Again! - 101 Things to do in 1001 Days.

Before injuring my Achilles I was actively blogging, averaging about 18 posts a month. That all ended when my active life slowed to a complete halt, there’s nothing interesting about an adult American male’s monotonous life of recovery. Although, while holding the couch to the floor I did catch too many TV shows about nothing really… You collect miscellaneous garbage and dead cat’s, sign up for hoarders. Do you enjoy casual sex, drugs and alcohol and maybe have a kid because of it, that’s MTV. I’ve got hundreds of channels of high definition rot your brain, time suck “entertainment”. I’m glad I’m feeling much better, indoor life isn’t for me.

With that said, I’ve decided to embark on another 1001 day journey to accomplish and yes, maybe even fail 101 goals. This will be my second go-round with this project and since this is the reason I first started blogging in 2007, I figured it would help get me out of this (lack of) blogging funk of 2012. Check out my list below, check back often and let me know if you’re doing something similar or plan on it. 

My 101 in 1001 Days ends December 9th, 2014.

1 A day with my brothers. 2 Attend a Notre Dame football game. 3 Backyard camp out. 4 Build a raised flower-bed/garden. 5 Build deck in backyard. 6 Build up savings account. 7 Buy and wear more bowties. 8 Buy and Xbox 360 or PS3. 9 Buy heavier dumbbells. 10 Buy more (Vinyl) albums. 11 Buy resistance bands. 12 Clean house daily. 13 Clean out closets and drawers. 14 Clean out garage. 15 Compete in a Disc Golf tournament. 16 Compile a soundtrack of my life. 17 Compost more. 03/14/12 18

Cook/Make something from my Pinterest.

19

Create a budget.

20

Create a photo-journal.

21

Create short movies with videos (Clips) I've taken.

22

Do something I've never done before.

23

Donate clothes I no longer wear.

24

Eat at new (to me) local restaurants.

25

Eat healthier.

26

Eat something I haven't before.

27

Enjoy Epoch responsibly.

28

Eye exam + new contacts.

29

Family picnic.

30

Find a new swimming hole.

31

For each goal completed, award self with $5 to save. [$45]

32

Get a bike (and ride it).

33

Get a Hole in one (Disc Golf)

34

Get a new (larger) vehicle.

35

Get a new tattoo.

36

Get paid more or get a new job.

37

Go Camping.

38

Go Fishing.

39

Go skinny dipping.

40

Go to a concert.

41

Go to a Texas tailgate party.

42

Go to a theme night at Alamo Drafthouse.

43

Go to bed at a decent time for a whole week.

44

Go to Schitterbahn.

45

Go to Six Flags (Fright Fest).

46

Go to the drive-in.

47

Go to the track and play the horses.

48

Go Tubing.

49

Grill Baby Back Ribs (more than once).

50

Hand write and send letters.

51

Have another "Super Saturday".

52

Have clothes tailored.

53

Have house sale-ready.

54

Host a Halloween party.

55

Host an Outdoor Movie Night.

56

Inspire. - 03/14/12

57

Keep records of yard work.

58

Lay a dry creek bed in backyard.

59

Learn a full song on the guitar.

60

Maintain Up-To-Date resume.

61

Make a damn good Pomarita.

62

Make my own beer.

63

Make my own wine.

64

Massage (at least ONCE).

65

Monthly outings with The Cohens.

66

New dentist + dental work.

67

No fast food for a month (Including breakfast).

68

Open separate savings account.

69

Pay off credit card.

70

Pedicure/Manicure (at least) twice a year.

71

Play and beat LIMBO.

72

Play the lottery.

73

Raise chickens.

74

Read books that are on my shelf looking much smarter than me.

75

Record more video.

76

Reverse pick-pocket someone.

77

Ride a train anywhere.

78

Run a 5k.

79

Say yes more.

80

Score within 5 strokes of par.

81

Sew my own shirt.

82

Skydive.

83

Take a Yoga class.

84

Take family photos.

85

Take son to a sporting event.

86

Take son to Blues on the Green.

87

Take son to Shady Grove Unplugged.

88

Train more, train harder.

89

Transition to Apple (iCal, Notes, Reminders, etc) exclusively.

90

Try rock climbing.

91

Update blog tags.

92

Update iTunes content.

93

Vacation at the beach.

94

Vacation to a place I have never been before.

95

Visit a cave.

96

Visit a winery.

97

Win a "Super Saturday" (Disc Golf).

98

Write & send DG course proposal to city council.

99

Write a letter to myself to open in 10 years.

100

Write a letter to myself to open in 5 years.

101

Write in Journal. 

Visions...

Side note: When I Googled this image, the one I found belonged to The Wife. 

AUSTIN, TX: Freddie's Place DEAL.

Freddie's Place

Oh You Fancy Huh?

A cheap Father's Day gift idea, size Small. Just sayin'. 

1000 Words: The Wife's Birthday Dinner w/ Friends

Friday...

$5.00 Milkshake

It's Friday...

... And I'm ready to clock out and get this weekend started. Begining with this evening...

On My Mind...

You're Gonna be the Death of Me...

... With your delicious Honey Buns.

Austin Burger Bracket: Champion

As you know tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a time of traditions, family, friends, football and FOOD. And after the consumption of that midnight "snack" of a turkey sandwich, stuffing, broccoli & cheese casserole and combination of pies, also comes the many holiday traditions of parties, overspending and more food.

Unfortunately my goal to fill my belly with as many burgers that Austin could provide will have to come to an end. Scratch that, I'm not giving up burgers, what I meant to say is that the Austin Burger Bracket competition will have to come to a sudden end. While I started this bracket with the best of intentions; I didn't anticipate the occurrences of life (Work, family, friends, chores, etc) would interfere. I'm kidding, work didn't interfere, I ate most of the burgers during business hours and maybe even blogged about it too.

All joking aside, I wish I could have eaten my way to a Champion Burger but sometimes things just don't work out as planned. But in the spirit of things I have chosen a champion from the establishments I was able to enjoy. The Austin Burger Bracket Champion of 2010 embodies what a good ol American Austin Burger should be. A burger that isn't trying to be anything more than what it is and yet satisfies more than you'd expect. A burger you can't wait to eat and when finished wished you had more. A burger that teases you after you've eaten it by leaving it's aroma on your hands reminding you why you love it so much. This burger should be so good that if/when you do have another, you feel regret for your choice in meal, I know I have.

Number Three Honors:

P. Terry's Burger Stand - A staple to my lunch time dining, this burger joint keeps it real, from fresh vegetables to all natural Black Angus Beef. If you find yourself on empty and happen to be near this establishment, I recommend the Double w/ Cheese and add on a fresh squeezed lemonade and a cookie for desert.

Number Two Runner-Up:

Doc's Motorworks - In the heart if South Congress sits Doc's, a great place to enjoy a drink, people watch and of course devour delicious food. You can catch a game on one of the TVs inside or step outside the garage bay doors and enjoy the cool breeze of their patio. If you're ever in the area treat yourself to the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, you're belly will thank you.

And drum roll please...

Number One Champion:

Dan's Hamburgers - For my money there isn't anything better than Dan's Hamburgers, of course I order my with cheese every time. I've eaten at four different locations and at each I am given the same great quality as the last. If you ask me where the best place to eat a burger is, I'm going to direct you to the hometown hero, Dan's.

***   ***   ***

Thanks for following along, I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. I wasn't able to enjoy as many burgers as I hoped but I look forward to finally eating and/or trying the rest of the burgers from my Austin Burger Bracket.

Austin Burger Bracket: UPDATE

Whur all muh burgers zat? My brother and I started this deal over 4 months ago but since have been slacking on the whole Austin Burger Bracket. I don't know what happened; I started off strong, eating a burger at least twice a week (sometimes from the same joint, but I was trying to be thorough), I even gained a little over ten pounds. Dats what I'm talkin-bout.

Now... It's been over 2 months since I last posted about the bracket, too damn long. But with the holiday's just around the bend I think beef is gonna take a back seat to the bird, turkey that is and possibly a couple dozen tamales. That's right it's that time of year, Turkey's in the driver seat with Tamales ridding shotgun and Burgers bagged in the back, nah-mean?

I don't want this to carry over to 2011 and actually (maybe foolishly) thought I'd consume a bracket's worth of burgers (Thirty-two) by now, but that hasn't happened yet. But in the spirit of competition I will still choose a winner from the burgers I was able to devour (Only 9 joints so far)... Still not sure when that will be but definitely before the clock strikes midnight on 2010.

Fright Fest + State Fair



Funnel Cake & Beer. Shot by: The Wife




Shot by: The Wife



1000 Words

Free Breakfast.

DAMN GOOD!

A coworker walked in and surprised me with a breakfast taco from Torchy's Tacos, very kind and pretty awesome.

www.torchystacos.com

Austin Burger Bracket - 3rd Base

I'm at home playing with Lil Money, when will I learn that if you hold a teething baby over your head he might drool on you. My phone rings, it's my brother, he says that him and Pumkin are on Congress and says "let's go get a burger". Perfect timing, Lil Money just ate so he's good and I haven't eaten. I tell him to give us a few so we can get ready and roll out.

A dirty diaper change and car trip later I pull up to 3rd Base Bar and Grill. Pumkin didn't make it, it's Monday and he didn't want to miss wrestling. Geez. I walk into 3rd base along side my brother with Lil Money in hand and my Timberland baby backpack. A couple of customers turn to look at me from the bar and I give them the "What the f*ck" look. Yeah, I got a kid. We take our seat and Lil Money is eyes wide open at all the screens.

We were greeted immediately and offered drinks and a menu. One quick glance and we new what we were ordering, I believe it was the Classic Cheeseburger. We ordered. As we waited my brother and I talked about the day and Lil Money bounced on my lap. I'm not sure how long it took but during the time our order was placed and when we got it, Lil Money got tired. And when he gets tired he "hums", if he isn't soothed or hasn't fallen to sleep in a decent amount of time while humming he begins to fuss and whine.

I think you know where I'm going with this... Our order finally made it to the table, a big meaty burger with Cajun flavored fries. I set Lil Money down and began to eat, he was still humming in his chair beside me halfway falling asleep. The burger was pretty good but the fries were the best. it wasn't long before the little guy just couldn't take it anymore, he got fussy so I did my best attempt at holding him and eating like his mom does, but I couldn't get it. I felt like I was dropping crumbs all over him and actually thought I was going to drop a mustardy tomato on him.

Poor kid, he was just too stimulated with all the TVs and people he couldn't crash out, I even had to get up a few times and walk around but that didn't help much cause the TVs are everywhere. Pretty awesome joint by the way, good place to catch the game or fight.

Unfortunately 3rd Base isn't going to rank as high as it possibly could have but that's on my lil guy. But $10 for burger and fries you should be able to make a statement. I guess I was paying for "the best seat in the house".

See Also: Austin Burger Bracket.

Austin Burger Bracket - Dan's Hamburgers

Sunday, The Wife and I woke up a bit late. We had a few errands to run and little time to do them in. That's when she said the most beautiful words a man can hear, "Blah blah blah, Go to Dan's, blah blah blah." I heard what I needed to hear. And I am glad there is a Dan's in our sleepy little town.

Dan's: Hello, how may I help you.

DY: Yes ma'am, I'd like a Large Cheeseburger, with mustard, no onions and a small fry.

Dan's: Anything else for you?

DY: Yes, a Medium Cheeseburger, with mayo, no pickles a small fry and add a small mashed potatoes to that.

Dan's: Your guest #70.

DY: Thank you. :)

No matter what number I am it never gets called quick enough. Don't get me wrong, I don't have to wait extremely long or anything, its just that I can NOT wait to have a Dan's Hamburger in possession.

Dan's is an Austin Icon and if you ask me, the BEST burger in town. But for the sake of the burger bracket I must eat, taste and compare it to the competition. A sacrifice I am willing to take. I've enjoyed burgers from Dan's for years, more than I can remember and while they serve more than just burgers I can't stray far from the menu. But if my younger brother orders some chicken strips and gravy, you bes bulee I'm gettin a taste.

Dan's: Number 70, your order is ready, number 70.

I pop up and grab our order, sit down, fumble with my camera and snap a picture. Now, don't let this picture fool you, it does no justice to the supreme aroma and taste I have before me. I was in such a rush to fill my mouth the certified Angus beef that is hugged between toasted buns that I could barely snap the picture before I took my first bite. From the first warm bite to the last, this burger packs all the taste a burger lover needs. The lightly toasted bun soaks up the moistness of the tender beef, the cheese melts with ease in between each and the vegetables are spot on.

Number one in my heart (And belly), Dan's is right on in every way, taste, cost and friendliness of staff, etc. I've only had good experiences and as long as their doors are open I will continue enjoying there food (burgers). By the way, be sure to wash your hands before you leave, if you don't you'll be craving more burgers later as the aroma lingers. Mmm mmmm mmmmm!

See Also: Austin Burger Bracket 2010.

Austin Burger Bracket - Phil's Icehouse

Phil's Icehouse, sweet! From fries to the sourdough bun.

I ordered The Allandale Burger, 86 sliced onions & mayo. The burger comes with an order of mixed, traditional French fries and sweet potato fries. The mixed batch of fries compliment each other well almost as good as the but compliments the tang of mustard. From the first bite I knew I was really going to like this burger. I've never had a burger whose bun was so sweet so that was a nice surprise.

The vegetables however were just there at best, a leaf of iceberg lettuce a couple of thin slices of tomato and some pickles. But my carnivorous nature doesn't mind much but the herbivore in me would appreciate more than just a hint of color between the buns. The cheddar cheese was almost missed as it served as the bonding agent that holds the bun to the patty, I'm not even sure I tasted it that much.

For $7.04 out the door the price is a little much especially since it doesn't come with a drink. Maybe I'm just cheap though. I have to say that Phil's Icehouse hit the sweet spot with it's sweet potato fries and sourdough bun and should be putting up some tough competition against Fran's. I probably wont hit Phil's up for carry out again but if I'm in the area, I might stop by for a burger and brew. You should try them out if you're ever in the Burnet Road area... Oh, but for those of you who try to kill what's already dead, a bit of advice, the burgers here are cooked medium well unless otherwise specified. Mine was pretty pink in some areas of the patty but I'm alright with that.

See Also: Austin Burger Bracket.

Austin Burger Bracket - Hat Creek Burger Co.

The great thing about this burger bracket is it gives me a "reason" to try out new burgers. And just this week I headed over to the Burnet Road location of Hat Creek Burger Co. Formerly Arby's and its obvious as you look at the sign but I'm glad the Austin company made an effort in reusing and repurposing the signage.

It's lunchtime and I need something to fill the void in my belly. I hop in Natalie (Nissan) and take a short ride from the office to Hat Creek. Skim the the menu and quickly realize I'm not leaving this parking lot without easily spending over $7.00 on burger, fries and drink. regardless though, I make my selection and request a tea to drink, the speaker box blares "That'll be an extra $2.00 for tea". The fuck, what kinda tea is this? Never mind the tea I tell the lady, I'll just take a Dr. Pepper. Still, I checkout with a $7.57 check.

For that price this better be a damn good burger... I'll let you check out the picture first, drop me a comment and let me know what you think...

... I got back to my desk, fumbled around in the bag grabbed my burger and fresh cut fries. The cool thing is that they packed my back with a little ketchup cup, very cool! Unwrapped everything and, well you saw the picture. What the hell is this? The presentation is on par with vending machine hamburgers or something. The fries were cut and packaged like P. Terry's but not at all comparable. Let's just say, that for the price I could've gotten something better at at least two other surrounding burger joints.

See Also: Austin Burger Bracket.

Austin Burger Bracket - Waterloo Ice House

Waterloo Ice House, I thoroughly enjoy this place. Not too long ago The Wife and I along with some good friends were pretty much regulars here (South Park Meadows). It's a great place to get your Lone Star fill at a great price and watch sporting events on their high definition flat screens, not a bad seat in the house. But with all the mugs bottom-upped I don't recall ever having a hamburger.

That recently changed; The Wife and I along with Lil Money spent the evening with our good friend CHUBBS. First stop was Wahoo's, good times, then we headed over to Waterloo. I hadn't eaten since lunch so needless to say I was HUNGRY! No need to look at the menu, I'm on a mission and I don't need anything fancy, I just need a standard issue hamburger and it's on.

The burger was good, but it was just a standard issue burger. It got me thinking that maybe I need to change it up a bit. I don't know though, this is a burger bracket not a burger creation bracket. All I'm saying is, for the price I could get a better standard somewhere else. I guess we'll have to see how it does against it's competition, Hill-Bert's.

Horrible picture, I know. It was dark and the camera on my phone doesn't have flash.

See Also: Austin Burger Bracket