Thanks to him, I ran my first race this year. Below is the artwork I made for his new mousepad. I hope all three of us can do it again next year.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Shout Out to Tom!
Gotta wish a Happy Birthday to Tom. Best brother anyone could ask for!
Thanks to him, I ran my first race this year. Below is the artwork I made for his new mousepad. I hope all three of us can do it again next year.
Thanks to him, I ran my first race this year. Below is the artwork I made for his new mousepad. I hope all three of us can do it again next year.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Have you met Ed?
I don't believe I've introduced anyone to Ed, but if you follow Tom's blog then you may already know Ed. Ed is a 1953 Chevy Truck. My dad rescued him from a farm in Missouri where he was abandoned and left to rust.
The goal is to have Ed running, so when my dad's 60th birthday roles around he can go for a joy ride. First step is working on the motor. For the ease of working, the majority of Ed's exterior is currently located in the pole barn. It'll be fun to see Ed transform in the next year and half and beyond.
Why Ed? Well, you can't argue with the name written on the keyring found in the truck's ignition.
The goal is to have Ed running, so when my dad's 60th birthday roles around he can go for a joy ride. First step is working on the motor. For the ease of working, the majority of Ed's exterior is currently located in the pole barn. It'll be fun to see Ed transform in the next year and half and beyond.
Why Ed? Well, you can't argue with the name written on the keyring found in the truck's ignition.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Memory Test
It's been quite a while since I've actually taken the time to write on my blog. The reasons? Well, been fairly busy, don't like to spend much more time staring at a computer screen after spending hours staring at Excel spreadsheets at work, plus I've have some killer headaches lately that leave me with about zero motivation.
Can't say the head is much better today, but let's do a little rewind anyways.
Friday, December 9th was a great day off of work, well except for the that that I dropped $500+ on new tires for the car. I had fun shopping around town with Mom. I didn't get much holiday shopping done because she was the only person I had left to shop for. So, why not buy something fun for myself?
(Head not included)
Saturday, December 10th I worked on some Christmas gifts, but since that's still top secret, I can't share any details.
Sunday, December 11th involved a little R&R and hanging with Tom during the Bears game. It was a unique Bears game because we watched a small portion of it in 3D. Their TV can convert 2D to 3D. It was pretty neat, but I started to get a headache. Not sure if it was from the 3D or the freshly scotch-guarded new couch.
(Gus was hiding from the Bears "prevent defense")
Monday, December 12th was another play day, but this time I spent it with Dad and Aunt Cheryl. We headed up to Chicago to take in The Rosie Show. It was a fun day trip, just over 10 years from the last time Dad and I went to see the Rosie O'Donnell Show in NYC. Dad trips should happen more often.
Tuesday, December 13th was back to work, but I had a evening walk planned for Sparky and I we Theresa and Wrigley. We headed down to Glen Oak Park and had the pooches on there 20 ft+ leads. I lost count of how many times the dogs tangled their lines. They are so goofy and fun.
Wednesday, December 14th ended in a haircut. I don't mind the haircut, but dislike having to sit in that darn chair. Maybe I should invest in a Flowbee?
Thursday, December 15th I got to meet up with Jenny and several of my coworkers. My only wish is that all my current and former coworkers knew each other, that way we could have a kickass get-together. Oh, and it would help if they all still lived in the area.
Friday, December 16th finished up my shortened work week, but I wasn't done there. Sparky and I headed over to my parents house to make Pepperkaker, a Swedish spice cookie, that is a must during the Holidays. I always seem to forget that a double batch takes close to forever to bake... soooo many cookies. But thanks to Mom's help and the taste-testers, Grandpa, Dad and Sparky, it was a fun evening. Yes, Sparky sneaked into the kitchen and licked one of the cookies trays on the table... what a stinker!
Saturday, December 17th I finished up holiday shopping and tried to figure out how to divvy up the gifts between Mom's birthday and Christmas and Tom's birthday and Christmas.
Today, well, as you can tell I'm in the blogging spirit. Soon after I'll head over to a Chinese buffet in East Peoria to meet up with the family to celebrate Mom and Tom's birthdays. Should be a good day!
Can't say the head is much better today, but let's do a little rewind anyways.
Friday, December 9th was a great day off of work, well except for the that that I dropped $500+ on new tires for the car. I had fun shopping around town with Mom. I didn't get much holiday shopping done because she was the only person I had left to shop for. So, why not buy something fun for myself?
(Head not included)Saturday, December 10th I worked on some Christmas gifts, but since that's still top secret, I can't share any details.
Sunday, December 11th involved a little R&R and hanging with Tom during the Bears game. It was a unique Bears game because we watched a small portion of it in 3D. Their TV can convert 2D to 3D. It was pretty neat, but I started to get a headache. Not sure if it was from the 3D or the freshly scotch-guarded new couch.
(Gus was hiding from the Bears "prevent defense")Monday, December 12th was another play day, but this time I spent it with Dad and Aunt Cheryl. We headed up to Chicago to take in The Rosie Show. It was a fun day trip, just over 10 years from the last time Dad and I went to see the Rosie O'Donnell Show in NYC. Dad trips should happen more often.
Tuesday, December 13th was back to work, but I had a evening walk planned for Sparky and I we Theresa and Wrigley. We headed down to Glen Oak Park and had the pooches on there 20 ft+ leads. I lost count of how many times the dogs tangled their lines. They are so goofy and fun.
Wednesday, December 14th ended in a haircut. I don't mind the haircut, but dislike having to sit in that darn chair. Maybe I should invest in a Flowbee?
Thursday, December 15th I got to meet up with Jenny and several of my coworkers. My only wish is that all my current and former coworkers knew each other, that way we could have a kickass get-together. Oh, and it would help if they all still lived in the area.
Friday, December 16th finished up my shortened work week, but I wasn't done there. Sparky and I headed over to my parents house to make Pepperkaker, a Swedish spice cookie, that is a must during the Holidays. I always seem to forget that a double batch takes close to forever to bake... soooo many cookies. But thanks to Mom's help and the taste-testers, Grandpa, Dad and Sparky, it was a fun evening. Yes, Sparky sneaked into the kitchen and licked one of the cookies trays on the table... what a stinker!
Saturday, December 17th I finished up holiday shopping and tried to figure out how to divvy up the gifts between Mom's birthday and Christmas and Tom's birthday and Christmas.
Today, well, as you can tell I'm in the blogging spirit. Soon after I'll head over to a Chinese buffet in East Peoria to meet up with the family to celebrate Mom and Tom's birthdays. Should be a good day!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
A Happy Thanksgiving
I had a wonderful extended weekend while spending time with my family. It was so relaxing, doing the exact amount of nothing and some things. After completing some holiday shopping and even buying myself a gift, I took the time to do some very late spring cleaning and took a load of things over to the Mission Mart.
I still have some organizational things to do around the house, but that's probably not a big surprise to most. I scheduled the last of my 3 vacation days before I lose them at the end of the year. We a few additional long weekends, I'll hopefully have the motivation to take the time to finish some of the projects around the house.
Speaking of that, time to work on some presents.
Happy Holidays!
I still have some organizational things to do around the house, but that's probably not a big surprise to most. I scheduled the last of my 3 vacation days before I lose them at the end of the year. We a few additional long weekends, I'll hopefully have the motivation to take the time to finish some of the projects around the house.
Speaking of that, time to work on some presents.
Happy Holidays!
Chiefs Bucks $50 for $25
Wish I could do another Merry Christmas to me, but that recumbent exercise bike I bought kind of took care of that. Can't wait to get it and set it up... hopefully this weekend!
Chiefs Bucks $50 for $25
Chiefs Bucks $50 for $25
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Uneventful
So, it's been over two weeks since I've posted. Apparently I haven't done anything too noteworthy as of late. Tonight is no different. Exhausted from work and hanging out on the couch with a couple furry, fuzzy friends.
I'm really looking forward to my ankle healing. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks with the split and based on how it feels, I'm going to take the doctor's advice and go with the 3 weeks. I find it amazing that it is still a bit swollen.
That's what's floating through my head at the moment... not much.
I'm really looking forward to my ankle healing. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks with the split and based on how it feels, I'm going to take the doctor's advice and go with the 3 weeks. I find it amazing that it is still a bit swollen.
That's what's floating through my head at the moment... not much.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween 2011
I realized that I did not post any Halloween photos on my blog. The Iadipaolo's had us over the night of the World Series Game 7. Tom, Jim and I were all dressed in a baseball theme. Below is Tom, Theo Epstein, and Jim as the a new brand of cereal, Theo's.
And here's the scariest costume I could think of.
And here's the scariest costume I could think of.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Georgia Aquarium
Last Saturday I took in the Georgia Aquarium prior to hitting the Philips Arena for the Sugarland show. I took quite a few pictures, but am only going to bore you with the ones below. Actually, I'd love to show you more, but my upload speed is ridiculously slow tonight.
I've loved the Lion Fish ever since seeing them on my Go Fish deck of cards as a kid.
I don't remember many of the stats Gary mentioned while on my behind the scenes tour, so I can't tell you how big this viewing area is or how thick the glass material is. All I can tell you is the conversation between the diver feeding the fish and the little girl was pretty amusing. I believe this exhibit was called Deep Sea Voyager.
Deep Sea Voyager was my favorite exhibit. It also hand a tunnel you could go through and watch the fish and in this case a manta ray swim around and above you.
During my behind the scenes tour, I got to see the top side of all the exhibits. Here's the top of Deep Sea Voyager where you can see one of their spotted Whale Sharks. The fish do not get live food. (Having fresh "sushi" and plenty of it helps keep the fish from eating one another). When feeding the whale sharks, the divers will hop in a blow-up raft and pull themselves across the top of the water in between the roped off lane you can see below. Their food is in very tiny pieces, so by dropping the food in a lane, it allows the Whale Sharks to swim beneath the lane and get mouthfuls of food to filter out all at once.
I don't recall the name of the exhibit below, but this very elaborate setup is to replicate conditions for coral to live and grow. This area had a glass ceiling to let natural light in and as you can see, many artificial "suns". Just beyond the lights you can see a waterfall dumping. This is how they replicate the waves needed for the coral to thrive. The trough fills, then dumps, and repeats over and over again.
If all but one of Georgia Aquariums exhibits are salt water tanks and Atlanta is not located on the coast, how do they get the salt water needed?
I doubt this question crossed your mind, but if it did, here's the answer:
Okay, so that doesn't answer the question fully, but it's an integral part. The facility is built to minimize evaporation, reuse/filter water, and capture rain water. It was amazing to learn how the facility was planned around what fish they wanted to feature and what was needed regarding transport, doctor exams, cleaning, feeding, viewing, and maintaining the habitats.
And if you were wondering, there is no 3-second rule when preparing food for the fish. If it hits the floor, it goes in the trash.
Oh, and, all of their medical equipment is on wheels so it can be brought to tank-side exams.
My last random bit of knowledge... before surgery, they are able to administer anesthesia to fish through the water.
I've loved the Lion Fish ever since seeing them on my Go Fish deck of cards as a kid.
I don't remember many of the stats Gary mentioned while on my behind the scenes tour, so I can't tell you how big this viewing area is or how thick the glass material is. All I can tell you is the conversation between the diver feeding the fish and the little girl was pretty amusing. I believe this exhibit was called Deep Sea Voyager.
Deep Sea Voyager was my favorite exhibit. It also hand a tunnel you could go through and watch the fish and in this case a manta ray swim around and above you.
During my behind the scenes tour, I got to see the top side of all the exhibits. Here's the top of Deep Sea Voyager where you can see one of their spotted Whale Sharks. The fish do not get live food. (Having fresh "sushi" and plenty of it helps keep the fish from eating one another). When feeding the whale sharks, the divers will hop in a blow-up raft and pull themselves across the top of the water in between the roped off lane you can see below. Their food is in very tiny pieces, so by dropping the food in a lane, it allows the Whale Sharks to swim beneath the lane and get mouthfuls of food to filter out all at once.
I don't recall the name of the exhibit below, but this very elaborate setup is to replicate conditions for coral to live and grow. This area had a glass ceiling to let natural light in and as you can see, many artificial "suns". Just beyond the lights you can see a waterfall dumping. This is how they replicate the waves needed for the coral to thrive. The trough fills, then dumps, and repeats over and over again.
If all but one of Georgia Aquariums exhibits are salt water tanks and Atlanta is not located on the coast, how do they get the salt water needed?I doubt this question crossed your mind, but if it did, here's the answer:
Okay, so that doesn't answer the question fully, but it's an integral part. The facility is built to minimize evaporation, reuse/filter water, and capture rain water. It was amazing to learn how the facility was planned around what fish they wanted to feature and what was needed regarding transport, doctor exams, cleaning, feeding, viewing, and maintaining the habitats.And if you were wondering, there is no 3-second rule when preparing food for the fish. If it hits the floor, it goes in the trash.
Oh, and, all of their medical equipment is on wheels so it can be brought to tank-side exams.
My last random bit of knowledge... before surgery, they are able to administer anesthesia to fish through the water.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Atlanta Travel
Tonight I shall focus on my Atlanta Travel. I took planes, trains, automobiles... well... and feet, shuttles, escalators, elevators, and moving walkways on my route to, from, in and around Atlanta.
Here's a quick pick of one of the subway platforms. I don't think I would have been nearly as confident of navigating around a big city like this had I not taken a "practice" run in Boston earlier this year.
The basic gist of it was I flew out of Bloomington, landed South of Atlanta at the airport and took the train/subway to the North end of Atlanta where my hotel for the 1st night was located. The courtesy shuttle picked me up from there and took me back to the hotel. Once I got my bearings straight, I hoofed it around the hotel area and took the train into downtown Atlanta the next day. The second night my hotel was right near the aquarium and concert venue.
It was fun taking public transportation and walking to your destinations, but I could do without the super crowded trains (luckily that only happened on a quarter of my rides). I was also quite pleased with the performance of my new iPhone 4... I seriously could have got lost without it because the maps I had weren't that detailed.
With my luggage, I took the elevators at the train stations and if I was traveling light, I opted for the stairs except when I came upon this subway station. The train was about 4 stories down from the street. I'm guessing this escalator was a good 3 stories! I didn't photograph the second shorter elevator.
Going up.
Going down. This was actually a pretty scary ride down.
I should mention that the money I saved by using the MARTA public transit went towards upgrading my flights to and from Atlanta on AirTran Airways. I had a super comfy, roomy seat, attentive and friendly flight attendants. My bags got to fly free, I had complimentary beverages (mmm... Baileys Irish Cream) and snacks throughout the entire flight... not to mention I got to deplane first! Yep, I was livin' it up! If you're going to vacation, you better do it right!
Here's a quick pick of one of the subway platforms. I don't think I would have been nearly as confident of navigating around a big city like this had I not taken a "practice" run in Boston earlier this year.
The basic gist of it was I flew out of Bloomington, landed South of Atlanta at the airport and took the train/subway to the North end of Atlanta where my hotel for the 1st night was located. The courtesy shuttle picked me up from there and took me back to the hotel. Once I got my bearings straight, I hoofed it around the hotel area and took the train into downtown Atlanta the next day. The second night my hotel was right near the aquarium and concert venue.
It was fun taking public transportation and walking to your destinations, but I could do without the super crowded trains (luckily that only happened on a quarter of my rides). I was also quite pleased with the performance of my new iPhone 4... I seriously could have got lost without it because the maps I had weren't that detailed.
With my luggage, I took the elevators at the train stations and if I was traveling light, I opted for the stairs except when I came upon this subway station. The train was about 4 stories down from the street. I'm guessing this escalator was a good 3 stories! I didn't photograph the second shorter elevator.
Going up.
Going down. This was actually a pretty scary ride down.
I should mention that the money I saved by using the MARTA public transit went towards upgrading my flights to and from Atlanta on AirTran Airways. I had a super comfy, roomy seat, attentive and friendly flight attendants. My bags got to fly free, I had complimentary beverages (mmm... Baileys Irish Cream) and snacks throughout the entire flight... not to mention I got to deplane first! Yep, I was livin' it up! If you're going to vacation, you better do it right!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Random Thoughts While Traveling
I can't tweet while on an airplane and it's also not safe while driving, so I now have a backup of random thoughts floating around in my head.
I'll blog in the next day or two about my weekend. For some who were counting, this was my 12th Sugarland concert and 5th this year. I sat next to a couple other fan club members and they were at their 8th show of the year (traveling from Indianapolis). So, maybe I'm not as crazy as people make me out to be?
Here's a teaser of what I saw!
- The time it takes everyone to find room in the overhead compartments for their two pieces of luggage probably equals the time to wait in baggage claim if everyone were to check their bags.
- Seeing houses from the airplane reminds me of the theme song from the Showtime series Weeds.
- Cotton candy clouds may be my favorite kind of clouds.
- Where do the sunset colors come from, especially the pink? I'm guessing I learned this back in middle school, but am no longer smarter than a 5th grader.
- My dog seriously is Houdini.
- I'm surprised the windmills in the windmill farms are spaced so far apart.
- Don't know what to get someone for a gift, then visit Skymall. It's apparently the place to shop for the person who owns everything.
- Is it really that hard for people to "hold it" for two hours? or is it monkey see, monkey do when the lavatory is empty?
I'll blog in the next day or two about my weekend. For some who were counting, this was my 12th Sugarland concert and 5th this year. I sat next to a couple other fan club members and they were at their 8th show of the year (traveling from Indianapolis). So, maybe I'm not as crazy as people make me out to be?
Here's a teaser of what I saw!
Monday, October 10, 2011
10-7-11 Sugarland in St. Louis
So, my brain has been mush lately. Way too much going on at work and taking last Friday off wasn't the best timing. But, when you have tickets to a Sugarland show, there's no way of not going!
Gotta love how much fun Jennifer and Kristian have on stage together.
Sara Bareilles opened for them and then joined them for Come on Aileen in the encore. Before Sara hit the stage, the crowd erupted in almost deafening cheers at the news of the St. Louis Cardinals winning the first round of the playoffs. After a pause in the song and Kristian trading his hat for a Cardinal's cap, they wrapped up the concert.
Here's Mom and I before the concert started. We had a fun road trip with laughs, shopping, and a little bit of family.
Gotta love how much fun Jennifer and Kristian have on stage together.
Sara Bareilles opened for them and then joined them for Come on Aileen in the encore. Before Sara hit the stage, the crowd erupted in almost deafening cheers at the news of the St. Louis Cardinals winning the first round of the playoffs. After a pause in the song and Kristian trading his hat for a Cardinal's cap, they wrapped up the concert.
Here's Mom and I before the concert started. We had a fun road trip with laughs, shopping, and a little bit of family.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Smurfin' Around the Office
Bored on my lunch hour and with my coworker out for the day, I took advantage of her cleared off desk. I don't know who won the battle because it ended prematurely. I guess work does take precedence.It's probably good that there aren't little green army men around the office. They'd be invading my other coworkers from over the top of their cubicle walls. Now I'm thinking I need to get some more Nerf gun darts... there are so many targets in the office. Oh the possibilities!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Warrior Fire!
Here are some pics of each of our brave troops leaping over the Warrior Dash Fire! Who do you think has the best form?
Vince:
Tom:
Sandra:
Nichole:
Mikelle:
Laura:
Jeremy:
Jeff:
Jane:
Vince:
Tom:
Sandra:
Nichole:
Mikelle:
Laura:
Jeremy:
Jeff:
Jane:
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Warrior Dash 9-17-11 Upper Midwest
Below is the before photo with our group for the Warrior Dash. A few of the Coker's friends are missing from the photo. I mention them because two of the gals stuck beside me along the way. I still can't believe I completed the race. I can't remember the last time I felt that bad while participating in a sporting event. Head colds and running just don't mix! 
Left to Right: Jeremy, Mikelle, Jeff, Nichole, Tom, Laura, Me, Sandra and Vince.
P.S. More to be posted.
Left to Right: Jeremy, Mikelle, Jeff, Nichole, Tom, Laura, Me, Sandra and Vince.P.S. More to be posted.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Jane's Cold vs. Warrior Dash
I would like to invite my cold to take on the Warrior Dash tomorrow. It's doing a very good job kicking my butt, so maybe it would like to take on the 3.08 hellish miles tomorrow.
Today's mistake was taking Dayquil. I was hoping it would not only help me feel better, but keep me awake. It more or less turned me into a zombie and magnified my body awareness.
What exactly do I mean? I was able to separately focus in on every symptom I had and when my stomach started not feeling well after lunch, I called it quits for the day. While laying in bed trying to nap, I could feel the sensation of my skin doing the wave as each pump of my heart would send blood rushing through my limbs. Yep, pretty messed up.
So a two hour nap has done wonders for me mentally and the Dayquil is out of my system. I'm hoping with some meds, sleep, and adrenaline that I'll be able to compete in the Warrior Dash.
Today's mistake was taking Dayquil. I was hoping it would not only help me feel better, but keep me awake. It more or less turned me into a zombie and magnified my body awareness.
What exactly do I mean? I was able to separately focus in on every symptom I had and when my stomach started not feeling well after lunch, I called it quits for the day. While laying in bed trying to nap, I could feel the sensation of my skin doing the wave as each pump of my heart would send blood rushing through my limbs. Yep, pretty messed up.
So a two hour nap has done wonders for me mentally and the Dayquil is out of my system. I'm hoping with some meds, sleep, and adrenaline that I'll be able to compete in the Warrior Dash.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
LBT - Miranda Lambert Photos
At this point in time I'm wiped out. Crazy exciting and fun concert followed by lack of sleep and a walk/run event by 8:20 this morning have me splattered on the couch. I don't have the attention span for anything, so I'm blogging while the shiny cars in the Nascar race go round in circles on the TV, and I'm checking out new music on amazon.com. I wish I could call this multitasking, but I seem to be getting nothing accomplished, so that would be a stretch.
Anyway, I only took a few LBT photos last night since I knew I'd have the kick ass one with them and myself. Here's one of them rockin' out!
I like using the sport mode on my camera at concerts because then you have a better chance of snapping a photo with nice singing face. It's amazing how distorted people can make their face while singing.
Here's two sets of sports snaps of Miranda Lambert. Each strut/dance is 30 photos. I may not have picked quite the right speed, but you get the picture.
Here's the Firebird Fly project I made for Mom and asked Little Big Town to sign during the meet and greet. I couldn't wait, so I gave it to her today. Her reaction was priceless.
Anyway, I only took a few LBT photos last night since I knew I'd have the kick ass one with them and myself. Here's one of them rockin' out!
I like using the sport mode on my camera at concerts because then you have a better chance of snapping a photo with nice singing face. It's amazing how distorted people can make their face while singing.
Here's two sets of sports snaps of Miranda Lambert. Each strut/dance is 30 photos. I may not have picked quite the right speed, but you get the picture.
Here's the Firebird Fly project I made for Mom and asked Little Big Town to sign during the meet and greet. I couldn't wait, so I gave it to her today. Her reaction was priceless.
Meet & Greet LBT!
Little Big Town was super nice, yet again. Thanks to Phillip, Kimberly, Karen, and Jimi! They put on an awesome show and it was great to see Miranda Lambert for the first time.I'm going to attempt to get some sleep this morning, seeing that I have a charity walk later this morning. I'll get the concert photos soon enough and post a few.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Warrior Sparky?
I really wish I had as much motivation as Sparky does when it goes to running on the treadmill. I finished my work on the treadmill this evening and then went for a glass of water and not so surprisingly got distracted by something shiny.
When I still heard Sheryl Crow singing in the other room I realized I needed to turn everything off. This is who I found waiting for me.
So, what else can I do but to let him go for a bit longer.
What exactly is his motivation for hopping on the treadmill for a jog? Well, it's as simple as a rawhide chip. I wish I was motivated just as easily.
Maybe I can substitute him for me in the Warrior Dash race?... Warrior Sparky? The race is about 2.5 weeks away. It'll be interesting to see how it all goes, that 3.08 Hellish Miles.
I did learn several things while watching Emily and her friends do the dash in Denver. It won't help me do it any faster, but still some helpful hints.
1. Bring a complete change of clothes
2. Bring an extra pair of shoes/sandals so you can donate muddy kicks
3. Where sunglasses, safety glasses, or goggles through the mud pit (much splashing)
4. Arm floaties and innertubes are not needed in the pit, but are amusing for people to watch
5. Wipe of race number upon exiting the mud (then you can find your pic online)
6. Don't wear overly baggy clothes because more mud collects and it's heavy
7. They have bag checks for your belongings
8. They have outdoor "showers" for you to rinse yourself off, in case you want to try to salvage your muddy clothes (good luck getting mud off your back without a shower buddy)
9. Bring a towel to keep warm and plastic bag for messy clothes
10. I'm sure I learned more, but I'm stuck on the image of "Trojan Man" in my head from the day of Emily's race... just one of hundred's of costumes I saw.
When I still heard Sheryl Crow singing in the other room I realized I needed to turn everything off. This is who I found waiting for me.
So, what else can I do but to let him go for a bit longer.
What exactly is his motivation for hopping on the treadmill for a jog? Well, it's as simple as a rawhide chip. I wish I was motivated just as easily.
Maybe I can substitute him for me in the Warrior Dash race?... Warrior Sparky? The race is about 2.5 weeks away. It'll be interesting to see how it all goes, that 3.08 Hellish Miles.
I did learn several things while watching Emily and her friends do the dash in Denver. It won't help me do it any faster, but still some helpful hints.
1. Bring a complete change of clothes
2. Bring an extra pair of shoes/sandals so you can donate muddy kicks
3. Where sunglasses, safety glasses, or goggles through the mud pit (much splashing)
4. Arm floaties and innertubes are not needed in the pit, but are amusing for people to watch
5. Wipe of race number upon exiting the mud (then you can find your pic online)
6. Don't wear overly baggy clothes because more mud collects and it's heavy
7. They have bag checks for your belongings
8. They have outdoor "showers" for you to rinse yourself off, in case you want to try to salvage your muddy clothes (good luck getting mud off your back without a shower buddy)
9. Bring a towel to keep warm and plastic bag for messy clothes
10. I'm sure I learned more, but I'm stuck on the image of "Trojan Man" in my head from the day of Emily's race... just one of hundred's of costumes I saw.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
A Day of Softball!
Several weeks ago I was asked by Carrie from my summer softball team if I'd like to be the 6th woman for their team in a softball tournament. I'd be in town, so why not.
First game was scheduled for 9:30 Saturday morning, so I'd have a chance to sleep in. All I had to do was pay a $20 player fee and show up. When I showed up, I got a orange team shirt and saw that the team had staked out a spot for us to hang out in between games. They had an EZ-up, one of those pop-up "roofs".
Carrie let our manager Jeremy know that I could pitch, so he had me slotted to pitch inning 2 through 7 after his wife pitched the 1st. The combination proved well and we won the first game... I believe against the neon yellow team. Game 2, we kept the same rotation, but our bats fell asleep and we fell to the pink team.
Game 3 against light blue was back-to-back to game 2 and I requested a slight break, so I played catcher this game. We were down early and had to make a 5th inning comeback by scoring 11 runs. After we held them in the 6th, we came out victorious, 13-15, after we hit the time limit.. Breaktime! While we waited to see where we placed finished in Pool B and where we'd end up in the bracket, I took a quick break to go home, shower, change most of my clothes, and grab a bite to eat.
We were back at it at 3:00pm for game 4. We were a 2 seed vs a 3 seed. Back to the original lineup we went and with no mercy rule, the green team called it quits. Next up in game 5 was facing the number 1 seed, yellow team. We upset them and left their a$$hole "team leader" complaining and pouting. For a "bush leaguer" like me... it was sweet, sweet victory! Dude hit a homerun off of me, so I played it safer and pitched him crap while trying to hit the back right corner of mat... thus making me a bush leaguer in his eyes. He just couldn't keep his trap shut the hole game and all the other teams had the same experience.
After the upset, we watched a bit of the semi-finals game and came to realize we'd be playing the pink team again. We got our bats going in the previous two games, so we new we had a fighting chance. By game 6, fatigue was starting to set in for many of us and our play was not quite up to par, but we were able to stay in the game, only a few runs behind. We just couldn't find that bigger inning of runs to overtake them. Gosh darn pink team.
After, I found out we'd get a plaque for placing second, so I met up with most of the team and others from the tournament at the after party. I hobbled my way into the Stadium Club, grabbed a free "ballpark" meal and waited for the award ceremony.
Below is a picture of the plaque and by blistered foot from playing 6 games of softball in my uncomfortable cleats. Gotta hit the end of season sales and get new batting gloves and comfortable cleats, if they exist.
$20 player fee = 1 t-shirt, 6 games with fun team, 2nd place plaque, and free meal. I feel like I came out on top during this Easter Seals Softball Tournament. I'll have to find a way to help support this group in thanks for such a fun day.
First game was scheduled for 9:30 Saturday morning, so I'd have a chance to sleep in. All I had to do was pay a $20 player fee and show up. When I showed up, I got a orange team shirt and saw that the team had staked out a spot for us to hang out in between games. They had an EZ-up, one of those pop-up "roofs".
Carrie let our manager Jeremy know that I could pitch, so he had me slotted to pitch inning 2 through 7 after his wife pitched the 1st. The combination proved well and we won the first game... I believe against the neon yellow team. Game 2, we kept the same rotation, but our bats fell asleep and we fell to the pink team.
Game 3 against light blue was back-to-back to game 2 and I requested a slight break, so I played catcher this game. We were down early and had to make a 5th inning comeback by scoring 11 runs. After we held them in the 6th, we came out victorious, 13-15, after we hit the time limit.. Breaktime! While we waited to see where we placed finished in Pool B and where we'd end up in the bracket, I took a quick break to go home, shower, change most of my clothes, and grab a bite to eat.
We were back at it at 3:00pm for game 4. We were a 2 seed vs a 3 seed. Back to the original lineup we went and with no mercy rule, the green team called it quits. Next up in game 5 was facing the number 1 seed, yellow team. We upset them and left their a$$hole "team leader" complaining and pouting. For a "bush leaguer" like me... it was sweet, sweet victory! Dude hit a homerun off of me, so I played it safer and pitched him crap while trying to hit the back right corner of mat... thus making me a bush leaguer in his eyes. He just couldn't keep his trap shut the hole game and all the other teams had the same experience.
After the upset, we watched a bit of the semi-finals game and came to realize we'd be playing the pink team again. We got our bats going in the previous two games, so we new we had a fighting chance. By game 6, fatigue was starting to set in for many of us and our play was not quite up to par, but we were able to stay in the game, only a few runs behind. We just couldn't find that bigger inning of runs to overtake them. Gosh darn pink team.
After, I found out we'd get a plaque for placing second, so I met up with most of the team and others from the tournament at the after party. I hobbled my way into the Stadium Club, grabbed a free "ballpark" meal and waited for the award ceremony.
Below is a picture of the plaque and by blistered foot from playing 6 games of softball in my uncomfortable cleats. Gotta hit the end of season sales and get new batting gloves and comfortable cleats, if they exist.
$20 player fee = 1 t-shirt, 6 games with fun team, 2nd place plaque, and free meal. I feel like I came out on top during this Easter Seals Softball Tournament. I'll have to find a way to help support this group in thanks for such a fun day.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
CO Vacation: Sunday, Day 6
Sunday was my day to attempt to sleep in, but it did not work nearly as planned. Gosh darn internal clock. If Emily and Joe hadn't drug me to Dave and Buster's one night and forced me to get my photo taken with Canaan Smith another night, I would have been getting to bed earlier.
Well, either way, Sunday was bound to come around and I was dragging butt. Emily actually let me drink caffeinated coffee at breakfast! Unfortunately, it never quite knocked me out of my semi-zombie state.
Luckily Emily was more awake than me and was able to navigate the car safely to the Denver Zoo where we got to see Casper's cousins. Did I mention it was another super hot and sunny day and most of the animals were snoozing.
I was hoping to hear the zookeepers speak about the elephants, but they never made they way over to them after the hippos. I wanted to learn a bit more about the Asian Tropics exhibit they are building and is scheduled to open next year. There were 2 huge metal "Pod-like" containers in their enclosure (surely for them to get acclimated to before getting moved next year).
As we walked to their enclosure we heard some loud metal banging and soon realized it was one of the elephants playing the metal container like a drum. At the conclusion of the song, a huge trumpet was let out by the elephant... pretty sweet!
Here's the latest animal that has me fascinated. Meet my friend the Okapi.
I love his super cool markings and need to learn more about him. Maybe I'll be able to adopt one somehow!
After the zoo, we ate at a wonderful place called Larkburger. If you ever see one, I would strongly suggest trying it. Soon after, I was packing and headed out on a plane for home.
I can't believe I had such a fun, jam-packed vacation. I had a blast, but totally wore myself out. Monday was the day of sleeping, and I can't remember sleeping that much except for when I'm hit with the flu.
Well, either way, Sunday was bound to come around and I was dragging butt. Emily actually let me drink caffeinated coffee at breakfast! Unfortunately, it never quite knocked me out of my semi-zombie state.
Luckily Emily was more awake than me and was able to navigate the car safely to the Denver Zoo where we got to see Casper's cousins. Did I mention it was another super hot and sunny day and most of the animals were snoozing.
I was hoping to hear the zookeepers speak about the elephants, but they never made they way over to them after the hippos. I wanted to learn a bit more about the Asian Tropics exhibit they are building and is scheduled to open next year. There were 2 huge metal "Pod-like" containers in their enclosure (surely for them to get acclimated to before getting moved next year).
As we walked to their enclosure we heard some loud metal banging and soon realized it was one of the elephants playing the metal container like a drum. At the conclusion of the song, a huge trumpet was let out by the elephant... pretty sweet!
Here's the latest animal that has me fascinated. Meet my friend the Okapi.
I love his super cool markings and need to learn more about him. Maybe I'll be able to adopt one somehow!
After the zoo, we ate at a wonderful place called Larkburger. If you ever see one, I would strongly suggest trying it. Soon after, I was packing and headed out on a plane for home.
I can't believe I had such a fun, jam-packed vacation. I had a blast, but totally wore myself out. Monday was the day of sleeping, and I can't remember sleeping that much except for when I'm hit with the flu.
CO Vacation: Saturday, Day 5
I kind of gave myself a break on Saturday, seeing that I did not compete in the Warrior Dash, but not getting to sleep in and spending all day in the heat kind of took its toll on me. Don't get me wrong, I had quite a bit of fun, but my gas tank was starting to get real close to empty.
Here's a pic of Emily and her friends Trevor and Melanie sporting their viking helmets before the race.
There were only a few areas that were easy to try to catch the runners as they passed by. I chose the mud pit because I'm guessing it was also the most fun for spectators.
Glad they had the fire at the end so I could get a pic of that also. It was cool to watch how people entered the mud and also how they decided how to clear the fire.
Here are the victorious racers after their Warrior Dash. Thank goodness Emily had the purple bandanna, otherwise I would not have been able to easily spot her out of the muddy racers running towards the finish line.
Yes, this is the race Tom convinced me to participate in this September. I know I'll be able to complete the length of it at some point, but the obstacles look to be a bit daunting.
Here's a pic of Emily and her friends Trevor and Melanie sporting their viking helmets before the race.
There were only a few areas that were easy to try to catch the runners as they passed by. I chose the mud pit because I'm guessing it was also the most fun for spectators.
Glad they had the fire at the end so I could get a pic of that also. It was cool to watch how people entered the mud and also how they decided how to clear the fire.
Here are the victorious racers after their Warrior Dash. Thank goodness Emily had the purple bandanna, otherwise I would not have been able to easily spot her out of the muddy racers running towards the finish line.
Yes, this is the race Tom convinced me to participate in this September. I know I'll be able to complete the length of it at some point, but the obstacles look to be a bit daunting.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
CO Vacation: Friday, Day 4
Emily was so kind to take a vacation day the Friday I was in town. We headed over to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, CO. Last year I decided to adopt one of their animals after having visited their facility. I wish I could have adopted a Tiger, but Casper, the Coati Mundi, is just as cool. Below is a pic of Casper, I think. If not, it's his roommate Sassy.
The facility has grown leaps and bounds since I last visited. The day before our visit they opened the new walkway as seen below. They plan on adding onto this walkway so it goes over top of not only the lion area, but the bears and tigers, and then end at the new facility that was erected when 25 African lions that were saved and flown in from Bolivia last December.
The shot below was of a lion that was "playing" with a snake that had wandered into her habitat. Amazing how these big cats have the same mannerisms as my small little Jinkies.
We visited on a day that came close to setting a heat record in the area. Most of the animals were enjoying sleeping in the shade.
Moving along to the evening, bring on SUGARLAND!!! and Canaan Smith?!?!?
Who needs an elaborate set to make a show, not Sugarland.
Emily and I were about 6 seats from the center section in row 10 behind the pit. I'm not sure I could have been any happier with our seats.
I didn't get a chance to take many photos because it started raining, but I did manage to capture the shot of Kristian I was looking for.
Sara Bareilles was originally scheduled to open for Sugarland, but ended up having a scheduling conflict. I'm guessing Sugarland's management or record label gave Canaan Smith, a newly signed artist, the push to open for Sugarland. It was great to see Kristian come out on stage and play with him. Canaan had great energy and fun songs.
So, when I got the opportunity to meet him after the show was over, I couldn't resist. Sure, I was bit on the damp side, but look at his smile. He was like a kid in a candy store, living his dream in front of 18,000 Sugarland fans.
Yes, I am now officially a Canaanite.
The facility has grown leaps and bounds since I last visited. The day before our visit they opened the new walkway as seen below. They plan on adding onto this walkway so it goes over top of not only the lion area, but the bears and tigers, and then end at the new facility that was erected when 25 African lions that were saved and flown in from Bolivia last December.
The shot below was of a lion that was "playing" with a snake that had wandered into her habitat. Amazing how these big cats have the same mannerisms as my small little Jinkies.
We visited on a day that came close to setting a heat record in the area. Most of the animals were enjoying sleeping in the shade.
Moving along to the evening, bring on SUGARLAND!!! and Canaan Smith?!?!?
Who needs an elaborate set to make a show, not Sugarland.
Emily and I were about 6 seats from the center section in row 10 behind the pit. I'm not sure I could have been any happier with our seats.
I didn't get a chance to take many photos because it started raining, but I did manage to capture the shot of Kristian I was looking for.
Sara Bareilles was originally scheduled to open for Sugarland, but ended up having a scheduling conflict. I'm guessing Sugarland's management or record label gave Canaan Smith, a newly signed artist, the push to open for Sugarland. It was great to see Kristian come out on stage and play with him. Canaan had great energy and fun songs.
So, when I got the opportunity to meet him after the show was over, I couldn't resist. Sure, I was bit on the damp side, but look at his smile. He was like a kid in a candy store, living his dream in front of 18,000 Sugarland fans.
Yes, I am now officially a Canaanite.
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