New category - Stuff I'd Like To Have

Hans,

New category alert. I think I'll start posting Stuff I'd Like To Have. Not so much material things. Just a list of life stuff that I should work on.

Item 1. The best bibliography of the best biographies of the Presidents.

Hans, please work on this after school. You have until January 31, 2009 to get this done. Don't procrastinate. Start early. Thanks, man.

How to tie a tie

Here.

I wear mine (double) Windsor.

did a decent run today

25 minutes.
It's a start. Will try to lift later. Looking forward to seeing you guys.

Don't ever look like a bag in these pictures

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Fashion posts - dress shirts - Nordstrom Smartcare classic dress shirt

Nordstrom Smartcare classic dress shirt

Couldn't find a picture to save.

Fit - Fit feels great.

Collar - Looks great, feels great

Fabric - Looks great, feels great.

Ranking - Number 1. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

And these shirts are the least expensive of the three.

Fashion posts - dress shirts - Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers Non-Iron shirts

Fit - These shirts fit great. Numba one super fit. The fit feels great. Love the fit.

Collar - Collars are good. The feel good and they look good. Much better than Jose Bank.

Fabric - The fabric looks great in that it holds its wrinkle-free properties and it the fabric feels great. The big problem is that these shirts pit out VERY quickly. And of course, once a shirt pits out, donezo, ruined. What can you do with a pitted out dress shirt? Nothing. Maybe wear it to the beach.

Overall ranking: #2 until it pits out

Fashion posts - dress shirts - Joseph A Bank

Franz,

It's taken me several years, but I've finally figured out what dress shirts I like (although I haven't tried custom-made shirts. yet). If you'd like the benefit of my trials, keep reading. First, I like the wrinkle-free shirts. They look great, they feel great, and they're cheaper (over the long term), than non-wrinkle free ones, especially if you're sending them out for laundry. So far, I've tried the ones from Jos. A Bank, Brooks Brothers, and Nordstrom.

Joseph A. Bank Travel Dress Shirts .

These shirts are surprisingly expensive, compared to Brooks Brothers and Nordstrom. Obviously, you want to try to get them on sale. Sign up for their email blasts, and you can occasionally get them for half off or two for one.

Fit - The fit is ok. They're a little too baggy to look really great.

Collar - Collar is ok. I'd like the the collar to be a little.... I don't know, longer? The collars feel ok on your neck, but just ok.

Fabric - The fabric is pretty durable and it takes awhile before the shirt pits out. Bonus. Unfortunately, the wrinkle-free treatment wears out quicker than the other two. And I've blown out the elbows of a couple of these shirts.

Overall ranking: #3

My legs are sore

And it feels great. I went for a good run Friday and also today.

How you been? How's your puppy? I heard he bit Pop pop. Haha. Rocky, right? Or is it Rosco?

I'm multitasking right now. I'm watching this HBO show, True Blood. I really like it, but I just figured out that I really don't like the main character, Sookie. She's really annoying.

The long awaited fashion posts - shirts

Hans,

I cannot wait to meet your dog. I really want one, but I just can't have one right now. Wisconsin was fun, until the end.

Glad to hear your workouts are going well. I was off for awhile, and then I ate crap up in Wisconsin, but I'm back eating well and lifting and doing cardio, and it feels great. That's very creative to use your barbells while on the computer. Keep it up.

Ok, fashion post. Man, I'm not feeling it. I'm gonna ditch it for now, ok? Sorry man.

So.

Read any good books lately? How's your German class going?

Back

Hey, I've been good. Been working out pretty regularly and driving has been going pretty good too. I'm pretty much a pro at driving now, lol. I have been getting into this habit lately while I'm on the computer, I curl a dumb bell or I basically bench press the dumb bell above my head. I switch arms so one of my arms doesn't grow freakishly large while one arm stays the same. Just from doing this, I can actually tell a difference in my muscle size, I have not done as much cardio or bike riding as much as I wanted to, just because of the weather. I'll try to get out more when I have a good chance.

In other news..My mom and I got a puppy. It's a german shepard/great dane mix (or so we think) so it's going to get very big. It's well-behaved for a puppy though, so hopefully we enjoy it. That's about all in my life. Talk to you soon.

busy social calendar

Hans,

Last night I was out with a group last night celebrating an old roommate's birthday. And of then the Phillies won. Fun night.

On Tuesday night I went to a pumpkin carving party. Sounds geigh, I know, but girls love this stuff. Thus, we had a good ratio. Another fun night.
I'm going to Wisconsin tomorrow. I'll be back Wednesday.

How are you?

Fashion posts are coming

Hans,

How was your weekend? Mine was good. The fashion posts will have to wait. This week should be busy, but good. Are you following the news? What do you think?

How's school? Let's talk this week.

/s/ Franz

Sweet memories

Ahh.... I fondly remember my first driving experiences. Wait, no I don't. I do remember practicing driving in the AG parking lot with Pop pop. I also remember several years before that riding in the backseat when your Dad was practicing in the AG lot. Good times, good times.

So happy to hear you had a great weekend. The rides to Star City sound great. You're on the right track. Cardio + weight-lifting + g00d eating (which it sounds like you're doing) = .... what? Bet you're feeling good, which is what it's all about.

I'm a bit sick right now. My head and ears are congested. Big week at work on Thursday.

The fashion posts are coming. How do I not post on this blog for a week?

Great Weekend!

Hey! I had a great weekend. My dad came down for the day and he and I rode our bikes on the rails to trails. We rode for a good bit. We were about 4 miles away from Point Marion when we decided to turn back, so me and him guess that we rode about 12 miles there and back. I have decided that I am going to take advantage of the awesome bike trail that we have. I am going to start riding my bike regularly to Star City or so, then ride back. I have also been using my machine regularly, so I am getting my exercise in.

In non exercise related news..I got my drivers permit and I have drove 4 times now. I drove in the Albert Gallatin middle school parking lot, then I drove around South Park. I drove yesterday with dad in the coliseum parking lot. I practiced parallel parking and did pretty well. I drove home from the coliseum to my house, and today I drove around the neighborhood up through South Point Circle.

Happy Columbus Day

Happy Columbus Day!

Why don't we send Columbus Day cards anymore? Oh, well.

In honor of The Navigator, I will be posting a new category later this week on Franz Style. Yes, it will be natty.

P.S. Had a great lift yesterday. It's gonna affect Franz Style.

Machine

My machine is working great. No malfunctions, which is good. Not much to update except that I have been using my machine and drinking my protein. Will write more later. Hopefully Chaka will join us sometime soon.

~Hans

Date night

Just got back from a very nice date. TMI? Oh well.

Good news. Krav Maga is offering later classes, so I may un-suspend my account so I can start going again. I've been doing campaign stuff after work and on the weekends, so I haven't been able to go. I miss it.

How's your machine working out?

Chaka, what's new with you?

Other stuff - Part II

I added a music playlist at the bottom.

I also added categories on the right if you want to post what some of your favorite stuff.

Feel free to pimp this blog.

Other stuff

I'm gonna start posting other stuff. Stuff I find funny. Music I like. Movies I like. Hope you guys do the same. Here's something I find hilarious: The Geico Cavemen. Most of the humor is pretty subtle, but I think it's brilliant. There's just something funny about metrosexual, materialistic, hyper-sensitive cavemen. Here's their website.

Chaka, join the fun

Great catching up with you guys this weekend.

coming home

Hans,

Looking forward to coming home this weekend. I talked to your Dad. He'll be there before I will. I'll try to make it by 2.

Had a good lift today too. Feels reallý good to be back. Gotta get back to the cardio.

Tempus Fugit

Man, how did a whole week go by? Had a good week. To answer your Q, no, I've been terribly deficient with KM. Really need to get back to it, but I'm doing campaign stuff after work and on the weekends (and really enjoying it) so as soon as it's over I need to get back to it.

I did lift this weekend. Weak lift Friday, then a slightly stronger lift Saturday (and only back-to-back because Friday was barely a lift), then a decent lift today.

You gtg with protein shakes? Lemee know if you want to send me some more.

Weekend

Glad to hear you got your computer fixed. My mom is letting me get this full upper-body workout home gym for my birthday, it's a pretty good priced machine. I'll take pictures once I get set up and working. Dad came down on Saturday and we spent a nice day together. We went to grandma and grandpa's house for a little while. It was a nice visit. Oh, by the way. Are you still doing Krav Maga? If so, how's it going?

Back online

Ok, fixed my computer problem.

Also, got back to lifting today.

Hope you had a good weekend.

Technical difficulties - this blog still not dead

Hans,

My computer is down and I'm doing this from work, so it's gotta be quick:

1. Looks like a great schedule. Glad to hear your school year is going well. Let me know if you need any physical or scholastic ass-kicking strategies. You can crush it all. Let's talk this weekend. It's been awhile.

2. My computer is down. Tech is coming out Tuesday. Blogging may be light until then.

3. I bought a sweet 26" HDTV that I now love. It has a built in DVD player too. I gave my old tv to Grandmom and Pop pop. Maybe you could hook it up for them?

Ok, that's all for now.

School

School has been going well. I like it much better than Freshman year. I expected this year to be much harder than last year, but surprisingly it's been much easier. So this is my schedule for this year.

1st period: Health
2nd period: Business computer applications
3rd period: Geometry
4th period: IR (study hall)
5th period: English 10
6th period: German 1 (decided to take it again)
7th period: World to 1900's
8th period: Biology

Not too bad.

This blog is not dead

Hans, buddy, so sorry to not post recently.

The Good:
I spent two hours on a treadmill last night.

The Also Good:
Super busy at work, which is going well and I am enjoying.
Also super busy following the campaign news. I am a huge fan of Sarah Palin, going back about year now. I am deliriously happy Johnny Mac picked her. I'm doing some volunteer after work hours and on the weekends, so that will cut in to workout time, but I will have to find a way.

How is school? What's going on in your world? How is S.? Did you go to the any games yet? Lemme know. Shoot me an email or text or call or sumpthin.

Sorry

Hey! Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. Getting ready for school and starting school yesterday was keeping me busy during the days and I was going to bed pretty early. Those avatars are really funny. I got a laugh out of them.

Walking

I've spent the last couple hours at my tread desk walking and reading. Love this thing.

You know the avatars are meant for fun, right? Was S.'s too harsh? I thought he would want a wacky one. Ask your Dad about Chaka.

Another busy week

Work is still busy. Gotta get back to lifting tonight.

Had a nice day Sunday with Grandmom and Pop pop out at Aunt C.'s. We went to dinner then looked at old family photos. You'll have to see them when you're down at C's next.

We also had dinner on Monday night down here. Afterwards, I thought it would be fun to find some fun avatars for all of them. Here's my take:

Gandmom:

Pop pop:

C.:

Your Dad:

S.:

Whaddyathink? Have some better ones?

Great

That thing is great with a few improvements you might even be able to sell them how is it working for you so far? So, dad went home the other day and Sean stayed in his dorm last night. I have been lifting everyday, but my arms are still a little sore from helping Sean move in, so I haven't decided if I'm going to life tonight or not. I have also been drinking my protein. Will post again later.

Bought a 22' monitor and wireless keyboard and mouse today

I really like it.



I'm making more changes to my apartment.

Going out to Cathy's tomorrow for dinner with her and Grandmom and Pop pop. How's your weekend going? Say hi to your Dad for me.

Also lifted bench and had some protein.

The Awesome Project Revealed: The TreadmillDesk

I was inspired last weekend to build a TreadmillDesk. I've wanted one for a long time. It's part of my effort to build more cardio into my life. Granted, walking 1 mph is not really cardio, but several hours of that while working on bills or reading books or watching football or whatever means a significant increase in energy used. I'd love to have one at work. Maybe at my next job.

Aunt Cathy loaned me her treadmill. I went to Home Depot last weekend to get the supplies. Cost me about $40.

Am I your crazy uncle? Ok, I knew that.

Sounds like you guys are having a nice time

Glad to hear you're having a good time with Dad and Sean. You should be excited. College is a great time in your life. Horizons open up. It's a big world out there and you can go wherever you want. And if something doesn't work, you learn you can make changes, work hard, and things turn around. Good things are coming.

Did you tell them about this blog or not? Fine either way with me. Heck, if you want, we can invite them to post too.

Ok, awesome project. My camera is charging. As soon as the battery is good, I'll take a pic.

Great

That was such a great post haha. It's good to hear you didn't crash, and it was a pretty good idea what you did with the ruined shirt. Today dad came into town and we helped Sean move into his dorm. Kind of gets me excited for when I get to go to college even though the dorms aren't actually that nice. I think I am going to pass on lifting today because lifting those 75 pounds boxes of sean's stuff up 5 story of steps. I am still excited to see this "secret project."

So what do you do with a ripped-up shirt?

Problem. Solved.

OK, I will reveal the awesome project tomorrow.

Coffee + biking = eventually only biking

I usually drive my UAB to work instead of my car which stays parked in the lot.

So this morning, I decided to test a new capability: Riding my bike to work while drinking my morning coffee.

I left my apartment, got on my bike, and rode down the sidewalk while enjoying my delicious coffee. As I approached the intersection, a woman walked down the handicap ramp. Instead of stopping and waiting for her to pass, I decided to drive off the curb. I thought it wouldn't be a problem because I am an experienced biker driving a top shelf UAB. I slowed down to a crawl (which turns out to have been a mistake) and headed off the curb with one hand holding the handlebar and one hand holding the coffee. When the front wheel met the street and stopped, I instantly recognized that I had made a miscalculation. The front wheel stopped and I lost control. In a millisecond, I decided to discard the coffee, and did so, although some found a way to my shirt. I then realized that the bike would not continue forward no matter what I did, so I then decided to focus on staying upright myself.

It worked. I didn't go down, I stayed on my feet. So, technically, no crash, right?

The UAB made a catastrophic Newtonian descent to the ground. Along the way, the handle bar apparently caught the cuff of my shirt producing the attached picture.

So I went through the work day in a coffee stained shirt torn to rags. But any wreck you can walk away from is a good one, right? And the shirt that was ruined was the oldest dress shirt I have, which I was considering getting rid of anyway. And Grandmom would be happy that I was wearing a helmet.

Excited

I'm excited to see these top secret project.

Too horrible

Ok, I was going to post some of the photos from Drudge about the Hungarian weight lifter at the Olympics, but they're just too icky.

BTW, my awesome project is complete. I shall reveal it soon.

.

Sounds pretty productive to me. I have basically got on tack again too, but not much to update just the usual stuff. I'll post again later.

Back on track

Had an extraordinarily productive weekend. I bought some protein and lifted today. I also cleaned and reorganized my apartment. SO happy with the new layout. It really opened up the space and made things much more functional. I spent all day yesterday working on a super cool project, the awesomeness of it is of such magnitude that I cannot reveal it until it is complete sometime this week. Stay tuned

Same

I have had friends over the last few days, so I haven't been lifting everyday like I should. It's going to be a lot easier once school starts and I don't have kids staying over every night.

Sorry for not posting

Work has been super busy. I haven't been able to lift or go to Krav because I've been getting home late. How ya been?

I'm out of protein mix and I've had way too much pizza over the last 48 hours. Gotta get it back together.

Sounds fun.

Hey, sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I think I am going to try some of those back exercises unfortunately I don't really have access to a lat pull down, unless I go to Healthworks or the Rec Center. That bike ride with them sounds fun, I bet you could really feel it working after the first few miles, haha. Anyways, tell them I said hi if you're still there and I'll post again later.

bike ride

Hello. I'm up at Steve and Sabina's with Grandmom and Pop-pop and Joe and Jeanine and the girls. S and S and Jeanine and I went for a 14 mile ride including a two mile climb. Took one hour and twenty minutes.

Hope you and Sean and your Mom are well.

Back exercises

Hey. Sorry for the delay in replying. Glad to hear things are going well with the jogging and the lifting.

Back exercises:

1. Shrugs are good. Do you have a curl bar? You can use a regular bar too, just a curl bar is a little easier on the wrists. Ok, what is it. You pick up the bar with the weights on it (USING YOUR LEGS TO PICK UP THE BAR NOT USING YOUR BACK STARTING OUT BENT OVER - feet shoulder length apart), let it hang for a second then shrug your shoulders in a circlular movement 10 or 12 times. Then put the bar down using your back. Also, you gotta make sure the floor is protected if you are lifting at home. You should have a piece of plywood or something down to protect the floor. Shrugs work your upper back muscles (can't think of the proper term now).

2. Lat pull downs are good too, if you have access to a lat machine. When you pull down, pull the bar to your chest, DO NOT PULL IT BEHIND YOUR NECK. That can mess up your shoulders, and we Murphys are prone to shoulder injuries.

3. Reverse sit ups (or whatever you call them) is a good exercise for the lower back. Lay on the bench with your belly down and your upper body hanging over the edge and your head on the floor. Anchor your feet somewhere, maybe wrapping them under the bench. Put your hands behind your head and extend up so your body is straight. Do that a few times and you'll feel it in your lower back. Take it easy tho. Back injuries are not worth it.

Ok, enough nervous nelly talk.

Still thinking about football? August 1 is coming. You could still do it if you want to, even if you missed conditioning. August drills suck, but you'll learn that you're stronger than you think.

It's totally up to you, I don't want to pressure you or anything. I just want to tell you how much I loved it (despite a lot of pain). I think it made my life better and I want good things for your life. But what I want isn't dispositive, so you make your choice either way and I'm there for ya.

Hey.

I've been doing pretty well, I have been lifting everyday. What I do is do all leg exercises one day then next day I do my upper body. I'm trying to find out a good exercise for your back, so if you can find a good one that I'd be able to do, that'd be great. I have been using the protein shake also. I've been jogging too.

Krav: 36 lessons left until Level 2 test

Made it to Krav today.

Lifting next.

How are you doing?

Test

Test.

Krav Maga: 37 lessons until Level 2 test

Made it to Krav today and yesterday. That means I only have 37 classes left until I can test for Level 2.

That also means two solid hours of cardio this week.

I'm also getting a decent lift in now.

Next project is creating the spreadsheet.

Hans, lemme know your lifting info. Send me an email or something.

Yup

You know how some blogs have the YouTube box right in the page instead of linking to another page? Like that. Do you know how to do that? I don't.

?

You mean like posting your own videos?

Know how to post YouTube videos?

I'm trying to learn to link to YouTube videos like this one.

Protein shake

I received my protein shake today in the mail, read the instructions and drank a glass in the morning. I plan on lifting sometime tonight and drinking another glass afterwards. Just wanted to thank you for buying it for me and just letting you know it will not go to waste.

It begins

Aww yeah.