i'm Alive!!!

Technically according to my Google Talk status "I'm alive and kicking". I say this because it has been forever since I have had a chance to blog. Not so much had a chance but really haven't had any interest in looking at a computer screen after spending 10 to 12 hours a day staring at a server (baffled most times). This last week has in my mind been the first week (in the last 2 months) that I really have felt that I was back assigned to a submarine (yes still new construction but still sucks). This means early mornings (to work-out before work) and late days troubleshooting and installing equipment and software. With all of this I can't thank Maddie and Amanda enough for their patience (though Amanda is used to this) while adjusting to the work load and dealing with my LAN that is an abomination (not kidding - this network is so over engineered and complicated that it didn't even make it a day getting turned over to me that something wasn't working).

Fortunately this long week was followed up by a long weekend to spend some time with the family, get some tasks done, and ultimately get some rest to recharge before starting the week all over again. I don't know if I am ready to start the week again but I am definitely thankful for the time to spend with my family (Thanks Columbus - though I don't understand how this is a holiday - oh well).

So some of the things we did this weekend:

Movie Night - Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue

Pretty much finished my Entertainment Center Project
(Blog post to follow)

Shopping for Christmas (Yes we get this done early)

Beer Run to Grape and Gourmet

Lowes Build and Grow Event with Maddie
(Blog post to follow)

Video Game time - Plants vs Zombies

Grown-up Only Movie Night(s) - Date Night and Iron Man 2

Woodworking with Maddie (Sort of)

So one of my recent hobbies I've started in the last year has been woodworking. It started out as wanting to build a bird house or bird feeder and has grown into building furniture. I'm not sure if anyone else shares a similar frustration but it seems that there is never the perfect furniture item I'm looking for at least when it comes to functionality and looks. Half the time I only find a item that is sort of  what I am looking for but way more expensive that I'm willing to spend. My first couple of furniture builds where a end table and coffee table but recently I have been working on a entertainment center.

The entertainment center has been a long term project starting back as early as before we left CT (mostly just a design at that point) but is steadily coming along. There will definitely be a post once I'm done (hopefully soonish). The girls have been more than patient and I try not to make the project take of to much of my time but it can be time consuming. I request help when needed and let Maddie help when possible but a woodworking shop is not exactly a kid friendly environment. Hey sweeping and vacuuming is vital to a functioning workshop though no telling what I'm missing in the vacuum.

During a family trip to the local Lowes (yes we do this) we came across an opportunity to do a Maddie and Daddy woodworking project (plus many to come). 

Build and Grow Pirate Ship

Now while this is not exactly a woodworking project, I do think it is a nice intro into working with our hands, following directions, and working with basic tools. I bought this project set and a Red Toolbox Tool Set (Hammer, Screwdriver Set, Tape Measure, Safety Goggles). The tool set is nice because it provides an actual tool set that is convenient for little hands to use.

The pirate ship only required the hammer for assembly  and went together pretty quickly. Maddie needed a little help with the actual hammering but did really good with the putting the parts together. Actually the directions weren't really needed but where easy to follow. I had Maddie count the parts to make sure we had them all (a little counting in there).

 

There are quite a few more of these type building projects available so I can see a few of these showing up from Santa. Plus there is no limit to what we can come up with on our own. Lowes also does Build and Grow Clinics that provide more chances for building projects. Maddie and I are signed up for the next one. 

Got Beer? - Great Divide Rumble

Rumble

Oak Aged India Pale Ale

By

Great Divide Brewing Company

"Rumble IPA is an American IPA with subtle nuance. Brewed with heavy handed additions of Pacific Northwest hops, this beer is gently aged on French and American oak resulting in a wonderful balance of bitterness, caramel sweetness, vanilla, and undertones of pine and citrus. Very inspiring. 7.1% ABV" (Great Divide Brewing Company, 2010)

So I have found a new favorite beer (at least for today) thanks to my new favorite store Grape and Gourmet (aka Dad's Candy Store). 

I stumbled across (as has been with some of the other new favorite stores I have found in VA) while out and about with the family running errands. It was pure chance that we even went in the store but definitely glad I did even better that it is 20 -25 minutes away (quick jaunt when I do go but far enough away to keep from visiting to often). The selection is unmatched and I love that you can build you own six pack using the displayed beer rating and detailed description. This store requires a man date for when my father-in-law, Paul, comes down to visit.

Rumble is probably the smoothest IPA I have had to date (this is probably dangerous because it puts a challenge to no more than one beer or glass of wine a day - moderation!!!). The caramel and vanilla stand out and leave an aftertaste that leaves you wanting more. I enjoyed this beer while playing video games so that definitely lead to a chance to savor my beer. The Great Divide web site provides some good food pairings but  in most cases I save my alcohol beverage for relaxing on the couch.

Gaming with Maddie Series Part 1 - Wipeout The Game

It is always great when I can split some video game time with the family. This usually tends to be difficult when the types of games I play are less than family friendly such as Halo Reach(very soon I hope) or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The biggest enabler to supporting family video game time has been the Nintendo Wii.

Our Nintendo Wii was definitely not a planned purchase and really wasn't a purchase by us (Thank you Grandma!!) but has become a welcomed addition to our home entertainment setup. The Wii is a video game system that is family friendly and also provides the opportunity to play video games while getting off the couch (we have actually worked up a sweat on some of the games).

One of our most recent video game tries (via Gamefly) is 

Wipeout The Game by Activision (Wii).

Wipeout The Game is based on the ABC TV Show Wipeout. My wife and I have been long time watchers and yes we may have let Madison watch this once or chance ( I know we are terrible parents). There is nothing better than after a long day at work coming home to watch people go through an insane obstacle course and some how escape injury. Wipeout The Game allows you to join in the fun from the comfort of your couch (no post game neck brace required).

The controls are super simple - The Nunchuk joystick is used to move your character and the Wii Remote Controller "A" button is used to jump (also used to steady your character or climb over obstacles via shaking it). The Wii Remote Controller can also be used while waiting your turn to shoot various balls at the current player (Amanda doesn't think this is fair). Madison is able to play her own character by herself so it allows mommy and me to be competitors also.

The game itself provides various levels of difficulty with the obstacles changing based on the difficulty level. Some of the obstacles are definitely harder than others. This provides a fun game but can also be frustrating at times. 

The graphics are pretty standard for the Wii which is grainy and pixilated at times (I know, spoiled by my XBOX 360). The mechanics for the individual characters do not mirror real life (which is probably a good thing) so you end of with wet noodle characters during falls, bumps, and crushes. This actually leads to the "Wipeouts" being very comical.

The character selection is limited to the characters provided with some characters only being accessible as you progress in the game. I was really surprised the player is not able to use their Mii character but the characters provided are quite colorful and unique.

Overall the is a very fun game to play but not something I would purchase. This game really provides the feel of a game quickly thrown together as a tie in to the show. Maybe somewhere down the road we will see a better interation of the game but until then Wipeout The Game is worth a try and a quick laugh.

The Gourmet Chief Strikes Back - Almond Joy Pancakes

Almond Joy Pancakes

I tend to be a lot more adventurous in my cooking than I am in my actual eating habits. Amanda does a really good job of getting me to branch out and try new foods but I definitely think getting a chance to experiment on my own does get me to be creative with new dishes.

I previously posted a recipe for my Caramel Apple Pancakes that the girls love and thought I would try a new spin on pancakes with Almond Joy Pancakes.

Ingredients (Double Batch)

4 cups – Heart Smart Bisquick (Add additional mix as needed)

2 cups – Milk (Add additional milk as needed)

2 eggs

1/2 Cup - CocoReal Coconut Syrup (Found in Alcoholic Mixer Aisle - Alcohol not included and um not recommended)

1 cup - Slivered Almonds

1 1/2 cups - Chocolate Chips

1 cup - Sweetened Angle Flake Coconut

All measurements are a rough estimate. I tend to make my batter a little soupier for fluffier pancakes but feel free to make to your own preference (make sure you wait until everything is mixed together before adding additional milk or mix). You will also notice this is a double batch. These pancakes reheat really well and usually last us quite a while after freezing.

In a large mixing bowl combine the Bisquick, Milk, Eggs, Coconut Syrup, Almonds, Chocolate Chips, and Coconut Flakes. This is usually done better with a spatula vice whisk due to the almonds, chocolate chips, and coconut. As mentioned before I tend to make my batter soupier for fluffy pancakes but this is definitely a preference thing. From there make pancakes as you normally would (I usually use a 1/4 cup for pouring). Make sure to remix the batter every once in awhile to keep the almonds, chocolate chips, and coconut from sinking to the bottom.

As mentioned before this makes a double batch so freeze whatever you don't eat. To reheat just pull out how many you want from the freezer, stick on a cookie sheet, place in the oven, and turn the oven to 350 degrees. Usually by the time the oven pre-heats the pancakes are good to pull from the oven but if you oven is more proficient than ours then you might want to wait a few minutes.Enjoy.

Any other ideas to spice up breakfast or brinner (oh yes we are brinner aficionados)?

Beer slob to beer snob - Southern Tier unearthly imperial ipa

This post is not an endorsement about the consumption of alcohol but about if you do consume at least make sure it's in moderation and what your drinking is actually good.

I know that there is some association with sailors and drinking but that is an image the Navy as an organization has been trying to squash (rightly so). I will admit though in my younger and more foolish days after coming into the Navy that my alcohol consumption may have been in excess at times. As I have gotten older and more mature (really just too old to party hard - just kidding - really I just met the perfect woman) my alcohol consumption has moved from quantity to quality. I've gone from a night of partying and drinking like a fish with my friends to a glass of wine while I enjoy an evening with my girls (I definitely enjoy the later more).

Becoming a Beer Snob?

Even after I shifted away from my nights of drinking and partying to settling down, my alcohol preferences pretty much stayed the same. If you were to look in my fridge you would probably find a Bud Light or Corona. For a while, the highest end beer you would find would be a Sam Adams. And then came along my in-laws. I have to thank my mother-in-law Kathy for introducing me to wine and my father-in-law Paul for introducing me to quality beer. I feel like an idiot for all the years that I drank beer that tasted terrible (I didn't know any better) just to get a buzz but now I enjoy a beer now and then because it actually tastes good. One of my favorite beers as introduced by Paul is from Southern Tier Brewing Company.

Southern Tier unearthly Imperial IPA

Now this is quality beer. I tend to steer towards the IPAs based the hoppy and malty flavor. The flavor is good and it goes down smoothly with the hops not being too bitter. Sometimes you'll see with an IPA brewed with a lot of hops that you'll get a bitter aftertaste but I don't think this is the case with unearthly. This is a beer to sit down and watch a TV show or play video games but nothing I would drink watching a football game or long movie (more than one or two and you will be on your bottom). You really have to look at the alcohol content on these and moderation is really the key. If your looking for something a little less overpowering Southern Tier brews a standard IPA that is a close match for flavor but lower alcohol content.

So remember if you are going to drink, drink in moderation and drink something that actually tastes good vice chugging down that skunk beer. My friend Evan was a covert from Bud Light to Southern Tier unearthly and guarantee there is no going back.

When game rentals go bad - Naval Assault: The Killing Tide

So I have been pretty busy with the move to VA but it looks like most of the unpacking is done and it's time to do some relaxing. For the most part my girls and I have shifted back into our regular routine of once Maddie goes to bed, wifey and I either play video games or catch up on our shows. With time to play video games this means time to start back up Gamefly.

So I pride myself with normally choosing games that are in line with the types of video games I like playing and usually I luck out actually liking most of the games I rent. Gamefly helps with that whole process because I can keep a steady flow of rental games coming for different gaming systems and genres.

Naval Assault: The Killing Tide by 505 Games (XBOX 36o)

So my most recent rental, Naval Assault, was a complete miss. I can't remember the last time I played a game that was so boring and frustrating. Naval Assault: The Killing Tide attempts to provide an alternate progression for World War II where Germany is not only successful in Europe but also drives Russia into submission thus bringing the war to America via their Naval Forces. Really good concept but terrible application.

The title implies big naval battles but really the only ship type you have access to is a submarine. As a submariner in real life I don't disagree with this except the whole submarine experience is watered down. Changing depth is limited to three depths (deep, periscope depth, and surface). Firing torpedoes is limited to firing the direction your submarine is pointed though the game allows you to nudge your torpedo after firing (very limited). You are also given assess to a deck gun when surfaced. The camera is probably the worst I've seen in any game. You would expect the camera to rotate 360 degrees but this is not the case. This makes it particularly difficult when expected to navigate a mine field where you can't move the camera to see the mines you are supposed to maneuver around.

The worst part of the game is the lack of action and the slow going lull between the spotty action you do get. I was able to play through the first couple of missions before finally calling it quicks. The actual game play controls are doable but the limited battle situations makes it difficult having the patience to wait through moving slowly and stealthily from one place to another or waiting for the ships that did detect you to go away (yeah the A.I. is really dumb). I have a hard spot wasting the limited game play time I allow myself sitting and doing nothing.

So I would definitely not recommend this game. I could see this game working really well on a hand held gaming system but on the XBOX 360 it seems like a complete waste. If you are really looking for a fun naval battle game try Battlestations: Pacific.