dz - nuts

A classic...a few of them.









If only I could find the"What game play" video....

No joke

The Clash - Rock the Casbah

The Clash-Rock the Casbah
Uploaded by the-best-of-rock

Suggestions, Recommendations

I am always in the search for a new book to read. I have my next one already picked out but I like to have a few on hand for the future. It helps me to be persistent so that I can look forward to the next one. So does anyone have a suggestion or recommendation of something you have recently read or is one of your favorites. Please your input is greatly desired and will have much appreciation.

I don't feel any different

Not sure if I am supposed to or not. Regardless, I can't do anything about it and and come to think of it there is nothing that I would want to change. Age brings wisdom at least so they say. So, may my last year in my twenties be a good one. Maybe on this day next year when I hit 30, something will feel different.

It was great talking to you today. I just want to tell you that I think of you and the girls often and always wish you the best. You have my email and number. Please don't hesitate to use them. I will talk to you again soon and thank you for the early upcoming wishes for Thursday. I can't say it enough of how happy you made me by remembering.

The Rolling Stones - Paint it Black

Ideas, recommendations, suggestions or requests?

Do any of you have any of the above for the Monday music? I usually can come up with something pretty easily but would like to see if you have something to share that I may be unaware of...or would just like to hear.


Also, How was your weekend? You guys sure have been quiet or is my writing boring? Regardless, I would love to hear from you. Like how Vanessa did in her 'cross race. Is Shawn back home yet? Anything from the Chief would be great, have not talked to her or heard from her in a long time. How was Leah's birds on the brain? How is that guy in PDX doing? Not to mention Autumn.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you

I want to say thank you for the people you are and taking time to read my rambles. Have a wonderful time with your families or who ever you will spend today with.


Vanessa, would you do me a favor sometime? Go have a REAL Ensalata Caprese for me. Since it is impossible here in the states and I am unable to make it back there to have one myself. I have been craving one everyday for the past week.

Unfortunate and inconvienent

I was due to hit the road for the strip or in other words "Sin City" on the 12th but my truck had other plans for me.

It started on Sunday the 9th, when all of a sudden my truck had some what a mind of its own. Or in this case I should say my transmission. I was driving down the road and out of now where it just kicks out of gear. My truck is an automatic by the way. Anyways, as I suddenly panic as there are cars behind me as I cease to accelerate, my instincts quickly take over and I attempt to change gears via the column shifter. When that failed as well as putting it into neutral and back in gear did, I slam it into 4 wheel drive and bam! it works and I start my way down the road. Although It worked, I quickly headed home which luckily was only about 3 blocks away.

I knew I had a serious problem on my hands but was not aware how severe it was on the gearing, as well as on my wallet. I ended up borrowing a friends trailer and my parents lent me their truck. I hauled it to a highly recommended mechanic and started the waiting game. With having to order parts and me having to get some money together, It was gone for close to a week and a half. So needless to say, after driving my parents truck and me having to wait to see what the bill came to, I made the decision to not head to Vegas and hang with friends and see some dirt racing at LVMS. There were 219 modifieds alone for the weekend! Anyways, I ended up spending $1400. Which cut out my trip to Seattle for Thanksgiving. Denver for my upcoming birthday weekend. And last but not least my Christmas fund...

Oh well I will make things work somehow. At least it happened while I was still at home and not half way to Vegas in the middle of no where, with no cell signal. Hopefully I will make it to Vegas next year. Now comes the decision of holding onto my truck or going for a new in the very near future...

At least I pulled it with another Ford. Regardless it was sad to see my truck broke down like that.

The Ting Tings - Great DJ

Yes You

Hope all is going well with you. Glad to see that you are able to have some freedom on the internet. Not to mention being able to stop in and read this blog. Let me know when you are get back.

Sal In Harlem (In response to Chaya)

I am not voicing my side on the presidential election, just as I see that Chaya has kept her side to herself. Chaya correct me if I am wrong but what you are getting at, as well as what I am getting at, is that the majority of people who voted in this election really were clueless and still are. Regardless of who they may have voted for or didn't vote for. Please listen to the youtube video below. The radio personality has nothing to do with how these people answered. Even though the questions were asked to people in Harlem. I believe that these questions could have been asked all over the country and the response would have been very similar in an unnerving way just as it is here...

Cut Chemist - "What's the Altitude"

More waiting...

The new adventure was instead of me driving north to get back home, I drove south back to Texas. Yes, down to the west Texas town of El Paso. Luckily I got ahold of my friends and they let me in the gate to this place so I could go sleep in the plush motor home/race hauler.

My buddy Mike woke me up the next morning when he got there after seeing my truck. The race cars were not ready to go so we busted our tails to get ready and loaded and to the track by race time. The race that was going on that weekend was the Fall Nationals, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, which is about 45 minutes from El Paso. It was a 3 day show, Friday at 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Basically you had to qualify for the big race on Sunday with the shorter races on Friday, Saturday and the last chance race on Sunday.

It was a very busy weekend since we were taking care of 3 different cars. Of course there were alot of suspension changes we had to go thru as well as countless tire changes made. And you can't forget rebuilding a front left tire assembly, consisting of A arm, spindle, brake calipers, rewelding some stuff, torsion bar just to name a little bit. Also swapping engines in one of the cars.

Well unfortunately none of our 3 cars made it to the big show on Sunday, so we had to sit back and watch who would be taking home the top prize of $10k. The race started off well and it looked like it would be interesting but about 10 laps into the 50 lap race, the track went away and turned into a one grove race track. So for the remaining 40 laps we had to watch a boring race of follow the leader. In a way I am glad that we didn't make the big show because it really would have been depressing for our drivers to be out there and to watch them in that situation that could not have any good outcome.

Finally as the races wrapped up on Sunday evening and we were done loading the cars and everything up, it was back to El Paso. We got back to El Paso around 10 p.m. We jumped in our personal vehicles and went and ate. I wasn't the feeling the best from being in the warm southern sun and was pretty tired. I wasn't able to eat very much, so I sat and tried to enjoy the last few minutes I had with my friends. When we finished I told the goodbye and then it was back into my truck to head back to Las Cruces as I started to make my way home.

Needless to say I pushed myself extremely hard and drove thru the night after leaving El Paso at 11:30 p.m. and pulled into my driveway at 6 a.m. It was very difficult to keep from falling asleep several different times. Somehow I managed to make it in one piece though.

I am terribly sorry because I really wanted this story to include more details. I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. I really see myself coming out of my not blogging phase. I had some depressing news come my way this weekend and last week was a rough one as well. I was able though to get some advice from friends and it really helped me to get pass those events and people. That was a big problem of mine as I was waisting my time on someone who was not willing to waist time on me.

Thank you again for stopping in.

On another note, CONGRATULATIONS

For those of you that know them, Russ and Katie had a baby girl yesterday. She wasn't due until Dec.1 but mommy and baby are both healthy and there are no problems to speak of. Congratulations to the Gibsons!!!

Waiting...

I am sitting here waiting for my towels to dry, so that I can take a shower and get to bed.

I was slowly working on a blog to post here about my current happenings and adventures. However somewhere in the middle of taking the notepad where I have been going, I seem to have misplaced it somewhere. So I apologize for not being able to go into the detail that was supposed to be presented. Lets see, where did I leave off?

Well Tuesday Oct. 28, I drove down to Albuquerque and caught my plane to Dallas. The flight was a pleasant one with just barely an hour in the air. From there I got on a smaller plane and flew to Longview, Texas. We were late leaving DFW because of some light that had to be changed on the plane. However, the pilot was able to step it up in the air. So instead of the scheduled 45 min. flight, we made it in about 20 min. or so.

Although the stay in Longview was short, I was pleased. I had never been to East Texas, it was a very nice area with lots of trees. The hotel they put me up in was one of those long stay hotels. My room had a kitchenette, living room, seperate room that included the bathroom and a washroom. Then a seperate bedroom. Oh yeah, one last thing...a gas fire place! I was thoroughly impressed. I flew out Thursday afternoon and made it safely back to Albuquerque. So upon gathering my luggage and paying my parking fee. A new and different adventure was just starting...

I am terribly sorry but I am fighting my falling eyelids. I promise I will continue with the rest of the story tomorrow. Thanks for stopping in!

A new post is in the works about what has caused me to be a slacker here. Be patient and thank you for continuing to stop in.

Tara, Have you heard from Shawn? How is he?

I know that I have been the biggest slacker on posting. I just really have not had the motivation or words to share with you. I hope all of you are well however. I am leaving town tomorrow for a few days. I will elaborate more when I get back. But it will go something like this...Drive to Albuquerque. Fly to Dallas. Fly to Longview. Drive to Kilgore. Drive back to Longview. Fly to Dallas. Fly to Albuquerque. Drive to El Paso. Drive to Las Cruces. Drive to El Paso. And then drive all the way home to Farmington. So that is my schedule spread out through next Monday. Like I said I will spill the beans when I return. Thanks for stopping by despite my lack of posting. Take care and would love to hear what you have been up to. So leave a comment or send an email.

On a final note, I really think that Chaya couldn't have made any better of a choice than staying with the steed she already has in the 7600.

Take care Shawn as you head out tomorrow. Hopefully your stay is a bearable one and you come home safely. Thanks for getting the goods off to me and glad that I was able to send you some in return as well. Not sure on what you have packed and such but maybe just maybe it would be awesome to see "Schatz" in the sand...If you catch my drift. Anyways be careful, take care and keep in touch.

If this is how I get you to comment here, I am glad that I finally figured it out. If I would have known, it would have started long ago. And just cause "The Wild Child" was standing next to me and me not realizing it until afterwards...that is still a million times better than having that hideous looking younger Busch next to me and wondering to myself..."Do I take the chance to end his season by pushing him out the cart or just make him want to jump out on his own."

You have lost it....

You are over there saying that I have no driver recognition skills but look where your boy Kyle is. Like I said all year, he will not stay on top all year he will flop just like his brother did. I never said he was a bad driver, regardless I don't like him and don't have to.

Maybe that blow to your eye affected you more than you realize.

Off to Albuquerque for the weekend for more racing action. Catch you guys on Monday. Have a good one, whatever you guys do.

Is it really...?

My best goes out to you both as you are recovering. Would give anything to see that kind of shiner as he rides of at 35 m.p.h.

CYCLING...YEA I LOVE IT!

Videos from this past weekend....

I'm not a videographer so don't worry about when my camera wanders or doesn't stay steady.

Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

Thank you Melissa for your input...

Winter is not far off

Yesterday I took a trip to see the fall colors and enjoy the beauty the mountains display. Ended up going thru Silverton and all the way to Ouray, Colorado. The colors were magnificent in between Silverton and Ouray.

It had been raining most of the day, so as we were headed home we got the best surprise. Going over the three mountain passes, is when that"white stuff" started falling and falling hard. It was a white out in a few places. So AWESOME!!! I sure hope more follows it in the next few days and weeks. I really love the cool temperatures and the warm beverages that I partake of during this time of the year.

I uploaded a bunch of pictures from the trip. Too many to post them all here and I wouldn't do the others justice if I only shared a few. So go over to my photos link and check them out.

Hope you all had a nice weekend as well! Next weekend I'm off to Albuquerque to watch the World of Outlaws. Go Kinser!

Thank you Mrs. Lindsay

You know the reason. I don't know why you took the action that you did but I don't disagree with it at all. Hope all is well with you and your family. Send me an email sometime with the latest....

Go Figure

The city is working on a water line somewhere near the house. So at the present I have no water! I have a project I could be doing at the moment. Which is the perfect time, so that I do not get sprayed with water while completing it. However I cannot locate my teflon tape...go figure! Maybe I should quit the search and complaining and just go buy some more before the water comes back on.

Fall is here

There are only 100 days left in the year. I hope all of you are better off today than you were a year ago, or even a month ago. I hope this year has been a good one for you. There were always be highs and lows but what matters is that we learn from our experiences and use that knowledge further down the road.

Hmm...

I heard this on the radio yesterday from one of the DJ's as she pointed out it was her birthday and it really made me think. I wanted to share it with you and see what you think about it...Please let me know.

"You can only be young once but you can be immature your whole life..."

CPO MLA!!

Hope the pinning ceremony went well today! Congratulations again and wish you well on your decision of where to go from here...

Never gets old for me....

Infatuation or Greediness?

Tonight after putting it off for so long, I took on the task of counting my bucket of change. I have always had a fascination with getting it filled to the brim before taking it to be cashed in. Of course I have never succeeded at it, either because I came up with something to spend it on or just became over anxious with it. Well I am so close at filling it up that I am sure I can hold out until that day arrives. Even though I get the thrill of taking it in to the bank, just the same as if it is Christmas morning and I am walking into the living room to open presents.

Of course every time, I walk in with my bucket I always receive stares from people, as if they are saying how childish to be walking in with your "adult piggy bank". It's also if they are saying that coins are a waste of time... For me however, I see the penny left behind in a parking lot as bringing my bucket level that closer to the brim.

Call it what you will but with my present amount at $167.13, I think I will have the last laugh as I walk through the bank lobby to cash it. Of course the amount will be greater by that point...

My change bucket, which was a previous beer pitcher

What $113 looks like in quarters

A reminder

I went out for a ride this evening. The heat has been dying off in the later afternoons along with the daylight. I figured I better get out there and make the most of what I have before it is no longer a possibility.

I started out on my normal warm up and then headed for a decent gradual climb, that ends at a mountain bike trail head. As I neared the end of the climb, I noticed some cyclist ahead shooting the breeze. I rode past them to the end of the road and then circled around and started to head past them. They returned my hello, so I stopped and had a chat with them. We introduced ourselves and right away I picked up on the type 2 of the 4 were. They were both on Trek road bikes and were talking like they were the greatest as if Lance had rode their bikes personally to 7 straight Tour wins. All of their stuff was high end from their bikes to their clothes to their shoes. And I can definitely tell you that it wasn't because Specialized gave them their high end shoes. Or Mavic gave the Ksyrium wheels. Or Trek even gave them frames.

They started looking at my bike and right away were giving me compliments on how they were impressed with it. I gave them my story of how I had it custom built and such, from a REAL bike shop not something they call a bike shop here in good 'Ol Farmington. I told them that it weighed in at 16.5 pounds when it was shipped to me. One of them piped in right away and said his only weighed 16.4 pounds and he had a triple on it. I told them that I could have made my bike lighter than that but what was the point? I will never compete in a UCI race and even if I were to, I would not be the weight I am today. Not to mention that the guy with the lighter bike was my same height and much heavier than myself.

As we headed down the road, the two of them as in true Farmington fashion started sprinting like they were headed down the Galibier racing into Grenoble. The Galibier is one of may famous climbs in the Tour de France. Anyways, the father was talking to me while going down the road, and there was no traffic. So I was just coasting with my hands off the bars. Hey said that there was no way he would ever do that! I told him everyone has the limits of being comfortable on the bike. Needless to say he didn't like my answer and quit talking. So I shifted down a few more gears and went flying past his son and never looked back until I hit the light at the end of the road and realized they had turned off about a mile up the road and were not interested in riding with me back up two other short climbs to get back to where we were both headed.

I was relieved honestly. Those are 2 guys out of many here in town that think they are just so cool. They are the kind that you pass on the road and don't even give you a friendly wave back to acknowledge you. I just have this to say to them, they have no clue what cycling is all about! Trek bikes suck! It's funny that Durango is such a town overwhelmed with cycling and cyclists and it is so close yet so different. However you don't have the same mentality there as you do there vs. here with cyclists. And they have many pro cyclist that live there! Farmington has zero!

Okay enough of my rambling. A reminder to myself! The majority of Farmington cyclists suck, that is why you do not have any one to ride with. Probably any cyclist around here that is worth anything has already figured this out and made the choice, just as I have to just get out there and ride alone! I just miss my world of cycling that I was first introduced to and they guys that introduced me to it.

Will it ever end?

Hit by car while riding bicycle.

It doesn't matter that she is a first lady. It seems that the above all else it has nearly become a daily headline somewhere here in the country. There is a lot of finger pointing on both sides.

I am just wondering if people are becoming to careless and/or complacent?

Regardless it is highly disturbing....

This reminds me of a story. The summer of '03, Cody, Amy, Jake and myself were on our European vacation. We were in Munich, Germany and had rented bicycles and were taking a spin around the city. We were confronted by 2 bicycle cops and they made us stop where we were and cross the road, so that we would be complying with the local bike riding laws. It was pretty interesting that they had cops out there enforcing those kind of things. I guess it just shows, the big difference Germany had over our current home of Italy. Not to say Italy was the worst. Considering we used to ride on highways with no bike lanes and cars always seemed to make room for us. Or those Sunday morning rides where the road was overtaken by 300+ cyclists that forced cars off the roads and made them fall in line behind them. There were no police escorts either. Riding on the roads here in the U.S. sure is a different experience from Europe, where bicycles are a way of life.

The states can't compare when you see things like this in Europe.

Well I spent the first two nights of my holiday weekend at the race track as the WDRA Late Models were in town for their annual show. Jeep Berry dominated that race both nights in that class. The modifieds were a better show if you ask me. My driver, Garrett ended up 2nd on Friday and 3rd on Saturday, with 2 out of town top drivers finishing ahead of him. We were happy with how it ended though and were happy that we were not part of the mess of 2 other modifieds that got destroyed on Saturday night. One of them smasing head on into the wall coming out of turn 4 and the other car that caused the wreck doing a complete barrel roll. Both drivers were ok and walked away but the cars are going to have to be scrapped.

Today was spent in and around Durango. It was a cloudy and rainy day for the most part but with us being at Trimble Hot Springs, we didn't mind one bit! Tomorrow is going to be a chill day and unfortunately face the facts of having to go back to work on Tuesday.

I hope that all of you had a great time away from work and got out and experienced something that you all enjoy/enjoyed.

I am still wondering how Shawn bobbled on his radio game show but at least he wasn't reading from a list off the internet.

Lastly, I know that I am a new reader of her site but I want to give a shout to Cacao and thank her for blogging.

Catch you all sometime soon...

Segway Experience...Making my day

I have never been on one but I could only imagine what would happen if me a some fellow friends got together with them. I also would have paid to seen this in person, even if that sounds mean I still have a hard time not laughing.

Vanessa - Perna Chick

Hey I am not sure if you still stop in but if you do....How have you been? How is Italia treating you? Did you end up racing for Perna this year? What I wouldn't give to be back in Napoli again with the whole crew. Well I hope all is well with you and that you are enjoying the pizza, vino, Amalfi Coast, Mozzarella, and everything else that the rest of us are missing out on. Give me an update here or email, if you read this. Ciao!

"Sticking out"

A friend came across the site while doing some research for school. At first it seemed like a joke but the more I read into it, it seems like it is serious. Just proves of the unusual people in the world.

Check it out if you wish. The Q&A part is probably the most humorous.

Sticks

I have been really slacking on posts, mainly because I am not able to put words together of what has been going on. I sure have been enjoying summer, maybe that's why I can't get my head where it needs to be, in order to put it all together like I want it to be. Anyways, I have got to get to bed. Thank you to those who still stop in, even with my lack there of. Enjoy some random pictures, I have at least kept up with them....

Yes, I have a drinking problem

My nail is getting closer everyday to falling off


Yes, I love Peanut Butter, So what....

I sure do love this guy!!

Off the...

...deep end, hook, chain or whatever. I know I will never have any money like this in my life but even if I did I still think....wait a minute who knows what I would do with money like that.

Check out the Riviera story here.

Check out this impressive video as well. (Of course it involves cycling)

On a final note, after much fighting with the dinosaur I had, I went out and bought a new computer unit. It sure is a heck of a nice upgrade. You can't tell it's running except for the power light. I replaced the old monitor almost a year ago as it didn't hold out as long as it's counterpart.


The "Final" Log Off and removal of files

WAY TO GO!!!!!

I have to send a HUGE Congratulations to my former shipmate! Way to go Mary for being selected for Chief! I always told you that it would happen!! I know you will be busy for a bit with the selection and Chief indoc. but I could not wait to send my well wishes. I love your new voicemail as well! Have a fine Navy Day!

Martina McBride - Anyway

For my friend Amy

Cubbies or Daaaa Cuuubbs

This one is for a former MLB that has moved on to "A" League if you know what I mean. Anyways, this story is quite the controversy. I remember when it first came out and the uproar it carried. I wonder what heights it will be carried to now...

Should he or shouldn't he? Story here...

Little Big Town "Fine Line"

This is why Autumn, it's the best video I could find.

Here and there...

Well people are still spread out from here to Kalamazoo and even further.

Shawn is in the deserts of SoCal, as he prepares to hid to the deserts of the middle east. I wish him the best with his preparation and the ones he has left at home.

Matt and the Belmonte's have left the states for Europe for a second go round. This time further north of Italy up to Germany, Frankfurt to be exact. I wish them well with their new and possible last journey of military life.

The Gibson's are doing well and are looking forward to Tuesday to find out the gender of the new addition to their family. I wish them all the best.

Wherever you are and whoever you are, as you read this I hope all is well in your world and that you have a pleasant weekend.

Gouryella - DJ Tiesto and Ferry Corsten

I really dig this one

Scratch that itch

Well last night I had an itch so I went and had it scratched. I went to a casino just across the border into Colorado. I took $100 from my stash and was okay with whatever outcome would fall my way. Two guys at one of the blackjack tables let me have a seat as they had been playing the whole table. So as the 3 of us played 4 bets each a deal, the stakes were higher of winning and losing. Well the three of us did fairly decent. I am not sure how much the other two lost or laid down to start but I was pleased with myself. Anytime you can walk into somewhere with $100 and walk out with $300, I would have to say is worthwhile. Also don't play if you can't handle the possibility of losing.

Olins....

Did Columbia pick you up at the last minute for their Tour squad? Sure looks that way, especially since you seem to have fallen into the unknown...

Honestly...

Where do they come up with CRAP like this?!?! Does this really hold any relevance to the upcoming election?

Link Here...

Regardless of your party or who you are voting for, I really have to say that whoever typed that up and researched it, is an idiot.

Yes you...

Thanks again for making my day with your call!! It has been way to long regardless of the side shows and other distractions. But sure am happy to have you back!

Peep It Folks

I took this video over the 4th of July weekend while I camped with my family north of Silverton, Colorado. As I have previously mentioned, It has become a tradition to watch the fireworks up there. I took this on Saturday, as I rode the 4 wheeler up to the top of California Pass which has a summit of nearly 13,000 feet! The video is not the best but it was a last minute idea and was a little difficult driving and recording at the same time. I am working on getting the rest of my weekend story on here. So for now enjoy the show.

What's your take?

RADIOHEAD - NO SURPRISES

I felt the need to post something today but really couldn't gather any words that made sense or fit together. So instead of rambling on for a period of time, I chose a song. This was the first one that came to mind. Hope you enjoy it, it is one of my favorite's from them.

A Loss, A Win and some logs among other things...

For those people that have an interest in such things as horsepower and racing, I'm sure you have already heard the terrible news of Scott Kalitta and his horrific crash that lead to his death. Read the story here. I started to add a link to the video of the crash but after seeing it personally and with respect to the family and crew I decided against it. All I can say is that I hope he died instantly. If you so wish you can look up the video yourself but I really have to warn you with how disturbing it is. With that being said, I know we take risks everyday of all different statures but I want to say that life has no promises of anything except change. So as I have said previously, make every day count and I am happy to know you guys. Even for those that may read this that I do not know, you hold importance to alot of people as well, so you are not left out either.

On a brighter note, I was back out at Aztec Speedway last night pitting for my friend Garrett Higgins. The night started off well, with Garrett winning his heat race. He said on the last lap of the heat though that the car got a nasty vibration all of a sudden. So as we prepared the car for the main event, we gave it a good look over and luckily found the problem. The U Joints on the rear of the driveline had nearly all sheared off and it was just hanging on by a thread. So upon changing out the drivelines and making our adjustments Garrett was in the car and lined up ready to race. Right away he jumped into second place after starting in fifth. He was there for the first fifteen laps of twenty five before deciding to give it his all and took the lead and never looked back. It was a good night and the races were done by 10:30.

A different event that I wish that I could have been there to watch would have been this. Maybe next year...What do you think of it?

As I close I have to say have a good week to all and make it count.

Teen Pregnancy at Gloucester!!!

I am really at a loss of words on this one. Read the story here. Even though Time magazine broke the news, it is all over the internet. What is going on these days and do parents not care enough to raise their children to be wholesome kids? Don't the kids want more out of life, or are they not able to see past Saturday night? I shouldn't be passing judgement but what do you all think of this "happening" ?

Why???

Maybe Shawn can answer this but I will still probably have a tough time with his answer. Or any other cyclist that may read this.

Why would you be in a full sleeve jersey or arm warmers for that matter in Spain at this time of the year? The guy's that got me into cycling know how brutal summer in Europe can be. A thought enters my mind, well maybe he is in that attire because he will be going down the mountain at some point and is looking to stay warm on the way down. But, with that I would have to say that his jersey and or arm warmers are getting soaked and thus would add to the cold misery on the way down. If he has someone there to take his picture, they should be able to hand him some newspaper at the top to "stuff" as they do in races.

Or is he afraid of getting too much sun, or doesn't want to somehow be tainted with European sunscreen? The jury is out in my corner. What do you have to say....?

Ouch!!

Here is a recap of the bludgeoning of my finger last weekend. Well we had a short amount of time in between races on Saturday night and we had some setup changes to make. So after hurrying and changing out the left rear shock and me throwing the tire back on as the Garrett was getting in the car. My finger was just enough on the backside of the wheel that it got smashed between it and the brake caliper. I seriously wanted to drop everything at that moment and stand back for a moment but I didn't have a moment. So after Garrett had pulled away and I had a minute, I was able to view the carnage.

These are from Sunday evening after draining the stagnant blood out from underneath my nail.



Garrett managed to end up 7th with some very fierce out of town competition. He raced nearly 29 out of 30 laps with little visibility. Because on lap one as he was going to tear off a tear off a car whipped right in front of him and instead of just grabbing one, he grabbed them all. So he had to try and wipe the mud from his shield everytime he went down the straight away and still race the car. So we can't complain that much. We just hope for better luck this Saturday.

What's going on? Not much here to report. I have been just hanging out and working. Enjoying the warm temps however I can. Have been pretty busy with the race car as well. Other than that I can't report anything. I have connected with my old friend Bree. It is great being able to chat with her. It is such a shame we let so many years pass. That's how life works though at times. Also, I have had the privilege of keeping in contact with a friend from the Navy. Funny thing is we worked side by side for nearly the whole 5 years and we are closer today at opposite sides of the country. I hope that her week is going well. Thanks to you that do continue to stop in. I'm just at a wall at many things in my life right now. Laters...

Bang it a few times!

This past Sunday I was up in Silverton, Colorado enjoying the cooler temps and the mountain air. I had taken several pics throughout the day. Then as many times before I pulled out my camera to snap a pic of Hannah Bear and all of a sudden it was not cooperating and gave me an error message. Nothing I did was solving the problem and my disgust was on the rise with every attempt to correct it.

So upon returning home that evening, I started doing some research online and came across some unusual advice! Bang it a few times!! If you don't believe me, check it out here...

So after reading that, I took the advice of others with prior complications and BAM it worked!! Crazy I know!

Another change

After further review, I found that the red background I had was making the words difficult to read. This is much more appealing, so deal with it.

Where do I go

I am finding myself in a constant state of restlessness with several areas of my life. At the same time I have some friends that have been a tremendous help to me. So C.A.L. and the former Ms. Bell, I want to say thank you for taking the time to listen to me.

Well I had a nice weekend at least. I was able to make it out to the lake and hang out with my buddy Chad and his family and then later in the day with Caley and her folks. It was a beautiful day and hope that we can meet up again sometime soon and enjoy the great outdoors! Yesterday I went with my brother and his family up into the mountain town of Silverton, Colorado. There is a fair amount of snow still up on the peaks and the air is still brisk at the warmest part of the afternoon. I can't wait to spend another 4th of July up there!

I know Mary is going to enjoy cutting her herbs for the last time tonight. I'm sorry that she has to leave on the terms she is but I don't blame her a bit and know how people can be.

I also have to give a shout out to Liz. I was really surprised to receive an email from her but it was most welcome! I am envious that she was able to catch a bit of the race in Philly yesterday. I am also happy that she fell in love with it and the inspiration and uplifting that it gave to her.

Lastly I have to send a big CONGRATS to Shawn for his accomplishment of winning his catergory and becoming the California state TT champion and also his work with Mr. Tingley for a combined effort and championship in the TTT. Good job guys!

Your Response - SPO

Race Safe!

Well racing season is in full swing at the local dirt track. Last weekend we had a two night show with the Ryan Bard Memorial Sport Mod show. If you care to find out more about Ryan click here. Unfortunately I never met him but he has touched so many lives, mine included.

This weekend we are having another two night show with the annual Fiesta Days race. The ASCS series is coming to town so it should be a good show. I am just hoping that we can keep the car together both nights this time and not break any rear axles or blow any motors as was the case last weekend.

I am wanting to spill my guts about some current situations going on in my life but for the time being I will hold back and respect the people they are about. If you are reading this, I hope you know that I am talking about you and my heart goes out to you and if I can ever do anything for you, please don't hesitate to ask. Just as we have talked about. (See you later alligator)

I also have pics up over in my photos of this past weekend and the car. Thanks for stopping by!

SNOW - HEY OH

Right, wrong or indifferent

First off I have to give a shout out to all the mothers out there and hope that they all had a wonderful day with their kiddos.

secondly, i am not sure if i have ever mentioned lizzy before but even if i have, her life is incredible and want to share it once again or the first time. i wonder if i would be able to have the courage she does with the every day battle she faces. what makes it more eye opening is the closeness of age we share. (this paragraph is in true lizzy fashion in respect to her, if you read her blog you probably will see what i mean.)


Lastly, I have to get on the subject of my title. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on every topic imaginable. However this guy I have to say is off of his rocker! With his comments about last weekend's race. So I know he is wondering how I will respond, so here it goes. Every driver on the circuit has to be decent to even get there. I cannot agree that Kyle is one heck of a driver even with his win this weekend. He is still young and has alot to learn. If you look at his brother, Kurt started off his cup career in similar fashion, even winning a championship. Now at present day, he has fallen to the wayside. I have to say that as much as I do not care for him the only driver that I can say is one heck of a driver on the present circuit is Jeff Gordon. I may get boos and whatever but that's my opinion. I do not fault SPO in any way he just has been gone from his roots for far too long! I enjoy NASCAR, but nowadays it doesn't bring me half the pleasure that a dirt track on saturday night does. So Shawn, as soon as you can, get out and go sit on some wooden stands under the lights and watch for mud flying as they come out of turn 4 headed down the front stretch.

Hey There

What's going on? Not a whole lot just chillin' and enjoying the nice weather. It is starting to get a bit warm though for the high of the day.

I am happy that Shawn has been doing a better job of updating his blog, riding his bicycle and keeping up with his new job as well as the kiddos.

I have been wondering as well where in the world MLA is. I have tried numerous times calling but somehow she must have been out of the office. I have not received any emails from her either. So if she still stops in at times I would love to hear from you.

Thank you Autumn for helping me to get off my arse and helping me to get me to write something on here. I will work though on actually putting something interesting on here soon. Lates.

And most of all I have to send a HUGE CONGRATS to my mom, as she did her first Marathon this past saturday. She finished closer to the end of the pack but she finished and that's what matters most!!

Home Again

I made it home friday evening to much enthusiasm. The trip was a good one but I sure hated being in such a flat environment! I was only 15 miles from the Kansas state line if that says anything. I had the joy of experiencing snow, crazy winds, tornado warnings and thunderstorms. Crazy, I know.

The town was a just a small farming community and had very little to offer in just about everything immagineable. And I thought Farmington was bad! I did meet some cool people however and hope to see them again someday.

I also had the experience of crossing paths with a large rattle snake. Myself and the two others I was with however did not feel comfortable with just leaving it be, since the location will be visited regurlarly. So we did what anyone in their right mind would've done. We seperated mind from body. Afterwards we measured it and with no head it came to just over 3 feet long. It had good girth to it and had 8 buttons on it's tail. The guy that lives up there, saved it, took it home and skinned it. I have a few pics of it over on my Flickr photo page for those who want to see or just look at various pictures.

Anyways, I am home and happy that I can't see for miles on end in any direction.

I also was happy that I was able to contribute to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin while in Colorado. I don't get the chance to often but will take any chance to relive the happiness I used to have back in Chicago.

Almost Kansas

I am heading out in the morning for Burlington, Colorado. My job is sending me there to do some work on some of our units up there. I will be very close to Kansas but I don't believe that I will actually make it over the state line. That trip will come soon enough I hope, if I can get plans straight with my kansas friends and family. I am not sure how my internet access will be if any but I have my camera packed so no fear. Can you believe that this is already the 104th day of the year? Catch you again soon and hope all is well.

Racing 2008

Well with another spring approaching, at least I thought so until yesterday's snow and today's bitter cold and wind. The warmer temps are bringing with the the upcoming racing season out at the local dirt track. I definitely have got the bug as I have been helping out my friend with getting his car ready. Of course we have a ways to go before completion but we will get there soon enough. It is a new car this year and it is a real beauty! After all any Shaw Modified is truly a work of art. Here are some pics for you. I will be keeping updates as the car comes along as well as the season. I also have a collection up on my Flickr page so you can follow things there if I don't update it here.

Telepathy?

Today I had a friend in Florida that was on my mind nearly all day. She is very dear to me, mainly because of who she is and the things we have experienced together. Well I gave her a buzz this evening and to my dismay she wasn't having the best of days. Her paternal grandmother passed away this morning and not long ago she lost her father as well.

It really is strange how things like that can happen with my thoughts very concentrated on her, even before I knew of her misfortune. My heart goes out to her as she is living as a single parent while her husband is on deployment unitl June I believe.

So to all my friends out there, I wish you the best in everything and I am happy to know you.

Knee (My right, your left)

I do not know what I did but I sure did a good number on my right knee. The pain is not constant, it only really hits me when I make certain movements. I wish that I could say that I injured my knee while exercising or something along those lines but that doesn't seem to be the case. I can see a small bit of swelling but nothing extravagant. So I am going to baby it thru the weekend and see how I feel then. What do you think?



And I can't seem to get my right calf muscle stretched out to relieve the tightness of it...

Notable

I came across this in the book I am presently reading and wanted to share with you. The book is Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom

"The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't buy it."

Springin' in

As the weather has been more pleasant to be out in, so has my desire to be out in it. However though, it sure has been a terribly windy weekend. I did go trap shooting for the second weekend in a row. Seems kind of backwards though, since I only hunt ducks and geese with my shotgun. And I hunted for neither of those this winter.

With spring of course brings alot of misery due to my seasonal allergies. This blowing dust and pollen sure does a number on me. I almost wish that we would have had the taste of snow that other parts of the country experienced this weekend.

Well I hope all of you are well and enjoying your locales where ever that may be. I wish you all the best, since I can never get much of a comment out of many of you. Oh well, for some reason I still care and have a hard time letting go.

Operation Wax Smoke

or should I say...awww KELLY CLARKSON!!!

This is mainly for Shawn, if he hasn't seen it already. I was unaware of the donation challenge. Check out the story here.

Fair Game?

I live with a roommate and although, no large quantity has been left behind by either party an abundance of "pocket change" is finding itself into my bucket. My roommate can be very complacent at times but I still stick to "the rule."

Growing up, we had a family rule that if the amount discovered was $5 or less it was all yours. It also had to be discovered, you couldn't hide it or move it to your advantage. Most of my family learned quickly around me that I would not even pass up a lone penny.

Did any of you have similar rules in your family with you growing up? Here's my latest.

Tubes are black not green

Tonight I was attempting to replace a tube on my road bike, as well as get some new tires on the wheels. The tires are 23's and they sure are a tight fit!! Well I really was trying to be as gentle as possible and taking all the steps I had been taught and learned. For some reason though I am really having a tough time with getting the tire to seat properly and keep the tube out of the way as I stretch the tire over the wheel. Well needless to say I have been defeated tonight and will have to wait until tomorrow to pick up some new tubes and try again. Thanks to Shawn for lending some advice. I wish today would have been St. Patrick's day so I could have had a legitimate excuse for pinching 2 tubes!! One of them I somehow managed to have pinched in 2 different areas. Check it out!

Green

With St. Patrick's day being yesterday, I went out last night and had a couple green beers with some friends. Don't worry, I had a designated driver! Anyways, even though I have been of legal drinking age for a while now this was my first experience with drinking green beer. I knew that food coloring was used to turn beer green but did not find out 'til later in the evening how much green is actually needed to transform a pint of beer. Anyways, what I am getting at is that the food coloring affects your bodily waste. I will leave it at that and not go into any details. Incase you were unaware just as I was.

Hope you all are doing well and had a nice St. Patrick's day! Are you all gearing up for the easter bunny this weekend?

Belated March 13

I am terribly sorry that I did not do this sooner or contact this individual but I am want to send my best belated wishes to Cody as his birthday was this past Thursday. I hope he had a good one and I wish him many more to come.

I'm Proud of You

I just finished reading this book and had to share it with you. I hope you guys give it a look and hope you read it. I sure enjoyed it and am sure that you will as well.
Fred Rogers aka Mr. Rogers...



I am still out of town until this weekend but having a great time in a new place!! I will drop the update of the trip when I return home on Sunday.

Othello and Elton

My dad turned 51 this past saturday and my brother and I attempted to take him and my mother to eat up in Durango at one of our favorite restaurants. Unfortunately, it seemed that everybody in the area had the same idea and horded upon Steamworks. So with an outrageous line we settled for something simplier yet very tasty in its own way. As I believe I have metioned before the smoked turkey is hard to beat at Serious and saturday was no different.

In true Farmington fashion, this weather is back and forth. Saturday had blue skies and a temp that nearly reached 70. Sunday, the wind brought clouds and a bitter cold as it blew. The high was only 40. It actually spit snow at us a few times but nothing really threatening. Today warmed up to maybe 50 but the wind still reared it's head and hung on for another day. I am curious as to what we will see tomorrow.

On a ridiculous note but a proud one at that, I was finally able after many failed attempts, to win a game of Othello with no help in any way. The margin wasn't of great proportion but it was a victory nonetheless.

On another flipside, I hope that the Olin's completed their move A-OK. Also, even they are going to be occupying a former filthy batchelor pad, I wish it to be better than the ant infestation they formerly dealt with. Hopefully it will help Shawn's frustration with Carl Edwards winning two weeks in a row. I am headed out of town on friday for a whole week and a day but I will do my best inbetween laundary and packing to share some more with you hopefully before I leave. Possibly while I am gone I hope to give an update but I do not know what my net access will be like. However I will take a notepad and my camera and update when I return. TaTa for now and I wish that I could have joined M and K to Elton's concert!! Also, don't forget to help out the girls and yourself as you buy and indulge on some girl scout cookies!!

Flying, fire and following up

February is a short month even with it being a leap year this year. However I still have a hard time with how fast things are flying by. It seems that the older I get the faster they go. I can remember being fresh into the Navy and thinking to myself, that my 5 year commitment was forever down the road. Then before I knew it, I was on a plane to Norfolk, Va. to do my outprocessing and the past 5 years meerly seemed like a blink of an eye.

I am steadily approaching July in which it will be four years upon being discharged. Where does the time go really? Do any of you have this same experience? As for me, I am just trying to enjoy everyday life and not get overwhelmed in thinking of the future and where I will be in another 4 years. Honestly because I had no idea 4 years ago where I would be today.

************************************************

Here is a rundown on some folks that I have gathered from various sources.
Shawn is back on the bike, moving and is staying stateside. MLA is older and wiser and attempting to go see Elton. Em is running around good ol' Farmington and having difficulty leaving comments. Tala is a nocturnal creature. Autumn finally had a weekend off and for some reason showed up on her day off. Lastly and unfortunately on friday a restaurant in downtown durango burned down and took the buildings on either side of it as well. Click here to see the video that the news crew caught on film. Or here for a longer version. Oh yeah I hate spammers that the leave bs comments on here.

More

Well I went and had more sking this past weekend up at Purg. MLA received more presents with her birthday yesterday and a day off. SPO seems to have received some more good news about his short term future although I have not received confirmation on that yet. Em is soon to be having more of N.M. I am continuing to find more happiness and content with my job and my personal life. I hope that all of you are finding more happiness and pleasant things in your life as well.

Here is a picture that I snapped while riding the lift on saturday. Notice how the wind was blowing up the snow on the mountain peak.


Also another as I ride the lift into the sun


I also have to give a shout out to Vanessa "the Perna chick". I am doing some research on the Siren Islands she asked about. To answer her question also, I had no idea they existed while I was in Italia!

Interesting

For all you "fair weather" athletes...

I came across this from another blog. It is very interesting to say the least.


Click it

New found friends

So I have to give out a shout to you new friends that I have been fortunate to come across. I long to find out more everyday. I am really looking forward to getting away and all the fun that is part of it.

Riddle me this...

This will Mess With Your Head.



3 MEN GO INTO A MOTEL. THE MAN BEHIND THE DESK SAID THE ROOM IS $30, SO
EACH MAN PAID $10 AND WENT TO THE ROOM.

A WHILE LATER THE MAN BEHIND THE DESK REALIZED THE ROOM WAS ONLY $25, SO
HE SENT THE BELLBOY TO THE 3 GUYS' ROOM WITH $5.

ON THE WAY, THE BELLBOY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO SPLIT $5 EVENLY
BETWEEN 3 MEN, SO HE GAVE EACH MAN A $1 AND KEPT THE OTHER $2 FOR
HIMSELF.

THIS MEANT THAT THE 3 MEN EACH PAID $9 FOR THE ROOM, WHICH IS A TOTAL OF
$27, ADD THE $2 THAT THE BELLBOY KEPT = $29.

WHERE IS THE OTHER DOLLAR?

Life is good

Well I just finished reading a fabulous book! Alot of you probably have heard of it and think that it is just about his story of him being trapped. That is where you are wrong. He elaborates on his life as well and life's lessons.

One part that really touched me is of the friends he has lost due to the choices he has made. It made me really think of my life and some of the choices I have made. I don't want to go into detail about the book but I strongly recommend it. It is defintely worthwhile and think that anyone can get something out of it no matter what your lifestyle is.

Remember that life is always going to have bumps in the road no matter how good you have it. What really matters is how we handle those bumps and whether or not we learn from them. I have to apologize for the way I have treated some of you, I hope you know who I am talking about. (That includes the former Ms. Bennett) Speaking of her I am really happy for the the outlook that she have been sharing.

Don't forget to stop and enjoy the simple things and the special one's in your lives!

To my friends

Whether you are from the past, present or future. I have to say to all of you are special to me and I care deeply no matter how close we are or are not. There is a reason we are friends and and some of you are family to me.

I lost a friend of mine this past Tuesday. It is very difficult on everyone that knew her. She sucumbed to a "sudden illness". I don't know all the details but it is very sad news none the less. So I want to tell you all that I love you guys and I am happy to have had the privilege to meet you and to get to know you. Make sure that you never take a day for granted! You never know what life holds in store for us on a daily basis!

On a lighter note, things are going well here. I wish the same for you and that you all have had a nice weekend and a good upcoming week.

What a pity

I am having this ongoing problem of staying up way past a reasonable hour. It has been occurring mainly because I am reading an awesome book right now. I have been trying to stick to a chapter a night but often get caught up in it and have been moving onto the next chapter. This in turn has been resulting in me shutting the lights off at around midnight and waking up about 6:30 am and having a terrible time with it.

Friday and saturday nights I was out with a friend late. Sunday I was at my parents watching the superbowl and came home and started reading my book. Monday was another entrapment of the book. Tuesday, I ended up reconnecting with James in PDX. It had been quite some time that we had spoken and it was great to catch up. Now if only I can get some things mailed off to him easier than he did mailing me a shirt a few years back. I will do my best to get it completed so that he does not have to visit to collect as I had to. No offense to him, I am just getting a little carried away.

Well here I am on Wednesday and it is very close to the 11 p.m. hour and I have yet to unwind and start moving towards a slumber. Other than the self inflicted lack of sleep, my week is going pretty decently. I hope yours is as well. Did anyone go out and celebrate any activities with Fat Tuesday?

Up and Up

Things are still continuing to progress towards happiness with my new workplace. I had totally forgotten how it felt to be asked how things were on a daily basis. It's nice to be at a place where they actually care about you and your well being.

This weekend was a pleasant one. I ended up going to Durango on Saturday to catch some Snowdown events. Well Tala and myself got up there a little late in the afternoon, so we missed most of the events for the day. So we ended up just walking around downtown and enjoying the recent snow and the beauty that came with it. Tala even got me to eat something that I was always unsure about and had no intentions of ever going there. When she sprung it on me, I was nice and agreed but was frightened at the same time. As I reviewed the menu I was totally lost and really felt out of place. Tala was a true lady and did the ordering and did a pretty decent job at it if I say so myself. We had some California rolls and some rainbow rolls. I enjoyed the California rolls more than the rainbow but both were suprisingly good. Here I am now 48 hours after the fact and never got sick from it. That was my main worry with Sushi! So yes, I will try it again!



Sunday evening brought the superbowl. I am usually into it but this year I did not care for either team. I watched it though and was not impressed with the game and overall the commercials were a dissapointment. The outcome could have been different and I would still feel the same.

On a final note my heart and feelings go out to MLA as she is having a difficult time with the passing of a coworker. I know how that can feel unfortunately. I wish her all the best though even with the difficulty to see through the darkness of the situation.