I visit this blog nearly everyday because it has a list of other blogs which updates when new postings have been, uh, posted. I like to read race reports, funny stories (Hi Fred!) and updates on pain and misery (Hi Bryan!).
In the time that it takes to read a few posts, I could probably post something myself. But that would require something new and exciting to write about. The only thing new and exciting for me is my strawberry patch, which came with the house, is producing a bowl of deliciousness each day now. So if anyone wants strawberries, let me know.
I guess a couple other somewhat eventful things have happened. We bought a newish car. Our trusty 2005 CRV became not so trusty any more. After there was an $800 fix needed to keep it going, we decided to trade it in and downsize to a 2013 Honda Fit. It's a nice teal/blue color that gets a lot of compliments. I'd like to say our monthly gas bill dramatically improved, but so has everyone else's. Didn't think we'd ever see >$2 gas again after 2008. It was nice while it lasted, but $2.20's not bad either.
Another interesting event was our dishwasher broke. It also came with the house and was probably made in the 90's being that it played Ace of Base after every load. JUST KIDDING. That would be the worst thing ever. Well no. Playing Nickelback after every load would be the worst thing ever. So anywho, I learned how to replace a dishwasher by watching the youtubes and reading books and websites and stuff. It was a weekend project and I've found out, within that process, that our entire house is wired very weirdly and the circuit breaker's labels are almost all wrong. So that will take another weekend of work sometime down the line.
So remember how I quit racing because I was in a deep well of debt? Yeah. It's coming along, but definitely at a snail's pace. My wife should be getting into a full time job soon now that her schooling is very nearly over. So that will help immensely. Planning for that, I've already told all the leaders in Nebraska Cycling Association that I will not be back to do chip timing next year. I want my damn weekends back. But this means 2 things. One, someone will need to take on this task. So to all my 2-3 (4?) readers; if you know anyone that wants to make some extra dough while watching races, let me know so we can start training them. Secondly, I don't know if I'll see any races after this year. That makes me kinda sad, but like I said, I want to be able to go on bike rides, bike camping, hang out with my wife, or do anything besides work. And I could always visit the races, just as a spectator.
I guess I could train my butt off from now till next season and possibly get in Cat 3 shape to race again. I'd love to use the excuse, "I'm too old for that," but most of the Omaha peloton put's that notion to shame (Hi Fred, Brady, Mark, Shim, Kent, etc). What I have found is that as time has crept by, the wear and tear on my body has made things harder. Past injuries like my wrist and getting hit by a car, plus overuse from years of playing the bass and bike building all make my joints, muscles, and tendons ache. I know, I know. More excuses. I could just as easily buckle down, commit to a training regiment that included weight lifting and stretching, which would be a huge benefit. I'm just so tired all the time. Or is it laziness? Is that a thing that comes with age?
