so that fear of humiliation will spur me on.

Just before Xmas, a co-worker played a prank on me involving a fake problem report from the CEO of the company. 

What do you think of using this kit to automate a train layout, with sound effects and lights?

Just posted this as my weekly status report for $IB_COMPANY. Thought you'd get a giggle out of it.

 When I was 30 (15 years ago), I couldn't run more than 50 yards without having to switch to walking. I got to the point I could run 5 miles (slowly) but my weight was doing a lot of damage to my knees and ankles, so I switched to riding my bike.

Last year, I rode a 65 mile bike ride from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. This year, my baby sister wants me to do a 100 mile ride with her down in northern Virginia - which is a lot hillier than New Jersey!

Anyway, that's the goal.

Pardon me if this seems like I wrote it in random order - it seems that way, because it's true.

I've been having fun over the past few days, making a Christmas Surprise for Lamb. Last year, she found my old N-gauge trains. 25 years ago I had built a layout that I could slide under my Ikea couch when not in use but, when SWHTL and I left Arlington, I left the layout behind - but Lamb found the few remains, scattered left overs from the era of skinny ties and Eurotrash pop music.

And Lamb, being Lamb, found the trains and asked if we could make a "Christmas Village" and I told her sure, but then got tied up with work and other projects and nothing happened.

Till 2 days ago.

Troll, Jr, and I got Home Depot to cut the deck for a layout, and then I locked my home office door and got busy. 2 days later, here is the result. Yes, I know 2/3rds of the layout is unfinished - that was deliberate. I want to give Lamb the chance to decide how the rest should be arranged, and which 20 year old buildings should be replaced with something more modern. (Or, with something more old-school, if that's what she wants.)

Other than that, I feel like someone who had part of his brain shot off in the war.

The good news was that the surgeon started the root canal a month sooner than planned. The bad news is why...

Also - there really just isn't any point to posting political issues on facebook, and the joys of going camping.

Yeah....

Woke up this morning with my throat all swollen on that side.

I spent all week being increasingly nervous about doing the 60+ mile bike ride from Philadelphia to Atlantic City - afraid that I'd wipe out, afraid that I'd finish dead last, afraid that I'd be exhausted and miserable.

Down side: My speed sucked. My endurance sucked. I spent 5 hours riding - but I spent an additional 2 hours on rest breaks.

Up side: 66 miles! Woo hoo!

Inside - a day by day account of my weekend, in the form of a picture book.