Help, on all three fronts.

Training.

I had my Brother-in-law help me move our elliptical from the garage to the upstairs room, next to the master bedroom, while he was in town for Christmas. It's been living in the garage since we moved, 3.5yrs ago. 

Why?

Because the damn thing weights so damn much, that's why. DAMN!

Seriously, it has to weigh about 250lbs+ fully assembled. If you take off the arms and feet, it probably drops 50lbs. Doesn't seem like all that much, until you start carrying the thing up the stairs. I was seriously gassed by the time we got it up there. It's all good though, now that I have an alternative to running when the weather (or other factors) aren't cooperating, just like yesterday/today. 

With family stuff finally winding down, and some time to relax before my wife went back to work, we had some quiet time watching a movie (Silver Linings Playbook) on the couch while the kids napped. I would've rather gotten in my run, but my wife really needed a couple relaxing hours. I was ok with it, since I knew that even if I didn't get my run in Sunday, I could just get up Monday and run OR use the elliptical before the kids woke up. So I got up, and did 30min while a snow storm was blowing in, and the kids were cozy in their beds. It was actually harder than the run would've been. Intervals on an elliptical can really be a killer!

Brewing.

I'm excited to say that I have FINALLY ordered the Blichmann Tower of Power control module!!!

I held off ordering it when I bought the Top Tier stand and burners and kettles last year. I wanted to see if it was really needed when doing direct fire RIMS (recirculating infusion mash system) brewing. Here is my short answer, it isn't. BUT, I was screwing up my mash temps by overshooting them more often than not. I also had to babysit the mash the whole time. So, I asked for a gift card as a Christmas present from my brother-in-law and his wife. They came through, and I ordered it the next day. I can't wait for it to come in, so I can get it set up and brew again. It's been a few months since I have brewed, and I've got several recipes at the ready. It'll be nice to have the mechanized help with mash temps!

Kids.

Christmas was pretty fun this year. With our kids being 3.5 and almost 2 years old, and having cousins ages 4, 2 and a little under 1, it was crazy!!! They all had a ton of fun running around playing and fighting over whatever the other one had... typical. Opening presents was still a bit of a cluster, but they kinda get it, and said "thank you" when reminded to. I just keep thinking how much fun it'll be in the next few years, while Santa is still real, and the presents are still toys that make the kids go crazy. It's also nice when you have a whole house full of family that can help keep tabs on all the kids. I can sit and have a few drinks while talking with other adults, most of the time. 

Cheers,

Kurt