Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Finally committed to the standing desk

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I finally decided to get a propper stand up desk instead of the cobbled together one I've been using for a long time now.  As tall as I am my only real option was to build one.  

Tabletop is a reclaimed pine dining tabletop (which was made from reclaimed lumber from a railroad somewhere).  Legs are premium grade 4x4 douglas fir and the braces are kiln dried 2x4 white wood.  Used pocket holes to screw everything together, the carriage bolts of for decoration only.  Sanded it as smooth as I had patience for and stained it black to give it a rough carved, yet modern look.  

The surge protector, computer and external hard drives are mounted to the bottom side of the tabletop.  I put clips on the back of the legs and braces to secure all the wiring.  I need to get a few longer cables and wires to make it just perfect.  A 4-port USB hub is all that shows of the equipment underneath.  I use a wireless mouse and keyboard.  Monitors are mounted to the wall with articulating arms at eye-level (MY eye level).  

Its a standing desk so obviously most the time I stand, but sitting from time to time is important.  The chair is from Sam's Club and the seat base is adjusted all the way up (31.25 inches).  I used to just sit on an old bar stool that was too short if I needed a rest.  This is much nicer and I can plant myself if I'm in for a long day or night.  

Is This For Real?

Read the article.

Is this written with a dose of hyperbole or is this something that should be taken very seriously?  If you look around its not hard to believe that this has some teeth and could get out of control.

Right now in my town I can grow my own food, I can have chickens for eggs and I can even keep bees - all in suburbia.  I am free to give away or trade these goods for other goods or services I may need.  I cannot butcher my chickens, I cannot have anything that would produce milk in any form and I certainly cannot sell any of my stuff to anyone without a lawyer.  I can live with most of that and the stuff I can't, I just don't need to let anyone know I did it.

In the future will I have to get a permit to grow food in my yard?  Will I have to show proof of purchase of the seeds I used?  All in the name of food safety?  What will this get us?

In almost every single issue we face together creating rules and then expending resources to impose those rules creates an ignorant, dependent population.  Education to an end of self reliance and critically thinking through our choices makes for a strong and capable population able to survive greater adversity.

Bring back home economics and make food education and family economics a foundational educational value or we can just keep doing what we're doing.

 

New Bike: Kona Ute

I've made an addition to my stable.  I picked up this 2009 Kona Ute (uu-tay) right around the time Daley was born.  I picked it up over Labor Day weekend.  In some towns this bike could replace a car.  It can carry two kids and a few groceries or a lot of groceries with no kids.  Its also great for a quick ride to the park.  These pictures were taken this morning after getting the bike tuned up and the child seat and the pannier bags set up.  

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A few hours later it was time for a trip to Target for a weekly (maybe week and a half) grocery run.  Went alone and brought a duffle bag to strap to the deck.  I stuffed the panniers and used maybe half the duffle bag.  The bike handles like a dream lightly loaded with a child and a few items.  Heavy laden its a little more of a handful.

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Daley's Birthday (Update)

Here are a few more pictures from the day.  Daley woke up a little and spent some time using her eyes to check out the world.  I have to say I think she's pretty beautiful.  I'm a lucky dad to have a couple of pretty daughters.

Daley also met Oma today.  Just for a few minutes then she was ready for another nap.

Everyone is doing well.  Daley is turning out to be a good eater and a great sleeper (so far)

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.  Christy is getting some rest and I'm take the opportunity to lay down flat on the couch in our room and close my eyes.