No one but me

2010-11-29T22:11:00.001-07:00

Somehow, I have the felling that it is a necessity that I write something.

Well, how about you tell me something about yourself?

2010-11-28T21:50:00.002-07:00

I have writers block. I want the words to come back to my finger tips but I am at a continuous mute of the brain. Every chance I do sit here to make an effort, I lose any inspiration and ideas that seems worthy of the time it takes to share.

Life has not been dull in any sense but in turn I am not the same person that wrote all those previous blogs from years past. Every night I go to bed and dream of a brighter tomorrow. Life is a mystery, heartache, and a sea of continuous rolling waves. Sometimes you have an oar to help direct your way and other times you are at its mercy. I keep having this continuous thought of some form of greatness. What kind of greatness is beyond me. Or is it just wishful thinking as I go though another day. I am constantly trying to surround myself with positive people and experiences but in turn I think that I may be bringing them down in some way.

I need to get away, anywhere. I have experienced greatness on different occasions. It is out there, waiting.

2010-11-22T20:56:00.002-07:00

Today at work, my blog came to mind and with it a bunch of memories and happiness. I look back at when I was so happy to get on here and share whatever came to mind or my experiences. I can't believe that this will only be the fourth time this year that I have said anything here.

Life is always there, good and bad. As of lately I have continuously let the latter over rule to much of my daily attitude and events. I have told myself several times to pull out of this hole but still seem to be just going around in circles.

Hmmmm....

2010-08-02T21:14:00.002-06:00

Nothing remains constant except for change.

That explains my summer in so many ways. Honestly my whole year to speak of. Some by chance, some by force and others by choice. Of course it has not all been pleasure but in turn, I do not wish to reverse or rewrite any of it.

I guess that at the end of the day, hopefully we can look back on it and be able to say that we learned something and to make tomorrow better. I am about to take a huge hurdle as I am moving to a part time position with with work and becoming a full time student. Sadly, it is occurring with me at this age but I say better late than never.

In turn there is some consolation as I will be going through the struggle alone and will not have to burden a family or wife. Everything has a way of working itself out in some fashion. Of course that is not always what we hope or wish for but I say how boring would life be if everything was handed to you and never a challenge?

I have no idea what is in store for me as I begin this new journey. I feel that because I am older and a lil wiser, I will be able to excel in school as my priorities in life are different than upon me graduating high school.

Here's to the best of a new journey!

2010-07-21T22:49:00.001-06:00

Test test...

2010-07-15T22:10:00.005-06:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been this long since my last post. Life sure can throw many curveballs at you. How you handle them is where the true adventure of life begins. Of course there are many instances that I would have much rather not come across but who am I to decide the outcome of everything. As the saying goes, beggars cannot be choosers! The more I mature in this life of mine, I am constantly reminded of the saying that goes, "Anything in life that is worthwhile is never going to be obtained easily."
That also brings back a childhood memory of a novelty license plate that my grandfather had on his truck as I was a child. It read, "Get it the same way I did, WORK FOR IT!"

Nothing in life will ever be free. yes, you may have not paid a price for it but some time before you possessing, someone paid for it. I am not sure where I am going with this but am rather letting the words flow as they come to mind. I have many a story to share with you since my last post but then again it is in the past...I hope to eventually get them here to share with you but I am ready to stay focused on my future and quit letting my past constantly be the culprit of my downfall. I have so big changes coming to reality in a very short period. Of course I am frightened of the potential further downfall that may accompany such decisions. However, as I am already 30 and have a load of "What If's" and Would Have's, Could Have's and Should Have's. I am taking that courage to make tomorrow a brighter day for me and for those who wish to enter my life.

Welcome to my show and I hope that you will return soon and that hopefully I can give something to you, as many have given to me.

2009-10-27T21:10:00.002-06:00

Time continues to elude me to put a blog together. I can think of many excuses but are they really worth it? Probably not, it's just that other things have taken precedence over blogging. I truly have missed 'spilling my guts' for you to come and read. I love letting my fingers type away about some random wacky event that happened to me or some off the wall thought that runs through my head.

As for instance, I witnessed a guy a few weeks back, drive his car off of a 10 ft. wall at the Sams Club parking lot here in town. He was drunk off of his ass and tried to drive away afterwards, even though we was bleeding profusely. He probably would have done it too if his car had somewhat survived the 10 ft. fall. Luckily, his stupidity only caused him injury and not some innocent sober individual. He did however come very close to rear ending me a few times before he pulled the wannabe 'Thelma and Louise'.

On another note, my crazy roommate moved out and took the dog which had become mine over the past 3 years. Even though she had consistently said that he would be left with me and agreed that he had become my dog and clearly wanted to be with me over her. The shitty thing most of all about it was that she whisked him away while I was not home. So I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye to him. I am extremely happy to be roommate free but miss my dog terribly.

I have however made a new friend that has brought the biggest smile to my face and an abundance of joy. Everyday is better than the last. So even though I have told you this a million times, I have to say thank you for being a part of my life. You know who you are.

2009-08-25T22:19:00.002-06:00

It's not the comeback I had anticipated or was planning on. However, similar things took control as they did when I took my departure. I am at a loss of words at the moment on where to start and what I want to actually say.

Summer is practically on the downward spiral into Autumn. I am really loving the temp's these days but could use the daylight that the summer brings. I am uber excited for a few folks. For Shawn and also Natalie for being back in the states. And for MLA for making it home to Chicago. I am not sure if she even stops in here anymore, it has sadly been a long time since we have spoken.

Hope that you all had a great summer and that you are going into fall with your head up. I certainly am, as Cyclocross and NFL seasons are among us.

Smashin Pumpkins - Disarm

2009-08-10T20:37:00.000-06:00

Superstition

2009-07-28T23:04:00.004-06:00

Do you ever come across a number randomly and you have some connection to it. Such as your age, birthday, house number or some other random number that you may have a connection to. Then think you came across that number for some reason.

On occasion I come across the number 37, which in turn for me is the number of my friends race car. He has been racing for several years. When that number comes up, I always say to myself that he is going to win his next race. Of course, it doesn't always have the result I wish upon but I keep doing it none the less.

I know this is totally useless but what the heck, this is just another random blog by me. Guess a bit of my wackiness is back along with my blogging.

Comeback

2009-07-27T23:24:00.003-06:00

The time continues to escape me and I have become a stranger to this page. It isn't that I have forgotten or lost interest. I have been avoiding being here for a number of different reasons, not sure if they are legitimate or I have just not put forth the effort.

Anyways, Summer has been going well and after the bumpy(very) start of it I am getting back on level ground. More or less. Even though I have been absent from my page. I am still a regular visitor to the bloggers I have on my side bar --->

Lizzy, Chaya, Emily and a few others that I will keep in the shadows. So here it is, this is my return and I sure have some stories for you guys. I hope that you return as I definitely am back.

End of an Era

2009-06-24T00:05:00.002-06:00

Mama don't take my, Momma don't take my, Momma don't take my Kodachrome away...

Crunch, Crisis or whatever you call it

2009-03-28T22:52:00.002-06:00

I am referring to the country's economic status at the present. Well on Friday afternoon, it caught up with me. I am not to worried about things as of yet but it still is nagging at me from somewhere deep with in. I am trying to keep a positive attitude as I move on. Today's solo 50 or so miles in the saddle sure helped but there is nothing like riding with good friends. At least tomorrow's ride will be shorter and will be with others. Hopefully the wind isn't as bad as today.

Hope all of you are doing well during these times and just as it has been said many times before, be thankful for what you have and for having a job. I hope none of you has to get laid off like me.

Hoping to Help Chaya

2009-03-27T17:11:00.004-06:00

This is what your lever and bar's typically look like. Notice the rubber part that extends down onto the bar, connecting with the bar tape.

This is what it should look like when you fold up the rubber part off of the hood part and away from the bars.

Here is an inside view after folding the rubber part up. As you can see my finger is holding back a piece of bar tape that was covered by the rubber piece. My finger is pointing at the screw you should see to tighten up. Your bar tape may be covering it up, that's why you might have missed it. Let me know please how things work out.

Johnny Cash - Hurt

2009-03-15T19:30:00.001-06:00

Cannot find the words with how much this speaks to me in so many ways. Hope you enjoy.

2009-03-05T19:41:00.002-07:00

Well hello there. How is everything going with you and those surrounding you? Things here keep progressing in a good light. The legs are getting stronger as I am being strict about my time in the saddle. Work is picking up again thankfully as well.

What I am most happy with at the moment is that I get to get out of town for the weekend and get to enjoy another love of mine. Dirt track racing! So this is where you will find me.

Hope you guys have fun with however you fill up your weekend. Whether that be battling the snow in Maine or hoping the trails thaw so you can go ride in PA. Catch you guys soon.

2009-02-24T18:12:00.002-07:00

Back from...
Well where do I start? I had a marvelous time in Missouri and really hated for the weekend to end. It was great not having any schedule and doing things to fill the time however we saw fit. I really had a great time hanging out with Emily and getting to meet Taylor. Thank's a million to the Gibson family for having me. Hope I can make it out there this summer for a "float trip". Not to mention, enjoy some of those great eateries I was treated to.

Well, since returning I have stayed busy with my gym workouts and have been getting out on the bicycle. I am working my way up for a big race at the end of May. This one. It sure is demanding with the climbing. Need some more work on that but I think with the way things are going so far, I will be ready by the time race day comes.

The weather has been decent here, for the most part anyways. I see MLA is still getting pounded with snow and her future is still in Limbo. I am glad though that she was able to celebrate another year and her surgery went well.

I hope you all are doing well also and thank you for continuing to stop in despite my lack of posting. Talk with you guys soon. On another note are you guys on twitter? If so, would you let me know. I would love to follow you there also. I have a link to my twitter on the side bar. ---->

Chalupa Supreme!

2009-02-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

Downhill Extraordinaire

2009-01-28T17:10:00.001-07:00

2009-01-28T16:46:00.002-07:00

Well headed out to Missouri tomorrow by way of Albuquerque and DFW. Getting away to see some friends from my Navy days. Plus I am carrying on my tradition of going somewhere new in January since 2003. I want to let you all know that I am more than willing to go and see you if the invitation is presented.

Hope you all have a good time working on Thursday and Friday and have a nice weekend. Are you going to be watching the Super Bowl? Who's your pick to win?

What an experiment

2009-01-25T19:46:00.002-07:00

Have you ever wondered how much you change physically in a year. There are many factors involved. I had heard of an experiment and decided to take it on.

Well on January 1, 2008 I started taking a picture of myself everyday for the year. It started off with much excitement and dedication. I managed to complete it somehow. I will look back on it with happiness of my completion but never could see myself doing it ever again. I managed to get a picture all 366 days with it being a leap year and all. The main drawback for me was having to upload the pictures onto my computer and then onto my Flickr account.

Well it is complete now, so if you care to take a peek or watch them in a slide show click here.

Let me know what you think if you would please.

Oh my...Say what?

2009-01-24T22:56:00.001-07:00

The Knack - My Sharona

2009-01-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

Seven Months is a long time

2009-01-18T12:47:00.002-07:00

For you Olins as you head out to set sail. Take care and hit it hard. Hope you get some vids of you riding at sea.

East Coast = COLD

2009-01-16T17:06:00.002-07:00

How are you Easterners dealing with the bitter cold that is all over the news. Yes MLA you are included in that group. Have not heard from you in quite some time.

Hope all is going well and you (MLA, Chaya, lizzy)are staying as warm as possible. Not to mention the millions of others who call the east coast home. Feel free to throw your two cents in.

Congrats to Shriver

2009-01-13T22:06:00.002-07:00

Matt Shriver was the first to get the nod for CX worlds after the automatic selection of National Champ Ryan Trebon.

Now for the rest of the team that is due to be announced tomorrow...

Way Cool

2009-01-13T21:12:00.002-07:00

Not to mention at least some of the bail out money being put to use because of someone actually using their head and hoping to make a difference.

Bike to work.

As I said before I love bicycles...

I love bicycles

2009-01-12T20:29:00.001-07:00

Anchors Away

2009-01-11T20:43:00.002-07:00

We don't talk as much as I would like. Life gets in the way and we both realize this. More so with you, as you have a family. However the texting back and forth and the comments via Twitter are a great relief. Even with it being a long time since we saw each other at the Bremerton airport.

With that I sure am going to miss being able to talk to you by texting something random like what size do you ride? Or talking about the "very hard training". I understand that it will not be forever but 7 months is quite the spread. I know I have a few more days so let's just make the most of it.

I wish you the best with the deployment, being away from the family and the endeavour that will be in your mind that you plan to tackle upon arriving back home.

2009-01-07T20:30:00.002-07:00

With the country facing a poor economy at the present, unemployment is through the roof and businesses are closing left and right. With that a question comes to mind. Do you think the major corporations will be spending millions of dollars on 30 seconds of airtime for commercials during the Super Bowl this year?

To me that sounds no different than the GM executives flying to D.C. on their private jets to ask for Bail Out money. Then again I think I am getting the Jane's Addiction syndrum.

I will leave with this. It is interesting and wonder if it actually has a hope of getting off the ground.

You have got to be kidding me...

2009-01-07T17:28:00.002-07:00

I thought I had heard just about everything that had to deal with the bailouts. Then I come across this. Absolute ridiculous but why should I be surprised honestly?? Hope Chaya doesn't mind me stealing her blog topic.

Unibrow anyone?

2009-01-06T19:19:00.003-07:00

No, this is not a picture from the movie Nerds or the Italian I saw with Russ one day. This is good ol' cycling in Venezuela.

Katy Perry - Hot N Cold

2009-01-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry but I find it catchy...

2009-01-06T18:46:00.002-07:00

I did not intend on ending the year I did with a serious lack of blogging. Things don't always work how we want however. I had a wonderful holiday season, I just didn't make the time to put anything here. How were your holidays by the way? Make any new years resolutions? I made a few but with no offense to you, I am keeping them to myself.

I don't believe I ever shared this before but started going to the new gym here in town and I can not get enough of it. Today is my off day but I was there yesterday and Sunday.

Do you guys twitter? Or have you heard of it? I was introduced to it and that led partly to my lack of blogging but I'm not complaining.

I plan on blogging more this year than last year, wish me luck!

Let me know how you are all doing, would love to hear from you.

In closing, I have to say Thank you very much to the Chief for finally successfully sending me a Christmas card.

dz - nuts

2008-12-16T17:34:00.002-07:00

A classic...a few of them.

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

No joke

2008-12-09T13:05:00.002-07:00

The Clash - Rock the Casbah

2008-12-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

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

Suggestions, Recommendations

2008-12-07T20:54:00.002-07:00

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

2008-12-04T12:01:00.002-07:00

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.

2008-12-02T22:13:00.004-07:00

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

2008-12-01T17:05:00.001-07:00

Ideas, recommendations, suggestions or requests?

2008-11-30T20:46:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-27T08:25:00.003-07:00

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

2008-11-26T21:19:00.005-07:00

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

2008-11-24T17:53:00.001-07:00

Yes You

2008-11-20T19:13:00.002-07:00

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)

2008-11-19T17:31:00.003-07:00

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"

2008-11-17T22:44:00.001-07:00

More waiting...

2008-11-17T21:24:00.002-07:00

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

2008-11-12T22:25:00.002-07:00

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...

2008-11-12T21:57:00.002-07:00

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!

2008-11-05T12:54:00.001-07:00

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?

2008-11-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

2008-10-27T21:41:00.002-06:00

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.

2008-10-26T14:38:00.002-06:00

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.

2008-10-17T13:32:00.001-06:00

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....

2008-10-16T20:42:00.002-06:00

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.

2008-10-10T17:45:00.001-06:00

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...?

2008-10-08T18:47:00.002-06:00

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!

2008-10-08T17:05:00.000-06:00

Videos from this past weekend....

2008-10-06T20:47:00.002-06:00

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

Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

2008-10-06T20:36:00.000-06:00

Thank you Melissa for your input...

Winter is not far off

2008-10-05T20:48:00.002-06:00

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

2008-09-30T22:26:00.001-06:00

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

2008-09-23T20:44:00.002-06:00

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

2008-09-22T21:31:00.002-06:00

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...

2008-09-16T23:07:00.002-06:00

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!!

2008-09-16T13:04:00.001-06:00

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....

2008-09-15T22:56:00.001-06:00

Infatuation or Greediness?

2008-09-04T21:28:00.004-06:00

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

2008-09-03T22:30:00.004-06:00

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?

2008-09-01T13:05:00.003-06:00

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.

2008-08-31T21:07:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-20T00:05:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-19T23:34:00.002-06:00

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"

2008-08-19T17:03:00.002-06:00

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

2008-08-14T23:09:00.005-06:00

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...

2008-08-12T22:39:00.004-06:00

...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!!!!!

2008-08-04T23:21:00.002-06:00

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

2008-07-28T16:57:00.000-06:00

For my friend Amy

Cubbies or Daaaa Cuuubbs

2008-07-23T16:44:00.003-06:00

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"

2008-07-21T19:32:00.000-06:00

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

Here and there...

2008-07-18T22:09:00.002-06:00

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

2008-07-16T22:39:00.002-06:00

I really dig this one

Scratch that itch

2008-07-16T21:29:00.002-06:00

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....

2008-07-10T19:20:00.002-06:00

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...

2008-07-09T22:42:00.002-06:00

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...

2008-07-08T21:46:00.002-06:00

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

2008-07-08T18:04:00.001-06:00

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?

2008-06-29T21:02:00.001-06:00

RADIOHEAD - NO SURPRISES

2008-06-24T22:43:00.003-06:00

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...

2008-06-22T21:41:00.002-06:00

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!!!

2008-06-19T23:15:00.002-06:00

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???

2008-06-19T15:59:00.002-06:00

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!!

2008-06-18T22:05:00.004-06:00

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.

2008-06-17T20:55:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-06-10T20:35:00.002-06:00

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

2008-06-09T17:29:00.002-06:00

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

2008-06-09T16:07:00.002-06:00

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

2008-05-28T22:50:00.002-06:00