Beers and Biking (not at the same time)

Palmer and I are on an epic mission, one which will test our reserves of strength and likely cause much heartbreak. We are trying to make ourselves like IPAs. Neither of us have ever been IPA drinkers, and have avoided beers whose descriptions include "hop finish" and the like. But after a tour of the Heavy Seas brewery in Baltimore, we realized that this was severely limiting our beer choices. Hops apparently make the beer (along with malt, obvs) and by removing them from consideration we were missing out on some interesting beers. So. Hops! We started easy, with the Heavy Seas Loose Cannon. We'd liked it on the tour, and so bought some a few days later. We liked it then, too. We've since tried some other beers, including Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, and as of right now, the 90 Minute IPA. I won't say they are my favorite beers ever- but they're alright. It probably helps that we're drinking them out of glasses instead of the bottle (so adult of us!) as that apparently allows the beer to breathe and our sense of smell to prepare us for the taste. We'll see how this goes. At the very least, we'll get to try some interesting beers along the way.

Along with much of the US, Maryland has been in the midst of an extreme cold snap. Despite these frigid climes, I've still been biking to work. I finally have the opportunity to wear my windproof pants! They've helped immensely, though it is obviously still quite chilly on the bike. The past few days I've also added long underwear into the mix- the first day because it was super cold, and then the past two days because I got a massive rip in my jeans and don't want to flash my bits around before I can buy a new pair.

Speaking of, I have new jeans! Two pairs, hopefully they'll last a bit longer if I alternate them. I also got a new pair of sneakers, as my old ones had developed a crack in the sole, and were starting to hurt my feet.

We went out to Glen Echo today to walk around and evaluate it as a possible location for The Wedding. It is pretty, and art deco, and I think it could be awesome. As with any outdoor location, we are gambling on the weather. But, at the very least, the pavilion has plastic sides that can be pulled down, and we can rent heaters in case of cold. We'll need to talk to caterers and get some estimates to make sure that we can stay within budget, but we're very hopeful. Plus, Glen Echo has a carousel that you can rent! So cross your fingers. If we get this venue, then the rest of the planning can actually begin!

I think thats about it. Currently reading Catch-22, and liking it, though it is slow going. My new job officially begins next week, lets hope I don't crash and burn. Ciao!