Brrrr...

It’s mighty cold out and dropping fast. Expected to be record breaking temps tomorrow. (The current record was set in 1887.) Which is rather impressive since we regularly get damn cold here anyway.

I am glad to see that many employers and other programs that usually ignore the weather are giving people a break. A number of stores/malls/restaurants, salons, breweries, even the ice castles, are closing. A number of churches are open to provide additional shelter for people who don’t have a place to go. The mail won’t be delivered or picked up so mail carriers can be safe. The state Senate has decided not to meet as well. I, however, will be heading in. They didn’t cancel my work and I’ve got a training to give so I can’t just work from home. *sigh* Wonder how many will actually make it in for the class.

If you do live around here, try to stay warm and stay inside. Frost bite will get you in less than 5 minutes. Be safe.

Happy Valentine's Day to Me!

I am thrilled to be a homeowner (basement flooding, not withstanding), and one of the main reasons that I wanted to buy my own place is so that I can have a home gym and workout whenever I want to without having to deal with weather, traffic, crowds, or open hours.

One of the tools I have been lusting over for a bit is a kettlebell. Kettlebells are amazing full body fitness tools. If you haven't been using one you are missing out. Here is a video of a Tim Ferris interview with Pavel Tsatsouline, the master of kettlebells. 

So, since I didn't get one for Christmas (don't get me wrong, I was blessed with many wonderful gifts!) I decided to treat myself to one for Valentine's Day. I can only be patient for so long!

So, ta-da!  My newest toy:

 

It's so sturdy and  well made. I think that rather than remove this from my wishlist, I am just going to update it with the 30 pound version for the future. If you want one for yourself, you can find them here on Amazon Bionic Body kettlebells (I am not an affiliate, nor do I make any money from them in any way, I am just a fan of the product after reviewing countless options).

FUCK!!!!!

I am heartbroken.

My beautiful new home, that I bought only six months ago, is in trouble. My entire basement, my ENTIRE basement, is flooded with water. EVERY LAST INCH. Apparently the record breaking temps caused the pipes in my downstairs bathroom to freeze and they burst from the pressure. When they thawed they started spraying water everywhere.

I was monitoring them (as best as a new homeowner can) when the temps were so bitterly cold but I had been focusing most of my attention into the laundry room. The people who owned the house before me warned that when they finished the basement that there were no heat vents in the laundry room/storage area so I checked that most religiously. When the temps started to rise I thought I was in the clear.

I hadn't been downstairs since checking everything Thursday but when I went down to workout this evening I splashed onto the floor when I exited the last step.

Fortunately, I received a wet/dry vac for Christmas so I was able to go get the box out of the garage, read the manual on how to use in in the water, and get started cleaning up on my own. This winter is so brutal that  even the emergency plumber is not expected to arrive for 5 days. (!)

I can't just let everything sit and start to mold so I'm jumping into action right away. I owe a huge "THANK YOU!" to Johnny Vegas from Roto Rooter who helped me get the water turned off and gae me some tips on getting started with the water mitigation. He was amazing! 

My beautiful house!!! 😨😢😥