Another new pic

Well, I was going to post all the pics I took on my drive through the Catskills today, but then I decided I did it to be bale to share with someone special, and it wouldn't be as special if I shared them with you guys, now would it? So you'll have to be satisfied with a new profile pic of me. Funny how you never get to really see me in these pics...

Pics of my life, renderings of my future...

I got out of work early today, so I decided to go out, shoot pics, and share it with someone special. I intended to call at every location I stopped to shoot apic, but hey, this is rural NY. No service, even with cingular! Actually, I barely saw any other people. But I did see two seperate Red Tailed hawks. Ohhh, how I love birds of prey... Beauty is deadly...

My weekend was good, I won't drive you to jump off a bridge with details, just know that everything I've felt and thought was right, and has been reinforced.

So, I need to get on my bike tonight. Little hesitant, because that means I need a shower afterward, and my oil situation is dangerously low. And it's supposed to drop to 8 degrees. Joy. My housemate in her infinite wisdom never got oil delivered before she went to England over 2 weeks ago. Smart. And I have no contact info or account number, so I'm powerless. Well, we'll have a little talk when she gets back. Like how to effectively use a thermostat (not drop the temp to 58, then crank it to 70 when you get home, etc) so we'll be able to conserve some. I feel better now.

I feel my next post may include som eof the pics from today. It was cold but worth it. Stay tuned.

Olympics

I just saw on the net the closing ceremonies have wrapped up. Maybe it's me, but I feel the olympics were a much bigger deal as a kid. Could it be because of the cold war East vs West thing that was going on, or could it just be me? I saw about 2 hours of the olympics this year, and wasn't moved. Maybe it's because so many of the "sports" are obscure, or aren't really sports for the masses. I mean, curling? Or ice dancing and figure skating, while beautiful and definitely take athelticism, really don't seem like sports to me. Same with freestyle aerial skiing, snowboarding. Those are sports where judges make the decisions. In hockey you score a goal. Simple. Enough of this rant. The olympics are neat, but are they even relevant anymore?

I love things I can't understand...

Like cellphones, and html, and computers, and women... But I digress. So I've been doing the domestic thing today, laundry, dusting, vacuuming, trying to organize my stuff. I've also started a not even half hearted effort to find my own apartment. It's for a variety of reasons.

One, I'm sick of driving 54 miles each day to and from work, especially when that 27 mile trip takes at least 35 minutes each day, but it's usually 40-45 minutes. then, I have to drive one of the most lethal roads in this part of the state. I have no desire to become a statisic. Add to that my housemate doesn't exactly plan for things, and her brother is always eating my food and using my clean towels when he shows up (and I've talked to him about it)and my patience is wearing thin. Oh, and her not telling me she was having a realtor come to appraise theh ouse a few eeks ago didn't give me a good feeling. I think being prepared is a good thing.

Ok, not much else going on here. The company I work for has matched Joey Cheek's donation, and will match whatever any employee gives, as well. So, being creative, we came up with an incentive at my location. We call it a 45/45/10 raffle. If you win, you get 10% of the total, Make a Wish gets 45%, and Joey Cheek's charity gets 45%. and all of the donations are matched. Yeah, you shouldn't be rewarded for charity in this way, but it's the only way to get the high schoolers to donate. Tickets are a dollar, and these kids are shellingout 5-10 dollars each, so it increases the charitable contribution overall.

My parents are coming up in two weeks to visit with my 90 something year old grandmother. (I think she's 92) It's a late birthday celebration, as my parents, brother and sister and their families and I will be there. Of course, it's a long day for me, as I'll be just east of Danbury, CT, then have to go to Amsterdam about half an hour west of Albany to see my grandmother. But I think I might get Jack-O-Lantern (my third bike) then, too. Woohoo!!!

Ok, then, another day of riding in the basement awaits. Hopefully it'll help me for the 5th. Yup, I'm getting nervous. I'm really light from eating better and riding, plus that fever. Only problem is I feel I have no power. I can go forever right now, I can do short, intense efforts, but I don't have what it takes to dig deep and push really hard for long periods. I'll have to work on that.

Not a bad day

I worked today, got home, drove a few miles up the road to an overlook and shared a beautiful sunset with someone special far away. It made me happy, and the smile just keeps going...

Then I got home, and decided to go and ride my bike in the basement. Well, I got my heart rate up to 197 bpm. My max at my age should be 186. Pretty impressive. I won't bore you with scientific stuff, just know that most people can't get withing a few beats of their max before passing out, I was able to spike it for about 5 seconds, at which time I wished I passed out. First race is March 5th, second race is March 5th, third race is March 5th. I'm not sure how I'll do, but I hope to be able to at least be competitive. We'll see.

Ok, so life is good. I never thought I'd be where I am now in many ways, but it's all working out and I couldn't be happier. 'Night.

I miss party lines, abacuses, and candles...

I'm a techno-ditz. Got a new phone yesterday. Didn't know I had to activate voicemail. That's only the beginning. I'll leave it at that. (but if you know how to change a ringtone, please let me know...)

I'm ok after last night. Thank you to all who took the time to comment, and even if you didn't, and just read it, thanks. I still shake a bit when I think about what might have happened, but it shakes me more to think what might have happened had I done nothing. So I made a difference.

I'm pretty recovered from being sick. That's a good thing. Since I volunteered to work tomorrow. I could use some extra money, and it's an early shift, just like normal. So I'll be able to go out and enjoy the day. I'm doing that a lot more than I used to. Rides are more fun. Serious but fun, like 16 years ago when I was first invited to the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid. Tough work, but I loved it. It's taken a long time, but things are fun again. Enjoyable just to be doing them, not as a means to an end.

I could sit here and bitch that I've earned the right to be angry, that the fun left when I got screwed by the national coaches, or the shit I dealt with in the Army, or getting cancer. Or losing a girlfriend to a car accident I was in love with. I almost have a right to whine, be pissed at the world. I'm not. I'm happy to be here. Something big is on the horizon, something good, and I have a feeling what it is, but it's pretty vague. After last night, it was reinforced in me that I need to live now, appreciate and love like there's no tomorrow, and be the best person I am. It's too short. Cherish each other.

Back to where I want to be...

Well, kind of, anyway. I'm really happy because I've met someone. Finally, someone who is as beautiful inside as out, and whose mind is as scintillating as the rest of her. I want to be here emotionally, but I'm not where I want to be physically...yet.

Why are you staring?!!!!???!!!!!!!

I'm pissed. Really pissed. And disgusted with people. Not all people, just the ones I dealt with tonight. "You are FUCKING BASTARDS!!!!!!!!!!" You'll agree, I'm sure.

There was a bad accident tonight on the way home. It was a head on about 400 feet in front of me. I stopped and pulled off into a driveway. The front of one car went up in flames. No one was getting out or moving. I ran over but everyone wasn't moving and they looked unconscious, and the doors were locked. So I tried to punch out the windows, but couldn't. All the time the fire wasn't going away, mind you. Other people stopped, and this is where I get pissed. They GAWKED!!!! Not helped. STARED!!!!!!

I started screaming "YOU FUCKING BASTARDS HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" One guy ran to me, and was calling 911 while I ran back to my car to get one of those things that can punch out windows and cut seatbelts in case you get trapped in a car. I smashed the windows of the first car, cut the seatbelts, and the guy helped me pull them out and drag them away. STILL NOT ONE OTHER PERSON MOVED, JUST STARED!!!!! I guess the fuel pump of the other car was still going, because the fire was just getting bigger and spreading.

The guy helping me told me to stay away from the other car and grabbed me. I punched him so he'd let go of me and ran to the other car. I pounded out the driver's window, and the steering wheel had broken and was impaling him. I smashed out the rear driver's side window and crawled in and cut his belts. As the other guy held him steady, I lowered the seatback. Then we worked him off the steering wheel, and pulled him out through the back window I went in through. STILL NO HELP!

This poor guy had a sucking chest wound, so I told the other guy to go get the bag in my car from the grocery store and duct tape in my driver's door pocket. We put it over his hole so he could breathe, and then I could hear his lung was collapsing from the gurgling sounds. So I used my boxcutter to cut between his loer ribs and stuck an empty pen body in the hole so it would drain. Learned that in the army.

The paramedics said I at least gave the people a chance. The police put me in the back of a squad car to calm down and to keep me warm and prevent shock. Now that I've vented, I feel a little better.

Two years ago my brother was in an accident by Hudson, NY. His car burst into flames and he couldn't get out becasue he was pinned and had a broken shoulder, ribs, ankle and femur. There was snow on the ground, but nobody did anything but stare while he was yelling for help. Thankfully a truck driver stopped and had a fire extinguisher and used all of it to knock down the fire as much as he could until the fire department arrived. We don't know who he is, but he saved my brother's life. I vowed to not let that happen to anyone else if I could. How could I? I didn't think, I just did it. Maybe I'm a fool.

Remember your parents telling you your face would freeze if you didn't change your expression?

Mine did. They were wrong. Until now. I think I have a permanent smile. That's a good thing. Other than illness, life just keeps getting better and better, and it hasn't yet really started...

Sick

I'm sick. Really sick. Like no work today. No bike even though it's about 45 degrees and sunny and dry. I actually called the doctor.

I woke up this morning drenched. On my way downstairs my legs felt like jello. My temporary housemate Bob goes "you alright?" to which I replied "I'm in a bad way". He got the phone for me and I called work. Then took my temperature.

I had a 103.9. Uh-oh. MY normal temp is actualy low, at 98.1. Been there for years. So I make a bunch of Gatorade and grab some banannas and retreat back to my bed. Back to sleep. I wake up at 11 and my temp is 104.3. Total danger territory. I call the doc. They tell me to take a colder shower and take some type of medecine, which Bob graciously went and bought. Thank you, sir. I also did the old school alcohol rub to open the blood vessels before the shower to enable more heat leeching.

Well, the fever broke a little while ago. It peaked at 104.5 before dropping to 100.1 (WDST ha!!!) and now I'm feeling better. I knew it was coming, as I'd been feeling off for a bit. I also went from 168 pounds two days ago to 161 right before I typed this. At least I actually have to gain weight now.

These things are weird. I'm not sure if it's my body changing from increased workloads from my training or an actual illness. My lymph nodes are normal. That leads me to believe it's trainng related. It's been going on as long as I can remember. It's just uncomfortable and a little worrying.

Ok, time for a better rest of the day. I hope it's getting better for all of you, too.

You can put your lips to my ear and scream "is there anyone home, do you hear me at all"?

Ever have a period of your life where you thought it was going to be sub-par at best, and it turns out through serendipity to have an amazing outlook? It's a good place to be. The view is beyond words. Just vast possibilities, with no roads to confine you....

The mysticism is of a different kind now.

The smile hasn't left...

I don't have no worries and I don't have a care, I don't have a sound piece of mind but I manage to fare...

Still speechless. 12 hours. Ear to ear grin. I hope it never ends...

No pithy title, I'm still mystified, but in a great way

Wow. My mind is blown. Women still mystify me. I've just had one of the most stimulating conversations in I have no idea how long. Ok, I am speechless. If you know me, that's an accomplishment. I don't know what else to say...

This has been one of the best days of my life in a long, long, time.

I don't mind being mystified...

Knew I had my camera somewhere....

So here's a pic of the 911 I drove the other day. Yummy. Now I think it's time to go out and take pics of some of my favorite places to ride. A little scenic appetizer for all of you who haven't been up here. Mind you, it's winter, so there is a pronounced lack of foliage...



but the forthcoming pics will be at the least, interesting...

I asked you why you came and you said "just because" I guess I could do without it if I knew what it was...

Ok, so it's effin' cold up here again. With something like an absolute zero windchill. At least when I was stupid enough to go on a ride it was absolute zero for my body. My face froze in this scowl, so I had to pour my gatorade down my throat because I couldn't close my mouth... and eating a bananna was hysterical to watch, I'm sure. But I got home ok and it all turned out alright.

So while I was waiting to thaw, I called my Dad and asked him his thoughts on my latest car idea. Ok, I could hear him roll his eyes, but he did agree it wasn't that bad a plan. He just asked if I could slow down enough to afford the insurance. (I have no tickets, last one was 5/96, but I did send my Dad a pic I took last year on the Mass Pike and you can see the speedometer ((I was driving and taking a pic. Smart)) is at about 107 or something...) I said, "Well, yeah, I never got a ticket with my other 911 or the other cars, right? And with gas at $2.40 a gallon up her (and it's dropped quite a bit in the last 5 days) I can't afford to go fast and eat." We then discussed where to get it fixed, parts costs, how much I could do on my own as opposed to a shop, and after all was said he agreed with me. So I guess I'll keep an eye open for a good one around here, or more likely I'll buy one off my friend Brett.

Then my Dad asked if this meant I was blowing off finishing school, which I said no. It's true, I can't deal with not having some type of degree anymore. I've got so many credits from 3 different schools I should have 2 BS and be on my way to a MAster's. but I just never stayed in one place long enough. It's frustrating for me. I consider myself above average intelligence (feel free to agree or disagree in the comments section) and pretty well versed in many things, so you'd think I could just get this one thing out of the way.

So women mystify me. One I was talking to the other day said I lack commitment ability. Huh? What is that? I didn't even know there was such a thing. But if I lack it, how did I survive the Army, why do I thrash myself on my bike for over half my life so far, how did I learn the piano well enough to have my teacher say she couldn't teach me any more? I never cheated on anyone I've dated, I always have tried to keep my word, and if I can't, I let the effected party know asap. Where is this non commital thing? (Don't bring up not finishing school...) Or how about the one who wanted to go shopping with me for clothes? So we went, as friends since she has a boyfriend and I respect her too much as a friend to date her (if that makes any sense), and suddenly I have the plague or something. So I asked her what was wrong, she of course said "Nothing", and we still get along fine, but rarely talk. I understand maybe she had other ideas or something, but no way was I going to tread down that path. But I really don't know.

Fast forward to today. I'm on the phone with my ex, because I had gotten some things that I thought her mother would enjoy, and had some Girl Scout cookies for both her and my ex. My ex (Kat) is nice as can be to me, acting like we're best friends and suddenly she wants to go do stuff again. Wait a minute. After all the things she said and sent me in some emails and phone calls, and now we're supposed to be pals or something? Or the woman in the grocery store. I was shopping for yummy stuff to try a new recipe for veggies and a steak with a new marinade I invented. (Relax, it's not some crazy guy thing, I modified a Foodnetwork recipe) There was a woman who was struggling with her items. I offered to go get her a basket or cart, which I did get a cart. After loading her items into it for her, she thanked me and asked if I was single. I said yes, she said she was surprised. Ok, sure. I asked her if she'd like my phone number since I figured that would put the ball in her court if there even was a court. She said no, she doesn't date anyone from "this area". Wow. What does that mean? Like, a 200 mile radius, or a 6 block perimeter? How did she even know I was from here? I could have been passing through on my way to Moose Jaw, Yukon Territory or something. Hell, I was 25 miles from my house to start with.

So there are a few reasons why women mystify me. Maybe I'm off base, maybe I meet all the weird ones. You tell me. But-

Women mystify me.

I wish my luck were like this most of the time...

Yesterday was a good day. It didn't rain as much as it was supposed to, work was just an ugly day because we were short a few people, but I got to stay late and make more money. Even immature girl was pleasantly professional, and that's all I ask for. Ok, so I was suffering because I wasn't recovered fully from my ride the day before, but that's life. I wrapped it all up by sending a few emails and then messing around with a program that maps the elevation change of routes I ride. It's really fun, then I can save the maps to show people later. I said I was a geek...

Anyway, I had sent emails to friends about looking for a new (to me) car. I have an in at a nearby Nissan dealer so I could get a Maxima or Altima (used) near cost. It's very tempting, and in a few more months I might be able to pull it off. But I got an email from a good friend from my days in Indianapolis. He's an exotic animals vet and I used to drive his race cars in vintage race events. Yeah, rough life. In fact, go here to see some pics of what I raced: http://community.webshots.com/user/mikecyc72usa Well, this friend has at last count 28 Lotuses, 48 Porsches, several Ferraris, an Aston Martin, and about 30 Triumphs. Cool stuff.

Since I'm a total gearhead we got into an online discussion of the pros and cons and why I wanted a 4 door sedan as opposed to a sportier car. I cited my back pain due to breaking my back twice since 2000, the aggravation of dealing with 2 doors if you wanted to take more than one person along, let alone getting stuff out of the back seat, etc. So Brett, my friend asked "why not get a 2 seater with a marginal back seat? Not like you have that many friends, lol!!!" Thanks. With that vote of confidence.... Back to the plot. I told him I really like late 90's and later Maximas. Fast, comfy, more than enough room, etc. He asked how much I was planning on spending, I told him, and he said "hell, for that money I can sell you one of my Porsches that I've owned since new. Plus I'll meet you halfway and have it trailered to our meeting point." Hmmmmm. A 911? One of the cars I've always wanted to own another of? It's fast, pretty reliable, and I've just come back home from test driving one for sale here to see if my back can handle it. I told the guy I'd be gone for at least 90 minutes, he said take a few hours. I went up the Taconic, down some two lane roads, really gave it the go through. Guess what? It rides nicer than my Saab 900s, almost as plush as a Maxima, and is way cooler. Mileage isn't too bad. Something to consider.

Sorry to bore you with all that, but I'm just so excited. I had a 911 Targa years ago, loved it, but had to sell it to pay tuition. Wanted on ever since. So I'll keep you posted, if you're interested.

For once, not much else is happening. Housemate's in England, cats are finally starting to get along, first race in 2 weeks...

Here's a big hug and kiss to all of you!

And women still mystify me....

When do the flashes in my peripheral vision go away?

Oh man, a day beyond belief! Great weather, great ride until about 10 miles to go (details later) a VW Squareback, tan lines on my legs already, women mystify me, and I'm starving.

My ride was great, it was warm, sunny, shorts weather. All things were going well until about 10 miles from the end when I bonked. Hard. Like, lightheadedness was setting in (and seeing how I was on a bike that required balance, well, yeah), my legs were past giving up the ghost and had even ceased being undead. I could feel it coming on, but there is nothing you can do. Just try to keep a steady tempo and not lose it.

Bonking is fun. Once in a great while. After you're recovered. Which I'm still not all there yet. Quiet. Your appendages go to jelly, for me my peripheral vision starts getting these swank disco type vertical flashes all around, (do the hustle!!!) and I know I'm really hosed when I want to cry. Weird, I know. I'm getting close to it when I start visualizing what I'm going to eat when I get home. That's bad.

So what happened? I didn't eat enough earlier in the day. It's that simple. So the three bowls of Frosted Flakes (which were great, by the way), several banannas, oj, water, a sausage mcmuffin with egg, a sausage and egg biscuit ( I was craving them, and they're good to eat in the morning before a ride.) and two sandwiches obviously weren't enough. Amazing. I eat in the realm of 5400 calories a day right now, and it's not enough...

Anyway, I was behind someone who must be in training for the title of World's Slowest Driver. What do I base this opinion on? Have I gathered vast empirical data, surveyed countless cars over a given route, had a psychic experience? No. A VW Squareback was pulling away from us. The station wagon version of the original Beetle was pulling away from us. From the taillights it looked to be a late 60's model, so it probably had about 50 horsepower. Folks, check the owner's manuals of your cars and see how much horsepower they have. God, even my 88 Saab 900s has 138. But I love them anyway, they're so weird looking. Or at least distinctive.

Bouncing back to my ride (sort of ((I'm really into parentheses tonight))) (HA!!!!!) I've ridden enough outside without tights to have some tan lines showing up on my legs. I'm only happy about this because everywhere I've worked there's always that one girl who lives to tan and likes to brag about how dark they are. So I'll wear shorts or something the day after they do it and laugh. Of course, don't life the shorts past mid thigh (weeeelllll, if you're cute an single you can....lol) or you'll be blinded by the absence of color.

Women mystify me.

Stay well, good luck, and as we say in racing, keep the rubber side down. Hmmm.

I might be a genius, but god, I'm dumb....

I haven't been able to watch tv for about a month. All because I fell asleep one night watching Tour de France tapes (I have every tour since 1989 on tape. I said I was a geek!) and rolled over on the tv remote. Or the satellite remote. Anyway, I could watch tapes and DVDs, but no tv. Hmmmm. I couldn't figure it out. I only got the blue screen of sarcasm, the tv mocking me. So, I decided I wanted to try and watch the Olympics tonight. So I went into the den and started resetting everything. Nothing worked, just like all the other times. Then I changed the channel of the tv with the tv remote. Yup, I was one channel off... Lots of people have been saying that for years. LOL So now I have tv. That's right, ladies, I hate all these nutty tv systems, etc. I'm happy I can run the sound through my stereo speakers. I'm able to rebuild a Lampredi designed Ferrari v-12 from 1958, but can't get a tv to work...

A friend of mine was online last night and she asked me what I did for V-Day. Told her I rode my bike. She said "So you spent it with the love of your life, huh?" It was a joke, but damn, how true. I wasn't too thrilled about being alone in all senses of the word, but after I rode, it was ok. It's so therapeutic. Oh, and my buddy stopped by work to tell me the idiot who was with him yesterday bawled for 20 minutes after I left because she felt so bad after I told her off. I hope she learned something.

The annoying immature girl at work got a major warning today, as in "do it again and you can get your things and leave immediately. " Of course, I'm afraid she's going to set me up somehow, but I've dealt with things like this in the past, so it'll be ok. Today she just talked to me when she needed something, and thanked me for my help. That's all I ask.

That's the news, and I'm outta here! (Quick, where is that from and who said it?) Post your answer or guess in my comments. You'll win absolutely nothing but my congratualtions. But it will be genuine. I love you all, so love more people, too.

Do I ever give up?

No. Never. Impossible. I'm just going to post until I wear out my keyboard. At which time I'll get out my spare keyboard. yup, I have a spare keyboard. Plus a whole spare computer...

I was cleaning Horse (the green bike) and looked at my computer on my bike (my god this guy has them everywhere) and saw I went 48.7 mph down the west slope of Mohonk Mountain. Not bad considering I had to slow up for the van I was catching, and the road was covered with sand from the plows. Life on the edge...

Funny how we all have our problems, and how they're all major to each of us. It's all perspective, I guess. Not sure what my problems are, though. How's that for a switch? I mean, what some may consider a problem I see as bonuses. No girlfriend. Bonus, but a double edged one. Not much money per se. Keeps my life simple, I buy what I need, and treat myself sometimes to something I really want once in awhile. Ok, that's all I can come up with. I'm about to pass out since I'm totally relaxed after dinner. Plus, I've had that Ashley Judd/Hugh Jackman movie on which kills me. (Chick flick, I know, but Hugh is so cool in it. all my married and coupled friends point to his character and say "see, you're like him without the smoking, that's why you're perpetually single". Mental note, need new friends...) So I'm pretty mellowed out. Time for bed. If those two monster cats of mine will get out of the way...

I know nothing about these guys...

Remains ID'd of Four Missing in Vietnam


WASHINGTON - The remains of four U.S. servicemen missing in action since the Vietnam War have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
All from the Army's 101st Airborne Division, they are Maj. Jack L. Barker of Waycross, Ga.; Capt. John F. Dugan of Roselle, N.J.; Sgt. William E. Dillender of Naples, Fla.; and Pfc. John J. Chubb of Gardena, Calif.
Chubb will be buried in Inglewood, Calif., this week. Barker, Dugan and Dillender will be buried in April in Arlington National Cemetery, said the Defense Department POW/Missing Personnel Office.
Their helicopter was shot down on March 20, 1971, the office said in a statement.
Barker and Dugan were piloting a UH-1H Huey helicopter with Dillender and Chubb on board while on a troop extraction mission in the Savannakhet Province of Laos.
Officials said that as the helicopter approached the landing zone, it was hit by heavy enemy ground fire and exploded.
Between 1988 and 2001, joint U.S.-Lao People's Democratic Republic teams undertook four unsuccessful investigations and three excavations for the remains. Crash site surveys in 2002 and 2004 eventually found some remains, wreckage and insignia. The remains were identified by forensic anthropologists using medical and dental records, the Pentagon said.
From the Vietnam War, 1,807 Americans are still unaccounted for, 364 of those from Laos. Another 839 have been accounted for in Southeast Asia, 208 of those from Laos.


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