He's ARRIVED!

Francisco arrives into the world at 3:59am.

A big congratulations goes out to Tony & Ulla.

Of course he has a great birthday. . . . .the same as my most favorite cousin, Kim. Happy birthday Kim, and Happy "birth" day Francisco.

Check out Tony's blog for pics.

STILL no baby??

I received word from Ulla (aka "Chicklette") this evening that she has planted herself in a hospital bed in West Allis. . . .waiting to give birth to "my" baby. When I had talked with her, she had already endured 21 hours of labor and FINALLY they broke down and gave her an epidural.

When I spoke to her she was "feeling pretty good" and "recommended the epidural to anyone who has the option of getting one". As of 6:00ish, she still had a "number of hours" to go before the pup makes his appearance in the world. I guess the kid is a bit stubborn. . . . .hmmm I wonder where in the WORLD he would have gotten that?!?

Could I BE more wrong?

Being off the bike for over 3 weeks puts you through a lot of different emotions. At first you're angry, then that turns into depression which gives way to apathy. Pretty soon you're looking forward to plopping your butt on the couch and stuffing your face with junk food & a beverage while your friends go ride.

I had reached that final stage. . . .and I thought I didn't miss riding my bike at all. I couldn't have been MORE wrong.

Hit the flat stuff at Glacial Blue on my way to the gravel trail. I had NO IDEA I missed my bike that much. I even shed a tear . . . . .I'm such a pansy.

40 minutes in the saddle. . . . .slammed some advil when I got home and put the ice pack on. I can feel it, but it's not shooting. . . .and I'm pretty sure that's still ok. We'll see how it feels as the day progresses. If I can move, I'm doing it again tomorrow. . .and the next day. . . and the next day. . . .

Finally Friday

It's finally Friday. I've waited for this day all week. It means today is the day I can start "slowly" back on my bike. Yippee. My mountain bike (Phoenix) has been whimpering for a whole MONTH, poor thing. Today I'll get her out for a "test drive".

I though this article might be appropriate to read since I'll be attempting to get "back into shape" now. Isn't it interesting that they say bicycling is the worst exercise for your abs. . . .as it doesn't engage those muscles. Hhhmmm, they must have never mountain biked.

And one of the "tummy tips" they give is to have a cup or two of coffee to "get things moving". Is that why "CK" is so thin? Coffee??

Soon I'll look like this. . . . . . . . . .
Oh wait, I look like that now. . . . . . . .

I'm finally "with the technology times"

So for my birthday this year, I finally joined the ranks of the "technologically cool" people and I got an iPod.
Maybe it's because I whined enough. . . . .or maybe it's because CK WON one at Eau Claire and I REALLY wanted one. . . . .or maybe it's because The Captain and CK like me enough to splurge. . . . .but whatever the reason, I'm all hooked up now.

I even received a gift card from "the girls" (AKA - our dogs) to go to Best Buy and get some "accessories" for my iPod. Sweet. I'll have to do some research on that. I'm quickly becoming one of those behind the times people who have trouble getting a DVD to play. At least I know what a DVD is. . . . . . . . .

Phillips

Our camping space was a LOT better for Phillips than it was for Kewaunee. We're movin' on up in the world. . . . .to LAKE FRONT property.

Beautiful sunsets. . . . . . .


And Phillips was good for the 35-39 age group of our team. CK and the Captain made it to the podium together. I think they're holding hands here. . . . .

And who are these punks? I guess it was a little dusty at Phillips. . . . .or something. . . . . .

I LOVE squirt's new hairdo. She's even HOTTER this way, don't ya think?

Can't wait till next year. Maybe the drive will get shorter. . . . .

"No shot, dog bite". . . . . . .

Ok, so I haven't updated in almost a week. Pretty lame considering I have nothing else to do with my life right now.

Friday I spent most of the day waiting to get my steroid injection. What a fun way to spend your birthday. . . .waiting for HOURS for someone to shove a needle in your back. When I finally got in there it took about a whole 2 minutes. And it would have gone faster except they hit a nerve which made my left leg and arm jump about a foot off the table (all on their own I might add). It seemed to surprise them. . . .that must not happen often. They held my legs and arms down as they finished, guess they didn't want them moving involuntarily since there was a HUGE needle stuck in my back. The whole nerve thing hurt like the dickens, but if it helps, I'd gladly do it again. The 4 hour ride to Phillips was fun after that. . . I just curled up in a ball in the back seat.

But Saturday morning I actually felt a little better. Sunday was about the same. Even staying at THIS level on the pain/discomfort scale would be fine in my book. Doc says MAYBE I can start short (30 minute, non-jarring) rides come this weekend IF I'm feeling better. Next shot is set for August 3rd.

Phillips recap to come. . . . . .

Moving Day

Today we moved to a new office.

Here's our OLD office. The one GOOD thing about it was that it was next to a liquor store. . . .

Here's our NEW office. Several years in the making. . . .intense searches for land to build a new building on. . . .delayed move-in dates from contractors. . . . .and FINALLY. . . . .a PROFESSIONAL building.

And here's my "work space". I was either really good, or really naughty because they stuck me in a cube all alone. The morning sun shines on me and I SWEAR it's 20 degrees hotter than everyone else's space. I've been told I can wear a swim suit if I want. . . . .


We weren't supposed to "personalize" our space TOO much. I did anyway. Gotta have those pictures. . . .I'm a visual one. See those kick a$$ flowers? Those are from Keith and Colleen. Thanks guys. They are perfect.

I'm calling it a day now. Off to change and perhaps watch some Super Week racing.

Depressed or stressed?

So this is why I've been "depressed and stressed" lately. No massages!!

"A recent review of more than a dozen massage studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine concludes that massage therapy relieves depression and anxiety by affecting the body's biochemistry. In a series of studies including about 500 men, women, and children with depression or stress problems, researchers measured the stress hormone cortisol in participants before and immediately after massage and found that the therapy lowered levels by up to 53%. (Cortisol can drive up blood pressure and blood sugar levels and suppress the immune system.) Massage also increased serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that help reduce depression."

Crystal Ridge

It sure was a HOT one. I did the VP thing today and I'm pretty sure I sweat just as much as I would have if I were racing. I was parked on the craters climb with absolutely no breeze and I'm fairly certain I sweat out a gallon or so. I did get a lot of compliments on my horns though. . . . . .several propositions, one guy even kissed me. It was hotter than "hell" today so it was only fitting.

Even with the high temps, I still missed racing. It was good to keep busy though and encourage all my friends and fellow teammates. I started the process of evening out my "biker" tan. . . . .I'll have to work on the shorts line yet.

Nice job to everyone out there today. And shame on the "expert guy" who took out my BFF. I'll be waiting at the bike rack at Phillips for you pal. Maybe I'll jump out from behind a bush and jam a stick in your wheel and see how you like being thrown off your bike. Rubbin's racin', but "throwing someone down" is just plain dirty.

Normal?

Since I've joined the ranks of "normal society", I just don't know what to do with myself. It's only been a little over a week since I was banned from my bike, but I feel like it's been 4 months. It's kind of strange only having to shower once in a day. . . . . .not having to lay out my day to squeeze in a ride of some sort. . . . .not having my "girls" checking in on riding times and places. . . . .having to actually watch what I eat since I'm not burning those calories anymore. . . . .

But there are good things too. I can sit my butt on the couch while everyone else is working out. . . . . . .I don't have to ACCLIMATE (that one is pretty good). . . . . .and I can drink whenever I want because I don't have to worry about my performance being hampered by a hangover (that one's good too). Sweet.

I'll be getting a work out Sunday though. I may be one of the few "spectator" they have to carry out on a stretcher for heat exhaustion. I'll be sipping my "secret concoction" from my Brittany Nigh bottles, and cheering for everyone as I'm volunteering out on the course. I've already offered to stuff ice cubes down rider's shorts to help with the heat factor. . . . . .and I'll have a few extra water bottles awaiting for anyone who's in need. I'll make sure not to mix those up with the "other" bottles. . . . . .

See you on the course SOMEWHERE Sunday. I'll have to find my devil horns to wear as I chase you people up the craters hill. . . . . . .yeah, that should help my back, especially when I fall off the side of the hill. Sweet. It's going to be a fun weekend.

Lori's Bike

On a ride a couple weeks ago, we saw Lori's bike on the top of a pop up camper. . . . . .yeah, the one on the left that kind of blends in with the surroundings. . . . . . . .

My sister ties the knot

My sister finally tied the knot today.

This is my new brother-in-law.

Um, Heather, you have something on your nose. . . . . .


How the heck did she get the "skinny" genes?!?

Do we look alike? People say we do. I just don't see it.

Congratulations Heather.

Thanks!

Thanks to all who have called, e-mailed and posted positive comments on my blog. I think "blogging" is therapeutic. I truly appreciate the support. I've met some REALLY great people in the time I've been doing this "biking" thing. And I have to say my fellow biking friends are just THE BEST.

Look for me on the side lines at the upcoming races, cuz I'll be SCREAMING for you & riding your butts to gooooooo FASTER! And yeah, that will be "water" I'll be sipping from that Brittany Nigh bottle. . . . . . .yeah, water. ;o)

The Update

Well, today was the big day. I saw the surgeon. I guess there is good news, and bad news. The good news is I'm likely going to live a few more years. The bad news is I need to take an unscheduled "season break".

I'll be off my bike(s) completely for at least 3 weeks (and two of my favorite races). During that time I'll be getting the steroid shots in my back to see if my body can heal itself, or if they have to do surgery to fix it. I guess my odds aren't as good as "normal", because I've got some other back issues going on. But if they do have to do surgery, they'll only be removing part of my disk that's bulging. . . . .with the hopes that will do the trick.

I guess if Lance Armstrong can come back from cancer to be a 7 time Tour de France winner, I can take a month or two off my bike and hopefully come back stronger next year. I'm trying to put a positive spin on this gloomy news because I know it could be worse. . . . .a LOT worse. But right now having someone tell you that you can't do the one thing you LOVE to do, for who knows how long, seems pretty bad.

Tomorrow is another day. Baby steps.

Silent Sports

If you haven't seen the latest issue of Silent Sports, here it is. That would be fellow teamate Ben Swart on the cover (aka "the General"). I'm just surrounded by famous people. Sweet.

Yes, I'm Alive

Yes, it's Wednesday already, no posts since last week. . . . .for all those who are concerned, I am alive. . . . . just barely, but I am.

Had our niece's wedding Saturday, it was a beautiful day, complete with a delicious dinner, a beautiful bride and lots of laughs. But it threw us off our "pre-race routine" more than a little bit. Hind site is 20/20, but we should have packed just a little bit better for Sunday, a few more hours of sleep would have been better, a LOT more calories & liquids taken in would have been better and sitting a lot LESS would have been better (at least for MTB girl).

Sunday was marginal at best, but we were there, and I finished despite a number of girls passing me asking if I was alright. I wonder if it was because I was sobbing as they passed? Or was it because my goosebumps started about 30 minutes in, right after which the sweating almost stopped? Or was it because I was seeing little "Christina Aguilera Spiders"? Live and learn.

Cyrstal Ridge has become of my favorite races. . . .now that I'm just a little bit faster in the single track. I hope to be able to ride it next weekend, before it's time to retire for the season. This was supposed to be my break out year dammit. Oh well, there's always next year.