I'm probably not that much different from ya'll. I login, check my email, surf some blogs, catch up on some celebrity gossip, check some more blogs. Then I check my email again, just to be sure I don't miss anything. You know, like a really good email from Orbitz or something.
If it's the weekend, I go on a walk or a bike ride. Most likely I collapse in a heap on the sofa and graze some catalogues, leaf through some magazines. Maybe read a chapter or two from a novel. Then if I'm really bored, I'll turn on the tube and graze through the fantastic five: TLC, Discovery, HGTV, FoodTV and E! If I get hooked on I Love the 90's or 80's or a fantasy fest of the Girls Next Door, forget about it. My day is done. I am glued until I fall asleep or have a snack and then fall asleep.
So, in reality, I can create. But mostly I consume. Yep, I am a consumer. No fantastic artwork, no magazine article, no outstanding first novel. I guess it's not that big a deal. Most people are 100 percent consumers. It ticks through my brain occasionally....most likely because I used to create. It was my job, I got paid to do it. But I did things, there is a record of things I did. There are even a few "monuments" to my creation.
Isn't it funny how things cycle through your brain? Maybe it's because Thursday is a "blue moon" or maybe because it's the beginning of Summer. Who knows? What do you think??
5.21.2007
mountain bikes are cool too!
3 weeks ago DD and I go on a quick bike ride. It was clear and windless. It's probably a bit cold too, I actually wear pants over my cycling shorts. We need to be outside on a bike so badly that we go despite the cold. My knee has been "acting up" so I take it pretty easy. Everything is good until the way back. We hit just the tiniest bit of a slope, a bit of a head wind and I drop way back. I actually beg DD to let me draft for the rest of the ride.
No stamina or endurance. My knee feels strangely weak and a little bit wobbly. When I stand up to pedal I feel SHARP pain. Not a good combination on my 2007 Inaugural Outdoor Bike Ride.
(Insert Wayne's World "funny, way back, remember when sound...dodooloodo....dodooloodooo...here)
Cut back to May last year. My knee was sore, swollen and would not bend past 90 degrees. Stairs were a bitch. Sleeping on my back or stomach was uncomfortable.....you get the idea, it's not a pretty.
I marched off to my orthopaedic "surgeon". We Xrayed, we MRI'd. Diagnosis was that I had arthritis under my patella and that was the cause of the pain and swelling. The course of action was to rest, let pain be my guide and all it would all eventually "go away".
I rest. I baby it. I ice it. Then I train during late summer and fall. DD and I complete El Tour de Tucson. Then we get the real training bug and start intervals with the evil Coach Troy in January. Somewhere in Jan or Feb, I do something to my knee. It swells up like some horrible alien sucking the life from what was formerly my knee. I stop training.
Time for a 2 nd Opinion. Lets just start by saying that Dr. Wayne is the bomb. I have a diagnosis I trust. I am getting physical therapy. My knee seems to be improving a tiny bit every day. What's really up with my knee? When I bend it, my patella ends up on the Outside the joint. So in other words, my knee cap is not "tracking" right.
I need something easy to do, something pain free. But I crave the sweat and endorphins of a tough work out. I remember my sweet, beat up but friendly mountain bike. We go for the same ride that was unsuccessful 3 weeks ago and it is a huge success. 10 miles today! The only pain is that of unused muscles in my legs and a few twinges on my "sit bones".
YAHTZEE!!
Sometimes a little change of scenery, a change of equipment, and some targeted therapy is all that you need to get rollin' again.
No stamina or endurance. My knee feels strangely weak and a little bit wobbly. When I stand up to pedal I feel SHARP pain. Not a good combination on my 2007 Inaugural Outdoor Bike Ride.
(Insert Wayne's World "funny, way back, remember when sound...dodooloodo....dodooloodooo...here)
Cut back to May last year. My knee was sore, swollen and would not bend past 90 degrees. Stairs were a bitch. Sleeping on my back or stomach was uncomfortable.....you get the idea, it's not a pretty.
I marched off to my orthopaedic "surgeon". We Xrayed, we MRI'd. Diagnosis was that I had arthritis under my patella and that was the cause of the pain and swelling. The course of action was to rest, let pain be my guide and all it would all eventually "go away".
I rest. I baby it. I ice it. Then I train during late summer and fall. DD and I complete El Tour de Tucson. Then we get the real training bug and start intervals with the evil Coach Troy in January. Somewhere in Jan or Feb, I do something to my knee. It swells up like some horrible alien sucking the life from what was formerly my knee. I stop training.
Time for a 2 nd Opinion. Lets just start by saying that Dr. Wayne is the bomb. I have a diagnosis I trust. I am getting physical therapy. My knee seems to be improving a tiny bit every day. What's really up with my knee? When I bend it, my patella ends up on the Outside the joint. So in other words, my knee cap is not "tracking" right.
I need something easy to do, something pain free. But I crave the sweat and endorphins of a tough work out. I remember my sweet, beat up but friendly mountain bike. We go for the same ride that was unsuccessful 3 weeks ago and it is a huge success. 10 miles today! The only pain is that of unused muscles in my legs and a few twinges on my "sit bones".
YAHTZEE!!
Sometimes a little change of scenery, a change of equipment, and some targeted therapy is all that you need to get rollin' again.
5.02.2007
secret getaway #369
Yay, I love surprises! DD took me for a little getaway weekend to Mercer County, PA. OK, I probably would not have gone had I known it was in Mercer....but it really was marvelous.
We had planned to go visit Mom of DD and Howdy and hang out for some family time. The night before, I was planning on crashing early in my own bed. Then up early and drive to Piksburke.
That's not exactly what happened.
On Friday, we went to Sharon, PA and checked into a fabulous B & B. It is a huge stone mansion right on the main drag. DD had reserved the Tropical Nights room. It was a lovely room with a huge hot tub in the room, a luxurious bath and fantastic view of the gardens and conservatory.
While enjoying our champagne reception, the host, Amy was kind enough to call and order our dinner. Two antipasta salads and pepperoni pizza from Aldo's, which we ate in our room with glasses of red wine. Very romantic. Very relaxing.
Wonderful night's sleep in a huge four poster bed with one thousand pillows....a huge breakfast of steak and eggs, omelettes and fresh fruit all topped off by a huge pot of coffee. I spent about an hour in the spa steaming and sauna-ing and then having an invigorating "monsoon" shower. Why it is always so pleasant and easy to get cleaned up in a spa? Probably because you don't have to take any "get ready" items of your own. Also because there is no possible way I can be distracted by needing to scrub the tub, throw in another load of laundry or clean the cat box while I perform my ablutions. I love having no distractions!
Now, if the mansion B & B, the pizza dinner and fabulous spa are not enough, just wait for the this.
Sharon is home to Duffin's Chocolate AND the World's Largest Shoe Store. As a matter of fact, the B & B is situated in between these two fabulous attractions. Heaven, absolute Heaven! DD and I practiced some retail therapy. We bought about 3 pounds of assorted hand made chocolate and a pound or two of "penny candy". Then we were off to Reyer's from some much anticipated shoe shopping. Somehow we got away with only buying 3 pairs of shoes....one pair for me and two for DD.
In a nutshell, I find Mercer County surprising exciting, scenic with some serious doses of history and antiques. If Sharon was without the shoe store and chocolate shop, I'd probably still go back. With them, additional visits are ensured!!
Maybe even the occasional sales trip to Sharon is warranted. It is in my sales territory!!
We had planned to go visit Mom of DD and Howdy and hang out for some family time. The night before, I was planning on crashing early in my own bed. Then up early and drive to Piksburke.
That's not exactly what happened.
On Friday, we went to Sharon, PA and checked into a fabulous B & B. It is a huge stone mansion right on the main drag. DD had reserved the Tropical Nights room. It was a lovely room with a huge hot tub in the room, a luxurious bath and fantastic view of the gardens and conservatory.
While enjoying our champagne reception, the host, Amy was kind enough to call and order our dinner. Two antipasta salads and pepperoni pizza from Aldo's, which we ate in our room with glasses of red wine. Very romantic. Very relaxing.
Wonderful night's sleep in a huge four poster bed with one thousand pillows....a huge breakfast of steak and eggs, omelettes and fresh fruit all topped off by a huge pot of coffee. I spent about an hour in the spa steaming and sauna-ing and then having an invigorating "monsoon" shower. Why it is always so pleasant and easy to get cleaned up in a spa? Probably because you don't have to take any "get ready" items of your own. Also because there is no possible way I can be distracted by needing to scrub the tub, throw in another load of laundry or clean the cat box while I perform my ablutions. I love having no distractions!
Now, if the mansion B & B, the pizza dinner and fabulous spa are not enough, just wait for the this.
Sharon is home to Duffin's Chocolate AND the World's Largest Shoe Store. As a matter of fact, the B & B is situated in between these two fabulous attractions. Heaven, absolute Heaven! DD and I practiced some retail therapy. We bought about 3 pounds of assorted hand made chocolate and a pound or two of "penny candy". Then we were off to Reyer's from some much anticipated shoe shopping. Somehow we got away with only buying 3 pairs of shoes....one pair for me and two for DD.
In a nutshell, I find Mercer County surprising exciting, scenic with some serious doses of history and antiques. If Sharon was without the shoe store and chocolate shop, I'd probably still go back. With them, additional visits are ensured!!
Maybe even the occasional sales trip to Sharon is warranted. It is in my sales territory!!
4.25.2007
Spring might have sprung!
Sorry I haven't posted in what seems like years. I almost forgot how to login!
Really busy running around, selling things, trying to do laundry, cook dinner and work out. It all seems to get 90 percent done....then sometimes I just crash and nap for two or three days.
I'll start from last weekend and work back.
I went to Columbus this weekend for some much needed and anticipated family time. Then, as a bonus, got to have some pretty hard core Ground Hog Time.
I stayed with Grandma of HellPellet on Friday nite. I took she and her boyfriend to dinner at Golden Corral. First thing, I would normally never go to Golden Corral. Second thing, my Grandma has a boyfriend. The two go freakishly hand in hand. Grandma's boyfriend is very particular about what he eats. He says he likes to go to buffets so if he is not satisfied with his food, he can go back and get a 2nd, 3rd or 10th plate of something else. So, Golden Corral it is.
My Grandmother is going to be 90 years old this fall. Yep, 90!! She has a boyfriend. Scary. She hangs out with someone who is not my Grandfather. Grandpa, who incidentally hung the moon, passed about 7 years ago. I still really miss him and I really can't see her with anyone else.
So, the combo Boyfriend-Golden-Corral-Outing was pretty much a success. Bob liked his food, Grandma had a good time, liked her food. My food: no comment. I bet the breakfast buffet might be a better bet next time.
On to visit Juan, Wilfredo and Mary May.....
we had planned to go see Lucinda Williams on Saturday nite. Juan had experienced trouble getting tickets for the show from the TicketBastard phone lines, so we trotted down to the venue to plunk down our cash for tickeys. The ticket windows weren't open. I slowly read the sign that said the windows "are open at noon on the day of a show" Something was wrong, but I couldn't figure it out.
I slowly back away from the window with a quizzed look on my face. I stare at the Marquee...
It says....
April 20 Lucinda Williams
April 21 Upper Arlington High School Prom
Juan swoops by in the Lexus, I jump in. I grab my phone and check the date. It says April 21, 2007. We missed the concert by a day. It's a crazy world we live in when I don't know the date, Juan can't get thru on the Ticket Line, and the original planner, Tam, doesn't know the date either. Shit. We were all looking forward to it, too.
We should have just gone ahead and crashed the UAHS prom, don't you think?
Really busy running around, selling things, trying to do laundry, cook dinner and work out. It all seems to get 90 percent done....then sometimes I just crash and nap for two or three days.
I'll start from last weekend and work back.
I went to Columbus this weekend for some much needed and anticipated family time. Then, as a bonus, got to have some pretty hard core Ground Hog Time.
I stayed with Grandma of HellPellet on Friday nite. I took she and her boyfriend to dinner at Golden Corral. First thing, I would normally never go to Golden Corral. Second thing, my Grandma has a boyfriend. The two go freakishly hand in hand. Grandma's boyfriend is very particular about what he eats. He says he likes to go to buffets so if he is not satisfied with his food, he can go back and get a 2nd, 3rd or 10th plate of something else. So, Golden Corral it is.
My Grandmother is going to be 90 years old this fall. Yep, 90!! She has a boyfriend. Scary. She hangs out with someone who is not my Grandfather. Grandpa, who incidentally hung the moon, passed about 7 years ago. I still really miss him and I really can't see her with anyone else.
So, the combo Boyfriend-Golden-Corral-Outing was pretty much a success. Bob liked his food, Grandma had a good time, liked her food. My food: no comment. I bet the breakfast buffet might be a better bet next time.
On to visit Juan, Wilfredo and Mary May.....
we had planned to go see Lucinda Williams on Saturday nite. Juan had experienced trouble getting tickets for the show from the TicketBastard phone lines, so we trotted down to the venue to plunk down our cash for tickeys. The ticket windows weren't open. I slowly read the sign that said the windows "are open at noon on the day of a show" Something was wrong, but I couldn't figure it out.
I slowly back away from the window with a quizzed look on my face. I stare at the Marquee...
It says....
April 20 Lucinda Williams
April 21 Upper Arlington High School Prom
Juan swoops by in the Lexus, I jump in. I grab my phone and check the date. It says April 21, 2007. We missed the concert by a day. It's a crazy world we live in when I don't know the date, Juan can't get thru on the Ticket Line, and the original planner, Tam, doesn't know the date either. Shit. We were all looking forward to it, too.
We should have just gone ahead and crashed the UAHS prom, don't you think?
3.05.2007
Hello Coach Troy!!
After multiple weeks of inactivity, it's time to get back on the bike. Yep. I mean it this time!
DD and I went to the Cuyahoga Valley Loop yesterday morning to run SAG for the TNT Lake Tahoe team. We finally reached the Valley after a slick, snow covered 45 minute car trip. Our coach was sitting in his warm car wearing jeans and work boots. No ride for the team, no ride for the coach, no SAG for the boopies.
Our partner in TNT crime, Mercedes, was also there, geared up in her running stuff. Who wants to run when it's 22 degrees, windy and snowing sideways? Apparently she did. Lucky for her, we talked her out of it. We greeted several other team members who were crazy enough to show up for the ride...and sent them all home. "Go train inside. Or go take a nap.... " we said.
OK, if it wasn't obvious before, I'll admit, I am no Jill Homer. See her blog. She is a crazy cyclist who loves to ride in horrific conditions. I was pretty sure that DD and I would be training outside this winter but then we foiund the luxury and warmth of doing interval training inside! Yep, climate controlled, no precipitation, no side winds blowing us off the trail.
Don't get me wrong, I am jones-ing to be outside riding. But I am really longing to be outside at a temperature somewhere above freezing. Just call me a candy-ass, because I am.
DD and I went to the Cuyahoga Valley Loop yesterday morning to run SAG for the TNT Lake Tahoe team. We finally reached the Valley after a slick, snow covered 45 minute car trip. Our coach was sitting in his warm car wearing jeans and work boots. No ride for the team, no ride for the coach, no SAG for the boopies.
Our partner in TNT crime, Mercedes, was also there, geared up in her running stuff. Who wants to run when it's 22 degrees, windy and snowing sideways? Apparently she did. Lucky for her, we talked her out of it. We greeted several other team members who were crazy enough to show up for the ride...and sent them all home. "Go train inside. Or go take a nap.... " we said.
OK, if it wasn't obvious before, I'll admit, I am no Jill Homer. See her blog. She is a crazy cyclist who loves to ride in horrific conditions. I was pretty sure that DD and I would be training outside this winter but then we foiund the luxury and warmth of doing interval training inside! Yep, climate controlled, no precipitation, no side winds blowing us off the trail.
Don't get me wrong, I am jones-ing to be outside riding. But I am really longing to be outside at a temperature somewhere above freezing. Just call me a candy-ass, because I am.
2.26.2007
holy hawaii Batman!
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Sales contests are cool. Actually, they're only cool if you win them.
Yep, I am one of the winners of President's Circle 2006. No, I did not have to make it thru 2006 Circles of Hell. No, I didn't have to "do" the President. I just had to sell a lot and at the same time, not lose a lot.
So, what does President's Club entail? 5 days and nites in sunny, beautiful Kauai. No shit, Kauai.
Just one of my top 5 favorite places in the world. So, needless to say, I am pretty wound up about it. We are actually going to stay an extra 2 days... so we can have some fun by ourselves.
Here's the scoop....
When: March 22 thru 29
Where: Princeville Resort, Kauai, Hawaii
Who: Only the cool people
Why: Because I treaded lightly thru at least 5 or 6 Circles of Sales Hell and somehow kept my base of business together
I'll keep you posted on the plans and how it all goes...
2.18.2007
One moment please while we process your request
Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Here's what I have been doing....
just have not been really motivated to write.
1. Celebrated Ground Hog's Day with another rousing weekend house party. This time the party was held at Juan and Wilfredo's pad.
2. Participated in a week long send off of one of our close friends. He is moving to N. California to live with his girlfriend.
3. Got a horrendous cold that lasted two weeks.
4. Put a temporary hold on indoor interval training. The cold coupled with a sore, swollen knee has put the kibosh on training for a while.
5. Read 10 or so books, 800 magazines and watched 45 movies.
6. Enjoyed a Friday nite party with Skinny Moo at the fabled Greenville Inn.
just have not been really motivated to write.
1. Celebrated Ground Hog's Day with another rousing weekend house party. This time the party was held at Juan and Wilfredo's pad.
2. Participated in a week long send off of one of our close friends. He is moving to N. California to live with his girlfriend.
3. Got a horrendous cold that lasted two weeks.
4. Put a temporary hold on indoor interval training. The cold coupled with a sore, swollen knee has put the kibosh on training for a while.
5. Read 10 or so books, 800 magazines and watched 45 movies.
6. Enjoyed a Friday nite party with Skinny Moo at the fabled Greenville Inn.
1.22.2007
Blue Monday
According to Dr Cliff Arnall, today is the most depressing day of the year. Dr. Arnall is a psychologist and former tutor at Cardiff University. Being the little smarty pants that he is, he has used mathematical equations to reach his verdict.
There are many reasons it's supposed to be so blue. First things first, our holiday spending (or credit carding) has probably caught up with us. We still continue to go to work when it's dark and then drive home when it's dark. We've also broken most if not all of our New Year's resolutions. You know what? I don't need no stinkin' mathematical equations to tell me I should be blue today. The reasons above are enough.
But wait, I'm not really blue today. I have a little case of "Damn, it's Monday. I'm having a hard time getting going". But it's certainly not a case of the "knock down-haul me off to bed now" blues.
So, check in with me folks...how is your Blue Monday? Blue? Deep Marine Blue? I can't get out of bed, Midnight Blue?
In the meantime, here's some internet fun to possibly cheer you....
There are many reasons it's supposed to be so blue. First things first, our holiday spending (or credit carding) has probably caught up with us. We still continue to go to work when it's dark and then drive home when it's dark. We've also broken most if not all of our New Year's resolutions. You know what? I don't need no stinkin' mathematical equations to tell me I should be blue today. The reasons above are enough.
But wait, I'm not really blue today. I have a little case of "Damn, it's Monday. I'm having a hard time getting going". But it's certainly not a case of the "knock down-haul me off to bed now" blues.
So, check in with me folks...how is your Blue Monday? Blue? Deep Marine Blue? I can't get out of bed, Midnight Blue?
In the meantime, here's some internet fun to possibly cheer you....
1.05.2007
Did we really??
OK, another post about bikes. Gets kind of monotonous, huh? Probably almost as "one tracked" as Uncle Crappy with all his Buckeye Goodness.
Anyway, did DrunkDude and I really ride 109 miles in the desert about a month ago? Are you sure? I'm pretty sure too.
Well, we're spinning inside now. We got workout DVD's for Christmas. The photo above is our "coach", Troy. He is absolutely crushing us. We are doing 45 minute sets of intervals every day and are both crippled. As in, "Sweetie, can you give me a hand? I can't freakin' walk!"
I have to lower myself down the stairs at our house. One. Step. At. A. Time. After sitting for a while I have to hoist myself up with my arms and abdominal muscles. That's because my legs give out on me about halfway thru.
All this training goodness is in response to our problems and ridiculous slowness in the hills of Tucson. Really, I'm pretty embarassed by my performance on the ride. Yeah, I know. I know. We rode freakin' 109 miles, in the desert, in the blazing sun, while it was 90 degrees. Still, I pretty much sucked much of that day.
Just can't wait for tomorrow's training tape. It's called Mental Toughness. Yikes. I'll let you know how that goes. That is if my quads don't explode!
Anyway, did DrunkDude and I really ride 109 miles in the desert about a month ago? Are you sure? I'm pretty sure too.
Well, we're spinning inside now. We got workout DVD's for Christmas. The photo above is our "coach", Troy. He is absolutely crushing us. We are doing 45 minute sets of intervals every day and are both crippled. As in, "Sweetie, can you give me a hand? I can't freakin' walk!"
I have to lower myself down the stairs at our house. One. Step. At. A. Time. After sitting for a while I have to hoist myself up with my arms and abdominal muscles. That's because my legs give out on me about halfway thru.
All this training goodness is in response to our problems and ridiculous slowness in the hills of Tucson. Really, I'm pretty embarassed by my performance on the ride. Yeah, I know. I know. We rode freakin' 109 miles, in the desert, in the blazing sun, while it was 90 degrees. Still, I pretty much sucked much of that day.
Just can't wait for tomorrow's training tape. It's called Mental Toughness. Yikes. I'll let you know how that goes. That is if my quads don't explode!
12.26.2006
Birthday Lovin' Part Deux
DD's Birthday Present: The Best Ever
What: Steelers Game, DD's first one in the new Heinz Field
When: December 24th 1 pm
Who: Stillers vs. Ravens
Details: Tickets bought on Ebay, nose bleed seats behind the team. Not a bad seat in the house. Price included parking pass in the A #1 lot at the field. Schweet.
Other particulars:
- Stillers play just a little bit better than the Browns usually do, but lose the game.
- I cheered like a total lunatic for Ben. Even cheered for the Stillers a bit. Mostly because I hate the Ravens.
- Were able to buy Penn Pilsner or Yuengling on tap at the bottom of the shoot to our section.
- If I decide to buy additional Stillers tickets next season, the thrill will not get old.
12.23.2006
full of Christmassy Goodness
err... due to technical difficulties beyond our control, hellpellet is unable to broadcast in the proper "politically correct" fashion today.
Yep, ladies and gentlemen, it's Christmas. What? A Christmas Tree? Christmas Presents? Christmas Cookies? Christmas Cards? Christmas Carols?
Nope, no "holidays" here. No holiday tree, no holiday vacation. Christmas. Santa Claus. Away in a Manger. All that Christmassy Goodness.
Why the rant? I got my first E-card today that didn't even stoop to a "Happy Holidays" or even "Seasons Greetings". It said "Have a great Winter Season!"
Even worse, it came from someone in California, where it is usually never winter. Or at least it's not a real winter. Is the "Winter Season Card" person taunting us for having winter in the Midwest? Or are they just dropping the PC Christmas handle of the year on us? Is it a holiday tree? Or is it just a Winter Tree?
Maybe we should just stick with the tried and true complete scouring and bleaching of any holiday or celebration: Festivus.
Happy Frickin' Festivus!!
I'm down with that. How 'bout you?
Small print: No animals, Santa Clauses or elves or even Babes in a Manger were harmed in the posting of this blog. Only recycled materials were used in the manufacture and mailing of this Season's Holiday Cards.
Yep, ladies and gentlemen, it's Christmas. What? A Christmas Tree? Christmas Presents? Christmas Cookies? Christmas Cards? Christmas Carols?
Nope, no "holidays" here. No holiday tree, no holiday vacation. Christmas. Santa Claus. Away in a Manger. All that Christmassy Goodness.
Why the rant? I got my first E-card today that didn't even stoop to a "Happy Holidays" or even "Seasons Greetings". It said "Have a great Winter Season!"
Even worse, it came from someone in California, where it is usually never winter. Or at least it's not a real winter. Is the "Winter Season Card" person taunting us for having winter in the Midwest? Or are they just dropping the PC Christmas handle of the year on us? Is it a holiday tree? Or is it just a Winter Tree?
Maybe we should just stick with the tried and true complete scouring and bleaching of any holiday or celebration: Festivus.
Happy Frickin' Festivus!!
I'm down with that. How 'bout you?
Small print: No animals, Santa Clauses or elves or even Babes in a Manger were harmed in the posting of this blog. Only recycled materials were used in the manufacture and mailing of this Season's Holiday Cards.
12.18.2006
Some Birthday Lovin'
DD's birthday is Dec. 20th. I know he hates that it is so close to Christmas. He got his first Birthday/Christmas card today. He cringed.
I am really excited about what I got him for his birthday. So excited in fact that I am ready to give him his gift today.
I'll wait though. And will let you know how it goes and if he really likes his gift.
I am really excited about what I got him for his birthday. So excited in fact that I am ready to give him his gift today.
I'll wait though. And will let you know how it goes and if he really likes his gift.
12.17.2006
consumed by the evil blog
Struck by what my husband uttered today, I have fianlly decided to post. He said, and I quote, "Sometimes I find myself getting sucked in to some inane topic on the internet. I stop myself and wonder why I am wasting my time. Why am I not creating something of my own?"
Point well taken.
This past month is a combination of slogging thru work tasks, selling stuff and consuming a bunch of crap from the internet. Or as I've heard it called, "the inner nets". Nope, the crap of which I speak doesn't include the latest updates from my blog pals. John or Jill or Mrs. Kennedy. Yeah, you'd think I am personal friends with these people. How about Penny Pressed? Or Wendy McClure. Big Johnny at DrunkCyclist? Nope, I just lurk at their blogs. Occasionally I'll comment. I also surf people I actually know: Uncle Crappy and... Umm, well, you know, people I actually know, umm, they are....
OK, OK, I don't really know any of the people I read except Uncle Crappy.
The crap of which I speak is those crazy celebrity blogs. Yep. I can't get enough of Lindsey Lohan, Matthew McConnaughey and Kate Moss and her horrible crack head, smack head BF. I thought I was even ready for a Britney Spears come back. But in 10 short days I've already seen more, much more of Brit Brit than I ever needed or wanted. No come back for you, Brit. Sorry, girlfriend.
Another dirty little secret of mine. I have a really stupid, unfulfilling MySpace page. What is that you say? A MySpace page? What? Is hellpellet 25 and trolling for some internet strange?
Nope. I'm not. Ask Uncle Crappy. (he's perhaps my only internet friend who can truly vouch for me) I am a leetle bit older than 25 and am not trolling for any kind of weird internet "social" activities.
Why MySpace? I thought it would be fun. It is really just pretty lame. See note at Fashionable Chaos. I am totally on board with Penny's comments. Look at me referencing my "friend" at her blog. I have totally lost my mind.
I troll MySpace looking at horrible spelling errors, stupid animated gif's, and listening to music.
Wait! Listening to music? That's something worthwhile. Yep, that's exactly what I do on MySpace. That's all I ever do there. That explains it perfectly.
Point well taken.
This past month is a combination of slogging thru work tasks, selling stuff and consuming a bunch of crap from the internet. Or as I've heard it called, "the inner nets". Nope, the crap of which I speak doesn't include the latest updates from my blog pals. John or Jill or Mrs. Kennedy. Yeah, you'd think I am personal friends with these people. How about Penny Pressed? Or Wendy McClure. Big Johnny at DrunkCyclist? Nope, I just lurk at their blogs. Occasionally I'll comment. I also surf people I actually know: Uncle Crappy and... Umm, well, you know, people I actually know, umm, they are....
OK, OK, I don't really know any of the people I read except Uncle Crappy.
The crap of which I speak is those crazy celebrity blogs. Yep. I can't get enough of Lindsey Lohan, Matthew McConnaughey and Kate Moss and her horrible crack head, smack head BF. I thought I was even ready for a Britney Spears come back. But in 10 short days I've already seen more, much more of Brit Brit than I ever needed or wanted. No come back for you, Brit. Sorry, girlfriend.
Another dirty little secret of mine. I have a really stupid, unfulfilling MySpace page. What is that you say? A MySpace page? What? Is hellpellet 25 and trolling for some internet strange?
Nope. I'm not. Ask Uncle Crappy. (he's perhaps my only internet friend who can truly vouch for me) I am a leetle bit older than 25 and am not trolling for any kind of weird internet "social" activities.
Why MySpace? I thought it would be fun. It is really just pretty lame. See note at Fashionable Chaos. I am totally on board with Penny's comments. Look at me referencing my "friend" at her blog. I have totally lost my mind.
I troll MySpace looking at horrible spelling errors, stupid animated gif's, and listening to music.
Wait! Listening to music? That's something worthwhile. Yep, that's exactly what I do on MySpace. That's all I ever do there. That explains it perfectly.
11.28.2006
Me 'n My Uncle
Anticipating the snowfall this friday, or more likely the slushfall, I am pining away to live in Arizona. We just arrived home and I am ready for it to be unbearably shitty, grey and winterlike in Cleveland. Yep, ready for winter to start now and be like a thorn in my side until at least the end of March. Then I expect a huge, freak blizzard in April.
We really loved Tucson. It is a little bit more manageable than the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix. I also like the food better. I even like the route we took on the ride. Luckily I am not stupid enough to ever try to do that ride in its entirety until another Tour de Tucson.
****As a side note, I started this post at the end of November. It's now December 17th. We have had a few inches of snow and one blizzard since then. This is an acceptable amount of snow. But I am still pining away. sniff, sniff, snurff. I love Arizona.
We really loved Tucson. It is a little bit more manageable than the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix. I also like the food better. I even like the route we took on the ride. Luckily I am not stupid enough to ever try to do that ride in its entirety until another Tour de Tucson.
****As a side note, I started this post at the end of November. It's now December 17th. We have had a few inches of snow and one blizzard since then. This is an acceptable amount of snow. But I am still pining away. sniff, sniff, snurff. I love Arizona.
11.26.2006
To do list, El Tour de Tucson 2007
Continuous improvement is our goal here at Hellpellet Intl.
So here's a list for next year's ride.
- Buy and use a Camelback We had planned to stop 4 times, but ended up stopping 10 times to get water and Gatorade
- Train on more hilly courses
- Gain higher levels of endurance
- Take peyote at mile 30. Hell, we're in the desert, right? Redose at mile 80. That should pretty much cover us.
- Finish in less than 8 hours.
- Don't forget to take Kewyson's cell phone number. Sorry we didn't hook up in Tucson.
- Don't get 2 flat tires on the course. That plus 10 other stops = way too much course time.
- Take lots of photos. Most of the time it's about the journey, not about the finish.
El Tour es Finito
Hey guys, I have a great idea. Lets go on a 109 mile bike ride....in the desert...in 90 degree heat. Awesome, why not?
It was a beautiful day in Tucson. Completely clear, blue skies. Crisp in the morning and blazing hot by 11 am. Overall, the ride was really hard, probably much harder than I thought. Luckily I was somewhat delirious between mile 50 and 87, so I didn't notice it much.
I've never participated in such a huge athletic event. There were 8000 participants of which around 5000 started the 109 mile ride. The rest all completed shorter races, either 30, 50 or 80 miles. There was a mass start at 7 am and we were about half way back in the pack. The first 30 miles were pretty much smooth and easy. Except DD's flat tire. Our other cycling partner noticed DD was gone. I ended up turning around and riding a mile to find him.
Next was a series of rolling, uphill bumps in the road. The first part was pretty steep and I pretty much hosed my legs for about 20 minutes. So I rested a bit in the miniscule shade provided by a cactus. (see photo, next post) There is always a good for every bad, or in this case a down for every up. We raced down a series of rolling hills on Freeman Road for 2 or 3 miles, sometimes hitting 39 miles an hour! What a huge reward for my blown out muscles.
The real fun was yet to come. We had to cart our bikes over a half mile of wash right near the Canyon Ranch. It was just starting to get really hot. We knew we had a really steep uphill to get out of the canyon, and as luck had it, we also had about 8 miles of uphill through the foothills of the Catalina Mountains. Somehow we did it all, I think this is where the hallucinations set in at first.
Lucky SAG stop at mile 56. It was our non-riders from Team in Training. They had PB &J, pretzels and cookies. If they hadn't been there, I would have done "ride through" at Pollo Loco or Karl's Junior. I was just that hungry.
We still had another series of climbs and many miles to go. This series would end up equalling about another 10 miles of nearly all uphill combined with just enough flats to catch a breath or two. Somehow we did it. As I said, I'd gone a little loco. Which in hindsite was a very good thing.
Jump to the last stop at 87 miles. Somehow the rest of the team caught up with us. That would be 4 more of us. Our coach said, "You know, if we want to finish this, we better really hit it."
DD, Kate and I took off like the devil was chasing us. We averaged 16 mph over the next 22 miles. (up until then our average was around 12 mph) We went flying around some really kooky looking mountains then down Silverbell Road, which was 10 final miles of "homestretch". Right about then we had to turn on our "running" lights, because it was now completely dark. Yep, dark, as in really super dark in the desert kind of thing. We were able to follow along our 2 foot diameter pools of light. You know how you're not supposed to outpace your headlights? We were!
Finally we lurch around the last bend of Silverbell to Congress. We see a mass of flashing lights, street lights and magical fire engines. We know it's finally the finish. Our entire team, who handily kicked our asses, was waiting at the finish to cheer us on. So was my cousin and her 2 year old son. We rode to finish and we did. We rode to survive in the desert and we did. We rode to raise at least $7000 for Team in Training and we did.
11.05.2006
to do list
To Do List:
_X__ Raise $7000 for Team in Training
_X__ Schedule time off over Thanksgiving Weekend
_X__ Reserve hotel rooms in Arizona
_X__ Buy AZ/DC shirt (see www.drunkcyclist.com)
___ Get cash donation from Juan
___ Pack bikes in huge truck
___ Complete a few more short rides on Mountain Bike
___ Leave for Arizona on Nov. 16th
___ Complete the 111 mile El Tour de Tucson
So far I'm about half way through the final list in preparation for our ride. My cousin, who could be flipping her lid, sent me a two page, funny poem about our ride in two weeks. I might flip my lid over the next two weeks.
Last year I was OK, mostly because I had no idea what to expect. This year I know I can do the ride, physically. I am not so sure I can do it mentally. Really. Cold feet I guess. Iknow I will be able to work out the kinks in the first 15 to 20 miles. We'll see how it goes.
_X__ Raise $7000 for Team in Training
_X__ Schedule time off over Thanksgiving Weekend
_X__ Reserve hotel rooms in Arizona
_X__ Buy AZ/DC shirt (see www.drunkcyclist.com)
___ Get cash donation from Juan
___ Pack bikes in huge truck
___ Complete a few more short rides on Mountain Bike
___ Leave for Arizona on Nov. 16th
___ Complete the 111 mile El Tour de Tucson
So far I'm about half way through the final list in preparation for our ride. My cousin, who could be flipping her lid, sent me a two page, funny poem about our ride in two weeks. I might flip my lid over the next two weeks.
Last year I was OK, mostly because I had no idea what to expect. This year I know I can do the ride, physically. I am not so sure I can do it mentally. Really. Cold feet I guess. Iknow I will be able to work out the kinks in the first 15 to 20 miles. We'll see how it goes.
10.12.2006
on the road again
We're off to Niagara Falls this weekend. We're even taking the bikes. We've talked about taking the bikes for years now. A nice long ride down the Niagara River is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Oh, and a little more r & r too. You can really never go to resort-type areas too much. We are staying in a very nice, new hotel. It is about 2 or 3 blocks from the Casino and it has great views of the Falls. I love to see the Falls at night. Very cool. The hotel is a kind of Arts and Crafts design. Well, the lobby and public areas are very, very Arts and Crafts mixed with little bit of modern. It is comfortable and still very elegant at the same time.
I can't wait to crack open a couple of bottles of cold Canadian beer. Like I said, it's just what the doctor ordered.
Oh, and a little more r & r too. You can really never go to resort-type areas too much. We are staying in a very nice, new hotel. It is about 2 or 3 blocks from the Casino and it has great views of the Falls. I love to see the Falls at night. Very cool. The hotel is a kind of Arts and Crafts design. Well, the lobby and public areas are very, very Arts and Crafts mixed with little bit of modern. It is comfortable and still very elegant at the same time.
I can't wait to crack open a couple of bottles of cold Canadian beer. Like I said, it's just what the doctor ordered.
10.09.2006
lots of fundraising, not much cycling
Went to a fundraising party for a teamate last weekend. Gave her $50 plus some raffle ticket money. My gal, KSS, had a fundraising party two days ago. We raised about $250 in profits for the cause.
It's weird. This flurry of fundraising but no cycling to speak of. DD and I have both hit our 100% mark. We actually intend to raise $1000 more, just for giggles.
We had a bye weekend the last weekend of October and should have ridden anyway. We didn't.
I caught a cold on Friday, felt like utter shit Saturday and Sunday. No ridey this weekend. Just sleep and some painting. No ride tonite, the cold has migrated to my lungs. I break a sweat just thinking about going up the stairs.
I feel like I've lost something. I feel like we might not actually do the ride b/c we haven't ridden in almost 3 weeks. What is wrong with us??? Where am i?
It's weird. This flurry of fundraising but no cycling to speak of. DD and I have both hit our 100% mark. We actually intend to raise $1000 more, just for giggles.
We had a bye weekend the last weekend of October and should have ridden anyway. We didn't.
I caught a cold on Friday, felt like utter shit Saturday and Sunday. No ridey this weekend. Just sleep and some painting. No ride tonite, the cold has migrated to my lungs. I break a sweat just thinking about going up the stairs.
I feel like I've lost something. I feel like we might not actually do the ride b/c we haven't ridden in almost 3 weeks. What is wrong with us??? Where am i?
9.20.2006
the results are in....
left to right, "bad knee", normal kneeNotice the slight scarring on the right knee. Now I have a matched set! Results not typical, 12oo calorie daily diet and moderate exercise must be incorporated to see similar results.
- Liberal amounts of hydrogen peroxide, 75 cents
- One quarter tube polysporin, $1.25
- One container Nuprin medicated pain patches, $6.69
It's all good now. I even swept out the cobwebs and spooks last night with a ten mile ride. And I did a big old hill. Gotta get right back in the saddle or you never will!
(this is nothing compared to Big Jonny from on drunk cyclist, I am just a dumb ass. http://www.drunkcyclist.com see post on August 7 and August 9th 2006 for the details.
Makes me sound like a real whiner....)
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