Upgrades

Upgrades are wonderful things. Trading in something you have had for a while and get the latest, greatest, newest version of said item is a good thing.

Today I am upgrading my son. We have had version 10.0 for a year now, and it is time to get the latest version, 11.0. Version 10.0 ran smoothly, most of the time. It was prone, however, to occasional outbursts, and it's vocal command processing subroutine usually took multiple command inputs before it would complete the requested task, and it's room cleaning subroutine was virtually non-existent. I am hoping that version 11.0 will address most of those bugs.

Seriously, Happy Birthday to my eldest son, Jacob. I hope you have a good day, buddy!

I almost missed an important Holiday

I almost missed an important holiday today. Today is Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day! Go find a sheet, and pop yourself crazy.

Sunday funnies

Warning, picture from the 80's ahead!!

Don't say that you weren't warned...

My mom dug this out of one of her old photo albums for me. That's me (the dorky looking one on the right) and Hoover, an Indian placement student that we hosted back in the 80's.

What can we learn from this picture? My shorts were WAY too high, and tight. I was a total nerd, and my obsession with bicycles is not a new thing. That bike was my favorite posession back then. I collected aluminum cans to recycle for the money to buy the bike. Yes, that is a steering wheel on the bike Hoover is on, and yes it is fun to ride. I still have it, I should restore it one of these days.

Caption this

My Interview

My interview, courtesy of my wife...

1. Who is your favorite hero of fiction and why?
My favorite hero of fiction is Arthur Dent from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Why, is because he represents how I feel most of the time. He is the quintessential example of someone who is lost, bewildered, confused and most definitely not in control of the situation. He is out of his element, and when he finally manages to find himself in a place where he feels - not necessarily in control - but comfortable with his relative lack of control, something comes along to completely disrupt his perceived comfort zone, and drag him - usually kicking and screaming - back into the maelstrom.

2. What is your motto?
I don't believe that I have a motto. There isn't one particular oath, quote, phrase or battle cry that I repeatedly turn to for inspiration or guidance. For that particular reason, I usually leave the "favorite quote" question on sites such as facebook etc.. blank. That is not to say that I do not want a motto. I just haven't found one that I like yet.

3. At a large, social function, would you rather fart very loudly or visibly wet your pants?
Oh, most certainly farting. If you can't blame someone else for it, at least the embarrassment (and smell) will eventually fade away. Whereas wetting your pants can't be blamed on anyone else, and the embarrassment, (and wet, uncomfortable feeling) isn't going away anytime soon.

4. What is your greatest regret?
Telling my wife "yeah, I want you to interview me". Seriously, this is a tough question. What would be my greatest regret is completely subjective to what is happening to me at any given moment. One day, it might be ordering fries instead of onion rings. Right now, I would have to say missed opportunities - specifically, what is going on with my brother, Mike. It's been almost 30 years since I have seen him,and aside from a a couple of calls over the years, there has been no contact with him. In two weeks we are flying back east to see him before he dies. For all intents and purposes, I am going to meet a complete stranger for the first time. I have never met his kids, and by the time we get back there, who knows what condition he is going to be in. He is going in sometime this week to have his kidney removed, and pending the outcome of the biopsy, he may be undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. I regret that I didn't try to reconnect with my brothers before this. I regret that the Mike that I am going to meet isn't going to be "real" Mike, but someone who is nearing death. I regret that my actions might seem "too little, too late".

5. What would be your favorite film double feature?
I can't definitively answer this question. My favorite films change based on what I have watched recently, and what kind of mood I am in at any given time. Also, I sometimes like to revisit movies that I haven't watched in a long time. I can say that my favorite double feature would feature a mix of genres such as comedy and action, animation and sci-fi, etc...


Want to be part of the interview fun? Follow these instructions:
1. Leave me a comment involving the words, "Interview me."
2. Be sure to include your email address, because I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to write the questions.)
3. You will update your blog with the questions and your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will get to ask them five questions.

Pictures of winter

For the last several days, I have awoke to fog in our little valley. I find it totally annoying, but it does have one benefit when combinded with sub-freezing weather...

As beautiful frost-flocked trees are, a winter like this wouldn't be all that bad... Thanks, Tim, for reminding us with snow that there are places that are still warm in January.

Sunday funnies

I really do envy the people that ride outside everyday, no matter the weather.

I need your help.

I need your help.

I don't ask for much from my readers - aside from your continual overlooking of my poor grammar and bad spelling. And, of course, for you to keep reading my blog...

I do have to ask a favor from you now.

As you may or may not know. I have been involved with the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure ride for the past 4 years. The first year I was only a participant, and since then I have been on the planning committee as one of the people responsible for organizing the event, and making sure that everything runs smoothly. The 2006 Tour de Cure was the first century that I ever rode, and it has been an integral part in me getting back into cycling.

Diabetes has touched many, people in my life. Several relatives and friends have been affected by diabetes. Needless to say that this cause is very important to me.

Now for the favor. I need your support, or more correctly the American Diabetes Association needs your support. Money raised for the ADA will be used to fight diabetes through research and education programs such as the Diabetes Expo on Saturday Feb 28th at the South Towne Expo Center (I will be there riding my bike on a trainer from 9:00 to noon. Come and mock me if you are in the area) Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in the lives of more than 20 million Americans who suffer from diabetes and another 41 million people in the United States with pre-diabetes. Everyone knows someone who is affected by diabetes, it could be a friend, family member, or even yourself!

I know times are tough. but I am not asking for you to contribute large amounts of money to the ADA (I certainly won't discourage you from sending large amounts of money if you are able to...) Even $25 will help immensely.

What could do with $25 instead of giving it to the ADA?

$25 is movie, popcorn and drinks for two
$25 is a large pizza for your family
$25 is a date night for you and your significant other
$25 is a new shirt
$25 is a new release DVD
and so on...

I am asking you to sacrifice one date nite, or a new DVD and instead help the ADA fight diabetes. It's fast and easy to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by selecting "Click to Support Me" . I thank you for your support, and everyone who your contribution helps thanks you.

If you would like to join me, the Golden Spike Century is a really nice ride through rural northern Utah with a stop at the Golden Spike National Monument (one year, we even had to wait for one of the trains they use in the re-creation of the spike ceremony to cross the road). If you don't feel inclined to ride, volunteers are always needed - it takes a lot of help to put on a ride like this.

More information on the American Diabetes Association, its programs and diabetes in general can be found at the Association's Web site: www.diabetes.org

Click here for more information on the Tour de Cure Golden Spike Century

Click here to visit my personal page.

Click here to view the team page for Gold's Gym Utah

Did you know that...

-- 20 bicycles can be parked in the same space taken up by one car?
-- cycling regularly can make you as fit as an average person who is 10 years younger?
-- red lights are also for cyclists? Don't jump the lights; it's illegal, dangerous and bad for the image of cycling.
-- riding with your hands wide on top of the bars when climbing reduces breathing restriction?
-- moderate pedaling on a downhill will help get rid of lactic acid buildup and make your legs fresher than if you just coasted down?
-- riding on painted lines when they are wet from the rain can be as difficult as cycling on ice?
-- the distance of 12 full links from pin to pin on a new chain is exactly 12", and that it should be replaced if longer than 12 1/8" or more?
-- a water bottle can be cleaned by using a denture cleansing tablet? Fill it up with hot water, add a tablet and soak overnight.
-- a dollar bill or an energy bar or gell wrapper can be used to temporarily patch a slashed tire sidewall? Fix or change the tube, put the wrapper in the tire and inflate; the pressure will keep everything in place and get you home.
-- a pair of rubber exam gloves take no room in your saddle bag and keep your hands clean when doing roadside repairs.
-- you should not wear underwear underneath your cycling shorts.
-- padded shorts are your best friends, Chamois Butter and Bodyglide are next?
-- you should drink a little water regularly, even if not thirsty, to prevent dehydration and increase your performance?
-- if you help someone in need, someone will do the same for you when you need assistance - give a tube, it will get back to you at some point?

Sunday funnies

Yesterday's Yehuda Moon strip.

28 Reasons to Bike

Carlton Reid with Bike Biz and Quickrelase.tv posted this on Twitter. I thought it cool enough to repost on my blog.

28 Reasons to Bike
Increase in local property values.
Correlation with Overall Wealth.
Less Public Money Is Needed To Create a High Quality Transportation System.
High-Tech Business Is Attracted by a Perceived Better Quality of Life
Improved Personal Finances
Better Physical Health
Better Mental and Emotional Health
Fewer Overweight and Obese Citizens
More Free Time
More Beauty
Greater Mobility
Inclusion of Senior Citizens
More Equitable Living for Low Income Earners
Increased Sense of Community
Individual Opportunities for Safer Travel
Less Congested Roads
Safer, Quieter Neighborhoods
More Resources for Public Use
Enhanced and More Credible Metropolitan Image
Better Air Quality
Visually More Appealing Metropolitan Area
Cleaner Surface and Ground Water
Quieter City
Slowed Pace of Global Warming
More Sustainable Lifestyle
Recognition for Leadership in Sound Environmental Policy
Readiness for Other Environmental Initiatives
Enhanced Quality of Life for Women

How's this for a self esteem builder?

Yesterday wasn't the best of days. I don't know why, but I was in a "bleh" day all day. I got up this morning, hoping that today will be better.

I go through my morning routine (I'll spare the details except where they are important to the story) pull on my jeans, and get my toothbrush, toothpaste and vitamins out of the medicine cabinet. As I am getting a vitamin out of the bottle, it drops onto the floor. I bend down to pick up the stray vitamin and...



wait for it...



RRRIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!

Um, yeah. The diet starts today.

Sunday funnies

My New Year's list

I know many people have already posted/announced their New Year's resolutions, if they are doing any this year. And I am sure that some people have already broken theirs.

I have been thinking about my list for the past couple of weeks. I know what I would like to accomplish this year, but I am also intimately familiar with the fact that life has a way of throwing a monkey wrench into the best-laid plans.

Therefore, I give you my list of things that I would like to do this year:

First off, I would like to spend more time doing the things that bring me true happiness; being with my family and riding my bike, in that order. Unfortunately since my commute to/from work is a little more than an hour each way, that seriously cuts into any time that could be used for both. I don't have any control over the traffic (oh, if only...) so I can only strive to make the time spent on both that much more worthwhile.

I would like to spend less time yelling at my kids, and more time playing with them. I would like to help my kids with their homework and I would like to be there to help them with their problems in life. I would like to continue taking my wife out on weekly dates, even if the date consists of Taco Bell and Wal-Mart. I would like her to know that she is my best friend, and I would like to continue to be worthy of her, and to continue to be that person she said yes to all those years ago. I need to remember everyday how truly blessed I am that I have such a loving and supportive family, and never to take that for granted.

I would like to ride. I realize that "more" may not be a reality, so I would like to maximize my time on the bike. But, I don't want to be so focused on training that I no longer enjoy riding. I would like to remember the pure joy I find in riding. I would like to ride more centuries this year, but I realize that due to finances or time constraints, that may not be in the cards.

I would like the two things that make me happy to converge more this year. Last year, the time on the bike that I enjoyed most is when I was riding with my kids. I would like to get my family out riding more this year.

I would like to loose weight, but I realize that if life throws one of those previously mentioned "monkey wrenches" I will reach for the nearest bag of chocolate because food and eating is a coping mechanism, and it is much easier, and usually more convenient to reach for food than the bike. That being said, I would like to try to change that behavior so I am more apt to reach for the bike than the chocolate.

I would like to be a more pleasant person. I realize that I cannot change other's behaviors, but I can change my responses to their behaviors. I would like to be better at letting those people who matter to me know that they do matter to me. I would like my friends to know that I value their friendship. I would like to keep better contact with family and friends that are far away.

Well, there is my list. If you are making your own list, I wish you luck, and hope you are able to keep your resolutions throughout the year. I hope you all have a Happy New Year.

New Year's Day

I actually kept one of my resolutions this year! It was a small one, but I still did it. I went on a New Year's Day bike ride.

When I regained conciousness yesterday morning - I didn't drink New Year's Eve, but I still felt like I had a raging hangover from all of the food I ate - I doubted that I would, in fact, make it out on a ride. Kelly, my dear sweet wife helped by getting us rounded up and heading home with enough time for me to make it out. We got home at about 1:30, and I made it out around 2:30 for a two hour, 18 mile ride.

The weather cooperated, with temperatures in the high 30's and a lack of snow falling from the sky. It felt really good being out on the bike. I haven't been on any bike, not even the trainer for about two weeks, and it felt refreshing being on a bike outdoors.

I took the mountain bike, and rode the new bike path from the town center to the Ranches. It was nice being away from the traffic. Three cars honked at me, and where I would take offense at it if I was on the road, I smilled and flashed them the "rock on" sign.

Fashion is subjective when you are dealing with keeping warm. Here I am at my turn around point, the Maverick in the Ranches. I ran into a friend who stopped to get a Mtn. Dew and I had him take my picture.

The city recently finished this really nice bike path, separated from the road that runs from the elementary school in town center all the way up to the Maverick at the entrance to the Ranches, about 8 miles total. The path had been plowed and kept relatively free of snow.

The requisite "hold the camera at arm's length and take a self portrait". Since I was on the bike path, separated from the cars, I felt secure listening to my iPod while I rode.

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2009!

Start the new year out right, go for a bike ride! If you live in warmer climates, this isn't an issue. The only thing stoping you is the possibility of a hangover from the night before. If you live somewhere where snow is on the ground, this may prove a little more daunting.

Most people spend the first part of any new year making their list of New Year's resolutions. Making promises to themselves, to exercise more, eat less, etc... The majority of those lists won't survive to see the spring thaw. I am not making fun, or knocking those people who do that - I myself have been guilty, and will probably be again this year of abandoning a list of resolutions before the ink is even dry on the paper - I am simply saying as part of your resolution this year, make a statement!. Actions speak louder than words, or so they say. Go for a New Year's day bike ride. It doesn't need to be a ride of any epic distance, just bundle up, and get outside!

If you happen to be near Phoenix, Az for the new year, there is an organized "New Year's Revolution" ride down there where you can ride out the old, and ride in the new (yes, I realize that you have missed this year's ride if you are reading this, but you can plan for next year, put it on your list of resolutions).

p.s. No, that is not me in the picture, but I am hoping to be out there today, even if it is to the corner of the street and back.