Ebb and flow

Life lately feels like it all over the place. Feeling energized, then beaten down. Moments where I actually feel on a razor edge. Where concentrating on relaxing by calming yourself produces actual results because you don't sense yourself in being so tense. Then add in a creative personality. Or maybe all this is because of it.

After seeing this book at Borders, and reading the chapter on work/life balance, I've been trying to seek and value all parts of my life that make it rich. I also found solace the other day in a quote by artist Lee Krasner worth clicking on here. Enjoy.

Reading Habits

I've been thinking how strange it is that our communication (twitter) and software (apps, widgets and the like) have been shattered into tiny pieces. I've been wondering what the next trend will be, where will we go next?

I found this on NPR this morning. It looks like the the iPad is changing how we consume media, not in a new direction, but to returns us to habits we already have with print media and books. I take comfort in that.

Workout

Trying to bridge some exercise here until spring. Worked out this morning listening to Arcade Fire and Daft Punk...new music from Jill. Thanks Jill. I recommend the Arcade Fire, great way to start the day.

This morning I remember the exercises that the speed skaters used to strengthen their legs, even tried a few of them. Back flat to a strong wall, slide down until you are seated squarely on an invisible chair. And hold it until it burns, repeat. Those sickos would would have contests to see who could hold it longest.

How to Brew

I've been reading John Palmer's How to Brew. Everything you need to know to brew beer right the first time from the library, and just received my own copy in the mail. A big improvement over Charlie Papazian. My next batch will be the Oak Butt Brown Ale on page 200 using the partial mash method. I'm a big fan of full-bodied brown ales.

Also of interest is the description of the immersion wort chiller page 283, though a bag of ice and some patience will do the same thing. And in on page 291 in Appendix E "Lauter tun design for batch sparging" I learn to make my own bulkhead fitting to eliminate hot-side aeration lending to flavor stability over time. The bulkhead design got me interested in the book in the first place.

About the bike

Good news, I sold my bike. I'll be getting it ready today. I had to chuckle yesterday because now I guess that I have to get a new bike to be able to ride next season. Ha!

I have about 3-5 options I have in my price range. All different in the quality and number of options. They will all be an improvement I have no doubt. Decisions, Decisions.