Incognato

Installing worms

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:24:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:15:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:45:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:23:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:33:00 +0000

Playing in the Tent from Nathan Stull on Vimeo.

WEeeeeee!

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:32:00 +0000

Zip Lining from Nathan Stull on Vimeo.

Ode to a Superhero

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:14:00 +0000

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

Guest Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:02:00 +0000

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

Color me fooled

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:57:00 +0000

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

Goodbye Liberty

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Patriot Act's next step: torture?

100 Days of American Pride

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:57:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:48:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:32:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:44:00 +0000

For lack of blog entries, enjoy:

Austinio

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:33:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 03:16:00 +0000

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

Peachy Green

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:20:00 +0000

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:

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).
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.
Keep the marriage strong: Anyone will tell you this is hard, but I feel like the communication level is good. Right, baby?
Keep a roof over our heads and a pantry full of "grain" (i.e. succeed at work during this economy): So far, so good.
Pay off more debt: Staying on target.
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
Read more (I have books, just not the time to read figured out): I started a book. Need to do more in this one.
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.
Learn more than two guitar chords: I am very strong in those two chords.
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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:22:00 +0000

"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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:52:00 +0000

White Wedding: Literal Video Version - watch more funny videos

Sound of the Man Working on the Chain

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:45:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Incognato) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:12:00 +0000

A little dark...