April 2008

April '08


Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Construction Hardware 2, Tires 0
Last week, I was filling up my car and happened to notice a nail in my tire. My tires were fine, still holding air, no big deal.
Took it in Wednesday and was patched for $28.99. Ugh. Fine, whatever.
Today, Jmoo and I headed to lunch. We didn't get a quarter mile before we heard (and felt) chu-chunk-chink-cha-chunk-chink-cha-chunk-chink. OMG, is my tire flat? I thought. I pull over. No, we're good. Must be the road right here....
Then it continues. I stopped a couple times trying to figure out what the hell it was. Sally was driving just fine, no pulls, stutters, etc. We make it to lunch, about 1.5 miles from work. I get out, survey the car again. And then, there it was...
The culprit.

I'm pretty sure it looks like this:
Luckily, the auto shop folks said they think this can be patched, like the other. And because I'm such a valued (read: auto work magnet) customer they gave me $4.99 off. Provided there's no extra work to be done. I should see if these guys want to sponsor me!
Can somebody, anybody, JUST GET ME TO FRIDAY, AND GET ME ON THE PLANE, WITH MY BIKE, AND NO MORE TIRE ISSUES? Seriously!!!!!
posted @ 4/30/2008 11:17:33 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I'm Becoming an Airline Statistic!
ARGH!
Click Here:: This is the whole story and the discussion surrounding it.
Well, I just got off the phone with Delta. It's $100 each way to take my bike with me to WildFlower! meaning, $200 rt! YIKES! Ok, ok, sure.. I should have known better.. but, I DID! I Called before booking my flights (called 3 airlines, as $300 tickets aren't a good thing if it's $200 to ship bike, vs $380 tickets and $100 to haul bike). - side note, my tix were just under $400-I was told it was $50 each way, and $100 round trip. Great! One of the lesser quotes. I just called an hr ago to confirm since I was breaking my bike down tonight, and low and behold... They are now charging a firm $100 each direction. I asked when they started doing this and I was told "A couple months ago".. ok, I booked in January. I told them "I booked in January, so those older rates should apply." Shot down. Manager? Shot down. UGH!

Saga continues... I texted my sponsor that I'm staying with and told him situation. He said that wasn't right, call back. So I did. I get a slightly nicer person on the phone. Same conversation. He then asked if I had my bike case dimensions, as maybe there was something they could do. Well, h x w x l is 11x30x47. Guess what those numbers add up to? 88. The maximum "size" delta will allow on their plane is 80 inches. They told me my bike wouldn't be on their plane. Called Delta cargo. I'd have to arrange by curourier or freight frwd'er. I thought all of this was set back in January!!! I just happened to call to confirm! ARGH! And, yes, on top of that, I was told that my 2nd bag will be $25 starting May 5th-- the day I fly home. Jebus! Seriously, this is UNREAL.


read this.

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1772469;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread - unread
posted @ 4/30/2008 7:57:56 AM (1) Comments
Monday, April 28, 2008
A Triathlete’s Guide to Wildflower 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
A Triathlete’s Guide to Wildflower 2008
By Nick Tuttle
For many triathletes, the Wildflower Festival weekend has served as the exciting and competitive start of the summer triathlon season for over 25 years. 2008 marks the 26th annual offering of the popular Central California race brought to life by professional and highly regarded organizer, Tri California. On the weekend of May 2nd through 4th, over 7000 athletes will flock to Lake San Antonio, just east of King City, to participate in one of the weekend’s many challenging races. Known for its challenging terrain and competitive field of racers, Wildflower is an event that every triathlete should experience in his or her lifetime because of several unique factors.Festival FunWildflower’s festival atmosphere sets it apart from other races throughout the world. A tent city of vendors, musicians and athletes is created overnight at the campgrounds surrounding Lake San Antonio. The vast majority of racers elect to stay at campsites adjacent to the transition area. Thousands of peers enjoy the atmosphere of the weekend together. Many friendships have been forged around a campfire or while waiting in line at one of the restrooms throughout the campground.Logistics & AccommodationsAnother unique aspect of Wildflower is the need to plan accommodations well before race day and how to get to transition on time on race morning. As is typical in a triathlon of this magnitude, racers need to arrive at least a day in advance to check in. In addition, campsites fill quickly and can be hard to find for a large group. One of the advantages of camping at Lake San Antonio is that on race morning, triathletes can bike easily down to transition. Staying in hotels in surrounding areas can lead to long commutes in and out of the park on registration and race days. It is much easier to avoid the car and bike directly to transition from campsites. Hitting the hotels also may lead to missing what so many people love about this race—the camping and camaraderie. There is nothing better than carbo-loading at a campfire with friends old and new.Nutrition & Tips: Another issue unique to Wildflower is preparing pre-race meals sans fridge, microwave or an assortment of local restaurants. Try to plan pre-race meals that can be grilled or prepared on a camping stove. With some careful planning, preparing the right meals should not be a huge issue. On the contrary, restroom availability on race morning can be. Restrooms can get busy on race morning and waiting in line should be the least of a racer’s challenges. Leave plenty of time and look for restrooms off to the side, and less crowded.Pre-Race Transition:
Tri California is a highly regarded, professional and organized race production company with everything running like clockwork including transition. One of the best things about Tri California events is that each triathlete’s transition spot is pre-designated by race number. There is no need to scramble looking for the best spot race morning or any spot at all. You will have an amply-spaced, designated spot to rack your bike and set-up your transition. With 7000+ athletes competing, this feat is impressive and makes for a super-sized transition area! It is crucial in Wildflower for racers to memorize their race numbers to find their spot quickly during the race. There are rows and rows of bikes to sort through. Typically, this transition offers nothing in terms of landmarks to help you find your spot as it’s in a huge, flat, concrete parking lot, so get to memorizing!Take note of the steep hill when entering transition from the main campground and gate. All race courses at Wildflower include this hill at some point during the race. This infamous hill gets the most talk but there are plenty of other challenges on this course. Just take a mental note of this one, since all athletes will either be going up or down it shortly.Before the swim start, racers should avoid putting on their wetsuit as long as possible. The event directors will call each wave down to the boat ramp well before it's time to go. Don’t feel rushed but don't sit around in a wetsuit for 20-30 minutes while you can continue to loosen up those limbs for the work to come.The SwimWildflower's swim is the easiest part of the day, and it's the only segment that is totally flat (hee hee). There are a few things to take note of for this particular swim. Unless you are in one of the first few waves, it can be challenging to get into the water before wave starts to warm up. Most likely age groupers will get 5 minutes or so just before each wave horn sounds to get in the water but this isn't enough for most people. This pre-race limitation makes land warm ups even more important including arm swings, shoulder rolls, breathing exercises, and anything else to prepare the body for the swim ahead.The first part of this swim is the most challenging. Leaving the boat ramp out into the lake, there is a very narrow channel to maneuver through and this creates a bit of a wrestling match amongst the swimmers. Either get out in front or sit back and wait so you can settle into your rhythm early. There is nothing like lost goggles or a good ole’ kick to the face to start the day. The swim course bears right out of the boat ramp and into the open lake for a clockwise swim around the buoys and back into the ramp. Upon exiting the water, prepare to hustle up the steep ramp and into transition. The ramp's rough concrete isn't the best on bare feet but the crowd cheering and adrenaline help get racers up and over to transition quickly.The Bike
Racers need to remember their transition spot and get ready for a great bike ride. It is very important to plan gearing out of transition ahead of time. For both the long and Olympic courses racers have a minute to shift but are climbing up some super steep hills quickly. This is especially the case in the Olympic where you are climbing the main hill out of transition within a minute of being on your bike. Make sure you are in the correct gearing--for most people that will be in the smallest ring in the front. Don't let your day be ruined by being in the wrong gear and trying to shift, only to have your chain not cooperate. Be smart and possibly consider putting your bike shoes on in transition for this race if you are used you having them attached you your pedals before mounting your bike. It will certainly save some possible frustration and only cost a few seconds.After the swim, folks are excited to get on the bike course. This makes for a crazy exit area at times so have your head on a swivel. When you do eventually reach the initial climb out away from the lake, settle into a rhythm and focus on steady, deep breathing to lower heart rate. These hills are long and steep, so it's not a sprint to the top. There is plenty of road ahead to hustle on, which will be hard to do if your heart is jumping out of your throat in the first few minutes of the bike. Conserve your energy stores for later in the race, as you will surely need them.After exiting the main gate of the park, you are still climbing a ways to the main road. From there it's a right hand turn and the next 30 miles are mostly rolling hills or flat for the Long Course. Enjoy this section and find a steady-state effort you can sustain for the bulk of the ride.One key to this race is how to handle your nutrition. This bike has the real hard work near the end, which adds to the challenge. For the Long Course bike, this makes eating early and often key. Each athlete should have a calorie target for the bike, which is easy to pace within the first 3/4 of the ride. Once at the uphills and the eventual downhills, racers don't have a lot of time to focus on nutrition. Emphasize taking in plenty of calories between the 20-40 mile marks. This will fuel your body for the hard work to come. The Olympic course is easier to take nutrition on as the hills are not quite as step heading home and there is much less technical descending.On the Long Course, “Nasty Grade”, (a 5 mile long climb that raises you up over 1000 ft) will come around mile 40. That's a serious climb on legs that have been enjoying ripping speeds for the last hour plus. Slowing down and finding a new rhythm can be hard psychologically and many people do not train specifically for this type of hill. One thing to consider with this climb is when you think you’ve seen the top, you haven't. At the top of the first peak, turn right and continue climbing for another few minutes. This knowledge will guard you against the shock that so many have had turning the corner seeing MORE hill! Once you peak the next summit, you are there for the most part. Having read this paragraph is enough to give you an advantage if you've never ridden the course.What goes up must come down. This is one fast downhill on the Long Course that will really benefit the technical cyclist. Lots of people sit up after this climb to take in nutrition, but there isn't a lot of time. Get a drink and get ready to focus on the downhill descent. Make sure to practice hills late in training rides and incorporate plenty of technical descending. The winds can be strong up on top of the ridge but know that you are almost home at this point. There are still some miles to log but they scream by while racers focus on spinning out to prepare legs for the run to come.Careful coming back into transition as the descent is steep back down the main hill. This applies to both the Long Course and Olympic as both use the main gate for re-entry into the park. Watch out for slower racers and runners finishing the run course as it’s a busy area.The RunThrow on your run gear and get ready for a doozy! The first few miles for both courses are rolling along the lake, mostly asphalt, but it turns to dirt and single track pretty quick. This is a tough run course, so runners need to stay fueled the entire day. Get some liquids early and stay on top of it. Calories should be 150-200 calories per hour but limit calorie amounts, to avoid gastric distress.The hills start around mile 3 to 4 as runners need to make it from the lake to above the main campground, which is virtually the same height as the hill you just rode down into transition. Once you start climbing, don't stop. Keep on trucking! Around mile 4 you will come across the famous "nude aid station" were several college-student volunteers are ready to cheer you on in the buff. I mention this only because it took me by surprise the first time I witnessed it and runners need to remember they are just starting a significant single-track climb.Make sure to have some hills in pre-race training. A workout like 5x1 minute hill repeats built into an hour run will increase hill-climbing strength. Once at the campground, continue through the grounds for several miles. Around mile 9 of the Long Course, feet will hit asphalt for the first time in a while and runners will be tempted to pick up the pace. Remember there are still 4 miles to go. By reaching the run turnaround at mile 10, runners are finally racing to the finish line as opposed to away from it. The last section of both courses can still provide some challenges back into the finish line.According to long time race announcer and publisher of Competitor magazine, Eric Gilsenan, the final downhill can be the most overlooked portion of the race. According to Gilsenan, several pro races have been won and lost within the last mile of the run due to pacing down the hill. A hard day’s work can be erased by the steep downhill grade if you are looking to podium in your age group. Pepper some downhill running into pre-race training in a controlled effort to strengthen the supporting muscles of the legs. Quick turnover is key on downhills. Strides are a great way to focus on leg speed and aim for 90-95 foot strikes per minute per foot. This will allow you to change leg support quickly while flying down this hill. Both Long and Olympic courses run down this main hill into the finish.Take the time to look around and enjoy the experience as the road flattens into the finishing chute. Listen for your name being called by the great Tri-California race announcers and cross that finish line in style. You just completed one of the most difficult Long Course or Olympic distance triathlons in the world. If you conquer this course, there isn't much that can stand in your way. Most likely you will push yourself past your comfort zone on race day so take some time to pat yourself on the back for completing one of these challenging races!Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Enjoy the post race festivities; cheer others finishers on and even stick around to watch the next day’s race. Soak in everything that has made Wildflower a destination weekend for so many around the world. Happy racing!
posted @ 4/28/2008 8:35:58 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Banjo Wedding.. SO SO pretty. ;)

posted @ 4/24/2008 8:48:28 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ride Like -scratch that- In Lightning.
Text received
6:34 PM
From: Robo
To: Me

I don’t want to run, Corky.


Text response
6:37PM
From: Me
To: Robo

I’m in a f-cking thunderstorm on my bike. Not kidding. I’m sitting under a shelter. Get your ass outside, now.

Text response
6:45PM
From: Me
To: Robo


I’m not kidding. At all. You better be running right now.


**********


Yesterday I had the itch. Not the itch you get from Psi Chi frat boys, or the itch from a jock strap. I had the itch to be on my bike. I’ve had the hardest time getting motivated to be outside on my bicycle (see pretty much every post from February on). Yesterday, I decided, I would go for a ride and really enjoy myself.
There was a new route I was dying to try, but I didn’t want to give it a go on my own. I called Jimmy’s dad. Ok, his name is really Thomas, but for whatever reason someone called him Jimmy once and it stuck. Jimmy/Thomas works for Eric at the boat dealership. His dad, Dan, is a former triathlete thinking about getting back in the game.
Dan and I met up about 2 miles from my house at 6:00pm. The skies were very overcast, quite humid, and very (surprisingly) warm. When I left my house, the temperature was 78 degrees.
We took off towards one of the many lake areas, choosing Blue Springs Lake for our torture. I was sure to make note of how out of shape I am, almost immediately. For all you WildFlower chicks- I’d appreciate a push up the hills when you pass me. :)
Just as it started to drizzle, Dan got a flat. No big deal. But then came the lightning. BAM! It was close. Maybe one mile. Then in succession four more. Uh-Oh. The storm was moving fast and even if we headed back, we still wouldn’t out run it, and there would be no shelter, anywhere. After we remounted we decided to haul tush to the marina, about 3 miles away. There were several decent climbs in that time which slowed us dramatically. Soon, we were swallowed in a down pour of cold, hard raindrops. That’s when Dan spotted the open sided shelter. We pulled off the road and scurried on in.
Right at that time, I see the above text from Robyn. I’m soaking wet, freezing, and hungry. NOT a good combination. I start trying to call Eric. No awser. We decide we’ll wait it out. 50 minutes later the storm is picking up strength, and sitting on top of us. That’s when Thomas called, “My mom just called me. She said my dad left his phone at home. The weather is getting worse, where are you?” I gave JimTim the coordinates and hung up. In ten minutes, Pam, Dan’s wife, pulls up. Our Hero!!!
We loaded up the car, they dropped me off, and I got into the shower fully clothed- on purpose! I LOVE warm water.

Tonight: Lots of after work errands. :( Then 7 miles of half mile SLOW, half mile quick.
posted @ 4/24/2008 7:54:11 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
What It's Like -- Meggie Mac
posted @ 4/22/2008 12:02:07 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Great Expectations and How to Disregard Them
Great Expectations and How to Disregard Them

In December of 2007, I made the choice to enter this year’s WildFlower Triathlon. Through careful planning, I decided the Olympic distance would best suit me for the first race of the season. I expected to train solid through January, February, March, and April to arrive fit and rested in California.
Then life, weather, and apathy happened. My grandfather’s cancer took complete control of his body, ultimately leading to his death. Wedding planning began and I realized how much effort and time it actually does take up. The atmosphere was still throwing fluffy white shit on the ground until 10 days ago. I lost a beloved pet. I changed my priorities. I put my family and friends ahead of training, absorbing as much time with them as I could. I decided that a household project (or two) that I had put off for over years simply could not wait any longer, thus, I found myself elbow deep in paint, stain, and wallpaper stripper for nearly two weeks. I battled physical and emotion fatigue that, for weeks, only seemed to get worse, when rest and recovery should have made it better (see blogs dated circa 2/11/2008).
I had bronchitis that wouldn’t go away. I have a myriad of reasons and excuses. It’s a list of “here’s why” I’m not on top of my physical conditioning and mental abilities. There’s tons and tons of reasons why I won’t be performing at my best.
However, I did decided this. I’m going to go have a terrific time! I want to go meet all the cool Caly Poly/ Fluid tri club folks, and make some good gal pals. I want to get to represent TriSports.com, and watch some crazy age groupers go head to head with the best pros in both Half Iron and Olympic distance.
For this I am very excited. However, my expectations and I have reached an amicable agreement. I’m not going to win. Hell, even if was in tip top shape, I doubt that a top ten was ever in my future.
Please don’t consider my blog negative self talk. If it comes across that way, please understand it’s just of my way of outing my lack of preparation.
So, my brain and I reached a split decision.
My only expectation is that of enjoying myself, racing as best I can at the shape I'm in, and helping out my teams along the way!
posted @ 4/22/2008 7:05:12 AM (0) Comments
Friday, April 18, 2008
Gale Crutcher 1930-2008
Crutcher, Gale K.

View/Sign Guest Book

Gale K. Crutcher, 77 of Belton, Mo., passed away April 16, 2008, at the Hospice House. Visitation 9:30 to noon Saturday, April 19, at McGilley & George Funeral Home, 12913 Grandview Road, Grandview, Mo. Graveside service and burial at 3 p.m. after the visitation in Oak Lawn Cemetery, La Cygne, Kan. Contributions suggested to American Cancer Society, The LiveStrong Foundation or Kansas City Hospice. Gale was born on October 7, 1930, in Cass County, Mo., and was a lifelong Cass County area resident. Survived by wife, Norma, of the home; sons Gary Crutcher, St. Charles, Ill., and Jerry and wife Robin Crutcher of Belton, Mo.; brother Lyman and wife Priscilla Crutcher; sisters Nancy Baltinsky, Wynona Crutcher and Betty Crutcher; two grandchildren, Courtney Crutcher, Blue Springs, Mo., and Jeff Crutcher, Belton, Mo. (Arr.: McGilley & George Funeral Home, 12913 Grandview Road, Grandview, MO 64030, 816-966-0250.)
Published in the Kansas City Star on 4/17/2008.
Notice • Guest Book • Flowers



Susan Cagney 1961-2008
Cagney, Susan K. (Lambert)

View/Sign Guest Book

CAGNEY Susan K. Cagney, 47, Belton, MO, passed away April 12, 2008 at KC Hospice House. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to KC Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64145. Susan was born April 10, 1961 in Kansas City, MO, daughter of William Joseph and Harriet I. (DeGroff) Lambert. She graduated from Loretto Academy in 1979 and, received an associates degree in electronics from Electronics Institute in 1982. Susan was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and was a member of the Protestant faith. She was preceded in death by her father William Lambert and grandmother Nora M. Maupin. She is survived by her mother and stepfather Harriet and Glenn W. Ladd; husband Robert Cagney of the home; son Justin Cagney, U.S.A.F.; brothers Jeff Lambert, Jack Lambert and John Lambert; stepbrother Marlon Smith; and stepsisters Stephanie Sample, Carla Pryor and Karen Schultz. Susan was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend who will be missed by all. (Arr: Mt. Moriah & Freeman 816-942- 2004)
Published in the Kansas City Star on 4/16/2008.
Notice • Guest Book • Flowers
posted @ 4/18/2008 7:47:23 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Grandpa Update
Hey.I figured I'd give a little update, since I doubt I'll be logged on for a while to give another. Last night we rec'vd a call from the hospice hospital that a bed was available, so this morning around 11 a med team is coming to transfer him to the hospital. We discussed letting him stay at home, but my grandma was beginning to have qualms about being comfortable in her home if he passed away there. Also, this way she can have a bed right beside him in the hospital without worrying about having to do all of his medical needs. For about a week he was "eating" a half bottle of Ensure everyday, but on Friday morning he stopped that. He quit drinking fluids altogether on Saturday, and we've doing water drops to help keep his mouth and lips moist. Our whole family will be in town tonight, and thank God last week when he was coherent I was able to tell him how much he meant to me.Right now he's really not there mentally, and has pretty much stopped all verbal communication other than a 'yep' and 'nope.'Basically, the nurses have said he might make it to the weekend, but not to expect it. My cousin gets into town tonight, and she's the head hospice RN at a huge hospital in Phoenix, so it will really be great to have a family member that understands medically where he's at. --as a "woe is me"-- things have been exacerbated by a family f friend's death, from a similar fate, on Saturday. Her visitation and funeral services are Friday and saturday. If everyone could maybe send and extra goodwill vibe to her family that would be great. I want to thank you folks for your continued thoughts and prayers. It is all very very much appreciated.
posted @ 4/15/2008 8:43:30 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 10, 2008
99 Things You May or May Not Know, or Care to Know, About Me ... ... ... ...
99 Things You May or May Not Know, or Care to Know, About Me

I tan a lot
I have two pit bulls
I can’t stand TBone on the Johnny Dare Show (KC Radio)
I have 4 visible tattoos, but have received 5
I recently got into a bar brawl with against my best friend. We are still best friends
I am marrying on Halloween
We started dating on Halloween
He proposed on Halloween- on a beach, two days before Ironman
I’m really really bad with money. I like to spend it. All of it
I hate that I sit in a cubical for 8hrs + a day
I’ve only had my bike outside 3 times since Ironman
The weather in KC SUCKS this year
I’m pumped for WildFlower, but I’m not expecting a whole lot
I have a bridesmaid that lives about 100000 miles away but she is still quite up to date with all the wedding stuff
My fiancé looks like Travis Barker
Travis Barker is hot
I’m really really lucky
I used to have a rabbit but he died :(
There’s a woman at my work that drives me INSANE
I cannot survive without coffee
I cannot survive without Pope, Drewie, Freffy, Jmoo, or Robo (aka my bridesmaids)
I didn’t cry when I finished Ironman, but I did when I saw Julie finish
My weight fluctuates A LOT when I’m training heavy, but for whatever reason my body wants to “be” at a weight about 40 lbs over my ideal weight. Ugh
I have a girl crush on Desiree Ficker and Bree Wee (yes Bree, you)
There’s a new beer called Land Shark Lager that I LOVE
I really like cheap wine
My bike’s name is GoldMember
My fiancé made me cut up all my credit cards after I paid them off. I was mad at him but now I understand why he told me to. He’s so smart. Like I said, lucky
My first tattoo was a Mustang emblem
Yes, I drive a Mustang
My Mustang’s name is Sally and she has 150k miles on her now
I bought her my senior year of high school and I won “coolest car” in the yearbook
I paid her off in 11 months and refuse to get a new car because for over 5 years I haven’t had a car payment
I wear a size 9 shoe and a size 11 pant
My boobs *are* real
No you can’t see them
Eric and I have never broke up in almost 8 years
Both of my bosses are wearing pink and black today. One of them is a man. He is wearing the most pink
I am 5’10
I plan to wear a LiveStrong bracelet in my wedding
I have to wear glasses or contacts, even though my vision is supposedly 20/10. My optometrist one time told me that my eyes were fine. I challenged him to go for a ride down I-70 with me at night. He decided that maybe I did need glasses
I love penguins. I want one
I have never been to Las Vegas
I have visited over 10 countries out of the USA
My fiancé owns a boat dealership and a sports agency
No, we’re not rich
I dye my hair A LOT
I’m kind of snobby
I have lost toenails
My engagement ring is a trillion
My favorite color is black
I look best in bright purple or royal blue
I can’t remember how, but I’m a descendant of General George Patton
The year Carrie Underwood won American Idol, my cousin made the top 10
I met my fiancé at a motorcycle race
I used to have a beagle named Princess
Eric’s friends are also some of my very best friends
Perezhilton.com keeps me entertained from 7:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
I ordered my wedding dress Saturday. It will arrive June 30th
While I’m 70 inches tall, I actually have a wingspan of 74inches. That’s 6’2. No wonder I always looked like I would clean out the lane lines when swimming fly
I hold the high school girls swimming record in every distance and every event except the 100 yard breaststroke
I love the movie Fight Club
Johnny Depp is my favorite actor
Orlando Bloom is a very very close second
Eric and I have a saying that goes across the top of a wall in our kitchen “In For Life”
I won’t explain it if you don’t get it
I really like popcorn
I have a palm tree tanning tattoo
Every time Eric and I see a great big poufy palm tree we put our hands up in the air and say “Pouf” and do jazz hands
I couldn't keep a plant alive even if it was a money tree
Every time I ride by a cow on my bike I must moo at it
I was a cheerleader in high school
If I ever become a multi-millionaire I’m going to pay off my friend’s student loans and my family’s mortgages
I just had a random nose bleed while sitting at my desk
I do not do cocaine
I used to burn things in the oven
I now could maybe qualify for Hells Kitchen
I have really started to have a passion for cooking, and for making things from my own recipes, from scratch, on the fly
I occasionally will still burn things
Like an oven mitt
I’m not exactly Christian, not exactly Catholic, not exactly Buddhist
I write letters to people or companies if I find something in distaste or receive poor service
I am a foreclosure analyst at a law firm. It’s a fancy term for somebody’s bitch
I love my fiancé’s tattoos, I think they’re sexy
I have six piercings
My maid of honor hasn’t any tattoos or piercings
Tequila is a dangerous thing for me
Shots not good for my tummy
I have an abnormally long butt crack
I really enjoy do-it-yourself projects
I was voted “most organized” in high school
I have clothing scattered all of my bedroom and various items on my dresser, etc
I have a CHI hair iron and it is amazing
Skull and Crossbones are my theme
I can occasionally be really rude and snobby
I almost always feel bad about it
Anchorman and Talladega Nights are the best movies
I want to race the Hawaii World Champ Ironman before I’m 30
I’m considering doing an English Channel swim
I’m an overachiever


posted @ 4/10/2008 9:48:28 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
I Got Nothin'
posted @ 4/9/2008 12:44:58 PM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 03, 2008
NEW SPONSOR!!!
H2O Audio http://www.h2oaudio.com/ Music can improve your mood, increase endurance, and bestow vital motivation. Would Rocky have been able to beat Clubber Lang (a.k.a. Mr.T) without "eye of the tiger" playing in his training montage. We here at H2O Audio think not. We also believe that the inspirational and spiritual power of music should not be reserved only for the Rocky Balboas and other land loving athletes of the world. As surfers, wakeboarders, paddlers, and swimmers we encourage H2O Audio users to experience their music in any element.
I'm super pumped about this. All you lap swimmers understand my pain! Will come in dang handy for that English Channel training! :)
posted @ 4/3/2008 11:59:53 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Cult, er Church
Westboro Baptist Church Cult
I want to take a moment to point out how disgusted I am with these people. I neary wish a harmful thought on another person, but this is terrible.
I was going to post the link to their page, but I'll spare my blogging friends from reading their biggotry. It's un-freaking-believeable.
If anyone reading my blog feels the same as those brainwashed people, please close out my page and never come back.
posted @ 4/3/2008 11:32:47 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Boy, Do I Have A Lot to Talk About.
S-O-R-E spells OUCH!

Yesterday, I had a kick butt run session (see the blog below). Then I lifted. Whew. That was really killer. I actually did not get in as much as was on my workout schedule, but I am glad because I’m feeling it today.

This morning I got up to swim but I knew I was toast before I even hit the water. I swam the warm up, the lead up, and one third of the main set. The rest of practice I watched my swimmers and gave some good feedback from below the water, an area that many swim coaches will neglect or do not understand because they cannot see it first hand, as I did this morning.


Umpa-loompa ump-idee-doo.

I would like to comment that I am afraid I have rubbed off on Eric. No, not a spray tan rub off, but one of a less healthy, slightly more brown-tinged rub. I got Eric to go tanning. Now, he is going quite often. We do have our engagement pictures this Saturday, and I don’t think he was wanting to look like Powder next to me. But dammit, after a few sessions in the oh so amazing Sunboard high-pressure bed at Tropical Xtreme Tanz (excuse my plug), he is now darker than me. Figures.


Were the Auto Insurance Elfs here last night?

Explain this. I get on the scale today expecting to see a certain number. Instead it’s almost 10 lbs. lower. What?! Whoohoo! But wait, that can’t be. I just lost 5 or 6 lbs a couple weeks ago, then gained back two-ish. So I was sure my weight would be around there. The weight this morning is ten lbs less- no way. Also, I took my body fat. Explain to me how I could lose almost 4% body fat in a week. Not possible. So I chalk it up to equipment malfunction.

I get to the gym and get on the medical scale. I have consumed only 6.75 fluid ounces and am wearing only a swim suit (I weighed in the buff at my home, of course). The number is 18 lbs HIGHER than what I just read at home. UMMMM… Ok, granted I don’t feel like I lost 10 lbs, but I sure as HELL did NOT gain eight! Either Robert Gouluet is out of the grave, or the Elves got me.


Did I Mention I’m Swimming the ENGLISH CHANNEL?

I am in talks with two old swimming gal pals about attempting a crossing next summer or in 2010. We have many things to hash out, but, we are very motivated. I have thought about this a lot since reading Lynne Cox’s books Swimming to Antarctica and Grayson. I really admire the woman. How amazing would it be to say you took part in crossing the English Channel under our own will power?!

Congrats, Max!

Not so sure if he ever reads this blog, but a very old friend of mine, Max Jaben qualified for the Olympic Games in swimming this year. He obtained dual citizenship in Israel, and will be representing the country in the Olympic Games! How very cool. Awesome job and good luck in August! Lieben ahf dein kepele! (“Very well done” In Yiddish)
posted @ 4/2/2008 10:50:36 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Fool's
I am quitting blogging. Ok. you're right April Fool's. Here's some good ones from the past.
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/

#1: The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest
In 1957 the respected BBC news show Panorama announced that thanks to a very mild winter and the virtual elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. It accompanied this announcement with footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Huge numbers of viewers were taken in. Many called the BBC wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti tree. To this the BBC diplomatically replied that they should "place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best."
• Read the full article about the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest.
Comments (62)
#2: Sidd Finch
In its April 1985 edition, Sports Illustrated published a story about a new rookie pitcher who planned to play for the Mets. His name was Sidd Finch, and he could reportedly throw a baseball at 168 mph with pinpoint accuracy. This was 65 mph faster than the previous record. Surprisingly, Sidd Finch had never even played the game before. Instead, he had mastered the "art of the pitch" in a Tibetan monastery under the guidance of the "great poet-saint Lama Milaraspa." Mets fans celebrated their teams' amazing luck at having found such a gifted player, and Sports Illustrated was flooded with requests for more information. But in reality this legendary player only existed in the imagination of the author of the article, George Plimpton.
• Read the full article about Sidd Finch.
Comments (30)
#3: Instant Color TV
In 1962 there was only one tv channel in Sweden, and it broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert, Kjell Stensson, appeared on the news to announce that, thanks to a new technology, viewers could convert their existing sets to display color reception. All they had to do was pull a nylon stocking over their tv screen. Stensson proceeded to demonstrate the process. Thousands of people were taken in. Regular color broadcasts only commenced in Sweden on April 1, 1970.
• Read the full article about Instant Color TV.
Comments (78)
#4: The Taco Liberty Bell
In 1996 the Taco Bell Corporation announced that it had bought the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. Hundreds of outraged citizens called the National Historic Park in Philadelphia where the bell was housed to express their anger. Their nerves were only calmed when Taco Bell revealed, a few hours later, that it was all a practical joke. The best line of the day came when White House press secretary Mike McCurry was asked about the sale. Thinking on his feet, he responded that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold. It would now be known as the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial.
• Read the full article about the Taco Liberty Bell.
Comments (48)
#5: San Serriffe
In 1977 the British newspaper The Guardian published a special seven-page supplement devoted to San Serriffe, a small republic located in the Indian Ocean consisting of several semi-colon-shaped islands. A series of articles affectionately described the geography and culture of this obscure nation. Its two main islands were named Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse. Its capital was Bodoni, and its leader was General Pica. The Guardian's phones rang all day as readers sought more information about the idyllic holiday spot. Few noticed that everything about the island was named after printer's terminology. The success of this hoax is widely credited with launching the enthusiasm for April Foolery that gripped the British tabloids in subsequent decades.
• Read the full article about San Serriffe.
Comments (34)
Prankplace.com
FAKE TATTOO SLEEVESNow you can get "inked" by night and still keep your day job with our "tattoo sleeves". The tattoo is printed directly on the stretchable fabric sleeves fabric which is a machine washable nylon. They come in pairs; wear one or both.
#6: Nixon for President
In 1992 National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation program announced that Richard Nixon, in a surprise move, was running for President again. His new campaign slogan was, "I didn't do anything wrong, and I won't do it again." Accompanying this announcement were audio clips of Nixon delivering his candidacy speech. Listeners responded viscerally to the announcement, flooding the show with calls expressing shock and outrage. Only during the second half of the show did the host John Hockenberry reveal that the announcement was a practical joke. Nixon's voice was impersonated by comedian Rich Little.
Comments (24)
#7: Alabama Changes the Value of Pi
The April 1998 issue of the New Mexicans for Science and Reason newsletter contained an article claiming that the Alabama state legislature had voted to change the value of the mathematical constant pi from 3.14159 to the 'Biblical value' of 3.0. Before long the article had made its way onto the internet, and then it rapidly made its way around the world, forwarded by people in their email. It only became apparent how far the article had spread when the Alabama legislature began receiving hundreds of calls from people protesting the legislation. The original article, which was intended as a parody of legislative attempts to circumscribe the teaching of evolution, was written by a physicist named Mark Boslough.
Comments (73)
#8: The Left-Handed Whopper
In 1998 Burger King published a full page advertisement in USA Today announcing the introduction of a new item to their menu: a "Left-Handed Whopper" specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the advertisement, the new whopper included the same ingredients as the original Whopper (lettuce, tomato, hamburger patty, etc.), but all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees for the benefit of their left-handed customers. The following day Burger King issued a follow-up release revealing that although the Left-Handed Whopper was a hoax, thousands of customers had gone into restaurants to request the new sandwich. Simultaneously, according to the press release, "many others requested their own 'right handed' version."
Comments (55)
#9: Hotheaded Naked Ice Borers
In its April 1995 issue Discover Magazine announced that the highly respected wildlife biologist Dr. Aprile Pazzo had discovered a new species in Antarctica: the hotheaded naked ice borer. These fascinating creatures had bony plates on their heads that, fed by numerous blood vessels, could become burning hot, allowing the animals to bore through ice at high speeds. They used this ability to hunt penguins, melting the ice beneath the penguins and causing them to sink downwards into the resulting slush where the hotheads consumed them. After much research, Dr. Pazzo theorized that the hotheads might have been responsible for the mysterious disappearance of noted Antarctic explorer Philippe Poisson in 1837. "To the ice borers, he would have looked like a penguin," the article quoted her as saying. Discover received more mail in response to this article than they had received for any other article in their history.
• Read the full article about the Hotheaded Naked Ice Borer.
Comments (43)
#10: Planetary Alignment Decreases Gravity
In 1976 the British astronomer Patrick Moore announced on BBC Radio 2 that at 9:47 AM a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event was going to occur that listeners could experience in their very own homes. The planet Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, temporarily causing a gravitational alignment that would counteract and lessen the Earth's own gravity. Moore told his listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment that this planetary alignment occurred, they would experience a strange floating sensation. When 9:47 AM arrived, BBC2 began to receive hundreds of phone calls from listeners claiming to have felt the sensation. One woman even reported that she and her eleven friends had risen from their chairs and floated around the room.
posted @ 4/1/2008 12:45:46 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Choke it back.
Do not barf. Don't barf. Don't do it. Don't.. don't... ::bbaarrf:: Do. Not. Barf.
Ugh, and it's not even my leftover meat patty and salad from lunch... no, it's my phlegm. Choking, coughing, sputtering, PUKING my own phelgm.
Runner's phelgm.
UGH.
Well, here's to the fastest 3 miles I've done yet this yr. Mile 1.5 split 13:46.54 (wind at back), Mile 3.0 split 15:47.37 (wind at face split). Average mile time of 9:51.
I know, I know. Not blazing fast, hell, not even warm up speed for so many of you. But I'm working on it. I'm feeling a lot more comfortable with this new stride and techniqe even JMoo commented that I was moving faster. I beat her back! That is RARE!
Now, well, now I need a nap to recovery from a high quality high speed run with quick turnover and the 1.5 slices of Costco cake from the birthday party in my office. At least, AT LEAST, I can call that cake market research and no one will be able to comment!
Okay, I'm dozing, off to get some tea! YUM! (Yes Robo, TEA. T-E-A. The good stuff. The shiznit, the almost as good as a Scooter's Hazlenut coffee Stuff. TEA.)
My workout orginally called for a MORNING run with recovery before my lift session, but it was misting and about 38 degrees out- even worse than the conditions this afternoon, so I'll just fight my way thru it at the gym tonight.
Oh, here's today's route. Nothing special, but fun anyway!
http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=203410
posted @ 4/1/2008 12:42:51 PM (0) Comments