Black and Decker Gecko Grip
Wow! I had a mirror hanging project this past week, which I’m going to have to re-do because I hung it too low. The short little 18 inch level that came with my tool kit wasn’t going to cut it, because the hangers on the mirror were too far apart. What’s a tool guy to do? Head to Lowes, of course! I had another levelling project that needed a longer, more accurate level also. So, this was a two-in-one purchase. Two projects crossed off my list for the price of one! Yes, Christi, your washing machine is level.
The Gecko Grip level from Black and Decker makes hanging things on the wall easier than any level I’ve ever had. In the past, there have been calculations, measuring, more calculations, more measuring, etc… all just to get the holes in exactly the right spot. Well, no more. The Accu Mark targets (that small circle in the picture) slide to allow you to mark perfectly where the holes need to be. No more complex calculations to find the center of the picture or frame and then measuring out to whatever fasteners are used for hanging. Plus, the Gecko Grips virtually provide an extra hand, using friction to hold the level against the wall (with one hand) while using the other hand to make your mark. Normally, without Gecko Grips, my level would slide all over the place while I tried to mark the wall with a pencil.
I’ll definitely give this tool a thumbs up, and I’m glad I’ve added it to my arsenal.
Tags: For the Love of Tools, Tools
Linens and Things Sword
Apparently, they sell swords now at Linens and Things. We were there last Tuesday because we had received our usual monthly 20% off coupon and Christi wanted new towels. So, she goes there for the linens. Me and the kids like to go for the things. I love all the “As seen on TV” stuff they always have and the girls could hang out by the cash registers all day looking at the various trinkets and gadgets and pens with hair on them.
Cooper (age 5) isn’t having it this day. He spent a long day at the pool and after work we went to the park. Now he’s tired and after about 5 minutes in the store he’s finished off his Coke and is working on my Diet Coke, begging every 10 seconds to go home. So, we make our usual loop around the store counter clockwise and make it almost all the way around when suddenly his face lights up and he gets very excited. I’m thinking, “Great! He’s found something to entertain himself and won’t be asking to go home for at least the next 60 seconds!“
“Papa! Papa! They sell swords here!” he says.
“What? You’re kidding,” and I’m looking around for a katana or Mameluke sword. “Where?” I ask.
“Right! there!” pointing just to my left, in the bathroom section. Practically dancing in his seat in the cart.
“Huh?” I’m looking everywhere, but I don’t see any swords. Finally, I spot what he’s talking about. I pick up a tall stainless steel cylinder with a thin handle on the top of it. “Is this the sword?”
“Yeah!! That’s a sword!” You cannot imagine the look of disappointment I see in his face when I pull the ’sword’ out of it’s stainless steel ’sheath’ revealing…a toilet brush.
Nike+ Ipod Sport Kit
I crossed a big milestone today and I thought I would share it with you. 51.09 miles! That’s right, I’ve run 51.09 miles since Grandma Shirley got me the Nike+ Ipod Sport Kit for Father’s Day. 51 miles since June 14. I think that’s especially awesome when you consider the fact that I didn’t run one week while on vacation, and one week while lazy after we got back. Actually, it was mostly weather related, I think there were only 2 days that I was really lazy. I know that for the entire year I’ve run way more than 50 miles, but I have no idea how much. I really like the Nike+, because now I’ll always know how far I’ve run.
I can’t wait to make it the full 100, I think I’ll be able to do it by the end of August if I don’t get lazy! Here’s my full stats right now:
I have completed 18 workouts for a total of 51.09mi. My average pace is 9′35″ per mile.
Yes, I know you’re probably wondering about 100 push ups. Yes, I’ve started. I’ve completed days 1 and 2 of week one. Day 2 was a total of 35 push ups. And Yes, I’m a little sore.
Tags: Running
Last weekend we were watching and old episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8 and I got inspiration to increase my exercise level. Why would a show about a couple with 8 kids inspire me to run more? Look at it this way, every morning Jon (mostly by himself) chases 8 kids for 15 minutes putting on 56 pieces of clothing, cooks 16 pancakes, cleans 80 sticky fingers, does 5 loads of laundry, and makes 8 trips to the potty, and that’s just breakfast. What inspired me is that even with all that in front of him, Jon gets up at 5 in the morning to go to the gym. Seriously. And he says it’s given him more energy. Now, don’t I feel like a wimp.
I’ve always told myself that I couldn’t get up that early and exercise because it would make me too tired. I’ve got too much to do and can’t be that tired all day. Well, I guess those excuses are blown out of the water, aren’t they?
So, all this week I tried it. I got up at 5:AM and ran. Two miles on Monday, Thursday, and Friday, and 3 miles on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s the kicker: I ran those miles faster than I’ve run before. I set and broke new records for average pace and for my fastest mile (which is now 8 minutes 30 seconds). Twelve miles this week! I haven’t done that since last year when I was training for the 8k. I’m resting today and I’ll do a ‘big run’ tomorrow. I’m hoping to talk myself into a 10km run to get ready for The Nike + Human Race on August 31. I won’t be travelling to one of the cities where the race is held, I’ll be running a course here in Brandermill, which means hills, hills, hills. If I can get through that race, maybe I’ll think about the half-marathon Jeff is trying to talk me into.
I’m also planning to start the 100 push ups plan. Supposedly, this plan can help you get to a point where you’re able to do 100 push-ups at a time in just 6 weeks. So, I’m starting that on Monday, thinking I won’t want to run at 5:AM Monday if I manage to run 6 miles on Sunday.
New on the WANT list after thinking about my last 6 mile run is a fuel belt. Tomorrow I’ll carry a water bottle with me, but I really think I need something like one of these:
or 
These are the CamelBak Alterra and the CamelBak Stamina II (click them to see them at Amazon). Either way, I’m just carrying water with me there are probably more economical options, but these are the top of the WANT list for water. I’ll actually take whatever I can get.
Yes, I know. It’s been an extremely long time since I last posted. Over a month! Well, it’s been a really busy month. I’ve had two major software upgrades at work, a trip to Wichita and Kansas City, a few swim meets, a few runs (much less than I would have liked), and mowing the lawn. I’ve been thinking in the last week (while working 66 hours) that I needed to write something. So, I’m going to do what’s known on the internet as a linkdump. For those who don’t know, a linkdump is a quick easy way to get a few interesting links or websites out to you, just with a link and a few choice words.
How much cookie dough is in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream?
Basic Instructions: How Purchase a Flashlight (dedicated to Uncle Fred, I’m glad we share OCD for flashlights)
WANT: Yankee Screw Driver (I didn’t even know they still made these. I remember my dad had one and it was lots of fun to use)
Well, I guess that’s about it. After my long day, I’m ready for some sleep. Good night!