You Biscuit-head!

So this Labor Day weekend, I participated in an event that Jennifer has been wanting to do for quite some time. Southern Season’s Cooking 101- Biscuits.

While I was a bit unsure what to expect and I totally thought that I’d be the only one without a vagina there, my assumptions were not true and it was actually a pretty cool class!

We walk in and it’s all FoodTV-esque with the chef counters up front and dual LCD above to demonstrate hand and ingredient actions. Pretty pimp actually:

So we go thru a few recipes and instructionals on what to do and how to do it. They prepare homemade jam, 2 types of biscuits and grits. The room filled with some sweet Saturday morning breakfast aromas. Then it was our turn! We were asked to go to a station and wash out hands as we were about to dig in hands first! yay!

In total Take-home Chef stylee, i molded dough and mixed and yada yada…it was pretty fun.

So we made out mixtures and all had out table sessions to create and bag up out dough to go. Then we were treated by a lovely brunch incorporating the dishes we just learned and sat down to sip and get served! Damn that was some fucking good shit! Shrimps, fresh tomatoes, creamy grits, biscuits n gravy (ugh my sex!) and more! I had enough and was completely stuffed. That was the perfect topper to a Saturday morning and well worth the drive to Chapel Hill in the morning. Jennifer certainly approved:

So I will be actively searching for more good eats and classes in the future as this was too fun to make it a single experience. Look out Naked Chef and don’t bend over Giada, because Scottie’s turning up the heat in the kitchen now, bitches!

Event#2: Capitol CityClassic 10k Race

So it’s been awhile since i posted and i’m all chronologically fucked up, but oh well. So a little while ago, i participated in my Self Challenge series Event #2. You may see a pattern here, incremental distance running.

So the Capitol City Classic was an inaugural race and yes i was a founding racer…woot!

Jennifer and I have been really pushing ourselves to increase our running capacities. At first we ran around our Long Lake community with the approximate distance of around 1~2 miles. Then we began to start running between our homes which was pretty cool because you have 2 chances to quit running if you want to, but that never happens. This distance is just at 2 miles. Soon enough we had increased our distance to about 6 mile as we started running to Lake Lynn (2mi.) Around it (2mi.) and then back home with a total distance of approx. 6 miles! Not too shabby… So we were more than prepared for the Classic.

Like most Raleigh running events, they start ass early on Fayetteville St. right under my friend’s downtown condo at the Hudson…sweet dreams, buddy! lol. This race felt good, real good. We started mid-pack this time instead of the back- this shows you our confidence. In usual fashion, I left Jennifer, because for some reason, she has the most incredible short steps in her stride- I have a long stride and it messes me up trying to pace with her.

The worst of this run was the last few miles up Saunders St. to the Harley Davidson dealership- mind you that it is a constant uphill battle the whole way (i so wanted to stop 1/2 way up). once you hit the turn around you think its all smooth waters going down that big ass hill you just ran up, only to be sadly disappointed with the uphill struggle entering downtown again…and thats the last mile! I so wanted to smack the course designer.

I saw Jennifer on the run back into town…she seemed to be experiencing the same feelings I had in the uphill struggle…hehehe.

Crossing the line was a feat though. I felt invincible, almost zen-like and felt i could go on running forever! As the self challenge continues forward I check off the 10k as victorious!

Onto the next event!

Event #1- Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon & 5K- 04.05.08

Event 1-Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon & 5k has come and gone. Wow…that was easy! The buildup to this whole event was crazy. I’ve never really ran before. So this was a feat i was really unsure of the outcome.

Woke up early that morning and gave some good stretches to the ‘ol legs. I did have a HUGE pasta dinner the night before, so i was pretty much carbbed out. En route to downtown, i downed an orange Propel sport water with caffeine to substitute my ritual coffee in the morning. With Jennifer in tow, we mentally prepared our gameplan. I sent out the early morning texts to the posse who was meeting us there, to make sure everyone was awake and on their way…David responded in some sort of queer “g’mornin sunshine” and Troop gave a usual on his way response, while Phil was silent.

So as expected, downtown was slammed with traffic and lots of people with their bright white kicks blazing in the gloomy dreary morning. Pre-reg was a bitch! The Sheraton was shoulder to shoulder and finding the tables for my number and packet proved to be pretty difficult at 7am on a Saturday morning. with everything taken care of, number pinned on and excess baggage dropped back off at the car the pre-race lineup was occurring.

Here’s Jennifer sporting her new running gear and yes its a skirt!

The start line was flooded with participants. The Half Marathon runners started first. Troop hauled ass off into the sea of colorful jerseys and pale legs. The 5k-ers were next. As our last minute stretches were made, the start horn blasted and rang through Fayetteville Street (I’m sure Jake, soundly asleep in his condo at the Hudson appreciated all the racket!).

The mass funneled through the start line and while the beginning was more a walk/trot, it was still exciting, as I trotted along trying not to kick th runners in front and behind me. Both Jennifer and myself bobbed and weaved through the less rapid crowd and soon found light in the outside “lane”. We set normal pace and began the perpetual rhythm of steps on the damp asphalt. Running the streets in the early AM with Raleigh’s Finest blocking the through traffic, was pretty cool. The flow of runners trickled the city blocks, left turn, left turn, right turn and finding our way to the long stretch on Hillsborough Street. we cross mile marker 1 with no effort…I’m feeling great. Passing the heavily breathing slower folk, i feel the need to up my pace so i leave Jennifer with a slight glance over to her, and I’m off…I gain ground on many. I pass water station , no need to ruin anything since I was feeling pretty good. I trot on and i see a turn around point ahead, so i push on harder. I find Dowdy in the lane he trots along beside me for a few and backs down due to a cramp. Wimp! i hit the turn around and trudge on … soon enough i spot Jennifer on the other side- i give wink and cruise on.

By now, I was in full stride max pace and breathing pretty hard (mouth closed). At the point where I felt like I needed to slow my pace or open my mouth and begin gasping, i pushed on and suddenly i felt no exhaustion! i felt great. I was in a stable speed and nothing could stop me now. Soon enough I turn and have my home stretch laid out before me. the streets are lined with onlookers, shouting and cheering. The rock bands play loudly on the distant stage. The finish line is steps away. As i near i i give glance back to see if i can spot the pink jerseyed Jennifer- nothing. I stride through the line and snag a water from one of the many supporters at the finish as i run through. Glancing down, i read 00:25:00. Not too shabby for my first running event!

I think to myself- wow, this was EASY! I was not really winded and i felt awesome! I walk back up the sidewalk a bit and give cheer to Jennifer as she finishes up not too far behind me. We are both feeling super good and are amazed that we’re not exhausted.

We chill out a bit and know Troop wont be along for a bit and after a bottle of hydration fluids we grab an americano and wait for him at the finishline. 1:50:00 later i spot Troop coming down the road. Wow he looked like death! i snapped an action shot of him getting schooled by a woman (hehehe):

All in all this event set the pace for many more to come. With all this confidence, Event #2 is only 2 weeks out. not only is the bar raised , but so is the excitement–enter the Capitol City Classic 10k!

Self Challenge Series

So in an attempt to forward myself to new health horizons…i’ve set sail on a new challenge. The challenge I’ve presented myself is that of collecting the most T-shirts from challenging public events such as marathons, mountain biking events, etc.

So, this challenge has been made and my trusty companion, Jennifer, will be by my side to trudge through the blood, sweat and tears with me!

In preparations to the upcoming series of activities, we’ve been undergoing numerous feats of training. Working out regularly, dieting properly and creating the stamina needed to not only participate but to succeed in completion of the events.

the best part about this process is obtaining new gear! I LOVE new gear!!! First of, the Urban Assault Vehicle was carefully selected and accessorized with the latest n greatest: new head unit w/ iPod interface to amp up the enthusiasm for the love of the event, gnarly BFGoodriches to enable traction to any trailhead and/or nearest mudpit, roof rack to transport efficiently w/o taking up precious Bella, the fuzzybutt, cargo space inside and of course an infamous Flowmaster 40 exhaust to shake the earth and let em know you’re coming:

Other gear includes a new K2 T-Nine Vista 2 wheel whip (not pictured yet) for my daredevil co-pilot Jen, who has graciously stepped up to take on challenges that shes never even participated before and is undergoing rigorous crash course sport education, from yours truly! J in her full glory piloting my old whip (she looks quite enthused!):

So grab your gear, addrenaline junkies, look out for new upcoming competition and beware because this dynamic duo is heading to an event near you.

First upcoming event:

Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon
Saturday, April 5, 2008
8:00 AM
Raleigh, NC

Schedule:

Half Marathon 8:00 AM

5 K 8:05 AM

1 Mile Fun Run 11:30 AM

100 Yard Kids Dash 11:45 AM

[Concerts and Festival Following the Races]

Entry Fees

http://www.ncraces.com/index.php?pr=Raleigh%20Rocks%20Half%20Marathon

If you would like to participate or even come out and watch me or anyone else hack up some major lung-age, please sign up and add your name to the list below or let us know you’re coming out as a supporter!

We’re even accepting donations/ sponsorships to help cover our entry fees!!!

Starsux Coffee

OK- so I’m on my morning commute from N Raleigh to Cary, NC, the epitome of land of Volvos and khakis, nothing too much out of the ordinary…the standard retard commuter pulls out in front of me and stops in the middle of Glenwood Ave’s flooding rage of traffic, and waves “sorry”. As if that wave is going to cease the frenzy of rolling metal heading straight to the driver’s-side door. Idiots.

Anyways, back to my main rant, so I’m cruising into yuppieville and Jennifer’s passing out on me. Not that she ALWAYS passes out on my in car rides, but I’m sure the Rusted Root concert last night didn’t help either , as I was struggling too. So I’m like, “let’s get some coffee..” and with a gasping relief head-nod yes we pull into Starbucks.

I ease up in to coffee stage 1. Ordering, Jennifer’s raving about the luscious tasting sweet java that she’s about to consume, I speak her coffee-sex “a grande americano with room (splash of moo- which I forgot)” and onto my oldie but goodie “venti soy almond latte”.

At this point, this is where the world seemed to pause, as I received back from the amped up coffee dude through the comm box “sorry, we don’t carry almond anymore”!!!! How on earth do you NOT have almond anymore?! That’s like no ketchup for fries!

So I’m completely confused, I have no alternative thoughts, I have no actions, hell I couldn’t even speak at this point, i wanted to cry =(.

So, the guy rattles off some other alternative, I’m not even paying attention. So we roll up to stage 2. Pay and Receive. We get our bounty and roll out… both still in shock of the almondless establishment. I look down to see what I had actually ordered…”Venti Hazelnut Soy No Whip Mocha”. What in God’s name is that going to taste like?! (not too shabby, but alas no almond).

So, we get to the get to the office finally, barely escaping the narrow access road oncoming traffic and random goose crossing… and we both rant to the staff, only to find out from our Starbucks Soy Almond Latte professional, Jen Brown, that the almondless Starbucks flavor is yesterday’s news.

So to the CEO of Starbucks, please bring back the almond, it never did any harm to anyone. It is well demanded here in corporate America and you suck greatly for taking away my drink. End rant.

Ahh Christmas Dinner

So Xmas is finnally over. Welcome oversized gut and oversized debt…yum! This year mom was not allowed to touch any food for xmas dinner. Man, if you ever wanna see a fish out of the water, tell an italian lady to stay out of her kitchen on a major holiday! hehehe…

Anyways, preparations were underway…and to get in the spirit there were plenty of spirits in my nog.

And onto the dishes:

some crab w white wine vinegar n chives on Endive:

Assorted Chorizo:

Tomatoes, Mozz n Basil drizzled in Truffle oil:

Beef Tenderloin wrapped in a phyllo type dough:

And Pavlova:

Dinner was a success, i was stuffed and the company was satisfied! Even the baby approved!!

Xmas Eve 2007 Stylee

So another Xmas is here to present itself its whole joyous demeanor. Yay. Songs are played all over the radio, malls turn into a greater hell and traffic becomes enveloped with stupidity. I thank Al Gore greatly for inventing the Internet. Click shopping is so much more fun.

So onto the preparations: I call bro and clarify “so, we dont actually buy xmas gifts for each other…right?”…he responds with a “correct”. This is good, as that knocks him off the list, as well as his wife and my other bro and girlfriend. So the list is: Mom, Dad, the niece and the girl.

As for the Niece, this is fairly simple, as i must remaing the uncle who continues his stint of providing her with the most hip n trendy shoes ever seen on a 3 yr old. Last year it was Puma Speedcats; this year i was stumped and all the normal stores had crap. Thank god for friends with great ideas. I set stage for the friend about how i’m the cool uncle with the cool shoe gifts…she successfully came thru with a set of kick ass Adidas w overnite shipping (of course i’m a last minute shopper). Hi5 to her!!!

Now onto the parents..hmm…they are a tough one as they really do have everything you can imagine, in triplicate. I racked n racked my brain, dwindling on iPod stuff and fitness things. But i wasnt happy with the thoughts so far. I get this random IM from the gift helping savior friend…”think your parents would like this?”… If you could nail an idea right on the head, she had done just that! Adopt an olive tree in Italy and reap its press results. Unique, classy and a gift that keeps giving! wow…everyone needs a gift friend like i have! =)

So, niece, Mom and Dad all checked off the list! Thus leaving the girl.

This at first was a difficult task, not knowing how i should proceed or what entirely she has as this is a new relationship. Especially after her comment “you were very creative about my bday present …now i had to remain creative in the xmas gift! I had recently scored a set of Salomon skis for her for dirt cheap and this set the pace. i’ll complete her package with Marker bindings and Salomon poles…done. still no Ummph to the gifts- i added another gift right off the bat (it has to remain hush as she still hasnt received it yet). I also debated adding bling to the theme…i had to commit. Then bam–idea hits: what’s skiing without a little ice? I know she didnt have any earrings that were iced, so i helped out that dept.

So again i didnt participate in the house decorations *phew* as 2 ginormous trees arent exactly what i have in mind as fun. But damn does a finished 13+ ft tree look hot in the living room:

Also, as tradition has it…i successfully mounted my mother’s lighted front porch reindeer in typical doggy style fashion(teeheehee):

Xmas eve consisted of my usual. No brothers present…me mom n dad hitting up church w/ the niece…everyone at church thinking the kid is mine (for the 2nd year in a row now)…then dinner at the parents , all the while being interrupted by passing by friends that were dropping off gifts. I have a buffer for all this. its called RumNog! While i didnt get trashed off the eggnog yet (prolly xmas nite i will) i have some ammo in stock:

Anyways, it’s late and i think Santa skipped over my place because i’m awake in my thome alone on Xmas eve =/ awwwwww…

So i await what yonder light serves…i’ll report back. Merry Christmas!

ACNA- Virginia International Raceway HPDE

So i finally grew stones and decided to ante-up for my first HPDE up at VIR. Granted i really did not want to drop the monies needed to participate in an event where i can become a flaming ball of twisted metal…i had to do it. I figured i had participated in handfuls of autocross events over the years and my car control has been nothing but short of Andrettiesque.

I really didnt know the cost of this event, not the actual cost but the prepping cost for me was rediculous! I gave my car the walk around…bad brakes, possible wheel bearing issue, cracked windshield…at least i had air in the tires! So i replace all and cry at the hit to my wallet.

THe event itslef was great. At the skidpad (car control clinic) i basically showed off my D1 driving style and held continuous 200ft diameter sideways drifts impressing all the instructors as they sneakily yanked on the ebrake and jerked the steering wheel in taunt to try to mess me up. No dice, i am drift master!

Then we hit the big boy track. 1st impression: scottie knows no boundaries and i am going to die or destroy my car in the least. 3 and 4 times around, i lost that feeling and this badass chuck norris feeling overcame me. I was now balls to the wall and in control. I was totally confused….what is this thing people call control? It felt pretty cool. I tossed the everliving shit outta my car in the turns and countered and sped freely thru with instructor praise. Here’s a little video capture of some of the beginning runs:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoZ6acTrPw&rel=1]

Driving back to the paddock i tried not to show my emotional splooge that was occuring inside me as i was not totally hooked as they all said.

Apres event, car developed a bad control arm and bushing wear…more cost! This shit is not cheap, ugh!

Overall, i think i may do it agian…well, hell yes i’ll do it again!

Look for upcoming adventures on the tarmac…

Turkey Day comes n goes…or does it

Went to the lovely Hacienda de Mis Padres for the fowl holiday and enjoyed quite a feast.

So after the feast has come and gone i’m left with its healthy residue. Yes ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the self improvement action efforts…so to not be one of those new year resolutionist fucks, i think i’ll start this now.

ok, so i have a blog…

so i decided to start one of these bad jacksons up, although i’m not really sure what people blog about. i never really do anything. life isn’t that interesting…oh well. i guess i can’t say i never had a blog. peez