by incognato

Turkey Day parade!

Installing worms

We have discovered fleas love our new house, particularly the dog. Tomorrow, I'm taking him to the vet to renew his scripts and an organic pest control company will install nematodes in the yard to eat flea larva. In the meantime, Walker's wearing a flea collar and getting a bath soon.

We are mostly settled now and finding a routine. I think it's safe to say, "The move from Dallas to Austin is complete."

Man, that felt good.

A new cool thing about this move is the upcoming Thanksgiving, where my brother and I are cooking dinner. More details to come!

Taking a break from unpacking

We have three rooms left: my office, Yvonne's office and the third bedroom.

For now, that third bedroom will be a closet/sewing room once it's not filled with boxes and miscellaneous furniture (two empty fish tanks, coffee table and a stool).

I'd say Yvonne's office has the most potential for completion, but she sorting a lot of old paperwork and stuff, which is tedious and takes time.

In my office, I'm sorting things like my old high school yearbooks (that head photographer my senior year really knew his stuff...), camping gear (do I really need an authentic Boy Scout canteen from the '60s?) and miscellaneous stuff like bar stools (we ain't got no bar, Sgt. Dan), shelves, and old copies of the "Lake Travis View".

Oktoberfest
We went to the Austin Oktoberfest yesterday. Yvonne put it best: It was a typical Austin festival with live blues, kid rides and beer and food, but it's not German Centric. There was one brat offering--the rest was corny dogs, pizza and nachos. There was no umpah, but plenty of booths to buy rasta (??!?) gear.

My conclusion is the Oktoberfest in Addison was better. Next year, we are going to try to go to Fredricksberg.

Livestrong
We also did the Livestrong Challenge 5k yesterday. I didn't run it as planned, but I'm about to restart my running training. There is the Turkey Tro 5k on thanksgiving that I might be ready for.

Meanwhile, enjoy the videos:

Rock Zoe from Nathan Stull on Vimeo.

Sliding Z from Nathan Stull on Vimeo.

Found the iPod

We just moved into a house here in Austin and the one thing I thought was completely lost was my iPod. Even Yvonne looked for it in my car, where I thought I left it. This morning on my way to work, I gave it one more look (almost out of habit). And, I found it wrapped in a receipt in a console we all looked in multiple times. Good stuff.

The move was a challenge and I'm glad it's over. We had a few hiccups along the way:

• Moving date was pushed back
• Kitchen was almost left as is (bad)
• Moving date was pushed back again
• Moving date was pushed back again--this time to ACL weekend (we used to live next to Zilker)
• We had free three-day passes to ACL with parking (apartment)
• It was someone's birthday?
  
• On the day of big moving truck, street work closed one half of our new road
• Rained on third moving day
• Our first week was sans city garbage cans and required a few stealth runs in the cover of night
  
• The new kitchen sink was clogged upon move-in and required our first repair request
  
• The AC stopped working after 5 days--second repair request
  
• Our dryer from storage stopped getting hot (repairman coming Friday)
  
• Still can't find my leaf blower
• The move was just enough interruption that I probably won't run the full 5k this weekend
  

I'm sure I missed a few...

Now, so I don't sound like a total whiner, a few good things:

• Zoe and Walker are good buddies again
  
• Two moving days began in the morning with the "Star Wars" theme played at Zilker by ACL
• Nothing was broken until unpacked
• We have already gotten rid of a lot of crap we don't need
• New TV from Old Skool rocks
• The house is a nice change from the apartment. It's a 5 bedroom, 3 bath near a Central Market. Jackpot!
• All the emergency repairs were addressed quickly and easily. I hope to say the same for the non emergency requests currently in limbo
  
• I found the iPod and will start working out again

And just to add to the fun, Zoe started a new school one week after the move. That has been a good experience and no real hiccups have occurred.

So, with that, I return to the blogosphere after a long vacation. Frankly, if I posted during that time, you would have been bored with all my complaining. Things were rough for couple months there and stress was high. It's a good day now that we can close that chapter and start a new one.

And now a video of the most patient dog on the street and a future blues singer/costume designer.

Bedtime for Walker from Nathan Stull on Vimeo.

Return of the Living Normal

We've moved into a house and things are returning to normal. I'm at this point with the blog where I don't really know what to say anymore. I'm not sure anyone is really following along?

Comment if you do and maybe I'll figure this out.

Summertime Fun

We've been busy this summer. Last week, Zoe started her first swim lessons.So far she seems to be doing well, but still likes to cling on to the nearest parent in the deeper water.

I had to have my car fixed from a wreck in Dallas. It was a minor fender bender and took about a week to fix. During that time, I had a Nissan Altima. A very fun car, but like most V6 cars, it drank a lot of gas.

We started and think we've finished the search for a house to rent in Austin. This would be the last step in the move from Dallas. For a year, the majority of our belongings have sat in a storage unit. We both think we'll get a lot of that stuff out and have enough for a garage sale. We'll wee.

Yvonne heads to Chicago for a conference this week. It should be fun to see all the old friends.

We will all go to Port Aransas next week. Lazy time sounds good to me.

Playing the the Tent

Playing in the Tent from Nathan Stull on Vimeo.

WEeeeeee!

Zip Lining from Nathan Stull on Vimeo.

Ode to a Superhero

I wish I was a superhero, mainly for the fortress...

Guest Blogger

I've been pretty busy lately, but my good friend The Bard has a couple fun things to share:

Color me fooled

Thanks Bard for the link. Looks like I was a shoot from the hip reactionary.

Goodbye Liberty

Patriot Act's next step: torture?

100 Days of American Pride

I'm happy with the direction things are going after the first 100 days with Obama. Yvonne and I both feel like we've seen small signs that things aren't getting worse.

A lot of tough decisions have had to be made in Washington, just like in our home and most likely yours. Speaking for my home decisions, I feel like we've made very few mistakes. I also feel this way about the administration.

It's only one of three branches in the government and he's sticking to the role and not rewriting the constitution of the United States, like Bush.

I feel like Obama understands his role and has an honest presentation of his power to fix things. he needs cooperation from the financial district. Don't we all? He needs cooperation from all his endeavors to fix what has been destroyed the last eight years. Things like our place in the global community (we provide back support, not back rubs) and the definition of torture is not a legal fuzzy line.

Unfortunately, some folks need to be reminded of the alternative to these moral choices. And that's when they accuse us of not letting go of the Bush Legacy. Don't they see that the last 100 days and much of Obama's time is being spent to fix that which is broken?

I am highly amused by Fox network's version of the last 100 days. It's funny how they didn't see any of these rhetorical threats when the government was given the green light to spy on citizens, torture, protect the top 1 percent and essentially put our economic status in the crapper.

The sad thing is in my eyes, all of these descriptions they offer about Obama actually describe President Cheney and Vice President Bush.

OOooooo, I went there.



I prefer this version:

Mellow Morning

I'm sitting on the back patio looking at the new foliage in the greenbelt and listening to the birds. The coffee is nice and fresh. Yvonne is writing on her journal, while Zoe catches a morning episode of Mickey's Playhouse. Looks like it's talking about shapes and sizes today.

I went to bed early and feel well rested.

Zoe just came out to say she's hungry. So there you go :)

Life in the Cave

We've enjoyed the location of our apartment tremendously. Being able to walk to Barton Springs, Zilker Park and the area has been a real joy. The only real problem is we are in a small apartment. Same old story. We move in September.

I feel two ways about it. First, I can't wait. Can't. Wait. Second, I feel like that time will blaze by without feeling like a long time. If the last four months are any indication, time is wizzing by. I wish i could hit pause from time to time and use that break to catch up on a few things.

We managed to get our tax work done. Like everyone else, it hurt to see the final tab. Now that the tax work is out of the way and we've sent a check, I want to find a lawyer or financal expert to help get our wills, beneficiary stuff and overall plan figured out.

I also need to find a doctor. Not for any reason, so all the more reason. If that makes sense.

We miss having a critter around. But, not enough to get a new one. We have a dog, he's just at extended summer camp. A cat that lives upstairs has been trying to sneak into our apartment through the back door. Zoe loves it. Mom and Dad, not so much. He's an orange tabby ...

We bought a bike trailer for Zoe. It's pretty cool to haul her around on the trail. She seems to enjoy it. We load her up with some juice and goldfish. It's the on board snack for her flight. The family rides have been nice.

Great Clip

For lack of blog entries, enjoy:

Austinio

The new Austin grid seems to be a more efficient design. If you find a bug, please let me know. I think I'll use this as a template for Dallas and the others.

Question to those who use these grids: Do I need to find a slot for the current temp, or is forecast enough? It's a matter real time images along with real time stats. But, i feel like a forecast is also nice. should I figure out how to fit both? I only ask because, look how well it is without current temp...

How's the weather up there?

I'm going to revamp a few of my weather grids soon. any suggestions are welcome in the comments.

Peachy Green

I have to say I love St. Patty's Day. We go way back.

It's been very busy lately and my updates aren't great, I know. It all comes down to priorities. I'll give you an example while being a lazy blogger.

It's time for a New year's resolution update:

1. Workout more/Lose weight/Eat better: I've jumped on the bike a few times, hit the gym @ work, lost about 6 pounds and started a vitamin routine (thanks Yvonne).
   
2. Teach Zoe more words: Since the new year, she has learned to say many words. I think I've taught her: Zoe, dog, mama, and probably a few more I'm forgetting.
   
3. Keep the marriage strong: Anyone will tell you this is hard, but I feel like the communication level is good. Right, baby?
   
4. Keep a roof over our heads and a pantry full of "grain" (i.e. succeed at work during this economy): So far, so good.
   
5. Pay off more debt: Staying on target.
   
6. Improve my poker skillz. Try to compete: We had one tourney among friends so far. Hoping for more. Um yeah, I was second to tap out. lol
   
7. Read more (I have books, just not the time to read figured out): I started a book. Need to do more in this one.
   
8. Find a place to live with a yard/second bedroom and get Walker back: This comes into play at the end of our lease, August.
   
9. Learn more than two guitar chords: I am very strong in those two chords.
   
10. Maintain a steady stream of Xbox Live achievement points: Steady, not so much. But, the number is now 8777. I want to say I was around 8000 or so at the new year?
    

Zoe Update Referal

I know I have a lot of politics on here and I've swayed from updates on my personal life.

For a full update on Zoe, click here on Yvonne's blog.

Careful: There is logic involved here

"We moved from a period when the Republicans represented something you could agree or disagree with to a period where it represents a kind of a Fundamentalist Christianity on one side and a view of the world which sees everyone who is other--whether that is black, white, Arab, Muslim, a different country, gay--as the enemy. And, basically that's a very dangerous position."--Frank Schaeffer, author of "Crazy for God"

Why I'm not conservative

CPAC=Room full of douches that love to hate anything, anyone

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

CPAC After Party

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Joke of the Day

Great Literal Video

White Wedding: Literal Video Version - watch more funny videos

Sound of the Man Working on the Chain

Yesterday, I broke my bike chain. I tried to fix it, but the pieces are too bent to click back in place. The cool thing is I figured out how to use the chain tool. The bad thing is I figured it out enough to know my chain was a goner.

So, hopefully tonight, I'll take the bike in for a new chain.

We are watching the Race of California. Stage 3 today. Some jerk stole Lance's time trail bike.

Farewells can be fun

I sent this letter and they posted it here.

Dear Dallas (and pegasusnews),

I moved to Austin. I know this is sudden and we haven’t finished painting the living room, but what’s done is done. I moved out. We can talk about your sweater later.

With that, please cancel my account.

While I enjoyed your community and writers very much during our relationship, I’m not keeping up with your news as much as I should. Blame my new location, new job and family, but not me. I did everything I could for you. Remember Valentine’s Day? That special stroll along White Rock? That was me.

Also, you’re showing up in my online search results and it might give the false impression I’m still living with you. My mom asked me about that and I had to explain the whole sweater thing and why we moved. She understood , of course. She’s my mom. But, she also told me she just had sprinklers installed and she’s quite committed to her relationship with Dallas. So she’s cool with you.

Anyway, we will always have the sunsets,

Nathan S.
incognato

Reading and Sirens

A little dark...

Zoe Plays

Slide!

Our new favorite.

Video Zoe

25 Random Things about N8

I posted this on Facebook and realized it makes a good blog entry. Sorry for those who've seen it before.

1.) I've played a few musical instruments: Alto and tenor saxophone, piano, guitar (still learning, but took classical in college)
2.) I try to use the Force when looking for a parking spot in a busy lot; also when finding a place for the first time.
3.) I like to make sound effects for things like car doors opening (think hydraulic noises) and tickling Zoe (chk chk chk)
4.) To relax in bed and fall asleep, I design my ultimate space craft. It's sort of a manta ray shape with a glass top and retracting cover. my quarters are on the bottom near my shuttle bay. there is a water fall in the forest (glass top). And you thought you were a geek.
5.) I do not like black liquorish, Sam I am. I will not eat black liquorish, Sam I am. 
6.) I don't mind movie and television show spoilers and often seek them out. I feel it's like watching the show twice and retaining more detail.
7.) My first computer was an Apple ][ Plus. My family went to the Apple store (Midway Rd. and LBJ in Dallas at the time) to undergo computer training. While there, a local television news program shot a segment about personal home computers becoming a trend and we were all on TV.
8.) I marched the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland with the Tenor Saxophone.
9.) I and every male on my father's side of the family is an Eagle Scout.
10.) I'm pretty good at training dog obedience. Always could be better of course, but pretty good. At least with Sophie and Walker.
11.) I often find myself planning ahead tactically for the zombie outbreak.
12.) My first "grown up" job was writing the police blotter and obituaries while shooting photography for a small town newspaper. I was no Clark Kent. There is a history of newspaper work in the family on my mother's side.
13.) My first job ever (not including mowing lawns) was "Courtesy Clerk" at Tom Thumb. Would you like help with that to your car? Wet cleanup on Isle 4.
14.) I drink my coffee black. I think adding anything is frivolous because coffee is so good alone, but I don't judge. 
15.) My motto is Zen like a motherfucker. It's hard, but I try to stick to it.
16.) I was born in Davis, California. Other cities I've lived in: San Diego (4 years), Dallas (17 years accumulative, ugh), Miami (4 years), Houston (6 months), El Campo (1 year), Austin (3-4 years accumulative, here to stay!), Chicago (3 years)
17.) My full name is Nathaniel Donald Stull. Donald was my grandfather's name. I was almost named Alexander--LEX! These days, I mostly go by Nate. In comics, there is Nate Grey (X-Man) and Nathaniel Essex (Sinister).
18.) I am a textbook case for the Zodiac sign Libra.
19.) I find Superman to be a tragic character. It's sad, really. Poor guy.
20.) Sometimes, I talk to myself. So what.
21.) For me, one path that leads to the Dark Side is Monopoly.
22.) I prefer thin crust pizza. And when ordering Chinese, I usually get Sesame Chicken. Is that two?
23.) I was hired for a job to replace my wife, who took a transfer/promotion.
24.) I only listen to NPR or XM Radio. But my brother Travis just gave me an eight disk set of CDs with some awesome music. To the point that I might let go of XM.
25.) Some say I'm intuitive. I think it's mostly observation.

Book of Changes

Today marks a new president in the White House; the second president I've voted for to make the move (my first election to vote was 1992). Barack is the first of many things and I look forward to seeing what else he does first in his time.

A few random thoughts:

• I watched the inauguration in the work cafeteria on the big screen. The A/C was on, even though it was about 50 degrees outside. I ate chili.
  
• Our work network servers have been spotty at best due to the high volume of streaming video emplyees are apparently running today.
• With all this refreshing hope, I hope The People don't expect miracles. Even his economic plan won't see a huge impact for a year or so.
• I hope we really do harness our leadership in science and technology.
• I'm not too upset to take the 10 % pay cut announced last week at work because I believe.

Fuzzy Thoughts

Today, we are going to Cicada Oaks to see my brother and his family. We're going to celebrate a birthday for one of the girls. And, we get to see our dog, Walker. He's been out there since we moved to Austin and I really miss him--or any fuzzy animal for that matter. We plan to rent a house or duplex after the lease is up on this apartment. That will help us take Walker back. And depending on all that, there is beagle mix discussion for our future.

I also need to take him to a vet here in Austin, which i think I'll do next week. He's due for some shots.

Side Note: I don't miss Roscoe as much as the dog, but that's probably because I've always been a dog person. Yvonne and I aren't really interested in another cat ever. Roscoe sort of traumatized us and we haven't healed, lol.

Side Note II: I just scanned my files for photos of Walker and don't have any up to date! Will be fixed today.

Want

2008 in Review

I don't think I could have said it better myself. Thanks to Crystal Eye for the linky.

2009 New Year Resolutions

1. Workout more/Lose weight/Eat better
   
2. Teach Zoe more words
3. Keep the marriage strong
   
4. Keep a roof over our heads and a pantry full of "grain" (i.e. succeed at work during this economy)
   
5. Pay off more debt
6. Improve my poker skillz. Try to compete.
   
7. Read more (I have books, just not the time to read figured out)
   
8. Find a place to live with a yard/second bedroom and get Walker back
   
9. Learn more than two guitar chords
   
10. Maintain a steady stream of Xbox Live achievement points