From Kal...what have you bought and never used?
I am usually the frugal one. Rarely buying anything that I don't need. But I'm sure I have clothes that I have never worn. And there's a few nail polish colors that I had to have, but never wore. Back hen I was driving air-cooled VW's, I had a few project cars that I was never able to do anything with. Other than those, there's not too much that I buy that I don't use.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
May Challenge 5/23
Frome Jennifer- Any summer vacation plans? Short weekend get-away? Where are ya headed this summer and what will ya be doing there?
I don't have any definite vacation plans yet. I would love to get to Va Beach for a long weekend. Maybe stop by for a night at Angee's house, then stay a few nights at the beach. I think if I went to the beach and didn't stop at Angee's, there would be hell to pay, lol. An evening by the pool with her and Wayne and a bottle of wine would be great. I always take my bike to the beach so I can go out early before it gets crowded and go back and forth on the boardwalk and explore some of the surrounding area. This year's vacation will probably be by myself. A few days of sun, sand, and relaxation. I'm sure I would do some shopping and eating at nice restuarants too.
I don't have any definite vacation plans yet. I would love to get to Va Beach for a long weekend. Maybe stop by for a night at Angee's house, then stay a few nights at the beach. I think if I went to the beach and didn't stop at Angee's, there would be hell to pay, lol. An evening by the pool with her and Wayne and a bottle of wine would be great. I always take my bike to the beach so I can go out early before it gets crowded and go back and forth on the boardwalk and explore some of the surrounding area. This year's vacation will probably be by myself. A few days of sun, sand, and relaxation. I'm sure I would do some shopping and eating at nice restuarants too.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday 5/22
Yesterday was a great day of mountainbike racing. I placed 1st in single speed class for the Time Trial. It was 6.75 miles of mostly singletrack and I did it in 37 minutes and 10 seconds. That afternoon, I placed 1st place in single speed in Dual Slalom race. That race was so much fun. 48 seconds of tight berm turns, table tops, and jumps.
Today I volunteered to help out the Storming of Thunder Ridge century. I did SAG support for a 15 mile section. It was weird to not actually ride this event, but I have the 24 Hour Burn next weekend and decided I should take it easy.
Today I volunteered to help out the Storming of Thunder Ridge century. I did SAG support for a 15 mile section. It was weird to not actually ride this event, but I have the 24 Hour Burn next weekend and decided I should take it easy.
May Challenge 5/20
What was your favorite vehicle and why:
I think mine would be a tie. First would be my first car, a 1978 Subaru Brat. It was basically a regular sedan that they put a little truck bed on the back. It was tiny and under powered, but I loved it. It would go anywhere with on the fly 4 wheel drive. I wish I had the jump seats in the back though. The motor bleww in it after about 2 years.
Second would be my 1978 VW camper bus. Most people either love or hate old air-cooled VW's. I love them and drove them exclusively for about 8 years. My Westy was in great shape. Little to no rust and a great engine. Unfortunately, my girlfriend at the time rear ended an 88 Mustang with it and totalled it. For a long time I had plans to fix it, but the damage was to much. Someday I will have another one.
I think mine would be a tie. First would be my first car, a 1978 Subaru Brat. It was basically a regular sedan that they put a little truck bed on the back. It was tiny and under powered, but I loved it. It would go anywhere with on the fly 4 wheel drive. I wish I had the jump seats in the back though. The motor bleww in it after about 2 years.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
May Challenge 5/18
From Kal: When you think of ‘home,’ what, specifically, do you think of?
It's funny how my perception of home has changed. I grew up just outside of Manassas, Va. My parents moved to Amherst County when I was almost 14. A very diffucult time in childhood to try to start over. I was akward and unsure of myself enough as it was. For a long time I felt home was still in Northern Virginia. Eventually that passed and our new place was home. Then I went into the Air Force. During that time and the time after that I spent renting apartments around Lynchburg, home was always at my parents house. Finally, when I bought my own house, it became home. My sanctuary, the place I always feel safe.
Another aspect of home is how people feel about themselves. Most feel at home in their own skin, their bodies, even with their perceived flaws, feels right and is never given a second thought. I've never really had the luxery of that basic feeling. I've been outside looking through a window at the warmth and comfort taken for granted by most. It's time to open the door and step in....
It's funny how my perception of home has changed. I grew up just outside of Manassas, Va. My parents moved to Amherst County when I was almost 14. A very diffucult time in childhood to try to start over. I was akward and unsure of myself enough as it was. For a long time I felt home was still in Northern Virginia. Eventually that passed and our new place was home. Then I went into the Air Force. During that time and the time after that I spent renting apartments around Lynchburg, home was always at my parents house. Finally, when I bought my own house, it became home. My sanctuary, the place I always feel safe.
Another aspect of home is how people feel about themselves. Most feel at home in their own skin, their bodies, even with their perceived flaws, feels right and is never given a second thought. I've never really had the luxery of that basic feeling. I've been outside looking through a window at the warmth and comfort taken for granted by most. It's time to open the door and step in....
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Blog Challenge 5/17
From Missy: ABC's of life, the word "Can't"
I've heard this word all my life. Either directly or suggested. You can't do that, you can't act like that, you can't dress like that, you can't feel like that. Unfortunately, I listened to them and told myself that I was wrong and they were right. Years and years of self doubt and hate took it's toll. I tried to do what "they" said was right. Tried to live as they wanted. I can no longer do that. It's time to do things my way, the way I feel is right and should have always been from the "very" beginning.
I've heard this word all my life. Either directly or suggested. You can't do that, you can't act like that, you can't dress like that, you can't feel like that. Unfortunately, I listened to them and told myself that I was wrong and they were right. Years and years of self doubt and hate took it's toll. I tried to do what "they" said was right. Tried to live as they wanted. I can no longer do that. It's time to do things my way, the way I feel is right and should have always been from the "very" beginning.
Monday, May 16, 2011
May Challenge 5/16
Share one of your favorite meals you make for your family. What's the recipe? If you don't do the cooking, share the meal you request the most!
I love to cook, and I love to try new things. But one of my favorite meals is a simple grilled steak. If I'm feeling indulgent, I'll start with a thick cut Porterhouse. I don't marinade, but I do like some spice rubbed on it. Nothing over done, just salt, pepper, and maybe some garlic and onion powder. The steak has to be at room temperature when it goes on the grill. I sear it for about a minute and a half to 2 minutes on each side and it's done. I like some good grill marks on the outside and a cool red center. This would be very rare. I like to cook Vidalia onions on the grill too. I take a whole onion, peel it, then cut a cone in the top. I pack the cutout with butter and beef buollion cubes. Wrap it in foil and set on the grill for about 25 minutes. They come off soft, translucent, and delicious. Another good side would be some cous-cous. I like to add some curry and ginger spice to mine. Finish the meal off with a nice glass of Merlot or Cabernet and it's almost a perfect meal.
I love to cook, and I love to try new things. But one of my favorite meals is a simple grilled steak. If I'm feeling indulgent, I'll start with a thick cut Porterhouse. I don't marinade, but I do like some spice rubbed on it. Nothing over done, just salt, pepper, and maybe some garlic and onion powder. The steak has to be at room temperature when it goes on the grill. I sear it for about a minute and a half to 2 minutes on each side and it's done. I like some good grill marks on the outside and a cool red center. This would be very rare. I like to cook Vidalia onions on the grill too. I take a whole onion, peel it, then cut a cone in the top. I pack the cutout with butter and beef buollion cubes. Wrap it in foil and set on the grill for about 25 minutes. They come off soft, translucent, and delicious. Another good side would be some cous-cous. I like to add some curry and ginger spice to mine. Finish the meal off with a nice glass of Merlot or Cabernet and it's almost a perfect meal.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
:(
So blah this evening. Wondering why I bother. Is it worth it?
I know it's worth it, in the long run. But it's so hard.
I know it's worth it, in the long run. But it's so hard.
Friday, May 13, 2011
May Challenge 5/13
Tell us where you will/want to be in life next year, 5 years from now, and 10 years.
By this time next year I hope to be well into the serious part of my journey. The biggest changes come early. Hopefully I will still have most of my friends still standing by me. If not, I will find more. :)
In 5 years, I hope to be established and much more comfortable with myself. Much of the major stuff should be done. Maybe still doing the same job, maybe something new and exciting.
10 years from now, I want to be just another person out there and taken and treated like anyone else who presents themselves in the way I will.
By this time next year I hope to be well into the serious part of my journey. The biggest changes come early. Hopefully I will still have most of my friends still standing by me. If not, I will find more. :)
In 5 years, I hope to be established and much more comfortable with myself. Much of the major stuff should be done. Maybe still doing the same job, maybe something new and exciting.
10 years from now, I want to be just another person out there and taken and treated like anyone else who presents themselves in the way I will.
May challenge 5/12
List 10 things, good or bad, that are weighing on your mind now,
I'm doing this one again because the original got lost when the blogger site went down the other day.
1. The 24 Hour Burn mtn bike race is in 2 weeks, I hope I'm ready
2. I wonder if I will want or be able to race next year
3. My 3 legged cat, Bud, is getting old. It will be a tough time when he passes, should still be a few years.
4. I have some of the greatest friends ever.
5. What will I be like or look like this time next year.
6. Why are some people so narrow minded and hurtful?
7. I have replaced most of my wardrobe, I have a lot of "old" clothes to give away or donate.
8. I turn 40 this October, big year, big plans, big changes.
9. I'm finding that this path gets easier in some ways and harder in others.
10. I hope I have the strength to do this.
I'm doing this one again because the original got lost when the blogger site went down the other day.
1. The 24 Hour Burn mtn bike race is in 2 weeks, I hope I'm ready
2. I wonder if I will want or be able to race next year
3. My 3 legged cat, Bud, is getting old. It will be a tough time when he passes, should still be a few years.
4. I have some of the greatest friends ever.
5. What will I be like or look like this time next year.
6. Why are some people so narrow minded and hurtful?
7. I have replaced most of my wardrobe, I have a lot of "old" clothes to give away or donate.
8. I turn 40 this October, big year, big plans, big changes.
9. I'm finding that this path gets easier in some ways and harder in others.
10. I hope I have the strength to do this.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
May challenge 5/11
Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?
I have many great memories of my life. The though of losing them is almost unthinkable. But not being able to make new ones would be worse I think. What would be the point of living if you can't make new memories. I would rather look to the future than dwell on the past. I guess that is very appropriate now.
I have many great memories of my life. The though of losing them is almost unthinkable. But not being able to make new ones would be worse I think. What would be the point of living if you can't make new memories. I would rather look to the future than dwell on the past. I guess that is very appropriate now.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
May blog challenge 5/10
ABC's of life, Be yourself:
I always thought I was being myself, always different, being my own person. Then I finally realized that there was a deeper self that I had repressed all my life. Sure it showed up in various ways over the years, but because I thaought it was wrong and not what everyone else wanted me to be, I beat it back down into hiding. Now it has exploded to the surface and it will not be denied. This is something that has been there since birth. It's not an illness, not a choice, not done to hurt anyone. I just wish I had the courage earlier to deal with it. Yes Kal, I know I'm being very vague, but I still have to for a while, lol.
I always thought I was being myself, always different, being my own person. Then I finally realized that there was a deeper self that I had repressed all my life. Sure it showed up in various ways over the years, but because I thaought it was wrong and not what everyone else wanted me to be, I beat it back down into hiding. Now it has exploded to the surface and it will not be denied. This is something that has been there since birth. It's not an illness, not a choice, not done to hurt anyone. I just wish I had the courage earlier to deal with it. Yes Kal, I know I'm being very vague, but I still have to for a while, lol.
Monday, May 9, 2011
May Blog Challenge 5/9
"Tell us your superhero name and your powers"
Wow this is a tough one. I really like Jennifer's, I'm the cleaner in my house.
I could be the Mighty Morphing Power Person. With the ability to easily move between all social classes, races, and genders. Then I could gather any information and help bring everyone closer together. But some boundaries I would cross, I wouldn't want to come back from. :)
Wow this is a tough one. I really like Jennifer's, I'm the cleaner in my house.
I could be the Mighty Morphing Power Person. With the ability to easily move between all social classes, races, and genders. Then I could gather any information and help bring everyone closer together. But some boundaries I would cross, I wouldn't want to come back from. :)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day
I started Mother's day by going to see my grandmother. She is still trying to recover from her stroke. She was doing well today and in good spirits. Then I went out to my mom's house. I brought my computer and hooked it up to her tv. We watched all 6 episodes of Walking Dead. I bought the first season on I-tunes and since my mom loves everything zombie, we had a very good day.
Pre Mother"s Day
Blog for yesterday:
Tyler and I took Jess out for Mother's Day on Saturday. So we would have more time, instead of dividing time with driving to our parents. Jess and I will go see all them on Sunday. We picked Ty up around 11 and decided to head out and do some shopping. Kohl's had awesome sales right now. We all got some stuff. Ty got running shorts, Jess got pants, I got some capris. We then went to the mall to see if the guy that sells posters was there. Ty wanted some band posters for his room. The guy wasn't there, but we did get Ty a shirt from Hot Topic, a Sublime t-shirt. Later in the evening we too Jess to Harbor Inn for dinner. It was fantastic. Jess ordered crab legs and spiced shrimp. All in all it was a great day and I'm glad Jess enjoyed it.
Tyler and I took Jess out for Mother's Day on Saturday. So we would have more time, instead of dividing time with driving to our parents. Jess and I will go see all them on Sunday. We picked Ty up around 11 and decided to head out and do some shopping. Kohl's had awesome sales right now. We all got some stuff. Ty got running shorts, Jess got pants, I got some capris. We then went to the mall to see if the guy that sells posters was there. Ty wanted some band posters for his room. The guy wasn't there, but we did get Ty a shirt from Hot Topic, a Sublime t-shirt. Later in the evening we too Jess to Harbor Inn for dinner. It was fantastic. Jess ordered crab legs and spiced shrimp. All in all it was a great day and I'm glad Jess enjoyed it.
Friday, May 6, 2011
May Bblog Challenge 5/6
If you could take trip a trip to any country for a vacation, where would you go?
Two of my favorite places that I have visited were Italy and Japan. I loved them both. But this should be somewhere I have never been. I would like to go to Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain. All of the Isles. Clifford is Scotch-Irish and there were many Cliffords in England. I love the rolling green hills of Ireland and Scotland, and they have great beer and liqour. :) England has a very cool counter-culture. It is after all, the birthplace of punk rock!
Two of my favorite places that I have visited were Italy and Japan. I loved them both. But this should be somewhere I have never been. I would like to go to Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain. All of the Isles. Clifford is Scotch-Irish and there were many Cliffords in England. I love the rolling green hills of Ireland and Scotland, and they have great beer and liqour. :) England has a very cool counter-culture. It is after all, the birthplace of punk rock!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
May challenge 5/5 from Angee
"What have you done as an adult that you never expected would happen."
hmmm, so many unexpected things have happened. Getting married was one. I was not ever looking for that to happen, and getting an awesome step-son in the process. Now I'm about to embark on a journey that I always hoped to go on, but never thought I would.
hmmm, so many unexpected things have happened. Getting married was one. I was not ever looking for that to happen, and getting an awesome step-son in the process. Now I'm about to embark on a journey that I always hoped to go on, but never thought I would.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
May Challenge from Kal
What Gets You Excited About Life?
This is a tough one. There are so many things. Sharing good times with family and friends, of course my cycling, the sheer natural beauty that is all around us, the simple joy of my favorite foods, a fast drive on a winding country road in my Saturn, and the unknown future. That's the best part. If we knew what was coming next, it would be extremely boring.
This is a tough one. There are so many things. Sharing good times with family and friends, of course my cycling, the sheer natural beauty that is all around us, the simple joy of my favorite foods, a fast drive on a winding country road in my Saturn, and the unknown future. That's the best part. If we knew what was coming next, it would be extremely boring.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
May Challenge, Tuesday
The ABC's of life, Aspire
I'm aspiring to be who I am supposed to be. It's a long, difficult journey. But I must travel this road. Luckily I have some great friends and family members that will help me. Some won"t like it and will leave my circle of friends, but I can't let that stop me.
I'm aspiring to be who I am supposed to be. It's a long, difficult journey. But I must travel this road. Luckily I have some great friends and family members that will help me. Some won"t like it and will leave my circle of friends, but I can't let that stop me.
Monday, May 2, 2011
May Blog Challenge Day 1
Day 1, Monday. From Jennifer:
How/why did you start blogging?
What keeps bringing you back to keep blogging?
What are your favorite things to blog about?
I start blogging a few years ago as a way to keep track of my mountain bike racing. I did it for a while, then kinda gave up on it. I"ve turned it into an everyday life blog.
All of my blogging friends and the challenges keeps me going. And it"s a great release of stress sometimes. Just writing about any problems can help ease my mind.
Cycling is still a favorite topic of mine, but I have huge choices and changes on the horizon, and they will provide plenty to talk about.
How/why did you start blogging?
What keeps bringing you back to keep blogging?
What are your favorite things to blog about?
I start blogging a few years ago as a way to keep track of my mountain bike racing. I did it for a while, then kinda gave up on it. I"ve turned it into an everyday life blog.
All of my blogging friends and the challenges keeps me going. And it"s a great release of stress sometimes. Just writing about any problems can help ease my mind.
Cycling is still a favorite topic of mine, but I have huge choices and changes on the horizon, and they will provide plenty to talk about.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sunday
Typical day. I worked at the bike shop. Wasn't too busy today. The Angel's race triathlon was held in the morning and I guess most of the participants were tired and went home afterward. A few did come down to the shop.
"Z" is for
Z is for Zombies!
I love anything with zombies, movies, books, whatever. I guess I get it from my mom. She's the same way. I finally did the zombie thing for Halloween last year, with a little twist ;)
I love anything with zombies, movies, books, whatever. I guess I get it from my mom. She's the same way. I finally did the zombie thing for Halloween last year, with a little twist ;)
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