Psyched!

Ok. I'm getting psyched now.

The triathlon is Saturday, but the package pickup and bike drop off will be tomorrow.

I've got my bike in the back of my Jeep right now. Tomorrow when I get off work, I'll head straight up to the Woodlands (just north of Houston) and take care of all that business.
Then, very early Saturday morning(4:45 or so) we'll head up for the race. There will be 1000 participants plus all the volunteers and spectators.
I expect somewhere around 3000. It should be REALLY cool.

I completely missed out on a workout today because of some extenuating circumstances, so I think I'll go for a very easy swim in the morning. Nothing serious, just get in the water and loosen up a bit with a few laps.
I feel good.
It's going to be a great race!



KoP

Poor Layla...

Poor Layla...

You may remember the Boxer Layla from last year.
My mother-in-law decided she wanted a dog so Amy and I helped her find one. She was a super cute puppy and grew up into a fine adult dog. She'll be 2 years old this August.


Friday we'll know whether she has cancer or not.

This morning, the vets removed a fairly large tumor from her back and a smaller one from her back leg. The incision on her back is about 6 inches across. It looks so bad...

The thing is, she seemed perfectly ok, full of energy, healthy looking, 62lbs of muscle, and goofy as ever.
She stays with us a lot, probably every other week and we didn't really notice anything out of the ordinary... except for a lump... the next week it seemed bigger, then two lumps...

Anyway, the vet is pretty certain it's cancer, but like I say, we'll know for sure Friday.
Tristan is devastated...
We all are.


















KoP

Killin' It

I am ready to hit the sack.
I've been killin' it in the gym this week, trying to make up for my lack of energy last week.
I have a triathlon this weekend, and I'm pretty pumped about it. I want to do well, but I want to have fun as well. After all, that's what it's all about.

'Nite.


KoP

Mission Accomplished

Yesterday, I decided to do a little work on the Jeep.

Since it's still not certain whether or not there will be a strike, I've decided to NOT buy a stereo system. The only problem with that is the stock stereo really sucks, and I can't play me iPod through it.
So, I figured out a work around.
I had a pretty decent sounding set of computer speakers with a sub that I wasn't really using. I crawled around in the Jeep and managed to tie-wrap the speakers to the rollbars, and left the sub on the floor in the back. I ran the input cable under the seat and up to the console. Now I can use the iPod which is pretty much all I ever listen to anyways.

It sounds great! Better than the stock system and speakers. I'll keep it this way at least until we get another contract.

Resources used, money saved, mission accomplished.

It's really raining hard right now.


KoP

Something Weird

At lunch today, Tristan said,
"I hopes the cure for Swine Flu isn't something weird like... like lizard pee."

BWAHAHAHAHAHAA!

Amy and I both nearly choked on our steak.

Seriously though, take care and wash your flippin' hands.


KoP

Ho-Hum

Work was a blast today...


... you know I'm lying, right?

It was a ho-hum day, and now it's a ho-hum night.

This is a ho-hum entry.
Think I'll go to bed now, maybe things will be a little more exciting... a little less ho-hum, as it were.



KoP

Tired And Stuff

Did a 20 mile bike with a friend and it really got me. Ugh. I wonder if it's because of that little blood donation... surely not, but I DID feel dehydrated.

Anyhoo, I'm tired and gotta work tomorrow so I'm hitting the sack early.

'Nite.



KoP

August Rush

Ok. I just finished watching a really cool movie.

August Rush



Sure, it's a "feel good" movie, I love it because I'm a musician, and wish I had been a child prodigy but, I dunno...
The story just got me... things that the main character kid kept saying, so naive and innocent, yet profound in a way.
It made tears well up in my eyes several times.
I had to stop the movie for a sec and compose myself, otherwise I would be sobbing into my Subway sandwich.

Now, I usually don't get all emotional watching movies or listening to music, but... you know...
...sometimes I do.
Go watch it.


KoP

My Blood Is Your Blood

Today I gave a precious pint of my L I F E, to the Southeast Texas Bloodbank.
I need the money.

Nah, they came by our office the other day and asked for volunteers so I ponied up.

I wonder who will get it? It's kinda creepy when you think about it. My blood flowing through someone elses body... I suppose after a short period of time, my cells will die after they have (hopefully) done their job of keeping someone alive.
I wonder if they're scared? My blood cells I mean.

Ok that was stupid, but hey, I have a lot less blood going to my brain today.
Did I mention that I got a free T-shirt? Well I did... only it wasn't exactly free, was it?
No.
It wasn't.

Ok. Gotta run.
Peace out.


KoP

Ugh.

I have the beginnings of a migraine so I'll make this short.

Important lesson learned yesterday.
I did my 30 mile bike ride and all that, and THEN sat down and ate a lot of pizza.

Monday night is always pizza night so that was no big deal, but after having exerted that much energy on my ride, my stomach wasn't ready for it yet. The cramps started about 30 minutes later and are STILL hitting me tonight.
Bottom line is, I still don't feel very well.
No more eating within 30 minutes of a hard workout from now on.

I'm going to bed now.


KoP

Two Weeks And Rolling

Whew.
I just did a 30 mile bike in 1 hour and 35 minutes. That's 11 minutes faster than my last 30 miler. That includes stops, slow downs, and turn arounds, so my average pace was probably a little better than 20 mph.
I'm pretty happy with that, but I want, nay, MUST improve it.

I'll do another long and quick ride tomorrow, then for the rest of the week, I'll work on speed intervals each evening.
I've got less than two weeks before the next race, and if I'm going to beat my friend/opponent, it'll be on the bike. Every other event sees me in the lead, except the bike.
I can do it.

I can do it.

I can.



KoP

Ode To Bass

I'm between church services right now, "on break", as it were. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my G&L bass! It has changed my playing for the better. It has a lot to do with the fact that it's a 4 string.
I'm used to playing a 5 or 6 string bass so I've had to "retool" the way I play a bit.

But mostly, I love it because it just sounds SO good. The way I play is directly related to the way I sound. If the instrument sounds like crap, I'm just not going to play as well.

I also love it that this is the bass I started on 23 years ago. It's like coming back home.






I hope everyone has a great Sunday.



KoP

Saturday And Mummies

I'm enjoying this soggy Saturday. Lots of coffee and a CINNAMON ROLL too!
Total debauchery.

...but, I'm still going for a workout after the storm. It's been raining quite a bit. In the meantime, Tristan and I are watching the Mummy Returns.
The Scorpion King is coming...



KoP

Weekend With The Rain

Let the weekend begin.

The rain got the message too and has already made a BIG appearance, 50-60 mph winds too.

It's supposed to come back again tomorrow, but ya know, I don't care. I could hang around the house all day and be completely ok with that.

Everyone else, have a great one, rain or shine.


KoP

Missing It

I miss caffeine.
I do.
But, I'm trying to get my body in sync with... I dunno, itself?
I hate relying on my own body to wake itself up and think clearly all on it's own.
It seems like my brain is only working at about 50% capacity right now... 45-50%.
Oh well, I'm sure this feeling will wear off eventually and I can resume being my normal, cheerful, exuberant self.

I don't know if I have anything to say.

Oh, I had a dream about Sting last night, you know, the singer, and former front man of The Police.

He's my all time favorite musician/song writer/bassist/genius.
Anyway, I won some kind of contest and the prize was a dinner with him or something... We were talking at a restaurant, or rather I was talking. He was pouring himself over a parchment which contained characters for a new language he was creating. I know this, because he told me so. The parchment was covered with tiny glyphs and inscriptions.
I understood it somehow.


Also, I miss my caffeine.



KoP

Night Run

I just removed an item from my guilt list.

I don't know what it is about Wednesdays, but I just have a LOT of trouble getting up for my morning workout. This morning makes week number 3.
To relieve some of the anxiety that I always feel about this, I did a little run tonight. I think I may permanently change my routine to evening workouts on Wednesdays.

I haven't ran outside in a while. I find it much more relaxing than running on a treadmill.
I like the way I feel at the end, walking the streets of my neighborhood, cooling down. I set my iPod to something very soft and soothing. The endorphins are kicking in and I feel no pain.
I look up into the night sky and see the stars. There are so many... even in the city, I can still see so many. The vastness of it all makes me feel small and... I dunno, clean? Like nothing I have ever done, or will ever do, be it good or bad, will affect this universe.
I am a tiny part of the whole.

...and I must be really tired.




KoP

Playing With Light

Just experimenting with light here...



KoP

Fam

Because I forgot to post yesterday... a FAMILY photo:





KoP

A Good Easter

We had a great day with friends and family.
Crawfish were on the menu and 100lbs of them were put away soundly.


...but, because Tristan and I are watching Twilight Zone right now, I'll have to tell you all about it another time.

Happy Easter, All!


KoP

Riding And Musics

I'm zapped, but in a good way.

I got some much needed rest since I didn't have to work today.
Later, I got a 30 mile bike in at a pretty quick pace. I was by myself, but it was cool. I'm going to try and ride everyday next week and most of the following week to build up my riding legs. It's amazing how much you lose after only three weeks, which is how long it's been since my last ride. I'm pretty tired from it, but it's a good tired. I'll sleep well tonight.

Right now, I'm at a church service. We just finished the music which was pretty awesome. It's kind of strange that I can count "church music" as awesome, but I gotta tell ya, being a musician for the past 23 years, I would be hard pressed to find better musicians or music than what I have right here. This ain't your Grandpappy's music.
We try not to limit ourselves with genre. Just about any "style" goes.
Anyway, I definitely get my musical fix here.

I hope everyone who cares, has a great Easter! Enjoy your families!

...and save me a Cadbury Egg...


KoP

Hangin' Out

Getting a late entry in here tonight since we just got back from our friend's house.

We probably would have just hung out at our house tonight, but we got the call to come hang out at their place and do a little grilling.
A good time was had by all and we ended up in the hot tub talking and laughing until after midnight.
I'm up WAY past my bedtime...
I think I'm going to sleep until 10 or so, something I haven't done in a long time, and then do a little 30-40 mile bike.

Happy Good Friday

KoP

Things And Stuff

Wow, I just got back from a great jam session.
Well, it was actually a rehearsal, but at the end, the band just sort of took off on the song Broadway by George Benson. Everyone got a solo, including yours truly.
Fun stuff there.

Amy finished with her classroom training tonight. She doesn't have the word yet on her final grade, but I KNOW she passed with flying colors. I've already figured it up for her, but, worry-wart that she is, she won't believe and celebrate it. Now all she has left is the clinical stuff starting in a couple of weeks. She can't wait to start sticking REAL people with needles. Did I mention that shes a bit of a sadist? I'll be sleeping with one eye open from now on.

Workouts are still going well. I did a mile swim this morning and it felt good. For some reason, no one is showing up for morning swims lately. I've been the only one in the pool this week.
Strange.
It may be time to drop my swim coach. He didn't show up either...

Ok, time for bed, 'night.


KoP

A Rose

KoP

Chrysalis

This is a chrysalis I found at the arboretum the other day.



KoP

Weird Monday And The End Of The Contract

I dunno what just came over me...

This morning, I got up early and did my normal Monday routine, run/leg workout, got home and everything was cool as cucumbers. When I got to work, man, it was like a wave of depression just slammed into me... from the moment I logged into my computer, I felt... a weight. I did what I needed to do, and got out of there as quickly as I could without even talking to anyone.
I don't like this feeling.

Our Union contract reached it's end this past Saturday at midnight. The company and our Union representatives are still at the table trying to come to an amicable agreement.

As I understand it, we (The Union) are just wanting things to remain status quo. The company, however, wants to make some pretty big changes to our health care coverage, how much we pay for that coverage, and a number of other things, claiming the "poor economy" is cause for the changes.

I could understand that if we were someone like GM, but we're not. Our company is still very profitable. We made something like 13 BILLION in profits last year, millions were handed out in bonuses for top execs. Here is how it was put to us in contrast(approximately):
"One of the guys who wants to make you pay more for your health insurance makes 1.2 million dollars every 23 days."

We'll hold out to keep our benefits as they are. Thanks.



KoP

Honest

I didn't have my computer with me yesterday morning and THAT'S why I forgot to write. Honest.



KoP

Like A Candle

KoP

Postponements

Going to be working tomorrow.
I was going to do a lake swim with the guys, but it looks like that will be postponed now.
No biggy though.
I may just go for a very early bike ride instead. I should do a little lifting tonight, but I feel kinda blah at 8:42pm.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.


KoP

Live Beyond The Norm

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Amy is in school from 5 to 9 or so. Tristan and I hang out and watch movies or play games or something, and I am really enjoying this extra time that we are spending together.
I think I'm going to get our fishing licenses and some fishing gear and start making Tuesday afternoon a "fishing day". Of course we can go on the weekends too, but we're usually doing something as a family. This will be fun to just be the youngun' n' me. I'm not sure if Amy would want to touch a slimy fish, but if she does, well, I'll hook her up with a license too.
Anyway, I need to be a more proactive dad. I try. I do. It's just that I work so much. Two jobs even. As I've said before, that's all going to change pretty soon if things go as planned.
In the meantime, I'm going to take advantage of our "father son time".
He'll love it.

In other news, our mountain expedition planning committee of two has finally come up with a tentative itinerary for the "Guy's Trip" coming up in July. I'll just paste it here for you and for me.
It's going to be a spectacular trip. I just KNOW it!


Sunday, June 28

Arrive Denver International around 4:00 pm (haven’t got my ticket. Looks like most flights come in at 4 and 8 pm. Continental has some for $266)
Rent car, eat dinner, and pick up any latecomers at airport
Drive to Boulder around 8:30 pm (arrive 9:30)
Stay @ Boulder Twin Lakes Inn (I have made reservations - 3 star - $70 for a room that sleeps 6 !!! - good reviews)
6485 Twin Lakes Road, Boulder, CO 80301
Toll Free: (800) 322-2939

Monday-Thursday, June 29- July 2

Get onto the trailhead and start packin’ it in
Try not to get eaten by any bear
Summit Long's Peak
See some unforgettable scenery
Don’t forget the tent poles
Bring the bear mace
Swim in an ice cold lake
Take some pictures
Relax with good friends and have good times

Thursday, July 2

Exit the trailhead and stay in Boulder
Anyone who needs to can fly out
(Haven’t got hotel reservations yet. Twin Lakes was booked. Plenty to choose from. None as nice for the money though)

Friday, July 3

Grab breakfast and head for the airport
(Early or late flight?)

And finally, I would just like to mention this:

A man, Paul Ridley, has rowed a modified rowboat 2950 miles across the Atlantic, from the Canary Islands to Antigua, in 88 days. I saw his story on Yahoo news, and followed up at the website and blog. The website is:
www.rowforhope.com.
It was all done for fund-raising and to create awareness for cancer research, a worthy cause if ever there was one.
His mother died from skin cancer a while back.
His blog site can be found right HERE on Blogger where he blogged about the trip day by day from his computer. He got power from a solar panel and communication through a satellite phone. During the trip he ate freeze-dried food like the Astronauts. It was all pretty high tech and well organized.

I wish I would have known about it from the beginning. It would have been cool to track his progress from day to day.
More importantly, it makes me want to DO something... I mean, THAT is an adventure. Who thinks to row a boat across the Atlantic ocean?? A crazy person? Or maybe someone with a desire in life to go beyond just existing.
I want to do that... it's why I train and race, to go beyond the "norm".
How much more so to do something like this guy?
What adventure awaits you?

Think about it.




KoP

One Time

One time, I was April's Fool.





KoP