Thanks DWonn

DWonn is an Ironman... a local guy.. big heart, big smile, everyone loves him.
So why am I thanking him? Because he is a great POSITIVE influence.
He had a little trouble on his last Ironman and I read where someone made a comment something like, "All that training and then this happens. Got to be disappointed." You know what his answer was? "Not at all. I got in great shape and trained with some outstanding people and made a lot of new friends" Ok, it's not a quote but it is the idea and it was something like that. He says, and this is a quote, "All rides are good!"

There is one other piece I picked up from him. He was training and once sent out an email about, "I will not be drafting today. It's an all effort ride." I've used that the passed two Saturday's now. Oh trust me I draft with the best of them and why not but if you are going to train then it needs to be you either doing the pulling for the group or grabbing a solo ride. David has me thinking different these days.

Thanks David... I appreciate you!

I got in a 42 miler today and it was a good ride! I rode the river then out to the farmlands and tried to get lost so I would have to ride until I found my way back. It's a way to make myself ride more miles. Crazy, I know! I didn't stop until I got back around the bike rental shop. It was a continuous effort ride until that. After I stopped for a moment I started heading back to the car at the soccer fields in Burns Park but suddenly I turned and found myself climbing Ft Roots. It wasn't a fast climb or my best by any means but it was a good climb after the farmlands.

By the time I got back to the car it was around 10 and man oh man were there a LOT of people on the trail. Lots of bikes...lots! I waved and said howdy to folks along the way. It's funny how when my friends put on helmets and shades they all look alike.

The rest of the day was spent out in the heat working on my house. My grass is growing! We cut that tree down in the front and the wave petunias have gone insane... growing everywhere and really looking nice. I go over to the lock and dam and get unwashed river sand and pour it lightly in my yard and the grass loves it! Free sand! But don't get it for your kids sandbox like I did years and years ago. It's so fine that you never get it all off the kiddos.

Got a couple of new tunes added to my training Ipod play list... Green Grass and High Tides by the Outlaws. I loved this song in high school and it's still a great tune.

Life is good,,, hey it's the weekend!

Great ride

Just a quick hit... It's Friday!!

Had a great ride after work yesterday. I got over to the sub then headed over and ended up with FGSG group. I really had planned to work on hills as a solo but decided at the last minute to ride on over to their start point. Got to see several of the old school. It was great to see JBar back out there and staying with the fast group even after being off the bike for a few. Jen Shaw was there as well as her fast as lightening husband Chris. Jen leaves today for RAGBAI (not sure if I said that right). It's called "rag-by". It's the big multi day ride across Iowa. It's also a big fundraiser for Liverstrong.

I sat on the back of the group (as usual...ha!) and even wasn't the last one up Ft Roots. After we came down the fast group has already circled the parking lot and was heading out. I broke off at that point and headed back to the car... so I thought. I ended up riding back to Ft Roots to climb some more. I can really tell the difference when I ride with the Ipod going. I really climb better with the music distraction... then the battery died. Bummer! All I could hear after that was my heavy breathing... sounded like an prank phone call.

Yes I am riding early tomorrow. I'm thinking from the house down North Hills then River Trail then the back way buy Camp Robinson to the house. Everyone will be riding early tomorrow due to the heat.

Life is good... even in the heat.

Aww man... a BAD CI moment!

It was a bad CI moment but it wasn't anyone's fault but my own.

I head out to meet the guys and see if I could at least keep up. My warm up ride to the ride was rocking along at 20mph. I felt good and strong.

Got to the ride start point and talked to Yale and Rebecca for a few then over to see how skinny Chris (Ironman) has gotten over th past few weeks. 17 lbs off! Awesome. JMar came up and I was thinking man this guy has dropped a few too. Come to find out he has dropped 25lbs.

We grouped all up and started out and we rolled nice along the way then finally hit the road and the pace picked up. I was in the back but was holding steady with them. We climbed a short hill and I was still there. Then I felt it... on no... come on CI stay in place. The on and off connection can make a CI user go insane. It's like a transmitter buzzing in and out. I reached up and the thing was hanging on my helmet strap. I had to pull out and fix it. Finally got it half good and thought maybe just maybe I can catch the job if some had slowed up a tad. As I was riding along a long lost stranger named Keith Hill came buzzing by and I jumped on his back wheel and we cranked it out at 23mph for a while. Then it happened again. OK, I'm ticked now!

There is a small piece of CI tape that wasn't sticking tonight and because of that I had to abandon. It's really funny how a very small piece of tape can change a man's whole attitude from rider to whinny little pig! HA! I just didn't as much tape these time and I paid for it.

But all in all it was a GREAT ride with the gang. I think there were 35 of us at the start. I got to see lots of friends I've not seen in awhile as well as a lot of people I've never seen before. When you can keep up with those kids, even in the back, then you know you are riding stronger! It was just what I needed!

Oh yeah, before I forget... very very happy anniversary wishes to Chris and Rebecca Irons! I cracked up when Chris said he was going home and having a nutri-shake by candle light tonight. That's the spirit!

Life is good... especially when friends celebrate anniversaries!

Climbing( gasp) up(gasp) Batesville( gasp) Pike (gasp)

OK, I confess, I day dreamed in church. It was just one of those Sundays. Pouring down rain and where I sit in the crows nest the rain is just above my head and good ole CI picks up that sound really well... even turned all the way down! Oh y'all don't act like it's never happened to you. HA!

We grabbed a quick bite at Applebee's then home. Terri is in post-convention mod so that means be quite and don't mess with her nap. I've learned over the years. See wives, can teach husbands a few things. I know I know dear... don't put that stoneware thing-a-ma-gig in the dishwasher... I'm learning.

So after an hour my food seemed settled and I headed out. Batesville Pike here I come! It was Sunday afternoon "we need to go to WalMart" time on the back road but as usual folks were very good to me. As busy as that one stretch is they have always been good drivers.

I tried to save all the energy I could for the climb but I do have a climb to get there as well. But then this is my hood so either to are climbing or coasting... that's the city of Sherwood and North Little Rock. HA!

When I stood to climb my chain slipped a couple of times but I figured the problem and was able to correct while riding. It's always so funny when people pass me climbing back there. If there is a passenger they will almost always turn completely around to see if they really saw someone riding a bike up that hill. I was so glad there was no headwind climbing today. Seems there always is and there have been times it almost made me get off and push.... usually in the early spring. You know, those gusty 25mph winds.

You know how I talk about when my heart rate is up and I seem to hear better? Boy, was I hearing on that ride! Whoa!

I've got to fine something that will keep the sweat out of my eyes!! I don't really want to wear a headband but I may have to.

I read my emails late this afternoon and found out I missed the "Plan B" for the PoP ride that was scheduled this morning. I could have rode with my buds and ate afterwards. I'm missing the guy pretty bad this days. But I keep telling myself, I'm training good on these hills and it will help me to ride much better when I do get to ride with those juvenile delinquents. Oh heck yeah, they are all younger than me. Serious I think there are only a couple that are older.

Training and Echo Conference

Rolled out this morning but too late to catch most of the group rides. I spotted a training ride for the BDB 100 I think that was grouping up about the time I rode past the sub. There was the River City 5K finishing up and what a crowd! That run seems to get bigger every year.


I knew I really wanted to return to the farmlands so I did... solo. I have been experimenting with this New Zealand drink called Honet Juice. I got a couple free samples and tried it out a few evenings ago. Jimmy-the-cricket! When the ride was finished my legs felt fine. Here I was with sweat stinging my eyes and so much dried on my sunglasses and I had repeated Ft Root 4 times and rode the trail and I still felt this good? Gimme another hit! I will be the first to say that I will have to cut it with some juice our something. It's a tad strong but boy did it rock!

Back to the solo ride. As I was heading out I spotted the Hotter than Hell training ride coming back in. They had a nice group. Then there were small groups of 4-5 riders coming in. I just cranked it out and was thrilled to look down and see 20mph almost every time.

Coming back in I had some headwind but just dropped down on the bars and kept it going. I felt stronger today than almost any ride this year. It's great to be back out there!

When the ride came to a complete stop... I was over by the dog park. The first thing I noticed was the ski dock out in the middle of the competitive water ski park. Man did I ever want to go dive in and swim out to it but swimming is not allowed in this part of the Arkansas River.

Spent the rest of the day working around the house. I get to play chef tonight in our kitchen!
Now ya start with a stick of budd-ah...

Hey I'm all registered for the Echo Conference (www.echoconference.com) in Dallas! I'm really getting excited about this! Some of the best worship media and marketing people in the country are going to be speaking or conducting breakouts and labs. I had planned to fly but by the time I go to the airport, wait the customary 2 hours, fly an hour, spend 30 minutes trying to get off, another 30-45 minutes renting a car, finding the car then finding the hotel... shoot I could have driven and been there by then. There is a Watermark studio tour as part of the pre-conference perks. I love Watermarks media. The afternoon has Media Shout lab which I will probably go to. I use Easy Worship but hear a lot of good things about Media Shout. Lunch and Dinner are both part of the package. Then at 7 one of my favorites will speak... Mark Batterson. I've been a lurking to his blog for almost a year now. Other guys I can't wait to see are Phil Cooke, Tim Stevens and Cameron Ware! Check out Cameron's church! It's mind blowing fantastic!! http://www.visualworshiper.com/ Cameron is to me the greatest in church visual worship graphics.

Life is good... especially with a thundershower so I don't have to turn on the sprinklers!

Blog changes

Be watching for some blog changes coming up. One thing I'm going to do is get all those tags going so folks that log in who just want to see CI or hearing entries can or if they just want to see bike.... Stay tuned!

Boyz night out

So Terri at convention, Em babysitting and yes Tyler and I hit the movie after work! I had a health screening last week and part of it for getting 'er done by July 18th was a 10 dollar Rave movie card. So Tyler and I both wanted to see Wanted and we did. Yes, it's rated R and yes they say some bad things and there is a couple of very racy scenes but if you can get past that... it is an AWESOME fun movie! Tyler's bosses son was in Chicago and helped a bit on the movie. It's a nerd turns Jame Bond movie.

There was a sound in the movie theater and I kept thinking, "What is wrong with my hearing aid?! No it's my CI! No it's neither! It's really a cricket talking very loud in the room! It was crazy. After the movie Ty thought he was going to have to leave it got so loud. It was a CI moment... in a good & bad way.

Tomorrow is Friday... life is good so get up and dance! Come on everyone!!!

Workin' for the weekend!

Workin' for the weekend! Love that song... still!

There are several rides up for grabs for the weekend! There is Miss Vick's Century which is a fun ride through the country. It's also a great mix of folks. Starts Saturday morning at 7 over at Willow Park.

There is a dandy 60 miler heading out from the sub about 7. These folks are building up for the ride over in Texas (Hotter than Hell 100 in August). Been there done that and almost dies out in the middle of no where! It was record high temps that year and was 100 degrees by 11 that morning.

Sunday has the Lolli-POP. This is one of the funnest rides around! Everyones best pal Robb heads up this puppy and you get to climb a mountain. Since it's on Sunday and it's my month to do media at church services I have to pass. Bummer! I could use the training so bad. It's also a "no drop" ride so that means you aren't left out along some country road all hot and sweating while the bears and panthers and wolves stalk you. The end of the ride goes into a lake. Oh but let me tell you about the end of the ride... you turn off of the smooth road on to this grainy paved road. It's just enough to mess with you mentally but the road seems to go on forever! Many of us have had "Come to Jesus" moments there at the end. Yes, it's crazy insane. But then Robb has this great saying... The faster you pedal the sooner the pain stops.

I ordered a CD for the land downunder. It's a great band called Compliments of Gus. They aren't on ITunes yet but said they should be there in about a month. Ok, guess what the price of a CD is when the currency changes from US dollars to AUS? 24.95!!! Yikes. Makes me miss my 9.99 ITune CD downloads. But hey, they are a new band and I enjoy the tunes. I had actually heard them while listening to Rodney Olsen on Sonshine 95 over in AUS. He played the tune and they have it set up where you can click on the band that is playing or had just played and get website info and such. I emailed o the contact us link and within minutes I got a reply. Holy smokes... it was one of the band. He even sent me "Your Eyes" tune with his email. Thanks Jared!

Terri is at convention this week and Em is babysitting so I'm meeting Tyler over at his office and we're going to see Wanted and then grab some food afterwards. Nice to have an adult son to do stuff like this with. Since he is a video motion graphics pro he will probably talk all the way through the flick telling me how they did all the effects. HA!

We got one of those hot afternoon thunder storms that kicked the lights out in several downtown areas this afternoon. It's going to feel like the Amazon when I leave in a moment.

Life is good...even when you can't figure out what ride to do!

Hey big CI buddy!

Shout out to my ACH hall way CI buddy!

I was walking through the Audio clinic the other day and spotted one of our pro's working with a CI guy. I could tell what was going on due to the therapist with her dry erase board. Krista did the same to me when I was having my speech sessions right after I was activated.

At first I walked by because she was having a session and I didn't want to disrupt it. I went on in the clinic and when I came out a few minutes later they were right by the door. I just smiled and started headed down the hall back to my office again not wanting to mess with the session. Then it hit me... you know, you could be coming across as snobby. Oh no... not me! I stopped and turned and walked back to my CI friend. He just looked at me for a moment not knowing why this man was looking at him. Then I turned my head and pointed to my CI. His face lit up and he smiled real big. We did a great high five and I gave him thumbs up. That just made my day!

Also shout out to ACH Abby! Hope your new "stereo" is working great for you!

Life is good thanks to Advanced Bionics and Unitron!

Monday madness

Aww crud, I didn't get to ride today. Actually I was on the bike and heading out and then it was such bad mojo I turned around and went back to the car and loaded back up. Emmy had had a wreck in her car a little while before. It was very minor but it really upset her. I taught her how to file an insurance claim this evening. Ah, teaching a life lesson...

Not much else...

Life is still good, even with a bumper blump

Training my wheels off!

Now that life has settled down a moment for me I got in some good riding! I headed out July 4th morning and had a great ride. Well after I stopped acting a fool and fixed my bike while riding. I do the dumbest things sometime. My front brake was a tad too tight so it was like riding with my brake on for 7 miles. Actually, it was good that I did that since it made for a more intense training session and man after I release the brake I was moving along good. It was like turned from headwind to a strong tailwind.

On the way back I just was having too good of a time and turned opposite from where my car was and took one like hill. I rode the backside of Burn's. I was not attacking the hill at all and had my tunes playing in one ear and listening for cars in the other. I kept thinking I was hearing a clicking noise. Sure enough a couple of Carve riders smoked my tuna on the climb. I busted out laughing when they passed. Now here's the nice part... I caught up with them at the top of the hill and it was one of the guys who work at the crit races, Chris S. He has something to do with video but I've never asked him what he does or who he works for. He is a really nice guy. Always friendly. Super rider. As I got to the top of the hill I saw a group down a little way but never saw them catch up. I'm sure they had been hammering it out there and were taking it easy. These guys don't know what slow means!

Back over to the river and it was wall to wall people. Everyone out having a good time for the 4th.

This morning I headed out about 7:30 and enjoyed another great ride. Legs were not tight like I expected so I give them a run at it. I did some repeats of Ft Roots and some sprint drills. My first climb up Roots was pathetic! I was gasping for air at a stinking 6mph in places. Wha?! The next 2 climbs were much better! I got a thumbs up from a rider who I passed going down as he was climbing then as he was coming down I was climbing back up again and it was a nice little perk.

I wanted to head out west and ride but I'm being a real snot with my gas these days. That's sad.

Well, I'm excited to have time tomorrow to go out and ride yet again! I keep thinking... farmlands! But then I feel like I need the climbing work to get my legs back.

I'm doing better on my eating, thanks to Chris! You are an inspiration my man! A real inspiration! Terri did pick up some homemade cookies from the Farmers Market today by the Amish. We found them last year. I did eat one so I have to work that nasty thing off tomorrow.

Hey the Tour de France started today! Oh yeah! I whole month of bike racing on TV everyday!

Life is good... even with a cookie in my mouth!

I have air!

The good folks were here and working all day. I have a new air system that blows so hard it moves my gelled up hair!

Now you ready for my "I got a new toy and got carried away photo?"

My neighbor actually did most of this for me. He is a crackerjack with a chainsaw! He could say right where it would land. Unbelievable skill. I thought one time it would hit the house but he knew it was going to swing and not touch it. After it was all over, he laughed and said , "Hey that was fun. Thanks for letting me do it!" Would not take any money or anything. Now that's a neighbor!

Here are a couple other photos I meant to post after our Destin trip. My bike was on top of the van and these are bugs from the Arkansas Delta. You should have seen our car!

I'm sorry but our crew is short and we can't get there today

I'm sorry but our crew is short and we can't get there today... Mr Cobb?
WHAT!!!!!!!!!
We can't get there today.
Yeah, I heard you. Are you going to be here tomorrow?
Yes sir. They will be there by 8:30. Maybe even 8.
Ok fine... if they are not here and working tomorrow I will unleash my 2 girls on you and they are hot and tired and getting a but cranky. Do you understand.
More than you realize!
Good.
Again, I do apologize for the inconvenience.

Guess what... my backyard neighbor is having the same thing done but by a different company.

It has been a fun day off though! Lots of stuff got done outside! My list is so long!

Ok, CI Moment... on advantage of having no air is hat the windows are open and the birds having been singing all day. What a great sound! My side yard neighbor has little water fountains and about 20 bird feeders. Always birds!

Life is good...even in the heat...well sort of.

And even more trouble

I kid you not!!! What I thought was some melted ice in the ice chest leaking out really was a hot water heater leak! Thank goodness it was out in the garage! Turns out it was the little faucet gizmo and just needed to be tightened up more. Who tightened it in the first place??

I told a coworker, "You better put me on your prayer list because I'm going down the money pit really fast these days!" OK, now you are not going to believe what happens....
1) The air was only $7,419 rather than the 10-12K horror stories folks have been telling me!
2) I fixed the hot water heater myself being the techno genius I am!
3) We caved and got a hotel room for Saturday night.... I got the cheapest in North Little Rock I got find. It turns out to be a beautiful suite that was very comfortable and quite and the free breakfast included fresh waffles made there! I didn't eat one since I'm trying to lose weight but by did that surprise! Waffles at a free hotel breakfast?!
4) The weather has been cooler than normal! Tonight it's supposed to be 65 degrees and right now I'm in the den with the windows open and the fans going and it's just 80. Not much humidity at all so it's really nice.
The things a prayer can fix!!!

I started a new home project today and it's limbing up my trees. I'm actually going to cut a couple down that have just gotten too big and sort of leans toward the house. When we moved in back in 1988 these were little trees.

Hey the TOUR DE FRANCE starts on July 5th! Oh yeah baby! The tour! There is a lot of tv spots about a "new page", "A new tour". I'm looking forward to Stage 17... the big mountain! Huez! Who's gonna wear the yellow? Oh man, I don't know this year.

Last Friday night I toyed with the idea of getting up Saturday morning and driving over to Tour De Oink. It's abut 45 minutes or so up the road and a fun ride but as I got up I looked at the radar and there was big rain moving into that area. I stayed parked on the sofa and watched my niece Shannon on the morning show talking about water safety. She always does a great job on TV.

Life is good... since a friend prayed and got me out of financial meltdown!

Thursday morning quick hits

Weekend is fast approaching... get up and dance! Go ahead... get up right now and dance!
If you don't send an email to 12 friends in the next five minutes telling them to get up and dance ... HA! I know this works because my cousins uncle's best friends 6th grade teachers son's girlfriend received 500 dollars.... HA!!!

Here's everything since last post...
I did train in the hood Tuesday and oh man was it hot! When I got to the house I crashed on the front porch looking out over the neighborhood for a few and tried to cool down. Finally went in the house to shower and saw my face in the mirror and WHOA! Between the beach tan and the redness of being so hot after training I looked like I could have played a part of the Indians on Dances with Wolves! Or one of the outback guys who live in the dessert.

Oh speaking of outback. Here's a GREAT link! http://sonshinefm.ws/
It's a radio station in Perth, Australia. In the US listen to it at night... it's morning there and you'll hear a guy named Rodney Olsen. He is really good. Sometimes he has the best guest on his show. Ok, I know... how do I know about this guy? He rides a bike of course! Trust me, click the link and listen to the station sometime. Yes, they all have the accent we Americans love to listen to. By the way, going to Perth is on my list of things to do.

Oh speaking of things to do... I think I'm going to be broke awhile...
You ready for this???
3 weeks ago: car repair $900.

2 weeks ago the fridge went out -- another huge chunk of change

Vacation last week

The garage door went out just as we were getting ready to leave for vacation: $297 to replace

The air conditioner went out Tuesday night -- last year it went out and they said I might get another year out of it... guess what... it's been a year! I'm hearing horror stories about friends having to replace theirs and it's between $7,500 and $10,000.

Then this morning... I thought it was a melted bag of ice in the ice chest in the garage but I think I may have a small leak in the hot water heater.

Well at least the weather was really nice this morning and I was able to cool the house down with fans. See life's not all bad!

Life is good... even when I'm beyond broke!

The famous tat

Here's the tat photo... Yes, it's an A with a razorback... it was just a temp. Go ahead an call me a wuss but look close at that photo kids because this is one tough cookie! Buh ha ha ha!!!

A real tat... are you kidding me?????

The photo that's the meaning of life as I know it

Most photos of myself I really hate. But every now and then one comes along that I like. This is one of those. It symbolizes a lot of things in my life right now.

Thanks to my niece Melissa for shooting this photo.

Look over to the right and click on "Melissa" that is under the Blogs I read.

She is an awesome photographer and does some really creative shots!

Also, I just had my 6 month CI check up. All systems go! This was the first time I had gone into one of our clinics since having the CI. The clinic was packed to the gills and while I was in the exam room waiting for Dr. D. I could hear kids screaming. Maybe being hard of hearing had it's benefits there. It broke my heart to hear those kids crying.

I need to give a shout out to one of our little friends who got her 2nd CI activated today! That is awesome! Note to her mom... if you spot me in the waiting room or around the hospital, please by all means throw something at me and get my attention. I love meeting all our CI club members and their families!

On a funny note... I had a tad of ear drainage so Dr. D cleaned it out and put that purple antibiotic dye in my ear. Oh man, I will have a purple hearing aid ear mold again. I always think folks can see it (but they can't) and I feel like I'm the president of the Barney fan club! HA!

I have a training ride set for after work... oh joy... it's 94 degrees! A friend said it was as hot as fish fry oil...

Life is good... even with a purple hearing aid mold! HA!

Vacation... the video... what I longed for!

Enjoy the sound! I certainly did!



I heard it I heard it I heard it! Since we first started talking about this family trip I longed to hear the ocean in stereo. I wanted to hear the s-s-s-s-s as the waves came to shore. I could hear the big crashing ones last year but it has been a long time since I heard the part where the waves sizzle and go back out to sea. So many times on this trip I sat with a silly grin on my face because I could hear. I could hear the wave, the seagulls the splashes on the fish feeding frenzy. I could hear people talking and boy did I eaves drop! I could hear other people talking on their balconies. There were several times that family would yell at from their balconies and I wouldn't respond but it was due to not realizing someone was hollering down at me. They were remarks that would embarrass anyway. HA!

I got to hear the sweet little voices of my favorite great nieces and nephews. Elliott has such a sweet way she says George. I would get tickled when the kids would say, "That? That?" They wanted to know about "That". I loved how Liam would babble about everything. He was so funny! He would talk and talk. The guy was using a blower and it was a long way off and Liam was dancing to it. What a zest for life! Dancing to a leaf blower!

I got to hear the screams too but some of them were so funny that I would laugh! One time my niece Melissa was sitting in a beach chair and had some snack food and the twins (Keaton and Elliott) were climbing up to get in her lap to munch. Keaton is the climber so he got there first and Elliott was hot on his heels. She wanted up a little higher so she needed something to pull herself up. Keaton's blond hair seemed to be just the thing so she grabbed a handful and pulled herself right on up. Keaton let out a scream and then that was it. Both were up there and happy. Keaton sort of had the , "Yeah, she does that all the time" air about him.

The vacation write up

Ok, fair warning... this post may be like a bad Uncle Jonathan's slide show for the 70's. Did y'all ever have to sit through one of those? My uncle Bud went to the Holy Lands and one time we had to sit through a 3 hour slide show when we went to his house.


Ok, so last Friday we dropped the pup off at the kennel and headed to Benton to pick up my parents. Then back to Little Rock to pick up Tyler then to Terri's office to pick her up. The drive to Hattiesburg was fun and we were all excited. Got there and checked in and then find out the rooms are on the second floor and there is no elevator. I was warned that Dad would not be able to walk much at all. We take the wheelchair when we have to walk much to transport him around. I decided to take a chance because it was that or smoking rooms. No thanks.

We got to the steps and up he went! He did a great job. 14 steps up and that's a marathon for him. We crashed in the room and there was an Outback just across the parking lot so Terri and the kids and mom walked over there and ate but they also made an order to go and Tyler brought it back over to the room before they got to sit down at the restaurant. Dad crashed sound to sleep after that. It was sort of a sense of peace that the tables were turned. By that I mean I, the son, was watching my Dad sleep and staying to be sure he was comfortable and safe. I couldn't help but wonder how many times he watched me as I slept when I was a kid. It was one of those "life is good" moments.

The next morning we had the hotel free breakfast and heading out around 9:30. Once again, everyone laughing, talking and all excited. We knew we would be on the beach that afternoon!

Around 1 we stopped by Terri's folks in Navarre and took a break and called the condo to see if it was ready. When it's just with the kids we can go on over and hit the beach until the condo is ready but with senior parents you have to be flexible. We drove on over and the condo was still a few minutes away from complete so we drove around looking at the beach homes and then they called and said it's ready!

Oh the fun of unloading a van of stuff! The parking lot looked like a summer camp. Everyone was unloading and all of us dad's were cracking up about how much stuff our families bring but the dad's can fit a week's worth in a gym bag! Ok, I did have a t-a-d more... a bike and riding gear. Em, being the teen daughter she is, had a suitcase the size of a third world country and it was full! I knew it would be even worse going home because she was going to hit the shops.

First morning sunrise

Once we got unloaded we sat out on the balcony a moment and then that was enough of that stuff! Time to head the water! We headed down to the waterline and what was the first thing we saw? Yep, a shark! Swimming along like he owned the place! That was the one and only time I saw one or heard about one all week.My mom holding her sunglasses and having her coffee while watching the sunrise.

The water was almost swimming pool clear all week! Also no rain all week! Yes, that does make it a close to perfect beach vacation.

Sunday: Played on the beach, back and forth to the condo, Crab Trap for Fathers Day, then watching a sunset.

Monday: TATTOO day! I got a "A" with a razorback. I know... photos... I don't have one on my camera but Em might with hers and my niece Melissa took a really funny one. I'll post it, I promise! AND... it's on my manly upper arm so you don't have to worry about what the photo will be of! HA!

Tuesday: Beach - eat - beach - sunset - fireworks - sleep. Yes, fireworks! Every night at 10 there was a family in the building who shot off nice fireworks! It was like the end of the day at Disney!

Wednesday: Beach - Em took me shopping for cool looking Dad clothes. By the way... Sancony running shoes are only 15 dollars at the Silver Sands outlet mall! Terri got some. I hit up Polo, Banana Republic, Nike, and Bass!

Thursday: Beach, family shrimp cook off and back to the beach.

Friday: Let's just say...**repeat**

Now all the other vacation stuff:
There was Tri going on Monday morning! Everyone got excited because we could see a group of folks swimming down the shore line. I thought of all my friends who have gone from cycling to the "dark side". One guy was really smoking the swim! There are some old poles in from of our condo from a pier back before the major hurricanes so it was a perfect turning point. Out of the water and running down the beach they go! I really wanted to go down and cheer them on.

Several mornings I got up and rode my bike along the beach. Sunday morning I was the only road bike and I was bummed. As the week wore on there were more and more. Favorite morning was when I was riding along and Team Jeep came riding up behind me and invited me to jump on. Ok, this was like riding with Fast Girls Slow Guys on Red Bull. OMG!!! These guys were riding along and talking and I'm sucking air so hard the crabs are flying off the beach and straight to me! I had that yummy copper taste in my mouth of lungs begging for mercy. I stayed with them until they stopped to chart their route. Ok, this is all flat land in Destin and I looked down after I bidding farewell and my top speed was 27 mph! I guess I was in the vacuum and just not worrying about the speed because I would have blown had I known that. And I have to admit... there was some nice tail wind.

I also visited Robin (a guy and the owner) and Amy and Lance at Robin's Bike and Fitness. It's on 98 by the Melting Pot restaurant. They are the FL dealer for Obrea so they got all excited when I told them about the place in NLR that houses them. Robin rides and Orca and Amy has a Dive. One of the other locals who happened to be in the shop also has an Orca. They bragged and bragged about the awesomeness of the bike. Oh and Lance... he is the big Boxer. He had a Livestrong dog collar on. Robin's office had all the paper numbers you put on your jersey for event rides. They were the wallpaper border. There were also George Bush with one of the Robin's/Destin jerseys and Bart Starr had been in and bought a bike. Super nice folks so if you are in Destin, look them up! They didn't have a Destin jersey in my size... bummer!


Gotta stop for now but will write more later!

Loving this vacation stuff!

This is my little friend who helped me greet the day.
I'm loving this vacation stuff!

HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY TYLER!!!

24 years ago today we were blessed with a screaming baby boy. Life has been funny ever since! we love you Tyler and thanks for a fun 24 years! You've made us proud!

Thumbs up for Dry & Store

I am really sold on Dry & Store now! It's really humid here in Destin plus I'm riding hard in the mornings which means a lot of sweat. I can drop the aid and CI in the Dry & Store and in no time the things are dry and smelling fresh.

Training 06.15.08

Oh yeah, it was nice training this morning. Riding along the beautiful beach homes of Destin! Yep, I'm training in Florida. (Note to Wes: Hey man, I thought I you while I was going 10mph through the Mobile tunnel on the way here). We got checked in Saturday afternoon and crashed out and just enjoyed the beach. But this morning I woke with a passion to go ride hard. I headed out about 7 and rode along the beach. It was very quite car wise but man, I've never seen so many folks out running. It was a massive amount. I rode down Old 98 until I got to Silver Sands outlat mall and there is a group ride that was to start at 7:30 and they announced that they would be riding 98 for 30 miles. I never saw them but as I was about to ride a bit along 98 I noticed glass everywhere. No thanks! I'm not a flat fixer sort of guy. I'm always amazed at the rate of speed some folks can change a flat. Anyway, I crossed over 98 and cruised the Silver Sands outlets checking out places I wouldn't mind hitting this week. Then I had had enough tinkering around and started heading back. I told myself I needed to really punch the number and ride hard on the way back. It was looking good then I saw the dreaded water sprinklers soaking the road. Ugh! Slowed down and didn't bust my butt. It sort of got me out of the groove for a moment there. Once back in tune I opened it up. It was so fun blowing down the road. Sweat was pouring, legs moving.... life in sync!

Did I say there were a lot of runners here? Well there are a lot of runners here!

I made it back to the condo and was really happy to see a good average speed. It really was a good ride and I plan to get out and repeat tomorrow!

The rest of the day was spent in a beach chair entertaining my great niece and nephew! These little kids are a hoot!

We took my Dad to Crab Trap for Fathers day. He had a good day.

Oh by the way... I got a tattoo! It's an "A" with a Razorback. Of course when I'm 80 it will look like a camel probably! HA! Yes, I'll post a photo before long. I almost got Sponge Bob but Emmy screamed OH MY GOD DAD NO!!!!

I spotted a new jersey tonight. After we finished eating Terri, Em and I went looking for Robin's Cycle and Fitness. I knew it was close but kept missing it. We spotted it this evening and it is one very nice bike shop! When I looked through the window what did I see? A Destin bike jersey! They carry Cannondale and a lot of Orbea's. This is the group who ride every morning at 7:30 (except for Monday's).

Hey you Kansas 1/2 Ironman folks... hope you did great!

Well, life is good... on the bike... on the beach!

Home based training

I have always thought it was sort of funny to drive some place to ride my bike. If you've been a reader then you know my hood is nothing but hills. Well duh, isn't that what I need to be training on to become stronger? So last evening I did a loop that I rode before. I actually looped it 4 times. The first was the hardest because there is no flat riding before you go up or down. The 3rd time was the easiest because I was in the groove.

Sooo I think with the gas prices I'll train in the hood and only ride the river on the weekends... but then I'll have to ride to the river to ride the river. Ya know?

I had a bet with some friends that Emily would hit the new Wal-Mart Supercenter which opened this morning by noon and sure enough she texted me a few moments ago and was there.

North Little Rock River Trail

This video is through the eyes of a masked crusader with no super powers.

I didn't realize the camera shutter didn't open all the way. But it sort of looks like what a masked villain would be seeing.

I headed out for my training ride this evening around 6:30 and I was surprised to see as many riders and runners as I didn't. Usually on Sunday evening you have the place to yourself. Also with the sun beginning to cast long shadows the snakes were on the move too.

Enjoy the video. It's another long one so it will take a moment to load.

Chenal 9 is awesome!

We caught the 4:20 showing of Indiana Jones at the new Chenal 9 Imax. Although Indy wasn't the Imax movie it was still an awesome theater. I had pre-ordered tickets last Thursday and I dropped the girls off and parked the car. There was supposed to be a self service booth but I guess they didn't have it ready yet. Anyway I gave Terri the debut card because you have to use the same card you order your tickets with. I walked up and tried to find the booth thinking Terri and Em would be there but they were in line at the window. Of course they couldn't find the tickets in the system at the window but they thought and it was on the print out sheet. Guess it was just new business tweaking that needed to be done. We walked in 20 minutes before showtime and the only seats left were the front two rolls. I thought, oh crud! But I LOVED it up there! It was so loud! There was one explosion that really shook the seats.

I enjoyed the movie. Has all the usual Indy stuff.

Well, I think lunch has digested so out to ride!

Life is good... even with explosions and snakes in a dark theater!!

Saturday 06.07.08

Woke to an overcast morning but hey, it's a Saturday to no complaints here!

Drove over to work the registration table at the bike races. By the way it cost a little over 500 dollars to drive over to Little Rock today. These gas guys, I swear.... uh, never mind...
Like I was saying ... the races. I pulled in at 7:30 and there was already a crowd. thinking to myself, "Gee, they've got the race fever today!" Come to find out they were about to shoot a Chainwheel Bike Shop TV spot. I bet it will run on VS during the Tour de France next month. Carve/Chainwheel always has some nice spots.

So we watched them shooting the spot and started getting the racers signed up. Not many Cat 5's today but a mass of folks for the 2nd race( Cat 4/5) and the 3rd race was packed!! Those are the big dogs who are either up and coming, which is really what the 4/5's are, or they have been racing for years. There are guys that I just watch and shake my head in amazement.

One of my favorites this season has been Robert Mooney. Good all around guy and a real kick-your-butt rider. Ok we had head wind on the homestretch and it was a little snot head too. Every time I looked up there seemed to be Robert on the front pulling. Again and again and again. The Cat 1,2,3 racers were even talking about him. Last sprint to the finish and he is in the middle of the pack... those guys let him do ALL the work then ran for the gold. We all know who really won that race! After the race I spoke to Robert for a moment and he was talking about how when they came around that last corner it was like hitting a wall when you turned into the wind. Gee, from watching him, you would have never known.

Another fav is my pal, Yale. I like to watch him because he is real catty (in a good way). He watches the peleton and works it. Stalking. HA! Always comes out in the numbers. His wife Sherry and everyone's favorite super kid, Braxton, was out there cheering him on.

We had our women out there ripping up the course today as well. Sarah held her own in the first race and Rhonda and Kimberly chased each other in the second.

After I finished up and the final race was going and my partner in crime Ron had registration area broke down and put up I left and stopped on my way home and rode my training ride for the day on the river trail. Oh that wind... geesh! HA! As I looped and started heading back to the car I spotted Charlie. Charlie is one of those heart of gold guys and his wife is the same. Super nice folks! We rode together back to Burns Park and talking the whole way. I love this CI!!! I would have never been able to do this last year! Anyway, I was telling Charlie about my next big ride and he was all over it. Looks like the City of North Little Rock may jump on board as a sponsor!

Serious folks, my mind is blown with the love and support so many of you have for these crazy rides and mostly for the hospital. It just warms my heart! I know I know... that's cheesey...but true!

Got to see most of my family last night at Liam's 1st birthday party. Everyone is non-stop talk about our family vacation! Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!

I'm outta here! Heading over to catch the Indiana Jones movie and the new theater that just opened yesterday.

Life is good...even with the headwind!

Training ride 06 05 08

Wooo weee that was some wind. Got over to the starting point and taped the CI to my head with that invisible wig tape. That puppy stayed put tonight! HA! I used the CI as my hearing instrument and the hearing aid as my tunes. Since I was training solo I really enjoy having a soundtrack to ride to.

The route was almost the same as Monday night. Bike Rental shop to Burns Park. Loop the back road then over to the Big Bridge then all the way back into the headwind. I was loving the ride on the way out because it was 24mph easy with that tail wind. On the way back I spotted myself at 14mph a couple of times. Each time I pushed myself back to 16. Train Geo Train! Focus!

My legs are really feeling better and stronger each ride. I so glad to be back out there.

Ok you folks help me out here. I need to start coming up with a name for my next ride. It's 24 hours on the river and the money goes to Audiology for kids hearing aids or whatever the gurus need. I want to have the river trail but I want to play off of sound. I keep thinking Roar on the River. I don't know... y'all help me out here. Either leave a comment our send me an email to cobbgeo@gmail.com

Weekend is coming up and what I thought would be a laid back as far as scheduling is concerned is booked now. Races on Saturday morning, get a ride in right after, run home and clean up, head over to a new theatre to see Indiana Jones with Terri and Em. Go upstairs and drag down the luggage carrier and be sure it works on the van. Then Sunday will be church, then a training ride, then small group. Hope that I can knock out a Monday and Tuesday training ride then Wednesday the races move to evenings so I'll be working out there. Thursday is pack and pack the car night. Friday is hit the road jack!!! Saturday is sand in my swim trunks and loving it! Destin! I'm so stinkin' excited.

Want to see some AWESOME photos? look over to the right at Blogs I read and go down to "Melissa". She is my niece and is going to take our family photo while we are there! I'm beyond psyched!

Life is sooooo good these days! Oh yeah!

06 02 08 Training ride

Got to the sub right about 5 and had everything ready to go. Not 200 yards into the ride my CI goes out. I really just thought it was the battery because it usually goes out around 5pm. I had taped on the magnet so I knew the thing was secure. Then I heard something fall to the pavement (sound through my hearing aid). It was the CI battery. Oh crud! I looped back and rode along where I thought I heard it fall but it must have hit the pavement and flipped over into the tall grass. I looked and looked but no luck and it's just not wise to walk through tall grass beside a river bank. Things in the grass goes s-s-s-s-s.

I took the CI off and put in in my pocket and down at the bottom to keep it secure and continued on with the ride. As I started riding again I got really angry that I've had two rides now with CI issues. It's a learning experience I know but boy it's annoying. I decided to take the anger and channel it into the legs... it worked. I took the trail for a good while passing folks and keeping it at 21-22mph. Sweat was coming on!

The plan was to take it to the Big Bridge but at the last moment I opted out for the hills. We have a nice road that is quite on the back side of the park and you can get some nice hill work in. I spotted to guys ahead and told myself I would keep them in my sight. They were riding a good speed up the hill and I forced myself to suck it up and go. I did keep them in my sight and just as I was getting close they topped the hill and let it rip. As I topped the hill I spotted them and gave it what I had. There is a nice decline so I was able to get so speed then it's incline all the way to the main road. But something was different today. The incline wasn't anything. I was feeling good. I passed the tennis courts where there were lessons going on and then the baseball field where the kids who play in high school leagues keep it going through the summer. I believe it might be American Legion but not sure.

I loop the park and head back down the long hill I just climbed. I drop into the soccer area and I spot the 2 guys again. I'm not sure who the 2 were but they keep a nice pace going and I needed an object to chase. It makes for a good workout.

When I finished up I sat on the back of the SUV and enjoyed a moment. Water bottle in hand and sweat like the river.... it just doesn't get better!

Life is good... on the bike sweating like a pig!

Weekend summary

Here's the weekend wrap up...

SHE GRADUATED!!!

Hard to believe she has graduated and then would you believe she started college TODAY?! Yep, knocking out 6 hours this summer. We're proud of you Emmy!

Oh and here's another new blog!

I love it!! Sarah, who is one of my favorite folks in the world has a blog too and I'm linking hers up as well. Her and her husband Aaron are primo cyclist. On day we were out in the farmlands and Aaron pulled and pulled and pulled into the headwinds and then he raised his fist as "I beat you wind ... I beat you!" It was a great day.

Look over to the right and click on Sarah's blog and read up... trust me, it will be great adventure reading!

Couple of new blog links for you

Look over to the right and you'll notice a couple of new blogs linked up. Jo and DWonn are both outstanding tri-athletes and that is really an understatement. Jo just started her blog so now she is even more on the "dark side". HA! DWonn is our rock star! Everyone goes to him for advice. When everyone finishes a hard ride leave it to DWonn (Obee Wonn) to smile and say, "Ok, let's run!" Dwonn also has a mass of photos so if you want to see visuals of the Little Rock Tri scene, his blog would be the place.

Jump over there and read up and leave them a note!

Life is great!!!! I mean it is Friday!!!

Thursday evening quick hit...

The training ride felt really good today. I got 34.97 miles in. I got out there a little early and rode awhile then met up with the crew for the usual Thursday evening ride. Since I was warmed up I was able to stay with the gang until the Ft Roots hill. Fat boy here has to work on that awhile. I will need to go out and do some repeats. I do admit I enjoy climbing hills better than the fast down hill runs. I know, that's messed up.

I've really gotten a lot of nice emails and conversations about the new ride. Thanks friends!

My new training tunes are coming together nicely! Grabbed the new tune "Train" by 3 Doors Down. Heard a new tune lately... let me know so I can add it to the playlist.

Big weekend ahead... Saturday morning I'll be parked at the registration table for the crits, then I hope to get a ride in myself then Emmy's graduation (I hope I don't get all teary eyed).

**CI Moment** This is for once not a good CI Moment but one nevertheless... I was finishing up and I turned my head and I felt the cover cap come off the magnet. I put my hand up there but it had already flown off. Well when I put my hand up there I bumped the processor and I felt the battery disconnect. Oh crap oh crap oh crap... I'm going to drop the whole thing!! Stop! No wait... unlock your shoes from the pedals... do this now! Wobbling but done! I turn around and the battery lands in the grass. Thank goodness for small miracles! I pull the bike out of the way... it's a very busy trail this evening! I start walking back to about where I thought the cap came off. Half a dozen bikes come by and I figured the cap would be crushed but would you believe it was sitting perfectly fine. Not even a scratch! I guess I'll be taping the good ole CI to my head again with that wig tape. that stuff is sticky!

Life is good!

This riding stuff is fun... again

I got it a whopping 42 miles yesterday afternoon. I was off half the day and got out to ride about 3 and loved having the trail mostly to myself for awhile. I could tell when folks were getting off from work because it was a slow steady build of riders and runners.

I felt like me again. By that I mean it used to take me about 15 miles just to feel warmed up when I was on the bike daily. It felt like that yesterday. I did down and back on the north side and when I finished that I felt as if I was finally ready to ride so I did. This past spring I would do down and back and say that was it for the day.

I do have a "major concert announcement" (love it when the radio stations do that).
I'm going to do an epic ride again... in 2009. I started plotting and planning several weeks ago and it's beginning to become more and more public so here you go... the details...
May 1st 2009 I plan to ride the NLR/LR River Trail for 24 hours as a fundraiser for the kids of Arkansas Children's Hospital. The funds will go to the Audiology and Speech department. I'm meeting the the PR/Marketing/Audiology Team for stategy planning soon!

Here's the FAQ (Frequent asked questions) so far:
What made you decide? I knew I was not in shape this year and I will not fail this event. Not having an event to train for was making me nuts!

Will you have a jersey for the event? Oh yeah! Jon has already agreed to design it. He is the guy who designed the River-2-River one. It will have a River Trail theme. If you go to Destin this summer chances are if you buy a really cool t-shirt then you just purchased his work.

How much? How much what... oh money? I don't know... more than my last two put together! I'm pushing for this one.

But it's at the first of the spring... what about training through the winter? That my friend is going to take some serious dedication! I'm moving the trainer to the den so that I can never watch TV unless I'm on the bike. I will be ready... trust me!

Who's your coach and what is he making you do? Rance is my coach for this ride. Since he works here at the hospital as the director of the fitness center it just makes sense. I also have several friends I plan to beg for advice. Rance already has me on core training which he hammered me on for my "Round the state" ride. If I don't train, he will call me on it.

Why May 1st... that's on a Thursday. Yep, it's a special Thursday. My 50th birthday and I wanted to make it memorable. None of this black balloon and getting old crap. I mean what better way to celebrate an epic birthday than with an epic ride!

Why the River Trail? Because it's local. This will be by far the easiest to put together. Anyone can jump in an ride as much or as little as they want to. If you want to donate great and if you can't, I'm more than happy that you would take the time just to come ride in support of the hospital.

I can't wait... y'all come on and ride with me!
Life is good... on the bike!

The transformation of Chris

Chris has been a pal of mine for several years now. You've heard me talk about him. Nice guy with a big heart of gold. Actually both Chris and his wife Rebecca are two of the most kind and generous folks you'd ever meet. No, nothing bad happened to them... Chris has branched out and started a blog. Oh I just realized... look at my entry about Killer Buzz and the black t-shirt guy is Chris.

Check out his blog... ** Note to fellow blogger Wes.... you'll love this one! Yes, it's an Ironman blog**

Y'all jump over there and read up:
http://cheeseburgertriathlete.blogspot.com/

*************************************************************
Now on a different note... what's up with the weather? Oh I forgot, it's Arkansas... you know the tag line... Don't like the weather, well stick around and it changes. I got ready to ride yesterday and walked out to hear it thunder. Back in the house I go. I won't ride thunderstorm rides. Today I have a half day off (it came with winning that award). It keeps getting dark then light so I'm going to make a run for it here in about 30 minutes.


Life is good... especially when you have a 1/2 day off!

Paula Deen Show in Tunica

Terri and I drove over to Tunica for the afternoon to Harrahs where we dashed through the smoke filled casino into the event center to see Paula Deen. I had bought Terri tickets and gave them to her for mothers day. We had great seats on the fifth roll almost center aisle. It was really really funny. She had her husband, brother, aunt, her business guy and another guy. They really just sat around telling family stories but it was tummy hurting funny. She tells it like it is.

Aferwards we went upstairs to the new Paula Deen restaurant and had to stand in line to get a ticket to come back and stand in line again. The show got out about 3:15 and we got in to eat about 4:30. It was worth the wait! There are 5 different stations and it's huge. There is Lady and Sons, Uncle Bubba (her brother), Paul's Garden (Her grandmother named Pauline I think), A smokehouse and a dessert station which I tried to put out of business! Peanut butter pie like I've never had before! I will be riding a long way tomorrow to get rid of this damage! HA! I also had a piece of the fried chicken she is famous for.

All in all it's been a fun day!

Life is good y'all!

River Trail video

This make a take a moment to load... sort of long.

Enjoy a little sample of the River Trail
I'm not sure what this section of forest is called.
I've always called it the Emerald Forest due to the Emerald Trail coming off of it.

Killer Buzz -- Go buy some!

I worked the registration table this morning for the Carve Crit series. It was great to be back out there socializing with the big dogs. These guys are super nice and always appreciative of the little dogs like me who work behind the scenes.

I did get to see an awesome sprint to the finish by Robert Mooney. It was one that would have been a great video to put on youtube. Smokin' I tell you!

While we were watching the top racers Killer Buzz (www.killerbuzz.com) energy drink folks came around giving out free ice cold samples. Good stuff! I thought it would be fun to make a little homemade video so here you go! After you watch it go buy some... yeah, a case would be good!

Wanna be Buzz models!
(Note to Chris (black shirt) -- GOOD LUCK in the 1/2 Ironman in a couple of weeks!)

Cat 1, 2, 3 racers creating a buzz!


Justin and ___I'll think of it in a sec *sorry!*___ from Killer Buzz.
Super nice folks and great reps for the product.
Great vehicle and product packaging. Very cool logo!

I made it back to the house and got busy with the honey-do list. Tyler came over and got us all hooked up to a wireless network. I know, I'm 20 years behind on this. The funny part was that when he was hooking us up he was telling me that we have a lot of wireless signals showing. OK so I'm the last in the hood to go wireless... sigh.

Spoke to the folks and everyone is getting more exciting about the big family trip to Destin this year. Man, I am ready to park my tail under the umbrella and soak up the sun. Oh and yes, I am going to take some Killer Buzz with me. Serious, I really like this stuff. I've felt great all afternoon.

The pop up t-storm has moved on now so I've got to get back with it.

Congrats again to all the Carve crit series racers!

Life is good!

Check back later for some cool stuff!

I have a really fun video I shot while riding last evening. It's sort of ends like Cloverfield meets bike riding.

Ride of Silence was nice the other night. Lots of folks came out to support. I rode for "Michael 1993".

Last night I met up with the Fast Girls Slow Guys group and oh my goodness!!! These kids are in smoking form right now. I got dropped and expected as much but thought they they were going on down the road and then coming back to climb the hill but oh no as I rounded the corner at the top there they sat. Oh the shame to be the less man up. And as always when that poor soul gets to the top the rest are ready to head back down the hill at complete insane speeds.

I caught up at the bottom since I didn't cruise at 55mph down the hill and rode along. I was having fun and enjoying just keeping up once again then it got faster and faster. Last time I looked down it was 22mph. These kids were chatting like they were sitting still... I was coughing up my lungs.

Speaking of coughing, a bug flew right in my mouth not 5 minutes into the ride and I had to stay with the group and couldn't hardly drink or cough.

More later...

Misspelt...misspelled... whatever it is I do it well

Everyone knows I misspell words. I type fast to "get 'er done" and most of the time push the post button and go on with life.

Ok, so I have a tagline "Life is good". I put this on my blogs and even letters and emails.
So here is a little laugh for you this afternoon...
I have sent out different versions of Life is good due to not reading before sending...
Welcome to Geo's world of typos!
1) Lie is good
2) Lie if good
3) Life is goo
and my favorite typo...
4) Life is god

My most embarassing typo when to a VP who is also a friend with a sense of humor...
Ready for this? It's really tacky...
It should have said "I don't have any open slots"
It came out as (PG13)
"I don't have any open sluts"
She called my office laughing and laughing.
I wanted to crawl under my desk for a week....

If you can't laugh at yourself... who can you laugh at... actually a name came to mind but...

Life is good!
HA!!!

Always a team effort

I always surround myself with good folks. I like folks with a sense of humor and can laugh at themselves as much as I can laugh at them! I like friends good enough to push me to do better and call me on it when I foul. I like friends who I could tell something in confidence to and know it's sealed and I like knowing that my friends feel the same with me. Sometimes it's hard to keep quite about something when someone comes and ask but it's part of the trust bond.

Sorry, I got off the subject... you know... surrounding yourself with good people. OK, so anyway, I went to this lunch deal a couple of days ago and was awarded the highest honor given out at the hospital. I would not have written about this but someone I live with threatened me if I didn't blog it. I prefer backstage to limelight. The Care, Love and Hope award was presented to me by deal friends and coworkers. They cried when they told their stories about things I had done. It was embarrassing. After they got finished and called my name everyone was on their feet clapping and clapping and clapping. Dr. Bates (hospital CEO) came up to me and talked a few and I told him that this was an "us" award not a "me" award. I told him many people get me to where I am and he firmly said this was a "Geo" award and well deserved. It was all surreal.

Ok, so I got the award but it is really an "us" award... all of you get me to where I am... yes even you lurkers who read this. HA!

My little sister also got an award much bigger than mine. She is a school nurse and was awarded School Nurse of the Year for the state of Arkansas. WAY TO GO BARB! She deals with little kids barf, cuts and snot all day long and smiles about it... get real! HA!

Tonight is the Ride of Silence at 7 honoring all the cyclist who have been killed or seriously injured in wrecks with autos. We ride 2 up and keep it at about 10-12 mph and no one says a word. It's a moving event (no pun intended).

Destin is only 23 days away! I am so looking forward to a huge family vacation!

Life is good!
Geo.

Riding once again!

Oh that felt good! I knocked out the meeting I had this morning and was on the bike by 1 and just finished up. It felt great to be back out there on the bike! This was the first time I got to use my new IPod. I had an MP3 player but now I have the real deal.

There was a new bike bridge that opened down by the sub and it was PACKED down there. I think there was also a BBQ fest going on at the end of the boat ramp area.

I paced myself behind a guy I didn't know but it wasn't a draft type ride. I stayed back far enough to have to work myself in the headwinds but having someone up ahead kept me focused on a fitness type ride rather than a look at the pretty flowers ride.

**CI Moment** I finally used the wig tape on my CI to hold everything in place. My helmet seems to bump the mag connection so the problem is now solved! By the way I always take my CI and hearing aid off after my rides and disconnect the battery on the CI and open the case on the Unitron and most of the time I ride home with the windows down (10 minute drive). The air helps dry them a bit and with the hearing aid it helps air out my ear as well preventing infections.

I always put a fun slide at the end of the church services and tomorrow for the second service it has "Have a great afternoon" which all of them say that but tomorrow is a shot of the bike trail with a few bikes on it. There are several roadies in the crowd so I suspect they will turn around and give me a smirk or a smile. Just taking care of the buds, what can I say?! HA!

It's way to nice to be in the house on a computer so I'm outta here!

Life is good!

Thanks Disney!

It's been a little over a week since my return from Disney but I'm still on the clouds. I have worked better this week and had a better thought process. Just looking at the way I did things verses need to do things.



OK the "Thanks Disney" part. Like everything they do they think ahead. They have these FM type systems so when we would go to the parks for class Chris or Pam could talk and we could all still hear them over all the other noise. I was able to plug my Unitron hearing aid directly in. I could have plugged in the CI but I forgot the chord I needed. I was able to hear everything from the class and the instructors took time to be sure I could hear without pointing me out (even though it was all coworkers). They were just a class act!



Today was/is National Bike To Work day and I missed it! I thought about the guys all the way to work and hoped that I would get to see the massive group of bikes coming down the road in the downtown area. I just has stuff booked from the moment I walked in until just now.

I'm eating chips and drinking a Dr Pepper for lunch and blogging. As soon I I knock this out my afternoon is just as insane.

Weather this weekend is going to be awesome or as I sometimes say "wesome". As soon as I finish my meeting tomorrow I plan a good long ride. I need it really bad. Serious... really bad.

Indiana Jones comes out next week!! OH YEAH!

It's Friday afternoon so life is soooooo good! Have a great weekend y'all!

Media and church

Oh this title perked up a few ears.... I have a meeting Saturday morning (I'll ride afterwards) and what's cool about this meeting is that all the different leaders are coming together. I get to been under one of my favorite guys and someone I really look up to, Winston Horton. Media and sound and other parts of the Church service will be grouped. I've been encouraged a lot to have more video in services. The bar is raising!! They want to know what I think so I'll tell them if you want this church to grow the market to the community. You have a massive crowd out there of 20, 30 and 40 somethings but the service has got to be moving. I admit we are getting there as far as progressive goes and I'm as happy as a loon! We have a visually exciting service, our sound is good for the most part... we're still working on it. We installed flat screens in the back so the back pews can see a crisp screen of whats on the large screen in the front. We have since Easter had stage props. It works! A couple of weeks ago Kevin, our youth guy, spoke about "Get out of the boat" and guess what was on the stage? You got it... a boat. The thing was leaned up against the wall. It got the crowds curiosity and interest up! Greg and I put together a great baseball set which sadly will be coming to an end this month. We have had members bringing their cameras to church to take pictures of the props! I seat in the crows nest and laugh when this happens. Even the senior members are loving it. It was thinking outside the box...
Can't wait for Saturday!

Sylvan Hills are heading to Fayettville this Saturday to claim ANOTHER state championship against Watson Chapel. Emmy is heading up that way for the game. We have too much other stuff going on and that's a bummer because I really world like to see this game.

My guys from Rock Racing had a last minute schedule change and didn't make it over to race last weekend so I was glad I didn't go up. I was going to stay with my neice but her twins got sick as dogs so i'm glad I missed out! HA!

Rain is leaving us again...finally! Weekend is looking wesome! Thinking about a ride to Keo (the farmland). They've been hit with tornados... but then where in Arkansas hasn't been hit?!

Life is good!

Disney -- the rest of the story

Some of this I'm really writing for myself just so I don't forget.

The rest of the Disney trip-- I got to see the Disney laundry which for ALL of those resorts they only have 9 washers. I kid you not. Of course they are the size of a city bus. I saw the place where all the employees get their uniforms. They check them out like in a super center.
I had to analyze an area and chose the Tower of Terror. I can feel you it is safe and the cast members are great.

The flight home was along the Fl east coast which surprised me. A beautiful flight. We arrived in LR just as the storms got here. We have some friends who where flying in from Denver and finally got to LR at 3am. They were supposed to be here at 7pm.

**CI Moment** I did not have to remove the hearing aid or the CI at security check in. The AB Ci and Unitron HA did not make the alerts go off. Of course my Christmas ornimate that was clear glass with a castle inside about shut down the line. It's not a snow globe guys... let me go. My package ended up having to be a training item for several screeners. They like me take it but they all had to look to see what a ornament without water looks like on the xray. Better safe than sorry. Always glad to help out the Feds out keeping our skies safe. I know... that's a stretch huh?!

Ok...up to present day... Car broke down. Bummer! I hate car trouble and I'm not a mechanically inclined person at all when it comes to motors. Terri and Em left church to meet Ty for Mothers Day lunch after church and I had to turn off the computer equipment that runs the service so I was a few minutes behind them. As I was going down the road my car went into slo-mo. The harder I pushed on the gas the slower I would go. I ended up leaving it and having it towed in today. They have just started working on it this afternoon. OK, y'all who pray... do it now please. It have a feeling it's going to take my June family vacation money. Is that the way thinks always happen? I come across extra money and try and save it up and something out of the ordinary happens. Oh well... who needs to eat in Destin anyway huh?! HA! 34 days until depart!

Today's CI Moment***
I had the pestering pain at my CI mag site and it bothered me last night. I don't really ever remember having any pain around the mag site other than a tad while healing. I stopped by Jordan the audio guru's office on the way back from a meeting and she removed a mag. I had the overloaded version because of my "fat head" (thick scalp). I actually had one mag more than recommended but hey, I had to have to stick...right? It has severed me well since activation day back in December. I'm not sure if it's a mental thing but I would almost swear this is lighter without the extra mag. The thing is the size of a tick so it couldn't weigh much. (How was that for a visual?! HA!) The CI is staying put and I even did yard work after dinner and it never moved.

So this past weekend was the Pro bike race in Fayettville. I was so bummed out that I didn't get to go then today I noticed no one was talking about Rock Racing on the boards. Hmmm. I found out they pulled out at the last minute and stayed in CA racing. Boy was I glad I didn't drive up 3 hours for that. I was really looking forward to seeing the bad boys of bike racing in action in my home state. They have their company store opening a week from today! I'm thinking new bike jersey! I've not bought a new jersey in a while.

Oh yesterday after lunch I got my son Tyler hooked on Meekat Manor! Love that show. I didn't know that Flower had been bitten on the head by a viper and died. I bet the folks who film that cried. She was the leader for four years. It was funny how they gave her such a personality. Thanks for making us laugh Flower... we'll miss you!

Hey you other blogspot bloggers... question... do you have a option to add old posting links? I can see it in the options but there is not icon to activate it. I was wanting to have a CI section so folks can bypass all my yakking and get straight to the days on first having my CI.

Life is so good!
Geo.

Disney Institute -- Day 2

What a breakfast spread! Even had Mickey Mouse waffles if you wanted.

After a great breakfast with fresh orange juice we got busy with presentations and then got to see the backstage areas and tunnels at the Magic Kingdom. Chris did an awesome job showing us some of the unique business practices and pointing out the attention to detail that makes a trip to the Magic Kingdom magical.

Everything is so coordinated that it was mind blowing. No, I'm serious. Did you know that on Main Street that a horse poops and they call in a "house dump" on Main Street and they wait 8 minutes then clean it up? It has to do with the smell is part of a smell you would expect on a turn of the century Main Street. They don't let people step in it or anything.

We spent the rest of the day at our conference area at the Boardwalk and was released to go play at 3:30. Everyone met in the lobby and we headed over to Epcot. After riding a couple of rides we got to eat at Marackka (sp?). It was Morocco food and really good! I really liked the "rice stuff" that came with my chicken kabobs. I also had some Morocco mint tea which was good and cold.

Afterwards several of us headed over to Hollywood Studios where they were open until 1am! We rode the Rocking Roller Coaster (the Areosmith one). Sort of like Space Mountain but with a loop. I still like Space Mountain better. We also rode Tower of Terror. Awwright, no one told me about these insane ride. I knew it took you 13 stories up and then dropped you in an elevator shaft but NO ONE EVER told me it goes back up and does it again! I screamed like a little girl and grabbed a coworkers arm (I really thought it was the arm rest). The poor guy has claw marks on his arm now! HA! They all laughed and laughed at me. Man, when you don't know it's going to do that, gee whiz!

**CI MOMENT*** Remember to remove your CI when dropping free fall in a hauted elevator shift for 13 stories! I almost forgot.

I walked in my room at 12:45 and had to be up and in place for my conference at 7:30. Of course I was so high strung from all the wild rides I couldn't fall right to sleep. Several of us looked like death warmed over the next morning....

Stay tuned... more to come.

Heading to Disney Institute -- Day 1

Flip and flop pretty much describes my sleep the night before departure. I woke at 2:30 rather than 3:30 and just laid there thinking and waiting for time to get up. I think I finally said enough already at 3:15 and got up.

Terri was kind enough to drive me to the airport and drop me at check in. I walked over to the Delta area and there was a line but no agent's. This goes on for about 30 minutes. Folks were getting sort of antsy about missing their flights as I was but sure enough we all seemed to have had plenty of time.

**CI MOMENT** OK, Advanced Bionics CI can fly through the airport without removing and it didn't set off the alarm... well not in Orlando but in Little Rock something did. They did ask me to put the hearing aid and CI in the bucket so I did. When I walked through the nice lady smiled and I asked her if it went off? She said it did... of course I was reading her lips without any hearing equipment on. HA! I'm wondering if it was my belt buckle that triggered it? Anyway, I got my gear out of the bucket and no problems at all. So if you are about to travel for the first time using airlines with a CI, don't worry like I did. You'll be just fine!

They called us to board the flight and I was so excited to get to bypass the line and go on in due to me getting lucky enough to score a first class flight. Man, that's the way to travel! There was "someone" sitting in the front seat of first class because several passengers noticed him. He was rock star looking but I have no clue who it was.

Got to Atlanta -- nice place!! I had to go from A concourse to T but it's not as long as you think. They don't have all the alphabet. While getting to my gate I got to see and really nice African art exhibit.

We board the flight to Orlando... holy smokes this is a big jet! First class on this was even better! I had a recliner, wrapped pack of headphones, pillow and blanket and the staff was waiting on us hand and foot! Wonder why they weren't like this on the flight from LR? Anyway the seat next to me is empty until just before takeoff. A guy comes in and sits down and we talk a few moments being pleasant and he was on his way home from a round of golf with friends up north. Yep, he flew up Friday evening, played a round a golf in CT and then flew home Sunday morning. He was talking about his kids driving him crazy...but in a nice way. Then he orders a gin and rum!! 8:30 in the morning! Not Rum and coke or gin and tonic... gin and rum! Whoa!

Land in Orlando and head to the Disney Welcome Center and check in. If you go to Disney this is the way to go! I got my pass for the Magical Express which took me straight to the front door of my resort. They handle your luggage and get it to the room.... if you have the yellow Disney tag on your luggage. Mine was lost in the hospital somewhere in inner office mail or something. But I was told to no worry they know I'm coming and they will bring my luggage.

So John and I head down the Boardwalk and grab a late lunch at ESPN! Good grub!

Luggage still not in the room but I was told not to worry about it. OK...
5pm all 30 of us are now here and we go into this beautiful convention area and dine. Very nice! Chris and Pam introduce us to what we will be experiencing over the next 3 days and at 8 they turn us loose for the evening. I check my room... no luggage. My Dry & Store and my CI battery charger are in the checked in luggage as well as my back CI. I know I know... put it in your carry on you goob!! So I stop by the bell station and the guys tell me that my luggage is still at the airport and they apologize and assure me I will get it tonight. I told them what was in it and how important it was for me to get it. So I leave with the crew and we go walk along the boardwalk and act all touristy.

We stopped by a bar and get bar food and the noise level is that of a bar! Loud! I finally left and walked back to my room. The others left just after me. I was just about to spaz over the suitcase. I walked in and sure enough there it was! I felt 200 pounds lifted off my shoulders! I knew now that I would be having a great trip! By the way, John did have the yellow tag on his luggage and his came the same time mine did.

When I fell asleep I didn't wake until the next morning. I think I was still in the same position even.

Up and excited to see what the day had in store!!

Day 2 coming soon........

I'm back!

WOW! That's all I can say since the rest is sworn to secrect

No, really the trip to the Disney Institute was awesome! There was a lot of wow's throughout the days though.

I got to visit "backstage" at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studio. I got to see the costuming area at Epcot. I got to see where all the dirty laundry comes through and although that sounds gross it was incredible as well as the story behind it.

65,000 employees with another 20,000 vendor/contract staff and I couldn't find a bad one. One on my assignments was to go and analyze an area. I choose Tower of Terror! HA! Serious, I did.

I'll write more later...

Again and again

What a day to take off!

First of all I had the Bug Man come out for the annual termite inspection. All systems go and looks great. But I also started a pest control program today but a different guy from the same company came out at the same time as the termite guy. I thought one guy was going to do both. Anyway, we had seen a few ants here and there and then Terri unplugged a plug from an electrical outlet and there were a bunch of ants. Strange that we hadn't had a problem with them there. So pest control guy takes off the electrical outlet cover and geebie heebie geebie!!! It was like something from a horror movie. Ants in massive groves! It was so bad that the electrical outlet box was dirt! Talk about feeling dumb! Serious we had NO idea they were like that. When he opened the cover he darted out to his truck and came back in and sprayed the wall then took this gizmo and poked in into the small opening by the socket and filled the wall with smoke. He said, they're all dead now. He then treated all around the house and said there were 3 places where they were trailing in on the back wall (the wall behind our bed). Talk about a creepy feeling! Well they're gone now!

So I was watching TV for a moment while he was treating around the house and those stinking tornado's were back. AGAIN AND AGAIN. Almost the same area as a few weeks ago. This time these nasty little snots are going for serious. By the time lunch rolled around that had hit at least half a dozen places. There are some really sad stories.

While I was watching TV they said that there had been 708 twisters this spring compared to 591 by this time last year. That's insane!

I'm listening to One Republic through the CI and it sounds good.

Life is good!
Geo.

R&R and wired for sound

I took a couple of days off to work around our house and as well as paint my parents house but as usual I got sidetracked. Today was supposed to be a beautiful day and it's got that just before a thunderstorm look to it all day and the wind is whipping. I'm staying off the latter.

I'm going down to the folks house tomorrow just to visit since it's now 70% chance of t-storms. It will be good to see them.

I did do a few things around the house then started playing with all the ways I can sup up my hearing equipment. I guess I should have called the posting "Pimp my CI and HA". I worked with the Ipod and CI getting used to CI only Ipod. Sometimes I listen through my HA (Hearing aid) and others through my CI. Like to keep my brain guessing. I worked with my Fm system on my HA to be sure it's charged and working great so I will get every word of the meetings in FL next week.

I'm so excited about the trip to Disney next week. I have wanted to go to these classes for over 4 years and I finally have my day. There are some really good coworkers from different areas of the hospital going as well. I have been told over and over that it's mind blowing how Disney operates. I have heard about what the reaction is when you go into the Casting building (human resources).

Still have butterflies about the CI and the airport. Don't ask why. Guess because this will be the first travel experience with the CI. I do like the fact that my flight leaves at 6am so there will be no line at the airport so if I do have to take the sideline security check it wouldn't slow down the line. I heard it several ways now. Some folks simply leave theirs on and walk through and point at their ear. Others put it in the buck and it goes through the conveyor belt scanner and still others do the sideline security check. I don't expect any problems at all it that thought is still in the back of my mind.

I do plan to get out on the bike and ride Saturday morning. I would love to do the ride in Russellville of the wine country which is actually a fundraiser for the hospital but I don't have enough time.

Next weekend is the Joe Martin Stage races and Rock Racing will be there and I would get to hang with Rashann and even met Tyler Hamilton and see them race but just not sure that's going to work out either. I've waited all year long for them to return to Arkansas. Why am I not going? Well, price of gas is one reason, then I would have been back from Disney 2 days and I know I'm going to blow a wad of cash down there (at least that's my plan!) and then there is our summer vacation which is expensive enough but add the possibility of 4 dollar a gallon gas buy summer and that really is going to tighten my belt.

Terri flew out to Denver this morning on business and she called me and I said, "So is it cold?" and she just laughs and said, "Geo, it's snowing really big and hard and it's freezing!" Yuck!

The kids are taking me to Texas Roadhouse for a birthday dinner tonight. Prime rib here I come!

Life is good!
Geo.