Welcome to ChrisLail.net

Hey folks.  Hope all is well.  We had a great time last night at Celebrate Fairfax (Fairfax County’s annual Fair.)  We got there a little late, Blues Traveler went on about 8 and we got there about 8:15.  They were singing “Mulling It Over” when we got to the stage.  The turnout was very poor because of the weather, but John Popper and the boys played like there was 25,000 folks watching.  They sang their classics, “Runaround,” “Hook,” “Carolina Blues, “Crystal Flame,” and some new ones.  It was a good show.

We got there and immediately went looking for the Turkey Legs.

MMMMM Turkey Leg

They were so tasty.  The beer wasn’t bad either.  I had a hefeweizen from Star Hill brewery and didn’t really like it.  I then switched to the Landshark Lager from Jimmy Buffet’s company.  Landshark is ok, reminds me a little of Corona which I hate.  Oh well, for 4 bucks for a 16 ounce cup you can’t beat it.

After the show we got our funnel cake to go and headed to see “The Hangover.”  The show was sold out so we waited for the 12:05am showing in the Director’s Hall at Fairfax Corner.  We had to kill time so why not head over to Uncle Julio’s or whatever it’s called for some margaritas.  The movie was crazy funny and we all enjoyed it.  I’m really tired, but I have so much to do today, housework, then a wedding at 2:30pm.

Have a great weekend folks.

Well it has been a little while since I updated anything on here and I don’t want to do that.  I started to post a review of the new Microsoft Bing the other day then got sidetracked.  I’ll try to post that soon.  Anyway, I’m really busy with work and life and loving every bit of it.

I’m excited about starting to market our software product EMX very soon.  We decided to do some enhancements and add some new features before we go to market.  It’s going to be a killer tool for many in the building maintenance industry.  Along with these enhancements, we have a ton of other work.  I’m currently helping a client redesign their website while adding some really cool javascript features that is going to make their project portfolio sparkle.

Life other than work is really good.  I just celebrated my 30th birthday with my wonderful girlfriend Christin, some of our friends, and family.  We went to Charlestown Races and Slots for the day to lose some money.  I lost about $100 so I wasn’t too happy, but the last time I went I won $700 so I can’t be too mad.  It was really fun teaching the beginners the ins and outs of playing the ponies.  They all enjoyed themselves and were excited to win a few races.

Christin took me yesterday to get my birthday present from Ikea.  We got some new furniture for our bedroom.  We actually have matching furniture for a change in our bedroom.  I moved our 32″ HDTV up to the bedroom today, and have some shelves to hang up and we will be done I think.

I started painting my office today.  I’ll post some before and after pictures soon.  It shouldn’t take more than a few hours to paint.

I’m ready for the rain to move out.  I feel like I’m living in Seattle or something.  Well that’s it for now.  I should be able to post more next week.  I really want to get the review of Microsoft Bling and Google’s new “Wave” up.  I may post some of my web design “tricks” as well if I have time.

I’m really excited about Jake and Magan coming up this coming weekend.  Jake is one of my best friends and it will be nice to spend a few days with him and his new wife.  Checking out an Orioles game on Saturday and I’m playing tour guide on Sunday in DC.

Take care folks and have a great weekend.

Jake Fox looks to be your typical Indianan farm boy checking in at 5-11 210.  The Cubs could no longer keep the power hitter down at AAA Iowa where he has been on a tear this year.  Before his call up Jake was hitting .423 with 17 home runs and 50 rbi’s…in only 40 games!  Jake was a third round selection in the 2003 MLB draft and played for the University of Michigan.  The Cubs have been struggling trying to find a spot for the talented multi-position

Jake Fox at AAA Iowa

slugger.  He has played left, right, third, first, and even catcher in the minors this year in hopes of a call up.

With Aramis Ramirez injured I’m sure you’ll see Mr. Fox in the starting lineup at 3rd very soon.  Today he was 1-1 with an RBI double in his 2009 debut.  He was 2-14 last season during his September callup.  Here’s to Jake sticking and bringing that same big bat to the Cubbies.

Thai Basil's Pork Satay

Last night Christin and I along with about 20 of her family members went to celebrate the May birthdays at one of our favorite restauraunts, Thai Basil.  We have been going here for years and loved every visit.  The chef Nongkran Daks has built a reputation as one of the areas best Thai chefs.  Her specialty dish is her Pad Thai that I’ve had and it was good.  My favorite dish is number 52 (I can’t remember the name) which is a wonderful Thai beef stew with 17 different spices.  I may have a new favorite now!  I tried her Pineapple curry with coconut milk with Shrimp.  Oh man was it tasty.  I got it as a number 2 spice (they let you choose your level of spice from 1-4) and it was a perfect blend of spice and sweetness.  At $11.95 for a dinner plate this has to be one of the cheapest high quality meals in Fairfax.

Nongkran was recently challenged to a “Throwdown” with Bobby Flay on the Food Network and she smoked him.  The episode re-airs on the Food Network on June 3rd and 4th.  This place is located off Lee Highway in Fairfax/Chantilly.  It is tucked away in a stip mall near the new Target shopping center.  If you are travelling west on 50, you will pass the new Target shopping center then make a U-turn where the 7-11 is.  The restauraunt is in that shopping center with Minerva (a wonderful Indian restauraunt) and Picante.