Each year we go to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra we think "wow, that was the best show yet!". This year was no exception to that rule. In fact, this was the first year the Bradly Center SOLD OUT. They were SO rockin' this year that they even had one of these guys make a special appearance to crank out some tunes.
There's something for everyone at these shows. Yes, even those that don't like Christmas music will probably enjoy TSO.
I don't know how they're going to top it next year.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
New Year's Resolutions
So what are YOUR New Year's resolutions?
Ride more? Eat Less? Drink more? Drink less? Continue to hide from the law? Become a "better person" (who defines 'better'??).
Let's hear them. This will be for my entertainment. . . .and then I'll pick the REALLY good ones and make those mine too (maybe).
Ride more? Eat Less? Drink more? Drink less? Continue to hide from the law? Become a "better person" (who defines 'better'??).
Let's hear them. This will be for my entertainment. . . .and then I'll pick the REALLY good ones and make those mine too (maybe).
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas
We have no children. . . .what else do I have to do on Christmas Morning but wish you all a Merry Christmas? I think I'll go back to bed now.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Looking Back
Last night we did a night ride at Blue which once again proved to be a good time. Only a couple casualties. . . . . nothing TOO serious. We were out about 1:43 and came home to stuffed shells for dinner. Delicious!
I'm an "organized" fitness freak, with a spreadsheet that charts my workout plans, my weight, my fatigue level, my stress level and my sleep. As I input my workout last night I commented to Bill how "funny" it was that I was putting a "3" down for fatigue (on a 1-5 scale - 5 being the worst). Looking back just about all my workouts have been 3's recently, which is odd because I haven't BEEN working out! It's sad when you lose your fitness. . . . .every workout seems 10 times harder than it really is.
As I flipped back to October and November, I see a sad, SAD trend. Two months full of 4's and even 5's in ALL categories, low workouts hours, lots of "off" times. . . . . .no wonder December's workouts seem SOOOOO hard!
This will be my lowest year in terms of hours on the bike since I started riding. Much lower mileage, much lower time training, higher fatigue & stress. . . .but lower weight, if that counts for anything. :-)
2007 is just around the corner and yet I still don't know what it will bring for me. A full WORS season? A GOOD WORS season?? Mediocre at best??? Or will the body turn around and this will be the year I rock out? Given it's already almost the end of December. . . I don't see that option on the horizon for 2007. But I'm learning to live my life for the day and not worry about the future as much. It's not an easy transition for me to make. . . .but as long as I WANT to be on my bike (which I do) and as long as I CAN be on my bike (even if only for half the time as in years past) really. . . .that's what it's all about. Maybe the "results" won't be there again. . . . .but if it's still FUN, I think I'm in.
I'm an "organized" fitness freak, with a spreadsheet that charts my workout plans, my weight, my fatigue level, my stress level and my sleep. As I input my workout last night I commented to Bill how "funny" it was that I was putting a "3" down for fatigue (on a 1-5 scale - 5 being the worst). Looking back just about all my workouts have been 3's recently, which is odd because I haven't BEEN working out! It's sad when you lose your fitness. . . . .every workout seems 10 times harder than it really is.
As I flipped back to October and November, I see a sad, SAD trend. Two months full of 4's and even 5's in ALL categories, low workouts hours, lots of "off" times. . . . . .no wonder December's workouts seem SOOOOO hard!
This will be my lowest year in terms of hours on the bike since I started riding. Much lower mileage, much lower time training, higher fatigue & stress. . . .but lower weight, if that counts for anything. :-)
2007 is just around the corner and yet I still don't know what it will bring for me. A full WORS season? A GOOD WORS season?? Mediocre at best??? Or will the body turn around and this will be the year I rock out? Given it's already almost the end of December. . . I don't see that option on the horizon for 2007. But I'm learning to live my life for the day and not worry about the future as much. It's not an easy transition for me to make. . . .but as long as I WANT to be on my bike (which I do) and as long as I CAN be on my bike (even if only for half the time as in years past) really. . . .that's what it's all about. Maybe the "results" won't be there again. . . . .but if it's still FUN, I think I'm in.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Spring?
Is it time to start racing yet?
Geez, I hope I'm ready when Spring rolls around.
Until then, I think I'll eat another cookie. . . . . . ."bulk up".
Geez, I hope I'm ready when Spring rolls around.Until then, I think I'll eat another cookie. . . . . . ."bulk up".
Monday, December 18, 2006
Let's go hiking!
After 2 hours on the road bike Saturday, the body wasn't going to appreciate another bike ride, so we decided to go hiking.
The virgin showed up with a dead animal on her head. . . . . .
There's something to be said for having athletic friends. When one says "let's go hiking", you know it isn't going to be a simple "walk in the park". When everyone breaks out their water bottles to take along to "hydrate" you know it's going to be a "HIKE".
We thought about jumping into this buggy about 45 minutes in to the hike, but there wasn't enough room.
So we held out and managed to "climb on!" with a few photo opportunities in between.
The girls. . . . .
The boys. . . . .
Two hours later we arrived back at the parking lot at New Fane. A bit tired, hip flexors screaming (at least mine were), and ready for a nap. We all broke a sweat. . . . .some of us even hit our LT (or so it felt like). See, cross training can be fun.
The virgin showed up with a dead animal on her head. . . . . .
There's something to be said for having athletic friends. When one says "let's go hiking", you know it isn't going to be a simple "walk in the park". When everyone breaks out their water bottles to take along to "hydrate" you know it's going to be a "HIKE".We thought about jumping into this buggy about 45 minutes in to the hike, but there wasn't enough room.So we held out and managed to "climb on!" with a few photo opportunities in between.
The girls. . . . .
The boys. . . . .
Two hours later we arrived back at the parking lot at New Fane. A bit tired, hip flexors screaming (at least mine were), and ready for a nap. We all broke a sweat. . . . .some of us even hit our LT (or so it felt like). See, cross training can be fun.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Saturday
Tickets to the ballet . . . . . . $186.00
Endless pictures of Margaritas . . . . .$100+
Seeing THIS on the streets of Milwaukee. . . . . . .
PRICELESS. . . . . .
Endless pictures of Margaritas . . . . .$100+
Seeing THIS on the streets of Milwaukee. . . . . . .
PRICELESS. . . . . .
I'll never be Miss USA. . . .Mrs Universe. . . .or any of those. . . . .
THIS is why.
I live my life by my own rules and if others don't like them. . . . . then they're probably not the people I want to "hang" with. If I have to change who I am in order to gain someone else's approval. . . . .I'm out.
Nuff said.
I live my life by my own rules and if others don't like them. . . . . then they're probably not the people I want to "hang" with. If I have to change who I am in order to gain someone else's approval. . . . .I'm out.
Nuff said.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Thursday?
Well, I'm not sure where the week went. I started my official workout plan on Monday and of course I apparently jumped in with both feet. . . .and that was the window my body was looking for. It unleashed the wrath of soreness and flu like symptoms on Tuesday. The stomach cramps were so bad I curled into a little ball on the couch most of Monday night and all of Tuesday. I even missed our office Christmas party, which I never do. I'm usually the "life" of those parties. . . .and I didn't even get to go.
Thankfully all the rest allowed me to venture out Wednesday for the "CSS" training in Brookfield. Yes, I'll soon be an official "Certified Senior Specialist", able to work with "the aging" population through their real estate transaction. How exciting. The body still felt crummy and I barely made it through the class without a nap. . .thank goodness I didn't drive.
Today I woke up still feeling a little "off", but much better than the last couple days. "The plan" was to start the Christmas baking today but being sick on Tuesday put me WAY behind "the plan" so instead I focused the day on getting caught up with things . . . .AND. . . .doing my next "installment" of my workout plan. We'll see how that feels a little later, as I just got back.
Thank God tomorrow is Friday. Maybe I'll actually catch up on everything and have that day of DOWN TIME before Christmas. I'm going to sit and stuff my face with Christmas cookies. I think I can afford to gain a few pounds back. Sweet.
Adios!
Thankfully all the rest allowed me to venture out Wednesday for the "CSS" training in Brookfield. Yes, I'll soon be an official "Certified Senior Specialist", able to work with "the aging" population through their real estate transaction. How exciting. The body still felt crummy and I barely made it through the class without a nap. . .thank goodness I didn't drive.
Today I woke up still feeling a little "off", but much better than the last couple days. "The plan" was to start the Christmas baking today but being sick on Tuesday put me WAY behind "the plan" so instead I focused the day on getting caught up with things . . . .AND. . . .doing my next "installment" of my workout plan. We'll see how that feels a little later, as I just got back.
Thank God tomorrow is Friday. Maybe I'll actually catch up on everything and have that day of DOWN TIME before Christmas. I'm going to sit and stuff my face with Christmas cookies. I think I can afford to gain a few pounds back. Sweet.
Adios!
Monday, December 11, 2006
My Desk
I had to shuffle a few things around. . . . . . .but now I can proudly display my limited edition, autographed print from "The Goat".
I hope nobody steals it when I'm not around. . . . . .
I hope nobody steals it when I'm not around. . . . . .
Sunday, December 10, 2006
The Scavenger Hunt
Ahhhh yes. The "winners" (aka - the BEST looking team).
The love birds.
The love birds.
"The President" trying to make the evening a little more tolerable.
The "hottest ass in WORS". . . . .OBVIOUSLY. . . .
The card shark who played it tough for 3 rounds and then laid it down to the hottest ass in WORS. . . . .
Not really sure what's going on here. . . . . .
I think this guy was telling us about "natural male enhancements" here. . . . . .
Sweet. A good time had by all. . . . . .except for poor Barb. Take away that little "bathroom incident" and it would have been a little better night. And we missed the 9:00 mooning, I'm so upset about that. But we sure were entertained by the cars trying to parallel park outside. What can we say? We're just simple country folk.
Friday, December 08, 2006
My horoscope
Sometimes, just for fun, I see what my horoscope has to say about my life. Here's what it has to say today:
December 8, 2006
Are you feeling overworked and stressed? A lot of good things may be happening for you on several different levels, Brittany, and you may feel as if there are too many things happening at once. Nonetheless, if you make the effort to remain grounded you'll probably find that what needs to be done is no more than you can handle. Don't panic. This is only a temporary situation, and the results should be worth the effort.
Well, I think this is a perfect excuse to take a day of "down time". Even the STARS think I'm working too hard and TOO much is happening. I need to "make an effort to remain grounded". Hhhhmmm, that's not something that comes easy for me. I am an "in the clouds" type of person. I run from the law. . . . .I change my name to an alias. . . . .I sit and daydream any time I'm not working . . . If I wasn't allergic to cats I'd probably be one of those people who have 27 cats and fall asleep one day and the cats eat their eyes out.
Yep, that's me. . . . .living life on the edge. Never worried about tomorrow. . . never worried about others. . . never worried about where I'm going to find my next meal or alcoholic beverage. . . I never think about anyone but myself. . . .I'm a rebel. A rebel without a cause. What more would you expect from the "Princess".
Sure, I'm "grounded". It's all about ME. Screw "the others".
December 8, 2006
Are you feeling overworked and stressed? A lot of good things may be happening for you on several different levels, Brittany, and you may feel as if there are too many things happening at once. Nonetheless, if you make the effort to remain grounded you'll probably find that what needs to be done is no more than you can handle. Don't panic. This is only a temporary situation, and the results should be worth the effort.
Well, I think this is a perfect excuse to take a day of "down time". Even the STARS think I'm working too hard and TOO much is happening. I need to "make an effort to remain grounded". Hhhhmmm, that's not something that comes easy for me. I am an "in the clouds" type of person. I run from the law. . . . .I change my name to an alias. . . . .I sit and daydream any time I'm not working . . . If I wasn't allergic to cats I'd probably be one of those people who have 27 cats and fall asleep one day and the cats eat their eyes out.
Yep, that's me. . . . .living life on the edge. Never worried about tomorrow. . . never worried about others. . . never worried about where I'm going to find my next meal or alcoholic beverage. . . I never think about anyone but myself. . . .I'm a rebel. A rebel without a cause. What more would you expect from the "Princess".
Sure, I'm "grounded". It's all about ME. Screw "the others".
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Tequila Chistmas Cake
I think I'm going to make this sometime in the next week. . . . . .
Tequila Christmas Cake
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
Lemon juice
4 large eggs
Nuts
1 bottle tequila
2 cups of dried fruit
Tequila Christmas Cake
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
Lemon juice
4 large eggs
Nuts
1 bottle tequila
2 cups of dried fruit
- Sample the tequila to check quality.
- Take a large bowl, check the tequila again. To be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat.
- Turn on the electric mixer.
- Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
- Add one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.
- At this point it's best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another cup... just in case.
- Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.
- Pick the frigging fruit up off floor. Mix on the turner.
- If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver.
- Sample the tequila to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something.
- Check the tequila.
- Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.
- Add one table. A
- dd a spoon of sugar, or somefink.Whatever you can find.
- Greash the oven.
- Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner.
- Finally, throw the bowl through the window.
- Finish the tequila and wipe counter with the cat.
- CHERRY MISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Finally. . . . .a breath
Finally. . . .I catch a break from working ALL the time. Thank goodness, I think the Captain was just about ready to commit me. Now I may just get the Christmas decorations finished before it's CHRISTMAS! Yikes.
Actually I'm catching up on my continuing education classes now. In real estate we're required to take 12 hours of CE every 2 years (yes, that's pathetic as there are many agents who do NO business and struggle through this loose requirement to fulfill your license). This year, I am simply a TOTAL procrastinator. There are 4 modules that need to be completed prior to December 31st, prior to renewing my license. I waited so long I have to take them on-line now and I JUST finished my first one. Only 3 more to go. But have no fear. . . .I did score 100%. Contrary to popular believe, I am not only PRETTY, I'm SMART too.
Thank GOD it's Friday. Oh wait. . . . .it's only. . . . .oh crap.
Actually I'm catching up on my continuing education classes now. In real estate we're required to take 12 hours of CE every 2 years (yes, that's pathetic as there are many agents who do NO business and struggle through this loose requirement to fulfill your license). This year, I am simply a TOTAL procrastinator. There are 4 modules that need to be completed prior to December 31st, prior to renewing my license. I waited so long I have to take them on-line now and I JUST finished my first one. Only 3 more to go. But have no fear. . . .I did score 100%. Contrary to popular believe, I am not only PRETTY, I'm SMART too.
Thank GOD it's Friday. Oh wait. . . . .it's only. . . . .oh crap.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Just a typical Saturday night
Just your typical Saturday night. . .. sitting around decorating Squirt's house for Christmas.
She's a little picky about how her decorations go up. . . . . .I think she has some pent up aggression. . . . .
She's a little picky about how her decorations go up. . . . . .I think she has some pent up aggression. . . . .
Three dorks. . . . . .well, two dorks and a mouth. . . . .
The finished product. . . . ..
And then some down time with Jenga. All I have to say about that is "LIKE A BANDAID". Of course I had no patience and lost about 3 times. Then it was time to go home.
Sweet. A fun time had by all. . . . . . .of course some more than others. I'm enjoying getting back in touch with my true inner self. . . . . .my true inner dorkiness. What can I say? I am what I am. . . . . .why fight it?
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Yes, I am ALIVE
Ok, so I guess everyone misses me. . . .sorry. I needed to take a break to figure out my purpose in life. . . . . .then I realized I don't have a purpose. . . . . . .so I'm back now.
Today's the big 3-0 for my little sister. Happy birthday Heather. You are officially "OLD" now.
But not as old as me, I know. And that was proven by our morning activity today. Picked out the Christmas tree. What a chore that was. Bill's parents came for breakfast and mimosas (yummy) and then all 4 of us set out to find that "perfect" tree.
Today's the big 3-0 for my little sister. Happy birthday Heather. You are officially "OLD" now.
But not as old as me, I know. And that was proven by our morning activity today. Picked out the Christmas tree. What a chore that was. Bill's parents came for breakfast and mimosas (yummy) and then all 4 of us set out to find that "perfect" tree.
What a bunch of dorks. And let me tell you. . . .. .the "perfect" tree does not exist. So we finally JUST picked one and we'll make it work.
Today we'll rearrange the living room to fit the monster in. . . . then tomorrow will be the official decorating day. Tonight we've got to get Squirt's house taken care of. . . .maybe leave a little surprise for the LOVE BIRDS who are on their mini-honeymoon. . . .we'll see.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates on our FABULOUSLY interesting lives.
Yeah. . . . .I have GOT to find a purpose. . . . . .
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
What is your purpose?
Did you ever stop to wonder what your purpose is on this earth? Why you were put here. . . . what you're supposed to do. . . . who's lives you're supposed to touch. . . . . what your "greater purpose" is? I think this time of year always has me reflecting on what I want out of life. . .out of the future. . . even the present. I know this is a deep concept for most of my blog fans, so if this is too deep, you'd better click away NOW. It' s ok to be shallow and not have a purpose on this earth other than to ride your bike, drink beer, etc. I will not judge you.
I think my time off the bike over the summer started me thinking about life in general and what my purpose is. Most of the time when I ponder these things all I have to do is jump on my mountain bike, go for a nice, long, technical ride and the world seems to be a better place when I get back. But lately, that process doesn't always work. Besides the fact I'm still restricted (by my body) as to how often and how hard I can ride. . . . as well as where and when I can ride due to the beautiful WI weather, I think I may have reached the "cross road" in life. . . .the place where you have to figure out what the future holds in order to take the next step. Whether that's in your personal life or your professional life, I think it all boils down to a few deep questions.
What brings you a sense of peace, happiness and fulfillment? Who are the key players in your life and how important are their decisions in your daily life and your future? What is your greater purpose in life and why are you here?
These questions are different for everyone and depending on when you answer them, you may have a completely different set of answers. Five years ago my answers would have been very different for these questions than they are today. Today I'm not quite sure I even have those answers. I'm not here to be an "elite athlete". . . .that much I've figured out. And the key players in my life change throughout the years, so basing my future on them seems silly. And my purpose in life seems to be a floating target depending on who's in my (personal and professional) life and what they need.
Perhaps when we all get where we're ultimately going, we'll have ALL the answers. Until then perhaps we live life day by day with our own happiness as the driving factor. Just a thought. . . . a "DEEP" thought. Just a "someone throw me a life preserver it's so deep" thought.
I think my time off the bike over the summer started me thinking about life in general and what my purpose is. Most of the time when I ponder these things all I have to do is jump on my mountain bike, go for a nice, long, technical ride and the world seems to be a better place when I get back. But lately, that process doesn't always work. Besides the fact I'm still restricted (by my body) as to how often and how hard I can ride. . . . as well as where and when I can ride due to the beautiful WI weather, I think I may have reached the "cross road" in life. . . .the place where you have to figure out what the future holds in order to take the next step. Whether that's in your personal life or your professional life, I think it all boils down to a few deep questions.
What brings you a sense of peace, happiness and fulfillment? Who are the key players in your life and how important are their decisions in your daily life and your future? What is your greater purpose in life and why are you here?
These questions are different for everyone and depending on when you answer them, you may have a completely different set of answers. Five years ago my answers would have been very different for these questions than they are today. Today I'm not quite sure I even have those answers. I'm not here to be an "elite athlete". . . .that much I've figured out. And the key players in my life change throughout the years, so basing my future on them seems silly. And my purpose in life seems to be a floating target depending on who's in my (personal and professional) life and what they need.
Perhaps when we all get where we're ultimately going, we'll have ALL the answers. Until then perhaps we live life day by day with our own happiness as the driving factor. Just a thought. . . . a "DEEP" thought. Just a "someone throw me a life preserver it's so deep" thought.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
The Week
How does one sum up the week of Thanksgiving?
Wednesday night - did a night ride. . . . .TRIED to do a night ride. CK lost his crank arm, no one had a tool, couldn't reach Tiny on his phone, Brittany was elected to ride back to the house to bring a tool back so everyone else could keep riding. On the way out Tiny noted CK was already on the road on his way back to the Nigh's house. Now I lost everyone so rather than ride in the dark alone, I figured I'd go home anyway so CK didn't have to hang out alone. That plan didn't work. I got home and NO CK. Sat by myself until everyone came back about 90 minutes later. Got caught up on dishes though.
Thursday - The day of THANKS. Wasn't feeling very thankful. Body was hurting, mind was fried from the long week at work, I just needed some TLC. . . .none to be had.
Friday - The start of exterior illumination. . . . .or so we thought. Thought a cold might be coming on so I laid low and tested outside lights. Bill got a call from work, had to go in to rebuild a server. So I took a nap and called the Virgin and the General to see if we were "ON" for the night. 22 minutes on the phone and we formulated a plan. Finally heard from CK, he rode 3 hours alone. Called Bill, he'd be at work all evening so he said go eat. Tiny called. . . . .somehow he must have known we were going to eat. $50 and two pitchers of Margaritas later, Virgin and Girl were feeling pretty good. We left the restaurant to head home and I must have been obnoxious because I remember a slight disagreement and then riding home in silence. Got home, got the games out, got more alcohol, scared CK away . . . . .he left. . . . .the rest of us partied till dawn. Played a little twister. . . and that's all I'm going to say about that!
Saturday - Wake up feeling crummy, but excited to ride my mountain bike with my friends on new trails. Sounded like Bill was going to have to work for most of the day again, so I tried to scope out where I was supposed to be and when. I was supposed to ride down with CK, but he left without even calling me, so I had no clue where I was supposed to be. Being "flexible" I jumped on the internet to locate this Jewel Osco I was supposed to be at. Took me longer than I thought to get there. . . . .and I was just about to say screw it and turn around when I was reeled back in by Lori who directed me to where I needed to be. When I finally got there thankfully KEVIN was helpful enough to get my bike out and get it ready while I put my shoes on and got ready to ride. Had a good time with Amy. . . . .of course we always have fun riding together. Left the Jewel Osco parking lot with the promise to hear from CK in a bit. . . . . haven't heard from him. Got home, Bill had already left for work, now I get to curl up on the couch and spend Saturday night on my own. Plans change I guess. I'm told I need to be "flexible".
Hopefully tomorrow brings better times. It's got to, right??
Wednesday night - did a night ride. . . . .TRIED to do a night ride. CK lost his crank arm, no one had a tool, couldn't reach Tiny on his phone, Brittany was elected to ride back to the house to bring a tool back so everyone else could keep riding. On the way out Tiny noted CK was already on the road on his way back to the Nigh's house. Now I lost everyone so rather than ride in the dark alone, I figured I'd go home anyway so CK didn't have to hang out alone. That plan didn't work. I got home and NO CK. Sat by myself until everyone came back about 90 minutes later. Got caught up on dishes though.
Thursday - The day of THANKS. Wasn't feeling very thankful. Body was hurting, mind was fried from the long week at work, I just needed some TLC. . . .none to be had.
Friday - The start of exterior illumination. . . . .or so we thought. Thought a cold might be coming on so I laid low and tested outside lights. Bill got a call from work, had to go in to rebuild a server. So I took a nap and called the Virgin and the General to see if we were "ON" for the night. 22 minutes on the phone and we formulated a plan. Finally heard from CK, he rode 3 hours alone. Called Bill, he'd be at work all evening so he said go eat. Tiny called. . . . .somehow he must have known we were going to eat. $50 and two pitchers of Margaritas later, Virgin and Girl were feeling pretty good. We left the restaurant to head home and I must have been obnoxious because I remember a slight disagreement and then riding home in silence. Got home, got the games out, got more alcohol, scared CK away . . . . .he left. . . . .the rest of us partied till dawn. Played a little twister. . . and that's all I'm going to say about that!
Saturday - Wake up feeling crummy, but excited to ride my mountain bike with my friends on new trails. Sounded like Bill was going to have to work for most of the day again, so I tried to scope out where I was supposed to be and when. I was supposed to ride down with CK, but he left without even calling me, so I had no clue where I was supposed to be. Being "flexible" I jumped on the internet to locate this Jewel Osco I was supposed to be at. Took me longer than I thought to get there. . . . .and I was just about to say screw it and turn around when I was reeled back in by Lori who directed me to where I needed to be. When I finally got there thankfully KEVIN was helpful enough to get my bike out and get it ready while I put my shoes on and got ready to ride. Had a good time with Amy. . . . .of course we always have fun riding together. Left the Jewel Osco parking lot with the promise to hear from CK in a bit. . . . . haven't heard from him. Got home, Bill had already left for work, now I get to curl up on the couch and spend Saturday night on my own. Plans change I guess. I'm told I need to be "flexible".
Hopefully tomorrow brings better times. It's got to, right??
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
What?!?
What the hell day is today?? Where did the week go? Oh yeah, I was busy having a lock smith re-key someone else's house. . . .that was SUPPOSED to be a foreclosure. Imagine my surprise when I got a call from the Washignton County Sheriff's Department. Great. I'm a fugative now. Now I know how Russell feels. . . . .
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Nothin' new
I suddenly have too much work to do and not enough time to do it.
Whatever. I think I'll go make a drink. I hear that helps.
Whatever. I think I'll go make a drink. I hear that helps.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
It's not easy being CK.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Self-discipline
Elbert Hubbard defined self-discipline as, "The ability to make yourself do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not."
I believe I lack self-discipline. So what's new. Happy Monday.
I believe I lack self-discipline. So what's new. Happy Monday.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
CX Racin'
West Bend Wisconsin. . . . . .the snow fell heavy Friday night. . . .numerous accidents. A stretch of Hwy 41 was literally closed as there was a 6 car pile up. I arrive home from work after a long treacherous drive in the 4 wheel sleigh and decide I'm parking my butt on the couch and not setting foot outside again.
Saturday morning I look out the window, everything is white. . . .I mean REALLY white. A couple inches of snow. . . .a snow filled, slush covered drive way. . . .32 degree temps. . . .I'm thinkin' "sure, what the hell, let's go to do the cross race in Janesville". So I call Tiny to make sure he's out of bed because I figure CK and I aren't going to suffer alone. . . . . .
After a 2 hour drive we arrive in Janesville. I register right away so I don't change my mind. Then I walk to the course and see it's all mud. Now I'm thinking "cool, I might do ok. . . .looks like the skills will come into play". I'm seeing people COVERED in mud . . . .some of them all you can see is their EYES! Wow. This is going to suck.
I try to warm up but decide really, I don't care. That's the fun thing about not being in the series. . . .or having "good" races. . . .you can afford to not really care. So I stand on the start line and chat with Keith while everyone else warms up. In retrospect. . . .I probably should have warmed up. . . . .
Off we go. . . . . I used the abs a ton to balance myself. . . . .sweet, at least they got a good workout. Actually rode ok, except for the fact I can NOT ride unclipped. This was my downfall. Not only did my feet slide all around on the pedals, I kept trying to pedal with my WHOLE leg and I kept lifting my feet off the pedals. Duh. So I ended up running a couple parts I should have rode. . . .but whatever. It was not so bad anyway.
I feel like I had more to give, which was good. Not sure why I didn't give it. . . . .but then again, I don't really care either. :-) Finished 7 out of 10 Cat 3 women. Caught up to Colleen at the end and she put the hammer down and stomped me. Never saw her again. Nice finish!
Even in the mud I practiced my "form" on the barriers. That's the fun part. I may not have WON, but at least I looked cool.
CK took 1st in the 40+, he had a huge gap. He probably could have walked most of the last lap and still won. He got a sweet trophy and some cash. Add that to his Iceman cash and now he's surpassed me in the winnings department this month. But he doesn't have a sweet Iceman jersey. Ha ha.
Now it's time to RECOVER. Maybe ONE last CX race next weekend. . . . . . . .
Saturday morning I look out the window, everything is white. . . .I mean REALLY white. A couple inches of snow. . . .a snow filled, slush covered drive way. . . .32 degree temps. . . .I'm thinkin' "sure, what the hell, let's go to do the cross race in Janesville". So I call Tiny to make sure he's out of bed because I figure CK and I aren't going to suffer alone. . . . . .
After a 2 hour drive we arrive in Janesville. I register right away so I don't change my mind. Then I walk to the course and see it's all mud. Now I'm thinking "cool, I might do ok. . . .looks like the skills will come into play". I'm seeing people COVERED in mud . . . .some of them all you can see is their EYES! Wow. This is going to suck.
I try to warm up but decide really, I don't care. That's the fun thing about not being in the series. . . .or having "good" races. . . .you can afford to not really care. So I stand on the start line and chat with Keith while everyone else warms up. In retrospect. . . .I probably should have warmed up. . . . .
Off we go. . . . . I used the abs a ton to balance myself. . . . .sweet, at least they got a good workout. Actually rode ok, except for the fact I can NOT ride unclipped. This was my downfall. Not only did my feet slide all around on the pedals, I kept trying to pedal with my WHOLE leg and I kept lifting my feet off the pedals. Duh. So I ended up running a couple parts I should have rode. . . .but whatever. It was not so bad anyway.
I feel like I had more to give, which was good. Not sure why I didn't give it. . . . .but then again, I don't really care either. :-) Finished 7 out of 10 Cat 3 women. Caught up to Colleen at the end and she put the hammer down and stomped me. Never saw her again. Nice finish!
Even in the mud I practiced my "form" on the barriers. That's the fun part. I may not have WON, but at least I looked cool.
CK took 1st in the 40+, he had a huge gap. He probably could have walked most of the last lap and still won. He got a sweet trophy and some cash. Add that to his Iceman cash and now he's surpassed me in the winnings department this month. But he doesn't have a sweet Iceman jersey. Ha ha.
Now it's time to RECOVER. Maybe ONE last CX race next weekend. . . . . . . .
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Once upon a time in a land far, far away. . . . . .
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there was a little elf named Tiny. Tiny liked to ride bicycles and actually he was pretty good. He got harassed a lot to ride with the faster elves, but Tiny knew what his goals were and he stood his ground and stayed with the slower elves so he could meet them.
One day the KING Elf asked Tiny to race his bicycle in a magical land far, FAR away. It would take 7 days by camel to get there, so Tiny decided to rent a Jeep (not a sheep). The Jeep rode well and he arrived at the magical land in plenty of time to pre-ride part of the course. Now Tiny didn't realize this magical land that was far, FAR away was just like the place he was from. . . .where it gets dark by 5:00. . . .so he set out on his adventure not knowing where he was going with only mere minutes until dark. Of course he got lost. . . . . . .and a gnome from another town had to be guide him back with his little pen light. . . .just in the nick of time as Tiny was getting hungry.
The next day Tiny rode in the race the KING Elf invited him to and he won. He celebrated with his little elf friends and the beautiful princess elf and they both took home Iceman jerseys.
That night Tiny had trouble sleeping and he decided he would pack the Jeep up to head back to his home lands in the middle of the night. . . . . .so he did. He entertained himself on the long drive back in the dark by singing country songs to himself. . . . . .telling himself stories. . . . . .and counting how many deer he saw on the roadside.
Before arriving back in his village he had to return the Jeep to the Dollar rental counter. The gargoyle behind the counter was pleasant enough to point out the fact that they didn't have Tiny's camel anymore. It became a mystery as to where Tiny's camel went. Upon further investigation it was discovered Tiny parked his camel in a no-parking zone, so they had to tow his camel. Tiny pointed out to the gargoyle that SHE told him to park the camel there, but it didn't matter what he said, they were going to charge him for the towing anyway. . . . .so he gave up the fight.
They sent him to the Troll's shack to pay for the towing and once he arrived there he discovered they not only towed his camel and charged him for that. . . . .but they parked the camel in a limited parking zone so he also received a ticket. By now Tiny was very angry and went to pay the Troll so he could get home and eat. The Troll informed him of the charges. . . . . .and then informed him that on top of the towing and the ticket charges. . . .he also had to pay another $30 to STORE the camel. Poor Tiny was fuming out his elf ears as he went to the time machine to get cash for the Troll. After some debate and a second trip out to make change because the Troll didn't have any change. . . . . .Tiny finally got his camel back (not to be confused with his "Camelbak") and headed home to eat.
He was very glad the KING Elf had given him money for winning the bicycle race in the magical land far, FAR away. . . . .because he spent it all on his camel. Stupid camel.
One day the KING Elf asked Tiny to race his bicycle in a magical land far, FAR away. It would take 7 days by camel to get there, so Tiny decided to rent a Jeep (not a sheep). The Jeep rode well and he arrived at the magical land in plenty of time to pre-ride part of the course. Now Tiny didn't realize this magical land that was far, FAR away was just like the place he was from. . . .where it gets dark by 5:00. . . .so he set out on his adventure not knowing where he was going with only mere minutes until dark. Of course he got lost. . . . . . .and a gnome from another town had to be guide him back with his little pen light. . . .just in the nick of time as Tiny was getting hungry.
The next day Tiny rode in the race the KING Elf invited him to and he won. He celebrated with his little elf friends and the beautiful princess elf and they both took home Iceman jerseys.
That night Tiny had trouble sleeping and he decided he would pack the Jeep up to head back to his home lands in the middle of the night. . . . . .so he did. He entertained himself on the long drive back in the dark by singing country songs to himself. . . . . .telling himself stories. . . . . .and counting how many deer he saw on the roadside.
Before arriving back in his village he had to return the Jeep to the Dollar rental counter. The gargoyle behind the counter was pleasant enough to point out the fact that they didn't have Tiny's camel anymore. It became a mystery as to where Tiny's camel went. Upon further investigation it was discovered Tiny parked his camel in a no-parking zone, so they had to tow his camel. Tiny pointed out to the gargoyle that SHE told him to park the camel there, but it didn't matter what he said, they were going to charge him for the towing anyway. . . . .so he gave up the fight.
They sent him to the Troll's shack to pay for the towing and once he arrived there he discovered they not only towed his camel and charged him for that. . . . .but they parked the camel in a limited parking zone so he also received a ticket. By now Tiny was very angry and went to pay the Troll so he could get home and eat. The Troll informed him of the charges. . . . . .and then informed him that on top of the towing and the ticket charges. . . .he also had to pay another $30 to STORE the camel. Poor Tiny was fuming out his elf ears as he went to the time machine to get cash for the Troll. After some debate and a second trip out to make change because the Troll didn't have any change. . . . . .Tiny finally got his camel back (not to be confused with his "Camelbak") and headed home to eat.
He was very glad the KING Elf had given him money for winning the bicycle race in the magical land far, FAR away. . . . .because he spent it all on his camel. Stupid camel.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Happy Birthday CK!
A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY goes out to Jeff Melcher today. Not quite the Big "4-0". . . .but he's closer to it than I am. Hope your day is great. And you're welcome for the weather I provided you with.
Did a night ride last night again. Wasn't as much fun as last week's. I think the fatigue I'm still carrying from the Iceman made it just a tad bit less fun than I hoped for. Funny how the body can do that to you. . . .make a ride less fun when it hurts a little more than usual. I also seemed to momentarily have a loss of "skills" and forgot how to RIDE. Although I wasn't laying across the trail on the way down those "steps". . . . .yes, those "steps" that you aren't supposed to ride. . . . .now Captain's got a one way ticket "you know where" and it wasn't even Squirt's fault. She was off gettin' "perty".
Hit New Fane today for a bit since it was SOOOO beautiful. Yeah, that felt like crap too. Guess the body needs some recovery time. Seems like hard rides take me down for several days now-a-days. It kind of sucks to lose the "recovery" factor. But at least I'm on the bike. That's a bonus. And besides, the "base period" will shortly be upon us. Then it's lots of long, easy rides anyway. THOSE I can handle. Thank god it takes the endurance longer to leave the body. There might be hope for me yet. :-)
GET OUT and enjoy the weather. I will make the snow fly again soon. Yuck.
Did a night ride last night again. Wasn't as much fun as last week's. I think the fatigue I'm still carrying from the Iceman made it just a tad bit less fun than I hoped for. Funny how the body can do that to you. . . .make a ride less fun when it hurts a little more than usual. I also seemed to momentarily have a loss of "skills" and forgot how to RIDE. Although I wasn't laying across the trail on the way down those "steps". . . . .yes, those "steps" that you aren't supposed to ride. . . . .now Captain's got a one way ticket "you know where" and it wasn't even Squirt's fault. She was off gettin' "perty".
Hit New Fane today for a bit since it was SOOOO beautiful. Yeah, that felt like crap too. Guess the body needs some recovery time. Seems like hard rides take me down for several days now-a-days. It kind of sucks to lose the "recovery" factor. But at least I'm on the bike. That's a bonus. And besides, the "base period" will shortly be upon us. Then it's lots of long, easy rides anyway. THOSE I can handle. Thank god it takes the endurance longer to leave the body. There might be hope for me yet. :-)
GET OUT and enjoy the weather. I will make the snow fly again soon. Yuck.
Monday, November 06, 2006
The Iceman recap. . . . .
"Energy and persistence conquer all things." ~Benjamin Franklin . . . . . . . . . I think I might just believe that.
7 hours 45 minutes in the vehicle one way. . . . . . .freezing temps. . . . . .snow flakes falling. . . . . .69 SPORT women alone. . . . . .28.5 miles of double track, single track, flats, hills and SAND. . . . . . HUNDREDS of slower sport men in front of me. . . . . .and one FREAKIN' AWESOME finish for Girl. :-)
This was not the kind of course that favors me. . . . .especially now, when I've lost some strength and some upper end. But somehow, when you line me up at the start, tell me it's a race and say "GO", some switch flips deep inside me. This season I have been able to access parts of myself during racing I didn't even know I had. 2006 was the season for realizing what is truly inside of me. . . . . . .what motivates and inspires me.
My finish time was 2:28. AHR 181. A 90 minute WORS race has me at an AHR of about 182. I had no idea I could put that much out for that long of a time frame (at this point in the year especially). . . . .and not bonk. I even surprised myself.
Out of 69 sport women I ended up 8th overall. Out of 25 sport women in my age group (35-44) I took 1st. I got some awesome BLING! Walked away with $135, a 1st place medal and an Iceman Cometh Jersey (maybe I'll wear it at the next cross race). I was so excited. . . . .I was walking on clouds. :-)
I wasn't the only one who made my name known in Michigan. We had some AWESOME finishes among us. Jeff Melcher skillfully took 2nd out of 107 in his age (expert 35-39). He ended up 8th overall. . . .out of 394 Experts. Unbelievable.
Nathan and Ron took 1st and 3rd (respectively) in their age group (expert 25-29). Scott Cole took 5th in his age group (expert 40-44). John Lirette took 1st in his age (sport 40-44), with a mechanical none-the-less. Russell took 4th out of his age (sport/expert clydesdales). Mike & Jay took 6th in the tandem category. And there were a number of other prominentnt WI WORS riders who cleaned house as well. Check out ALL the results here.
Overall it was a well spent weekend. It was great to be able to ride with so many other great riders, to practice my "aggressive passing" going around all those slower sport boys, to spend quality time with other awesome WI WORS people, to spend 16 hours in a car with my BFF, to listen to Tiny's stories of the weekend (which I will recall for you in future posts), to realize that I really do have the motivation and the inspiration, I just have to remember how to tap into it. . . . .and use that this winter so NEXT season can be what this season was "supposed" to be. I can't wait.
7 hours 45 minutes in the vehicle one way. . . . . . .freezing temps. . . . . .snow flakes falling. . . . . .69 SPORT women alone. . . . . .28.5 miles of double track, single track, flats, hills and SAND. . . . . . HUNDREDS of slower sport men in front of me. . . . . .and one FREAKIN' AWESOME finish for Girl. :-)
This was not the kind of course that favors me. . . . .especially now, when I've lost some strength and some upper end. But somehow, when you line me up at the start, tell me it's a race and say "GO", some switch flips deep inside me. This season I have been able to access parts of myself during racing I didn't even know I had. 2006 was the season for realizing what is truly inside of me. . . . . . .what motivates and inspires me.
My finish time was 2:28. AHR 181. A 90 minute WORS race has me at an AHR of about 182. I had no idea I could put that much out for that long of a time frame (at this point in the year especially). . . . .and not bonk. I even surprised myself.
Out of 69 sport women I ended up 8th overall. Out of 25 sport women in my age group (35-44) I took 1st. I got some awesome BLING! Walked away with $135, a 1st place medal and an Iceman Cometh Jersey (maybe I'll wear it at the next cross race). I was so excited. . . . .I was walking on clouds. :-)
I wasn't the only one who made my name known in Michigan. We had some AWESOME finishes among us. Jeff Melcher skillfully took 2nd out of 107 in his age (expert 35-39). He ended up 8th overall. . . .out of 394 Experts. Unbelievable.
Nathan and Ron took 1st and 3rd (respectively) in their age group (expert 25-29). Scott Cole took 5th in his age group (expert 40-44). John Lirette took 1st in his age (sport 40-44), with a mechanical none-the-less. Russell took 4th out of his age (sport/expert clydesdales). Mike & Jay took 6th in the tandem category. And there were a number of other prominentnt WI WORS riders who cleaned house as well. Check out ALL the results here.
Overall it was a well spent weekend. It was great to be able to ride with so many other great riders, to practice my "aggressive passing" going around all those slower sport boys, to spend quality time with other awesome WI WORS people, to spend 16 hours in a car with my BFF, to listen to Tiny's stories of the weekend (which I will recall for you in future posts), to realize that I really do have the motivation and the inspiration, I just have to remember how to tap into it. . . . .and use that this winter so NEXT season can be what this season was "supposed" to be. I can't wait.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Iceman Cometh
Off we go. . . . . . .off to Traverse City Michigan for the Iceman Cometh. I hope it's not SUPER freezing. And I hope I finish well. Good luck to all you sucka's doing the cross race this weekend.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Night riding does NOT suck!
Ok, I have a new attitude on night riding now.
Went out last night with a few friends, on a trail I know very well, and took the lead. The group of people were fun, the trail was great, the weather was not-so-bad, my light was awesome, and the pace. . . . . . .well, the pace was probably a little higher than I expected, but I guess that's my fault since I set it.
Had a blast. . . . . . had some good chili afterwards. . . . . and now I'm pretty sure I'm hooked on night riding. Let's do it again NEXT week!! :-)
Sweet.
Went out last night with a few friends, on a trail I know very well, and took the lead. The group of people were fun, the trail was great, the weather was not-so-bad, my light was awesome, and the pace. . . . . . .well, the pace was probably a little higher than I expected, but I guess that's my fault since I set it.
Had a blast. . . . . . had some good chili afterwards. . . . . and now I'm pretty sure I'm hooked on night riding. Let's do it again NEXT week!! :-)
Sweet.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
WORS Recap - it's a LONG one
Today I took time to reflect on my WORS career and how far I've come. I came from a completely non-athletic background. . . .orchestra and forensics in high school (your typical "geek") and eased my way into biking back in 2000 when we purchased my first bike. I think it was a Huffy and it weighted like 48 pounds (or that's what it felt like at least). But I was determined to at least TRY, because my husband wanted to get into it, and I figured if I ever wanted to see him, I'd have to learn myself.
Riding here and there, falling a TON, I moved up to a Mongoose bike and Bill decided it would be good for me to graduate to clipless pedals. My first ride I fell a million times, and got so angry I tried to throw my bike. . . .unfortunately it was while I was still clipped IN. I thought I'd NEVER get it.
2001 had me doing the first few races as pre-rides and then deciding what the heck. . . .let's TRY to race. My first race was the WORS cup. . . .race #4 of the season. I was terrified. I had no clue how to race much less how to RIDE. Out of 78 Citizen women, I finished 53rd overall and 6th in age. Some girl named AMY PIKALEK WON the overall at that race. She was in my age group, but I had no idea who she was. 2001 had me finishing the season and getting a good taste of mountain biking. I obtained so many cuts, scrapes and bruises people thought I was being abused at home. I was on the ground or flying over my handle bars more than I was ON the bike but I kept on trying. In fact, I ended up finishing 3rd in age. . . .right behind that Amy girl (and I STILL had no idea who she was). I figured if I could finish 3rd in age, I could move up to Sport. People tried to talk me out of it, but when I have something in my head. . . . .I'm going to do what I'm going to do. So up I went.
2002 had me getting my ASS handed to me every single race, wondering why the HELL I even tried. A GOOD finish for me that year was somewhere mid pack. But I continued to learn how to ride, and how to fall. . . . .and slowly I started to develop SOME fitness. Towards the end of the year I took on a coach (Jeff Melcher) and started on a "REAL" workout plan. I was determined.
2003 proved to be a growing year, with finishes all over the board. Now midpack was pretty common, and my best overall finish ever came this year. . . .at Sheboygan. 39 sport women and I finished 3rd overall, 1st in age. I was ecstatic. I still fell a lot throughout the season. . . .but the falls were getting a little less often and I was able to spend more time ON the bike than off. I was starting to get the concept of "skills". . . . .and my training plan was slowly starting to show improvements in my fitness level.
2004 was spent trying to develop some of those skills so critical to mountain biking. My finishes were now consistently top 20, with a good race being top 15 (Sheboygan was ALWAYS the exception finishing 8th overall this year). This was the year I learned who Ulla Gonzalez was. . . .and we started to watch each other's finishes. She was better than I was, but on a GOOD day I could give her a run for her money.
2005 was the year it finally all started to come together. The countless hours spent in the gym, on the trainer, outside on my bike. The hours I devoted to skills training, core training and furthering my fitness level. I sought out others to ride with so I could learn from them. . .be pushed by them. . . and push myself. Ulla and I spent a lot of time riding together and this was the year I finally learned who AMY PIKALEK was. She had taken a brief hiatus from racing and was back again on her single speed and we rode nicely together. This was the year of the top 10 finishes. On a good day I came close to cracking the top 5, with 2-6th place finishes, 2-7th place finishes, 1-8th place finish and 1-9th place finish. I was motivated, inspired and LOVED my bike. My skill set had FINALLY developed, my fitness level had finally developed and I had lost about 10 pounds since the beginning of my biking career. I was "good" and others started to know my name.
2006 had me continue to grow with my skill set steadily improving, my weight was still dropping and my fitness was still growing. The year started out with consistent top 10 finishes putting me on the path to my ultimate goal, which was to crack the top 5, and to do it more than once. Then out of no where I started experiencing severe back pains. I saw a noticeable drop in my power on the bike and my ability to "hammer". Soon that grew to the point where I could hardly stand once off my bike and several hours after a hard work out I was in tears from the pain radiating from my butt, shooting down my leg. I developed what my friends so affectionately termed "the Brittany shuffle" where it would take me a good minute or two to actually get up after sitting. It hurt to sit, it hurt to lay down, it hurt to ride. So off to the Dr I went.
July 5th I was told I had a bulging disk and the worse thing I could do was keep riding my bike. I saw an orthopedic surgeon who explained my nerves were being pinched by this (these) disks and that I was at risk for experiencing long term nerve damage if I didn't hold up and try to recover. I thought I was gong to DIE. I was told to spend a minimum of 6 weeks off my bike. . . .NO workouts, no weights, no riding, just recovery. I didn't want to do it, but my body told me it was the ONLY option. . . .unless I wanted to undergo orthopedic surgery.
That was one of the hardest times of my life. I questioned who I was. . . .what my existence was for. . . I never realized I had turned into one of "those" people. . . .the kind that NEEDED to work out to feel complete. I missed my bike so much I had to put it out of sight. I clipped my WORS plate off and cried. Every race I went to I longed to be racing. I tried to be an upbeat spectator and cheer on my fellow racers but inside I felt "incomplete".
Then after more than 6 weeks OFF the bike and 2 epidural steroid injections, I was given clearance to SLOWLY start returning to "normal" life. I was told I needed to be careful with my workouts now so as to not fall back where I was. My first ride felt wonderful and I cried. I couldn't believe how much I missed it. And slowly but surely I started riding a little more. . . . .and enjoying myself a little more each time.
Over 3 months later I'm still limited to how long I can ride. . . how hard I can ride. . . and how many days in a row I can stack. I still experience some mild symptoms of the sciatica I had. . . .the tingling in the foot. . .the aching in the buttock, etc, but I continue to take each day on it's own, and ride when I can and hope for the best.
This year derailed me off "the plan" and while I managed to make a comeback and rely on the "skills" I had developed to continue to finish in the top 10, it wasn't the year I had "planned" for. My fitness level isn't where it was even at the beginning of the year, and that's a hard pill to swallow. When you have realistic goals, ones you KNOW you are capable of achieving and something you can't control stands in your way, it's a very frustrating process. Dropping into a cyclocross race where you USED to finish very WELL, where you WON the series last year, and having it handed to you is a very demoralizing thing. Knowing you aren't able to go "hammer" on the road with people you USED to ride with is tough. To let go of your fitness, and put faith in the fact that someday you'll get back there has been a tough process for me.
But despite the "temporary" setbacks this year has thrown at me, and despite the GREAT competition I had in my age group, this year was the first year I stood on the 2nd step of the podium at the end of the year. And even though my overall finishes weren't where I had hoped they would be. . . .I was proud to be there.
Tomorrow is another day. . . .next week may be different. . . .next year I may look back from the top 5 and laugh at how "down" I felt during this process. But one never knows. 2006 allowed me to grow in other areas. . . .and to grow as a person OFF the bike. Now I'm hoping 2007 will allow me to put ALL these things together and "ROCK OUT" as we say. But for now, I'll just take it ONE DAY AT A TIME and be glad I can ride.
Riding here and there, falling a TON, I moved up to a Mongoose bike and Bill decided it would be good for me to graduate to clipless pedals. My first ride I fell a million times, and got so angry I tried to throw my bike. . . .unfortunately it was while I was still clipped IN. I thought I'd NEVER get it.
2001 had me doing the first few races as pre-rides and then deciding what the heck. . . .let's TRY to race. My first race was the WORS cup. . . .race #4 of the season. I was terrified. I had no clue how to race much less how to RIDE. Out of 78 Citizen women, I finished 53rd overall and 6th in age. Some girl named AMY PIKALEK WON the overall at that race. She was in my age group, but I had no idea who she was. 2001 had me finishing the season and getting a good taste of mountain biking. I obtained so many cuts, scrapes and bruises people thought I was being abused at home. I was on the ground or flying over my handle bars more than I was ON the bike but I kept on trying. In fact, I ended up finishing 3rd in age. . . .right behind that Amy girl (and I STILL had no idea who she was). I figured if I could finish 3rd in age, I could move up to Sport. People tried to talk me out of it, but when I have something in my head. . . . .I'm going to do what I'm going to do. So up I went.
2002 had me getting my ASS handed to me every single race, wondering why the HELL I even tried. A GOOD finish for me that year was somewhere mid pack. But I continued to learn how to ride, and how to fall. . . . .and slowly I started to develop SOME fitness. Towards the end of the year I took on a coach (Jeff Melcher) and started on a "REAL" workout plan. I was determined.
2003 proved to be a growing year, with finishes all over the board. Now midpack was pretty common, and my best overall finish ever came this year. . . .at Sheboygan. 39 sport women and I finished 3rd overall, 1st in age. I was ecstatic. I still fell a lot throughout the season. . . .but the falls were getting a little less often and I was able to spend more time ON the bike than off. I was starting to get the concept of "skills". . . . .and my training plan was slowly starting to show improvements in my fitness level.
2004 was spent trying to develop some of those skills so critical to mountain biking. My finishes were now consistently top 20, with a good race being top 15 (Sheboygan was ALWAYS the exception finishing 8th overall this year). This was the year I learned who Ulla Gonzalez was. . . .and we started to watch each other's finishes. She was better than I was, but on a GOOD day I could give her a run for her money.
2005 was the year it finally all started to come together. The countless hours spent in the gym, on the trainer, outside on my bike. The hours I devoted to skills training, core training and furthering my fitness level. I sought out others to ride with so I could learn from them. . .be pushed by them. . . and push myself. Ulla and I spent a lot of time riding together and this was the year I finally learned who AMY PIKALEK was. She had taken a brief hiatus from racing and was back again on her single speed and we rode nicely together. This was the year of the top 10 finishes. On a good day I came close to cracking the top 5, with 2-6th place finishes, 2-7th place finishes, 1-8th place finish and 1-9th place finish. I was motivated, inspired and LOVED my bike. My skill set had FINALLY developed, my fitness level had finally developed and I had lost about 10 pounds since the beginning of my biking career. I was "good" and others started to know my name.
2006 had me continue to grow with my skill set steadily improving, my weight was still dropping and my fitness was still growing. The year started out with consistent top 10 finishes putting me on the path to my ultimate goal, which was to crack the top 5, and to do it more than once. Then out of no where I started experiencing severe back pains. I saw a noticeable drop in my power on the bike and my ability to "hammer". Soon that grew to the point where I could hardly stand once off my bike and several hours after a hard work out I was in tears from the pain radiating from my butt, shooting down my leg. I developed what my friends so affectionately termed "the Brittany shuffle" where it would take me a good minute or two to actually get up after sitting. It hurt to sit, it hurt to lay down, it hurt to ride. So off to the Dr I went.
July 5th I was told I had a bulging disk and the worse thing I could do was keep riding my bike. I saw an orthopedic surgeon who explained my nerves were being pinched by this (these) disks and that I was at risk for experiencing long term nerve damage if I didn't hold up and try to recover. I thought I was gong to DIE. I was told to spend a minimum of 6 weeks off my bike. . . .NO workouts, no weights, no riding, just recovery. I didn't want to do it, but my body told me it was the ONLY option. . . .unless I wanted to undergo orthopedic surgery.
That was one of the hardest times of my life. I questioned who I was. . . .what my existence was for. . . I never realized I had turned into one of "those" people. . . .the kind that NEEDED to work out to feel complete. I missed my bike so much I had to put it out of sight. I clipped my WORS plate off and cried. Every race I went to I longed to be racing. I tried to be an upbeat spectator and cheer on my fellow racers but inside I felt "incomplete".
Then after more than 6 weeks OFF the bike and 2 epidural steroid injections, I was given clearance to SLOWLY start returning to "normal" life. I was told I needed to be careful with my workouts now so as to not fall back where I was. My first ride felt wonderful and I cried. I couldn't believe how much I missed it. And slowly but surely I started riding a little more. . . . .and enjoying myself a little more each time.
Over 3 months later I'm still limited to how long I can ride. . . how hard I can ride. . . and how many days in a row I can stack. I still experience some mild symptoms of the sciatica I had. . . .the tingling in the foot. . .the aching in the buttock, etc, but I continue to take each day on it's own, and ride when I can and hope for the best.
This year derailed me off "the plan" and while I managed to make a comeback and rely on the "skills" I had developed to continue to finish in the top 10, it wasn't the year I had "planned" for. My fitness level isn't where it was even at the beginning of the year, and that's a hard pill to swallow. When you have realistic goals, ones you KNOW you are capable of achieving and something you can't control stands in your way, it's a very frustrating process. Dropping into a cyclocross race where you USED to finish very WELL, where you WON the series last year, and having it handed to you is a very demoralizing thing. Knowing you aren't able to go "hammer" on the road with people you USED to ride with is tough. To let go of your fitness, and put faith in the fact that someday you'll get back there has been a tough process for me.
But despite the "temporary" setbacks this year has thrown at me, and despite the GREAT competition I had in my age group, this year was the first year I stood on the 2nd step of the podium at the end of the year. And even though my overall finishes weren't where I had hoped they would be. . . .I was proud to be there.
Tomorrow is another day. . . .next week may be different. . . .next year I may look back from the top 5 and laugh at how "down" I felt during this process. But one never knows. 2006 allowed me to grow in other areas. . . .and to grow as a person OFF the bike. Now I'm hoping 2007 will allow me to put ALL these things together and "ROCK OUT" as we say. But for now, I'll just take it ONE DAY AT A TIME and be glad I can ride.
Monday, October 30, 2006
You can't please everyone all of the time. . . . .
We all went our own way Sunday. . . . .and while some of the gang were abusing their bodies at the Cross race. . . . .I scored some recovery time on the couch.
My only regret? Missing this "sweet thing" in action.
But I guess sometimes you just have to what YOU want to do. You can't please everyone all of the time. . . .and trying to only adds to your stress level. As a wise person once told me. . . ."I can't meet everybody's expectations all the time and to try only complicates my life".
I'm tired of being complicated.
My only regret? Missing this "sweet thing" in action.
But I guess sometimes you just have to what YOU want to do. You can't please everyone all of the time. . . .and trying to only adds to your stress level. As a wise person once told me. . . ."I can't meet everybody's expectations all the time and to try only complicates my life".
I'm tired of being complicated.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Pumpkin Carving Time
We thought it would be FUN to carve pumpkins together tonight. Well. . . . . . .
This little guy showed up. . . .. .he came with Squirt and was very curious. . . .
This little guy showed up. . . .. .he came with Squirt and was very curious. . . .
The guts were slimey and icky. . . . .but we were tough girls and scooped them out anyway.
CK was even tough and scooped his out. . . . . .he had a few obscene things to say while scooping though . . . .
Then that mouse made it's appearance again, with a 4 foot tail this time. . . . .somehow he ended up on the ceiling. . . . . . I think he was trying to jump in Squirt's hair. . . . .
After what felt like HOURS and numerous threats to use my pumpkin carving tool to stab those around me. . . .THIS was MY finished product.
Of course it was all free hand and made up totally out of my mind. . . .did you have to ask?? Sure. . . . . . . I have SKILLS.
And here's the finished group product. Of course you can hardly see them. . . .so just take my word that they were COOL.
And we even stayed up past 10:00pm on a FRIDAY night. Sweet.
Yeah, I need a life. I know. But if you're reading this. . . you probably do too.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
What's New In Real Estate?
I guess since I have this blog labeled as your connection to the real estate world (as well as all the "happenings" of my life) I should probably take a moment to spread some Real Estate news.
As you've probably seen or heard as of late, the real estate market has slowed down a bit from where it was only a few short months ago. Here in the Midwest, thankfully we're not seeing the housing "bubble" bursting as it is on the East and West coasts where some properties are actually LOSING value. . . . . . .so don't panic!
In Washington County (the county I specialize in) we've seen an incredible appreciation on property values over the past few years. Of course when this happens, one has to understand those values will only skyrocket for so long before they balance out. We're now in the balancing phase.
Currently we are seeing a large listing inventory that's frankly not moving as quickly as it was 3 or 4 months ago. Properties are spending longer on the market and buyers are now becoming more choosy about which home they find to be the best value.
This is the kind of market where sellers need to be very careful when pricing their home. They also need to be very educated on everything that's on the market in their price range in order to determine exactly where to position their property for sale. Proper consideration should be given to staging homes as well. Things like applying a fresh coat of paint, reducing clutter from closets & such, removing personal pictures (if they're in excess), paying attention to curb appeal, making sure the leaves are raked, the bushes are trimmed, garbage is picked up, etc. are all things that sellers need to focus on in this type of market.
A properly priced home, staged appropriately is going to attract a buyer the quickest. And that buyer is going to see the value in that home. . . . .because they're educated on what else is out there. . . .and you'll get that offer over your competition.
As you've probably seen or heard as of late, the real estate market has slowed down a bit from where it was only a few short months ago. Here in the Midwest, thankfully we're not seeing the housing "bubble" bursting as it is on the East and West coasts where some properties are actually LOSING value. . . . . . .so don't panic!
In Washington County (the county I specialize in) we've seen an incredible appreciation on property values over the past few years. Of course when this happens, one has to understand those values will only skyrocket for so long before they balance out. We're now in the balancing phase.
Currently we are seeing a large listing inventory that's frankly not moving as quickly as it was 3 or 4 months ago. Properties are spending longer on the market and buyers are now becoming more choosy about which home they find to be the best value.
This is the kind of market where sellers need to be very careful when pricing their home. They also need to be very educated on everything that's on the market in their price range in order to determine exactly where to position their property for sale. Proper consideration should be given to staging homes as well. Things like applying a fresh coat of paint, reducing clutter from closets & such, removing personal pictures (if they're in excess), paying attention to curb appeal, making sure the leaves are raked, the bushes are trimmed, garbage is picked up, etc. are all things that sellers need to focus on in this type of market.
A properly priced home, staged appropriately is going to attract a buyer the quickest. And that buyer is going to see the value in that home. . . . .because they're educated on what else is out there. . . .and you'll get that offer over your competition.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
One Day At A Time
Thanks to everyone for your replies to my "training dilemma". For those of you who don't know me, I'm a big "future thinker". I often times have difficulty living "in the moment" without worrying about the future, losing what I have, not being where I want to be, etc. It's often what drives me in life to work harder at things (training is one of these things) to get what I want, but sometimes it provides me with a great deal of stress as well.
Yesterday I made a conscious decision to try and live IN the moment and enjoy the day and what it brought. And. . . .it ended up to be a fun day.
I ventured out with my mapquest sheets in hand to find the home of the infamous RONSTA for a ride on the Bug Line.
Of course getting ready for the ride was almost as much fun as the ride. Watching Squirt put her front wheel on is always a good time.
Yesterday I made a conscious decision to try and live IN the moment and enjoy the day and what it brought. And. . . .it ended up to be a fun day.
I ventured out with my mapquest sheets in hand to find the home of the infamous RONSTA for a ride on the Bug Line.
Of course getting ready for the ride was almost as much fun as the ride. Watching Squirt put her front wheel on is always a good time.
And then of course she had "the star" along for good luck. . . . .
Then this shady looking character showed up. . . . . . .
And of course the host. . . .
After Squirt was done wresting with her front wheel we set out. Thankfully I was given the heads up that she was going to drop me in the parking lot. . . . .so I made a point of letting her know it would be "unfortunate" if her light (that she borrowed from the Science Guy) didn't work for some reason. . . . . .
After 15 minutes of weaving through what felt like people's back yards we arrived at the trail head where Tiny was anxiously awaiting our arrival. I think he was getting lonely talking to the people driving by in their cars in downtown Merton.
The ride was nice. . . .of course I was working a little harder than anyone else. And I let Squirt win on all the "sprints" we did. . . .I didn't want her to feel shown up by a Sport Chick. Each time we came to a gate a saw myself flying head over heals over it. . .thankfully it never happened.
We did see ManBearPig a few times. . . .and Ron saw him close up as he jumped out the woods and grabbed Mr Bigg sending Ron flying over the handlebars.
On the way back Ron took us through the countryside. . . . .as we lost the trail and decided to ride through the pine trees for a while. ManBearPig must have been following closely at that time, because he jumped out and stuck a stick or something in Nathan's tire, and suddenly Nathan went over the bars. . . . .
We were lost for SO LONG that we contemplated eating Lori. Of course she's so small she would have just been an appetizer. Luckily we found the way out just as I was getting ready to sink my teeth in. . . . .
I burned a little extra energy trying to fight off the horrendous foot cramp I had starting towards the end of the ride. Guess I need to stock up on WATER to make sure I'm hydrated before the Iceman.
2.5+ hours of riding overall . . . . . . 10 minutes fixing Lori's helmet and figuring out how to turn her light on. . . .5 minutes trying to bit into my frozen cliff bar. . . all in all, a good time on the bike. . . . . AND a good training ride for me.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Cyclocross
Well, my reign as cyclocross champion for women's "B" (cat 3) has come to an abrupt end this year. Two races attempted. . . .one race completed. . . .two races where I had it totally handed to me.
It's hard to get a grasp on the fact that I'm not in the same condition I was last year. I had about two thirds the training time in for this entire year as I did for last year. . . .and while I understand my results could still be interpreted as somewhat good. . . . .they're not what I planned.
It's funny how life just hands you lemons sometimes. . . .and it's not always the easiest to make lemonade. I'm usually that type of person. . . .to make the lemonade. . . but sometimes it's tough. As I tell those that hang with me. . . ."you have no idea how hard it is being "girl" some days". This is one of those days/weeks/months I guess.
With the Ice Man just around the corner, I'm wondering if I should even bother. Every race, every training ride, every workout feels like a chore lately. I don't enjoy them. . . .I don't see results. . .I'm tired of being at the bottom of the totem pole.
Sometimes you have to live life for yourself. . . and do what makes YOU happy, not what makes others happy. Except sometimes you lose yourself in others. . . .or in your training. . . .or in your biking. . . and you forget what and who YOU are. I just need to find that person again and perhaps the rest will fall into place.
On the flip side. . . .not training means eating less, which means I've lost weight AND body fat. So that's sweet. :-) See, there IS an upside. You just have to look sometimes I guess.
That's it for me. The couch is calling.
It's hard to get a grasp on the fact that I'm not in the same condition I was last year. I had about two thirds the training time in for this entire year as I did for last year. . . .and while I understand my results could still be interpreted as somewhat good. . . . .they're not what I planned.
It's funny how life just hands you lemons sometimes. . . .and it's not always the easiest to make lemonade. I'm usually that type of person. . . .to make the lemonade. . . but sometimes it's tough. As I tell those that hang with me. . . ."you have no idea how hard it is being "girl" some days". This is one of those days/weeks/months I guess.
With the Ice Man just around the corner, I'm wondering if I should even bother. Every race, every training ride, every workout feels like a chore lately. I don't enjoy them. . . .I don't see results. . .I'm tired of being at the bottom of the totem pole.
Sometimes you have to live life for yourself. . . and do what makes YOU happy, not what makes others happy. Except sometimes you lose yourself in others. . . .or in your training. . . .or in your biking. . . and you forget what and who YOU are. I just need to find that person again and perhaps the rest will fall into place.
On the flip side. . . .not training means eating less, which means I've lost weight AND body fat. So that's sweet. :-) See, there IS an upside. You just have to look sometimes I guess.
That's it for me. The couch is calling.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Oh my gosh, I'm STILL laughing about that night.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Night Racin'
Night racin' sucks.
Great race put on by this guy last Friday night. . . .but I have to admit one should first PRACTICE riding at night before one simply jumps into a race.
Did I have fun you ask? Not this time. Perhaps the next night "ride" I do shall be better, after all, it can't get a lot worse.
Thanks for the pic Nathan.
Great race put on by this guy last Friday night. . . .but I have to admit one should first PRACTICE riding at night before one simply jumps into a race.
Did I have fun you ask? Not this time. Perhaps the next night "ride" I do shall be better, after all, it can't get a lot worse.
Thanks for the pic Nathan.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
What's YOUR stress level?
Do you know what your stress level is? I needed a mental break this afternoon and thought I'd take this "simple little test" to find out what my stress level was. Well, apparently I have HIGH STRESS.
Here's what the little survey had to tell me: "Take action now to reduce and manage your stress. Stabilize the amount of changes in your life and avoid unnecessary stress. Evaluate how you communicate, manage your commitments, and prioritize your time. Make stress-reducing lifestyle choices a priority: seek therapy or exercise."
I guess I need to go ride my bike RIGHT NOW!
Here's what the little survey had to tell me: "Take action now to reduce and manage your stress. Stabilize the amount of changes in your life and avoid unnecessary stress. Evaluate how you communicate, manage your commitments, and prioritize your time. Make stress-reducing lifestyle choices a priority: seek therapy or exercise."
I guess I need to go ride my bike RIGHT NOW!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Have you got IT?
What is there to say about this really?? I guess "if you've got it, flaunt it". . . . . .
Sunday, October 15, 2006
The Wedding
It was a beautiful day for Kevin and Amy's wedding.
Here's the happy couple. . . . .
Here's the happy couple. . . . .
Oh wait sorry, HERE'S the happy couple. . . . . .
Squirt and some guy she's scoping out. . . . . . . .
If I had a picture of myself and the guy above, I'd put it here. . . . . .
But I don't. . . . . .
And I found out it's more difficult to ride a tandem than I thought. . . .especially in a dress. . . . .
Friday, October 13, 2006
SS Amy's Bachelorette Party
Embarrassing stories to follow. . . . . . as if the pictures aren't enough. . . . .
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