Soul Mates?

Apparently I messed up my link to Tuffy. Thanks for the heads up T3. It turns out there is some Italian chick in California with an almost identical web address, just take away the "The" from Tuffys link. Kinda like Ohio State University rather than THE Ohio State University. Anyway, she hasn't updated her blog in a LONG time so I can’t say much about her personality, but if you go on the premise of their blog names, maybe she and Tuffy were meant for each other. Nah, Tuffy's got a good thing going for him with his gal. Not to mention his side gigs with Super Rookie and (dis)pencer.

Office Politics/Manners

So say you are really engrossed in something at work, and a co-worker that is either goofing off or working on something totally unrelated, asks you a rhetorical question about their task or non-work related business. Do you totally ignore them, or respond with a somewhat disgusted “What?” I usually just ignore them because if you respond with the “What?” they are most likely to come over and properly ask you the question and fully engage you.

I think the entire practice is totally rude. I get so pissed when people interrupt me with something stupid when I am busy. If I see someone working and I have a question, unless it is REALLY important I send an email or check back in a little while. But hey that’s just me.

For the people that work at home, work in a non-traditional setting, or don't work at all...I hate you.

Swimming upstream

The weekend was pretty solid. Louie and I spent a lot of time outside and I worked on some of my bikes. I cleaned up the SS Mtn. Bike and started getting it ready for the winter. I think I need a new BB. It has some nasty creaking going on when I put any effort into the pedals. The new handlebars and seat are on the commuter. It’s a pretty solid ride now. The only things I want to add are the red Deep-V rims. I think those with the red bar tape will look hot. I’ll take a picture and post it soon. On Saturday morning I brewed a batch of Peace Coffee Stout. It should be ready right around the holidays. This will be the first Stout I’ve brewed before. Not sure how it’s going to turn out. I met Carl at CRC Saturday afternoon for coffee and then we went to Giggis Café for a Happy Hour drink. It had been a while since I saw her last, so that was nice. The day off was pretty uneventful. A lot of relounging at coffee places and home, overall it was a pretty great weekend.

I broke out the trainer last night. It wasn’t because of the cold, but because it gets dark so early now. The first session back inside was pretty rough. After a few times it’ll be easier, but last night 45 minutes seemed like twice that long. I told myself that this off season I would devote almost all of my time to the pool. I haven’t swum since my last race, which was almost two months ago. Wow I didn’t realize it had been that long until I just wrote it. I guess I’m heading to the Y tonight.

Three day weekend!

This week I started working in a field office in Farmington. I’ll be here for the entire month of October. Given how great the weather has been this week and the full color of the leaves, the drive here everyday has been great. The cool air in the morning, fog/frost pockets on some the fields, combined with the early morning sunrise and great colors of the trees, fall is pretty decent. It takes me a little over a half an hour to get here, about the same as if I were driving to the office in St. Paul. While I'm here I'll be working with landowners (farmers) to develop and design conservation plans. Things like protecting wetlands, reducing erosion, and deciding how to best apply/dispose of their manure. I definately think some days will be better than others.

This weekend will be pretty laid back. G is traveling for like the entire month. I think we counted that she will be home for around 8 days or so this month. I’m glad I have Louie for company. I plan on getting a ride in on Saturday and then working on installing the new part on the commuter. They haven’t arrived yet, though UPS says they’ll get there today. I also ordered a new soft-shell jacket from REI. I think it’s gonna get to the store on the 10th. That reminds, some friends and family have birthdays (8th and 10th) this month. Anyway, the jacket is an Arc’Teryx that is on closeout at REI Outlet. Take a look if ya want. It was originally like $260 but I got it for $125 after coupons. That’s like the price of a normal fleece. If anyone is in the market for a soft-shell they should check it out (ask me about and online coupon too). The only color available is red, which is pretty sweet if you ask me.

No work on Monday, thanks Christopher. I'm glad we recognize such an upstanding, moral, ethical man such as you. Everytime this holiday rolls around I think of the Bob Marley song "You Can't Blame the Youth" off the Talkin' Blues album. He basically sings about how children are taught that Cristopher Columbus was a very brave man in "discovering america", though no one ever talks about the awful actions that he carried out along the way. Here's a little reading material if you are interested.

Have a great weekend!

Sigh of relief?

So the saddle is on the way. Turns out the dude was at Interbike all last week, or so he says. Anyway it should get here this week in addition to new handlebars and brakes for the commuter. Once I get those installed the only things I’m gonna add to it are a new wheelset and saddle (the San Marco that I just bought is gonna go on the Cervelo). I’d like to get it all finished before it gets icy and snowy, but the finances will ultimately decide that. When it’s all said and done it’s gonna be HOT, not to mention race ready for the Velodrome. Maybe T3 and Tuffy will be able to talk me into racing up there next year.

Speaking or racing and finances, T3 and I rode out to Orono last weekend to watch a Cross race. Man it looked totally grueling, but super fun. If I can swing it I’d like to get a cross bike next year and race. I think racing at the track and then cross season would be a great follow up to the tri season. I’ll have the endurance but may not have the fast twitch muscles to be real competitive at the track. I’m not sure how many endurance events they have at the velodrome for the 4/5’s. Anyway, the ride out to Orono was great (ended the day with 62 miles or so). The weather was perfect and the leaves were really great scenery. So far this fall has been pretty awesome. We’ve had some cool weather but it has been buffered by warm spells like we had over the weekend and are in now.