Posts
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
What I have learned from this whole fiasco
I don't by any means consider myself a "worldly individual", a "philosopher" or any one who really has grounds to tell others how to live their lives... Example, this is the second time I have I should be dead. There really shouldn't be a time two. I have promised myself that there won't be a time three. But from all the bad, I know there has to be good and something that can be learned
This accident is not any different.
This accident is not any different.
- ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS Wear your helmet. I don't care about your hair, I don't care about the natural wind feeling, I don't care if it gives you funny tan lines, I don't care if other people make fun of you (if you're reading this you are very important to me and I need you around) let them get hit. A helmet has saved my life twice. I should be a poster boy for Bell, Giro, Lazer, whoever's paying. Suck it up and always wear your helmet. I will admit, they aren't super gnarls or chick getters (LIKE MY SCARS) but I'd rather you be alive than looking good on the hood of a car. Think of it this way, you're not getting made fun of for wearing a helmet, you're getting made fun of for riding a bike.
- People Matter and nurture those relationships. I was on a hot track to be a badass this year. I was honing everything, I was isolating myself and devoting myself to my training. Training was primary, everything else was secondary. And when I say everything I mean EVERYTHING - school, friends, family, girlfriends, work. Everything. Biggest mistake of my life. I was willing to sacrifice something that has been ripped away from me in a matter of seconds. Newest rule to live by: If it can be taken away from you in a matter of seconds it isn't that important. Don't get me wrong, I am going to go back to mountain biking and I'll race but I don't think I will be as absorbed as I was with road cycling (I will train and race and all that but not at the expense of others). This little accident has shown me that it's the people and the relationships that matter - people didn't visit me in the hospital cause I ride bikes, people visited me because they cared for me and my family. So the new lease on life is to welcome any and all relationships, and to build and improve the ones that already exist.
- As invincible as you are, you aren't. Enough Said
- Do something that has meaning to you. I'll admit I loved road biking, but it had begun to lose its meaning. Why did I ride? So I could race. Why should you ride? To have fun, to stay in shape, so you can have that milkshake at dinner tonight. It is so easy to find yourself stuck in a rut and doing the same thing you've done before, because it is the same thing you've done before. But do the stuff that matters to you, the stuff that you've always wanted to do. Example, I am changing gears to mountain biking - to stay in shape, to better match my life and I am taking up shooting. Why? Because it's something I've always wanted to do. It doesn't matter what you do - knit for all I care - do it because it brings you joy
- Hug your mother and your father. I don't care how old, how tough, how badass you are, you need your parents. And you can't hug them enough.
- Everything happens for a reason. I know, I know, it's so cliche, but seriously. Maybe this accident was to show me what's important in life, to teach me to slow down. Who knows, it's too early to see yet. But I know I will be better from this.
- Just because the doctor says it's ok, doesn't always mean it is. Don't get me wrong, and start questioning your doctors and medical professionals. I had fantastic doctors and nurses. But I did have MRIs and all that noise and I show no brain damage or anything on that scale. But I will be the first to tell you that I shook a few things loose. Don't worry I am not mentally handicapped or anything of that nature, but I am not firing on all four like I used to. I stumble for words, I just stare at walls, I zone out. Nothing major but I do have to retrain my brain. But again I am all grade A on the brain scans.
- Take nothing and I mean nothing for granted. Seriously
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The day life changed
I haven't blogged recently, the majority of you know why, but for those who don't and those who don't know the full story, come along with me, it's story time.
On January 14, 2010, around 12:15 pm what were you doing? Going to lunch? Walking to class? On the phone?
At 12:14 I was riding my bike, at 12:15, I was laying on the ground, with a compound fracture of my tibia and fibula, a broken thumb and about $5500 worth of broken equipment ($4400 according to Country Companies). By the way, I've had three out of those six fractures.
"WHAT?!" you say, "A BROKEN THUMB?!"
Ok, so here's the low down:
January 14, a brisk winter day. Snow was on the ground, but off the pavement, the streets had a nice layer of salt on them and the sun was peeking through the clouds. A chilly wind was coming in from the west. What a perfect day for a bike ride? I hurried home from class, inhaled a peanut butter burrito and got all layered up.
Still waiting on my road bike, I threw my leg over the cross bike and headed out the door. I noodled my way north through town, coming in from the south side of campus and then headed west out towards Danvers.
I used the sidewalk to move along college - it was coming towards the end of passing time so there was more traffic than I like to ride in. Heading west on the south sidewalk of College, there was little foot traffic so I was in the middle of the sidewalk. As I approached the intersection of University and College, I looked ahead to the upcoming intersection. College had a red light and Univeristy had a green light. As I grew closer to the intersection, I kept my eyes peeled. College was still stopped and University still had the green. I merged on to University with 3 seconds left on the walk timer. I was now on University, using it to turn left on to College. Upon physically entering the intersection and clearing the first lane of College, I entered the second lane and was struck by a Jeep. I could hear the bones crunch, as I plowed into with the bumper. The female driver tagged me at 40 MPH and didn't even touch her brakes.
She T-boned me perfectly. My left shoulder went into the Jeep's grill - shattered it (heard it crack). I was then catapulted on to the hood, my shoulder put a dent into it about the size of a grapefruit. Then my head went flying into the wind shield - Thank god for my helmet - shattering and catering the entire windshield (heard and felt all of that). I was then ricocheted off of the windshield, doing to aerial flips in the air and eventually landing on the pavement in the middle of the intersection.
This not being my first "super near death" rodeo I sat up looked around, stayed calm - I didn't feel like anything was wrong, it felt like I had been knocked down - checked if my hands, fingers, arms, neck worked. Check, check, check, check. Before I got too much farther a lady on the corner (which turned out to be a kinesiology professor) yelled, "DON'T MOVE! STAY RIGHT THERE". Not one to argue at this point I just kind sat there and just kinda looked around - not processing everything 100% just yet.
I turned to my right and the door of the dark blue jeep opens the girl says "Hold on, I gotta call you back, I just hit someone - OH MY GOD I'M SO SORRY!" Yerp, she was on her cell phone - awesome! After a few choice words asking what her problem was, I told her she just ruined my chances at a professional racing career, I told her not to talk to me. She was apologizing up and down - sorry sister apologies don't repair lives.
Anyway back to my personal check up. fingers, hands, arms, neck, leg.... Where's the "s" you're asking? Well my right leg was ready to keep riding but my left leg had other plans.
I look over at my left leg and it looks like a "J". It is bent off to the left, bones sticking out, blood dripping out - a zombie dream.
Although at this point, the average person has blacked out - I didn't get so lucky... or maybe I did, I can't decide yet.
By now the Kinesiology professor and one other lady were are my aid, holding me as if I were their own son (I know everyone whines and moans about how society doesn't care and this, that and the other, but this proves completely wrong. Here I was, semi-sweaty, guts on the pavement and these two women, who I don't even know were cradling me, doing their best to keep me calm, all-in-all, caring). The professor and cohort were almost immediately joined by at least 4 other people.
1.) a trained first responder
2.) a nursing student
3.) a student
4.) Janeen (I actually know her - she is a figurehead in the school of nursing, but I didn't realize she was there until later)
At this point, the Kinesiology professor was giving out orders -
"You call 9-1-1!" (not me obviously)
"Chris look at me, keep talking, keep your head up!"
"Chris who do we need to call?" At this question, I perked right up and calmed any fears of brain trauma.
"You need to call my mom and dad"
"What's their name and numbers?!"
"Cheryl and Joe (insert phone numbers), and if they don't answer those phones, try these numbers (insert numbers)"
By now I am coming off the adrenaline and start looking at the people who are surrounding me and I recognize Janeen who is overlooking the whole scenario.
"Janeen, Janeen!" She looks down and I look her in the eyes "hey, it's me, Chris Kelley, can you call Cheryl (Bri's mom)?"
"Oh my God, Chris," Stunned for a moment, "What's Cheryl's number?"
I give her the number and she walks off to chat with Cheryl. And almost as soon as Janeen calls Cheryl, I see Cheryl haulin' it out of the Bone Student Center.....like seriously bookin'. She is by my side, and I start telling her the whole story and freaking out just a little bit (I was comfortable with showing a little pain). Cheryl keeps calm and does her best to keep me calm as well. She did her best, but I just kept looking down at my new leg angle and the whole back breaking experience goes running through my head - how much time I will lose, I may never walk again, did I mess up my back again, how do you fix this, are they gonna cut this off, what if I am in a wheelchair for the rest of my life - can I live like that, my mind just raced at a mile a minute. Although I couldn't see the bones, all I saw was leg off at a sweet new angle (maybe it's more ergonomic, I'll never know) and ripped in have leg warmer. I can only assume.
The ambulance shows up and these guys just go to town on me like no body's business. I answer all the questions, names, numbers, allergies etc., etc. (again this isn't the first time in the pain pavilion). They cut off all my clothing, which really upset me, I offered to take it all off, but they wouldn't let me. They double I.V. me and hit me with 10 hits of morphine. Thank god they did, cause the next step would have been blinding.
Naturally I am asking questions the entire time, trying to stay on top of everything (which is pretty impossible when you have been hit by a car), but the one thing that stuck out was that I was going to have my leg straightened right there in the middle of the street (just the sound of that makes you grit your teeth doesn't it?). But when it came time for bone realignment, J.T., the EMT, looks me in the eyes and says, "Can you feel anything man?"
"I don't think so, why?" I said
"Well, we have to straighten your leg just to get you in the ambulance," J.T. said with the most sincere look of apology I have ever seen in a man's eyes. Just think about that, my leg was so bent out of shape, that it couldn't even clear ambulance doors - those things are made for like 900 pound people and my leg wasn't going to clear it.
I ask, "can we wait til I am under?"
"No man, we got to get you in the ambulance"
"Ok, just give me a second," I paused for a minute, contemplating and accepting what was coming next. I look him straight in the eyes and say, "Ok, Let's do it."
Nothing and I mean nothing could have prepared me for what came next.
I hear "1-2-3" and my vision just goes blinding white with pain. The EMTs pulled my leg and straightened it enough to be straight on a stretcher.
I let out a growl (which is my new pain coping mechanism, just growling and breathing) and start sucking air.
They stabilize me, board me and put me on a stretcher.
As they are rolling me to the ambulance I ask, "Hey J.T., are there lots of hot chicks watching?"
"yea, man they're all over the place."
"Cool," I threw my right hand up and make a rawk-on gesture. All the while, I'm giggling like a girl - Morphine is nuts like that.
They put the stretcher in the ambulance and away we went.
We roll up to that Hospital with all the lights and sirens - like a downright disco. I get put in the emergency room, get a few shots and they get down to business. Questions, answers, mostly not lettin' me sleep.
Majority of the time, I am just calling for my mom and dad, apologizing for doing this to them again. All I could think about was how awful I felt cause I know this was hurting my parents more than it was hurting me. You have no idea how much you need your Mom and Dad when you are in the worst pain of your life and all that's separating you is a curtain - that curtain can eel like oceans. Finally I get my mom and I just apologize somethin' fierce - she says it OK with tears in her eyes. I said, "Don't worry Mom, this is nothing, I'll be OK. I lived again."
After my soft Mom-ment (like moment), I get back on my command post, "Can you please call Lisa (my coach) and Ryan (life-time cycling friend)? Just let them know what happened."
But eventually we take a trip to the x-ray room, with a girl I went to high school with.
(kinda like that)
That's always a trip, getting cared for by people who are like a year older than you.
But anyway, we roll back to the e-room, I get the real sauce and pass out for surgery. I wake up in a hospital bed to see my mom and my dad.
And I get the full report from Dad, "Chris, you messed yourself up pretty bad, but you're alive, you fractured your fibula and tibia. You have a titanium plate running down your tibia. And you have two pins in your thumb. They tried to put a rod in through your knee, but your bones flexed it, so you got a plate. So you're going to have a fake scar"
I spent 3 days in the hospital (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Hittin' the morphine drip like it owed me money. But I was visited some of the most amazing people. I never knew I had so many people that cared and loved for me. But Steve Driscoll (READ HIS BLOG) was amazing. He visited me two times while I was there, coached me and my parents - just a blessing.... a 5'0" blessing.
I was pretty resistant to therapy. It's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that you could once ride 100 miles at all this power and all this speed but now you can barely make it to the nurses station. Mental block I guess - didn't want to accept reality just yet. Also, I was on a walker with a platform and there were hot nurses. Walkers and chicks don't go together.
But I was let loose Sunday and allowed to return home. That's right 21 and home-bound.
I laid around in a Vicodin coma for the majority of the first week. I had an appointment later in the week which put me in a cast for my hand and boot for my leg. The boot hurt so much, I didn't get out of my chair for two days straight except to go to bed and to eat.
Saturday night I hit a physiological low. This injury almost had me licked. But then Bri came through the front door and surprised me by coming home from Germany super early. That was a major pick me up for my mental game (it's funny how your head controls so much of your function). Almost instantly things started looking up.
The following Tuesday I went to the doctor and had staples removed from my leg.... all 64 (12of them in my knee, 52 of them in my calf). People say the staples don't hurt - they're lying. After the first 2-3 I figured out what the next 61 were going to feel like. It felt like having your hair pulled out, one follicle at a time.
The next week I went back to school. Had to drop 9 hours, because a history of Africa professors don't want to cooperate and help me out - I understand why, it just blows. But all my business classes (the important ones - acc 132, Marketing, Management) have really come through and the professors have been amazing. But my first round of tests and homework resulted in all A's. Made that Jeep hit made me smart, wonder what a Prius would do - probably make me a GENIUS. That or it'd keep going cause the accelerator was stuck under a floormat.
Two weeks later, I got the pins pulled out of my. Again, everyone said that would be the worst - NAH... But I admit I was pretty doped up.
We took x-rays again and everything is coming together nicely. The edges of the bones are starting to blur in the x-rays and I have started physical therapy this week. The biggest thing I am combating at this point is regaining muscle flexibility.
I start walking next week, 25% weight on my left foot and I hope hope hope hope 100% in three weeks.
The End... So far
On January 14, 2010, around 12:15 pm what were you doing? Going to lunch? Walking to class? On the phone?
At 12:14 I was riding my bike, at 12:15, I was laying on the ground, with a compound fracture of my tibia and fibula, a broken thumb and about $5500 worth of broken equipment ($4400 according to Country Companies). By the way, I've had three out of those six fractures.
"WHAT?!" you say, "A BROKEN THUMB?!"
Ok, so here's the low down:
January 14, a brisk winter day. Snow was on the ground, but off the pavement, the streets had a nice layer of salt on them and the sun was peeking through the clouds. A chilly wind was coming in from the west. What a perfect day for a bike ride? I hurried home from class, inhaled a peanut butter burrito and got all layered up.
Still waiting on my road bike, I threw my leg over the cross bike and headed out the door. I noodled my way north through town, coming in from the south side of campus and then headed west out towards Danvers.
I used the sidewalk to move along college - it was coming towards the end of passing time so there was more traffic than I like to ride in. Heading west on the south sidewalk of College, there was little foot traffic so I was in the middle of the sidewalk. As I approached the intersection of University and College, I looked ahead to the upcoming intersection. College had a red light and Univeristy had a green light. As I grew closer to the intersection, I kept my eyes peeled. College was still stopped and University still had the green. I merged on to University with 3 seconds left on the walk timer. I was now on University, using it to turn left on to College. Upon physically entering the intersection and clearing the first lane of College, I entered the second lane and was struck by a Jeep. I could hear the bones crunch, as I plowed into with the bumper. The female driver tagged me at 40 MPH and didn't even touch her brakes.
She T-boned me perfectly. My left shoulder went into the Jeep's grill - shattered it (heard it crack). I was then catapulted on to the hood, my shoulder put a dent into it about the size of a grapefruit. Then my head went flying into the wind shield - Thank god for my helmet - shattering and catering the entire windshield (heard and felt all of that). I was then ricocheted off of the windshield, doing to aerial flips in the air and eventually landing on the pavement in the middle of the intersection.
This not being my first "super near death" rodeo I sat up looked around, stayed calm - I didn't feel like anything was wrong, it felt like I had been knocked down - checked if my hands, fingers, arms, neck worked. Check, check, check, check. Before I got too much farther a lady on the corner (which turned out to be a kinesiology professor) yelled, "DON'T MOVE! STAY RIGHT THERE". Not one to argue at this point I just kind sat there and just kinda looked around - not processing everything 100% just yet.
I turned to my right and the door of the dark blue jeep opens the girl says "Hold on, I gotta call you back, I just hit someone - OH MY GOD I'M SO SORRY!" Yerp, she was on her cell phone - awesome! After a few choice words asking what her problem was, I told her she just ruined my chances at a professional racing career, I told her not to talk to me. She was apologizing up and down - sorry sister apologies don't repair lives.
Anyway back to my personal check up. fingers, hands, arms, neck, leg.... Where's the "s" you're asking? Well my right leg was ready to keep riding but my left leg had other plans.
I look over at my left leg and it looks like a "J". It is bent off to the left, bones sticking out, blood dripping out - a zombie dream.
Although at this point, the average person has blacked out - I didn't get so lucky... or maybe I did, I can't decide yet.
By now the Kinesiology professor and one other lady were are my aid, holding me as if I were their own son (I know everyone whines and moans about how society doesn't care and this, that and the other, but this proves completely wrong. Here I was, semi-sweaty, guts on the pavement and these two women, who I don't even know were cradling me, doing their best to keep me calm, all-in-all, caring). The professor and cohort were almost immediately joined by at least 4 other people.
1.) a trained first responder
2.) a nursing student
3.) a student
4.) Janeen (I actually know her - she is a figurehead in the school of nursing, but I didn't realize she was there until later)
At this point, the Kinesiology professor was giving out orders -
"You call 9-1-1!" (not me obviously)
"Chris look at me, keep talking, keep your head up!"
"Chris who do we need to call?" At this question, I perked right up and calmed any fears of brain trauma.
"You need to call my mom and dad"
"What's their name and numbers?!"
"Cheryl and Joe (insert phone numbers), and if they don't answer those phones, try these numbers (insert numbers)"
By now I am coming off the adrenaline and start looking at the people who are surrounding me and I recognize Janeen who is overlooking the whole scenario.
"Janeen, Janeen!" She looks down and I look her in the eyes "hey, it's me, Chris Kelley, can you call Cheryl (Bri's mom)?"
"Oh my God, Chris," Stunned for a moment, "What's Cheryl's number?"
I give her the number and she walks off to chat with Cheryl. And almost as soon as Janeen calls Cheryl, I see Cheryl haulin' it out of the Bone Student Center.....like seriously bookin'. She is by my side, and I start telling her the whole story and freaking out just a little bit (I was comfortable with showing a little pain). Cheryl keeps calm and does her best to keep me calm as well. She did her best, but I just kept looking down at my new leg angle and the whole back breaking experience goes running through my head - how much time I will lose, I may never walk again, did I mess up my back again, how do you fix this, are they gonna cut this off, what if I am in a wheelchair for the rest of my life - can I live like that, my mind just raced at a mile a minute. Although I couldn't see the bones, all I saw was leg off at a sweet new angle (maybe it's more ergonomic, I'll never know) and ripped in have leg warmer. I can only assume.
The ambulance shows up and these guys just go to town on me like no body's business. I answer all the questions, names, numbers, allergies etc., etc. (again this isn't the first time in the pain pavilion). They cut off all my clothing, which really upset me, I offered to take it all off, but they wouldn't let me. They double I.V. me and hit me with 10 hits of morphine. Thank god they did, cause the next step would have been blinding.
Naturally I am asking questions the entire time, trying to stay on top of everything (which is pretty impossible when you have been hit by a car), but the one thing that stuck out was that I was going to have my leg straightened right there in the middle of the street (just the sound of that makes you grit your teeth doesn't it?). But when it came time for bone realignment, J.T., the EMT, looks me in the eyes and says, "Can you feel anything man?"
"I don't think so, why?" I said
"Well, we have to straighten your leg just to get you in the ambulance," J.T. said with the most sincere look of apology I have ever seen in a man's eyes. Just think about that, my leg was so bent out of shape, that it couldn't even clear ambulance doors - those things are made for like 900 pound people and my leg wasn't going to clear it.
I ask, "can we wait til I am under?"
"No man, we got to get you in the ambulance"
"Ok, just give me a second," I paused for a minute, contemplating and accepting what was coming next. I look him straight in the eyes and say, "Ok, Let's do it."
Nothing and I mean nothing could have prepared me for what came next.
I hear "1-2-3" and my vision just goes blinding white with pain. The EMTs pulled my leg and straightened it enough to be straight on a stretcher.
I let out a growl (which is my new pain coping mechanism, just growling and breathing) and start sucking air.
They stabilize me, board me and put me on a stretcher.
As they are rolling me to the ambulance I ask, "Hey J.T., are there lots of hot chicks watching?"
"yea, man they're all over the place."
"Cool," I threw my right hand up and make a rawk-on gesture. All the while, I'm giggling like a girl - Morphine is nuts like that.
They put the stretcher in the ambulance and away we went.
We roll up to that Hospital with all the lights and sirens - like a downright disco. I get put in the emergency room, get a few shots and they get down to business. Questions, answers, mostly not lettin' me sleep.Majority of the time, I am just calling for my mom and dad, apologizing for doing this to them again. All I could think about was how awful I felt cause I know this was hurting my parents more than it was hurting me. You have no idea how much you need your Mom and Dad when you are in the worst pain of your life and all that's separating you is a curtain - that curtain can eel like oceans. Finally I get my mom and I just apologize somethin' fierce - she says it OK with tears in her eyes. I said, "Don't worry Mom, this is nothing, I'll be OK. I lived again."
After my soft Mom-ment (like moment), I get back on my command post, "Can you please call Lisa (my coach) and Ryan (life-time cycling friend)? Just let them know what happened."
But eventually we take a trip to the x-ray room, with a girl I went to high school with.
(kinda like that)
But anyway, we roll back to the e-room, I get the real sauce and pass out for surgery. I wake up in a hospital bed to see my mom and my dad.
And I get the full report from Dad, "Chris, you messed yourself up pretty bad, but you're alive, you fractured your fibula and tibia. You have a titanium plate running down your tibia. And you have two pins in your thumb. They tried to put a rod in through your knee, but your bones flexed it, so you got a plate. So you're going to have a fake scar"
I spent 3 days in the hospital (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Hittin' the morphine drip like it owed me money. But I was visited some of the most amazing people. I never knew I had so many people that cared and loved for me. But Steve Driscoll (READ HIS BLOG) was amazing. He visited me two times while I was there, coached me and my parents - just a blessing.... a 5'0" blessing.
I was pretty resistant to therapy. It's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that you could once ride 100 miles at all this power and all this speed but now you can barely make it to the nurses station. Mental block I guess - didn't want to accept reality just yet. Also, I was on a walker with a platform and there were hot nurses. Walkers and chicks don't go together.
But I was let loose Sunday and allowed to return home. That's right 21 and home-bound.
I laid around in a Vicodin coma for the majority of the first week. I had an appointment later in the week which put me in a cast for my hand and boot for my leg. The boot hurt so much, I didn't get out of my chair for two days straight except to go to bed and to eat.
Saturday night I hit a physiological low. This injury almost had me licked. But then Bri came through the front door and surprised me by coming home from Germany super early. That was a major pick me up for my mental game (it's funny how your head controls so much of your function). Almost instantly things started looking up.
The following Tuesday I went to the doctor and had staples removed from my leg.... all 64 (12of them in my knee, 52 of them in my calf). People say the staples don't hurt - they're lying. After the first 2-3 I figured out what the next 61 were going to feel like. It felt like having your hair pulled out, one follicle at a time.
The next week I went back to school. Had to drop 9 hours, because a history of Africa professors don't want to cooperate and help me out - I understand why, it just blows. But all my business classes (the important ones - acc 132, Marketing, Management) have really come through and the professors have been amazing. But my first round of tests and homework resulted in all A's. Made that Jeep hit made me smart, wonder what a Prius would do - probably make me a GENIUS. That or it'd keep going cause the accelerator was stuck under a floormat.Two weeks later, I got the pins pulled out of my. Again, everyone said that would be the worst - NAH... But I admit I was pretty doped up.
We took x-rays again and everything is coming together nicely. The edges of the bones are starting to blur in the x-rays and I have started physical therapy this week. The biggest thing I am combating at this point is regaining muscle flexibility.
I start walking next week, 25% weight on my left foot and I hope hope hope hope 100% in three weeks.
The End... So far
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Germany so far
For those of you just tuning in and a recap for those who have short memories, I decided to make the epic puddle jump and head over to Europe for Christmas with Bri.
Not a bad idea at all. But here are my impressions and experiences so far:
....
I'll wait
...
..
.
SEE! You are back at your laptop reading my blog.
But until next time, good night America, I'll see you soon.
Not a bad idea at all. But here are my impressions and experiences so far:
- I have missed Bri so much. I know, I know, no one ever says long distance is easy. But if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. RIGHT?! It's been surreal to have her back in my arms, waking up to her, and just being dumb with her. And it's so awful that that I have to give it all up for who knows how long in about 3 days. The one thing that amazes me though and gives hope for us to get through this and any peril is that regardless of the time, distance, etcetera, Bri and I are still, if not more into each other than ever before. But whatever, mushy mushy mushy - you don't care... MOVING ON!
- It is gorgeous here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean seriously it is. Totally different. You walk around Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, etcetera and there is constantly new construction of some sorts... New condos this, new buildings that. And I get that, by all means, job creation, better products, etc. But something about the fact that I am in Hamburg - one of Germany's big cities (think Chicago) and there are buildings dating back to the mid 1600s, still in use... WRAP YOUR BRAINS AROUND THAT!
- If you die, its your fault! besides just the city, the nature itself is mesmerizing. We spent 5 days in the Northern Alps - so lush, so green, so unprotected. Think of any national park in the U.S. - guard rails, tourist signs, benches, etc etc. here.... no guard rails - kinda a big middle finger to the insurance companies - "yeah it's dangerous, we don't care" - I dig it.
- Bri's host family is the GREATEST! Seriously, I have never been greeted with such hospitality and care from a host... much less someone I have never met in my life. The Millas - Jorg, Petra, Julia and Florin - are an amazing family. Jorg and Petra have been patient with me and Bri and given us our time to be on our own, while still maintaining the family interaction. They have been more than accommodating to my workout schedule and my diet. Jorg has taken me on several bike rides through the Hamburg countryside - which like I have said is absolutely gorgeous. The list is endless of how much I owe these people but it is simply summed up that they have treated me like a true member of the family - AWESOME!
....
I'll wait
...
..
.
SEE! You are back at your laptop reading my blog.
But until next time, good night America, I'll see you soon.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
NONONO, Blogspot, please don't delete this account
Well, here I sit in O'Hare Airport (ORD, for you travelin' geeks) hoping I can finesse a ticket taker into letting me take a flight that is 3 hours sooner than my original flight. It's a possibility, I mean, I am just heading to London, there are 3 flights in front of me. So I figured I would get to all my mega-fans who want to know the low on the C.K..
(I should fly planes)
WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!!!! (you are screaming at the computer screen..... I can't hear you, sorry)
So before you get all willy nilly, and lose your mind, I am en route to go see the the most amazing girl I have ever laid eyes on... NO, not Taylor Swift! Although she is kinda cute. But Bri could put her in the hurt-locker in the looks category and in a fist-fight...
So Bri for the win. That's right folks, me and Brianna Coleman get to spend the majority of the holidays together. I am so excited, I didn't hink I would get to see her until she came home... which is May??? But her and I totally jerry-rigged a little Christmas Vacation for yours truly. So here's the story.
December 16 -
I leave 'Murrica. LATER!
December 17 -
Land in Hamburg. PARTY!
December 31 -
I go back to 'Murrica. Peace German Homies!
That's all I know, I'll keep you guys posted... But it's gonna be the gnarls
K Ok, Enough of that good American Boyfriend stuff. Time to cut you in on the latest, greatest, meatiest and neatest of my life.
So, I can honestly say this is my first rest season.... So foreign to me. But methinks, it will only help me in the long run. That's what Lisa says and that's as good as getting a sign from God.
I tried the cyclocross silliness everyone has been ranting about... Meh, it's like mountain biking, only it the tires are skinnier. I think a lot of people (cyclists) are just bored during that time of year and are just looking for something (ANYTHING!!!) exciting to do, and Cyclocross is there (to suck your off-season dollars)!
During that time of the year the average cyclist is sitting on their couch watching, anticipating, for the latest Cyclysm Sunday on Versus, but then they realize "HEY! instead of this, I can go to a park, ride my bike, jump off it, jump over something, and then jump back on my bike." I understand the attraction, I mean you can only watch the 1998 Liege-Bastonge-Liege before you have it all memorized, and you start inviting your friends over to watch it, so you can impress them with your knowledge of Euro-cycling strategies (they don't care). and you are like "DUDE DUDE! CHECK THIS OUT, He is going to pedal his bike really damn fast, DUDE, LOOK!" Meanwhile, "Dude" is practicing the drum solo from Moby Dick by Great White on your counters.... DUDE!!!!!!
So instead, you buy a bike with goofy brakes and give it a go at the local cyclocross circle... One of three things happen.
One, the least likely, You rip the heads off of everyone and pretty soon you are saying "forget road season, I use that as cross training for cyclocross", soon you and Sven Nys are throwin' 'bows --> Mike Sherer, Jason Knauff, Scott Mclaughlin, Ben Popper (local legends).
Two, you suck, so you buy more stuff based upon this simple equations:
Carbon = Fast
--> Hats off to these guys, they keep the bike industry alive.
(FACT: if your chainrings aren't carbon, you will suck)
Three, you do, OK, you have some fun, but when that first race at 10 degrees (Fahrenheit) rolls around, you say "eff it" and you now have your latest road bike...Surely you won't notice the long wheel base, the super raked out fork, the silly brakes and "baby" gearing.... Whatever it will make you stronger. That or really make you realize how much you took your road bike for granted and how bad of an idea it was to spend this kind of money on this bastardization (hahah, that passed spell check) of a bike.
I understand the attraction, it is something to do, but then again so is knitting and antiquing......Don't get me wrong, I totally respect the badasses out there who can rip your legs off on a cross bike (see names above). Just tired of all the hype it gets - I was that guy for a while. "Dude, Cyclocross is the most epic thing you can do next to slaying dragons or riding a Unicorn (Einehorne - that's the german word of the next two weeks). If you don't do it, your testicles will recede and you will grow cleavage." Ok, I may not have gone that far but the whole "it puts hair on your chest" (It doesn't, it puts hair on your legs cause you're so damn cold and wet) is a little old. So next time you are trying to sell cyclocross to your homies, just be honest, it is just another way to stay fit without running.
ALRIGHT ENOUGH OF THAT
Cameron and I got an apartment... We call it the Gnar Castle.... But when I tell all my cycling buddies about it, it is the wattage cottage. Regardless, we like it - you should come check it out. But in the meantime, here is a video I made for Bri, I know it is a little cheesey, but whatever - who else lets you be laundry and dirty dishes? NO ONE
And yes, I am aware it is sideways, deal with it, just turn your head to the side.
WHAT ELSE?!?!
Hmmm, well Burnham is getting super uber new bikes and stuff... BUT I can't tell you or Eric Goodwin will sick his daughter on me.
(I should fly planes)
WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!!!! (you are screaming at the computer screen..... I can't hear you, sorry)
So before you get all willy nilly, and lose your mind, I am en route to go see the the most amazing girl I have ever laid eyes on... NO, not Taylor Swift! Although she is kinda cute. But Bri could put her in the hurt-locker in the looks category and in a fist-fight...
So Bri for the win. That's right folks, me and Brianna Coleman get to spend the majority of the holidays together. I am so excited, I didn't hink I would get to see her until she came home... which is May??? But her and I totally jerry-rigged a little Christmas Vacation for yours truly. So here's the story.
December 16 -
I leave 'Murrica. LATER!
December 17 -
Land in Hamburg. PARTY!
December 31 -
I go back to 'Murrica. Peace German Homies!
That's all I know, I'll keep you guys posted... But it's gonna be the gnarls
K Ok, Enough of that good American Boyfriend stuff. Time to cut you in on the latest, greatest, meatiest and neatest of my life.
So, I can honestly say this is my first rest season.... So foreign to me. But methinks, it will only help me in the long run. That's what Lisa says and that's as good as getting a sign from God.
I tried the cyclocross silliness everyone has been ranting about... Meh, it's like mountain biking, only it the tires are skinnier. I think a lot of people (cyclists) are just bored during that time of year and are just looking for something (ANYTHING!!!) exciting to do, and Cyclocross is there (to suck your off-season dollars)!
During that time of the year the average cyclist is sitting on their couch watching, anticipating, for the latest Cyclysm Sunday on Versus, but then they realize "HEY! instead of this, I can go to a park, ride my bike, jump off it, jump over something, and then jump back on my bike." I understand the attraction, I mean you can only watch the 1998 Liege-Bastonge-Liege before you have it all memorized, and you start inviting your friends over to watch it, so you can impress them with your knowledge of Euro-cycling strategies (they don't care). and you are like "DUDE DUDE! CHECK THIS OUT, He is going to pedal his bike really damn fast, DUDE, LOOK!" Meanwhile, "Dude" is practicing the drum solo from Moby Dick by Great White on your counters.... DUDE!!!!!!
So instead, you buy a bike with goofy brakes and give it a go at the local cyclocross circle... One of three things happen.
One, the least likely, You rip the heads off of everyone and pretty soon you are saying "forget road season, I use that as cross training for cyclocross", soon you and Sven Nys are throwin' 'bows --> Mike Sherer, Jason Knauff, Scott Mclaughlin, Ben Popper (local legends).
Two, you suck, so you buy more stuff based upon this simple equations:
Carbon = Fast
--> Hats off to these guys, they keep the bike industry alive.
(FACT: if your chainrings aren't carbon, you will suck)
Three, you do, OK, you have some fun, but when that first race at 10 degrees (Fahrenheit) rolls around, you say "eff it" and you now have your latest road bike...Surely you won't notice the long wheel base, the super raked out fork, the silly brakes and "baby" gearing.... Whatever it will make you stronger. That or really make you realize how much you took your road bike for granted and how bad of an idea it was to spend this kind of money on this bastardization (hahah, that passed spell check) of a bike.
I understand the attraction, it is something to do, but then again so is knitting and antiquing......Don't get me wrong, I totally respect the badasses out there who can rip your legs off on a cross bike (see names above). Just tired of all the hype it gets - I was that guy for a while. "Dude, Cyclocross is the most epic thing you can do next to slaying dragons or riding a Unicorn (Einehorne - that's the german word of the next two weeks). If you don't do it, your testicles will recede and you will grow cleavage." Ok, I may not have gone that far but the whole "it puts hair on your chest" (It doesn't, it puts hair on your legs cause you're so damn cold and wet) is a little old. So next time you are trying to sell cyclocross to your homies, just be honest, it is just another way to stay fit without running.
ALRIGHT ENOUGH OF THAT
Cameron and I got an apartment... We call it the Gnar Castle.... But when I tell all my cycling buddies about it, it is the wattage cottage. Regardless, we like it - you should come check it out. But in the meantime, here is a video I made for Bri, I know it is a little cheesey, but whatever - who else lets you be laundry and dirty dishes? NO ONE
And yes, I am aware it is sideways, deal with it, just turn your head to the side.
WHAT ELSE?!?!
Hmmm, well Burnham is getting super uber new bikes and stuff... BUT I can't tell you or Eric Goodwin will sick his daughter on me.
But you can bet as soon as I can tell you, you will know all about it!
But I need to go see if i have the right Terminal, probably need to find dinner too.
Things to come (I promise I won't fall off the face of the Blogger Earth):
German stuff (obviously)
Wattage numbers up and workout analysises...so you can fear my power output (SUPER SIKE!)
Collegiate cycling stuff
Burnham Bikes
USCF racing
'Til next time, I wish you all an incredibly safe and wonderful set of holidays. You know where I'll be
But I need to go see if i have the right Terminal, probably need to find dinner too.
Things to come (I promise I won't fall off the face of the Blogger Earth):
German stuff (obviously)
Wattage numbers up and workout analysises...so you can fear my power output (SUPER SIKE!)
Collegiate cycling stuff
Burnham Bikes
USCF racing
'Til next time, I wish you all an incredibly safe and wonderful set of holidays. You know where I'll be
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Down and Out
Well that's it there went the ending of what was supposed to be a good season.
Let's Review:
- Got on to Get a Grip
That, as we all know it, failed. The 1/2's disappeared and well the team kinda ate itself from inside out. Everyone on the team was super great and supportive... but racing 1/2's with no teammates is kinda a uphill battle.
-Hired Lisa as a coach
I could honestly not ask for a better coach. The lady is a professional, she knows what she's doing 100%.
- Jumped ship and moved over to Burnham Racing
what a great bunch of guys. They acccepted me with open arms and total support. Great Great Great Guys - know how to rip it up on two wheels and then take it easy and have fun. Next year should be a trip having all of us in the 2's.
Sounds like I should be one ragin' mamma jamma on a bike, right?
Well I was, in the early season, I could hold my own and even do some work in the early season - put the hurt on. But that has quickly faded and I have become the weakest link. I think I can honestly pin point when this happened to the O'Fallon Grand Prix Road Race. I pinched my Sciatic nerve and it was just a downward spiral. And I just haven't been able to pull it out of that slump.
Let's examine why I am sucking:
1.) I am currently at the bottom of the pit known as the P/1/2. Not really and excuse, knew that going into.... but I didn't know I was at the waaaaaaayyyyy bottom
2.) Stress - I know I know, I am 20, what on earth could I be stressed about? I wish I could tell you honestly I think it's just an accumulation of things really.
4.) I am just tired. ALL THE TIME! Like I will sleep 8-10 hours and still feel like I could sleep for more. I wish I didn't wake up every hour.
The worst thing is that there is no one to blame but myself.
So People I ower apologies to:
1.) Burnham - I am sorry guys, you brought me on at the worst possible time for my physicality, I promise next year will be better. Totally new training plan.
2.) Lisa - well I attach my name to your coaching services and well I am a lemon
3.) Bri - sorry for making your first month in Germany hard.
So what's the solution? What's my plan? How do I fill this hole I dug?
1.) Training plan - Well this year, I will be continuing my coaching with Lisa through the winter. Her and I have something whipped up so we don't experience this this time next year. We have decided that previous coaching plans put too much load on too early... hence, BURN OUT!!
2.) Have Fun - Everything from here on out is going to be about fun - mountain biking, cross racing, group rides, etc.
3.) learn from mistakes- I have made a lot of them this season, every race is a chance to learn.
4.) Lose weight - use the off season to shed some pounds - running, cutting severe calories, get skinny pretty.
But that's a load off my chest, thanks to all those who have supported me and I appreciate your belief. I will not let you all down next season, I will come back stronger, faster and way way way cuter.
Keep believing in me and I will keep training harder and harder.... I hate me failing as much as you do.
I'll get it, I promise
But I did see a big ass boat (the picture does this hog no justice)
Let's Review:
- Got on to Get a Grip
That, as we all know it, failed. The 1/2's disappeared and well the team kinda ate itself from inside out. Everyone on the team was super great and supportive... but racing 1/2's with no teammates is kinda a uphill battle.
-Hired Lisa as a coach
I could honestly not ask for a better coach. The lady is a professional, she knows what she's doing 100%.
- Jumped ship and moved over to Burnham Racing
what a great bunch of guys. They acccepted me with open arms and total support. Great Great Great Guys - know how to rip it up on two wheels and then take it easy and have fun. Next year should be a trip having all of us in the 2's.
Sounds like I should be one ragin' mamma jamma on a bike, right?
Well I was, in the early season, I could hold my own and even do some work in the early season - put the hurt on. But that has quickly faded and I have become the weakest link. I think I can honestly pin point when this happened to the O'Fallon Grand Prix Road Race. I pinched my Sciatic nerve and it was just a downward spiral. And I just haven't been able to pull it out of that slump.
Let's examine why I am sucking:
1.) I am currently at the bottom of the pit known as the P/1/2. Not really and excuse, knew that going into.... but I didn't know I was at the waaaaaaayyyyy bottom
2.) Stress - I know I know, I am 20, what on earth could I be stressed about? I wish I could tell you honestly I think it's just an accumulation of things really.
- Bri left- I know I know, everyone told me she was and I should have been ready, doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye to someone you really care about. Surely some of you have been there
- The Job - it's stressful, that simple. It is something I have always wanted; more responsibility but it is stressful. I am one of three employees.... makes things, well tight.
4.) I am just tired. ALL THE TIME! Like I will sleep 8-10 hours and still feel like I could sleep for more. I wish I didn't wake up every hour.
The worst thing is that there is no one to blame but myself.
So People I ower apologies to:
1.) Burnham - I am sorry guys, you brought me on at the worst possible time for my physicality, I promise next year will be better. Totally new training plan.
2.) Lisa - well I attach my name to your coaching services and well I am a lemon
3.) Bri - sorry for making your first month in Germany hard.
So what's the solution? What's my plan? How do I fill this hole I dug?
1.) Training plan - Well this year, I will be continuing my coaching with Lisa through the winter. Her and I have something whipped up so we don't experience this this time next year. We have decided that previous coaching plans put too much load on too early... hence, BURN OUT!!
2.) Have Fun - Everything from here on out is going to be about fun - mountain biking, cross racing, group rides, etc.
3.) learn from mistakes- I have made a lot of them this season, every race is a chance to learn.
4.) Lose weight - use the off season to shed some pounds - running, cutting severe calories, get skinny pretty.
But that's a load off my chest, thanks to all those who have supported me and I appreciate your belief. I will not let you all down next season, I will come back stronger, faster and way way way cuter.
Keep believing in me and I will keep training harder and harder.... I hate me failing as much as you do.
I'll get it, I promise
But I did see a big ass boat (the picture does this hog no justice)
Monday, March 16, 2009
who needs tanning beds when you have race days?
Hey Blog-
Long time, no talk huh?
Totally.
Anyway, things have been crazy for me, but in the greatest way I could ever imagine.
Between school, training and the shop, by the end of the day, I am totally whooped.
But I decided that last weekend was totally the weekend to start the racing season and get out the racing legs. So Rodney Hill and I threw the bikes on the roof rack and headed down south to do some shreddin' at Great Forest Park in St. Louis.
Before I get to much farther into this, I love being a Cat 2, no more getting up and leaving before the sun rises.
Anyway, we loaded up and shipped out at 10 am. Got down to the park by 12:30 pm, our race was at 1:45. So we had plenty of time to pin on numbers and handle other business.
Went out did a pretty simple warm-up. We had a 70 +5 crit, so I didn't need to be super hot at the very beginning. So I meandered around the park... Super gorgeous park, I must say. All the information said it is bigger than central park - I believe it.
Anyway, race started; about 50 guys in the peloton. Nothing major, but not small either.
The course was super phlat, super phast and super phun. Absolutely no real turns; literally pedaled through every corner. As a result, it was safe. We only had one crash, and it was on a straight away ... dumbass. Oh well, he suffered the ass rash - ruined his kit.
I was pretty pleased with my performance; I used this race as a training race - getting amped up for Hillsboro... So I made quite a few attacks to try and thin the pack out, get a break going, stuff like that. But no avail, so after I blew myself apart for the first 45 minutes, I tucked back into the pack and just sat in and enjoyed the ride.
Like I said, the course was too flat and too fast to really get anything to stick. I got one break going that was promising, everyone was represented; mesa, dogfish, big shark, gateway. But it jsut got sucked back in... by some one's own teammates.... Awesome!
We averaged 27.4 Mph and an average heart rate of 184...No slouch of a race.
But back to the drawing board for training, Going to head up to Kenosha this weekend - do some ABR Hard X Core Racing.
Take it easy
Monday, January 26, 2009
HEARTLAND....WHOA slow down
Funniest comment of the day:
Bio Professor: "What is something you are doing right now that you don't control?" (referring to body functions)
left fielder: breathing
me: digestion
Bio Professor: reproduction
HOLD ON!!!
I don't control my reproduction and I was doing it right then?
NO EFFIN WAY!
ok ok, maybe I am being a little immature, but to me it was a little funny. But the baseball players in the back of the class got a larger kick out of it and took this opportunity to let the class know that they have full control of their reproduction...dumbasses.
Okay so here I sit in Biology kicking it in week 5. Here are my observations/questions about and from heartland:
I am above and beyond ready to move over to B-Cycle. Something about getting very little respect - turn off.
But the riding here has been excellent. Things are starting to warm up and be where it is super enjoyable to be outside to be wearing full winter gear and not freezing. It only gets warmer from here... WEE
On that note, we have had incredible turn outs on the weekends. It's been pretty amazing. I thought for sure I would be slogging it out alone, but seeing all these people out is awesome and they are all riding incredibly well. Makes me happy.
Getting a new bike - Scott at the shop really wanted me on a Speciarized and after the most recent tango with SCOTT USA, I was more than happy to oblige. Specialized Tarmac with full Sram Red - gonna be gangstar. Gets here on the 27th - gotta hock that Addict
This is my career once I hit retirement
Time ta hustle
Bio Professor: "What is something you are doing right now that you don't control?" (referring to body functions)
left fielder: breathing
me: digestion
Bio Professor: reproduction
HOLD ON!!!
I don't control my reproduction and I was doing it right then?
NO EFFIN WAY!
ok ok, maybe I am being a little immature, but to me it was a little funny. But the baseball players in the back of the class got a larger kick out of it and took this opportunity to let the class know that they have full control of their reproduction...dumbasses.
Okay so here I sit in Biology kicking it in week 5. Here are my observations/questions about and from heartland:
- Did everyone from highschool go here?
- Are the teachers/professors/Chris Sweet told to babysit the baseball team? I swear it - in every class every teacher was making exceptions for "athletes". "Athletes" = Baseball players. Well, I am an athlete, so if I decided to head off to a training camp or a hyper big stage race, does that mean I get the same treatment? I bet not. Would probably be told to deal with it, and that I can't go. I don't know, I guess it is a peeve, cause it is a community college...not big ten, not even small ten (if that exists). Community college. KINDA garbage. Not to mention they totally power trip and feel like they run this place. FALSE!
- Make up tests/quizzes. Yep they do them here. This is college - shouldn't that not be an option unless your eyes like melted out of your head?
- "Athletes" get grade print outs to take to their coaches.... uhm? I wonder if they also get notes to take home to their parent...."Today I used glue"
I am above and beyond ready to move over to B-Cycle. Something about getting very little respect - turn off.
But the riding here has been excellent. Things are starting to warm up and be where it is super enjoyable to be outside to be wearing full winter gear and not freezing. It only gets warmer from here... WEE
On that note, we have had incredible turn outs on the weekends. It's been pretty amazing. I thought for sure I would be slogging it out alone, but seeing all these people out is awesome and they are all riding incredibly well. Makes me happy.
Getting a new bike - Scott at the shop really wanted me on a Speciarized and after the most recent tango with SCOTT USA, I was more than happy to oblige. Specialized Tarmac with full Sram Red - gonna be gangstar. Gets here on the 27th - gotta hock that Addict
This is my career once I hit retirement
Time ta hustle
Monday, January 12, 2009
Bio in Bloomington
WELL HELLO HELLO
Welcome to the New Year. On my behalf I hope everyone had a great holiday season - travels went well, family was okay, etc..
Well it has been a while since I have blogged it up.
So what's new?:
Moved into my apartment
See the pictures below... sorry it's a bit messy. But it cleans up nice
The Grid and The Jeff and I so lovingly call it - if you are familiar with the B-Normal area, it is in Downtown Bloomington on the corner of Gridley and Jefferson by the old Bloomington Junior High
Not necessarily the nicest area, but I haven't had any problems (knock on wood), and everyone in my apartment building seems mature, nice and keep to themselves... I mean I haven't had a neighbor complain about my rollers yet or my sound system. That's a success in my book.
It's a one bedroom apartment that my bikes let me live in with them. Bedroom, kitchen / training room, office... It works
Working at Jewel- Osco
Yes I know, I swore up and down I would never go back... But it's really obscene as much as I thought this place was the pits. It is really not that bad... It's kinda like intervals, as much as you hate it... you still love it.
But I am back in the dairy section, stockin' the milk, facin' the frozen. It's no fun fest, but it pays the bills, no fear of being fired, and it is a stable job that works well with my schedule. So all-in-all I can't complain. Not to mention I have my family of coworkers that I have had since High School.
Got hired on at Bloomington Cycle and Fitness
wait wait wait you say, a shop in Bloomingtonormal that you will work for? Has the Appocalypse Occurred?
Don't worry, you can stop looking outside. There aren't any dark horsemen, Centaurs or Unicorns on fire (or whatever your appocalypse is)
Lehr finally sold the shop to Scott Davis. Which means there is going to finally be a shop that doesn't offer screw ball service and competitive product.... Again, Sit down, the appocalypse is not happening. So come March, I'll be wrenching and selling bikes again... Can't wait.
Started School at Heartland
Yet another thing that I swore I would never do. But I guess it is just that time for biting my tongue and taking back what I have always said I would never do... BUT I guess that's life. Today is currently the first day, Bio at 8:30 in the morning and Math. Tomorrow will be a whole other slew of classes. Can't hardly wait. Have to honestly say that it doesn't feel to insanely different from being at Indiana. Pretty disconnected from everyone. No real desire to reach out and connect with people. But I guess that's just the way it goes. But as we currently speak, no class is going to be insanely hard more of a review of everything. Kind of feels like a waste of money. Once again, knock on wood. But I guess I should be great that I am fortunate enough to enjoy this luxury.
Training has kicked into effect again.
It's been a super long base period (since November is my bet) and it is time to kick up the intervals... WHOSE EXCITED?! ME! That's who. Feelin' alright. Doesn't matter... only matters how everyone else feels
Welcome to the New Year. On my behalf I hope everyone had a great holiday season - travels went well, family was okay, etc..
Well it has been a while since I have blogged it up.
So what's new?:
Moved into my apartment
See the pictures below... sorry it's a bit messy. But it cleans up nice
The Grid and The Jeff and I so lovingly call it - if you are familiar with the B-Normal area, it is in Downtown Bloomington on the corner of Gridley and Jefferson by the old Bloomington Junior High
Not necessarily the nicest area, but I haven't had any problems (knock on wood), and everyone in my apartment building seems mature, nice and keep to themselves... I mean I haven't had a neighbor complain about my rollers yet or my sound system. That's a success in my book.
It's a one bedroom apartment that my bikes let me live in with them. Bedroom, kitchen / training room, office... It works
Working at Jewel- Osco
Yes I know, I swore up and down I would never go back... But it's really obscene as much as I thought this place was the pits. It is really not that bad... It's kinda like intervals, as much as you hate it... you still love it.
But I am back in the dairy section, stockin' the milk, facin' the frozen. It's no fun fest, but it pays the bills, no fear of being fired, and it is a stable job that works well with my schedule. So all-in-all I can't complain. Not to mention I have my family of coworkers that I have had since High School.
Got hired on at Bloomington Cycle and Fitness
wait wait wait you say, a shop in Bloomingtonormal that you will work for? Has the Appocalypse Occurred?
Don't worry, you can stop looking outside. There aren't any dark horsemen, Centaurs or Unicorns on fire (or whatever your appocalypse is)
Lehr finally sold the shop to Scott Davis. Which means there is going to finally be a shop that doesn't offer screw ball service and competitive product.... Again, Sit down, the appocalypse is not happening. So come March, I'll be wrenching and selling bikes again... Can't wait.
Started School at Heartland
Yet another thing that I swore I would never do. But I guess it is just that time for biting my tongue and taking back what I have always said I would never do... BUT I guess that's life. Today is currently the first day, Bio at 8:30 in the morning and Math. Tomorrow will be a whole other slew of classes. Can't hardly wait. Have to honestly say that it doesn't feel to insanely different from being at Indiana. Pretty disconnected from everyone. No real desire to reach out and connect with people. But I guess that's just the way it goes. But as we currently speak, no class is going to be insanely hard more of a review of everything. Kind of feels like a waste of money. Once again, knock on wood. But I guess I should be great that I am fortunate enough to enjoy this luxury.
Training has kicked into effect again.
It's been a super long base period (since November is my bet) and it is time to kick up the intervals... WHOSE EXCITED?! ME! That's who. Feelin' alright. Doesn't matter... only matters how everyone else feels
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thoughts
So I have had a lot of time to think.... more time on the bike in the cold inspires that.
1.) In most action movies, the said attacker (such as neo, the punisher, etc) packs all of his guns and weapons into a duffle bag. Now, I am no pro on guns or other stuff of that nature, but... a DUFFLE BAG? REALLY? I mean these are like deadly things you are dealing with; bullets, grenades, etc., I have some knowledge of these things and a duffle bag is most certainly not the way to go about storing said devices. I would go with a plastic case or a aluminum case like a photographer. Not a piece of cloth that has been sewn together in some factory. I mean in most of my duffle bags, my stuff gets all jumbled and bangs together and stuff.... Not sweet! I mean usually when you buy a gun don't you get a free carrying case that is functional yet fashionable. It's like putting all of your fine china in a grocery sack, but these plates explode and stuff.
2.)Segways - Seemingly a new popular way to move about campus as of late. By that I mean there are two people who have them. The other night, I saw a student segging the way (if you will) in a full face motocross helmet. REALLY? Those things have a max speed of like 12.5 mph (I looked it up) I mean that is comparable to falling while running (or sprinting) and by all means said student was not carving the sidewalk on a two wheeled leaning wonder. SO was this helmet really all that necessary ... maybe she offroads with it? OR MAYBE, there is some underground circuit of pimped out segways... like hondas. But!!! There is hope... Ferrari makes a segway!
There's more to come.... I just need to study chem
1.) In most action movies, the said attacker (such as neo, the punisher, etc) packs all of his guns and weapons into a duffle bag. Now, I am no pro on guns or other stuff of that nature, but... a DUFFLE BAG? REALLY? I mean these are like deadly things you are dealing with; bullets, grenades, etc., I have some knowledge of these things and a duffle bag is most certainly not the way to go about storing said devices. I would go with a plastic case or a aluminum case like a photographer. Not a piece of cloth that has been sewn together in some factory. I mean in most of my duffle bags, my stuff gets all jumbled and bangs together and stuff.... Not sweet! I mean usually when you buy a gun don't you get a free carrying case that is functional yet fashionable. It's like putting all of your fine china in a grocery sack, but these plates explode and stuff.
2.)Segways - Seemingly a new popular way to move about campus as of late. By that I mean there are two people who have them. The other night, I saw a student segging the way (if you will) in a full face motocross helmet. REALLY? Those things have a max speed of like 12.5 mph (I looked it up) I mean that is comparable to falling while running (or sprinting) and by all means said student was not carving the sidewalk on a two wheeled leaning wonder. SO was this helmet really all that necessary ... maybe she offroads with it? OR MAYBE, there is some underground circuit of pimped out segways... like hondas. But!!! There is hope... Ferrari makes a segway!
There's more to come.... I just need to study chem
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