UNBELIEVABLE TEMPS!

Finally!! The warm weather is here! My ride today was great. Didn't have to bundle up completely. It was a little more windy than I would have liked. . . .but hey, I'm not going to complain. I rode a little earlier. . . .before the temps got as high as they are right now (60 something!), so I wore my knee warmers. After I showered, I could actually see a tan line from them. Sweet!

Speaking of Sweet, did you see the new South Park? Too funny.

Spring has Sprung (or so it seems). . . . .

It seems Spring is truly hear with the weather predicted to reach 57 today and get up to 60 tomorrow. Time to break out the shorts (almost).

I found this article to help bring spring into your home.

My tulips and daffodils are coming up like CRAZY today! I'm sure they'll bloom while we're on vacation. That seems to be how things go. Last year they were beautiful!


Yesterday's nice weather had me OUTSIDE for my power intervals. I'm feeling like I should check myself in somewhere because they felt awesome. My heart rate was so high I wanted to puke, but it was only for 4 minutes at a time, so it was doable. I felt ALIVE! :-) North Carolina watch out. When I pull up to the start line in Tsali, they should be SCAWED (as we say).

Now I remember. . . . .

Now I remember why I don't like to watch the news. All you see & hear is negative stories. The preacher's wife who went nuts and killed her husband. . . . .the MARRIED MAN who's suing a dating site for not letting him join their site and DATE (Hello?). . . . . .the immigration issue, where the argument the Senator on Good Morning America gave this morning was something to the effect that there are millions of illegal immigrants in the US today, how do we address the problem? It's too large of a problem to send them back. So the logical thing to do is grant them citizenship, if they comply with certain rules.

Anyone who knows me knows I am NOT a political person. I do not care to take a role in politics, therefore I typically do not complain about the issues at hand, but this Senator's debate finds me wondering how he would address other "large" issues of today's society. Aren't there millions of illegal drug users?? Isn't that a LARGE problem? Then maybe we should just legalize drugs and then that's taken care of as well.

I understand what the argument SHOULD be for granting citizenship to these people because I'm a somewhat intelligent person. . . . .but I don't think explaining to the world on Good Morning America, that the problem is TOO big to fix so let's do this instead is an intelligent argument. No wonder I hate politics.

Happy Tuesday everybody. I'll be watching Golden Girls on lifetime tomorrow morning. They seem to have more intelligent arguments.

Coffee?

You may have seen this article. . . . .Coffee: The Latest Health Drink? But since some of best friends are avid coffee drinkers I thought it would be worth posting. Really it's a case of "everything in moderation". . . .and "watch what you put into your body".

Coffee is cool. . . . .people who drink coffee are cool. . . . . .people who DON'T like coffee (like the guy who lives with me) just aren't as cool. They can pretend. . .but us coffee drinkers will always be "cooler" (sorry Bill). :-)

Spring Fever!

Today's sunshine seemed to have everyone feeling a touch of Spring Fever. I saw a number of recreational cyclists out on their bikes today, as I was driving around the countryside (literally) showing houses. While the sunshine felt warm from inside my car, a bit warmer temps outside would have been nice.

Yesterday's ride had SS Amy and I venturing "down south" on the Interurban trail. With winds from the North, it probably would have been smarter for us to go North FIRST, but we had a good time, even on the ride back into the wind. We saw the bike we're going to swipe for Lori again. . . . .probably some 10 year old's bike. Too funny.

Watched the movie Office Space last night. It was kind of funny. I decided there's no way I would make it in an environment like that. I'm thankful to be a Realtor. Even on days like today, when I'd rather be riding. . . . . . . .

Shape Up Your Abs For Spring

Isn't Spring supposed to be like NOW?!? Not in Wisconsin I guess! I saw this article this morning for shaping up your abs. I'm not sure if just looking at the pictures has the same effect as actually DOING the work. . . .I'm thinking NOT.



We'll be doing a ride tomorrow (Saturday) if anyone's interested. If it's cold, we may take the mountain bikes out on the rails to trails (my vote). If that's too "squishy" it's a road ride. . .bundle up. Let me know if you're interested.

In the mean time. . . .work those abs. Only ONE week for the Colorado gang until they head out. . . and TWO weeks for the North Carolina gang. Yikes!! Two weeks until the Tsali race! It's gonna HURT.

Weekend Fun

We started the weekend by going out on the town to see Failure to Launch staring the ever popular Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker. While I'm not a HUGE Matthew fan, I found the movie rather humorous. Lori, Bill and I laughed rather hard during various parts of the movie, while Jeff had a different opinion, as he slept through a good portion of it. I guess that last heavy training week caught up with him. Thank goodness it's recovery week.

I started recovery week early by vegetating on the couch for a full 3 hours yesterday. Loosing brain cells watching movies like Billy Madison, and taking a power nap. One would think that would have me WELL rested today, but unfortunately, I'm STILL tired!

Looking ahead to the upcoming weekend, we'll be hoping to schedule a longer group road ride one day. . . . .so if you're looking for a slower endurance ride, check back for details.

And thanks to Squirt who gave us the "Tour of Tosa" on Saturday when we decided to bail on the trails that seemed a bit too muddy to tackle. I hear there was an episode on the trail. . . .but you'll have to ask Lori or Bill for details on that one. We rode to the lakefront. That's right, we didn't ride "around the lakefront", or "down by the lakefront", we just plain rode TO the lakefront and back. Bill had to make 2 pit stops. What a girl.

Happy Monday!! Spring is almost here (well, at least technically it is almost here).

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!!

Click HERE to find out everything you've ever wanted to know about St Patrick's day.

Since North Carolina is less than a month away, I've decided to start a new "diet". Last night I had tator tots for dinner and this morning I had them for breakfast. We'll see if it makes me faster. Yeah, right. Have you seend the nutritional content for those? Oh it's so bad I don't even want to put a link on here for you.

Yesterday's work out entailed sitting in a chair under 2 blanets watching a movie. While it may not have been what the "training plan" said, it sure felt good. Thank goodness "recovery week" is just around the corner. It's hard to put out serious efforts for 3 weeks in a row! Even Lance Armstrong had to take recovery time!

Happy Friday!

Midnight munchies linked to sleeping pills

I think I might have found my problem. Of course I don't take Ambien, but maybe I still get up and eat in the middle of the night?!?

March or December?!?

This just in. . . . .

Issued at: 3:26 PM CST 3/14/06, expires at: 11:30 PM CST 3/14/06

Winter storm watch in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday evening, The NWS in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday evening.

Light snow will begin Wednesday night towards midnight, becoming steady by morning and lasting through the day Thursday. Total accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are possible, with the potential for the heaviest snowfall in a band from Princeton and green lake to Port Washington and Sheboygan.

The snow may be mixed at times with sleet or rain toward the Illinois border.
A winter storm watch is issued when heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain is expected to accumulate to levels that will cause major impacts to commerce and society. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates and possible warnings.

Mother Nature must have PMS. Man I can't wait for North Carolina!!

In The Parade

Sunday I hooked up with SS Amy, Lori & Bill and we headed out to round Long Lake for a nice Sunday ride. I think Lori was the only "fresh" one, as SS Amy decided to go running Saturday (what were you thinking?!?), Bill had ridden like a 12 hour marathon with the big boys, and I had battled gale force winds to the pathetic average of around 14mph.

The ride was great despite the aches & pains we started with. And the best part was riding in the St Patrick's day Parade in Dundee. Sweet. We timed our ride perfectly to be coming through there as the St Pat's parade was getting under way. We were somewhat amused by the single guy carrying a 12 pack for himself, and we decided coming back through Dundee after the parade probably wouldn't be the smartest thing for our safety. Three hot chicks in spandex with the "token male". . . .we might not make it back home in one piece. Just the 2 minute stop at the gas station had some "Local" trying to make friends with SS Amy. Although he was pretty hot. . . . . .

The day held lots of laughter though. . . . .especially watching Lori put air in her tires. If you've never had the pleasure of watching that, I highly recommend it. It's a comic routine all in itself. :-)

Spring?!?

When I woke up this morning I was pleasantly surprised that the sun was actually shining and it looked like Spring was on it's way. I anxiously tuned into the weather forecast to see how long the rain would hold out, hoping to get my ride in outside. I was happy to see Sally Severson announce scattered showers in the afternoon with thunderstorms moving in tonight, but we SHOULD be clear of rain for the AM. Sweet.

Bill and Jeff were doing the ride from hell with some of the "big boys", and even though I would have LOVE to have ridden with others, driving my vehicle and following them was going to be just about the only way I'd be able to keep up. So I figured I'd venture out on my own.

Being used to riding when its 20-30 degrees out, I dressed way too warm, and I was immediately sweating. I started out heading west, which put the wind at my back. When I took a jog to the South, I was slapped in the face with what felt like 30 mph winds, and I quickly decided to change my route. Heading west would be fun, but coming back home, I'd be dead.

I swear I could have walked faster at some points than I rode today. It's just amazing how strong that wind can be, and how much it can hold you back. After mixing up my route a bit, doing one big square around my home, I returned home in one piece, but exhaused. 2 hours, 20 minutes, and that's all she wrote. I don't know how those crazy boys can be riding for 4 to 6 hours today. I'm sure they'll fall asleep at the table later.

Enjoy the weather while you can. Rain is on it's way. Hopefully we won't see snow again. I heard it was 80 in Charlotte NC yesterday. Man I can't wait!

Boost Your Metabolism

Here's an article I found on boosting your metabolism. It offers a few tricks to help in shedding those unwanted pounds. Enjoy!

The Hottest Remodeling Trends for 2011

Thinking about remodeling? Be sure to check this article out then.

Or you can just move. . . . .I know a good Real Estate Agent.

Bird Brain

I now understand the concept of "Bird Brain" and how small that really means your brain is. We have a number of bird feeders off our back porch and today I've been watching (and listening to) a cardinal try to fly through my living room about 68 times.

I'm working in my office (which is upstairs) and I keep hearing this thump, tap noise. When I finally go to investigate that noise, I discover a somehwhat disoriented cardinal staring at the window, cocking it's head, wondering why it can't fly into my living room. Apparently the first few times it bounced off the window weren't enough, as every couple minutes I hear it trying again.

If it wasn't already mentally challenged, it is now.

Welcome

Welcome to MY blog. I thought I needed one, since everyone else seems to be getting one. I'm a little slow on learning how to make it look "good", so stick with me and watch it "develop".

Weekend Rides

Great weekend! I rode with "Single Speed" Amy on Saturday and we had a nice leisurely ride while poor Lori got sucked into the "boy's" world and had to ride long, and hard. Then then gang came over for dinner & games (my meatballs were somewhat dissapointing - sorry), and Kevin almost fell asleep at the table. I think Amy and I had a much better time.

Sunday was trainer time. . . . .I don't recommend the Aviator for a trainer ride. Bill and I couldn't stomach it after an hour and went to flipping channels. Thankfully we found The Naked Gun 33 1/2. Yeah, that's funny.

Rest day today. . . .back on the bike tomorrow. Race day is less than 5 weeks away. . . .Tsali, here I come!

How I miss these days.