Ramblin' Man...

I am one. A ramblin' man, that is. 

I've listened to that song at least 10 times today. I downloaded the Florence + The Machine album "Lungs" about a month ago, listened to it a billion and a half times, and fell in love with this song. Then Bro.. texted me the other day and said that HE downloaded the album, and this was one of his favorite songs on the album. It's awesome when your opinions are reinforced by friends'. I'm not sure why he loves it, but I'm all about the beat and the melody and just the way that Flo totally lets go and lets our ears have it. But mostly the beat. Percussive songs like that always get to me. 

Does anyone else get a Regina Spektor + Lady GaGa feel from Flo? Or am I totally crazy and making stuff up?

Today was an okay day. It was my last day of training with Boss and Boss at El Tocar de Midas. My new co-worker, Buddha (the other new employee. She's absolutely fantastic and has tattoos. And dances. And has tattoos.) has her first shift tomorrow  (Friday). Best of luck to Buddha! My first shift at El Tocar is next Monday. Woot woot! 

Oh hey that reminds me. I have a new job. This brings the grand total to 3. I now sell booze, make delivery runs to the city, and most recently, combat S.A.D. That last one might be the most important. Seasonal Affective Disorder is no laughing matter. It leads to the unnecessary consumption of ridiculously sugary and starchy treats, too much sleep, and a greater disregard for day-to-day things.

.............wait a minute. S.A.D. doesn't sound half-bad when you put it that way! STARCHY TREATS AND SLEEP FOR EVERYBODY!***

My replacement Blackberry came in the mail today. I am obviously extremely excited. I've been stuck with a loaner flip phone for almost 4 weeks. On New Year's Day, I just happened to drop my phone into LT's (another awesome friend since high school. She and I get into all sorts of trouble) toilet. Don't ask. The interesting thing is that both Blackberries I've had have died because I've dropped them into the toilet. This new 'Berry is not even going into the bathroom. Insurance deductibles are nobody's friend.

The other night Running Buddy and I made (a slightly altered version of) Iron Chef Michael Symon's Mac & Cheese recipe. And when I say slightly altered, I mean we used 1/3 rice pasta and no goat cheese, among some other tweaks here and there. But it was seriously super delicious. Running Buddy and Summer (another running buddy. She also goes by "Coach", when she's feeling particularly vicious after a run and tries to enforce cross-training) and I demolished that pasta. Running Buddy and I also bought some new wines. We bought a Riesling from Washington and a Pinot Noir from France. I will admit that I really really liked the Riesling. Like a lot. So did Running Buddy. Neither one of us had tried the Pinot, but it was a really good price, and I know a lot of the Pinot drinkers at the Depot enjoy it, so we figured why not. Unfortunately, we haven't broken open that screw-top Pinot yet, so the jury is still out. The reviews of the wine say that there are better, and I have no doubt. But neither RB nor myself are huge red wine fans, so...we'll play it by ear. Stay tuned for the verdict on Pinot Evil. (By the way, how cutesie is that. Pinot Evil. Ha. Those crafty French bastards...)

Speaking of crafty wine labels at the Depot, we just got these new wines in a couple weeks ago. Ridiculous. But they're flying off our shelves based on the name alone. Again, ridiculous. Ridiculous, and makes me think of Karen. Sorry Karen, but when the shoe fits.....

So did I mention that Running Buddy, Summer and I are running a marathon in June? The Seattle Rock & Roll Series marathon. Let me repeat that. Seattle. Rock & Roll. June. ........ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! You bet your buns I'm going to keep you all posted on training progress. And occasionally, I'm going to flip the eff out about the fact that I'll be going to Seattle in June to run a marathon. I mean come on, It's the home of my favorite coffee shop. You know the one I'm talking about.....this one.++

So anyway, let's recap.....with a list! YAY LISTS!

1) I love Flo AND her Machine.

2) Buddha works her first shift tomorrow. Good luck, Buddha!!

3) S.A.D. has a silver lining, and it is empty carbs.

4) Crackberries should not be taken for granted. Nor should they be dropped in toilets on New Year's Day.

5) I like Riesling. 

6) Who am I kidding, I like alcohol.

7) Seattle. In. June.

7b) Coffee is life.

8) Apparently I have to have a list in every single blog I post. 

Hasta luego!

Michael Dean

*** But seriously, folks. S.A.D. is no laughing matter. I suffer from it annually, and it's a royal pain in the ass. Get some sunshine and feel better about the winter. :)

++ I had a LOT of external links in this post. Sorry about that. I'm a visual person, and I really like you all to be able to see what I'm talking about, hence the external links. Don't hate me for it. And if you do hate me for it, get over it and waste your negative energies on something more worthwhile, like the snow headed our way next week.

Peace

M